B-West Championship 6.30.19

[tommyC]

B-West Spring Championship

Game 1 – Baron Von Fritz at Jackhammers
Things started about as well as one could draw up for Baron in this one, as two players singled and one walked to load the bases with no outs to kick off the game. The rest, as they say, is history, as Evan Porter smashed a Grand Slam to give his team a 4-0 lead in the top of the first with no outs on the board. Later in the inning, Dan Keith would crush a 3-run bomb as well, as Baron put up a crooked 13 runs before the Jackhammers ever even touched a bat.
The Jackhammers got 2 back in the bottom of the first, and then the second inning was quiet before Evan porter launched his second hall into orbit, putting Baron back up by 13.
In the bottom of the third, 4-straight singles helped the Jackhammers to get 3 runs back, but then Baron used a few errors and 3-straight singles of their own to take those runs right back in the top of the fourth.
Down 19-5 in the bottom of the seventh, the Jackhammers needed to put together some serious offense for the first time all game. After a quick ground out, they began to pick up a little steam. Three-straight singles from Glen Hipple, Tom Finn and Kevin Rosini yielded a run and 2 men on base. Then Mike Zuradnick and Bill Moore notched back-to-back RBI doubles, cutting the deficit to just 10 runs with a man on base and just one out. But that would be all she wrote, as a pop out and a ground out followed.
Final Score: Baron Von Fritz 19 Jackhammers 9
Player of the Game: Evan Porter had himself a game, going 3 for 5 with 2 homeruns (one of his outs was a HR as well, but it exceeded the limit), 7 RBIs and 3 Runs Scored.

Game 2 – Jackhammers at Baron Von Fritz
The 10-minute layoff between games seemed to put the offenses into a temporary slumber, as neither team could muster anything in the first inning. More of the same in the second for the Jackhammers. Then in the bottom half, Baron small-balled their way to a 2-0 lead.
The Jackhammers finally got the offense going in the top of the third. Two walks started the inning, followed by two singles, an error, and two more singles. 6 runners crossed the dish in all, giving the ‘Hammers their first lead of the day. But Baron would take it right back in the bottom half, scoring 5 of their own as Brendon Burrows smashed a 2-run triple, and then 2 batters later Jamie Kracht doubled, putting Baron back on top 7-6.
The offense continued in the fourth. After two quick outs, a single, two walks, and another single set the stage for Mike Zharadnick’s 3-run bomb, putting the ‘Hammers back on top 11-7. Evan Porter would half the deficit in the bottom of the inning with his 2-run blast.
After a 1-2-3 inning for the Jackhammers in the fifth, Baron would once again take the lead in this seesaw affair. Two costly errors by the Jackhammers SS, 2 walks and 3 singles set the pieces in place, and Craig Stewart’s RBI double was like the spare on a 7-10 split. Baron held the lead 15-11 after the frame.
The sixth inning belonged to the Jackhammers, and they did it with smallball. Two singles kicked off the inning, and then an error by Baron’s 3B. Then four-straight singles would follow, including knocks by Glen Hipple and Kevin Rosini which accounted for two runs each. With a shutdown defensive inning, the Jackhammers held the 17-15 lead heading into the last stanza.
Looking for some insurance runs to force a game three, the ‘Hammers managed to get two men on base with just one out, but couldn’t push them across. This gave Baron a prime opportunity to end the series in game two.
Craig Stewart led off the inning, worked the count, and drew himself a walk. Chris Salanik then reached base via an error, putting the tying run on first with no one out. Tom Montvydas then walked, putting the go-ahead run on first and bringing the always dangerous Evan Porter to the plate. Porter did not disappoint, launching a triple that cleared the bases in walk-off fashion.
Despite the improved showing in game two, the Jackhammers couldn’t hold Baron’s offense in check and this series ended early.
Final Score: Baron Von Fritz 18 Jackhammers 17
Player of the Game: Evan Porter stayed hot, going 3 for 4 plus a walk with a triple, homerun, 5 RBIs and 2 Runs Scored.

CONGRATS TO BARON VON FRITZ, THE B-WEST SPRING CHAMPIONS.
Player of the Series: This is a no-brainer, as he was the player of the game for each match. But Evan Porter continued to be the straw that stirs the drink for Baron. In the series, he went 6 for 9 plus a walk with a triple, 3 homeruns, 12 RBIs and 5 Runs Scored!