Relying on an inspired display from their pitchers, the Quebec Capitales jumped up at the very end of the game to beat the Tri-City ValleyCats 3-1 at Canac Stadium on Tuesday.
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After ending a painful eight-loss streak with a brilliant win over Trois-Rivières Aigles on Sunday, Patrick Scalabrini’s side seem to have really turned a page in this dark chapter of their campaign.
Still well positioned in the eastern part of the Frontier League, the “Caps” are one game behind the Washington Wild Things, who dominate the overall standings.
In today’s duel, the two teams fought a bitter defensive battle until the eighth inning. Visiting starting pitcher Joey Gonzalez made way for replacement Adam Hofacket, and the latter managed to remove Yoelkis Guibert and Jordan Manduley without too much trouble. However, he conceded a brace from David Glaude and a long ball from Jeffry Parra in quick succession, paving the way to the hosts’ victory.
It’s an unfortunate result for Gonzalez, who was masterful on the mound for seven innings. He allowed just one earned run with three hits and also batted an additional five batters.
Guibert used his one weak moment To the “Caps'” other point, hitting home plate after a bad throw.
Miguel Cienfuegos also dominated as shop steward for the team in the Old Capital. Despite a misstep in the third inning when Brantley Bell sent his bid wide, he fulfilled his mandate by allowing a deserved run and six hits over six innings.
Helpers Ian Codina, Samuel Adames and Nick Horvath then joined forces to nail the coffin for the ValleyCats. Neither of them allowed an opposing player to reach first base.
Although they didn’t produce any runs, Glaude and Manduley shone with two hits at the racquet. The visitors, too, saw only two of their players score more than one goal from a safe corner: Bell and Cito Culver.
The Tri-City team will look to prolong the suspense by winning the second game of this three-game series, which takes place on Wednesday.