Creemore Padres strike first in junior final
The Creemore Padres have taken a first game win over the Innisfil Cardinals as the junior division championship series begins in the North Dufferin Baseball League.
Game 1 was played in Creemore on August 5 and ended in a 12-9 decision for the Padres, who finished first overall in the seven-team junior loop.
The Padres dispatched the Orangeville Bengals in second-round action while the Innisfil Cardinals, who finished in fourth place, defeated the defending champions Orillia Royals in four games to advance to the final.
Innisfil was on the scoreboard in the first inning when a bases-loaded walk brought in a run.
In the second frame, Creemore scored on a bases loaded hit by pitch. They took the lead with a single run in the third inning.
In the fifth, Innisfil tied the game but the Padres plated nine runs in their half of the inning to come within one run of the mercy rule.
The Cardinals scored four runs in the sixth with the help of a three run homer from Sebastien Pasquali. Creemore scored a single run in their half inning to widen the lead. Innisfil scored three more runs in the seventh leaving the bases loaded in a comeback attempt.
Innisfil had 10 hits including the homer from Pasquali.
Liam Reynolds led the way for Creemore with a double and two singles. Nic Guthrie hit two doubles, Anson Dupuis a double and a single, Josh Young hit a double and singles came from Josh Hanley, Zakery Hayward and Seth Walker.
Michael Dawe toed the rubber for the Cardinals for 4 2/3 innings, gave up seven runs on six hits, walked two, hit four batters and struck out three.
Justin Goldie came in for relief for 1 1/3 innings, allowed five runs on five hits, hit one batter and struck out two.
Nic Guthrie started for Creemore, pitching three innings, giving up one run on three hits, walking six, and striking out three.
Brady Reynolds pitched the remaining four innings, allowing eight runs on seven hits, walking five and striking out three. The championship series will pause until August 14 as provincial championship tournaments are held this weekend.
The Orillia Royals and Barrie Baycats are at the U22 A tournament in Kendal. In total, nine teams will be competing. Barrie will see action first with a 10 a.m. game against Mississauga on Friday August 9. Orillia plays London West at 1 p.m.
Innisfil will participate at the 11-team U22 B tournament in Listowel. They play Clinton on Friday at 10 a.m.
David Anderson photo: Creemore Padres’ shortstop Nic Guthrie tags out Sebastien Pasquali of the Innisfil Cardinals at second base during Game 1 of the junior division championship series in the North Dufferin Baseball League on Aug. 5.
