Cambridge can't sustain early lead

Canterbury battled back to defeat Cambridge 11-3 to defend its title.

By Doug Kates, Times correspondent
Published April 27, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - Playing for a district championship, John Lancaster walked the first two batters he faced then allowed a three-run home run.

Things were not off to a good start for the Canterbury pitcher, but he didn't lose hope. He said his offense was capable of scoring 10 runs in any game ...and the Crusaders did.

Canterbury battled back to defeat Cambridge 11-3 to defend its title.

"It was like, 'Man, I don't want to come out here and let my teammates down,' but I knew we had the type of offense that could compete with anybody," Lancaster said. "Three runs is nothing."

Lancaster didn't have to wait long for help. In the bottom of the first, Canterbury closed within 3-2 and in the second tied it at 3. Then Joey Cuda belted a three-run home run, his seventh of the season, to give the Crusaders a 6-3 lead.

"The leftfielder was acting like he was camped under it so I was a little worried, but the crowd knew it was out before I did," Cuda said.

Todd Mitchell, James Grey and Adam Graves each had two hits for the Crusaders (20-5).

Garrett Cox had the three-run home run for Cambridge (14-11), which was limited to five hits after the fast start.

Doug Kates, Times correspondent

[Last modified April 26, 2007, 23:21:21]