TORONTO PLAYGROUNDS DEFUSE THE BOMBERS TO WIN THEIR EBA SELECT SEASON OPENER AT CHRISTIE PITS
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS > With a runner on third base, Taio (1) [top] delivers a clutch two out RBI double off the left field chain link fence to give TP an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Later in the fourth frame, Taio would draw a walk and steal his way around the bases to score TP’s fourth run. With a base runner at third, Jamie (52) [bottom] delivers a RBI in the fifth inning by hitting into a fielder’s choice. Earlier, with two ducks on the pond, Jamie powered a one out 2 RBI double in the third inning to widen the TP lead over Bloordale Green.
In an entertaining and well played proceeding by both teams, TP used an elixir of solid pitching, steady defense, and making the most of their offensive opportunities to prevail over a pesky Bloordale squad. Five TP pitchers combined to limit the Bombers to just one run over six frames, while striking out six. The pitching brigade was also helped out immeasurably by some key defensive plays which stymied the Bloordale attack at crucial junctures during the game.
Bloordale threatened in the top of the first by cobbling together a pair of singles to put two aboard. However, TP starter Josh (37) stuck out one and coaxed the Bombers to hit into a pair of groundouts to quell the uprising.
After taking the throw from second baseman Josh (37), TP catcher Max (20) tags out Bloordale’s Allan (4) to ring up the first out in the top of the third inning.
TP took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Following a leadoff single and a pair of stolen bases by James (6) that positioned him at third base, Taio (1) blasted a clutch two out RBI double that ricocheted off the chain link fence in left field to bring home TP’s first run of the 2017 season.
After issuing a pair of walks that put two Bombers on base, TP reliever Jashan (13) extinguished the threat on a groundout and a pair of strikeouts.
With 1-2-3 efficiency, Bloordale starter Lisa (16) retired the potent TP batting order in the bottom of the second frame on a groundout, fly ball, and a strikeout.
Exercising patience at the dish, the Bombers threatened in the top of the third by drawing a pair of walks to lead off the inning. However, the TP defense rose to the occasion to extricate themselves from a sticky wicket.
With no outs and a Bloordale runner perched at third base, TP committed a faux pas which opened the door for Allan (4) to dash homeward in a bid to tie the game. However, second baseman Josh retrieved the ball and made a laser throw home to catcher Max (20), who adroitly tagged out Allan to chalk up the first out.
Subsequently, Bombers base runner Leighton (10) bolted from second base in a brazen foray to steal third. However, TP catcher Max made a cannon of a throw to third baseman Jashan, who reached behind him to tag out Leighton and ring up the second out.
With a two outs and the potential tying run standing at third, TP reliever Jude (3) coaxed a groundout to bring the curtain down on the inning.
Taking possession of the throw from catcher Max (20), TP third baseman Jashan (13) reaches backwards to tag out Bombers base runner Leighton (10) to chalk up the second out in the top of the third frame.
In the bottom of the third, the TP offense surged to life as they scored three to widen their lead to 4-0. Following a leadoff double by Jona (15) and a walk by Max that put two ducks on the pond, Jamie (52) powered a one out two RBI double to left field that cleared the bases.
After Jamie stole third, Rory (12) delivered a two out single to bring him home.
TP reliever James would induce Bloordale into a pair of groundouts and a strike out one to keep them off the scoresheet in the top of the fourth.
In the bottom of the fourth, TP would tack on a run to increase their advantage to 5-0. After drawing a leadoff walk, Taio would steal his way to third. From that vantage point, Taio seized the opportunity to steal home on a Bombers faux pas.
With two TP runners on base, Bloordale reliever Ethan (88) struck out three to bring the inning to a close.
Refusing to surrender, the Bombers battled feverishly in the top of the fifth to trim the deficit to four. With no outs and two aboard, Jacob (15) hit into a fielder’s choice that allowed Josh (19) to score from third.
TP turned in another defensive gem during the frame. As Ahmad (7) made a bid to steal third, catcher Taio made a lightning throw to third baseman Rory, who tagged out Ahmad to record the second out of the inning.
The TP offense replied with an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth to pump their lead to 6-1. With a runner at third, Jamie hit into a fielder’s choice that allowed Daniel (46) to come homeward bound.
With 1-2-3 finesse, TP closer Rory would strike out two in the top of the sixth to seal the deal.
The TP Major Peewee Selects (1-0) continue their homestand at Christie Pits Diamond 2 when they host the Martingrove White Sox next Wednesday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m.