Exeter Express

EXETER – The Exeter Express topped the Ilderton Red Army 5-3 Friday night in Exeter, before dropping a doubleheader against the Strathroy Royals on Saturday.

The weekend was an important set of games for Exeter, who are battling the Royals for top spot in the league. In Friday night’s game Express starter Craig Bate allowed seven singles, three doubles and walked three in a complete game effort.

The southpaw also collected seven strikeouts in the win. Express manager Doug Fairbairn noted due to work commitments it was the first time Bate had taken the mound for the team since early June. “It took him a couple innings to get back in the groove,” said Fairbairn. “Once he got it going he was the same dominant pitcher we’re used to seeing.”

Chris Pfaff led the Express with a single and double and Taylor Patterson added two base hits in the win.

Shawn O’Sullivan also doubled while Brandon Hawke, Conrad Julien, Mitch Masse, Chris Gosnell and Ryan Darling added singles. “Considering we’re battling with Strathroy for first place, this is a big win,” said Fairbairn. “Every win is big.”

For Saturday’s doubleheader against Strathroy the Express were shorthanded, Fairbairn explained, causing players to have to field unfamiliar positions. Exeter dropped the first game 10-2 and allowed four unearned runs in the first inning of Game Two, falling 6-1.

As a result, Exeter’s final game of the season Thursday night against the London Bulls has huge implications for the final standings. “It’s pretty simple,” Fairbairn said. “If we win the game we end up in first place.

If we lose, we drop down to second.” The Express may have a boost to finish the season, as Fairbairn said longtime catcher and number three hitter Bob Grant will return to the Express for the remainder of the season.

“Bob will be playing second and third base and (will) spell Taylor (Patterson) off behind the plate when needed,”

Fairbairn said. “This is a huge addition for us.” Thursday night’s regular season finale will be at 7:30 p.m. at Alvin Willert Field.