2008 Schedule, Rosters, & Stats
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National League Championship Recap
In the 25+ National League, the 19-2 and #1 seed Pirates faced the 13-8 and #2 seed Blacksox for the league title. The Pirates were seeking their 1st REBL championship, while the Blacksox were looking to add to their league-record 5th championship. The three game series began with the Pirates winning game one by a score of 8-7. Malcolm Jordan put the Blacksox up early with a 2-run homer in the first, but the Pirates battled back to take an 8-4 lead heading into the 9th. The Blacksox rallied to score 3 runs in the inning and had the bases loaded with two outs, but Pirates closer Brandon Bogges retired the dangerous Jordan on a hard grounder to short to preserve the Pirate win. For the Pirates, the winning pitcher was Scott Lemon (8 IP, 7 H, 6 BB, 6 K’s, 4 ER) with Bogges earning the save. Hassan Hurte of the Blacksox took the loss. In game two, the Pirates Chris Cerda faced the Blacksox Troop Marcellino. The Blacksox again took the early behind Malcolm Jordan, who led off the 2nd inning with a double and scored on a sac fly. The Pirates came back with four runs in the 3rd behind Mike Brennan’s double and Robert Chavez’s single. The Blacksox cut the deficit to one run by scoring two in the 4th, highlighted by Mark Kimble’s double. But the Pirates put the game away in the 6th as they erupted for six runs behind doubles by Chris Cerda and Brandon Bogges. The final score read “Pirates 12, Blacksox 5” as the Pirates completed a two game sweep and had their first REBL championship. Chris Cerda went the distance for the Pirates (9 IP, 8 H, 5 BB, 5’s, 4 ER) while Troop Marcellino took the loss for the Blacksox. MVP honors were shared by the two Pirates starting pitchers, Scott Lemon and Chris Cerda. Offensively, the Pirates were led by Mike Brennan (.429 Ave., 2 2B’s, 2 runs, 3 RBI’s), Whit Summers (.500, 3 runs, 1 RBI), Robert Chavez (.375, 2B, 1 run, 3 RBI’s), Chris Cerda (.333, 2 2B’s, 1 run, 2 RBI’s), and Scott Lemon (.333, 2B, 2 runs, 1 RBI, 3 HBP). Malcolm Jordan (2B, HR, 2 runs, 3 RBI’s), Blake Dunbar (2 runs, 1 RBI, 2 BB), Tony Olivera (2B, 1 run, 2 RBI’s), and Hassan Hurte (2B, 1 run, 2 RBI’s, 3 BB) paced the Blacksox.
American League Championship Recap
The Titans (15-3, #2 seed), led by series MVP Tony Bulleri, swept past the Athletics (17-1, #1 seed) to claim the 28+ American League Championship. The Athletics were denied their 2nd REBL title (they won in ’04), while the Titans won their 1st title in just their 2nd year in the league. Tony Bulleri relieved John “Bulldog” Bulleri and threw three scoreless innings to preserve the shutout and earn the save in a 2-0 win in game one. Bulleri (Tony), who at one point struck out seven in a row, also was responsible for all the Titans runs, scoring two while going 3-3 with a walk and two stolen bases. Bulleri (John) pitched six dominating shutout innings and allowed just three hits and a walk. Bulleri was handed the game one start after staff ace Seth “Salty” Caillat was lost for the series due to family obligations. Hank “The Tank” Franklin started game two and pitched a complete game five-hitter in an 11-3 rout to clinch the championship. To keep with the trend Bulleri set in game one, Franklin not only anchored the pitching staff but also led the offense by going 3-4 with two runs scored and 2 RBI’s. Jay Fuselier matched Franklin’s day colleting three hits in four at bats and scored two runs from the bottom of the lineup. Kenton “K-Lew” Lewis scored three runs in game two and put the game on ice in the 9th inning with an RBI double. Colby “Cupcake” Phelps proved once again why he’s a four-time all-star coming through in the clutch going 2-4 with a run in the final game of the series. John Holmes capped his rookie season by finishing with seven hits, 2nd best on the team, in the post season. Steve “G-String” Reichardt anchored the infield with excellent defense but also went 2-4 with an RBI in game two. The 2nd year player dedicated this season to his father who passed away over the off season and ultimately brought the championship home for #1 Fred. Ed Baker and Steve Hillman both made the most of limited opportunities combining to score two runs while driving in two in the championship clincher. For the Athletics, Shawn Purcell was the hard-luck loser in the 2-0 loss in game one, pitching a very good game and adding a few hits as well. Brodie Nissen collected four hits over the two game series, and pitcher Kevin Kennedy, the regular season staff ace, battled arm soreness and gutted it out in game two.
Federal League Championship Recap
In the 45+ Federal Wood Bat League, the undefeated (20-0 record), #1 seed, and two-time defending champion Dragons North juggernaut faced the 16-4 and #2 seed Sutterhome Classics. The Classics, owners of four American League titles, jumped to the 45+ Federal League this season and looked to establish their winning ways in their new division. The Greenwood Ridge Dragons North squad entered the 2006 45+ championship series with an unblemished 22-0 record in search of their third straight title. In the first game they beat a depleted Sutter Home Classics team 8-2 on the strength of a 6-hit complete game by Dennis McCroskey. In game two the Dragons could muster only 7 hits against Classics ace Dennis Brandlin, but played flawless defense and took advantage of 3 unearned runs to lead 5-1 in the bottom of the ninth. The Classics loaded the bases, bringing the tying run to the plate before Dragon starter Jesus Renteria retired the side to preserve the Dragons victory and third consecutive REBL 45+ championship. For the series the Dragon offense was led by three-time league batting champ Mark Fess, who was 4 for 6, scored 3 runs and stole 3 bases. John Sensenbaugh, Dennis Brandlin, and Tom Andres each had 3 hits for the Classics.