After splitting their games against McMaster on Saturday, Waterloo needed to sweep the Queen's Gaels on Sunday at Jack Couch Park to clinch a berth in the OUA playoffs and the black and gold did just that.
The Warriors won both games by just one run including a dramatic six run ninth inning in game one to top Queen's 11-10. Â Heading into the ninth down 10-5, the Warriors' bats came alive and their season was revived. Â
Leading the way was
Kyle Balzereit (Brantford) with three hits and three runs scored while
Kyle Thalheimer (Richmond Hill) and
Michael Clouthier (Guelph) each had two hits. Â Thalheimer and Clouthier each had two RBI's as well while
Chris Bombino (Guelph) and
Haydon Friesen (Altona) also chipped in with two runners batted in.
In their second must win game with the Gaels, the Warriors held on for the 6-5 win. Waterloo had a 6-2 lead heading into the top of the sixth but Queen's managed to put up three runs making it a one run game. Â Rookie reliever,
Sam Goindi (Elora) came in for the seventh and shut down the Gaels to secure Waterloo's spot in the post-season. Â
At the plate Balzereit was a monster once again with two hits, two RBI's and two runs scored. Â
The Warriors will now travel to Ajax to face Western in the opening game of the OUA playoffs in the double knockout format.Â