Wilson's ninth homer lifts Cavs in opener
- Tim Warren
- May 3, 2019
- 2 min read
Updated: May 3, 2019
Steve Kent picks up sixth win for Canberra
By Tim Warren / TheABL.com.au
Canberra have continued their chase of the North-East division title following their 6-2 win over the Sydney at MIT Narrabundah Ballpark on Thursday night.
The Cavs improve their Brut Australian Baseball League record to 16-13 to remain within striking distance of the Brisbane Bandits (17-12), while Sydney (20-9) remain cemented to first place in the division.
Michael Fransoso opened the scoring for the home team in the first inning with a massive home run to right field.
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Zach Wilson extended the lead to 2-0 for the hosts in the fourth inning following a Michael Crouse ground ball single on his return to the Cavalry side after a five-year absence.
The Blue Sox dragged a run back in the sixth inning when Trent D'Antonio scored for the visitors after Gift Ngoepe's fly ball double.
Canberra quickly restored their two-run buffer at the bottom of the sixth when Zach Wilson punished the ball for his league-leading ninth home run.
Canberra put the result beyond doubt in a dominant eighth inning, adding three runs through walks and Sydney errors to extend their lead to 6-1.
The Blue Sox added a run late in the ninth inning to soften the blow when Gift Ngoepe scored, but it was a case of too little too late.
The underlying story of the night was about Sydney catcher Jack Murphy, formerly a Cavalry cult hero in their 2013/14 Claxton Shield victory, played his first game back at MIT Narrabundah Ballpark following his move to the Blue Sox.
Murphy received a warm welcome from the home crowd, however, was unable to have too much of an influence on the game.
Canberra now move to a 4-1 record against the Blue Sox this season, following their series victory earlier in the season at Blue Sox Stadium.
Game two of the series between Sydney and Canberra will commence on Friday night at 7pm.
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