Leafs Ride Alvarado's Bravado to Tie Series

IBL Semifinals - Game 4 - September 6, 2023

Welland Jackfish at Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto 9

Welland 3

The series is tied 2-2

Wilgenis Alvarado is welcomed by his Leafs teammates after pitching a 1-2-3 eighth inning en route to a complete game victory.

The vibe at an elimination game is always different, especially when the home team's season is on the line.

People act relaxed, but no one is relaxed.  Conversation is quiet and laughter sounds forced.  No one knows if they are about to witness a celebration or an execution.

For fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Game 4 of the semifinal series against the Welland Jackfish was cause for celebration.  The Leafs won 9-3 and forced a deciding match Thursday night in Welland.

The Leafs' approach to this game could be summed up with the words "You have one job."  Each member of the home nine did his job, up and down the batting order, all around the diamond, and especially on the mound.

Bottom of the second, game scoreless, everyone watching with lips pressed tight.  Left fielder Jesse Hodges singled, stole second, and moved to third on a single by second baseman Dan Marra.  Next man up was right fielder Ryan Santos, who connected on a pitch from starter Ben Abram.  The ball soared to the deepest part of the outfield and landed safely, cashing in two runs.  Around the park, jaws unclenched.

Top of the third, Welland threatened to immediately come back.  Gianfranco Morello singled, then attempted to steal second.  Catcher Justin Marra fired to the bag.  Morello was gunned down, and the Jackfish rally was snuffed out.

Bottom of the third, the Leafs doubled their lead when third baseman Johnathan Solazzo crushed a two-run home run.  It was a no-doubter that sailed into the night beyond the outfield fence.  The Leafs led 4-0 through three.  The tightly-pressed lips curved into smiles.

On the mound for Toronto was Wilgenis Alvarado.  The Venezuelan put goose eggs on the scoreboard through five innings.  His only wobble of the night came in the sixth, when he gave up home runs to Steven Moretto and James Smibert.  That made the score 4-3 and momentum swung to the Jackfish.

Briefly.  

In the bottom of the sixth, Dan Marra walked and Santos reached on an error.  Shortstop Jose Vinicio drove them both in with a single.  DH Garrett Takamatsu singled later in the inning to plate Vinicio.  That gave the Leafs a 7-3 lead and some room to breathe.

A similar scenario played out in the bottom of the seventh.  Centerfielder Connor Lewis and Dan Marra both singled.  Vinicio returned to the plate and ripped another single to bring both runners in.  It was a four-RBI night for Vinicio.  The Pits went into party mode as the Mapes extended their advantage 9-3.

All night, the Jackfish nibbled at Alvarado.  He kept his head throughout, giving up eight hits and four walks on the night while striking out nine.  The two home runs he gave up in the sixth were the only scoring done by the visitors.  

After recording three straight outs in the seventh inning, Alvarado left the mound with a shout.  He pitched another 1-2-3 eighth, then returned to finish the ninth.  The Jackfish did not go down without a fight.  A walk and two singles loaded the bases.  With two outs, Alvarado threw his 140th pitch of the night.  Sam Cawker hit a liner straight to Vinicio and the game was over.

Alvarado and company celebrated the complete game victory.  The 9-3 final prompted happy scenes at Christie Pits, and an opportunity for the Leafs to win the series the following night.

Welland 3 8 3

Toronto 9 12 1

W - Alvarado (2-1, 3.07)

L - Abram (1-1, 7.94)

BOXSCORE

This series will be decided in Game 5, Thursday night at Welland Stadium.  First pitch will be a 7:35 pm.  The winner will face the Barrie Baycats in the IBL Championship Series.