TITANS (LITERALLY) WALK IT OFF, PUSH QUÉBEC TO THE BRINK OF ELIMINATION
WRITTEN BY: MIKE GUISTOLISE
OTTAWA - The Ottawa Titans walked off the Québec Capitales 2-1 on a bases-loaded walk in the 10th inning on Thursday to grab a 1-0 lead in the East Division Series.
Titan Stadium was sent into pandemonium on Thursday night when the Titans used some excellent grit and plate discipline to work their way to a win over the two-time Frontier League Champion Capitales.
Shortstop Kyle Crowl put Québec on top 1-0 in the fourth inning with an RBI single through the left side. Ottawa turned the Capitales away with runners on second and third to keep the score within one.
The Titans had a golden opportunity to tie the game in the eighth when a failed pickoff move allowed second baseman Jackie Urbaez to scamper from first to third. Left fielder Lance Briggs hit a ball on the screws to the left side but it was caught at third for the final out of the inning.
After Ottawa kept the Capitales off the scoreboard in the top of the ninth, it got to work against right-handed closer Frank Moscatiello with a one-out single from right fielder Brendan O'Donnell. First baseman Jamey Smart then singled to move the tying run into scoring position. A botched double steal saw O'Donnell get thrown out at third for the second out. After third baseman Christian Ibarra was intentionally walked, the Titans inserted Payton Isaacson as a pinch hitter in a last-ditch effort to tie the game.
Isaacson came through, lining an RBI base hit through the left side that moved Ibarra over to third. Right-hander Austin Marozas then relieved Moscatiello and forced the game into extra innings.
Left-hander Grant Larson came out to start the 10th for Ottawa but was taken out of the game after a two-out comebacker hit him in his drive leg. Lefty Jake Dixon came on for his second postseason appearance and forced a lineout to keep the score even.
The Titans started the bottom of the 10th off strong with a base hit into right by Urbaez. Shortstop Aaron Castillas followed to lie down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move Urbaez to second. After Briggs was intentionally walked, designated hitter AJ Wright was hit by the second pitch he saw from Marozas to load the bases for Brendan O'Donnell. The Titans' right fielder worked a four-pitch walk to bring home the winning run and give Ottawa a 1-0 series lead.
Dixon took the win, despite registering just the one out in the 10th. Marozas took the loss after being brought out in relief.
The Titans will head to Québec and Stade Canac to try and close out the series this weekend. Game two will be played on Saturday, September 7th at 7:05 PM EDT.
