Tale of Two Games: Expos and North Island Split Sunday's DH as Both Teams Trade Error-Fest Games

Posted June 13, 2016


Tale of Two Games: Expos and North Island Split Sunday's DH as Both Teams Trade Error-Fest Games

In game 1, everything that could have gone wrong for the Expos did go wrong agaist a North Island team coming off a sweep of Richmond on Saturday. It was 10 errors in the game, 5 errors in 1 inning but most notably 2 errors on one play that changed the entire course of the game and ruined a quality start by Hutchings. Game 1 was one to forget, 1-11 loss. Game 2, the tables turned as North Island would return the favour with 6 errors as the Expos scratched across runs however they could until the floodgates opened in the 5th where Vancouver exploded for 8 runs, Expos take game 2 by a score of 14-4. The Expos were disappointed that game 1 turned out the way it did but should be proud of a rebound in game 2 that salvaged a series that started like one to forget.

 

NorthIsland 11 EXPOS 1 (6 innings)

The Expos had the advantage, they had the 2 game weekend, they didn't have to travel in the morning, they had pre-game BP, they had the scouting...but all that would prove to be moot as the Expos although holding a strong offensive North Island lineup to 0 runs in the first 2 innings would implode defensively in the 3rd inning. Hutchings and Comerford (Vancouver and North Island starting pitchers respectively) were executing pitch after pitch out of the gate, Hutchings got Hall, one of the best lead-off hitters in the league to pop up weakly to the mound to lead off the game but Hall would get things things started in the 3rd as Hutchings could only watch as a first base error, immediately followed by a second base error would lead to Hall standing on third to lead off the inning. The momentum that Vancouver had was wiped away and the wheels completely fell off from there, 4 more errors in the inning would lead to a 5 run outburst by the Royals. The Royals like they have been told they do, stretched out at-bats, put the ball in play and ran the bases well and before Vancouver knew it they were down 10 runs. The Expos just could not solve Comerford as the big righty held Vancouver to 6 weak hits and Hall shut down the Expos running game throwing out 2 baserunners from behind the dish. With only 1 of the 11 runs being earned it was smart of Vancouver to chalk this one up as one to forget and move on.

 

EXPOS 14 NorthIsland 4 (6 innings)

The Expos sporting their new alternate drifit uniforms were ready to rebound from an ugly first game and this contest would prove to be a complete turn around for both teams. Howse got the start in this one looking to make up for his defesnive miscues in game 1 but North Island would again come out swinging as lead-off batter Hall would kickstart their offense, even though fooled by a breaking ball he had the strength to muscle it into center field to start the bottom of the first. A couple more base hits would score 2 and have North Island up a pair after 1. Vancouver would get it right back in the 2nd as a BB, HBP, BB, bloop single and a team at bat would allow the boys in the blue to plate 2. In the bottom of the 2nd, Howse worked around a lead-off error, striking out the next two batters and got revenge on Hall as he would get him to fly out to deep CF. The shutdown inning would prove to be huge for the Expos as Howse would help his own cause with a lead-off single, the back end of the Royals rotation would show its true colours as a BB, HBP and some shotty defence would have Vancouver take their first lead of the day, up 2 after 2 1/2 innings. In the 5th, the floodgates opened as Vancouver would score 8 runs as everything went their way, sketchy North Island defence, team ABs, walks, hit by pitches, calls, balks, bloop singles; after not receiving a break the entire day the Expos finally got one in a big way. Howse after a second baseman error in the 2nd would go on and retire 10 straight batters after that and complete the game (6 innings, 4 H, 2 ER, 4Ks). This game, Vancouver batters had a a combined 13 RBIs, 8 SBs and went 8/17 with runners in scoring position. 

 

It wasn't pretty by any means but the Expos managed to stop a North Island team from going 4-0 this weekend, Vancouver even managed to move up a spot in the standings thanks to some out-of-town scores. With 7 games remaning and the middle of the standings being an absolute log jam, the Expos are going to have to play their best baseball down the stretch here to avoid playing in that dreaded wild card tournament. Vancouver Minor are back at it Monday against Vancouver Community, there is no doubt all eyes will be on this game.



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