COBA MAJOR WEEK X RECAP

By Dan Estey

The Brampton Royals split a doubleheader during Week X of the COBA Major League schedule. The Niagara Metros formed the opposition on this day as they made the trek to Dave Dash Memorial Field in the Flower City.

In Game 1, the Royals got things off on the right foot as they put up a pair of runs in both the second and third innings to take a 4-0 lead early. The Metros were able to cut into the lead in the fourth inning as they got a run back to make it 4-1.

It stayed that way until the seventh when the Metros finally got the bats rolling and were able to put up three runs to tie the game up 4-4. Brampton was able to rally in the bottom half though and a walk off single was able to give them 5-4 victory.

Veteran 1B Vic Speciale led the Royals at the dish going 3-for-3 with a run and an RBI. Joe Ferreira was 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI while Patrick Pinlac was 1-for-3 with a home run and a pair of RBIs. Jono Marcheterre led Niagara going 1-for-4 with a pair of RBI.

On the hill, Mike Burke drew the start and went 6 1/3 innings in collecting a no decision. He allowed four runs -- three earned -- on 11 hits while he walked three guys and struck out five. Brad McLaughlin collected the win in relief of Burke as he worked 2/3 of a scoreless and striking out a batter. Liam Jacques took the tough loss for the Metros.

In Game 2, Niagara struck first as they plated three runs in the first for an early lead. Brampton answered back with a run in the second inning to cut the lead to 3-1. Niagara managed another run in the sixth and that would be it for the offense as Niagara took this game by a score of 4-1.

The Royals managed only one hit in this one off the bat of Keegan Murphy. He made the swing count as he belted a solo home run for the only run of the game for Brampton. Brandon Underhill was 1-for-3 for Niagara with a double and a pair of RBI to lead the Metros.

Ferreira drew the start and pitched a complete game in taking the loss. In seven innings, he allowed four runs -- two earned -- on eight hits. He walked four batters while striking out two. Justin Ayles got the win for Niagara with the solo homer being the only damage on his pitching line for the day.

The results from Week X of the COBA Major League:

Monday

Erindale Cardinals 10, Milton Red Sox 4

WP–Evan Harrison; LP–Tyler MacKillop

HR–Jay Woodford (Erin.)

Etobicoke Rangers 10; Oakville A’s 5

WP-Brendan Lyons; LP-Alex Fulton

HR–Dennis Dei Baning

Tuesday

Erindale Cardinals–13; Mississauga SW Twins–7

WP–Kevin Lucas; LP–Kyle Porter

Wednesday

Niagara Metros 12; Burlington Brants 4

WP–Dylan Perego; LP–Jordan Rienzo

HR–Austin Wheeler (Niag.)

Thursday

Oakville A’s 7. Burlington Brants 4

WP–Alex Hawley; LP–Mike Westlake

HR–Tim Sogan 2 (Burl.); Matt Reagan (Oak.)

Saturday

Brampton Royals 5, Niagara Metros 4

WP–Brad McLughlin; LP–Liam Jacques

HR–Patrick Pinlac (Bram.)

Niagara Metros 4; Brampton Royals 1

WP–Justin Ayles; LP–Joe Ferreira

HR–Keegan Murphy (Bram.)