What a ninth inning!
The European Cup semifinals delivered heart-stopping drama in the final frames, as both future champions seemed cruising toward easy wins. Hoboken and Rouen both bent but didn’t break, ultimately securing their spots in the final.
First, kudos to the Belgians. Especially to their pitcher, Bebee Brayden, fresh from the NCAA, who put on a pitching clinic against Tenerife’s powerful hitters. Mixing his pitches perfectly, he kept them off-balance for 8 innings. The American from Henderson State University was even flirting with a no-hitter, an feat no one saw coming after their qualifying round.
When he walked Costales, the second batter he faced, you could sense a long afternoon ahead and feared the Marlins’ offense would do damage. But the Spaniards were utterly powerless. So much so that after issuing his second walk of the game in the 4th, Brayden retired the next 12 batters in a row.
No one expected such dominance, just as no one expected a lackluster performance from the Marlins’ starter, Yeudi Garcia, whose impressive resume includes pitching in AA just two years ago. But Hoboken kept the pressure on, showing discipline at the plate and the ability to hit timely singles. Garcia, who had allowed only 7 hits in 24 innings in the Spanish league, gave up 7 in 7 innings yesterday. After threatening in the 2nd, the Pioneers scored in the 3rd with three consecutive infield hits, coupled with an error, allowing them to push across two runs. They kept the pressure on but left many runners stranded, raising fears that all those missed opportunities might come back to haunt them. But in the 7th, after two outs, their natural leader, Thomas de Wolf, crushed a long homer to left. And two innings later, the ninth hitter in the lineup, Toon Hendricks, did the same. 4-0 after 8 innings, a pitcher in total control—it seemed all over.
But no. Brayden walked the Marlins’ leadoff batter. No big deal, he then retired Costales and the dangerous Franco. One more out for the win and the no-hitter. That’s when Galvan broke out of his slump with a two-run double. Then Montiel followed with a timely hit, tying the game. That was it for the Belgian starter, who was greeted by ovations from his teammates as he returned to the dugout. The experienced Kenny Van den Branden was called from the bullpen, facing catcher Ian Peres, 1-for-12 in the tournament. And on a full count, he struck out the Spaniard for a hard-earned trip to the final.
It was intense. But what about the ninth inning between the Barracudas and the Huskies? Rouen was cruising to an easy win. In the third, the Rouen offense tore apart their former ace, Owen Ozanich, with a two-run homer by Gleeson followed by another two-run shot by Rodriguez. Then, against a tired-looking Sigiura, three more runs crossed the plate, with Dagneau and Blondel leading the charge. Even if Yaeferson Gomez wasn’t at his best, he managed to escape trouble every inning, including two beautiful double plays. 7-1 in the 9th for the Huskies, the game was in the bag. Especially since the bottom of the Barracudas’ lineup was coming up.
But if there’s one thing you can’t take away from Montpellier, it’s their competitive spirit. Pontiac confirmed his excellent European Cup by drawing a walk. Doat followed with a single, then Nayrac with a two-run triple. 7-4, nothing dramatic, but a slight doubt began to creep into the Huskies. After one out, Guiraud was safe on a perfectly placed bunt between the mound and second base. Boris Marche called on Yoann Vaugelade for relief. Brossier’s RBI double made it 7-5. After a second out, Soriano singled, 7-6, with the dangerous Zan at the plate. The Rouennais had no choice but to return to their bullpen and hand the ball to Esteban Prioul. Four pitches later, Zan sent the ball flying, and the Huskies could finally breathe…
So, Rouen vs. Hoboken in the final. The Huskies will hand the ball to their Australian Todd Van Steensel, boasting a very long career in the minor leagues. For the Belgians, de Wolff or Van den Branden are the candidates to start. But whatever happens, you’ll have to stay until the very last out. Yesterday’s semifinals confirmed their old adage: ‘It ain’t over till it’s over.’ Yogi Berra was always right.
François Colombier
Crédits photo : Glenn Gervot
