Woodbine Racetrack Game Report: Leafs Pull Away Late as Takamatsu Picks Up First Win as Manager
BRANTFORD - Someone get the game ball!
The Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Brantford Red Sox 9-3 on Friday evening to improve to 24-17 on the season.
With the loss, the Red Sox drop to a woeful 2-38.
Toronto starter Angel Castro picked up the win in his last start prior to the playoffs, allowing one earned run on four hits, no walks, and eight strikeouts in five innings pitched.
Maple Leafs second basemen Dan Marra led the way at the plate, going two-for-four while batting in a couple of runs.
Brantford starter Danny Howat took the loss despite a solid outing, allowing three earned runs on five hits and three walks in six innings pitched.
TORONTO - 9-12-1
BRANTFORD - 3-8-2
BIGGEST PLAY OF THE GAME: Up 3-2 in the top of the seventh inning, Maple Leafs shortstop Jose Vinicio hit a base hit with Maple Leafs left fielder Greg Carrington at second base.
Vinicio attempted to take an extra 90 feet with the assumption that there would be a play at the plate, but the Red Sox hit the cut-off man, forcing Vinicio to hustle back to first.
He did so, which also allowed Carrington to score from third base. Vinicio would then end up at third base after Red Sox catcher Brady Pomerleau attempted to throw him out at second after the Red Sox went home to try and throw out Carrington.
BY THE NUMBERS...
1. The first win for Maple Leafs manager Garrett Takamatsu in his new role.
1.1. Maple Leafs reliever Dustin Richardson pitched 1.1 innings on Friday, qualifying him for the playoffs.
2. A two-hit game for Maple Leafs designated hitter Dawson Parks, who recorded the first multi-hit game of his IBL career.
8. A season-high eight strikeouts for Castro on Friday.
8. Eight hits in the last three games for Marra, the Maple Leafs second basemen.
11. With the win, the Leafs finish the season above .500 on the road with an 11-10 record.
17. Between Castro, Richardson, and Marek Deska, the Leafs struck out 17 Brantford batters.
LOOKING AHEAD...
The Leafs end their regular season schedule on Sunday when they host the London Majors.
And after the Majors loss to the Royals, the game will have major pennant-related implications for London.
Photo: Craig Aikin