The approximately five-hour journey by bus between Joliet, Illinois and Evansville, Indiana should be more comfortable for the Capitales of Quebec on Thursday following a 6-point win earlier in the day 3.
So the Capitals present an interesting record of 4-2 after two first series won abroad in baseball’s frontier league. The long journey of nine games in ten days in the United States to start the season now concludes with three games against the Otters in Evansville, Friday through Sunday. After that, the grand local opening will take place at the Stade Canac on Tuesday, May 24th.
“The goal before departure was to win the three series,” commented manager Patrick Scalabrini and was satisfied. We’re two-thirds of the way there and we’re still hoping to come back with a record of 6-3 or better. We need to finish work in Evansville first before returning home, but we’re definitely looking forward to May 24th and representing the capitals at home. We are excited.”
Lacroix in great shape
In Thursday’s win against the Joliet Slammers, Quebec’s Jonathan Lacroix excelled with four goals in five appearances to earn his eighth and ninth RBI of the season. It is he who has dominated the Capitals in this regard since the beginning of the campaign. Lacroix also used the game to increase his batting average to .360 (9 for 25).
“I’m very happy for Jonathan, we’re entitled to the 2022 version of the player,” Scalabrini noted of the 25-year-old midfielder, who was used in the fifth row of the attacking lineup. Honestly, it’s not the same guy as last year [avec Équipe Québec]. He came to camp mentally ready and physically stronger. He’s a big part of our team, a little bit more than we expected, to be honest. I think he’s more serious in his approach and he’s a player who contributes at key moments.
Paid Education
Lacroix, a former Houston Astros 12th-round pick in the 2017 Major League Baseball draft, was equally enthusiastic after Thursday’s game.
“I can see the ball just fine,” he agreed, who was coaching with old friend Abraham Toro of the Seattle Mariners during the offseason. Last year I didn’t have the season I wanted and I worked hard this winter. It counts! I know my role in the team and don’t want to push myself too hard. So far, so good.”
Pitcher Michael Austin (1-0) also did well against the Slammers on Thursday, allowing just one run in six working innings. Perfect in the ninth inning, reliever Samuel Adames made his second save of the season.
– Elsewhere in the Frontier League, the Aigles de Trois-Rivières (2-4) lost a game shortened to five innings due to rain to the Grizzlies 5-2 on Thursday in Illinois. The Ottawa Titans (4-2) beat the Windy City ThunderBolts 13-3.