January 17, 2000

Dupuis Auto Victory Over Clearview Ranks As One of Top Sports Stories of Year 2000

Memories will linger for many years about what most observers are calling the best playoff game ever played in the Valley East Mens’ Slo-Pitch League. Dupuis Auto pulled out the heavy artillery during an eleven inning marathon to win the fifth and deciding game in their exciting series with arch-rivals and defending champs, Clearview Golf Club.

Dupuis Auto took a commanding lead in the finals by winning the first two games of the series in a double header. The following week, Clearview returned the favour by winning two games in a repeat double header to even up the series. That set up the rubber match on Tuesday, September 26, a day which will be long remembered by players and fans alike.

Dupuis Auto started on fire to build up a huge ten run lead after two innings and never trailed in the entire contest after that. However, Clearview never gave up and kept coming back, including an amazing eighth inning rally that tied up the game and sent it into extra innings. Dupuis then scored four in the top of the ninth, but Clearview tied it up again. Dupuis then blasted out five more runs in the tenth, and once again Clearview came back to tie it up. After managing only two runs in the top of the eleventh inning, Dupuis took to the field knowing that after scoring 33 runs, it would now be up to their defense to make the difference. Clearview stormed on and set up the stage for a dramatic finish with runners on 1st and 2nd with two out and the winning run at the plate. However, an infield grounder was snagged up for the final out and the celebrations began on the field for Dupuis Auto. By the end of the game the fans were just as exhausted as the players. The final score of 33 to 31 was a clear indication of the power both clubs had at the plate and indicative of how close the two teams have been for the past two years.

During the regular season, Clearview and Dupuis Auto finished up 1st and 2nd place respectively, so it was fitting that they made it to the final dance. Clearview had an easier time in the semi-finals, polishing off Auto Depot in three games, while Dupuis had to come from a two game deficit to win their series against Valley Plaza Merchants in the full five games.

The 2000 Valley East Mens’ Slo-Pitch ‘A’ Division Champs include: Jack Sonier, Pete Tasse, Danny Haines, Ryan Kirwan, Warren Kirwan, Marty Kirwan, Chris Fournier, Steve Fournier, Bobby Brunet, Al Chenier, Mike McGaughey, Andrew Brunette, Dan Depatie, Dan Lamoreux and Mike Lacasse.