The Oakville A's (4-2) played hosts to the Johnson division leading Niagara Metros (4-1) Monday night in a first place matchup. On the hill for the A's was veteran RHP Gord Robertson against RHP Brandon Beattie of the Niagara Metros.
The Oakville A's would strike first thanks to a leadoff double by the hot hitting Julian Richards, who would come around to score on a two RBI single by cleanup hitter Jeff Jarockis to give the A's an early 1-0 lead. The A's would plate two more in the bottom of the second as rookie catcher Pat Griffin singled with one out in the inning, then steal second to put himself in scoring position. Michael Modestino would keep the inning going by reaching first on a throwing error, which advanced Modestino to second, and score Griffin on the one base advancement to set the table for the torrid hitting Richards who would capitalize by driving driving Modestino home on a two out RBI single to center to put the A's in front 3-0.
As we move to the top of the sixth, Niagara would see themselves tie the game as left fielder Anthony Vacca reached first on a two out single, followed by an error which allowed Ricky Ferri to reach first to give Niagara two runners on with two outs for the power hitting third basemen Evan Baglierri. Baglieri would capitalize on the error by sending a fly ball into the jet stream wind blowing out to right, clearing the fences for a three run home run to tie the game at 3-3. Oakville struck back quickly in the bottom of the inning, as they would plate two runs thanks to a two RBI single which would score Andrew Kotulak and Marc Walton to put the A's back in front 5-3.
Moving to the seventh inning, the Metros would push another run across as the A's ran into a little trouble. Back-to-back one out walks, followed by another two out walk would load the bases for the Metros as center fielder Ricky Ferri would come to the plate with a chance to tie the game. Ferri took an inside fastball off the shoulder which would bring the Metros one run closer, however a fly ball to right would end the threat with the A's still out in front 5-4. Oakville would give themselves some insurance runs as DH Conrad Bach drew a one out walk, followed by a single by shortstop Zack Dickson and an intentional walk to Jeff Jarockis to load the bases for Andrew Kotulak. Kotulak had an excellent at-bat as he would watch three straight balls, then fight off some tough strikes to bring the count to 3-2. After keeping the at-bat alive, he would draw a walk and plate a run to give the A's a 6-4 lead. Marc Walton would follow Kotulak with another walk to put the A's up 7-4 heading into the eighth.
The eighth inning saw the back and forth game continue as Niagara would tie the game at 7 a piece. A one out single by Jonathan Paul, followed by a walk and an RBI double by Jono Marcheterre would bring the Metros a run closer to tying the game. Niagara would inch closer again via a passed ball which would score another run while moving the tying run to third base. Leadoff hitter Phil Steer would reach first on a throwing error, scoring the tying run while putting one of the best base stealers in OBA on first. The inning would end as Steer is gunned down at second by a bullet from A's catcher Pat Griffin to keep the score tied at 7-7.
The bottom on the eighth began with a bang, as center fielder Courtney Morales took a 2-2 fastball deep to right center for his first home run of the season to put the A's up 8-7. Marc Walton came on in the top of the ninth inning to secure his second save of the season as the A's would win the nail biter 8-7 and move them into sole possession of first place in the Johnson division.
Gord Robertson continued his excellent pitching as he was given the task of facing a tough hitting Niagara offense. Robertson went six strong innings, giving up three runs (zero earned), on five hits while striking out two for the no decision. Curtis Braun came on in relief of Robertson in the seventh, allowing four runs (three earned), on two hits while walking four and striking out one for his second win of the season. Marc Walton came on to pitch the ninth inning, allowing one hit to secure his second save of the season.
Whether you're a die hard baseball fan, or just a casual observer, this game had everything. Two excellent teams squaring off in a first place battle, as both squads went back and forth giving it everything they had to see who came out victorious. Early leads, game tying home runs, and late inning heroics, begs the question "How can you not be romantic about baseball?".
The A's will take their 5-2 record on the road Wednesday, as the travel to Nelson Stadium to face the 2-3-1 Burlington Brant's in a divisional matchup beginning at 7:30 pm.
Go A's!
