Shammys Shutout 5-0 by Panthers, start season 0-2. Game #3: May 18, 2010 - (Pickering, Ont) After inclement weather washed out the Shamrocks second game of the season last week, the Shammys moved on to face the Pickering Panthers in their only game of the week on Tuesday Night.
The Panthers veteran pitching staff, combined with a youthful core behind their hurlers, often prove to be quite the challenge for the Shamrocks in years past. Tuesday’s match-up was no different as runs seemed to be at a premium.
Sparkling defence by both squads highlighted an impressive first inning as both teams turned double plays. Shamrocks 2nd Baseman Chris Tercer turned the unassisted twin killing in the top half of the 1st snagging a line drive and racing to the bag to double off the Panthers lead-off runner at 2nd eliminating the early threat.
The Shammys positioned themselves to take the early lead in the bottom half of the frame. After getting their first two batters into scoring position and just one out, clean up hitter Marc Reynolds hit a flyball to RF seemingly deep enough for Cam Armstrong to tag from 3rd base. A strong throw to the plate gunned down the runner and stopped the Shamrocks rally dead in their tracks.
The Panthers didn’t wait long to capitalize on their next opportunity. In the Top of 2nd, with a runner on, slugger Brandon Rogers belted and 0-2 riseball just short of the wall in left centre for the RBI triple giving them the 1-0 lead which would prove to be the eventual winning run.
The Shamrocks offense has sputtered early in this season and never really mounted a true threat going down to defeat 5-0 and falling to 0-2 on the season. But there were some promising signs to take from Tuesday’s loss. Tercer who has been moved up into the #2 hole and responded with 2nd multi hit game of the season and has provided a spark at the top of the order. Fred Fleming, making his season debut, showed up to the park with some pop in his bat and was belting the ball with authority finishing 2-for-2. Those two combined for ALL THE SHAMROCKS HITS IN THE GAME, 4 in total. The Shammys also added two walks.
“We have definitely had our opportunities to score early in games” said skipper Cam Armstrong after the game. “We have to start capitalizing on these first inning chances and put the pressure on our opponents.”
To go along with Tuesday’s first inning when then failed to capitalize, the Shammys loaded the bases with none out in the first inning of their season opener vs DD4U and came away empty after the next 3 batters struck out.
“Its still early. We’ll get the offense on track. Its nothing I’m worried about … yet.” added Armstrong.
A great time to start would be next Thursday when the Shamrocks take on the 2-1 Thundercats, 6:30 at Dunmoore Park.
Game Notes
- Shamrocks started 0-2 in 2009, finished with 11-8-1
- Vs Panthers last season: 2 Wins – 1 Loss (L 9-3 May 12, W 1-0 Aug 6, W 5-4 Aug 13)
- Chris Tercer 4-for-5 this season (.800)
- NO contributions to Toonie Tin (caught looking K’s), 5 Ks all swinging vs Panthers
- Vs Thundercats last season 1-0-1 (W 8-4 June 16, Tie 4-4 July 16)