The Comox Valley Cubs overcame arachnophobia to win their opening game at the 2015 Roy Hobbs World Series in Fort Myers, Fla.
After a great practice on Saturday, the Cubs opening game was Sunday against the Cleveland Spiders. "The game began in a very bad way, as the Spiders scored seven runs in the first three innings," reports Kevin Dobbelsteyn.
"We were a bit nervous and were squeezing the gloves, and the pitching (yours truly) was very inconsistent," Dobbelsteyn said.
The Spiders led 7-0 after three innings and maintained that edge through four frames.
However, Dobbelsteyn found his range on the mound and shut the Spiders down the rest of the way. And the Cubs' bats came alive.
Gowans emptied the bases with a drive to right field. McGiffen went 3-for-3. Wishart had two critical hits and drove in a pair of runs.
Egeland used great patience to draw an eighth inning walk. Greene had a fine game behind the plate and at the plate. Fauteux made the tough managerial decisions to keep the game close.
With their temporary bout of arachnophobia cured, the Cubs scored three in the bottom of the eighth to secure the 8-7 comeback victory.
The Comox Valley crew, playing in the age 60-plus Classics Division, play San Antonia Texans today, Kent Mudhens on Tuesday and Long Island Yankees on Wednesday. Playoffs follow.
The Cubs are competing with about 50 other teams in their division. The total of all divisions is almost 300 teams.
The tournament is played on the spring training facilities of the Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox, including the almost-brand-new Jet Blue stadium of the Sox.
The only other Canadian team is from Nova Scotia. However, because the Cubs' roster includes players from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario, this is Canada’s team.
Follow the action at royhobbs.com/.