The Yorkton Yankees are one step closer to their third consecutive SESBL title following a 6-3 win over the hometown Melville Bison in Game Two of their Best-of-Three SESBL quarterfinal series last Thursday in Melville.
The Yankees got a complete game effort out of Nova Scotia import pitcher Mark Pelham (7.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 4 K) to clinch the series.
But not only did Pelham keep the Bison off balance when pitching, he also rocked them at the plate going 3-for-4 in the game and picking up two RBIs to lead the Yankees offensively and cause player/coach Mark Jacobs to once again praise the Eastern Canadian southpaw. "He's just so smooth, such a nice swing," said Jacobs, when asked about Pelham's abilities. "He goes with the ball whether it is to the opposite field, up the middle or down the other line. He's got a great swing and it's a big bonus to our team to have him out there.
"He's something special to watch on the mound as well."
And while Pelham was a big reason why the Yankees took Game Two, after all he did have three hits and the complete game victory, he wasn't the only one. Six of nine Yorkton starters picked up a hit and all nine starters reached base in the game, prompting Jacobs to say, "I think we hit the ball well and got on base at the right times.
"It was nice to see ourselves rise to that occasion and get through to the second round."
As for the next round, Jacobs believes that it doesn't matter who they face, they should be fine so long as his team is ready to play. "It doesn't really matter who we play we just have to prepare the same way, get your pitching staff ready to go and go from there," offered Jacobs.
When and who the play has yet to be decided, however, as both the Russell/Willowbrook and Canora/Langenburg series are yet to be decided as of press time (Russell and Willowbrook played last night, Tuesday, while Canora hosts Langenburg tomorrow, Thursday).
