Majors win emotional one in Hamilton
Written by Matt Hiscox/Photo by Mason Dawdy
With first place in the CBL coming down to the final few weeks of regular-season play, the first-place London Majors took on the Hamilton Cardinals, who continue to put up a fight and climb the standings. The Majors would be victorious, 4-3, holding their 1.5-game lead over the Welland Jackfish.
With Luis Perez getting his fourth start of the season, this matchup would quickly turn into a pitcher’s duel as Hamilton sent Luis Ramirez to the hill. Perez would have one of his best starts of the season, going six innings and allowing only five hits and three runs, two of which were earned. Perez struck out a season-high five Cardinals in the contest.
Photo by Mason Dawdy
Perez was backed by some strong defensive plays throughout the contest all around the diamond. Jordan Lewis and Jarrett Burney made multiple incredible catches on balls hit to the warning track throughout the contest, while the infield, across the board, kept runners off the basepaths. Eduardo De Oleo also went one-for-one in runners caught stealing.
On Saturday, Roop Chanderdat made some lineup adjustments, moving outfielder Jordan Lewis to the leadoff spot, and it has shown to have paid off. In the two games since moving to the leadoff spot, Lewis has gone five-for-nine with an RBI and three runs scored. The new-look top of the lineup led the Majors’ offence in the game, going five-for-twelve with all four RBIs.
The biggest hit in the contest came in the top of the ninth inning. With Trent Lenihan on base after reaching on a fielder’s choice with one out in the inning, Miakol Escotto came to the plate. Escotto, who brought a 15-game hitting streak into the game, extended that streak with a long home run over the left-field fence, giving the Majors the lead.
A key point to the Majors’ success this season has been the bullpen closing games down after the starting pitchers have given a solid effort. Today was no different, with Zac Laird being the first from the pen. He struck out one while facing four batters in an inning of work. Laird has at least one strikeout in 12 of his 13 appearances, with 11 of them being multi-strikeout appearances.
Caleb Cassie notched his second win of the season after recording his first save yesterday against the Baycats. Janisse has continued to be one of the best closers in the league this year and notched his ninth save of the season. This year, Skylar has faced four or fewer batters in 16 of his 20 appearances.
Photo by Mason Dawdy
Majors Bullpen (Laird, Cassie, Janisse)
After another big win on the road, Roop Chanderdat was very pleased with his team’s effort as the regular season comes to a close.
“I am very proud of this team. They showed tremendous resilience after losing on Friday, going on the road and winning two games against two elite teams.”
After ten games in the first 16 days of August, the team will enjoy four days off before taking on the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers on Friday. They will then take on two of the top teams on the weekend, with the Royals on the road on Saturday and the Jackfish at home on Sunday.