#1 Brantford vs. #8 Hamilton
#2 Toronto vs. #7 Guelph
#3 Barrie vs. #6 Mississauga
#4 Kitchener vs. #5 London
Predictions
Brantford should sweep Hamilton in 4
The Sox have too many good bats the lineups but I'd love to see Hamilton win a game or two to build some interest heading into next year. Meyers looked great last night and with Ribas they'll probably pitch every 2nd game like year.
Guelph will take Toronto in 6
The Royals with their full starting nine are one of the best offensive teams in the IBL. Don't expect this series to be pretty as both teams love slugfests. Marek Deska has seven wins on the season and four are from the Royals. The Royals biggest weakness is still their bullpen, if they have to go to it early in games it could be an uphill battle. Melehes and Hart both look like they have lost a step this season, balls that used to be un-hittable are now finding themselves up in the strike zone often.
Barrie will beat Mississauga in 5
The Twins lost 3 players to the Canadian University Baseball team which played a vital role in their success this season. Barrie's offense has not impressed me all year, but their pitching staff is among the best in the league and a solid bullpen will keep it close. Expect low scoring games.
Kitchener will defeat London in 7
Kitchener with home field advantage at the Couch wins this series. The Couch like Christie Pitts (Domenico Field) is a great equalizer and a visiting pitcher's worse nightmare. Last time they met it turned into a bean ball war.
Game 1: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. at Kitchener
Game 2: Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Labatt Park
Game 3: Sunday, 2 p.m. at Kitchener
Game 4: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. at Labatt Park
Game 5: If nec., July 29, 7:30 p.m. at Kitchener
Game 6: If nec., July 30, 7:30 p.m. at Labatt Park
Game 7: If nec., Sunday, Aug. 1, 2 p.m. at Kitchener
In Kitchener, the visiting Majors blasted 11 hits on their way to a 10-3 victory over the Panthers in game one of their best-of-seven playoff series. Ryan Cattrysse had a big night for the Majors with two home runs and four RBI. Vince Burke had a double and two singles with one run scored and two runs batted in, while Cleveland Brownlee homered with two runs scored and three RBI. Allan Cattrysse and Ryan Lapensee each had multi-hit games in the win.
ReplyDeleteThe Panthers could only muster four hits on the night.Jeff Pietraszko singled and had an RBI, while Kevin Childs and Luke Baker each singled and scored a run.
Andy St. Gelais picked up the win on the mound, lasting 7 1/3 innings allowing just four hits and three runs – all earned – with three walks and eight strikeouts. Craig Bate picked up the save, pitching 1 2/3 innings of shutout ball with one walk and one strikeout.
Mike McGillivray was the loser, giving up seven hits and five runs – all earned – with three walks and two strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings.
LONDON 310 000 015 - 10-11-1
KITCHENER 000 000 210 - 3-4-0
GAME BALL: St. Gelais & R. Cattrysse