Wright makes like Ohtani, pitches and DHs for Titans in win

Taylor Wright (North Vancouver, B.C.) made like Shohei Ohtani for the Ottawa Titans on Sunday. He started on the mound and was the club’s designated hitter in their 4-1 win over the Florence Y’Alls at Ottawa Stadium. Photo: Ottawa Titans (file photo).

July 23, 2023

Official Ottawa Titans News Release

Ottawa, ON - Chris Burica struck out seven over five scoreless frames of relief as the Ottawa Titans completed the series sweep of the Florence Y'alls with a 4-1 victory on Sunday afternoon.

The Titans elected to use the "Ohtani Rule" in the series finale, using Taylor Wright (North Vancouver, B.C.) as both the starting pitcher and designated hitter. Wright’s first professional start on the mound lasted two innings.

In the second, Zade Richardson led off the frame with a solo blast to left, putting the Y'alls in front 1-0.

Jason Dicochea's lead-off double down the left-field line in the bottom of the second came around to score on a Sicnarf Loopstok sac fly, tying the game at one.

The Titans took the lead for good in the fourth, taking advantage of an error with Taylor Wright smacking an RBI single to right.

Making his first professional start, Ryan Watson allowed just one hit through three innings for the Y’Alls. The righty kept the game close while striking out four over six innings of work.

The lead was plenty for Chris Burica, who took over in the third inning and at one point retired nine in a row and 12 of 13.

Ray Zuberer tripled to right-centre with one out in the seventh, putting the potential tying run at third. Burica managed to get out of the jam by striking out the next two he faced to keep the Titans ahead.

Against Rodney Hutchison in the bottom of the seventh, the Titans added a pair of insurance markers. Sicnarf Loopstok doubled home Taylor Wright before Broc Mortensen's sac fly made it 4-1.

Following a scoreless eighth, Nick MacDonald allowed a pair of two-out hits in the ninth before retiring Jeremiah Burks to end the game.

The Ottawa Titans will now hit the road for a six-game road trip that begins with a three-game set at 7:30 p.m. E.T. on Tuesday night at Wintrust Field against the Schaumburg Boomers.