WP: Ken Sloat, LP: Gary Webber
The Phils upset the 2nd place Isotopes and ace pitcher Gary Webber with a solid 10-3 victory at Herlihy Field Wednesday. With the victory, the Phils, who rode the underdog express all the way to the championship game a year ago, served notice: here come the playoffs!
In Wednesday game, the Phils countered Webber with an ace of their own, namely Ken "GDIK" Sloat, who kept the 'Topes quiet for much of the game as he coasted to a complete game victory.
The Phillies staked themselves to a 6-0 lead after 2, thanks to a big first inning where they scored 4 runs. The big hit of the big inning was Yami Baker's bases-loaded double that cleared the bases.
Trailing 6-0 in the 3rd, Webber drove in Lundy Bancroft to make it 6-1.
In the 6th, Bancroft relieved Webber on the mound, making his first TNB+50 pitching appearance. Actually it was his first pitching appearance anywhere since he was 12 years old. The Phils greeted him by scoring 4 runs to put the game out of reach.
The Topes put together 4 singles to plate 2 in the bottom of the 6th. But any thoughts of a come-from-behind victory were left to wither on the vine as Sloat shut down the Topes in the bottom of the 7th to lock down the victory.
With the win, the Phils creep past the Fainting Goats to clinch 4th place. A Thursday head-to-head match-up between the Phils and the Goats was washed out.
Plug Uglies 2
Dorian Grays 7
WP: MIke Whatley, Sv: Jay Sadowski LP:Jon Adolph
The Dorian Grays served as a speed bump for the cruising Plug Uglies, handing the Number 1 seed only their second loss of the season just before the start of the playoffs.
Mike "Knuckles" Whatley and Jay "Supe" Sadowski combined to silence the Plugs offense, and the Grays' bats did the rest.
Jon Adolph, making his first pitching appearance in a few years, pitched two scoreless innings and had a 1-0 lead, but in the 3rd, the Grays' bats came alive and made him pay.
Super-sub "Big League" Stu Clark smashed a double to right to score Whatley, and a double by Sadowski sandwiched around singles by Don Edwards and John "Ski" Malikowski made it 4-1 in the 3rd.
The Plugs' lone highlight came in the 6th with a fine defensive play started by left fielder Chris "Chaka" Scanlon. (And if you find yourself wondering who can start a fine defensive play, just remember: Chaka can). With Whatley on 3rd, Scanlon caught a fly ball in left, fired the throw to super-sub Jon "JR" Ross at 3rd who wheeled and threw to catcher Mike Wall for the out at the plate. It was the Plugs' first outfield assist of the year.
Both teams had locked up their playoff standings. The Plugs are number one, and the Grays are 3rd. This game was originally washed out on Thursday but both teams scrambled to reschedule it Friday instead.
Final Standings
| W | L | % | GB | PS rank |
| Plugs | 10 | 2 | 0.833 | -- | 1 |
| Isotopes | 9 | 4 | 0.692 | 1.5 | 2 |
| Grays | 7 | 5 | 0.583 | 3 | 3 |
| Phils | 4 | 8 | 0.333 | 6 | 4 |
| Goats | 3 | 7 | 0.300 | 6.5 | 5 |
| Wonders | 3 | 10 | 0.231 | 8 | 6 |
Playoffs
Congratulations to the Plug Uglies, our 2021 regular season champions!
Looking forward to next week, the #3 Grays have elected to play their 1st round matchup against the #6 Wonders Wednesday, August 25th at Pioneer. The #4 Phillies will host the #5 Goats Thursday, August 26th at Whalley Park.
The #1 Plug Uglies elect to begin the second round on Wednesday, September 1st. The #2 Isotopes will play the following evening, Thursday, September 2nd.
All games will be nine innings, under the lights and will start at 5:45.
In the event of a rainout, please plan to play the following Saturday at Herlihy.
The championship game will be held on Thursday, September 9th.
Good luck to all!
Awards
During our championship game we will be announcing team MVP awards. Managers, please determine your team MVP and pass along your selection to me prior to the championship game. Please do not announce your selection to your team in advance.
Championship Celebration
This year we are hosting a Championship Celebration for our players, their families, and friends. (This will not replace the post-season banquet which will occur after the season.) I hope everyone will come out to support their fellow players as they battle for the TNB Championship. Hot Dogs, popcorn, soda, and water will be provided. All are welcome!
Location of Pioneer Valley Regional High School, 97 F Sumner Turner Dr, Northfield, MA 01360 | |
|
Location of Whalley Park, 42 Powder Mill Road, Southwick | |
|
Nerd ball
For the benefit of any analytical SABR types and aspiring Las Vegas bookmakers in the league, here are the runs allowed rankings for the regular season.
1: Plug Uglies - 40 (12 games) - 3.3 average
2: Isotopes - 60 (13 games) - 4.61 average
3: Phillies - 80 (12 games) - 6.6 average
4: Fainting Goats - 88 (10 games) - 8.8 average
5: Dorian Grays - 100 (12 games) - 8.3 average
6: Wonders - 105 (13 games) - 8.07
Game photos
Comments
Post a Comment