Chiefs slip by Rams 7-6

The Chiefs locked up a play-off spot last night with a win over the Rams 7-6. Ipswich stayed hot with the bats and plated the first 5 runs of the game over 4 innings against Rowley's starter Katin. Dave Shoreman pitched the first three scoreless innnings for the Chiefs but had to leave in the fourth when he aggravated a recent hamstring strain. He was relieved by Andy Workman who pitched well for the next 2 and 2/3 innings. The Rams however, were able to get one back in the fourth and four more in the 6th (2 earned). Greg Doucette relieved Workman with two outs and two on in the sixth and came up with a huge strike out to end the inning and the threat. The Rams were not done yet and after a scoreless top of the seventh, Rowley was able to plate one more in the bottom of the inning when Ralph Renzulli (2-4, 2B, 2 RBIs) drove in a man from second. Doucette was able to close the door on the next batter and induced a weak grounder to the mound to end the game and send the Chiefs to the playoffs.

The Chiefs offense was paced by Sotiopoulos, Montecalvo, Radzim and Dawley who all had two hits each. Shoreman hit his 8th home run of the year in the third inning as well. The Chiefs finish tonight at home with the final game of the series and the ITL season against Rowley. The Rams need the win to secure a playoffs spot, while an Ipswich win will send Hamilton-Wenham into the fourth spot.