The Brief Flight of the Cardinals

Game 9: Hamilton Cardinals at Toronto Maple Leafs, May 31, 2017

Leafs win 5-2

The Toronto Maple Leafs wrapped up the first month of the 2017 IBL season on a winning note.

They took an early lead and held on to defeat the Hamilton Cardinals 5-2 last night at Christie Pits.

The Cardinals would have been pleased just to be on the field last night, uncaged after sitting through four consecutive rainouts. This was their first ballgame in almost two weeks. After a quick top of the first inning, Hamilton's fielders soared off the bench and fanned out across the diamond. Uniforms still fresh and crisp, ready to play ball at last.  Former Leaf pitcher Dave Ertl was on the mound, having swapped his blue hat for Cardinal red.

Hamilton's good vibes may have started to wane after Toronto's first trip through the order.

Centerfielder Connor Lewis drew a leadoff walk and then stole second. DH Jon Waltenbury got plunked, and catcher Justin Marra walked to load the bases. First baseman Tyler Hardie and third baseman Johnathan Solazzo followed with a pair of sac flies to drive in a pair of runs. 2-0 Toronto after one inning.

The Leafs added to their lead in the bottom of the fourth. Facing reliever Benson Merritt, Daniel Szpik (above) belted a solo home run. It was the rookie rightfielder's first of the season. Leftfielder Troy Daring walked next, then moved to second on a wild pitch. Waltenbury knocked him in with a single, and it was 4-1 Leafs through four.

Starter Marek Deska pitched five solid innings for his first win of the season. He gave up a pair of earned runs while striking out six and walking two. Andrew Simonetti and Andrew Mercer pitched the final four innings, keeping the Cards off the board the rest of the way.

Toronto added a run in the bottom of the eighth when Waltenbury drew a bases-loaded walk and second baseman Dan Marra crossed home plate.

Final score on a cool evening: 5-2 Leafs. The home bench was in a lively mood all night, ringing laughter around the Pits throughout the game. Winning has that effect.


W - Deska (1-1, 4.00)
L - Ertl (0-1, 9.00)


BOXSCORE


The Leafs will look to carry their upbeat mood into June. Sitting at 4th place in the IBL Standings, they take their 4-2 record to London next, for a game against the Majors this Friday night.