Cardinals force Game Four with comeback victory
The Hamilton Cardinals defeated the London Majors for the first time all season on Wednesday night at CARSTAR Field in Game Three of the IBL Semifinals.
The Cards came from behind late in the game to win 3-2 and keep their Cinderella run alive.
Hamilton’s starting pitcher, Sam Turcotte, pitched very well and kept the Cardinals within striking distance for seven innings. In his seven innings, Turcotte gave up just two earned runs on nine hits, striking out six batters and walking three.
On the other side, Pedro De Los Santos had pitched a gem into the seventh until he gave up a three-run blast. De Los Santos and Turcotte both pitched well over 100 pitches each and had incredibly productive nights for their respective teams.
Luis Jean was the hero for Hamilton, hitting a three-run homerun to take the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning and break the shutout.
Cardinals relief pitcher, Jose Fernandez, came in and slammed the door shut on London, getting out of a jam in the eight and putting the Majors down in order in the ninth to win the game. Fernandez finished two innings with four strikeouts and no walks and got the save. Turcotte was credited with the win and De Los Santos the loss.
Anthony Buonaiuto was two for four with a double and Tyler Duncan doubled as well.
The Cardinals defense also stood on its head, committing no errors, making two fantastic double plays and catching two runners stealing.
Hamilton handed London their first loss since Aug 19 and first of the 2022 IBL Playoffs.
With this win, London leads the series 2-1 and Game Four will be held on Fri, Sept 9 at 7:35 p.m. at Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium.
Tickets can be purchased for Game Three online through SeatGIANT or at the gate prior to the game.
The Hamilton Cardinals Baseball Club is a member of Canada's best league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The over 100-year old summer league is one of the oldest baseball leagues in the world, established in 1919.
Written by Jarrett Matthews
Photo by Art Ward