Quebec Takes First Place in Eastern Division of Frontier League After Doubleheader Sweep

With victories of 5-4 in the first meeting and 9-2 in the second game, Quebec now finds itself alone at the top of the Eastern division of the Frontier League with a half-game lead over New York. Manager Patrick Scalabrini was visibly satisfied with his team’s performance.

Quebec sweeps the doubleheader and takes first place in the Eastern section. 9-2 victory in the second game. pic.twitter.com/4VODU23Fbe

— Jean Carrier (@JohnnyC4545) July 1, 2024

“The Boulders are a solid ball club and they don’t give their opponents any gifts. They were better than us on Friday, but I loved the way we responded today. It’s a series that served as a bit of a measuring stick and I’m very happy with our level of play. In my opinion, they are the two best clubs in the league right now.”

The manager did not fail to highlight the excellent performance of his bullpen which made the difference in this doubleheader.

“We were a little thin at the start of the season, but we are starting to have good depth in the bullpen. If Franklin Parra and Gilberto Chu start throwing like tonight, we’re going to be dangerous.”

Franklin Parra was flamboyant on the mound. (Caroline Grégoire/Le Soleil)

Spectacular presence

Franklin Parra was simply spectacular in the first game. Called in relief with the bases loaded and no outs at the top of the fifth inning, the left-handed pitcher extinguished the threat by striking out a batter and then forcing the next batter into a double play to allow his lineup to stay two points from the visitors.

“I just try to throw strikes and strike out batters. I just want to do well in these situations and I celebrated with energy after getting out of it because the match was close,” explains the man who says he sees the game two moves ahead compared to the past.

Parra’s performance seemed to inspire his teammates who responded with three runs in the bottom of the fifth only to never look back afterward. The reliever thus signed his second victory of the season.

Jesmuel Valentin has all the answers

The player of the second game was undoubtedly the Capitales’ second baseman. After stealing a single from the opponent that would have tied the game in the top of the fifth inning, he ended any chance of a Boulders comeback in the bottom of the sixth inning by hitting a grand slam to make it 9-2 for his team.

“We weren’t happy with our performance Friday night and we wanted to come back strong. I’m playing really good baseball right now and it’s just nice to be with a special group of players,” said the man who finished his doubleheader with four hits and five RBIs.

Quebec now finds itself alone at the top of the Eastern section. (Caroline Grégoire/Le Soleil)

Valentin also points out that the Capitales’ success comes simply from a winning culture instilled by the organization.

“We have to give credit to Pat who forces us to play hard no matter the score. There are obligations that come with wearing this uniform. We need games like this to prepare for what’s coming in September. There’s also a little bit of magic that comes with playing at Stade Canac.

An important journey

According to Scalabrini, the segment the Capitales will tackle just before the All-Star Game is possibly the most difficult of the entire season.

“First of all, we have a long trip with a series in Tri-City and another in Trois-Rivières. The Eagles are playing very good baseball these days. We will then come back to play against the Boulders at home before playing the Titans on the road. We’re going to start by enjoying our time off tomorrow to let the dust settle a little.”

2024-07-01 02:14:28
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