Woodbine Racetrack Game Report: Leafs Season Comes to End in Heartbreaking Game Six Defeat
TORONTO - Heartbreaker.
The London Majors used a stunning five-run top of the ninth inning to comeback and beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 8-7 to repeat as Jack and Lynne Dominico Cup Champions.
London starter Jose Arias was not his usual self on the mound, allowing five earned runs on five hits and five walks in six innings pitched.
The Majors ace struck out nine Toronto batters.
Majors reliever Bo Lewington picked up the win after tossing two scoreless innings.
London right fielder Starling Joseph had a game to remember at the plate, going three-for-four with a two-run home run.
Toronto starter Angel Castro was brilliant until the wheels fell off in the ninth inning, allowing seven earned runs on nine hits and one walk in eight innings pitched.
Maple Leafs reliever Franklin Hernandez took the loss after pitching one inning of one-run baseball.
LONDON - 8-10-2
TORONTO - 7-5-0
BIGGEST PLAY OF THE GAME: With the go-ahead run at third base, Majors third basemen Taylor Wright hit a sac fly to give the Majors their first lead of the night in the ninth inning.
BY THE NUMBERS...
1. One shutdown inning for Fernandez in the ninth for London, who won the Playoff MVP for his efforts. The lefty was the ultimate game changer for the Majors, who didn't otherwise have much to offer in their bullpen.
2. For the second year in a row, the Leafs finish just shy of their ultimate goal -- this time by two wins, as this core continues to look to get over the hump and win the long-awaited championship that has alluded them.
5. The Leafs were up by five runs with two out in the eighth inning, only for the Majors to complete one of the great comebacks in IBL history.
THANK YOU...
The Leafs would like to thank everyone who helped continue the tradition of Maple Leafs Baseball at Christie Pits and would like to thank all the fans who made this season so memorable.
Stay tuned to our socials throughout the course of the offseason for updates on the team.
Photo: Craig Aikin