Windham Merchants Lose to Lewiston in Shortened Playoff Game

Baseball - JR Legion

July 23, 2009

By David Field

 

Second baseman Joe Bryant fully extends to catch a throw from catcher Dylan Thomas as the Lewiston runner slides under him. David Field photo.

 

Lewiston-  The Windham Jr. Legion team was defeated by the number one seed, Lewiston tonight in a shortened game 12-7, despite all attempts to complete the game.

 

Windham jumped out to a quick lead when Drew Gagnon drove in Kyle Williams in the first to get Windham on the board.  The rain began to fall steadily and conditions deteriorated quickly.  Both teams recorded three runs each in the second.  Micah Sawyer recorded a base hit to drive in Matt McLean and then Cody Dube hit a double that drove in Micah Sawyer and Morgan Sawyer.

 

Morgan Sawyer watches the pitch as he prepares to take his secondary lead. David Field photo.

 

Windham would answer in the fourth by loading the bases with Joe Bryant, Matt McLean and Morgan Sawyer.  Joe Bryant scored on a passed ball in the inning.  Windham would be blanked in the fourth and Lewiston answered with two runs to tie the game.  Windham came out strong in the fifth inning scoring two runs but would have the inning end on a controversial call.  Matt McLean reached on a base hit and would score on an overthrow by the Lewiston catcher to the third baseman.  Then, Morgan Sawyer scored on a passed ball.  Micah Sawyer and Kevin Cidre reached base on walks.  Cody Dube hit the ball to the shortstop and the shortstop tossed the ball to the second baseman.   Cidre, slid in to second and unintentionally contacted the defensive player.  The umpire called Cidre out and then called interference on Cidre causing Dube to be out and the inning retired. 

 

Cody Dube hustles from second to third base during the game against Lewiston. David Field photo.

 

Lewiston quickly took advantage of the change in momentum and generated seven runs and chased starting pitcher Cody Dube from the mound.  Devin Lailer came on in relief and even though the Lewiston bats were making contact, the Windham defense couldn’t seem to handle the slippery balls being hit at them.  After a twenty five minute bottom of five Lewiston led 12-7.  Conditions were darkening, but the rain had stopped

 

Kyle Williams safely steals second base. David Field photo.

 

Windham came out strong in the top of the sixth and generated some offense of their own by scoring four runs to put them a run behind Lewiston.  Lewiston came to bat in the bottom of the sixth.  Windham’s defense started strong by recording two quick outs.  Then, Lewiston again found ways to get runners on and got the bases loaded.  Coach Ken Sawyer called time at 8pm.  He wanted to switch pitchers.  So, as Morgan Sawyer began to warm up, the umpires were conversing.  After the warm up, the game was called.  The Lewiston coach wanted to continue the game at a nearby lighted field.  Calls were made while players and fans milled around.  The decision was made to continue the game at another location under lights.  Once the teams arrived, the officiating crew called the game due to unplayable field conditions due to standing water.  So, with the sixth inning not complete, the ruling was the score reverts back to the final inning completed with Lewiston the victor 12-7. 

Congratulations to the Windham Merchants Jr. Legion Team on a very good season.  The Jr. Legion State Tournament will be held in Windham starting this Sunday at the Varsity Field.