Draci Brno won 25th Extraliga title
The 5th game of Czech Series could bring 25th Extraliga title to Draci. Hroši, on the other hand, tried to replicate their success from Wednesday and extend the series.
Energized by the win, Hroši entered the game well. Matěj Menšík managed to bat in a couple of runs in the first inning and Hroši opened the score for the first time in the series. But since that moment Jhenderson Hurtado found his momentum and he didn’t allow any more runs to be scored for eighth innings.
The question was whether Draci would be able to hit against Toru Murata the same way they did in the second game. Japanese pitcher stood against Draci this time and he only allowed the first runs in the sixth inning, when Alex Monsalve batted in Kalábek.
Draci outhitted their opponent, but they were unable to get hits in the important moments, or they were just too cautious on the bases. Everything changed in the eighth inning, however, when they loaded the bases without an out against Ivan Zavala. Despite this, they only scored on run after a hit from Martin Červinka. Hroši then played an out at the home base and Mexican pitcher then closed the inning with two strikeouts.
Hosts sent Hurtado on the mound for the ninth inning, despite him reaching 100 pitched. Hroši took advantage of it and after a run from Lukáš Trunkát they went ahead again.
They only need to protect their lead for a half inning and everything started promising, as the first two Draci batters couldn’t reach the base. However, Zavala then hit Hernandez with a pitch and hosts suddenly had a tying run on. Michal Šindelka got walked afterwards and home changes for the win increased. Furthermore, Michal Červinka, who already had two hits in the game, came to the batting box. He then added the third one, with a double which meant Hernandez tied the game. Zavala had troubles controlling his pitches, which turned out to be decisive. The second pitch against Klacl went behind catcher Lukáš Trunkát and Šindelka reached the home base.
Draci took a close 4-3 win and won the series 4-1. They defended the title, which is now their 25th in the history, however, their season is far from over. On 28th of September they will compete for the European title in Championship Cup.
