Cardinals upset Guelph on the road in Game 1 of the IBL Playoffs
The Hamilton Cardinals won another close battle with the Guelph Royals, on Saturday night at David E. Hastings Stadium.
The Cards held on to win 4 to 3 in Game 1 of the best of five series in the first round of the IBL Playoffs.
Hamilton’s centrefielder, Tyler Duncan, hit a homerun to put the Cardinals up 2-0 in the top of the first inning. Duncan would later add an RBI-double and finish the night three for four.
Starting pitcher, Sam Turcotte, had arguably his best game of the season when it mattered most for Hamilton, going six innings and only allowing one run on seven hits and striking out five batters to earn the win.
Ryan Burnside, Laine Renaud and Jeremie Veilleux executed a 5-2-3 double-play to get out of a bases loaded situation in the bottom of the second inning. The play was ultimately a huge difference maker in what turned out to be a one-run game.
Cardinals’ closer, Jose Fernandez, played two innings of perfect baseball on the mound, striking out all six batters he faced in the eighth and ninth to earn the save.
Luis Jean provided two clutch hits for the Cards in his five at bats, while Renaud brought home their fourth run of the game. Jeremie Veilleux also had a nice night going one for two with a double and two walks.
Guelph’s Malik Collymore hit a two-run bomb to make it a close game late before Fernandez finished it off. Both teams recorded nine hits a piece with just one error in the game charged to the Cardinals.
Hamilton will return home to Bernie Arbour for Game 2 on Sun, Aug 27 at 2:05 p.m.
The win in Game 1 also guarantees a second home playoff game for Hamilton, whether it be against Guelph or in the second round.
Tickets can be purchased 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