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ALBANY at KONA COAST (semi- finals)
In Net Play series for the ages, the Kona Coast Coffee Growers advance to the GUSSOMO World Series with a 4 games to 3 victory over the Albany Internationals. After dropping the first game, the Coffee Growers raced out to a 3-1 lead but Albany said, “No, so fast!” It took a dominant performance by Madison Bumgarner in Game 7 to advance Kona Coast to its first World Series. All games were played by Net Play on the afternoon of December 14.
Game 1: Internationals 4, Coffee Growers 0. Albany’s Marco Estrada pitched into the 9th inning, allowing only a Todd Frazier double in the second inning. Madison Bumgarner was almost equally impressive until Brandon Guyer’s 2-base error in the seventh. With two outs, Neil Walker smashed a 3-run homerun, thus completing a four-unearned-run inning for Albany. If not for the error, this game may have gone well into extra innings.
Game 2: Coffee Growers 6, Internationals 5 (13 innings). In a game that Ralph and Mike agreed that turned the series, Todd Frazier hit a leadoff walk-off HR in 13th inning (drawing a “2” card on a 1-3 chance) that ended it. Most of the excitement occurred early, as Albany’s Adrian Beltre smacked a 3-run HR in the first off Chris Sale. Francisco Lindor got a leadoff bottom of the first inning HR, and the Coffee Growers forged ahead 4-3 in the bottom of the second with timely hitting off Bartolo Colon. Evan Gattis swung the pendulum back to Albany with a two-run HR and 5-4 lead in the fourth inning. Marcell Ozuna chased Colon in the seventh with a two-out game tying RBI single. Steven Wright pitched an outstanding 4-1/3 innings for the Internationals until the one pitch to Frazier. Chris Sale lasted 9 innings for the Coffee Growers and three relievers pitched four shutout innings. The Coffee Growers avoided a 2-game sweep in their home park and were thankful for the split. Mike and Ralph agreed that an Albany sweep would have been devastating to Kona’s chances.
Game 3: Coffee Growers 7, Internationals 2. The Coffee Growers rode Jose Fernandez’s complete game performance to grab the series lead. Fernandez struck out 13 and the Coffee Growers had International starter Carlos Martinez in trouble nearly every inning of his six innings of work. Jarrod Dyson had three hits and knocked in three Kona Coast runs.
Game 4: Coffee Growers 5, Internationals 0. Madison Bumgarner twirled a complete game shutout, allowing on three hits, never allowing a runner past first base. “I can’t win if I can’t even get on base,” lamented Ralph several times during the series. Kona Coast put pressure on the starter Jeff Samardzija, as Francisco Lindor scored in the first, leading off the game with a single, stealing second and crossing home on Jonathan Lucroy’s single. In the fifth inning, Todd Frazier smacked a solo HR to put Kona Coast up 2-0. Rougned Odor hit a solo HR off knuckleballer Steven Wright in the 8th, and then the Coffee Growers manufactured two runs in the ninth to round out the scoring.
Game 5: Internationals 11, Coffee Growers 3. Albany staved off elimination in impressive fashion, hitting six homeruns off Chris Sale in an easy victory. Robinson Cano circled the bases in the first inning with a 2-run blast, and Christian Yelich duplicated that effort with his own 2-run shot in the following inning. Three solo homeruns by Neil Walker, Robinson Cano, and Freddie Freeman powered Albany to a 7-1 lead after just three innings. Marco Estrada pitched well again, garnering his second win of the series.
Game 6: Internationals 2, Coffee Growers 0. The series returned to the cavernous Coffee Grounds, and Internationals efficiently scored 2 runs in the top of the first on a walk, double and a ground out RBI. Little would Mike and Ralph know that Jose Fernandez and Bartolo Colon would shut each other’s team out thereafter. Fernandez, in possibly his last game, struck out 15. Luis Avilan and Zach Britton pitched 1-1/3 hitless innings to close out the game and force a Game 7.
Game 7: Coffee Growers 2, Internationals 0. Madison Bumgarner completely dominated Albany, allowing only two singles and two walks, again not allowing a runner past first base. Jarrod Dyson robbed Adrian Beltre of a HR in the seventh inning. Francisco Lindor, a thorn in Albany’s side all series, doubled to lead off the bottom of the first and eventually scored on Jurickson Profar’s RBI single, his only RBI of the series. Defensive replacement Leonys Martin squeeze bunted in the insurance run in the bottom of the 8th inning.
Series MVP was clearly Madison Bumgarner, who went 2-1 while not allowing an earned run in 24-2/3 IP and striking out 26. His two complete game shutouts in games 4 and 7 were critical to the Kona Coast cause. International Marco Estrada was impressive in both of his winning starts, pitching 16-1/3 innings with a 1.65 ERA. Francisco Lindor seemed to be on base when it counted, scoring 8 of Kona Coast’s 23 total runs. Neil Walker was Albany’s leading batter, hitting .400/.429/.750 with 2 homeruns.
This was definitely a pitchers’ series, as Kona Coast batters hit only .217 to Albany’s .192. Overall, Albany outscored Kona Coast 24-23 but it was the Coffee Grower pitchers’ 77 strikeouts in 66 innings that were key, as the Kona starters worked out of situations with timely strikeouts.
This was my first Net Play experience and it was pretty fun. The game crashed on us only a few times but we were able to recover via the autosave re-loading feature. Thank you, Ralph, very much for a great series.
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WRIGLEY at PINEY CREEK (Quater-finals)
GAME # 1
Raiders......... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 2 1
Palookas........ 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 - 3 7 0
Corey Kluber blanked Wrigley allowing just 2 hits as the Piney Creek Palookas defeated the Wrigley Raiders by a score of 3 to 0 at Centennial Field.
Kluber (1-0) was simply too much for the Wrigley batters. He allowed only 2 hits and 5 walks in 9 innings. Kluber racked up 11 strikeouts. After the 4th inning, neither team was able to score.
The loss was charged to Kyle Hendricks (0-1). He surrendered 7 hits and no walks in 7 innings. Everyone seemed to enjoy the performance of Kluber - except Wrigley. Don Sprague lamented, "He just was "on" tonight. He was keeping our guys off balance all game. A fine game by a STUD and good strikeout pitcher - makes it a fun game for the hometown fans - unfortunately we were the visitors!"
GAME # 2
Raiders......... 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 1 8 1
Palookas........ 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 - 5 9 2
At Centennial Field the Piney Creek Palookas easily handled the Wrigley Raiders by the score of 5 to 1.
Anthony Desclafani (1-0) pitched a solid game. He went 7 innings surrendering 6 hits and 1 walk. Piney Creek rapped out 9 hits for the night.
Dan Straily (0-1) was charged with the loss. He gave up 4 hits and 1 walk in 5 and 2/3 innings.
GAME # 6
I thought I was going to be in "deep doo doo" trouble in this game... especially when you started off in the 1st inning with (my future 2nd baseman) "Pepe" Lemahieu getting a Single, followed by a Walk to Kris Bryant and a 1-out Single to Ryan Braun. I saw a BIG inning coming... but like I said... got lucky with a Double Play ball to Sean Rodriguez.
I didn't have a good feeling about Desclafani... he was allowing some hits... but I "freaked" when he allowed 2 Walks in the 3rd inning with only 1 out. I "smelled" a big hit coming... so I pulled him and brought in Pedro Strop. He was a stud for 2 2/3 innings... striking out 3 batters.. although you DID have the bases loaded in the 3rd inning.
I could manage to do anything against Straily. he held me to only ONE HIT trough 5 innings.
In the 6th, "former Major Leaguer", Angel Pagan parked a Long Home Run to Right-Center Field to tie the score at 1 apiece.
My joy (unfortunately) was short-lived as Nick Hundley belted a Home Run off of new relief pitcher Hector Rondon with 2 outs in the 7th inning. Ugh!!!! This put you ahead by the score of 2 to 1.
In the bottom of the 7th, George Springer drew a Walk. Melky Cabrera rolled a "5-2" off of Straily... Ball Park Home Run... but we got a "14" when we needed a 1 - 7. After a Wild PItch, you made a pitching change to David Hernandez who walked Trevor Story. With runners on 1st and 2nd, I pinch hit Andrew Benintendi who got the "big hit" (Double) to tie the score. I decided to be aggressive and bring the go ahead run in from 1st base.... but OH NO!!!!!!!! Trevor Story is called out at Home........... Stimpy.... YOU EEEEDDDIOT...
Score is tied at 2 to 2.
I had a chance (again) in the 8th inning.... two singles after 1 out. You bring in Boone Logan to face Carlos Gonzalez... I really think about this for a moment... I'm thinking Jimmy Rollins.... but then I figured that you'd counter that move and bring back in a RHP... do I leave in Cargo and he chokes........ then Trevor Cahill gets the final out of the inning.
Fortunately, you are not able to do anything with Addison Reed.
In the 10th inning, after 2 outs... Angel Pagan gets a hit and steals 2nd base. Eric Hosmer drives in the WINNING RUN with a "4-2" single on a 1-19 opportunity.... the computer asks me if I want to send the runner home... and I do... and HE S-C-O-R-E-S..... AND THE PALOOKAS WIN THE GAME... THE PALOOKAS WITH THE GAME... THE PALOOKAS WIN THE GAME by the score of 3 to 2
PINEY CREEK... ON TO THE SEMI-FINALS!
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LATROBE DAWGS at KONA COAST COFFEE GROWERS
(Quarter-finals)
GAME # 1
Dawgs........... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 3 1
Coffee Growers.. 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 1 X - 5 5 0
Madison Bumgarner held Latrobe scoreless on just 3 hits and designated hitter Rougned Odor recorded 4 RBI with one swing when he ripped a grand slam at Coffee Grounds as the Kona Coast Coffee Growers beat the Latrobe Dawgs by the score of 5 to 0.
It was a good day for Kona Coast thanks to Odor. He launched a Grand Slam homerun in the 3rd inning and doubled plating a run in the 8th inning. Kona Coast had only 5 hits for the night.
Bumgarner (1-0) was credited with the shutout. Masahiro Tanaka (0-1) took the loss. Chris Beddick was obviously impressed with the pitching of Bumgarner, “That guy made us look a little silly out there tonight. We just couldn't get to him at all - everything was working for him. I just hope that he got that kinda performance out of his system.”
GAME # 2
Dawgs........... 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 - 1 3 0
Coffee Growers.. 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 X - 3 7 0
Chris Sale went 8 strong innings as the Kona Coast Coffee Growers defeated the Latrobe Dawgs 3 to 1 at Coffee Grounds.
Kona Coast had 2 runs cross the plate in the bottom of the 4th inning. Both teams' bats went to sleep after the 4th inning with no runs scored after that point.
Sale (1-0) got the win allowing 1 run in 8 innings. Sale was helped out by Seung Hwan Oh who recorded his 1st save. J.A. Happ (0-1) was the loser. He allowed 3 runs and 7 hits in 6 and 2/3 innings.
GAME # 3
Coffee Growers.. 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 5 9 0
Dawgs................ 0 2 3 3 1 3 0 0 - 12 12 0
Gary Sanchez hit 2 doubles and had 4 RBI at NASDAQ Park where the Latrobe Dawgs beat the Kona Coast Coffee Growers 12 to 5.
Kona Coast was unable to climb back into it after Latrobe went ahead for good in the 4th inning plating 3 runs utilizing 2 base hits. After an out was recorded, Eduardo Escobar jump-started the rally as he drew a walk. Billy Hamilton came next and he drew a walk. Anthony Rizzo then lined a one-base hit resulting in a run. Rizzo took second on the throw. Andrelton Simmons struck out, unable to help the rally. Nomar Mazara came up to bat and delivered a single which accounted for two additional runs. Latrobe had 12 hits overall, while Kona Coast had 9.
Jeremy Hellickson (1-0) got the win allowing 5 runs in 8 innings. Jose Fernandez (0-1) took the loss. He was hit hard and gave up 8 hits and 4 walks in 3 and 2/3 innings.
GAME # 4
Coffee Growers.. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 - 3 6 0
Dawgs................ 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 1 4 0
Madison Bumgarner pitched 7 strong innings at NASDAQ Park as the Kona Coast Coffee Growers beat the Latrobe Dawgs 3 to 1.
Bumgarner (1-0) was in control of the game from the outset. He surrendered only 4 hits and no walks in 7 innings. Kona Coast had just 6 hits for the night.
Craig Kimbrel recorded the save, his 1st. Masahiro Tanaka (0-1) was the loser. He gave up only 3 hits and 1 walk in 8 innings.
GAME # 5
Coffee Growers.. 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 - 2 5 0
Dawgs................ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 3 2
Leonys Martin had 2 base hits and Chris Sale dominated striking out 10 Latrobe batters as the Kona Coast Coffee Growers outscored the Latrobe Dawgs 2 to 0.
Sale (1-0) pitched a solid game. He allowed only 3 hits and 2 walks in 7 innings. Latrobe proved to be no trouble in the bottom of the 9th.
Craig Kimbrel preserved the game for Sale, recording his his 2nd save. Mat Latos (0-1) was the losing pitcher in relief. Sale was pleased with his performance. He noted, “I had good command of all my pitches. Just as important, my location was right on.”
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TORONTO at RICHMOND
(Quarter-finals)
Only because Fred requested:
Game 1: Odorizzi vs. Maeda
Titans.............. 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 - 3 5 0
Banshees........ 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 X - 4 9 1
Richmond takes a 3-1 lead in the fourth inning on Justin Turner's three-run bomb. Both Toronto and Richmond add runs in the 5th and 7th respectively moving Richmond to a 4-2 lead. Richmond's lefty specialist, Grant Dayton, got a little shaky in the 8th allowing a run on a walk and a hit and Toronto pulls within 4-3. At that point the elder statesman Francisco Rodriguez shuts the door for the save after allowing a lead-off single and a wild pitch to calm the home crowd with an 4-3 opening game win. Kenta Maeda pitched six strong innings to pick up the win allowing two runs on three hits and seven strikeouts. Jake Odorizzi did not fare as well and only lasted 4 2/3 IP allowing four runs on nine hits and five strikeouts. Justin Turner had the games only home run and knocked in all four Richmond's runs; while Steve Pearce had three hits.
Game 2: Sabathia vs. Darvish
Titans.......... 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 3 5 0
Banshees........ 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 0 X - 5 11 1
Toronto jumped all over Yu Darvish in the first inning and the home crowd was thinking how simulation imitates life in a pressure game for Darvish. Toronto started the game with a walk, single, walk, single, stolen base, single and single before the home crowd could get settled in their seats and a 3-0 lead. Richmond would pull even in the bottom of the fourth with two walks and three singles to keep the home crowd focused. Neither starting pitcher was long for this game as CC Sabathia exited after three and Darvish only lasted long enough to qualify for the win (but his team did not have the lead when he was escorted off the mound). Richmond puts together four hits in the sixth inning off of Hunter Strickland (took the loss) and Ryan Dull to push the home team ahead 5-3. Richmond's bullpen would make that score last as five relievers combined for four innings and only allowed two walks while Richmond pulls out the 5-3 victory. Dellin Betances (2 scoreless IP) was credited with the win, while Rodriguez pitched to the final batter getting Travis D'Arnaud to line out for the one-out save giving him one in each game. Light hitting CF, but defense extraordinaire, Kevin Pillar, knocked in a run apiece in the fourth and six innings. Nick Castellano's had two RBI for Toronto. Richmond goes up two games to zero.
Game 3: Carrasco vs. Nola
Banshees........ 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 - 3 9 1
Titans............... 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 X - 4 6 0
The series heads to Toronto with the hopes the home team can make a statement. Aaron Nola was spectacular as he put on a show striking out 10 befuddled Richmond Banshees (believe the side trip to Windsor, Canada before the game was not the best choice, but captain Russell Martin assured management everything will be alright). Trea Turner led of the bottom of the second inning with a solo shot that kicked off the scoring for both teams. Richmond struck back in the third as Russell Martin (with a smile on his face) led off with a double and Max Smith, yes, Mallex Smith cracked the heck out of a Nola change-up over the wall in dead center and a Richmond 2-1 lead. Toronto clawed back for a couple runs and a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the fifth and Nola felt in control. Richmond squared the game at three in the eighth inning on a two out pinch hit double by Anthony Recker and was looking for more and a commanding series lead. Unfortunately for Richmond, Carlos Carrasco had tired and management was not paying attention as he requested to be pulled as he started the eighth inning. After sandwiching a walk between two outs in the bottom of the eighth, Carrasco imploded allowing a single to Corey Seager (normally sure handed Zach Cozart booted the ball for an error as well) and another single to Trea Turner allowing an unearned run to score. Ryan Dull did make things interesting with a couple of walks, but was eventually up to the task and closed out the top of the ninth for a save and a 4-3 Toronto win and pull the series to Richmond two games and Toronto one. Justin Turner had two hits for Richmond, while Mallex Smith had the home run and knocked in two. Trea Turner was the hitting hero for Toronto with two hits, home run and two rbi. Nola went seven and a third allowing two runs on seven hits and a walk and struck out ten. Carrasco pitched seven and two third for Richmond allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits and two walks while striking out seven.
Game 4: Maeda vs. Odorizzi
Banshees........ 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 - 8 13 1
Titans.......... .....0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 - 2 5 0
Richmond jumped on Odorizzi early and often in the fourth game of the series. Kenta Maeda picked up his second win in the series throwing six innings allowing four hits and two runs. Odorizzi went five and two third allowing six runs on ten hits while striking out three. Jedd Gyorko finally came to life and threes were wild with him; three ab's, three hits, three runs and you guessed it, three rbi. Richmond put up crooked numbers in the first, sixth and two more in the eight innings and cruised to a 8-2 Richmond win and a three games to one lead in the series. Adam Eaton hit a home run and scored two runs to support Richmond. Francisco Rodriguez and Seth Lugo combined for three scoreless innings to close out the win.
Game 5: Darvish vs. Sabathia
Banshees........ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 4 0
Titans.............. 0 1 2 0 1 3 4 1 X - 12 15 2
This one got UGLY and the home crowd celebrated often and got home early as the stands were practically empty after the sixth inning, much to the dismay of the hotdog vendors. CC Sabathia spun five and a third scoreless innings, while Darvish turned a not so bad game over to Taijuan Walker only to have this one become a laugher. Walker had begged the coach for a chance to pitch in the series and proved to all why he was not selected as a starter during the playoffs. Walker's line was two and two thirds innings allowing nine hits, eight runs, three walks and a single strikeout (plain merciless), in addition, Walker allowed four home runs in his short stint; that's right FOUR including the first two batters he faced. Toronto crushed six home runs in the game behind Trea Turner (2), Justin Upton (2), Jacoby Ellsbury and Ben Zobrist as they cruised to a 12-0 shutout win. Turner plated four runs in the game and Upton bested him with five of his own. Toronto's bullpen pitched three and two thirds scoreless frames. The series heads back to Richmond and a series lead of three games to two.
Game 6: Moore vs. Carrasco
Titans.............. 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 - 8 15 0
Banshees........ 0 1 2 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 - 9 21 0
A game for the ages!!! Neither starter was all that effective, although Carlos Carrasco left after six innings with a 7-3 lead. Matt Moore was somewhat brutalized lasting on three and two thirds innings allowing four runs on five hits, five walks and five strikeouts. Carrasco's six innings was a slightly better allowing three runs on four hits and four walks and five strikeouts.
Richmond's big blow in the fifth inning was a three-run blast off the bat of Zach Cozart. Matt Strahm was brought into the top of the seventh and got the lead off batter, then walked the next batter and then a ground out advanced the runner. Corey Seager would make sure the visiting Toronto team was not completely down and out and singled in a run to pull Toronto to within three runs.
We move to the ninth inning with Richmond only needing three outs to advance. Grant Dayton was brought in to face the first two batters in Toronto's lineup as they were both scheduled to be LHB; Toronto pinch hitter Orlando Arcia promptly singled to start the inning. At that time, Richmond's seventeen year old daughter had come in from work and visited her managing father and wanted to talk about her evening at work. Not wanting to turn away his seventeen year old who, for once, wanted to talk, he was slow at avoiding this distraction.
Management did not notice Toronto had called upon Yasiel Puig to pinch hit after Arcia and approved the game to continue, he noticed, but it was too late and Puig singled to put runners on first and second with no one out. Raisel Iglesias was then brought in to contain (all we need is three stinking outs). Igesias promptly serves up a Trea Turner two run triple and a Nick Castellanos single and the game is tied with nobody out.
Damn it, no good deed goes unpunished; I should have locked my office door!!!
The game is now tied at seven after Richmond goes quietly (not really all that quietly as Justin Turner lead off the inning with a double only to be stranded there) in the bottom of the ninth. Richmond threatened in the bottom of the 10th when Kevin Pillar lead off the inning with a double, advanced to third after two out only to be stranded by Adam Eaton's ground out. Toronto got runners on first and second with one out in the eleventh; no dice. Richmond again threatened in the 13th with runners on the corners only to see Russell Martin strike out to end the inning.
Richmond again tested the blood pressure in the 14th and had runners on second and third with one out only to have Nick Markakis (line out) and Adam Eaton (strikeout). Richmond adds to the excitement in the bottom of the 16th inning when Russell Martin lead off the inning with a walk. Zach Cozart crushed a ball into the left center gap and Martin makes the turn on a 1-14; love the odds, hate the results as Martin was gunned at the plate for the first out.
All is still good as Cozart stands on third with one out; Pillar (strikeout) and Pedroia (line out) bring a hush to the home crowd as they both go quietly to end the sixteenth inning.
With Luke Gregerson on the mound for his fourth inning, Toronto strikes when Jacoby Ellsbury leads off the inning with a double and is then sacrificed to third by Travis D'arnaud. Gregerson was looking quite tired, but not much left in the pen he continues and serves up a sacrifice fly to Adam Rosales to put Toronto up 8-7 and a potentially tying the series. After a couple more walks by Gregerson, he finally gets out of the inning.
Richmond enters the bottom of the seventeenth inning needing anything they can get and the home crowd is not much help as most have gone home and are asleep in their bed. Luis Cessa continues to pitch for Toronto entering his fourth inning of work and gets the first batter to ground out. Adam Eaton is the second batter and he singles to provide some life for the Banshees.
Toronto brings in Derek Holland to pitch to Jedd Gyorko; Richmond counters bringing in Brandon Drury to pinch hit in this critical situation. Bringing in Drury was the correct call as he promptly smashes the pitch over the centerfield wall to send the 1,372 Richmond fans that remained in the park into a wild frenzy and a 9-8 game six series advancement four games to two.
Toronto's final seven pitchers threw ten and a third innings allowing two critical runs on the last play. Gregerson picked up the win for Richmond with four innings allowing one run and five strikeouts. All told, Toronto used 10 pitchers and seven position replacements in the final game; Richmond used seven pitchers and had five replacements.
Francisco Rodriguez was the series MVP pitching in five games picking up two saves and allowing no runs and one hit in six innings pitched while striking out seven.
I want to thank Will Polumbo for the NetPlay experience and hate the series had to end on a seventeenth inning walk-off. Although I am glad we did not have to go to a seventh game in the series. What a series!
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SIN CITY BOUNTY HUNTERS vs. ALBANY INTERNATIONALS
GAME # 1
Bounty Hunters.. 1 0 0 1 0 6 0 0 0 - 8 10 0
Internationals.. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 - 3 6 2
Machado led off the game with a HR and had 2 HR's for the game. Yelich error opened the gates for 6 run inning that included a 3-run Carter HR and Machado 2 run blast. Cueto pitches good enough, stranding runners when needed.
GAME # 2
Bounty Hunters.. 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 - 2 7 0
Internationals.. 2 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 - 8 10 0
Tables turned in game 2. Internationals hit early and often, with a couple of knocks falling in front of slow-footed OF's, and Martinez pitched just well enough stranding runners when needed and keeping the ball (mostly) in the park.
GAME # 3
Albany comes out strong with a 3 run first. All runs scored on a Selsky HR. Marco Estrada cruises along throwing 8 shutout innings. Albany hits 4 HR’s total and win easily 8-0. Albany leads series 2-1
GAME # 4
Albany scores 2 in the first in this game. Carpenter HR’s. Albany then scores 3 in the 2nd. 5-0 lead before Machado hits a solo HR in the 4th and Nal Hutta finally has a run at home in this series.Machado hits another solo HR in the 6th to make it 5-2.Albany then puts the game away with 4 in the 7th and win going away 10-5. Albany leads series 3-1.
Being a little frustrated I turn the game off and make a sandwich. Game 5 will be played in about 15 minutes.
GAME # 5
The little breaks helps Nal Hutta. Albany doesn’t score until the 5th. And takes a 1-0 lead.Meanwhile Bartolo Colon is pitching like its 1999 again. He loses a no hitter with 2 outs in the 6th.Nal Hutta finally scores in the bottom of the 8th when Manny Machado hits a solo HR to tie the game at 1. Machado has 5 HR’s in this series.Albany then finally uses the bullpen. With 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th Chris Carter connects for a solo HR and Nal Hutta finally wins a game at home. 2-1 final.
GAME # 6
Nal Hutta bats stay ice cold. Jeff Samardzjia pitches like the "old" King Felix, throwing 1 hit ball before tiring in the 9th.
Felix gets roughed up in the 1st, and the home team records 21 base hits on the way to a lopsided, drama free win.
Bounty Hunters.. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 - 1 3 0
Internationals.. 5 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 - 14 21 0
Albany wins series 4 games to 2
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GAME # 1 – TORONTO TITANS at MISSISSIPPI BIG ORANGE
Titans.............. 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 - 5 7 0
Big Orange...... 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 2 5 1
In a good matchup it was the Toronto Titans 5, the Mississippi Big Orange 2 at Zelkind Field.
The game was won by Toronto when they scored a run in the 8th inning. Ben Zobrist was hit by a pitch. After another out, Corey Seager got his chance to keep things going, but he went down on strikes. Trea Turner then ripped a single scoring the run. Turner took second on the throw. Hunter Strickland earned the save with a perfect ninth, his 1st save.
The victory went to Jake Odorizzi (1-0) who went 7 innings, allowing 2 runs. Justin Verlander (0-1) was given the loss. He gave up 5 hits and 3 walks in 8 innings.
GAME # 2 – TORONTO TITANS at MISSISSIPPI BIG ORANGE
Titans.............. 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 - 4 8 0
Big Orange...... 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 1 5 0
Jacoby Ellsbury homered and had 3 RBI at Zelkind Field as the Toronto Titans beat the Mississippi Big Orange by the count of 4 to 1.
Robert Gsellman (1-0) was brilliant in relief and registered the victory. He surrendered only 1 hit and 1 walk in 4 and 1/3 innings. Toronto had 8 hits overall, while Mississippi had 5.
The loss was charged to David Robertson (0-1) in relief. He surrendered 2 runs and 2 hits in 2 innings.
GAME # 3 – MISSISSIPPI BIG ORANGE at TORONTO TITANS
Big Orange.............. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 - 1 5 1
Titans..................... 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 x - 3 5 1
Aaron Nola had a strong outing at Napolean Park as the Toronto Titans beat the Mississippi Big Orange 3 to 1.
Toronto came up with all the runs they needed in the 2nd inning when they scored 3 runs on 3 hits. That was all Nola (1-0) needed. Both teams ended up with 5 hits on the night.
Ryan Dull was credited with his 1st save. Jon Lester (0-1) was tagged with the loss. He surrendered 3 runs and 5 hits in 8 innings.
GAME # 4 – MISSISSIPPI BIG ORANGE at TORONTO TITANS
Big Orange.............. 0 5 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 - 8 8 0
Titans..................... 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 - 3 8 2
Curtis Granderson homered and had 2 RBI and Justin Verlander dominated striking out 10 Toronto batters at Napolean Park as the Mississippi Big Orange beat the Toronto Titans 8 to 3.
Verlander (1-1) was solid in the win. He allowed just 8 hits and 1 walk in 9 innings. Both teams totaled 8 hits on the night.
Jake Odorizzi (1-1) took the loss. He was knocked around, surrendering 6 runs in 5 innings. “He was really impressive tonight,” Odorizzi said of his counterpart. “Our guys were just swinging at air.”
GAME # 5 – MISSISSIPPI BIG ORANGE at TORONTO TITANS
Big Orange.............. 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 - 1 7 2
Titans..................... 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 x - 5 8 0
The Toronto Titans advanced to the Playoff Round versus the Richmond Banshees as they toppled the Mississippi Big Orange by a 5 to 1 score at Napolean Park.
Toronto took the lead for good in the 2nd inning when they tallied 2 runs on 3 hits. The early run support proved sufficient for C.C. Sabathia (1-0) and Toronto. That was all the run support Sabathia required. Toronto had 8 hits for the night.
The loss was charged to Jacob Degrom (0-1). He gave up 8 hits and 1 walk in 8 innings.