Majors win 5-0
When seven of the names in the batting order have an 0-fer night, things usually don't end well. Instead, they usually end welp.
The Toronto Maple Leafs managed just three singles off of starter Elis Jimenez and fell 5-0 to the London Majors in Game 1 of their 2016 IBL semifinal series.
Jimenez's complete game shutout included nine strikeouts. The Leafs had four baserunners all night and stranded all of them.
While the field at Labatt Memorial Park appeared tiny whenever the Mapes were at bat, the Majors' batters made the place look huge. Entire counties of real estate seemed to separate Toronto's fielders as the Majors kept knocking one ball after another into vast expanses of greenery.
London racked up 12 hits on the night and worked methodically. Instead of rallying for one big inning, they scored one run here, another one there, and put together a comfortable win.
Welp.
Think happy thoughts, think happy thoughts. The Leafs lost the first game of their quarterfinal and went on to win the series. All season long they have bounced back to win after a tough loss. Most importantly, this club always keeps its cool. Fully expecting a reversal of fortune in Game 2.
Game Recap:
The semifinal series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and London Majors got underway with Game 1 at Labatt Memorial Park on a warm evening in the Forest City. Elis Jimenez was on the mound for London against Brett van Pelt for Toronto.
Both starters were on form early, putting goose eggs on the board over the first three innings.
London struck first in the bottom of the 4th. Centerfielder Byron Reichstein led off with a double, then moved to third on a groundout by rightfielder LeJon Baker. After a single by third baseman Carlos Arteaga, Reichstein scored on a fielder's choice by DH Brett Sabourin. 1-0 Majors through four.
The Majors added a run in the bottom of the 5th. Shortstop Keith Kandel singled and moved to second on a groundout by catcher Michael Ambrose. Reichstein returned to the plate and drove Kandel in with an RBI single. 2-0 Majors through five.
Both starters retired the side in the 6th inning.
In the bottom of the 7th, Kandel led off with another single. He stole second base, and Reichstein drove him in again, this time with his second double of the night. Justin Cicatello relieved van Pelt and finished out the inning, but it was now 3-0 Majors through seven.
Jimenez continued to shut down the Leafs' offence. The Leafs threatened in the top of the 8th by putting two men aboard, but they failed to score.
In the bottom of the 8th, Arteaga singled to start the inning, then moved to second on an error. He moved to third on a sac bunt by Sabourin. A groundout by second baseman Chris McQueen scored Arteaga. Leftfielder RJ Fuhr singled next, and then Cicatello hit Kandel with a pitch. Ambrose then singled to drive in Fuhr and make it 5-0 Majors with the Leafs down to their final at bats.
In keeping with the theme of the night, Jimenez pitched another 1-2-3 inning to secure a complete game shutout and a 5-0 FINAL for London.
Toronto 0-3-3
London 5-12-0
W - Jimenez (2-0, 1.68)
L - van Pelt (1-1, 4.26)
BOXSCORE
The series continues with Game 2 at Christie Pits this Sunday afternoon, August 21st.
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