Elmvale, ON
On a beautiful evening for fastball the Minesing Monarchs took a 3-1 stranglehold on the best-of-seven SRFL Finals by upending the visiting Vasey Countrymen by a score of 5-3.
The Countrymen struck first in the bottom of the first inning as lead off batter Todd Weatherell roped a double off the left center fence. Weatherell was then cashed via a Brad Robinson infielders choice.
Minesing would respond with a run in the bottom of the first. Lead off batter John McNabb reached on a bunt, advanced to second on a ground out, and was plated by a Rob McLean double.
Pitchers from both teams then took over, Kurt Glover for Minesing and Brad Robinson for Vasey. Each pitcher held their respective opponents off the scoreboard until the bottom of the fifth inning when Minesing would explode for four runs. Sylvain Cloutier led off the inning with a walk, which was then followed by a slap bunt by John McNabb that squeaked by the Vasey third basemen for a double putting runners at second and third. Jamie Grant then hit a ground ball to short, which was bobbled, allowing one run to score and put runners on first and second. Keith Rankin the stepped to the plate and belted a 3-run homer some 300 ft off Robinson.
Minesing would take a 5-1 lead to the top of the 7th before Vasey would cash in two runs. Ben Ladouceur led off the inning with a single, followed by three consecutive singles from Todd Weatherell, Steve Eakley and Brad Robinson. With the bases loaded and the leading run a first base, Kurt Glover ironically induced Jody King to once again strike out to end the game, as he had faced King in a similar situation the game before.
Another great fastball game and great support from the local fastball fans as over 100 spectators were out to watch the game.
Game 5 is slated for Monday September 29th at 8:00pm in Vasey
Line Score
R H E
Vasey 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 9 2
Minesing 1 0 0 0 4 0 x 5 7 1
W.P. Kurt Glover 7.0 IP 9H 8K 1BB
L.P. Brad Robinson 6.0 IP 7H 8K 3BB
Regards,
Brad Robinson
