StLee

Members
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Content Count

    472

  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    3

Posts posted by StLee

  1. Posted

    2011 Alpha League

     

    Standings

     
    2011standingsalpha_zps5ee7b4d6.jpg
     
    Pennant Winner
     
    Los_Angeles_Actors_Banner_Pennant_2011_z
     
    Tie Breakers
     
    New Mexico beat Brooklyn in their season series for the #7 seed.
    Nashville beat New Orleans in their season series for the #10 seed. 
     
    Honors Cup
     
    First Round
    Toronto 2, Portland 1
    New Orleans 2, Nashville 0
     
    Semifinals
    New Mexico 2, Toronto 1
    Brooklyn 2, New Orleans 0
     
    Honors Cup Final
    Brooklyn 2, New Mexico 1
     
    Brooklyn_Avengers_Banner_Honors_Cup_2011
     
    Alpha Cup
     
    Oakland 3, Cincinnati 2
     
    Oakland_Gorillas_Banner_Alpha_Cup_2011_z
     
    Diamond Trophy
     
    First Round
    Montreal 3, Los Angeles 2
    Miami 3, Houston 2
     
    Championship
    Montreal 4, Miami 1
     
    Montreal_Saints_Banner_Diamond_Trophy_20
     
    Relegation
     
    Honors Cup First Round and Semifinals Losers:
    Portland Pioneers
    Nashville Country
    New Orleans Gators
    Toronto Thunderbirds

  2. Posted

    2011 Beta League

     

    Standings

     
    2011standingsbeta_zps3def45ed.jpg
     
    Pennant Winner
     
    Honolulu_Tropics_Banner_Pennant_2011_zps
     
    Tie Breakers
     
    Seattle beat San Antonio in a one-game playoff for the #7 seed
    Virginia Beach beat St. Louis in a one-game playoff for the #9 seed
     
    Beta Survivors Cup
     
    First Round
    Detroit 2, Phoenix 1
     
    Semifinals
    San Antonio 2, Detroit 1
    Virginia Beach 2, St. Louis 0
     
    Beta Survivors Cup Final
    Virginia Beach 2, San Antonio 1
     
    Virginia_Beach_Neptunes_Banner_Beta_Surv
     
    Beta Cup
     
    First Round
    Charlotte 2, Seattle 0
    San Francisco 2, Austin 1
     
    Beta Cup Final
    Charlotte 2, San Francisco 0
     
    Charlotte_Flyers_Banner_Beta_Cup_2011_zp
     
    Gold Trophy
     
    First Round
    San Diego 3, Kansas City 1
     
    Championship
    Honolulu 4, San Diego 0
     
    Honolulu_Tropics_Banner_Gold_2011_zpsd65
     
    Promotion
     
    Honolulu Tropics - Pennant and Gold Trophy winners
    Kansas City Sting - Top 3 seed
    San Diego Slammers - Top 3 seed
    Charlotte Flyers - Beta Cup winners
     
    Relegation
     
    Beta Survivors Cup Losers: 
    San Antonio Buzzards
    St. Louis Lions
    Detroit Wolverines
    Phoenix Firebirds

  3. Posted

    2011 Gamma League

     

    Standings

     
    2011standingsgamma_zps356196bd.jpg
     
    Pennant Winner
     
    Dallas_Tycoons_Banner_pennant_2011_zps99
     
    Tie Breakers
     
    Washington had a better season series record than Boston for the #3 seed
     
    Minneapolis had a better overall season record against Denver and the Bronx for the #8 seed. 
     
    Denver had a better head-to-head record against the Bronx for the #9 seed. 
     
    Gamma Survivors Cup
     
    First Round
    Denver 2, Milwaukee 1
    Bronx 2, Vancouver 0
     
    Semifinals
    Bronx 2, Las Vegas 1
    Denver 2, Minneapolis 1
     
    Gamma Survivors Cup Final
    Bronx 2, Denver 1
     
    Bronx_Bombers_Banner_Gamma_Survivors_201
     
    Gamma Cup
     
    First Round
    Washington 2, Utah 1
    Atlanta 2, Boston 0
     
    Gamma Cup Final
    Washington 2, Atlanta 1
     
    Washington_Presidents_Banner_Gamma_Cup_2
     
    Silver Trophy
     
    Dallas 4, Oklahoma City 2
     
    Dallas_Tycoons_Banner_Silver_2011_zps7ce
     
    Promotion
     
    Dallas Tycoons - Pennant and Silver Trophy winners
    Oklahoma City Bandits - Runner up
    Washington Presidents - Gamma Cup winners
    Atlanta Blazers - Gamma Cup runners up
     
    Relegation
     
    Gamma Survivors Cup Losers: 
    Las Vegas Dealers
    Minneapolis Blizzard
    Denver Peaks
    Vancouver Mounties
    Milwaukee Beers

  4. Posted

    2011 Omega League

     

    Standings

     
    2011standingsomega_zps3ab01618.jpg
     
    Pennant Winner
     
    Cleveland_Sluggers_Banner_Pennant_2011_z
     
    Tie Breaker
     
    Indianapolis and Pittsburgh had identical season records, so they met in a one-game regular season matchup for the right to meet Cleveland in the battle for the Bronze Trophy. Indianapolis won the game 6-1. 
     
    Omega Cup
     
    First Round
    Baltimore 2, Pittsburgh 1
    Louisville 2, Tampa 0
    Chicago 2, Memphis 1
    Buffalo 2, Orlando 1
     
    Semifinals
    Chicago 2, Buffalo 0
    Louisville 2, Baltimore 0
     
    Promotion Series
    Buffalo 2, Baltimore 0
     
    Omega Cup Final
    Chicago 2, Louisville 0
     
    Chicago_Brats_Banner_Omega_Cup_2011_zps0
     
    Bronze Trophy
     
    Indianapolis 4, Cleveland 3
     
    Indianapolis_Express_Banner_Bronze_2011_
     
    Promotion
     
    Cleveland Sluggers - Pennant winner
    Indianapolis Express - Bronze Trophy
    Chicago Brats - Omega Cup
    Louisville Thoroughbreds - Omega Cup runner up
    Buffalo Bears - Promotion Series winner

  5. Posted

    2011 Spring Bowl

     

    The 2011 Spring Bowl changed its format to being a seeded tournament of the top four teams of each league from the 2010 season for a total of 16 teams. Seeds were ordered starting with the 2010 Alpha League pennant winners all the way down to the fourth-place finisher in the Omega League. 

     
    Results
     
    2011SpringBowl_zpsc276bf98.jpg
     
    Miami took advantage of the New Mexico pitching staff to take the last two games and begin their season as the early favorites. 
     
    Miami_Towers_Banner_Spring_Bowl_2011_zps
     
    One thing that I don't think I have mentioned before, but may be relevant in future seasons is that there is an ultimate season award that I am currently calling the Triple Crown. It is for a team that wins the Spring Bowl, their league's Trophy, and the Champions Bowl. If any team can accomplish that, I plan to have certain future ceremonies for a Hall of Fame type of presentation. However, since the league is only in its second season here, I won't worry too much about 50 years into the future.

  11. Posted

    Year 5: Playoffs - Mojave Series Preview

     

    Mojave Series Preview

     
    When North Vegas and Goodsprings meet up in the 2289 Mojave Series, there will be blood. Well, figuratively, we hope. 
     
    As stated in the first round previews, the Radscorpions (74-26) and Lucky 38s (68-32) were atop most offensive and pitching categories. The two teams are talented from top to bottom. 
     
    In the 2289 season series between the two teams, however, North Vegas had a 6-2 advantage, making most of the difference between the #1 and #2 seeds. 
     
    The teams first met April 25-28 in Goodsprings. There the Radscorpions won the series 3-1. The Lucky 38s jumped out of the box with an opening series win, 4-2. Jimmy LaRue of Goodsprings was the MVP of that game by going 5 for 5 with two doubles, an RBI, and two runs scored. In the second game, North Vegas took it 8-3. Weldon Brown and Bill Cole had four hits apiece to spur NV’s 16-hit output in the game. The first shutout of the series occurred when the Radscorpions won game three, 6-0. Not only was it a shutout, but the Lucky 38s managed just one hit (a fifth inning Java Stirfry single) in the game off starter Wilfred Buckley. In the final game of the Goodsprings series, North Vegas won the four-game set by winning 5-2. Despite David Martin striking out 13 Radscorpions to tie a Goodsprings record, North Vegas’ Gary Clark allowed just two earned runs and three hits to earn the victory. 
     
    The teams met again June 6-9, where again North Vegas took the series 3-1. In the first game, the Radscorpions won 3-2 off Brown’s ninth-inning walkoff homer. Goodsprings took the second game, 6-4, when LaRue had another outstanding performance. He was 3 of 4 with a double, three RBI, and a walk. North Vegas used two big innings to take the third game, 10-5. Nelson Kirby had a triple and four RBI to lead the offensive charge. The final game of the season series was a 7-1 victory for the Radscorpions. Again the NV pitching shut down the Lucky 38s. This time it was Nate Camp who allowed just a run and three hits in eight innings. 
     
    Looking at how the teams fared against each other, North Vegas seems to have a sizeable advantage, but don’t count out the defending champions. As long as LaRue gets to swing a bat and Jesus Martinez is making contact with his heavy swing, the Goodsprings offense is formidable. In the season series, the Lucky 38s only hit three home runs, so that will need to change in the Mojave Series. Also, only LaRue’s .412 average was impressive. 
     
    For the Radscorpions, offense came a little easier in the series. Four players hit at least .300 against the Lucky 38s. Also, Kirby and Brown hit four home runs apiece against Goodsprings. George O’Kill struggled to produce hits, but, when he did, they resulted in two homers and six RBI. 
     
    For pitching, North Vegas was already historically good, but they were also able to shut down the Goodsprings offense quite frequently. Clark was 2-0 with a 3.78 ERA in his two starts. In their only starts against the Lucky 38s,  Camp and Buckley combined for just one run and four hits allowed for a 2-0 combined record. 
     
    Bob Jackson was the only Lucky 38s pitcher to have a lot of success. He was 1-0 with a 2.40 ERA in two starts. Donald Bush, who is scheduled to start Game One, and Jim Jones combined to go 0-4. 
     
    With the way North Vegas played all season, you would think they would easily be our pick to win it all. However, there is no easy in the Mojave, and Goodsprings always seems to find a way to win in dramatic fashion. So give us the luck of the 38 with Goodsprings taking it in seven.

  12. Posted

    Year 5: Playoffs - FS vs GS, Game Seven

     

    Lucky 38s Use Big Inning to Earn Mojave Series Spot

     
    Goodsprings knows winning big games, and the Lucky 38s did just that in defeating Freeside 4-3 in Game Seven of the opening round of the Mojave Baseball League playoffs. 
     
    With the victory, the Lucky 38s move on to face top seed North Vegas in the Mojave Series. 
     
    Goodsprings got all of its runs in a four-run second inning. With his team trailing 2-0, Jesus Martinez led off with a solo home run. Stu Vanstone doubled, and the next three batters were walked by Kings' starter Marshall Shaw to tie the game, 2-2. David Martin and Mike Duncan then hit consecutive RBI ground outs for the 4-2 lead. 
     
    Freeside had its chance at seizing momentum in the top of the second. Joel Bowles led off with a double off starting pitcher Martin. That was followed by a two-run shot for Ronald Draper and an early 2-0 lead. 
     
    The Kings' final run came in the ninth, but they were unable to push the tying run home. Draper led off with a single off closer Willie Miller. Tim Bradley and Ed Wolf then followed suit to load the bases with no outs. Jose De La Torre then grounded into a double play that scored Draper and moved Bradley to third base. Eric Fuller then grounded out to end the game and the series. 
     
    Martin was the MVP of the game. In addition to driving in a run, he allowed two earned runs on seven hits with two walks and six strikeouts in eight innings. Miller earned the save. 
     
    Shaw was the losing pitcher, allowing four earned runs on three hits with three walks and a strikeout in just two innings pitched. Three Kings relievers finished the final six innings, allowing only two hits. 
     
    Martinez won the Series MVP award. In seven games, he was 11 of 27 (.407) with a double, three home runs, nine RBI, six runs, three walks, and a sacrifice fly.
     
    2289Playoffs1B-7A_zpsca29d7f6.jpg
    2289Playoffs1B-7B_zpsa1a246bb.jpg

  13. Posted

    Year 5: Playoffs - FS vs GS, Game Six

     

    Lucky 38s Again Win in Ten

     
    Outside of extra innings games, Goodsprings has not fared well. In extra innings games, the Lucky 38s are undefeated in the 2289 playoffs. 
     
    Goodsprings overcame a run allowed by scoring two of its own in defeating Freeside 9-8 in 10 innings. The victory evens the series at three games apiece. 
     
    The Lucky 38s entered the bottom of the tenth trailing 8-7 and on the brink of elimination. Mike Duncan started things off with a single off reliever Doug King. With one out, Jimmy LaRue doubled to put the tying and winning runs in scoring position. Jesus Martinez then hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game, 8-8. With LaRue still on second, Stu Wilkins doubled to drive in the winning run. 
     
    Freeside was in control most of the game. The Kings took the first lead of the game in the third inning off Lucky 38s starter Jim Jones. Joel Bowles led off with a double. Jeremiah Morgan and Jim Seaman then hit into ground outs, both advancing Bowles for the 1-0 lead. 
     
    The Kings then added runs in the fifth and sixth for a 3-0 lead. In the fifth, Ellis Wood walked and Bowles reached on an error to advance Wood to third base. With one out, Seaman hit a sacrifice fly to score Wood. In the sixth, Jose De La Torre hit a solo home run for the 3-0 advantage. 
     
    Goodsprings got on the board for the first time in the sixth. With one out, Stu Vanstone singled, followed by a LaRue double to put runners at second and third. Martinez then hit a double of his own to make the score 3-2. Wilkins then made it back-to-back-to-back doubles to tie the game, 3-3. 
     
    The tie game did not last very long. In the eighth, the Kings looked to have started to put the game away. Ronald Draper led off with a single and then advanced on a sacrifice bunt. Chris Bitter was then walked, followed by a De La Torre single to load the bases with one out. Following a strike out, Bowles went deep for a grand slam home run and a 7-3 Kings lead. 
     
    Despite trailing big, the Lucky 38s kept cool at the plate and cut into the Freeside lead in the bottom of the inning. Wilkins walked to lead off, followed by a Dennis Shaft single. After a pitching change, Perry Ferguson walked to load the bases with no outs. After a strikeout, Tony Smith hit an RBI pinch-hit single to cut the lead to 7-4. Duncan then doubled in Shaft and Ferguson to cut the Kings lead to 7-6. However, Goodsprings stranded two runners in scoring position. 
     
    In the ninth inning, the Lucky 38s manufactured a run to tie the game at 7-7. Martinez led off with a single. He then advanced to second on a ground out. Shaft and Ferguson then hit consecutive singles to score Martinez. 
     
    Freeside again took a lead that it ultimately could not hold. This time it came in the tenth. With one out Paul Strong walked. Strong then stole second on a Bowles strikeout. Jeremiah Morgan then doubled in Strong for the 8-7 advantage in the deciding inning.
     
    Greg Greer was the winning pitcher because he pitched the tenth inning. Lester Watts was the losing pitcher.
     
    2289Playoffs1B-6A_zps45f324c6.jpg
    2289Playoffs1B-6B_zpsf4d0b8a2.jpg
    2289Playoffs1B-6C_zps880bd6fd.jpg

  14. Posted

    Year 5: Playoffs - SV vs NV, Series MVP

     

    Series MVP Named

     

    In an unprecedented move, a player from the team losing the series was named the series MVP. South Vegas' Angel Serrano was a one-man wrecking crew in the first round. The Vault Boys' right fielder was 9 for 22 (.409) with two doubles, a triple, three home runs, seven RBI, four runs, two walks, and three stolen bases. 

     

    PlayersAngelSerrano_zps924b58d7.jpg

     

    Others in consideration for the series MVP included:

    SP Orlando Stephens, South Vegas

    SS Bill Cole, North Vegas

    SP Rich Richmond, North Vegas

  15. Posted

    Year 5: Playoffs - SV vs NV, Game Six

     

    Late Rally Propels Radscorpions to Series Victory

     
    North Vegas went into the seventh inning trailing 2-0. However, after back-to-back two-run innings, the Radscorpions came away with a 4-2 victory over South Vegas and a first-round series win to push them into the Mojave Series. 
     
    Arthur Glass started the rally in the bottom of the seventh with a solo home run. With two outs, Chris Towns singled and then stole second base. Squirrel And then singled in Towns to tie the game 2-2 and chase Vault Boys' starting pitcher Orlando Stephens. 
     
    In the eighth inning, the Radscorpions took the lead for good off reliever Lee Weathers. Bill Cole singled to lead off and was then replaced with pinch runner Norris Carr. Glass then doubled to move Carr to third base. After Nelson Kirby was intentionally walked to load the bases with no outs, Kirby Brown reached on an error to score Carr. Weathers then threw a wild pitch to score Glass ad walked the batter. John Rock had to come on in relief to stop the bleeding by striking out And and getting Ernest Emmons to ground into a double play. 
     
    South Vegas took the lead in the first inning off starter Rich Richmond. Pat Meyer led off with a single and moved over to second with a ground out. James Sexton then hit an RBI single for the 1-0 lead. 
     
    The Vault Boys scored their final run in the sixth. Riley Brown led off with a double. With one out and runners at first and third, Angel Serrano doubled. Brown scored on the play, but Joseph Dillon was thrown out at the plate, keeping the score at 2-0. 
     
    John Mulvaney was the winning pitcher for the Radscorpions by pitching a scoreless eighth inning. Basket Zapp earned his fourth save of the series. Starter Richmond allowed just two earned runs on eight hits with two walks and nine strikeouts in seven innings. 
     
    South Vegas' Stephens pitched a gem until the seventh inning, giving him a no decision. He allowed two earned runs on nine hits with nine strikeouts in 6.2 innings. Weathers was the losing pitcher. 
     
    North Vegas now awaits the winner of the series between the Goodsprings Lucky 38s and the Freeside Kings.
     
    2289Playoffs1A-6A_zps0bd3eef2.jpg
    2289Playoffs1A-6B_zpsbd865bd6.jpg

  16. Posted

    Year 5: Playoffs - FS vs GS, Game Five

     

    38s Win in Ten
     
    Long after the starting pitchers finished their masterful performances, the bullpens were forced to decide game five of the opening series between Freeside and Goodsprings. And they did a hell of a job, too. 
     
    The Lucky 38s prevailed, though, hitting their way to victory in 10 innings, 3-1. The series no returns to Goodsprings for the sixth and possibly seventh game with the Kings leading the series three games to two. 
     
    In the top of the tenth, closer Doug King got the nod for Freeside. With one out, Perry Ferguson and Java Stirfry got back-to-back singles. With two outs, pinch hitter Antonio Gutierrez kept the inning alive with a soft single to short right field. Leadoff hitter Stu Vanstone then found a gap, doubling in Ferguson and Stirfry for the 3-1 advantage. 
     
    Both teams had trouble finding offensive production throughout the rest of the game. The Lucky 38s scored first in the top of the fourth when Jesus Martinez hit a solo home run off starter Jeff MacTause. 
     
    Freeside scored its only run in uncanny fashion. MacTause led off the fifth with a single. With two outs and MacTause on second, Jim Seaman singled, but MacTause had to hold up at third base. With the next batter up, Goodsprings starting pitcher Donald Bush committed a balk allowing MacTause to score from third. Balks are rarely called in the Mojave Baseball League, so it was a surprising and somewhat controversial call at the time. 
     
    Bush was the game's MVP due to his outstanding pitching performance in a game where neither offense could get going. Bush allowed one run on six hits with three walks and nine strikeouts in 6.1 innings. He also added a sacrifice bunt at the plate. Willie Miller earned the victory by pitching a scoreless ninth inning. Greg Greer earned the save with a scoreless tenth. 
     

     

    MacTause also pitched well in the no decision. He allowed one earned run on five hits with three walks and five strikeouts in six innings. King was the losing pitcher.

     

    2289Playoffs1B-5A_zps53e2f98c.jpg

    2289Playoffs1B-5B_zpsc03dd7fd.jpg

  17. Posted

    Year 5: Playoffs - SV vs NV, Game Five

     

    Big Innings Lift Radscorpions

     
    Big offensive outputs in the third and fifth innings gave North Vegas a big lead, allowing it to hold on for a 9-5 victory and a 3-2 series lead over South Vegas. The series now shifts back to North Vegas. 
     
    Trailing 1-0 in the top of the third, the Radscorpions began their first rally. Starting pitcher Wilfred Buckley led off with a single, followed by an Ernest Emmons single. With one out, Vault Boys' starting pitcher Donnell Dugood walked two straight batters to tie the game, 1-1. Bill Cole then hit a sacrifice fly to score Nelson Kirby from third. Leading 2-1, Squirrel And delivered a two-RBI double to give the Radscorpions a 4-1 advantage. 
     
    In the fifth inning, North Vegas pretty much put the game away. Hunter Harris came on in relief for Dugood, who allowed four earned runs in just three innings. Unfortunately for the Vault Boys, Harris fared no better. George O'Kill doubled to lead off. With one out, Cole singled in O'Kill and advanced to second on the throw home. And then tripled in Cole for a 6-1 lead. Following a walk, Stephen Sparks hit a sacrifice fly to score And and give the Radscorpions a 7-1 lead going into the bottom of the fifth. 
     
    South Vegas never started pushing back until the seventh inning. After Weldon Brown homered in the top of the seventh for an 8-1 North Vegas lead, the Vault Boys cut into that lead in the bottom of the inning. Anthony Savage walked to lead off the inning, followed by a single for MC Mack Walt Williams. With one out, Nelson Johnson went deep for a three-run blast, chasing Buckley from the game. 
     
    Each team scored a run in the ninth for the final 9-5 score. 
     
    Buckley earned the win for the Radscorpions by allowing four earned runs on eight hits with three walks and two strikeouts in 6.1 innings. Basket Zapp pitched the final two-thirds of the ninth innings to earn the save. 
     
    Dugood was the losing pitcher. In addition to the four earned runs he gave up, he allowed six hits and walked two. 
     
    Weldon Brown, the regular season home run champ, was the game's MVP. He went 2 for 4 with a home run, two RBI, three runs scored, and a walk. 
     
    Kevin Zimmerman was the top offensive performer for South Vegas. He finished 3 for 5 with a double and an RBI.
     
    2289Playoffs1A-5A_zpsaa7bbd32.jpg
    2289Playoffs1A-5B_zpse8b81246.jpg

  18. Posted

    Year 5: Playoffs - FS vs GS, Game Four

     

    Freeside Rallies in Ninth, Holds 3-1 Series Lead

     
    Goodsprings had held the Freeside bats in check for the first eight innings in a pitcher's duel. That all unraveled, though, when the Kings score two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to take a 2-1 victory and stand a victory away from winning the opening series. 
     
    Willie Miller came on in relief for the Lucky 38s for the ninth inning, and he quickly got the first two batters out. Jim Seaman, the Kings' top offensive weapon, then got the rally going with a two-out single. Former top rookie Joel Bowles followed with an RBI triple to tie the game, 1-1. Ronald Draper then singled in Bowles for the surprising victory. 
     
    David Martin of Goodsprings had pitched an excellent game, giving up only four hits and striking out 12 in seven innings of work. However, he was held to a no decision thanks to the Kings' rally. 
     
    Freeside's Marshall Shaw was equally effective in the no decision. He gave up only one earned run on five hits with a walk and five strikeouts in eight innings. Matt Palmer pitched the ninth inning for the victory. 
     
    The two teams play the last game of the series in Freeside tomorrow. If the Kings pull out the victory, they will move on to the Mojave Series.
     
    2289Playoffs1B-4A_zps0cf11dde.jpg
    2289Playoffs1B-4B_zpse55ee8d5.jpg

  19. Posted

    Year 5: Playoffs - SV vs NV, Game Four

     

    Serrano Homers Twice, Vault Boys Win

     
    Angel Serrano hit a two-run home run in the first and added a solo shot in the sixth to help lead South Vegas to a 5-3 victory over North Vegas and an even series after four games. 
     
    Tom Nelson earned the victory, pitching seven innings. He gave up three earned runs on eight hits with three walks and four strikeouts. 
     
    Nate Camp was the losing pitcher for the Radscorpions. He allowed four earned runs on nine hits with a walk in five innings.
     
    2289Playoffs1A-4A_zpseb9b37aa.jpg
    2289Playoffs1A-4B_zps46bed987.jpg

  20. Posted

    Year 5: Playoffs - FS vs GS, Game Three

     

    Freeside Looks Strong, Kings Take Series Lead

     
    Freeside's Paul Strong has not done much in the Mojave Baseball League since his pro debut on May 1 of this season. However, the former Tops first-round pick became a sensation in Game Three of the playoffs when his three-run blast in the seventh inning boosted the Kings to a 5-2 victory over Goodsprings. 
     
    With one out in the bottom of the seventh, Jerry Corbett doubled off the Lucky 38s' Jim Jones. Chris Bitter was then intentionally walked, followed by a ground out by Jose De La Torre. With two outs and a full count, Strong took a hooking curve over the right field fence at Old Mormon Fort Field for the three-run lead and the final runs in the game. 
     
    Jones suffered the loss for Goodsprings, allowing five earned runs on six hits with a walk and nine strikeouts in seven innings. All five runs given up were via home run. 
     
    Jorge Alonzo, who pitched only the seventh inning and gave up the tying run, earned the victory for the Kings. Ellis Wood, the starting pitcher, allowed one earned run on 10 hits with two walks and five strikeouts in six innings in the no decision. Doug King earned his second save of the series. 
     
    The Kings struck first in the game. With two outs in the bottom of the first, Jim Seaman took a Jones pitch over the center field wall. 
     
    Goodsprings got on the board in the third. Jones led off with a single. With two outs and Stu Vanstone on after reaching on a fielder's choice, Jimmy LaRue singled to advance Vanstone to third base. Jesus Martinez then hit an RBI single to knot up the game, 1-1. 
     
    However, Freeside immediately answered to take back the lead. De La Torre took the third pitch he saw over the right center field fence for a 2-1 Kings' advantage. 
     
    The Lucky 38s again tied the game in the seventh, though they could play the what-if game for that inning. Mike Duncan led off with a single to chase starer Wood. With one out, Duncan attempted a steal from second to third but was nailed pretty easily. LaRue then singled for what would have been the tying RBI. After LaRue stole second, Martinez hit his second RBI single to make the game 2-2.
     
    Despite outhitting Freeside 12-6, Goodsprings could not manufacture runs. The Kings, however, blasted their way to the victory, something they did not do much of in the regular season.
     
    2289Playoffs1B-3A_zps1cd348ff.jpg
    2289Playoffs1B-3B_zpsdaeebf1a.jpg

  21. Posted

    Year 5: Playoffs - SV vs NV, Game Three

     

    Quick recap:

     
    Ninth Inning Ends Scoreless Game
     
    A scoreless game turned into a ninth-inning rally as the North Vegas Radscorpions defeated South Vegas 2-0 in Game Three of their first-round match up. 
     
    With a pitcher's duel between Radscorpions' starter Rich Richmond and Vault Boys' starter Orlando Stephens, it took the teams' bullpens to help decide the final. 
     
    Richmond gave up seven hits in 6.2 innings with a walk and seven strikeouts before giving way to John Mulvaney due to fatigue. Mulvaney finished the inning before Gary Clark came on to pitch the eighth, earning him the win after North Vegas' two-run ninth. Basket Zapp pitched the final inning for the save. 
     
    For South Vegas, Orlando Stephen gave up just two hits, walked one, and struck out seven in seven innings. John Rock pitched a great eighth inning, but could not record an out to earn the loss in the ninth inning. 
     
    The winning rally happened in the top of the ninth. Squirrel And led off the inning with a double off Rock. After a wild pitch moved And to third, Ernest Emmons walked. George O'Kill then singled in And and Emmons advanced to third. Ricardo Rodriguez then came on in relief for Rock. With one out and the bases loaded after an intentional walk, North Vegas' Arthur Glass hit a sacrifice fly to score Emmons for the 2-0 final.
     
    2289Playoffs1A-3A_zps6ebcf9f7.jpg
    2289Playoffs1A-3B_zps0251580f.jpg

  22. Posted

    Year 5: Playoffs - FS vs GS, Game Two

     

    Quick recap: 

     
    Lucky 38s Survive, Even Series
     
    Goodsprings jumped out to a 3-0 lead, but watched that lead evaporate in the seventh inning before claiming victory in the 11th in a 4-3 win over Freeside. The series is now even heading to Freeside. 
     
    Jimmy LaRue led off the bottom of the eleventh with his MBL record second triple of the game. With one out and the bases loaded on intentional walks, Perry Ferguson drew a walk to end the ball game. 
     
    The Kings erased a 3-0 deficit in the seventh. Tim Bradley tripled to lead off the inning. Ed Wolf then reached on a sacrifice bunt attempt, stranding Bradley at third. Backup shortstop Jose De La Torre then became an unlikely offensive hero by blasting a three-run, game-tying home run. He had hit only one career home run in the MBL before his postseason heroics. 
     
    The Lucky 38s' Jesus Martinez added a two-run home run in the sixth inning off all-MBL pitcher Jeff MacTause. 
     
    Both MacTause and Donald Bush gave up three earned runs in the no decision. Willie Miller earned the victory for Goodsprings, while Jorge Alonzo was the losing pitcher.
     
    2289Playoffs1B-2A_zpsb8bb50a1.jpg
    2289Playoffs1B-2B_zpsb366728f.jpg

  24. Posted

    Year 5: Playoffs - FS vs GS, Game One

     

    Shaw Stymies 38s, Freeside Wins

     
    Marshall Shaw's last trip to the postseason was anything but memorable. In his first and only start with the King's School of Impersonation, he was shellacked for six runs in six innings pitched. 
     
    The opposite case came true in his second postseason start. Shaw gave up just one run on three hits in eight innings, holding down Goodsprings in Freeside's 2-1 series-opening victory. 
     
    The Kings took the lead in the top of the second. Ronald Draper singled to lead off, and Tim Bradley walked. Ed Wolf then hit an RBI double for a 1-0 lead before Goodsprings starter David Martin was able to escape the inning by striking out the side, two coming with the bases loaded. 
     
    In the eighth inning, Freeside's best offensive weapon, left fielder Jim Seaman, hit a one-out solo home run to give the Kings a 2-0 lead. 
     
    Goodsprings finally got on the board in the bottom of the eighth. Perry Ferguson and Alex Raines both walked. With two outs and the runners at second and third, Mike Duncan singled in Ferguson, but Raines had to hold up at third because of the hard hit. With Dennis Shaft up with a chance to tie the game, Kings' catcher Jay Gardner picked off Duncan at first, ending the inning and the Lucky 38s' best threat. 
     
    Martin suffered the loss for Goodsprings despite pitching a decent game. He gave up two earned runs on eight hits with three walks and nine strikeouts in 7.1 innings. 
     
    Doug King picked up the save by pitching a perfect ninth inning. 
     
    Seaman and Draper were the only players with multiple hits in the game.
     
    2289Playoffs1B-1A_zpse1b57cbe.jpg2289Playoffs1B-1B_zpse41700aa.jpg

  25. Posted

    Year 5: Playoffs - SV vs NV, Game One

     

    Eighth-Inning Rally Propels North Vegas

     
    South Vegas took a 4-3 lead in the eighth, but North Vegas rallied with two runs in the bottom of the inning to claim a 5-4 victory. 
     
    Weldon Brown led off the inning with a single for the Radscorpions. Bill Cole then singled to put runners at first and third. With one out, Nelson Kirby walked to load the bases. Norris Carr then hit into an RBI fielder's choice to tie the game with two outs. Jaime Rios then followed with an RBI single to give North Vegas the lead for good. 
     
    The Vault Boys took the lead in the top of the eighth on an RBI single by MC Mack Walt Williams to drive in Kevin Zimmerman and Joseph Dillon. 
     
    North Vegas grabbed the first lead of the game in the second inning. Just like the eighth, Brown led off with a single. Cole then doubled to put runners at second and third with no outs. Kirby and Stephen Sparks then followed with RBI ground outs to give the Radscorpions a 2-0 lead. 
     
    The Vault Boys finally got on the board in the fourth inning. James Sexton led off the inning with a solo home run to deep left center field. After Dillon was hit by a Nate Camp pitch, Angel Serrano tripled him home to tie the game, 2-2. 
     
    However, the tie did not last long. In the bottom of the inning, the Radscorpions retook the lead. With one out, Sparks hit an RBI single to score Arthur Glass, who had earlier reached on a fielder's choice. 
     
    Camp was named the game's MVP despite the no decision. He pitched seven innings, giving up two earned runs on two hits--both in the fourth inning--with three walks and nine strikeouts. 
     
    Dave Davis, who pitched the eighth inning for North Vegas, earned the win. Basket Zapp got the save. 
     
    Tom Nelson was the starter for South Vegas. He allowed three earned runs on seven hits with four strikeouts in six innings. Closer John Rock was the losing pitcher.
     
    2289Playoffs1A-1A_zps586d1ad4.jpg2289Playoffs1A-1B_zps25251738.jpg