In the absence of Alvinston Indians mainstay pitchers Doug Charlton and Brad Young, rookie pitcher Greg Moore, with a little help from Norm Logan, held a potent Glencoe offence to 1 run enabling the Indians to win 3-1 to even the series at two games apiece with Game 5 to be played Wednesday Sept 28 in Alvinston at 8:00 pm.
After Glencoe threatened in the bottom of the second, leaving two runners on base, Marc Greenwood got the first hit for the Indians in the top of the third inning, when he singled to lead off the inning. Glencoe recorded the next two outs, before Mike Black singled, followed by an RBI single by Joe Triest scoring the first run. Scott Smith then came to the plate, and hit a deep RBI triple scoring two runs.
With a 3-0 lead for the Indians, Glencoe fought back with one run of their own in the bottom of the third inning. Brett Neal tripled, and scored on an RBI single by Ron Pakitka. Glencoe threatened to score in the 4th, 6th and 7th innings, but Alvinston pitchers Greg Moore, and Norm Logan were able to strand runners and preserve the victory.
Alvinston CF Marc Greenwood robbed the Astros of a sure home run, when he ran into the fence to catch the ball as it was heading over. A beautiful catch, that not only saved a run for the Indians, but lifted fans out of their seats in awe! Greg Moore toed the rubber for the Indians, and kept the Glencoe hitters off-balance as he earned the victory. A gutsy performance in his first playoff game, as he pitched 3 1/3 innings, before being relieved by Norm Logan who pitched an inning and 2/3. Moore came back into the game and recorded the final six outs for the Indians. Moore allowed five hits in 5 1/3 innings, and 1 earned run, while striking out four to earn the victory.
Shawn Winship took the loss for Glencoe, allowing five hits, while striking out 8. Ron Pazitka, and Tim Stover had two hits a piece for Glencoe. Game five is tonight in Alvinston beginning at 8:00pm, in what should be an exciting final game to a great semi-final series in St. Thomas and District Fastball League Playoff action.
The winner of the series will play the winner of the Union Storm-Highgate Rock in the finals.
Paul McCart
Alvinston Indians