Bearcats hang on for win against Halifax

A win’s a win. And at this point, the Truro Bearcats will take what they can get.

Monday night at the TAAC Grounds the Bearcats posted their third victory of the season, defeating the Halifax Pelham Molson Canadians 9-8 in Nova Scotia Senior Baseball League play.

It was closer than it should have been. Truro had built up an 8-0 lead after four innings and were ahead 9-3 going to the ninth. Halifax came back with five in their at-bat – including a grand slam – but the Bearcats were able to hang on and put the 9-8 win in the books.

The Bearcats had their bats going and showed some swagger in the early going, propelling them to their huge lead. A good example was when base runner Justin Morton went to third on a passed ball and rounded the bag. Morton casually took a few steps back toward third, then turned and bolted for home. The move caught Halifax catcher Shawn Walsh flat-footed and he wasn’t in position to take a throw to get Morton who slid in uncontested.

John Chapman went the dis- tance on the mound for Truro, giving up 12 hits. Truro mustered 10 hits against hurlers Greg Mackinnon and Brett Mcinnis over the course of the contest, with Mackinnon taking the loss.

At the plate, Jeff Chisholm had a double and a single to drive in two runs. Jason Smith also drove in two, with a pair of singles. Tyler Smith doubled to bring in a run and second baseman Dan Chisholm helped the cause with a double and a single.

Walsh led Halifax with the grand slam in the ninth that got the Canadians close, to go with a single and a double.

Truro committed three errors in the contest to Halifax’s two.

With the win, the Bearcats (314) sat three games back of the Kentville Wildcats (5-11), though Kentville had games scheduled this week with Halifax (4-7) and Dartmouth (15-0). That sets up a clash this Sunday when the Bearcats travel to Kentville for a double-header. Game times are 1 and 4 p.m.

Next home games for Truro are July 22 when they host secondplace Sydney Sooners (10-5) for a Sunday doubleheader. Game times are 1 and 4 p.m. at the TAAC Grounds.