The Tribune

By JONATHAN BURROWS

Tribune Sports Reporter

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

THE Rebels drew first blood in their championship rematch with the Reapers on Friday night, overcoming an early deficit before pulling away for an 11-5 victory in game one of the New Providence Amateur Baseball League championships at the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium.

The win gives the Rebels an early advantage in a rivalry that has been heating up since last year’s championship series, when the Reapers captured the league’s inaugural title after defeating the Rebels 4-2 in the decisive fifth game.

The two teams are now meeting for the championship again in the league’s second season since its return in 2025 following a 19-year absence.

The Reapers entered the championship series as the top team in the regular season, finishing with a 15-2 record, while the Rebels placed second at 14-2-1, with their lone tie separating the two teams in the standings.

Friday’s opener followed a similar competitive pattern before the Rebels broke the game open late.

The Reapers struck first in the bottom of the first inning after Tate Isaacs drew a walk and Sharad Johnson singled to centre field, with both eventually coming around to score.

The Rebels answered in the second, using a walk by Pheron Edgecombe and a fielder’s choice by Trae Fowler to tie the game at 2-2.

The Reapers regained the lead in the bottom half of the inning, scoring twice to move ahead 4-2.

That lead held until the Rebels finally broke through in the sixth.

The Rebels sent five runs across on three hits in the top of the inning, turning a two-run deficit into a 9-5 advantage.

Amahj McPhee delivered the biggest hit of the rally with a two-run double as the Rebels took control of the championship opener.

They added two more runs to complete the 11-5 victory.

McPhee played a major role on both sides of the ball for the Rebels. He started on the mound and worked six 2/3 innings, allowing seven hits and five runs, although only two were earned. He struck out 11 and walked 11.

Lyndon Wallace started for the Reapers and went 5 1/3 innings, allowing two hits and five runs while striking out two and walking 10.

The Rebels got one hit apiece from Fowler, Steffon McKenzie, McPhee, Junel Bain and Chadum Ferguson. McPhee finished with three RBIs, while Toby Simmons drew three walks.

The Rebels’ ability to get on base and put pressure on the Reapers continued throughout the night. They drew 12 walks and stole six bases, with Simmons and Edgecombe each stealing multiple bases.

Johnson led the Reapers’ offence with a 2-for-3 performance and two RBIs. Pheron Charlton also collected two hits, while Isaacs drew four walks.

The Reapers finished with 11 walks and five stolen bases, including two from Shariff Neymour.

For the Rebels, though, the late offensive surge mattered most.

After the Reapers ended last year’s championship with the trophy, the Rebels have shown up for game one in this year’s rematch.

The series now moves forward with the defending champions needing to respond, while the Rebels look to build on the momentum of an 11-5 opening-game victory.