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The championship game billed as a battle of Lefty aces proved to be one for the ages; The Spartans would win 3-0 and take home their first title in franchise history but it was not won easily.... 

  The Rail Hawks  were the best team in the regular season and took their stellar season into the finals against the fourth seeded Spartans who had already slayed a giant in the Brickies and were feeling good about their chances, even though in  the previous two regular season games against Hawks they failed to produce a run, losing 1-0 and 2-0. 

  The Hawks sent Tim Tormey to the mound to take his two innings and he did his job giving up only one hit and shutting the door on the Spartans batters. 

  The Spartans countered with their ace Owen McDonald and even though he walked a couple batters, he too was able to keep the Hawks off the scoresheet. 

  When Eagan Tormey came into the game to take his five, the Spartans knew it would be a tough afternoon, his stuff was electric as he mixed his heat with his changeup and curve ball to keep the Spartans from getting anything going.  
 

  Spartans right hander Scotty Baker came in to pitch the fourth inning  and he continued his dominance on the mound showing great control as he kept the game knotted at 0-0 for his two innings.   

  You could feel the tension mounting as the game moved into the later innings 

Both McDonald and Tormey were throwing darts. Everyone knew it was going to take one big hit to get this log- jam to move.  But it would have to go to extra innings for this incredible game to be decided.  

  Top of the 8th inning saw a lead off single by Paul Braunstein, who picked up 3 hits on this day, with none bigger than getting on base at this critical time.  Slugger of the year nominee Marty Patience  then hit a double and suddenly there were two men on base for the Spartans which set the stage for the biggest moment in Spartans history, when 'I'm back from retirement' SCOTTY 'who's your daddy' 'Shake 'n' Bake'  'Clutch' BAKER stepped to the box there was tension in the air.  The champagne bottle that the commissioner had standing by started to quiver, the Burby cup held its breath,  fans leaned forward in their seats....and.....  BOOM,  HOME RUN.  Just clearing the fence for a 3 run shot!  The log jam was busted open and for the first time in three games and  22 innings against the Rail Hawks the Spartans had put up runs.  You could hear the Hawks players swallow hard as they knew what was at stake. 

   In the bottom of the inning Owen did what he had been doing all year.  With ice in his veins he got his two outs, striking out the final batter and the Spartans had won their first Championship in franchise history. Pop the cork and cue the celebration.  WHAT A GAME. WHAT A SEASON.  

   Thanks to the Hawks for an incredible game, they will no doubt be a contending team for years to come.  And thanks to the league and all the players and teams that make this the best Bat 'n' Ball league in Toronto.  

 

PB

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The shot heard round the Burby World. click the Pic☝🏼to see the Historic Game Winning Bomb from Scott Baker.