Neepawa Cubs double up Lakers

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Neepawa Cubs double up Lakers

Details: Published on Thursday, July 14, 2016

Photo by Eoin Devereux. Garrett Rempel earned the win for Neepawa in game one of their best-of-three series against the Ebb and Flow Lakers, on Tuesday, July 12.

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

The Neepawa Cubs have opened up the Santa Clara Baseball League playoffs with a 4-2 win over the Ebb and Flow Lakers. Despite some less than ideal weather conditions on Tuesday, July 12, the teams were able to complete the first game of their best-of-three series. While a light wash of rain poured down upon the players for the entirety of the contest, it wasn’t enough to halt the action, or even hinder the excellent play that was on display in the field.

The game started off well offensively for both squads, as the Lakers’ lead off batter was able to round the bases, to provide an early 1-0 lead for the visitors. In the bottom of the opening inning, however, Neepawa answered back with a pair of runs of their own. That would be all the scoring the damp, but enthusiastic, crowd would see for a large portion of the game. What was in its place, however, was some great and at times clutch fielding, as well as excellent pitching performances from the Cubs’ Garrett Rempel and Lakers starter Archie McIvor.

After four innings of scoreless ball, Ebb and Flow was able to tie things up in the top of the sixth, when shortstop Johnny Baptiste hit a double to start the inning. He was later driven in on a sacrifice fly from designated hitter Dean Mousseau.

After getting out of the top of the inning, Neepawa quickly answered back with a pair of runs to reclaim the lead. Shane Levandosky and Scott Newton were able to round the bases for the home side. Rempel was able to close out the game in the top of the seventh to earn the victory. He struck out seven batters, while allowing just six hits over the complete game.

The next game of the series is currently scheduled for Wednesday, July 20 in Ste. Rose. The third game, if necessary, will be on Friday, July 22 in Neepawa.