The Sarnia Brigade got some good pitching and timely hitting in beating the Ilderton Riverhawks 5-4 on Thursday night at Labatt Park.
Wade Babula made his first start of the year. He threw five innings and struck out two while scattering five hits.
Sarnia took a 2-0 lead in the top of the third. Wesley Brooks got things started with a single which was followed up by an Alex McLean walk. Vince Caschera rejoined the starting lineup for the first time in 2022 and came through with an RBI single to cash Brooks. Jack Symington would then single in McLean.
The Riverhawks would take the lead back in the bottom of the frame on a deep homerun by Byron Reichstein. It was 3-2 Ilderton after three complete.
The Brigade would jump right back on the sticks in the fourth care of a Quinton Johnston walk and stolen base. Third baseman Brad Hill stepped up and ripped an RBI triple to the wall. He would later score to make it 4-3 Sarnia.
Nick Baljeu would take the ball in the sixth for the Brigade. Baljeu, the all-time leader in wins for the Club, would not disappoint, allowing just three hits over his four innings of work.
Ilderton would tie the game up on a sac-fly in the seventh to make things interesting.
In the top of the eighth, Travis Eavson worked a big leadoff walk. Hill moved him over into scoring position for McLean with two out. McLean connected for a clutch RBI single to give Sarnia back a one run lead.
Baljeu would shut the door in the eighth and ninth.
The Brigade win 5-4 in a great Southwestern League battle.