Maple Leafs Comeback Falls Short as London Edges Closer to First Title Since 1975

LONDON - Backs against the wall.

The London Majors defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-4 on Tuesday evening to take a 2-1 series lead in their best-of-five championship series.

Starter Eduardo Perez was outstanding for London, pitching seven innings of one-run ball.

The Austin, Texas native allowed five hits and threw walks while striking out six Toronto batters.

Majors left fielder Humberto Ruiz led the way at the plate, going four-for-four with three runs batted in.

London reliever Luke Kelley recorded an impressive five-out save, striking out four Toronto batters in the process.

Toronto starter Zach Sloan took the loss in his first start of the postseason, allowing five earned runs on 11 hits and one walk in four and one-third of an inning pitched.

The southpaw struck out six London batters.

TORONTO - 4-8-0

LONDON - 6-13-1

BIGGEST PLAY OF THE GAME: In a tie ball game int he bottom of the fifth inning, Ruiz hit a two-run single to right field to give the Majors a 4-2 lead.

BY THE NUMBERS...

1. London is now one win away from winning their first title since 1975. On the mound for them will be Pedro De Los Santos, the former Maple Leaf. Toronto will counter with Justin Cicatello. 

2. Two shutout innings by Maple Leafs reliever Brandon Lyons tonight to help keep the game in arms reach, but the Majors bullpen was every bit as good on this night.

NEXT UP...

- Game four takes place Thursday evening from Christie Pits in Toronto. 

The Maple Leafs will look to force a game five back in London on Friday evening.

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