Ottawa Fat Cats starter Matt McGovern pitched his team to a berth in the Intercounty Baseball League semi-finals with a 1-0 win over the London Majors on Monday.

McGovern scattered four hits and two walks in a complete-game home victory, striking out 11 betters on 125 pitches.

In a fast-moving game that didn't see any hits until the third inning, Ottawa's breakthrough came in the fifth after LaDale Hayes drew a walk and went to second when a teammate was hit by a pitch.

Hayes was able to come home after London pitcher Jordi Amargos threw the ball away trying to catch him stealing third, Hayes' third run of the series.

McGovern only allowed two more hits the rest of the way, both singles to London centrefielder Chris Stewart.

Amargos also pitched a strong game for the Majors, allowing five hits and two walks while racking up seven strikeouts.

First baseman Rick Howroyd led the Fat Cats with two hits.

Ottawa will have to wait to find out its next opponent, as two other IBL series are ongoing.

This is the first playoff appearance for the Fat Cats, who finished sixth in the regular season with 16 wins and 18 losses.

London entered the playoffs in second place.