The game was a do-or-die match for both teams. In ending St. Lazare's season, the Hawks gained some revenge for last year's debacle, when the results were reversed.
Dave Tetreault, Eric Patterson, and Brandon McGavin also had strong games for the Hawks, who still seek a reawakening of their big bats.
Played under ominous and thundering skies, the game also featured the lightning of starter Bo Giroux, who struck out eight, including the St. Lazare clean-up hitter with runners at second and third in a dangerous third inning. Giroux also drove in a run with a
HAWKS 1 0 0 3 5 0 0 9 8 1
ST LAZARE 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 5
Hawks need 3 wins
Outfielder Rob Lussier turned the visitor's strategy around in the third inning of the full game, following an intentional walk with a ringing single to right centre to drive in two runs in the third inning.
Hawks offence was also provided by Riley Wallace and Don Campbell, who each ripped RBI hits off an impressive Chateauguay lefty.
Surging Alex Houle, meanwhile, crashed a solo homerun to left field, becoming the first Bantam to go long in the newly-expanded field.
The twin-win ran Hemmingford's week-end record to 5 and 0, and kept the town well over the
"We're still not there; we can play better," said coach Mike Houle after the wet wins. "But I know these guys; we can play a lot worse too."
The Hawks have won five of their last six games and are finally getting the necessary pitching, defence and hitting at the right time.
(June 27; Hemmingford) - Fine catches by Pierre Dagenais and Rob Lussier combined with sharp hits from Donald Campbell and Cody McKell were all the help that pitchers Riley Wallace and Dave Tetreault needed in a 10-4 romp over Mercier.
The win evened the Hawks' record at 3 and 3, with one tie game.
After a week-long layoff, the Hemmingford Bantam squad looked sharp in playing its second game in three days.
"More games, more comfortable," said coach Mike 'Hammer' Houle.
The Hawks now take on nemesis Verdun as part of Canada Day action on Tuesday. (Canada Day site here.)
Verdun displayed some clutch defense as solid knocks by Hawks Robert Lussier and Pierre Dagenais were caught in the newly-spacious centre field. Starting pitcher Alex Houle was making his first mound appearance of the year after being sidelined with a foot injury.
(June 26)- Hawks win as LaSalle stays home.
The mercy killing was punctuated by a walk-off home run by winning pitcher Don Campbell, who sent a line drive over the fence in right centre to lead off the bottom of the fifth.
Riley Wallace and Eric Patterson contributed big RBI days to the offensive display, while Brandon Gavin enjoyed a solid day at shortstop.
The Hawk defense shone, commiting only one error.
honours.