Trillium – Friday, July 19 – In a game for the ages, the SweatSox clawed back from a six-run deficit to defeat the Lumberjacks 8-7 in dramatic fashion Friday night at Trillium. Phil Leduc delivered the game-winning hit in the eighth inning, a clutch bases-loaded single that plated Mike Pignat and sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
“It’s a moment you dream of,” said Leduc, grinning ear to ear. “We never gave up tonight, and to finish it like that with everyone on their feet, it was incredible.”
The SweatSox (9-6) came into the game looking to solidify their winning record but found themselves in an early hole after a shaky start from ace Josh Ramage. Ramage battled through six innings, allowing five earned runs on eight hits with four strikeouts. The Lumberjacks capitalized on key opportunities, jumping out to a 6-0 lead by the third inning.
However, the SweatSox responded with characteristic resilience. A four-run fourth inning, highlighted by a two-run double from Steve Brown, ignited the rally. Eric White kept the offense alive all night, going 3-for-5 with a double, two RBIs, three runs scored, and four stolen bases.
“We knew we had the bats to come back,” said White, who also pitched the final two innings to earn the win despite surrendering the tying run in the seventh, blowing the save. “Josh kept us in it long enough for the hitters to wake up. Once we got rolling, the momentum was ours.”
The Lumberjacks’ Alex Poulin delivered a strong performance on the mound, scattering 10 hits over seven innings with five strikeouts, but the SweatSox’s relentless lineup chipped away at his efforts.
With the game tied at seven in extra innings, Leduc’s walk-off single was the culmination of the SweatSox’s tenacity. Losing pitcher Corey Valois couldn’t escape the jam created by a patient SweatSox lineup, which loaded the bases after a 2-out Mike Pignat HBP, and then walks to Cory Bond and Trevor Williams, before Leduc delivered the decisive blow.
“Our guys are scrappy, and they feed off each other’s energy,” the SweatSox Authority said. “Every player contributed tonight, whether it was with the bat, glove, or on the basepaths.”
Defensively, Nick Henderson shone, recording six assists and three putouts at second base. Cory Bond was equally impressive at first, with 10 putouts and a key ground-rule double that sparked the comeback effort.
The win sets the stage for another pivotal matchup next Friday against the Rockets at Kinsmen Park. With first pitch set for 6:10 PM, the SweatSox will aim to build on their thrilling win and continue their climb up the standings.
“Momentum’s on our side now,” said White. “This team is just getting started.”
Final SweatSox vs Lumberjacks Notes/Thoughts:
- I, Shaun Keay, was finally able to join Josh for a delicious Arby’s Three Cheese & Bacon lunch.
- Taking a pole, and creating a poll, are two very different skill sets.
- PBR Extra is gross, which means Craig probably has a case or two sitting in his fridge.
- Phil’s nuts are fine.
- Chick-Fil-A is not worth a line.
- Cop is still figuring out how a pitching rotation and all its subtleties work on the SweatSox.