EXL: Arrows Ostrava takes the title after a year break

Arrows Ostrava became the Extraliga champions for the third time in the history after they won the fourth game against Draci.

Even before the game started, Draci coach David Winkler admitted Arrows had better power at bat and that only a good performance from Brno team can give them the win. However, Arrows scored two runs in the first inning getting ahead of their opponent. An inning later Jakub Malík helped Arrows to two more runs and Draci manager Hynek Čapka sent young David Mergans to get ready in bullpen.

Fortunately for visitors Radim Chroust found his composure and held Arrows without a run for next two innings. Ostrava’s Alec Lemmon entered the game much better, when Draci had to wait till the fourth inning for the first run. Přemek Chroust batted in Pabel Manzanero. Despite having a chance to score more runs, Draci were halted with a double play after Adam Hajtmar‚s at bat. Visiting players and coaches didn’t like the called out at first base, as Brett Holtz might not have stepped on the base. The call, however, remained unchanged.

In the fifth inning Pabel Manzanero breathed in some life to his team with two run homerun, getting Draci only one run away from Arrows. However, Ostrava responded quickly, when the loaded the bases after Tyler Smith got hit by the pitch. After Eugene Helder’s error, Arrows scored and were ahead by three runs again.

Sixth inning saw pitching changes in both teams. Home team sent in Ondřej Satoria, while Draci used Martin Schneider. As it turned out, Arrows had a better hand in choosing their reliever. Schneider had to look behind his back in the sixth inning only to see the ball from Jakub Malík fly behind the fence and score two runs.

Following innings went much better for Brno utility player, but neither he nor his teammates were able to pressure Ostrava for the remainder of the game. Ondřej Satoria kept them in check with four strikeouts and no runs allowed. When Martin Červinka hit a high fly ball to Arrows dugout, Arrows Park erupted in celebration with Brett Holtz‚s catch.

After winning 8-3 Arrows took their third Extraliga title. Since 2018 they are the most successful club in Czech top league. Draci will have to wait at least a year if they want to get the title number 23.

Post-game interviews:

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