Selects vs. Puslinch Phillies
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
The Selects lost a heartbreaker Wednesday night, stranding nine runners - including six in scoring position - as they fell to the Phillies 3-2 in a key divisional match-up. J.J. Gallo opened the scoring for the Phillies in the bottom of the first, depositing the first pitch he saw just over the fence in left field for a 1-0 lead. The Selects were quick to answer, as Mike Brown singled and scored on an RBI double from Reed Laughlin with no outs in the top of the second. But Phillies pitcher Scott MacDonald recorded a pair of timely strikeouts - two of his nine on the day - and worked his way out of the jam.
The Phillies took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the fourth when Ryan Mallin hit a leadoff single and came in to count on a two-out RBI single from Bryce Allen. Again, the Selects answered, courtesy a pair of timely pinch hits in the top of the sixth. Chad Fink stroked a triple to right-centre and Jamie Ridley knocked him in with two outs to knot the game at two. Alas, it would not be enough. Cody Cummings singled and came in to score thanks to a fielder's choice and two passed balls, handing the Phillies a 3-2 lead. With two on and the Selects threatening in the top of the seventh, MacDonald did what he'd done all night, inducing a grounder to first for yet another timely out.
Reed Laughlin (2-3, 2B, RBI), Kevin Ryrie (2-2, BB, HBP, SB), and Tim Coverdale (2-3, BB, SB) all had good nights at the plate in a losing cause. Scott Clark took the loss, allowing three runs (one unearned) on six hits, while striking out one. With the loss, the Selects fall to 4-3 on the season and, weather permitting, are back in action tonight at 9 against the Classics.
MVP: Kevin Ryrie, SS/3B