KANATA – The Bytown Bats avenged an early-season blowout with a gutsy 7-5 victory over the SweatSox on Thursday night at Upper Kinsmen. In their second matchup of the season, the Bats flipped the script, scoring six straight runs in the 5th and 6th innings to overcome a two-run deficit and secure the win.
The SweatSox (9-8) came into the game with confidence, riding their earlier 11-1 domination of the Bats. Things started promisingly as Steve Brown’s clutch two-run double in the 3rd inning opened the scoring. Brown, who also swiped a base on the back end of a daring double steal, showcased his offensive prowess in an otherwise challenging night for the SweatSox lineup.
Eric White, named the “Sweatiest Player of the Game,” set the tone early from the mound. The right-hander pitched four innings of one-run ball, allowing just four hits while striking out four. White also contributed at the plate with two hits, including a double, and a sacrifice fly to keep the offense afloat.
“I felt good out there,” said White, dripping with sweat postgame. “I wish I could’ve gone deeper, but it’s a team game, and I was tired. We’ll bounce back.”
The game’s turning point came in the 5th inning when the SweatSox bullpen faltered. Reliever Josh Ramage entered with a 3-1 lead but struggled mightily, giving up six hits, two walks, and six earned runs over two innings of work. The Bats pounced, with cleanup hitter Ben Bartholomew and number nine batter Jamie MacDonald sparking the rally.
“It felt like every hit found a gap,” said SweatSox manager Cory Bond. “Josh battled, but credit to the Bats—they didn’t miss their chances.”
Bytown starter Maxwell Rose was dominant, tossing six innings of five-hit ball with 10 strikeouts and just one earned run allowed. Cameron MacDonald sealed the deal in the 7th, despite a mini-rally that left the SweatSox’s potential winning run stranded at first base.
“We knew they’d come out swinging,” said Rose. “This team [SweatSox] is tough, but tonight was our night.”
Defensively, Mark Bond stood out for the SweatSox with a rock-solid effort at shortstop and first base, racking up three assists and five putouts. His highlight reel included a slick double-play turn in the 2nd inning to momentarily halt a Bats scoring threat.
Despite the loss, the evening wasn’t without humor. Josh Ramage flirted with the infamous “Golden Sombrero,” striking out three times in four plate appearances, including a painful final whiff that ended the game with the bases loaded in the 7th inning.
“I need a new bat,” said a sheepish Ramage. “I need a way bigger barrel.”
With the loss, the SweatSox head into the Civic Holiday break at 9-8. Their next game is slated for Thursday against the Tier-leading Padres back at Kinsmen. Meanwhile, my (Shaun Keay) absence continues to loom large, as the veteran took his (my) talents to Wasaga Beach for some R&R, near a Chuck’s Roadhouse.
“I hope he enjoyed the half-price app specials,” joked Bond. “We could’ve used him tonight.”
Final SweatSox vs Bats Notes/Thoughts:
- Did anyone have the Bats getting their first ever win against us before the Barons did?
- Mark and I both took trips simultaneously, but they were unrelated.
- With my arm situation, I’m pretty sure I can still putt just as well as I did before.
- Knowing how the chess pieces move does not necessarily mean you are a good chess player.
- Ross is taking MF Doom over Doctor Doom.
- Josh loves a good fuck face knob.
- Cop is unfamiliar with George Brett (the rib guy) even though he’s not dead.
- It was doubly confirmed that Campbell Drive is immediately after Arnprior.
- The only doctor Josh wants to see is Pepper (Zero).
- Juice crystals could be liquified cocaine, or crystalized steroids.
- The gallery gets too rowdy when Trevor takes his shirt off at the golf course.
- Josh would’ve known about the Wasaga Beach Chuck’s if he wasn’t too busy mingling after the White Hyjinx (which is basically just like a Diddy White Party).
- Cory is more of a “9-5 but stroll in at 10:12” kind of guy.
- Kent never knows what’s happening, but he’s here for it.
- Big thanks to the Bats for sharing their meat with us after the game.
#ATETHEHOTDOGS