Thursday, October 23, 2081
RACERS NIP SKIPPERS IN SHOOTOUT FOR 2-1 LEAD IN IPA PRO CUP FINALS
For the third straight game it was a one-run thriller in the IPA Pro Cup Series. This time it was a slugfest instead of a pitcher's duel. Rolling Hills rolled past Crystal Lake 10-9 at Midtown Base Ball Grounds to go up two-games to one in the best-of-seven affair.
Racer shortstop Emmett Spangler (.333) cracked 3 hits and drove in 4 runs to lead his club to victory. Catcher Jaron Shufford (.267) and third baseman Art Horn (.268) also lent a hand with 2 ribbies apiece. Rolling Hills slapped 12 hits, while Crystal Lake mustered 10.
Pitching pretty much took a back seat in game three. J.D. Deeds (2-1/6.58 ERA) got a win in the ugliest way possible. He gave up 8 runs and 9 hits in 6 and one-third innings. Ron Halloran got the save, but he was touched for one run in two and two-thirds innings. 22-game winner Angelo Marinello (3-1/4.70 ERA) had a dismal day on the hill. He was shelled for 9 runs in less than 4 frames for his first defeat this postseason.
Fortunately, Rolling Hills ran up a 9-4 margin early and then staved off the rebounding Skippers, who almost caught them. Crystal Lake had the tying score on second base when Ron Halloran got the final out.
The Skippers fought hard, paced by Center fielder Sookie Murphy (.245) with a 3-run clout. Third baseman Cookie Garland (.321) and shortstop Heck Fraiser (.238) made the game close with 2 RBIs apiece.
Game four is also slated for Rolling Hills as well as game five. The final two clashes are set for Lakefront Park in Crystal Lake should they be necessary. Rolling Hills skipper Hugo Sutton has decided on Elvis Hutton (19-9/3.12 ERA) for his starter, while it will Augie Augustus (14-6/3.61 ERA) doing the honors for Crystal Lake manager Paul Dillon. Augustus is 1-1 in the playoffs with a 3.42 ERA. Hutton is 2-0 with a 4.08 ERA.
