By Jeff Maguire of EMC Sports
EMC Sports – There was a stunning turn of events Saturday for Quyon Combat Flyers!
The West Quebec team went through the entire Greater Ottawa Fastball League (GOFL) campaign undefeated. But at Quyon Fairgrounds Saturday, Kars Aces successfully defended their championship, defeating Flyers twice the same day to retain the I4C Consulting Trophy.
The first-ever ‘Final Weekend Showdown’ (FWS) in Quyon involved four of the league’s seven teams in a two-day, double knockout competition that decided the 2011 GOFL champion.
The final in the title-clinching game Saturday afternoon was 6-2 for Kars. But it was much closer than the final score indicates. The teams were scoreless for three and a half innings before Kristian Knapp gave Kars the lead with a home run in the bottom of the fourth.
In the sixth inning Quyon jumped in front when Joran Graham walked and pitcher Drew Hathway stroked a two-run homer to give the home team their only lead.
A win by Flyers would have forced another contest in the double knockout event. But just when that seemed a real possibility Kars showed their mettle with a big five-run explosion in their half of the sixth.
The rally was keyed by Matt Alkerton’s three-run homer. Cory Morrison doubled in a run and Chad Milne also had a run scoring single in the inning.
Steve Price was the winning pitcher. He was dominant on the mound for Aces striking out 14 and allowing just two hits. Veteran Brad Porter wrapped up the title with one inning of outstanding relief. Porter fanned all three men he faced and his teammates exploded off the bench to celebrate a second consecutive league championship.
Hathway was the starter and loser for Quyon with Graham facing one batter in relief.
Aces, which changed their team name and home field last season, are comprised mainly of players from the former Ottawa Team Easton Thunder squad. Thunder/Aces have now won seven titles in nine seasons. Between 2003 and 2007 Team Easton captured five consecutive championships in GOFL and its forerunner, the Kemptville Men’s Fastball League.
The disappointed Quyon club, who dominated the league all season, had to settle for the runner-up spot for a third straight year. They fell to Stittsville 56ers in the 2009 final. Click here to continue reading.