Brewers battle back to almost beat Leaside

July 26, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Bill Rea
The Bolton Brewers dug themselves into a very deep hole last Thursday in their match against the Leaside Leafs, then almost dug themselves out of it.
It wasn’t to be, however, as the local Greater Toronto Baseball League team came out on the wrong side of a 13-12 final.
The Leaside hosts were quick to get on the board, notching a run in the fist inning, four more in the second, another two in the fourth and four more in the fifth. By the time the sixth inning rolled around, Bolton was down 11-3. Three base hits in a row allowed designated hitter Eric Cirone to cross the plate in the fourth, thanks to a bases-loaded RBI from left fielder Brett Barwick, while shortstop Brett Chater and third baseman Dariu Barlas both made it home in the fifth, with RBI assistance from second baseman Mike Wallace and first baseman John Hutchinson respectively.
Things were really starting to look up for the Brewers in the sixth, even if everyone had to endure a rain delay of about 10 minutes. Trent Barwick, who relived Wallace at second, cracked a double to score centre fielder Brett Bond, then Barlas connected with a single that scored Brett Barwick.
Things were even better in the seventh, as the Leafs couldn’t seem to get anyone out. Greg Keenan and Cirone both made it to first, then right fielder Brendan Lyons, Bond and Brett Barwick each contributed RBI singles. Catcher Troy Barwick finally hit into a double play, but he was able to score a fourth runner in the process, bringing the score to 11-9.
The eighth saw Cirone drive in Barlas, and pinch hitter Adam Wallace let the count run up to full before getting a bases-loaded single that scored Francesco Amantea to tie the game.
Leaside scored no runners in their ends of the sixth, seventh or eighth, but they got two in the ninth, with was better than the one run Barlas scored when hit home by Keenan.
It was frustrating, considering the Brewers were coming off their first two wins of the season.
“It’s been a tough season for us,” Coach Mike Wallace commented after the game. “Definitely, things haven’t gone the way we would like them to go.”
But the come back last week was a source of satisfaction.
“It’s definitely a group that hasn’t quit by any means,” Wallace said, adding they all know the team is better than their record indicates.
The Brewers return to action tonight (Thursday) when they entertain the Thornhill Reds at North Hill Park in Bolton, starting at 7:30 p.m. Then they will host the Leafs Sunday night at 7.
For stats, schedules and more information, visit www.gtbl.ca

Coach Mike Wallace connected on this play in the top of the third inning last Thursday, but he wasn’t able to beat the throw to first.
Photo by Bill Rea