The Tribune

By JONATHAN BURROWS

Tribune Sports Reporter

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

REBELS moved one win away from the New Providence Amateur Baseball League championship, edging Reapers 5-3 last night at the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium to take a 2-1 lead in the championship rematch series.

After the teams split the opening two games, another closely contested matchup came down to the middle innings before Rebels broke a 2-2 tie and held off Reapers over the final two innings.

Rebels opened the scoring in the top of the first when an error allowed a run to score. They added another run in the second when Chedi Ferguson grounded out, putting Rebels ahead 2-0.

Reapers finally got on the board in the bottom of the fourth. Christian Wright singled to right field to help bring the game level at 2-2 and give Reapers momentum heading into the late innings.

Rebels regained control in the top of the fifth. Trae Fowler grounded out to bring home a run, and Keithron Moss followed with a single that extended the advantage to 5-2.

Reapers cut into the deficit in the bottom of the sixth when Justin Colebrooke delivered one of the game’s biggest plays, hitting a solo inside-the-park home run to make it 5-3. That was as close as Reapers would get. ‘Rebels’ Junel Bain handled the pressure from the mound, working into the seventh inning to preserve the lead. The southpaw allowed five hits and three runs over six and two-thirds innings, striking out five and walking two.

Lyndon Wallace started for Reapers and worked five and one-third innings, giving up five hits and five runs, four earned. He struck out six but issued eight walks.

Rebels’ offence was led by Amahj McPee, who went 2-for-3 from the top of the lineup. Moss drove in two runs from the eighth spot, going 1-for-2. Rebels also created additional opportunities on the bases, drawing eight walks and stealing eight bases. Rashad Martin and McPee each stole multiple bases, while Steffon McKenzie and Chadum Ferguson drew two walks apiece. Reapers were led by Cartwright, who went 2-for-3 from the ninth spot in the lineup. Wright, Norman Bastian and Colebrooke each drove in a run, with Wright also stealing two bases.