Edmonton Can't Get Hold on Division Title September 16, 1998
EDMONTON (CP)--As hard as they try, the Edmonton Oil Kings will probably be fighting the playoff race until the last day of the season... if they manage to hold on until then. With two losses at home against the Montreal Royals, the Deadwood Outlaws are now only 2 1/2 games back. And the Montreal Royals, while still a long shot, have gained 3 games over the last 4 days to pull within 5 1/2 games of Edmonton, thanks to 2 consecutive wins in the Edmonton Butterdome.
Last night, the Montreal Royals edged the Oil Kings 3-2 in front of a capacity attendance. The Royals scored once in the 3rd inning, then twice in the 5th inning to take a 3-0 lead. It was the first time in Royals history that the 3 run total was all scored on sacrifice flies.
Rheal Cormier pitched 7 innings of 1-hit ball to win his second decision as a Royal. Schourek was tagged for the loss, and is now leading the league in losses with 17.
