HAWKS WALK AWAY WITH MERCY VICTORY OVER SENECA

ETOBICOKE: After winning their first game on the road over Durham on Tuesday, the Humber Hawks men's baseball team opened their home season with a 13-3 win over the Seneca Sting. As eluded to in the story title, 13 walks aided the Hawks along the way.

The Sting, playing their first men's baseball game in over 3 decades, got their season off on an exciting note in their first at bat. A little small ball, combined with a couple of solid shots, saw the North York team roll off 4 hits and 2 runs before the first half inning was complete. It took a slick 6-4-3 double play to close out the inning and limit the damage.

Humber, may have been unable to match Seneca by way of hits in their half of the first inning, but they roared back by scoring 6 times, supported by 5 walks. At the end of 1, the score was 6-2 for the home squad.

Seneca was able to chip away, and scored 1 in the third inning, to bring the game a bit tighter. The Hawks replied with one of their own in the bottom of the third, restoring the 4 run lead.

Then Humber had its second "bat around inning " in the game, scoring 5 more in the fourth. It was a combination of hits and walks, 3 of each that did the damage.

Finally in the sixth inning, George Halim walked – stole second, and then came home on a double from the bat of Tyler Goertzen. The game was stopped, and the mercy rule applied.

Rookie Will Tanner toed the rubber for the first 4 innings and was credited with the win, giving up 3 earned runs on 8 hits and a single walk. Veteran Brandon Habibi came in for 2 innings and was truly impressive, striking out 6. Interestingly enough, he struck out 4 batters in the sixth inning. One batter advanced to first after striking out as the Hawk catcher was unable to get a handle on the ball.

Seneca ran up 4 pitchers on the night, with James Wakutz suffering the loss. He lasted 2.2 innings and gave up 7 runs, only 3 of them earned.

Batting stars for the Hawks included senior George Halim as he went 1 for 1 – an rbi double, 3 walks , 3 runs scored and 3 stolen bases. Will Adams knocked in 2, as did Daniel Campos. Vince Bucci was on base twice, scored twice and swiped 3 bases.

Humber will hit the road this weekend, as they travel to Windsor to play the St. Clair Saints in a doubleheader on Sunday.