Expos take series lead

Dorval (AP) - On the backs of a gutsy, balls-out 7-inning pitching gem by Marc Cusson, the Expos took a 2-1 lead in their championship series agains the Verdun Indians. Cusson improved to 4-0 during these playoffs.

The Expos took an early lead, with Robert Gartshore and Matt Fijal each driving in a run in the 1st and 2nd innings. After allowing Verdun to tie the game in the bottom of the 3rd, in the top of the 4th, Doug Largan hit a single to left field, easily cashing in Doug Fletcher from third base. The collective heart of Expos Nation stopped beating for half a second on the play, as Cusson, on second base, rounded third base and blew a tire on his way home only to be out at the plate on a fantastic 7-5-2 relay.

Captain Glen Norman's hot streak continued, as he went 2 for 3, as did the solid defence of newly converted second baseman, Chris Kelly-Farrar, who made a key double play in the bottom of the seventh inning, shutting the door on a potential Verdun rally.

The Expos have taken an unconventional approach in this series, making major modifications to both their batting order as well as their defensive positioning - notably moving Kelly-Farrar from the outfield to second base, and converting Robert Gartshore into a first baseman. "I love first base. Its high reward with no effort," explained Gartshore following the game. "You feel so important but really, you don't do anything."

The Expos aim to close off the series on Sunday afternoon at Dorval in front of the home town fans. Game time is 4PM, but with seating limited, you may want to get there before 3:45. Bring your own concessions.