2023 NSL SEASON PLAYOFF REPORTS

PLAY IN GAME

VERMONT and COASTAL

The Coastal Bulldogs take a dog sled train up to Vermont to play the Woodchucks for 1 game and winner take it all for the playoffs.  Each team has its stud Starter going, Ohtani vs Urias.  Very few hits in the game as the Dogs could only muster 4 hits, 2 of which were HRs and the Chucks had 5 hits with a double and 3 HRs.  Six of the nine hits were for extra bases.

VER    4-5-0        COA    3-4-1

Rosario starts the scoring off in the 3rd with a solo shot.  Betts ties the game in the 6th with a bases empty blast.  Lowe smashes a solo HR in the home half to retake the lead, 2-1.  In the 7th Bellinger wallops a 2 run HR knocking in Perez who had singled ahead of him and a 3-2 Bulldog lead.  Turner comes right back and launches the tying big fly in the home half.  Into the 9th.  Matt Carpenter doubles to open the inning and Adell is in to PR.  Arozarena walks putting runners on 1st and 2nd.  Lowe one hops a GB to Urias and he heaves the ball into the foul territory down the right field line allowing Adell to score from second.  Game over.  Ohtani the win and Urias the hard luck loss.

Congrats to Dave and Good Luck in the Playoffs. 

FIRST ROUND

MARIETTA and ALBANY

1^st Round Playoff Series Mar vs Alb                12/31/23

Divisional Series matchup taking place on New Years Eve with Murphy Division Winner Marietta hosting #1 Wild Card Albany with Grant Park in attendance.

Game 1 featured Aces Justin Verlander vs Max Scherzer with Marietta hosting. Marietta gets the scoring started in the 3^rd with a Christian Vazquez solo homer. Albany responds in the Top of the 5^th with an Amed Rosario RBI single scoring Christian Yelich to tie the game. Keston Hiura gives the lead back to the Mad Dogs in the Bottom of the 6^th with a 2 run homer after a Gleyber Torres double, and Joc Pederson follows suit in the 7^th with another 2 run homer following a Brendan Donovan double to extend the lead to 5-1. Verlander cruises the rest of the way to pitch a complete game and earn the Game 1 win. Scherzer has 9 Ks to Verlander’s 6 but gave up 3 big homers.

Alb 1-3-1              Mar 5-10-1

Scherzer: L 7ip     Verlander: W 9ip

Game 2 also pairs 2 A starters Tony Gonsolin vs Zac Gallen. A quick 5 innings goes by with no scoring, but in the Top of the 6^th Starling Marte gives Albany their first lead of the series with a 2 run homer after a William Contreras single. After 2 more scoreless half innings Vazquez comes up big again with a game tying 2 run double scoring Nolan Arenado and Dansby Swanson finally giving life back to Marietta. Both pitchers go into the 9^th inning where Torres will hit a 1 out walk off homer to extend Marietta’s Series lead 2-0. Gallen ends up with 12 K’s but will get the loss.

Alb 2-4-0              Mar 3-4-0

Gallen: L 8.1 ip Gonsolin: W 9 ip

Game 3 sends us to Albany to host with another A, Nestor Cortes, facing Shane McClanahan. Another great pitching stalemate through 5 innings and again the scoring starts in the 6^th but in the home half with Albany putting a 3 spot up as William Contreras and Starling Marte get on in front of Ty France who hits a 3 run shot off McClanahan with 2 outs in the inning. Cortes continues to cruise into the 9^th inning and gets upgraded to try and close it out. Chas McCormick takes the shutout out of play with a solo homer and Marietta gets 2 more runners on, but Erik Swanson comes in to close out the final two thirds of the inning to earn the save and Albany their first win of the series. Mar leads 2-1. McClanahan with 8 Ks and Cortes with 7 Ks.

Mar 1-4-1             Alb 3-7-0

McClanahan: L 6 ip             Cortes: W 8.1 ip

Game 4 stays in Albany as we bring back our game 1 starters Scherzer vs Verlander. It’s yet another great pitching duel as the 2 A pitchers get through 7 innings scoreless but in the Top of the 8^th Chas McCormick and Brendan Donovan reach in front of Paul Goldschmidt who doubles both in to finally get the first runs in the game on the board. Dansby Swanson then singles in Goldschmidt 2 batters later which gives way to Verlander to throw another complete game and earning the shutout this time. Scherzer with 13 Ks, Verlander strikes out 10 and Marietta takes a commanding 3-1 lead.

Mar 3-8-0             Alb 0-3-2

Verlander: W 9 ip               Scherzer: L 9 ip

Game 5 has the final game in Albany with Gallen vs Gonsolin again. It’s yet again another dominant pitching matchup but Marietta does squeak out a Sac Fly from Swanson in the Top of the 4^th for an early 1-0 lead. Not much else except a ton of Albany Stolen Bases getting left stranded until the Bottom of the 8^th as Joey Votto reaches and gets pinch ran for by Nico Hoerner. We see a Hit and Run in play by Albany as the hit goes to Swanson and it eats him up. The speedy Hoerner will come around and score to tie the game up giving Swanson the error and reliever Ryne Stanek the Blown Save. The game goes to extras and both teams deploy their top relievers but finally in the 12^th inning William Contreras has a bases loaded walk off hit with 2 outs to give Albany the big win and hope in the series. Gallen with 8 Ks goes 9 innings and Gonsolin has 4 Ks in 7 innings. Each team only had 1 extra base hit the entire game.

Mar 1-6-1             Alb 2-4-0

E. Ramirez: L .2 ip               K Ginkel: W 1 ip

Game 6 returns back to Marietta where the Mad Dogs hope to finish off the series at home sending back McClanahan vs Cortes. After seeing so many pitching gems to start out the series we finally had a high scoring affair where Donovan leads off the Bottom of the 1^st with a hard hit up the middle and JD Martinez lets it go through his legs in Center. Donovan races around to score an inside the park homer off the error. The next batter Pederson reaches to set up Goldschmidt to take Cortes deep for a 2 run bomb and 3-0 lead. Then right after in the Bottom of the 2^nd Marietta adds another run with a Vazquez homer and Mad Dogs are now up 4-0. Albany will then get one back in the Top of the 4^th and another in Top of the 5^th with RBIs from Starling Marte and Amed Rosario. Still in the 5^th, Albany gets 2 more on with the righty William Contreras up. After a questionable call to not pull McClanahan, Contreras proceeds to hit the 3 run homer to give Albany a 5-4 lead. Albany will then add 2 more in the 7^th with a 2 run homer from Jose Altuve off of Stanek. McCormick tries to spark a comeback in the 8^th hitting another solo shot but that is all Marietta will get as Albany throws Erik Swanson back in there to shut down the final inning and a third to send the series into Game 7. Cortes gives up 5 runs (4 ER) with 7 Ks and gets his second win of the series. McClanahan gives up 5 as well with just 4 Ks in 4.1 innings and now 2 losses.

Alb 7-9-1              Mar 5-9-0

Cortes: W 7.2 ip   McClanahan: L 4.1 ip

Game 7 shows off the 2 Aces for a third time with Verlander hosting Scherzer in the series finale. Verlander once again shines as he only gives up 1 hit and 2 walks to throw his second shutout of the series. Goldschmidt strikes again as well as he adds a homer and double to add 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored with Swanson and McCormick adding an RBI each to pat the lead to 4-0 through 7 innings. Verlander punches out 11 this time around and will earn his 3^rd Win of the series and securing the series win for the Mad Dogs. Scherzer unfortunately picks up his 3^rd loss pitching 8 innings and giving up 4 runs while striking out 7.

Alb 0-1-1              Mar 4-10-0

Scherzer: L 8 ip    Verlander: W 9 ip

The Mad Dogs finally bring home their first playoff series win since moving to Marietta, and will advance to the Championship Series. Congrats to Nathaniel for a great Regular Season with 95 wins and a hard fought playoff series that came down to the wire!

Verlander (3-0) will get series MVP pitching 27 innings and only giving up 1 run with 27 Ks.

Goldschmidt hits .333 with 3 doubles, 2 homers and 6 RBI

Vazquez hits .357 with 5 doubles, 2 homers and 4 RBI

Marietta with 9 homers and team .217 Avg. Pitching had 56 Ks and 1.95 ERA with 3 errors.

Albany with 4 homers and team .144 Avg. They had 15 stolen bases on 18 attempts and had 23 walks. Pitching had 69 Ks and 2.98 ERA with 5 errors.  

Scherzer has 29 Ks and Hoerner swipes 5  bases. 

NEW HUDSON and CREEKSIDE

Game 1 - Play by Play

New Hudson @ Creekside

Alek Manoah Ayz  vs  Cristian Javier Ak

Top of the 1st

Trout - K,   Fraley - BB,   Alonso - BB,   Contreras - DP 6-4-3

0-0-0

Bottom of the 1st

Soto - 5-3,   Polanco - 4-3,   Varsho - 4-3

0-0-0

0-0 after 1 inning

Top of the 2nd

Nootbar - F5,   Witt - 6-3,   Cooper - K

0-0-0

Bottom of the 2nd

Alvarez - F8,   Hoskins - BB,   O'Neill - K,   Hoskins - caught stealing 

0-0-0

0-0 after 2 innings

Top of the 3rd

Garcia - G3,   Crawford - 5-3,   Trout - K

0-0-0

Bottom of the 3rd

Renfroe - F9,   Suarez - K,   Frazier - 6-3

0-0-0

0-0 after 3 innings

Top of the 4th

Fraley - 1B,   Alonso - FC 5-4,   Contreras - 3-1,   Nootbar - 2B, RBI,   Witt - K

1-2-0

Bottom of the 4th

Soto - K,   Polanco - K,   Varsho - 5-3

0-0-0

1-0 New Hudson after 4 innings

Top of the 5th

Cooper - K,   Garcia - F5,   Crawford - K

0-0-0

Bottom of the 5th

Alvarez - K,   Hoskins - 1-3,   O'Neill - F9

0-0-0

1-0 New Hudson after 5 innings

Top of the 6th

Trout - K,   Fraley - 1B,   Alonso - 3-1,   Contreras - BB,   Nootbar - 1-3

0-0-0

Bottom of the 6th

Renfroe - 6-3,   Suarez - F8,   Frazier - 1B,   Soto - K

0-1-0

1-0 New Hudson after 6 innings

Top of the 7th

Witt - 1B,   Cooper - K,   Garcia - HR, 2RBIs,   Marinaccio replaces Javier,   Crawford BB,   Trout - F9,   Fraley - BB,   

McHugh replaces Marinaccio,   Alonso - K

2-2-0

Bottom of the 7th

Verdugo replaces Nootbar,   Schoop replaces Garcia,   Polanco - E6,   Varsgo - FC, 5-4,   Alvarez - 2B, RBI,  

 Hoskins - 4-3,   O'Neill - F3

1-1-1

3-1 New Hudson after 7 innings

Top of the 8th

Abreu replaces McHugh,   Contreras - 4-3,   Verdugo - 5-3,   Witt - 5-3

0-0-0

Bottom of the 8th

Renfroe - F9,   Suarez - 6-3,   Frazier - 2B,   Soto - K

0-1-0

3-1 New Hudson after 8 innings

Top of the 9th

Romano replaces Abreu,   Cooper - F5,   Schoop - K,   Crawford - K

0-0-0

Bottom of the 9th 

Polanco - BB,   Varsho - DP, 4-6-3.   Alvarez - 5-3

0-0-0

FINAL SCORE

3-1 NEW HUDSON

New Hudson    3-5-1

Creekside         1-3-0

WP: Manoah

LP: Javier

Game 2 in the books.

New Hudson @ Creekside

Chris Bassitt Byz  vs Merrill Kelly By

Top of the 1st

Trout - K,   Fraley - 1B,   Alonso - K,   Contreras - K

0-1-0

Bottom of the 1st

Soto - BB,   Polanco - F4,   Varsho - 3-1,   Alvarez - 6-3

0-0-0

0-0 after 1 inning

Top of the 2nd

Nootbar - BB,   Witt - K,   Cooper - DP, 6-4-3

0-0-0

Bottom of the 2nd

Hoskins - 1B,   O'Neill - F8,   Suarez - 5-3,   Renfroe 1B, RBI,   Ftrazier F2

1-2-0

1-0 Creekside after 2 innings

Top of the 3rd

Garcia - K,   Crawford - K,   Trout - BB,   Fraley - K

0-0-0

Bottom of the 3rd

Soto - BB,   Polanco - 5-3,   Varsho - 6-3,   Alvarez - BB,   Hoskins - K

0-0-0

1-0 Creekside after 3 innings

Top of the 4th

Alonso - 5-3,   Contreras - 6-3,   Nootbar - K

0-0-0

Bottom of the 4th

O'Neill - 6-3,   Suarez - K,   Renfroe - F8

0-0-0

1-0 Creekside after 4 innings

Top of the 5th

Witt - 4-3,   Cooper - 4-3,   Garcia - 5-3

0-0-0

Bottom of the 5thj

Fraier - F9,   Soto - K,   Polanco - 6-3

0-0-0

1-0 Creekside after 5 innings

Top of the 6th

Crawford - K,   Trout - 2B,   Fraley - K,   Alonso - 3-1

0-1-0

Bottom of the 6th

Varsho - 2B,   Alvarez - 1-3,   Hoskins - K,   O'Neill - BB,   Suarez - 1B, RBI,   Frazier - K

1-2-0

2-0 Creekside after 6 innings

Top of the 7th

Contreras - F8,   Nootbar - 1B, SB,   Witt - 5-3,   Cooper - BB,   Garcia - 1B, RBI,   Alvarado Bky, replaces Kelly, becomes Aky vs lefty,   Crawford - 6-3

1-2-0

Bottom of the 7th

Soto - K,   Polanco - 1-3,   Varsho - F8

0-0-0

2-1 Creekside after 7 innings

Top of the 8th

Abreu Ak, replaces Alvarado,   Trout - F6,   Fraley - 6-3,   Alonso - 4-3

0-0-0

Bottom of the 8th

Alvarez - 5-3,   Hoskins - 1B,   Cimber Bz, replaces Bassitt, becomes Az vs righty,   O'Neill - FC, 1-6,   Singer Bxz, replaces Cimber, becomes Axz vs righty,   Suarez - HR, 2RBIs,   Renfroe - K

2-2-0

4-1 Creekside after 8 innings

Top of the 9th

Romano Axy replaces Abreu,   Contreras - BB,   Nootbar - 1B,   Witt - F4,   Cooper - DP, 5-4-3

0-1-0

FINAL SCORE

4-1 Creekside

New Hudson     1-5-0

Creekside         4-6-0

WP: Kelly

LP: Bassitt

Sv: Romano

Game 3

Summary

A double for you! A double for me! Everybody gets a double! At least it seemed that way. Game 3 saw 8 doubles hit involving 7 different players.

Creekside was on the board first (in the 1st). Varsho singled and then moved to 2nd when Soto was thrown out at the plate. Alvarez promptly doubled him home.

New Hudson responded in the 2nd after Nootbaar led off with - you guessed it - a double. He was doubled home by Witt.

In the 4th, Alvarez led the inning off with a walk. He was moved to 3rd by (you got it) a double by Hoskins. Renfroe then moved him home with a fly out to center field.

Hoskins singled to lead off the 6th for Creekside. He was brought home with a 2 out homer by O'Neill.

New Hudson tried to rally in the 9thh. Alonso led the inning off with a double and was singled home by Fraley. Witt reached on an error which also moved the runner to third. But Romano was able to get Garcia to ground out to end the game.

While Game 3 was all about doubles, Game 4 was about the long ball. Five total homers were hit - and all 3 of Creekside's hits were bombs.

The scoring started in the 1st when Polanco and Varsho went back-to-back for Creekside.

New Hudson answered quickly. In the bottom of the first, Alonso walked with 2 outs. Fraley then came up and sent one deep to tie things up. Nootbaar tripled in the next at bat but Javier was able to get Verdugo to ground out to short.

Alonso wasn't done. He hit a solo dinger in the 3rd to put New Hudson on top.

The Nutjobs added 2 more runs in the bottom of the 4th. Garcia singled. Crawford walked. Both runners advanced a base on a passed ball and were then doubled home by Contreras.

Alvarez added one for Creekside in the 6th with another solo shot.

Both pitchers had 12 strikeouts each and both walked 5 batters.

Game 5

This one really, really hurt. I thought we had it won, then lost, then thought I was coming back.

Creekside started the scoring off in the top of the 3rd. Hoskins doubled with 2 outs. He scored after Suarez singled him to 3rd and then Renfroe singled him home.

Creekside scored their second run on a leadoff homer by Alvarez in the top of the 5th.

New Hudson finally got on the board in the bottom of the 5th. Garcia doubled to lead off the inning. He scored on an error when Trout hit a grounder to short that was muffed by Polanco.

New Hudson took the lead in the bottom of the 7th when Crawford led off with a walk. After a Contreras strikeout, Trout sent one deep to give the Nutjobs the lead.

But, alas, in the top of the 8th, Frazier singled with 1 out. Soto stepped up and hit a rocket that put Creekside back on top.

The never-say-die Nutjobs made it interesting. In the bottom of the 9th, New Hudson got a 1 out single by Crawford. Contreras was then hit by the pitch (did he lean into it? You he did!) Both runners advanced on a weak groundout to the pitcher. That brought Alonso to the plate. 2 on, 2 out - and a slow grounder to second ended the game. Big sigh!

Here's how Game 6 went

New Hudson  @  Creekside

Quintana By  vs  Perez By

Both teams fielding 2

Top of the 1st

Trout - F8,   Fraley - 2B,   Alonso - HR, 2 RBIs,   Contreras - K,   Nootbar - HR, 1 RBI,   Witt - 4-3

3-3-0

Bottom of the 1st

Soto - F9,   Polanco - K,   Varsho - 1B,   Alvarez - F2

0-1-0

3-0 New Hudson after 1st inning

Top of the 2nd

Cooper - E6,   Garcia - 1B, SB,   Crawford - 4-3, RBI,   Creekside infield plays in,   Trout - 6-3,   Fraley - BB,   Alonso - 1B, RBI,   Contreras 1-3

2-2-1    Both runs unearned

Bottom of the 2nd

Hoskins - 1B,   O'Neil - F8,   Suarez - FC, 4-6,   Renfroe - K

0-1-0

5-0 New Hudson after 2 innings

Top of the 3rd

Nootbar - F9,   Witt - 2B,   Cooper - F6,   Garcia - 2B, RBI,   Graveman By replaces Perez,   Crawford - 1B,RBI,    

Trout - HR, 2 RBIs,   Fraley - 1B,   Alonso - HR, 2 RBIs,   Rogers B replaces Graveman,   Contreras - F7

6-6-0

Bottom of the 3rd

Frazier - K,   Soto - 2B,   Polanco - F7,   Varsho - F9

0-1-0

11-0 New Hudson after 3 innings

Top of the 4th

Nootbar - F9,   Witt - 6-3,   Cooper - 1B,   Garcia - 5-3

0-1-0

Bottom of the 4th

Alvarez - 2B,   Hoskins - HR, 2 RBIs,   O'Neill - 4-3,   Suarez - 4-3,   Renfroe - K

2-2-0

11-2 New Hudson after 4 innings

Top of the 5th

Estevez By replaces Rogers,   Crawford - BB,   Trout - HR, 2 RBIs,   Fraley - F8,   Alonso - K,   Contreras - F8

2-1-0

Bottom of the 5th

Frazier - BB,   Soto - K,   Polanco - 5-3,   Varsho - 5-3

0-0-0

13-2 New Hudson after 5 innings

Top of the 6th

Nootbar - 1B, SB,   Witt - 3-1,   Cooper - 1-3,   Garcia - 1B, RBI,   Crawford - K

1-2-0

Bottom of the 6th

Alvarez - 1B,   Hoskins - FC, 4-6,   O'Neill - K,   Suarez - F8

0-1-0

14-2 New Hudson after 6 innings

Top of the 7th

McHugh Bxz replaces Estaevez,   Trout - F8,   Fraley - 2B,   Alonso - F5,   Contreras - 4-3

0-0-0

Bottom of the 7th

Renfroe - K,   Frazier - 1B,   Soto - BB,   Polanco - DP, 6-4-3

0-1-0

14-2 New Hudson after 7 innings

Top of the 8th

Nootbar - F8,   Witt - K,   Cooper - K

0-0-0

Bottom of the 8th 

Floro Byz replaces Quintana,   Varsho - K,   Alvarez - BB,   Hoskins - K,   O'Neill - K

0-0-0

14-2 New Hudson after 8 innings

Top of the 9th

Alvarado Bky replaces McHugh,   Garcia - K,   Crawford - K,   Trout - F8

0-0-0

Bottom of the 9th

Bednar Ak replaces Floro,   Suarez - 2B,   Renfroe - F8,   Frazier - 3 unassisted,   Soto - F9

0-1-0

FINAL SCORE

14-2 New Hudson

New Hudson     14-16-0

Creekside           2-8-1

WP: Quintana

LP: Perez

Not much to say here, New Hudson dominates Creekside with 3 - 2Bs and 5 - HRs

Going to a winner-take-all game 7

Game 7 - Winner advances!!!

New Hudson  @  Creekside

Manoah Ayz  vs  Javier Ak

New Hudson fielding 2,  Creekside fielding 1

Top of the 1st

Trout - K,   Fraley - K,   Alonso - HBP,   Contreras - 5-3

0-0-0

Bottom of the 1st

Soto - 3-1,   Varsho - 3-1,   Alvarez - K

0-0-0

0-0 after 1 inning

Top of the 2nd

Nootbar - BB,   Witt - F8,   Cooper - 1B,   Garcia - K,   Crawford - HBP,   Trout - BB, RBI,   Fraley - F8

1-1-0

Bottom of the 2nd

Hoskins - K,   Suarez - K,   Renfroe - 4-3

0-0-0

1-0 New Hudson after 2 innings

Top of the 3rd

Alonso - 4-3,   Contreras - F8,   Nootbar - K

0-0-0

Bottom of the 3rd

Polanco - K,   Frazier - 2B,   Diaz - 5-3,   Soto - F5

0-1-0

1-0 New Hudson after 3 innings

Top of the 4th

Witt - F8,   Cooper - 1-3,   Garcia - 4-3

0-0-0

Bottom of the 4th

Varsho - 2B,   Alvarez - 2B, RBI,   Hoskins - BB,   Suarez - 3B, 2 RBIs,   Renfroe - SF, RBI,   Polanco - 2B,   Frazier - K,   

Diaz - K

4-4-0

4-1 Creekside after 4 innings

Top of the 5th

Crawford - K,   Trout - F5,   Fraley - K

0-0-0

Bottom of the 5th

Soto - F5,   Varsho - 3 unassisted,   Alvarez - 2B,   Hoskins - K

0-1-0

4-1 Creekside after 5 innings

Top of the 6th

Alonso - 4-3,   Contreras - F8,   Nootbar - F8

0-0-0

Bottom of the 6th

Suarez - K,   Renfroe - K,   Polanco - 4-3

0-0-0

4-1 Creekside after 6 innings

Top of the 7th

Witt - K,   Cooper - 4-3,   Garcia - 5-3

0-0-0

Bottom of the 7th

Frazier - 4-3,   Diaz - 3 unassisted,   Soto - F7

0-0-0

4-1 Creekside after 7 innings

Top of the 8th

Crawford - K,   Trout - HR, RBI,   Fraley - F9,   Alonso - 4-3

1-1-0

Bottom of the 8th 

Varsho - BB,   Alvarez - F7,   Hoskins - HR, 2 RBIs,   Suarez - K,   Renfroe - 6-3

2-1-0

6-2 Creekside after 8 innings

Top of the 9th

Contreras - BB,   Alvarado Bky replaces Javier, becomes Aky vs lefty,   Nootbar - F9,   Abreu Ak, replaces Alvarado,

Witt - FC, 5-4,   Cooper - K

0-0-0

FINAL SCORE

6-2 Creekside

New Hudson     2-2-0

Creekside         6-7-0

Creekside uses 7 xtra base hits to advance.

Congratulations to Michael on a fine year and a great series.

GULF BREEZE and FRANKFORT

2023 Division Series Frankfort vs Gulf Breeze

Two division mates squared off in the opening round of the 2023 playoffs. The Aardvarks had taken the season series 11-5 but finished sluggishly. The Cardinals were division leaders until late in the season when limits cost them some games, finally winding up 6 games behind the division winners. But it was still a fine matchup which either club could easily win.

Gm 1: Fra 5-7-0 GB 10-13-0: It started out fast as the Breeze plated 5 in the 2^nd inning thanks to 4 BB and a large Iglesias 2 bagger. Shellshocked, the Cardinals gave up 4 more in the 5^th on a big Machado 2R double. Coasting now, the Breeze left Webb on the bump and after the teams exchanged singletons in the 7^th, Frankfort exploded for 4 of their own in the 8^th- Urshela’s 3R bash doing most of the damage. Chafin came on and was knocked around, but GB survived, and it was 10-5 after 8. In the 9^th, Steven Wilson came in and got a 1-2-3 to end it. Frankfort out-XBH us, but 6 BB by Woodruff ruined this one from the start for the Cardinals. Machado had 3 GB rbi and Arroyo of all people launched a HR.

Gm 2: Fra 3-9-0 GB 2-8-1: Just when everything was looking great it wasn’t. Junis was fantastic- allowing just 3 singles in the first 5 innings and the bullpen got it done for Frankfort despite some late excitement. Merrifield homered in the 4^th and Otega had a 2 out rbi 2 bagger in the 5^th. The Breeze left the bases loaded in the 7^th off Akin, then waited until the 9^th to show they had a pulse as PH Haase launched a 2R HR to make it 3-2. But Meador was unmoved, and King got the final 2 outs on whiffs to end it. So, we headed to Frankfort all knotted at one.

Gm 3: GB 9-11-0 Fra 5-10-0: Down 3-2 after 5, things were looking bleak for the good guys. Taveras’ 2 out rbi double in the 4^th made it 3-2, but the ‘varks pounded Mayza over the next 2 innings which included Tucker and LeMahieu HR and that was it. Frankfort grabbed 2 in the 9^th on Taveras’ 2 R double but that would be a rap. Mantiply won it in relief, while Mayza took the beat down. Frankfort mashed 5 doubles on the day.

Gm 4: GB 7-11-0 Fra 5-7-0: It was a rematch of game #1 starters- Webb and Woodruff and neither was overly effective. The Breeze got off to a 6-0 lead after 4 ½, but Heim and Bregman HRs led the Cardinal comeback as they halved the lead. But things the rest of the way were quiet and after Moore’s SF scored Merrifield in the 9^th, it was over with a 7-5 final score. LeMahieu had 2 long balls for the Breeze, driving in 4 on the day. Once again Frankfort won the XBH race with big flies from Bregman, Heim, and Santander.

Gm 5: GB 1-5-1 Fra 2-7-1 (11): With elimination staring Tim in the face, he turned to his best starter- Junis and he didn’t disappoint as he tossed 5 solid frames with just Mouncastle’s rbi 2 bagger being the only blemish. The game stayed this way until the 9^th, when with 2 outs and the bases empty, Ortega walked, then scored on Merrifield’s rbi 2 bagger. Ouch. Fast forward to the home 11^th, and Ortega mashed a 2 out double, then scored on the next pitch- another double (by Merrifield) and it was 2- Cardinals. The Cardinals mashed 5 doubles in the victory, and both Mayza and Minter tossed 2 inning zero run outings. So we’ll head back to Gulf Breeze for game 6, knowing that we blew one that would have made life easier.

Gm 6: Fra 1-3-0 GB 6-11-0: GB took out some frustrations in this one by bashing Peralta all over the lot in the first and scoring enough to stay comfortable the rest of the way. Frankfort didn’t have an extra base hit in this one and their 3 hits plated just the lone tally (Moore rbi single with 2 outs in the 5^th). Meanwhile, after the Peralta meltdown (didn’t retire a batter, 4 hits, 1 BB, 3 runs), Mayza likewise got boxed around (4 straight singles in the 2^nd) and although the rest of the pen did well, the game was not in doubt. Eovaldi nabbed the victory with just 2 singles and one run in 6 frames. Mountcastle finished 3 for 4 with a pair of doubles.

For the series, GB outhit ‘em .274-.209, but Frankfort notched an incredible 24 XBH in the series which kept them right there. The pitching stats had GB with an ERA of 3.40 while Frankfort checked in at 5.83. Woodruff (13.50 ERA) and Mayza (11.25 ERA) really hurt the Cardinals. Moore (.400, 4 D, 2 SB) and Ortega (.348, 4 doubles) paced the offense with Urshela driving in 4. Tucker was the hot bat for GB with a .348 mark, 5 runs, and 5 rbi while LeMahieu homered twice and drove in 7.

Thanks for a fun series, Tim!

INDIANA and VERMONT

Indiana vs Vermont 1st round playoff series Game #1 Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E LOB DP VERMONT WOODCHUCKS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 5 0 INDIANA IMPERIALS 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 0 3 0

The Imp’s would jump out to an early 2-0. Dozier would double and then Harris would nail a two shot off Cease. * M. HARRIS facing D. CEASE, B 2nd, 1 Out, Runner on 2nd, Tied 0-0 CEASE kicks and delivers ... there's a drive to right center ... it might be ... it could be it is! ... holy cow, did HARRIS ever cream that ball ... Michael trots around the bases he loves a trip downtown ... he's greeted at the plate The Imp’s would add three more in the 3rd as Vermont would walk Judge to pitch to Riley. * A. RILEY facing D. CEASE, B 3rd, 2 Outs, 1st and 2nd, Ahead 2-0 The runners take their lead ... he comes home ... RILEY swings ... yes! ... that ball is history way out in left ... no doubt about it ... what a clout! ... a three-run dinger That’s all the Imp’s would need as Alcantara earned the complete game shutout.

Game #2 Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E LOB DP VERMONT WOODCHUCKS 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 5 1 4 0 INDIANA IMPERIALS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 7 0

Both teams were quiet through the first four innings. The Imp’s got greedy in the bottom of the 1st as Freeman was thrown out at home. * A. RILEY facing S. OHTANI, B 1st, 2 Outs, 1st and 2nd, Tied 0-0 OHTANI with the offering ... RILEY lashes one to right ... base hit ... FREEMAN's rounding third they're holding him up ... but he's going anyway ... he ran right through the red light coming down the line ... here comes AROZARENA's throw ... on the bounce ... OUT!...great throw The Woodchucks would strike first blood in the top of the 5th. As Jansen would blast a solo shot to center off Sandoval. * D. JANSEN facing P. SANDOVAL, T 5th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0 SANDOVAL winds up ... a blast to center ... ACUNA runs straight back ... turns ... he'll look but he won't touch it ... it's long gone! ... home run for JANSEN The Woodchucks would add one more in the top of the 8th. Sandoval would make the same mistake to Turner. * T. TURNER facing P. SANDOVAL, T 8th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 1-0 SANDOVAL comes home ... cut on ... hit deep to left field ... way back ... HARRIS is racing back it's long gone! ... he got all of that one That’s all Vermont would need from Ohtani as he pitched a masterful four hit shutout. Series is tied one game each.

Game #3 Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E LOB DP INDIANA IMPERIALS 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 4 9 0 5 0 VERMONT WOODCHUCKS 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 6 1

After splitting the first two games in Indiana the series moves to Vermont. The Imp’s would score first, off a Judge solo shot in 4th . * A. JUDGE facing J. SPRINGS, T 4th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0 SPRINGS winds and fires ... and JUDGE has hit it ... deep left center ... it has serious distance will it hit off the wall? ... no! ... it's long gone! ... a home run for JUDGE The Woodchucks would tie things up off a Arozarena solo shot to left. * R. AROZARENA facing C. QUANTRILL, B 5th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 0-1 Now he comes home with it ... hit deep ... it's going ... it goes! ... over the left field wall In the top of 8th Vermont would again decide to walk Judge to pitch to Riley, and he would make them pay. * A. RILEY facing J. LOPEZ, T 8th, 2 Outs, 1st and 2nd, Tied 1-1 Here's the pitch from LOPEZ ... RILEY puts a charge into this one ... a big fly to deep left OHTANI will run out of room ... that's a Baltimore special ... a three-run homer Perez would come on to work the 9th and earn his first postseason save. The Imp’s win 4-1.

Game #4 Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E LOB DP INDIANA IMPERIALS 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 1 4 2 VERMONT WOODCHUCKS 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 10 1 7 0

The Imp’s would jump on the Woodchucks early with a 3 run first inning. Acuna would blast a solo shot to lead off the game. * R. ACUNA facing D. CEASE, T 1st, No Outs, Bases Empty, Tied 0-0 He lets it go ... there's a fly ball to left ... OHTANI drifts back ... still backpeddling hey, this ball may carry ... at the fence ... OHTANI jumps for it ... does he have it? ... no! a home run for ACUNA! Then Judge would knock a two run shot three batters later. * A. JUDGE facing D. CEASE, T 1st, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Ahead 1-0 CEASE comes to the plate ... a big fly to left ... OHTANI backpedals ... still drifting back look out now! ... it's outta here! ... OHTANI thought he had a play but the ball carried just beyond his reach ... home run for Aaron ... and two runs score Vermont would get one run back in the top of 1st as a single by Lowe scores McNeil. * N. LOWE facing S. ALCANTARA, B 1st, 1 Out, 1st and 3rd, Behind 0-3 Infield back at double play depth ... McNEIL with a head fake at third ... here he comes fisted to right by LOWE ... it falls ... McNEIL trots home with the run ... JUDGE's after it now he has it ... he comes up throwing ... OHTANI is well around second TRY FOR THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*) the strong throw comes in to CORREA ... and they're holding OHTANI at second The Imp’s would add one more with a triple by Freeman in the 3rd . * F. FREEMAN facing D. CEASE, T 3rd, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Ahead 3-1 CEASE rocks and fires ... pulled hard ... down the line to right ... into the corner CORREA racing for third ... FREEMAN headed for second ... CORREA digging ... he will score AROZARENA plays the carom ... the throw to third ... the relay ... the slide ... and he's safe!...the leather missed him ... triple and an RBI for FREEMAN Vermont would score again in the bottom of the 3rd as an Ohtani single scores Franco. * S. OHTANI facing S. ALCANTARA, B 3rd, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Behind 1-4 The pitch comes in ... hard shot to the right side ... and it's through ... base hit JUDGE chases it down ... FRANCO's well around third TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*) they're waving FRANCO in THROW HOME? (1-yes, 2-no*) here comes the throw home TRY FOR SECOND ON THROW? (1-yes, 2-no*) OHTANI's going for second CUT IT TO SECOND? (1-yes, 2-no*) FRANCO scores ... FREEMAN cuts it to second ... and he's ... out!...just missed getting in The Imp’s would add one more with a solo shot from Bethancourt. * C. BETHANCOURT facing D. CEASE, T 4th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 4-2 He brings it home ... BETHANCOURT swings ... and mashes it ... it might go all the way OHTANI is at the warning track ... but he'd need a ladder to get to this one a four-bagger for BETHANCOURT Alcantara would pitch his second complete game of the series. The Imp’s are now one win away from a series win!!!!!

Game #5 Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E LOB DP INDIANA IMPERIALS 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 4 5 0 6 1 VERMONT WOODCHUCKS 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 5 1

The Imp’s once again score first. As an Acuna leadoff double would turn into a run after a Freeman sac fly. * F. FREEMAN facing S. OHTANI, T 1st, 1 Out, Runner on 3rd, Tied 0-0 WOODCHUCKS playing for the out at first ... ACUNA takes his lead at third ... the pitch lofted down the line to right ... AROZARENA races over ... into foul territory near the stands ... and he takes it in ... ACUNA's tagging TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*) they're waving him home ... here comes the throw ... and he's ... in standing FREEMAN picks up a sac fly and an RBI Vermont ties things up in the 4th as an Escobar double scores Arozarena. * E. ESCOBAR facing P. SANDOVAL, B 4th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Behind 0-1 They start the runner ... SANDOVAL deals ... lined toward third ... base hit HARRIS's racing to the line ... AROZARENA's digging around third ... they're waving him home he'll score ... tie game ... ESCOBAR stops at second ... as the throw comes in double and an RBI The Imp’s retake the lead in the 5th as Acuna scores on a Correa triple. * C. CORREA facing S. OHTANI, T 5th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Tied 1-1 They're holding ACUNA ... but he's well off the bag ... he brings it home ... he swings and it's pulled hard to left ... down the line ... fair ball! ... that's good for extra bases McCUTCHEN's chasing it ... still after it ... he's up with it ... ACUNA's around third TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*) they're waving him in THROW HOME? (1-yes, 2-no*) here comes the throw home TRY FOR THIRD ON THROW? (1-yes, 2-no*) CORREA's going for third CUT IT TO THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*) here's the play at the plate ... and ACUNA's ... safe easily ... IMPERIALS have the lead! and CORREA takes third on the throw After Riley is hit by a pitch in the 6th, he would get a little pay back as he would blast a two-run shot to right. * A. RILEY facing S. OHTANI, T 8th, 2 Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 2-1 The pitch ... RILEY drives one down the left field line ... it's deep enough if it's fair and it's ... long gone! ... a two-run shot Perez would come on to earn his second save of the post season.

COOPER CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

Gulf Breeze and Creekside

The Creekside Crushers squared off against the Gulf Breeze Aardvarks in the Conference Series of the Cooper Conference in Wrightsville Beach.  The power-laden 14s all over the place Crushers were the heavy favorites, as we all knew the only category the 'varks would win would be 1-2-3 innings.  Here's what happened.

Gm 1: GB 1-3-0  Cre 6-9-0  It started quickly and painfully as Creekside scored 2 in the 1st (Soto walk and Alvarez bomb) then 2 in the 2nd (Renfroe blast and Frazier rbi double).  Clearly stunned, the Breeze had no hits- I mean zero hits, I mean NONE until the 8th when Tucker soloed.  Big deal... Frazier rattled an rbi 2 bagger in the 7th and O'Neill topped it off with a solo in the 8th.  Those of you scoring at home know that Creekside had 6 XBH on the day.  Machado hurt himself jogging out a ground ball in the 7th.  No contest today.  Javier over Webb.

Gm 2: GB 7-8-0  Cre 4-8-0  The dice rebounded a bit for the good guys today.  Still, though, it was Creekside going crazy early with 2 in the 3rd thanks to XBH- a double for Soto followed by a Varsho blast.  But today, at least, the 'varks would have something to say as they plated 2 in the 4th on a Tucker 2R single.  Right back came Creekside on a Suarez solo, but the Breeze had an answer today with a Manny single and later Olson 2R clout to make it 5-3.  We didn't expect the Crushers to roll over, and surprise- they hit another homer (Varsho's 2nd) to make it 5-4 after 5.  Things quieted down a bit thereafter as the GB pen got it done (in shaky fashion) and Estrada went yard for 2 in the 8th for the final score.  Neither starter was very effective, but Rodon won it with an Ottavino save.  Kelly took the loss.  

Gm 3: Cre 1-3-2  GB 6-10-0  Today was Nathan Eovaldi's day as he tossed a CG 3 hitter and a big day from Steven Kwan (2 for 5, 3 rbi, D, T).  After Creekside took the lead (again) on Hoskins' HR in the 2nd, it was all good guys the rest of the way, downgrading Perez in the 4th after Kwan's 2R double.  Creekside only got 1 BB today ands just 3 hits.  Yeah- like I had a lot to do with that!  Machado homered in the 3rd and the Breeze scratched one in the 8th on Arroyo's single.  

Gm 4: Cre 7-9-0  GB 4-6-1  Interesting game which appeared to be a slugfest early.  Surprisingly, Creekside took the lead in the first without a HR- but did notch 2 doubles and 2 singles en route to a 3-0 lead.  The Breeze kept chipping away and finally took a 4-3 lead after 4 on Estrada's blast.  But Webb couldn't hang on and the game and series changed in the 7th.  K, BB, K, and Soto up.  So I brought on my LH BXZZ to shut that Soto down and... boom!  Ouchie.  %-4 Creekside and they would add 2 more in the 8th on Renfroe's blast as the Breeze made the last 12 outs in succession.  Javier over Webb.  This one got away.

Gm 5: Cre 1-2-1  GB 3-6-0  Of course Creekside scored 1st on Alvarez' blast in the 4th.  Putrid GB offense continued, but then were aided by a large Frazier boot in the 7th to load the bases.  Machado then blasted a 3R 2 bagger and today the pen did as it was supposed to.  Rodon over Rogers- the former walked 4 to stay in hot water but allowed just 2 hits (both XBH).  To be honest- the Breeze got a break, and again lead the series.

Gm 6: GB 1-5-0  Cre 3-6-0  You could tell we were getting under the Creekside skin. At one point the multiple dice throwing manager of the Crushers threw 3 dice out there.  The game was delayed while I decided to declare the series a forfeit, but order was restored.  Kwan's single gave us a short-lived lead in th e3rd because, of course, the Crushers had to get a long ball from Suarez for the tie.  Things stayed that way until the 7th.  Mountcastle led off with a 2 bagger.  With Tucker up- licking his chops- Mountcastle was picked off.  Oh brother.  We got 2 outs in the home 7th, and then the multi-dice throwing Crushers went double- 2R PH HR by Grissom- BB, BB.  Thankfully we got the final out, but that would be it.  Romano grabbed the 9th inning save and the 'varks suffered another unreal loss.  Alvarado over Harvey.

Gm 7: GB 2-4-2  Cre 3-5-1  Luckily, all the knives at the beach house are dull, as my throat was ready for them.  Surprise!  Creekside scored 1st.  And 2nd.  Suarez' 2 out rbi single in the 2nd was followed by Alvarez' rbi double after Estrada's error.  Javier was coasting with the 2-0 lead until the 7th when a boot, BB, and SF made it 2-1, then Arroyo punched a 2 out 2 bagger to tie.  Nothing doing until the home 9th, when Ottavino served one up to Polanco- and that was it.  Wah!

For the series, Creekside batted .194 to GB's .186.  BUT- they had 25 XBH.  Yes, GB had 21, but the HRs were 13 to 6- obviously the series' biggest factor.  Creekside posted a .2.95 ERA while GB's was 3.58.  Both teams had 42 hits.  Creekside walked 20 times (Soto 6) to GB's 14.  The regular season MVP runner up Olson was 3 for 27, LeMahieu bashed out a .042 BA.  A guy that almost didn't make the lineup led us in hitting - Arroyo .348.  Suarez checked in at .300 for the Crushers, Soto at .292.  Polanco batted .1115, but had the biggest hit of the series.

SCHMIDT CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

Indiana and Marietta

The Schmidt Conference Championship features the two division winners Indiana and Marietta. The Imperials play host in front of a large crowd seaside at Wrightsville Beach as this would be the second Conference series played out at the Winter Meetings. Indiana boasts the leagues top record and a newly awarded MOTY for Chad after finishing the year with an amazing 109 wins. Judge took home the Regular Season MVP, and they are fresh off a dominating Divisional series against VT winning 4-1. Marrietta is coming into the series after a thrilling 7 game series with Alb, and also now has newly awarded Nolan Ryan award winner Justin Verlander. Winner will face Creekside in the NSL Championship. 

Game 1 starts us off with both team’s Aces Sandy Alcantara vs Justin Verlander. It went just about as everyone figured it would. There were a total of 3 hits the entire game but after a double from Freddie Freeman in the 4^th, Hunter Dozier would single him in to get the only run in the game across the plate. Alcantara would cruise the rest of the way pitching a 1 hit Complete Game shutout with 5 K and 0 BB to earn the Game 1 win. Verlander gives up 2 hits, 2 BB and 1 ER with 9 K. 

Mar        0-1-0                    Ind         1-2-0

WP: S Alcantara 1-0        LP: J Verlander 0-1

Game 2 would feature more shutdown pitching as Patrick Sandoval would take on Tony Gonsolin. This was another quick and low scoring affair. We jump to the Top of the 4^th where Dansby Swanson crushes a 2 run homer after a Chas McCormick walk to give Marietta their first lead in the series. Gonsolin will then navigate through the powerful Imperial lineup despite 2 errors by the Mad Dogs, and he is able to go the distance to get a 2 hit complete game shutout. Joc Pederson also added a solo homer in the 9^th to finish out the win 3-0 for Marietta. Sandoval with the loss and 6 K. Gonsolin has 6 K for himself in the win.

Mar        3-6-2                    Ind         0-2-0

WP: T Gonsolin 1-0          LP: P Sandoval 0-1

Game 3 will flip the home team to Marietta who will host with Shane McClanahan taking the bump against Cal Quantrill. We continue with the same theme as we see 2 very powerful offenses get stumped through most of the game. Indianna does get an early run in the 2^nd as Carlos Correa will get an RBI double after a Cesar Hernadez single to give Ind a 1-0 lead. Marietta will tie it back up in the 4^th with an RBI double of their own as Swanson hits in Paul Goldschmidt. We see very little offense after that until Ryne Stanek enters in the 8^thinning for Marietta, but proceeds to give up back to back doubles to Ronald Acuna Jr, and then again to Correa to give Indianna the late lead. Indiana will bring in closer Cionel Perez to try to finish off Game 3, but Christian Vazquez has other ideas. He hits a long solo shot to tie it back up and send it to extras. It goes to the 11^th where Michael Harris will single off Matt Moore to score Aaron Judge, and get the lead back for Indiana. This time Huascar Brazoban will close things out to secure the win, and take a 2-1 series lead. Quantrill goes 6 with 5 K and McClanahan goes 7 with 8 K. 

Ind         3-7-2                    Mar        2-6-0

WP: C Perez 1-0               LP: M Moore 0-1

Game 4 has the return of our Aces Verlander vs Alcantara. We get off script for this one as Indiana will rough up the Nolan Ryan winner. They will get 13 hits as 8 different Imps will reach base in the game. Judge gets 2 RBI going 3-5 with a homer. Correa, with another big game, has a homer as well going 2-3 with 2 BB. Freddie Freeman joins the party going 2-5 with 2 more RBI. And there is an Austin Riley siting as he also knocks out a homer going 2-4. It is 8-0 by the 9^thinning where Paul Goldschmidt will add a 2 run homer himself, but it is too little too late for Marietta. Both pitchers end up going all 9 again but it will be Alcantara taking his 2^nd win and handing Verlander his 2^nd loss. Indianna will take a commanding 3-1 lead with spirits flying high after that thrashing of the league’s top pitcher. Alcantara gets 6 more K while Verlander finishes with 11 K but also 4 BB and 13 hits. He only gives up 7 ER has Marietta had 2 more errors in the game as well. 

Ind         8-13-0                  Mar        2-2-2

WP: S Alcantara 2-0        LP: J Verlander 0-2

Game 5 will be the final matchup hosted by Marietta and brings back Gonsolin vs Sandoval as the Mad Dogs hope to work a comeback. They get off on the right track early in the 3^rd with Keston Hiura and Brendan Donovan on base, Nolan Arenado gets his first hit of the series with a 2 run single. McCormick will end up hitting him in a few batters later to give Marietta a 3-0 lead. Indiana will chop away at the lead the next 2 innings grabbing 1 run in each frame with big RBI from Hernandez and Bethancourt. In the 6^thGoldschmidt will get on and have Joc Pederson lace a big hit to score him. We unfortunately see an early injury exit to Judge, and also see another error from catcher Christian Vazuez that leads to another unearned run. Indiana cuts the lead to 4-3 in the 7^thbut Gonsolin stays in there and finishes off the final 2 frames as we again see both pitchers go the distance. Marietta will hold off elimination and Gonsolin secures his 2^nd win throwing 7 K but also had 6 BB. Sandoval with the loss has 4 K and 1 BB.

Ind         3-5-1                    Mar        4-5-1

WP: T Gonsolin 2-0          LP: Sandoval 0-2

We return back to Indiana as they hold a 3-2 series lead for Game 6, and the Imperials hope to finish off the series in front of the home crowd. It’s Quantrill vs McClanhan again and like the last matchup between these two we see another duel that ends up going to extras. The first 9 innings flew by with only a few baserunners as the starters gave up a combined 3 hits and 3 BB. Both starters had to be removed going into extras, and we stay scoreless all the way into the 12^th. With Matt Wisler in for Indiana we finally see some action and Marietta puts up a crooked number with 5 runs in the inning. We have RBI doubles from Pederson, Goldschmidt and Swanson as well as a 2 RBI single from Vazquez. Matt Moore will shut down Indiana in the bottom half of the inning to complete the 1 hit shutout and send the series to Game 7. McClanahan throws 10 K with 3 BB and Quantril has 5 K on 0 BB.

Mar        5-6-2                    Ind         0-1-2

WP: M Moore 1-1            LP: Wisler 0-1

Just like the day before we see this Conference Championship reach Game 7 and for a third time we have top pitchers Alcantara vs Verlander. Alcantara coming into the game with 18 IP and only 2 ER. Verlander with 8 ER in 17 IP hopes to get back on track against the league’s top Offense. It unfortunately looks to be Alcantara’s turn to get a little roughed up as Marietta jumps out in the 3^rd with RBI single from Brendan Donovan, and then in the 4^th Keston Hiura delivers a big blow and crushes a 3 run homer to grab a 4-0 lead. After a 6^th inning RBI single from Christian Vazquez we get another jack from the bat of Arenado. He hits a 2 run shot to take a commanding 7-0 lead in the game. In the Bottom of the 7^th Hunter Dozier tries to get the Imperials back in it with his own 2 run homer, but that would appear to be all they could muster against Verlander. Once again both pitchers go all 9 innings and Verlander will finally get his first win of the series, completing the comeback for Marietta, and sending them into the NSL Championship. Verlander ends up with 9 Ks in the win and Alcantara has 8 himself in his first loss.

Mar        7-7-0                    Ind         2-2-0

WP: J Verlander 1-2        LP: Alcantara 1-2

McClanhan would be MVP for the series only giving up 1 ER in 15 2/3 innings and .57 ERA while throwing 18 K. Gonsolin adds a 1.00 ERA with his 2 wins and had 13 K. Verlander adds 27 more K in 26 innings and had a 3.46. ERA. Marietta held down a 2.01 Team ERA with 65 Total Ks.

Hiura was the lone Mad Dog to hit over .200 for the series hitting .273 with a big game 7 homer. Arenado had only 2 hits all series but 4 RBI. Marietta had a team .142 average and 7 homers in the series.

Quantrill for Indiana had a spectacular .60 ERA for the series and Sandoval had an impressive 1.93 ERA. Both pitchers with just 10 K each. Alcantara added 19 Ks with a 3.00 ERA. They had a team 2.42 ERA with 48 Ks but also had 5 unearned runs. 

Both offenses were stifled but saw MVP Judge, Freeman, Acuna and Riley also hit under .200. They unfortunately managed only 5 homers in the series and 14 extra base hits. 

The Mad Dogs advance to the Championship after their 2^nd series win since the move to Marietta. They will compete against defending champion Creekside in their first appearance in the finale. Congrats to Chad with an amazing Regular Season finishing with the league’s top record and getting the MOTY award. It was a great 7 game series.

NSL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

MARIETTA and CREEKSIDE

The culmination of the 2023 NSL Season matches up the League’s Defending Champion and this years Cooper Champion, Creekside Crushers as they take on the Schmidt Champion, Marietta Mad Dogs. The series is played out in front of a full house in Wrightsville Beach again as we have a record tying number of attendees. Both Conference Championships resulted in a thrilling 7 game series, Creekside overtaking Gulf Breeze and Marietta with a come from behind series win against Indiana.

Game 1 jumps out to a hot start as we see the inexperienced dice roller throw out his Ace Justin Verlander to take on the Crushers’ A Christian Javier. Leadoff hitter Brendan Donovan will rudely greet Javier with a double followed by Paul Goldschmidt lacing his own double to take a 1-0 lead. 2 batters later Dansby Swanson will crank a 2 run homer making it 3-0 in the 1^st. Juan Soto will lead off the Bottom of the 1^st with his own double followed by a Varsho walk, but Verlander will strand both runners to get out of the jam. Now in the Bottom half of the 2^nd Eugenio Suarez will get Creekside on the board with a 2 out solo shot making it 3-1. Marietta will get that run right back after back to back doubles from Nolan Arenado and Joc Pederson. Skipping into the 7^th, Marietta looks to add on to their lead with a Donovan walk, Goldy double, and then back to back jacks from Arenado and Pederson to take a commanding 8-1 lead. Creekside manages to get 1 run back in each of the 7^th and 9^th innings to try to make it interesting. In the 9^th, Verlander ends up having to leave due to an injury, but the Mad Dogs bullpen will get out of it stranding 2 runners to give game 1 to Marietta 8-3. Verlander tosses 12 Ks in the win while Javier has 6 Ks and 5 BB.

Mar        8-9-0                    Cre         3-7-0

WP: Verlander 1-0           LP: Javier: 0-1

Game 2 will feature a matchup between Merrill Kelly and Tony Gonsolin. The Mad Dogs hurler will put on a magnificent show as he will No Hit the Crushers! He is able to navigate around 4 BB issued in the game, and completes the No No becoming only the 3^rd pitcher ever to throw one in an NSL Championship game joining Andy Pettitte and Kevin Brown. It is Gonsolin’s second No Hitter of the year. He will also get plenty of run support as well with RBI hits from Donovan in the 3^rd and another homer by Swanson in the 4^th. A 2 run 5^th, and runs in the 6^th and 9^th capped off by a Pederson homer will finish things off as Marietta gets 11 hits in the game, and will coast to a 6-0 win under the brilliance of Gonsolin. He tosses 9 Ks in the win while Kelly will go 5 innings, giving up 4 ER, and throwing 9 Ks as well.

Mar        6-11-0                  Cre         0-0-3

WP: Gonsolin 1-0             LP: Kelly 0-1

Game 3 will move the series to the Computer Game after Marietta finds a way to steal both of the first Basic Games. Shane McClanahan takes on Martin Perez as Creekside hopes to get back in the series. They get off to a great start as Yordan Alvarez and Rhys Hoskins will hit back to back 2 out solo homers to take an early 2 run lead in the Top of the 1^st, and giving Creekside their first lead in the series. Marietta does not let that last long, however. They get singles from the top 4 of 5 in their lineup with Chas McCormick getting the RBI single to knock in Donovan and cut the lead in half. We still have the bases loaded where Dansby Swanson will come up huge knocking out a Grand Slam, and the Mad Dogs will once again jump all over the Crushers in the 1^st. McClanahan will end up locking it down the rest of the way giving up only 2 hits in the final 8 innings. Keston Hiura will hit another 2 run homer in the 3^rd and Pederson grabs an RBI single in the 7^th to lead Marietta to another big win taking Game 3, 8-2. McClanahan has 9 Ks in the complete game while Perez had to take an early exit giving up 7 in 2 2/3 with 4 Ks, 7 hits and 2 big HR.

Cre         2-4-1                    Mar        8-9-0

WP: McClanahan 1-0      LP: Perez 0-1

Game 4 brings back our top starters again as Marietta is riding high with a 3-0 lead. This game starts off no different than the rest of the series, and the Top of the 1^st gets the action started with Paul Goldschmidt hitting a 2 out double and then Nolan Arenado follows with a 2 run homer to get the Mad Dogs on the board early. The Top of the 2^nd looks identical to the 1^st as Gleyber Torres will hit a single in front of Keston Hiura who will also crush another 2 run homer doubling the lead to 4-0. Starting to see déjà vu we go to the Top of the 3^rd now where a Joc Pederson walk and an Arenado single sets up Dansby Swanson to hit a 2 run triple. Marietta puts up 2 runs in each of the first 3 innings taking a commanding 6-0 lead and early exit for Javier. The offense quiets but Verlander rolls through 8 innings giving up 1 hit and 2 walks. Things get interesting in the 9^th as Daulton Varsho hits a leadoff homer. Yordan Alvarez will then work a walk but Verlander will grab back to back K’s only to then give up an O’Neill single, Renfroe double, and Suarez walk. Creekside then looks to Vaughn Grissom, who had a huge pinch hit homer in the Conference Finals, to come off the bench with the bases load. Verlander fires a fast ball and it hits him. Grissom ends up having to come out of the game but gets a run in to make it 6-3 still with the bases loaded, the top of lineup up, and winning run at the plate. Tough decision for the Mad Dogs but they decide to leave the Nolan Ryan winner in there to face the power bat of Juan Soto. Soto will rip a fly ball deep to RF, the announcer thinks it will go over his head, but Joc Pederson ends up grabbing it at the wall to end the game and secure the Championship for Marietta after a wild final inning. Verlander will get the win and secure the sweep over the defending champs. He goes all 9 with 8 Ks, while Javier picks up his second loss in just 2 1/3 innings.

Cre         3-4-0                    Mar        6-9-1

WP: Verlander 2-0           LP: Javier 0-2

The sweep for Marietta is their first NSL Championship in Team History. Originally coming in as an Expansion Franchise in 1980 as the Parker City Cubs, they became the Johnson Knights in 2002. Then would then take a quick 1 year run in Lexington in 2013 before moving to Marietta for the 2014 season where they have not had any postseason success until this year. MVP honors will go to Arenado and Gonsolin. Arenado hit an outstanding .529 in the series with 2 homers, 5 runs and 6 RBI. Gonsolin threw the No Hitter in his lone appearance. Swanson added a huge series with .313 AVG, 3 homers, 1 triple and 10 RBI. Hiura and Pederson would add 2 more homers a piece giving Marietta 9 total homers in the 4 game series, and a team BA of .273 with 28 runs. They also had a Team ERA of 2.00 with 39 Ks.

Creekside had one of the best offenses during the regular season and playoffs, but were held to just a .124 Team AVG with only 4 home runs and 8 runs scored. Alvarez and Soto unfortunately combined for only 3 hits and 1 RBI between the 2 All League Sluggers.

It was not the way Dave would have liked to go out, but a huge congrats to him for an amazing season and for the previous year’s Championship win!

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