The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Christie nine this day:
The score stood two to nothing, after half an inning's play.
The score stood two to nothing, after half an inning's play.
But when Reilly started swinging, many balls went flying out,
And a big win for the Maple Leafs was never once in doubt.
True, the Toronto Maple Leafs got off to their familiar shaky start at home this afternoon, as starter Adam Garner gave up two runs on four consecutive hits by the Guelph Royals.
But then the Leafs scored two in the bottom of the 1st, four in the bottom of the 2nd, and 6 in the bottom of the 3rd, going on a scoring rampage that ended in a 16-4 final score.
Former Royal Sean Reilly led the charge, going 5 for 6 at the plate with three home runs and a Maple Leafs' single-game record 10 RBIs. He was a triple short of hitting for the cycle.
Another former Royal, Steve Coates also came up big with a 2-run triple, his first of the season.
Glenn Jackson, back from injury following the most recent chapter in his season-long feud with the centerfield fence, was 1 for 3 with 3 walks and an RBI.
Dan Marra and Jon Waltenbury were each good for two hits and an RBI. One of Waltenbury's hits was a triple of his own.
Reilly and Waltenbury are starting to take on the roles of Maris and Mantle this season, as they both approach the IBL single-season records for home runs (17) and RBIs (57). Reilly now has 15 and 48, and Waltenbury has 14 and 43. Both hitters have been on a torrid pace of late, and with nine games still to play this season, it's looking like one or both of these records will be broken.
Not to be overlooked during the air show was another solid start by a Leafs pitcher. After his 1st inning hiccup, Garner settled down and gave up just four runs through seven innings for the win, while striking out five.
It was another team victory that gives the Leafs a lock on fifth place in the standings, although their first-round playoff opponent is still anyone's guess. The Barrie Baycats, Kitchener Panthers and London Majors are separated by just one game in the standings. The battle for the 2-3-4 spots in the standings could come down to the last day of the season.
Speaking of which, the Leafs and Royals have confirmed that they will end the season with a double-header to be played in Guelph on the Monday of the August long weekend.
Recap:
After retiring the leadoff batter to start the game, Toronto Maple Leafs starter Adam Garner gave up three singles in a row. Guelph Royals Chaz Pal, Justin Interisano got the first two, and Josh Garton's single scored Pal. Dan Treccia followed with a double that scored Interisano and it was 2-0 after half an inning.
In the bottom of the 1st, leftfielder Raul Borjas was hit by a pitch from Guelph starter Matt Atkins. A triple by DH Jon Waltenbury and some shaky fielding by the Royals brought Borjas in to score. First baseman Sean Reilly then singled to bring in Waltenbury and the score was 2-2 after one inning of play.
Atkins hit rightfielder Steve Coates with a pitch to start the bottom of the 2nd inning. Walks to centerfielder Glenn Jackson and Waltenbury loaded the bases. Coates raced home on a wild pitch to give the Leafs the lead, then Reilly blasted a 3-run home run that made it 6-2 Leafs after 2 innings.
The home side piled it on in the bottom of the 3rd. Catcher Damon Topolie walked, and shortstop Dan Marra doubled. They both came home on a triple hit by Coates. A single by Jackson scored Coates. Borjas was then hit by a pitch for the second time - Atkins' third hit batsman of the day. Atkins' afternoon ended when Reilly stepped up to the plate and belted another 3-run homer. Dan McGlynn came on in relief and got the Royals out of the inning, but the score was now 12-2 for Toronto.
Garner continued mowing through the Royals' order, while the Leafs added more runs in the bottom of the 5th. Waltenbury was hit by a pitch from McGlynn, bringing Reilly back to the plate. POW! DEJA VU! IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?? Reilly hit his third consecutive home run. He rounded the bases in his characteristically calm, composed manner, while Toronto's fans and players cheered boisterously at what they had just witnessed. It was 14-2 after the 5th inning.
The Royals finally got to Garner again in the top of the 7th. Robert Grilli singled, and Interisano hit a home run that made it 14-4.
The Leafs got one back in the bottom of the inning. Third baseman Sean Mattson drew a walk off Jonathan Palumbo, who had come on in the previous inning. Second baseman Rob Gillis reached first on an error by Palumbo, then Topolie singled to load the bases. A fielder's choice putout by Marra allowed Mattson to score, and it was 15-4 after 7 innings.
Cam Grey relieved Garner and pitched a scoreless 8th.
Jackson led off the bottom of the 8th with a walk, then moved to second on a putout by Waltenbury. Reilly then hit a double that scored Jackson. It was Reilly's tenth RBI of the game, a Maple Leafs' record. 16-4 Leafs.
Troy Marks came on to pitch the 9th inning, and he shut down the Royals to clinch the win for Garner and a 16-4 final.
The Maple Leafs are now 15-18 and in fifth place, 14 games behind the Brantford Red Sox. Their next game will be in Brantford on July 24.
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