Majors strike out

London Community News

By Jonathon Brodie/London Community News / Twitter: @jonathonbrodie The London Majors almost started the Canada Day fireworks early on Sunday (July 1), but were unable to find enough fire to ignite the flames against a familiar foe at Labatt Park. Down 2-1, the Majors were able to put runners on first and third base with two outs in the ninth inning, but pinch hitter Taylor Carr struck out to end the game and bust the rally. London had to listen to the ump behind the plate yelling at players to sit down all night with 13 strike outs for Ottawa—a season worst for the Majors. “We battled right to the end,” said Majors' co-owner/field manager Roop Chanderdat. “We just couldn’t get that clutch single.” The Majors’ scored their lone run in the fifth inning when Chris Stewart hit the RBI, but London failed to bring runners in scoring position home five times in the game—all in different innings. Despite Majors’ Eric Cordova not giving up an earned run over eight innings of work, the ace still picks up the lose after two runners came in from an error off Paul LaMantia in the right field in the first inning.  After giving up two hits in the opening frame, Cordova used a good mix of off-speed pitches and only gave up another three all game. “I fed off of the energy with the crowd being here,” Cordova said, 3-2 on his rookie campaign in the Intercounty Baseball League with a 4.10 ERA. The Fat Cats have become a pest for the mighty Majors who have an all-time record of 4-11 against Ottawa. Since last year’s playoff upset in the quarter-finals over the Majors, Ottawa has continued to show their supremacy against London with two victories on the season now. “Right now, they’ve got our number and I’m not going to say anything different,” Chanderdat said. “You got to come out one time and beat that team and turn the tide.” The Majors’ will get their opportunity for revenge soon. London plays the Guelph Royals on the road Tuesday (July 3) before coming back home to play Guelph Thursday (July 5).  On Saturday, the Majors will start a weekend road series against the Fat Cats, looking to overcome their unbeaten streak against Ottawa. Find us on Facebook: London Community News