St. John's senior fastpitch: Bulldogs put bite on Hitmen in the seventh

A single by Stephen Strapp in the top of the seventh inning scored Jeremy Hickey with what would be the winning run as the Kelly’s Pub Molson Bulldogs remained undefeated with an 8-4 win over the NTV Hitmen in Molson St. John's senior men’s fast pitch play Sunday at Lions Park.

The Bulldogs and Hitmen had been tied 4-4 heading into the seventh, where Kelly’s Pub got more than enough offence to win the game.

Strapp, who scored two runs, and Jon Kelly, who drove in two runs, both had three hits for the Bulldogs. Winning pitcher Blair Ezekiel (2H, 2W) and Gary Bruce (H, 3W) each reached base four times for Kelly’s Pub.

Ezekiel (7H, W, 10K)) went the distance on the mound for the decision over fellow veteran Robbie Green (11H, 7K), whose cause was hamstrung by a dozen walks — including one to Hickey to lead off the seventh. Lee Cose finished up for the Hitmen, retiring the two batters he faced.

Sheldon Keough had a two-run homer for the winners, while Chris Murphy had a pair of hits.

In Sunday’s second game, Colin Walsh scattered three hits and allowed just two walks in a five-inning shutout pitching performance as the 3 Cheers Pub Bud Light blanked the Chayee Bourras Wines Vines 10-0 in a game shortened by the league’s mercy rule.

Ryan Kirk hit a three-run homer for the winners, while the Dodgers’ Philip Corbett added three hits and 2RBs.

Walsh and teammate Tony Meade each had two hits as did Joel Nash of the Vines.

Logan Power, pitching in his first senior league game, was tagged with the loss.

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Records

Bulldogs    5-0

Dodgers    3-2

Hitmen    3-3

The Bigs     2-4

CBWV    1-5