Tornadoes Win Regular Season Finale; Set Sights on Postseason

Published on September 1, 2008 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Worcester Tornadoes News Release


Ottawa, Ontario -- Alex Pena's first home run in over two years tied a Can-Am League record for Worcester, as the Tornadoes finished up the 2008 regular season at a season-best 12 games over .500 (53-41) with an 8-3 over the Ottawa Rapidz on Monday afternoon.

For the first time in the four-game series, the Rapidz jumped out on top first, using four singles to score two runs off righty Justin Edwards in the 2nd inning. But after managing only two singles over the first four innings against Rapidz lefty Fraser Robinson (4-8), the Tornadoes finally broke through in the 5th inning. Alex Pena doubled leading off the inning and moved to third on an Omar Pena single. After Mike MacMillan popped out to first base, Josh Farkes' ground to third was thrown away by Scotty McKnight for an error. Alex Pena scored on the play and Omar Pena and Farkes would follow him home when Scott Grimes ripped a two-run double to left-center. The next hitter, B.J. Weed, singled to center, plating Grimes and giving the Tornadoes a 4-2 lead. Ottawa got one back in the bottom of the 5th when Edwards walked Pete Pirman with the bases loaded, but lefthander Ryan Lobban came on to end the Rapidz threat.

Alex Pena gave the Tornadoes their two-run lead back when he blasted a titanic home run to left-center in the top of the 6th. It was Pena's first home run since 7/4/06 and it gave Worcester 102 longballs on the season, tying the Can-Am League record set by the 2005 North Shore Spirit. Worcester would put things away with three more runs in the 8th, using two singles, two walks and a costly McKnight error to do the damage. Shaun McNamara came out of the bullpen to pitch two scoreless innings to wrap up the victory.

Lobban (5-1) was the winner and Robinson (4-8) took the loss. The Tornadoes conclude the 2008 regular season at 53-41, the most wins and best winning percentage in franchise history. Worcester will bring their six-game postseason winning streak into the playoffs, which begin Wednesday night. If Sussex defeats Atlantic City in their game tonight, the first two games between Worcester and Sussex will be played in Worcester. If the Surf are victorious, the first two games will be held at Skylands Park in Sussex County. Lefthander Tom Cochran is scheduled to start Game One of the playoffs for Worcester. Sussex has yet to decide on their Game One starter. First pitch is set for 7:05pm on Wednesday night.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Canadian American League Stories from September 1, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central