Markham
August 14, 2008 10:25 AM
Mike Hayakawa, Staff Writer
The Markham Pioneers ended their Eastern Ontario Baseball Association senior season on a winning note after edging Kendal 3-2 at Milliken Park Wednesday.
With the score tied 2-2 entering the bottom of the ninth inning, Ben Kelly reached first on an infield error and took second base on a passed ball.
Mike Lee, who came into pinch hit for Mike Lloyd, stroked a double to drive in Kelly with the game-winning run.
Alex Bruce got the victory in relief of starter Paul Hadfield, who held Kendal scoreless through seven innings.
The Pioneers took a 1-0 lead in the fifth inning when Kelly hit a sacrifice fly that scored Matt Wagner who reached first base with a single, stole second and advanced to third on an infield hit by Reg Sarne.
After Kendal rallied to tie the game in the eighth inning, the Pioneers regained their advantage in their half of the frame when John Bell drew a bases loaded walk.
Kendal, however, scored a run in their half of the ninth to tie the game at 2-2 and set the stage for the Pioneers’ final at bat.
The win, coupled with a 2-1 road victory last Sunday over Kendal, enabled the Pioneers to conclude the regular season with a 16-6 mark.
The Pioneers’ next games are the EOBA league championships Aug. 22-24 in Whitby and Oshawa.
For more on the Pioneers, log on to: www.markhampioneers.com