Fireworks As Sox Walk Off The Leafs

by B. Young

The Red Sox hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday for the second game in Brantford's current four game homestand. This was the Leafs' first visit to Arnold Anderson Stadium this season, and also Country Night at the ballpark.

Both teams were scoreless through 4 innings. Brantford took a 4-1 lead into the 7th inning. Toronto threatened in the 7th with the bases loaded, but a dramatic inning ended double play ended the inning - not after some unpleasantness which led to the benches emptying and several ejections.

Toronto scored three in the 8th to tie things up. New Red Sox infielder Jason Pineda then showed he is a many of many talents by pitching a 3 up 3 down top of the 9th, which set the stage for a dramatic finish. Bottom of the 9th, tied 4-4, Zach Lampreia led off with a hustle single, dodging the tag at first. Lampreia then stole second, and then advanced to third on a wild pitch. With the winning run 90 feet away Gianfranco Morello came to the plate and showed why he's a team leader, driving home Lampreia for the walk-off win. Final score Brantford 5 Toronto Male Leafs 4.

Branford starter Jacob English turned in a solid performance, pitching 6 innings and surrendering just 1 earned run on 2 hits. Mack Major, Gabe Bruder, and Nick Davies also pitched in relief, and Jason Pineda earned the win in his first IBL pitching appearance. Gianfranco Morello had a pair of hits and 3 RBIs, including the game winner

Quick turnaround for the Red Sox as they play again tomorrow, Saturday August 14, hosting the London Majors. It's Brantford Minor Baseball Day at the ballpark, BMBA players wearing their jersey get in free with family members enjoying half-priced admission. And the family-friendly 2 pm start time also marks our last home day game on the regular season schedule.

Fireworks As Sox Walk Off The Leafs

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