Sunday, October 28, 2091
IPA Pro Cup Series - Game 2 in La Claire at Capitol Park Stadium
GATORS OUTCLAW LYNX IN 11TH INNING IN GAME TWO --- SERIES TIED 1-1
Game 2 of the IPA Pro Cup Series was just as intense, just as torrid and just as long as the opener. The LaGrange Gators outmaneuvered and outclawed the La Claire Lynx in 11 innings 4-3, scoring the game-winning run on a passed ball by Gino Manda. Evon Layton walked to lead off the frame, moved to second on a base hit by Ricardo Zamora. Lenny Lang advanced Layton to third on a fielder's choice and he scored on Manda's misplay. This evens up the best-of-seven Pro Cup Series at one game apiece. Game three is slated for The Swamp in LaGrange on Monday afternoon.
It was a classic chess game on the diamond between LaGrange skipper Antoine Robicheaux and La Claire manager Jonny Bacon. They both strategically used 5 pitchers in the second extra-inning extravaganza in a row. Both starters, Jules Le Royer for the Gators and Shuggie Garrett for the Lynx stood out. Le Royer tossed 7 and two-thirds innings, allowed 5 hits and 2 runs, both on solo shots Rick Wall and Judah Pickens. Garsett was touched for 2 runs --- only one earned --- a 2-run shot by Charley Gray in the opening frame.
Le Royer blanked La Claire for 6 innings. The Lynx narrowed the score to 2-1 in the bottom of the 7th on Pickens' blast. Evon Layton gave the Gators a little bit of breathing room when his single scored Remy Martin from second base. Martin led off the inning with a base hit. Solo swats in the 7th and 8th tied the score 3-all.
Both teams collected 8 hits each. La Grange left 7 runners aboard, while La Claire stranded 9. Layton (.333 BA/3 HR/10 RBI) led the Gators with a pair of hits. Gray (.328 BA/9 RBI) hit his 4th roundtripper in the playoffs. Lyn Holman (.255 BA) paced the Lynx with 3 for 5, a run batted in and 2 stolen bases. Wall (.333 BA/2 HR/6 RBI) and Manda (.383 BA/1 HR/5 RBI) rapped 2 hits apiece in defeat. It was Pickens (.196 BA/4 RBI) first postseason blast this season. Julius Hauer (2-2/1.37 ERA/3 saves/10 game) picked up the victory with 2 scoreless innings. Maurice Crandall 90-0/1.42 ERA/2 saves/4 games) got the save by striking out the last batter with the tying run on second base. Rick Gautreau (0-1/1.59 ERA/3 games) was the unfortunate loser on an unearned run.
