EXL: Draci Brno succeeded in the remake of the last season’s Czech Series
There were two games played on Friday evening as part of Extraliga schedule. Fans in Ostrava finally got to see their team at home, however, they couldn’t be satisfied with the result. The second game saw Eagles Praha host Hroši Brno.
Eagles Praha – Hroši Brno 6-5
Eagles started Tomáš Duffek on the mound. Duffek had been having a slower start in the past couple of seasons as majority of the runs against him were scored in the first two innings. The same happened on Friday, when Hroši lead-off Dan Ondroušek scored a homerun. Ondřej Kalandra then added 2 RBI in the same inning as Hroši took an early 3-0 lead.
Home team had to be patient against Lukáš Ercoli, but Jake MacDonald scored in the first Eagles run in the third inning. Hroši starter only allowed 2 runs in six innings and dished out 7 strikeouts. When Hroši bullpen entered the game, Brno team was leading 5-2. However, home team took the lead in the following inning. First they loaded the bases, for Mikuláš Hanuš‚ triple to tied the game. MacDonald then scored in Hanuš and Eagles were leading for the first time in the game.
Home duo Jan Uhlíř and Tadeáš Zavadil held the score and Eagles took the fourth win on the season.
Arrows Ostrava – Draci Brno 1-9
The repeat of the last year’s Czech Series promised an interesting duel of Czech pitchers. Arrows started Ondřej Satoria, while Draci sent in Filip Čapka. Both starters only kept their opponents scoreless for an inning. It was Draci who scored the first with Martin Pernička scoring his first homerun of the Extraliga career.
Home team responded right away, tying the game at 1-1 after Draci defense didn’t help their pitcher. Brno pitcher, however, didn’t let the slip detour him, as it was the only run he allowed Arrows in seven innings. On the other hand, Satoria allowed 6 runs in 6 innings making way for Josef Cihlář in the seventh inning. Same as in the previous week, the new pitcher had trouble with locating his pitches and he walked first three batters he faced. In the end, Draci scored two runs.
Brno sent in Viktor Večerka who didn’t allow Arrows any hits. Draci entered the series with a 9-1 win.