Millas stars for B.C. in win over Ontario Black

Theo Millas, shown here with the Coquitlam Reds, struck out nine batters in 5 2/3 innings to lead B.C. to a 4-2 win over Ontario Black in T12 action on Saturday night at the Rogers Centre. Photo Credit: Coquitlam Reds

By Fares Kaff

Canadian Baseball Network

TORONTO, ON. --- A spectacular pitching performance by Theo Millas was enough to propel B.C. Orange (2-1) to a 4-2 victory over Ontario Black (1-1-1) in Tournament 12 action on Saturday night.

The Burnaby, B.C. native pitched 5 2/3 innings of shutout baseball, allowing five hits and striking out nine batters in the process.

“I don’t know what happened, all my pitches were just on tonight. My fastball felt good, I was hitting all my spots with each pitch and everything came together tonight,” said Millas, after the game.

The 1-1 count worked in Millas’ favour and allowed him to be as aggressive in his pitches as he wanted.

“For sure, I always want to attack and get that first strike. Once I do, it makes the rest of the at bat easier and puts me in control,” he said.

At the plate, Madjik Mackenzie had an effective evening for B.C. Orange, going 1-for-2 and driving in a pair of runs, including the eventual game winner.

In relief, right-handed Alan Dai secured B.C.’s victory, registering one strikeout and allowing two hits in 1 1/3 innings.

As for team Ontario Black, the night wasn’t without positives.

Owen Diodati drew some reaction from the crowd with a fourth inning ground-rule double that was mere inches away from being the Niagara Falls native’s third home run of the tournament.

Eric Martin’s performance at the plate was another spark for Team Ontario. The outfielder managed to drive in a pair of runs and give his team a fighting chance late on in the game.

On the mound, Ontario’s starting pitcher Caden Griffin had a difficult outing, pitching four full innings, allowing six hits and two earned runs before Campbell Ellis took over in relief.

B.C. Orange will now turn their attention to Sunday where they’ll face Alberta Red for the second time this weekend, at 5:30 p.m. E.T. at the Rogers Centre.

As for team Ontario Black, they take on their provincial rivals, Ontario Green at 12:30 p.m. E.T. tomorrow.