TIMMINS - The Whiskey Jacks will be looking to win an unbelievable 14th-straight Timmins Men’s Baseball League championship when the finals get underway.
A convincing 12-3 win over the Brewers at Fred Salvador Field Tuesday night gave the Whiskey Jacks a sweep of their best-of-five semifinal series and earned them the opportunity to defend their title against the Orioles, who will try for a fifth-straight year to spoil their party.
The Orioles eliminated the Red Sox in Game 4 of their semifinal series Monday night.
Desperate to extend the series, the Brewers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in Tuesday night’s contest.
After a scoreless first inning, the Brewers got their offence going against Whiskey Jacks pitcher Jamie Dagenais in the bottom of the second inning.
Thomas Scripnick drew a lead-off walk and two outs later came around to score on a throwing error by Whiskey Jacks left fielder Corey Numainville after Joey Slattery singled.
Slattery, who was able to move up to second on the throw, advanced to third base on a passed ball and then came in to score on an error by Whiskey Jacks third baseman Chris Greer that allowed Sheldon Belanger to reach base.
The Whiskey Jacks responded with three runs in the top of the third inning, however, to take a 3-2 lead.
Mat Vachon walked to lead off the inning and then advanced to second on a Dallaire single.
Jamie Dagenais then walked to load the bases for the visitors.
One out later, Vachon and Dallaire came in to score as Cedric Bradette reached base on a fielder’s choice, while Dagenais was allowed to score on an interference ruling.
The Brewers were unable to respond in their half of the frame and the Whiskey Jacks struck for six runs in the top of the fourth inning to take a 9-2 lead and control of the game.
Michael Duciaume and Vachon walked to lead off the frame, with Duciaume coming around to score on an error by Brewers second baseman David Chantigny.
A Dagenais single loaded the bases and Greer then singled to bring home Vachon with the Whiskey Jacks second run of the inning.
Two outs later, it appeared the Brewers would have a chance to escape the inning without further damage but Matt Bechard was hit by a pitch to force in the Whiskey Jacks third run.
The next Whiskey Jacks hitter, Numainville, was also hit by a pitch to force in yet another run.