The Sabertooth Expos scored three times in the bottom of the first inning to take the opening game of the ICL Championship Series 3-1 over the Andre Chiefs at Morelli Field on Friday night. Idelson Tavares got things started in the first innng with a leadoff double. Kebler Peralta followed with an infield single and Chiefs’ lefty Josh Desai hit Andrew Mazzone to load the bases with no outs.  After a pop up for the first out, Matt Consigli grounded up the middle forcing Mazzone at second. The throw to double up Consigli was wide of first, allowing both Tavares and Peralta to score. When Ryan Cloutier singled down the rightfield line, scoring Consigli, the Expos had a 3-0 lead. Pitching dominated the game from that point on. The Expos duo of Josh Roberge (3 innings, one hit, 5 K’s) and Bladamir Ramirez (4 innings, 0 hits, 6 K’s) were immense. After the three run, three hit first inning Desai allowed no runs and just one hit over the last five innings. The Chiefs lone run came in the top of the third without a hit. Juan Parra drew a walk from Roberge, stole second, went to third on an infield grounder, and scored on a Teddy Dziuba RBI grounder. Game two of the series is scheduled for Sunday at 8:00 PM at Morelli Field.  

#2 ANDRE CHIEFS (20-7) vs #1 SABERTOOTH EXPOS (22-5) Best of Five- All games at Morelli Field, Melrose MA at 8:00 PM GAME 1- Expos 3, Chiefs 1 GAME 2- Expos 6, Chiefs 5 Tuesday, August 15- PPD RAIN GAME 3- Wednesday, August 16 GAME 4- Thursday, August 17 (if nec) GAME 5- Friday, August 18 (if nec)