Tardif dominant in Atlantic Maroon's rout of Quebec Blue

Atlantic Maroon starter Dom Tardif (Dieppe, NB) of the Metro Mudcats was outstanding against Quebec Blue. Photo: Tyler King/Canadian Baseball Network.

By: Brandan Kajioka

Canadian Baseball Network

Atlantic Maroon made quite the impression on scouts Wednesday afternoon at Tournament 12 by defeating the defending champions Quebec Blue 11-1 in five innings.

Atlantic’s starting pitcher Dom Tardif was the difference at Rogers Centre in Toronto, showing the calm composure of a veteran by getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the first inning, including a pair of strikeouts. He continued his dominance throughout the game by striking out seven and giving up just one run.

“I feel great” said Tardif.  “I think I accomplished my mission of what I wanted to do before the game.  I wanted to put up some zeroes and I did that.  I’m pretty proud of that, (as well as) the defence, they made some great plays behind me.”

Tardif had some control issues at the top of the fifth inning, giving up a run on a wild pitch. He was able to maintain his composure by finishing the inning with a ground out.

Tardif talked post-game about effectively beating the defending champions with relative ease.

“I feel honoured, but it’s just another game, just another win” said Tardif.  I’m going to stay humble about this win and get ready for next game and try to win that one, too.” 

Atlantic Maroon designated hitter Jake Sanford showed incredible poise at the plate by lighting up Quebec with five RBIs on two triples and a ground-rule double

 “We burst out of the bubble today,” he said. “We were hitting, we had a couple hits last game, but nothing too impressive.  I think today, everyone was less stressed, more comfortable with each other. “We started swinging the bat and good things happen when you put the ball in play.  Obviously today it worked.”

Quebec Blue’s starting pitcher Matthew Massicotte was tagged for four runs in the third inning and was eventually replaced by Marc Trembley, who didn’t fare much better. Trembley gave up four runs on three hits and a hit batter in relief, which ran up the score to 9-0 for the Atlantic.

Next up for the Atlantic is a rematch with the Prairie Purples Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET, while Quebec faces off with the Futures Navy Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. ET.