If there was such a thing as an IBL All Star Game, Marek Deska took a big step towards being named its starting pitcher last night, as he threw a complete game shutout at Bernie Arbour Stadium.
Over nine brisk innings, Deska completely shackled the Hamilton Cardinals. Flyball outs, groundball outs and seven strikeouts -- he did it all while giving up only four hits and one walk.
The Toronto Maple Leafs' offence provided more than enough firepower, banging 12 hits and eight runs to give Deska his fourth win of the season.
Deska and his battery mate Tony Alvarez looked to be in synch all night. No wobbly innings. Together they made quick work of the Cardinals’ batting order.
When Deska takes the field he is constantly in motion. He doesn't stay still. He takes the ball, stomps around the mound, climbs aboard, looks in, sets and delivers the pitch. As soon as the ball is returned to him, he repeats the process. The whole thing takes like three seconds each time.
It's fun to watch and his teammates must love his pace, but he’s a challenge to photograph when one comes armed with only a ridiculous point-and-shoot vacation camera. But the poorest musician blames his instrument, so let us move on.
Game Recap:
Matt Martinow and Marek Deska were the starters for the Hamilton Cardinals and Toronto Maple Leafs on this night. They both got through the 1st inning giving up just one hit.
Leafs shortstop Dan Marra doubled and stole third in the 2nd, then scored on a groundout by catcher Tony Alvarez. The Leafs had a 1-0 lead after two.
That was all the lead Deska needed, as he proceeded to mow through the Cards' order. He faced the minimum number of batters in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th innings.
The Leafs' order didn't fare much better against Martinow and his stylish stirrups. However in the 5th inning he started to falter. Rightfielder Darryl Pui singled and stole second. Centerfielder Glenn Jackson followed with a single, and third baseman Tyler Mitchell walked to load the bases. A groundout by Raul Borjas scored Pui, and a single by DH Jon Waltenbury scored Jackson. 3-0 Leafs after the 5th.
In the top of the 6th, Marra walked, advanced to second on a groundout, then scored on a single by Pui. A single by Jackson brought Pui home for a 5-0 lead.
As the sun dipped below the Hamilton mountain's horizon, the Leafs added two more runs in the next inning. Borjas singled, then raced all the way home on a double that Waltenbury shot deep into left field. As the ball made its way back to the catcher at home, Waltenbury rounded all the way to third. He then scored on a flyout by Marra and it was 7-0 Leafs after the 7th.
Mitchell doubled to lead off the top of the 9th and scored on a sac fly by Waltenbury for an 8-0 Leafs lead. It was Waltenbury's third RBI on the night and put him among the league leaders with 17 on the season.
The spotlight then fell on Deska as he went for the complete game shutout. Two quick outs were followed by a single by third baseman Johnathan Solazzo - only the Cards' fourth hit of the night. Deska struck out the next batter swinging. It was an exclamation point on a masterful performance for the Leafs' bulldog ace.
The IBL All Star Game beckons...
Toronto 8-12-2
Hamilton 0-4-1
W - Deska (4-2)
L - Martinow (0-3)
BOXSCORE
The Maple Leafs are now 11-9 and they continue to hold down 4th place, 5 games back of the Barrie Baycats. Their next game is Sunday, June 29, when they welcome the Guelph Royals to Christie Pits.
No comments:
Post a Comment