OBI defeated #5 seed Warning Track Power 18-6 in the semi-final matchup. WTP jumped out in front by 5 runs in the top of the first inning but were unable to sustain the offense and scored only one more run in their final 5 at bats. OBI answered back with 4 in the first and followed up with 3, 1, 6, and 4 run innings to tally our 18.
The offense was jump started by the first 3 hitters (Steve, Clint, and Michael) who were a combined 12 for 12 ... This theme continued throughout the lineup and did wonders to douse the 5 run outburst by WTP early on.
The Championship Game featured #1 vs #2 as Diamondback Pools won their 7:15 and 9:15 games to join OBI for a shot at the title. DBack Pools scored 2 in the first and OBI answered back in a big way with 7 runs of their own. The big hit of the inning put OBI ahead to stay as DC jacked a 3-run bomb to centerfield.
DBack Pools scored 3 to pull back within two runs in the second,,, only to pitch to DC again in the bottom of the inning resulting in a second 3-run Big Fly... KC promptly lined the next pitch over the left centerfield wall for an out... Both swings were impressive.
Both defenses tightened up through the middle innings and the score remained close into the bottom of the 5th inning, 11-7 OBI. KC, Spillane, Larry, and Nuta strung together enough well placed hits to round out the OBI scoring and secured a 14-7 lead going into the last inning (as time had expired).
DBack Pools hammered away and scored 4 runs to make it close,,, however, OBI won 14-11 and the real key to victory and the season long theme continued,,, Defense ... The effort was evident throughout the evening (and the season for that matter).
Diving plays in the outfield, fly balls run down, excellent communication, infielders making plays to get at least one out, turning two at opportune times,,, and then, there was the pitching. Larry has continued to ramp up his game and has become even better at getting ahead of hitters on tough strikes and then throwing even tougher pitches to hit with 2 strikes...
A solid perfomance on the evening and season all around by everyone on the squad. Congrats on this season championship and btw,,, I have some League Championship TShirts for folks who were not able to stick around Thursday night (or in Jayse's case, was sent to Bambino's even though they closed in 20 minutes) ...
Following are stats, a few team notes and the team pic and post game celebration ...
-- 7 of the 12 roster players (Larry, DC, KC, Spillane, Steve, Matt, JR) played all 16 games. Only 1 Fill-In was needed.
-- Team AVG and On Base Pct were .642 and .654, respectively. Compare that to the 2013 numbers of .558 and .557 ... Nicely done OBIers...
-- 6 of 12 players (DC, KC, Spillane, Steve, Matt, JR) hit Big Flies. Nuta also had an inside the parker.
-- DC hit 15 HRs in 16 games, 'nuff said...
-- JR had 20 RBIs on only 19 hits. Only DC had a better ratio.
-- Spillane lead Doubles category for first time in a while,,, however, lost his precious Triples title to Steve.
-- Jayse's new bat brought life back to his swing in the second half of the season while his defense solidified our outfield.
-- And Ryan almost overtook Steve for most Base on Balls during the second half of the season and his On Base Pct was .600 over that stretch.
-- Steve, Clint, and Michael possibly make up the most Senior set of first 3 hitters in any Men's League at Victory Lane ... ummm, ya, not sure where I was going with this one... onto stats then?
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