Brady McQuaid made a game-saving diving catch Saturday in Saint John, N.B., to preserve a 2-1 win for P.E.I. in New Brunswick Junior Baseball League action.
Saint John was threatening with runners on second and third and two out in the bottom of the seventh when McQuaid snagged the ball in right field.
P.E.I. scored the go-ahead run in the top of the seventh. Spencer Horne led off the inning with a walk, took second on a sacrifice bunt and stole third. He scored on Tyler Arsenault's infield ground out.
The Island team took the lead in the first when Grant Grady singled and scored on McQuaid's ground out.
Saint John loaded the bases with no outs in the fifth, but was only able to score once on a Thomas Cromwell fielder's choice.
Nathan McInnis recorded the win in relief of Brady Arsenault, who pitched four innings. They combined to allow five hits while striking out nine and walking five.
Nick MacPhail and Curtis MacGregor also added hits for P.E.I.
Saint John won the nightcap 9-8 to split the doubleheader.
P.E.I. jumped out to an early lead before allowing seven runs in the fifth inning. Forrest Tobias had a three-run triple to lead the rally.
Colin Arsenault, Curtis MacGrgor and Spencer Horne pitched for P.E.I., which was led offensively by Tyler Arsenault's 2-for-3 game. Denver Morrison and McQuaid were each 1-for-2.
P.E.I. plays hosts to the defending champions from Fredericton, N.B., Saturday in their home opener. The first game of the doubleheader starts at 1 p.m. at the Terry Fox Sports Complex in Cornwall.
