Roy-Hart tops Albion to capture Midget ‘A’ playoff championship

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 18 August 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Roy-Hart second baseman Al Xapsos gets ready to tag out Albion’s JJ Downs on a steal attempt during this evening’s Midget ‘A’ playoff championship game at Barre Town Park which was won by Roy-Hart.

Jumping out to a quick first inning lead, Roy-Hart went on to defeat Albion 10-6 this evening at the Barre Town Park to capture the Lockport Midget ‘A’ League playoff championship series in two straight games.

Brad Wilson had the big night at the plate with a home run, double and 6 RBIs for Roy-Hart which also bested Albion 4-3 in the first game of the title series last Thursday.

Roy-Hart took the lead for good by scoring three times with two out in the top of the first inning on a two-run double by Wilson and an RBI single by Austin Walker.

The lead jumped to 4-0 in the second inning on a two-out RBI single by Aaron Metz.

Albion shortstop Dominic DiCureia tries to turn a double play after getting Roy-Hart’s Steven Douglas out at second base.

Roy-Hart then opened up a commanding 10-0 advantage by erupting for 6 runs in the fourth inning capped off by a grand slam home run by Wilson over the left field fence. A fielders choice play off the bat of Al Xapsos and a single by Austin Heschke plated the first 2 runs of the inning.

Albion though did come battling back starting with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth on a bases loaded walk and a fielders choice play. A hit batter, a single by Trey Hart and an error loaded the bases to set up the opportunity.

Keeping the momentum, Albion tacked on 4 more runs in the fifth on a two-run single by Dominic DiCureia, a fielders choice play off the bat of Hart and an RBI single by Austin Loyd to cut the deficit to 10-6. A walk, a hit batter and an error loaded the bases to set up the threat.

Roy-Hart third baseman Eric Fitch puts the tag on Albion’s Austin Loyd.

However, Albion could get no closer as Wilson, who came on in relief to get the final 2 outs in the fifth, put Albion down in order in both the sixth and seventh innings, including 4 strikeouts, to close out the win and the championship for Roy-Hart.

Metz pitched the first four and one-third innings scattering 3 hits and striking out 5.

JJ Downs, who came on in relief in the fourth frame for Albion, blanked Roy-Hart over the finals three and two-thirds innings on 1 hit with 4 strikeouts.