The Blues jumped out to a 6-0 lead
after a costly error by Ermi's that extended the inning,
Capitalizing on this with 4 consecutive 2 out hits to plate
5 of the 6 runs. From the Ermi's began to chip away, they
picked up a run in the 3rd but did not take advantage of
loading the bases with only 1 out and settled for the single
run. EBC picked up another run in the 4th but yet again left
runners in scoring position, this seamed to be the theme of
the day as in all Ermis left 18 runners on base for the
game.
Ermi's never quit though they
chipped away at the lead once again when Steve Smith singled
home two more to cut the Blues lead to 7-5, the Blues were
handed a run back on EBC's second error of the game, Ermi's
seamed disheartened by this but picked it back up in the 8th
with two consecutive doubles by Ramirez and St Clair cut the
lead back to 2 once again.
the 9th inning is when the game
really got exciting Williams and Morgan started off the
ninth with singles after smith grounded into a force the
Blues pitcher began to tire and walked Porter, then a most
unusual play ended the game, or did it? with bases
loaded Turbo hit a hard grounder down the third base line,
3b Ryan james fielded the ball as he stepped on third base
for the force out and fired home to get pinch runner Pete
Sullivan, Catcher got the throw with his foot on the plate
and the umpire called Sullivan out but because the force was
removed when James touched third a tag must be applied, at
the ensuing umpire conference they go t the call right and
Sullivan was safe at home thus extending the game. Blues
pitcher then pitched around Frankie Ramirez once again
loading the basses for Ermi's. Blues Manager Brett Roger
made the slow trip to the mound, he called in Bobby Collier
to get the final out to secure the Blues First Championship,
what ensued was a pure battle between a very between Collier
and scheduled Hitter Tim St.Claire, after getting two
strikes on St. Claire, Collier threw everything he had at
him but St Claire either fouled off several collier
offerings or did not fish for well placed pitches just out
of the zone, and the count ran full, with the runners off
and running St Claire to not chase a high fastball and
Ermi's came all the way back form 6 down and the game was
now tied.
Collier did strike out the next
batter and the game moved to extra frames, "Bonus Cantos",
both teams went down easily in the 10th, however the
eleventh saw more action and was so tense that all the
people in the stands were on their feet the rest of the way.
Steve Smith led off the the EBC 11th with a double to
right-center, a rocket shot by Porter was snagged by Collier
who had Smith hung out off of second but took the out at
first, turbo then drew a walk to set the stage for Frankie
Ramirez, Frankie lined a single up the middle and the Ermi's
comeback now looked like an Ermi's win, Collier got the next
two outs but the Blues returned to their dugout for the
first time all game trailing.
Ermi's got the First Blue to pop up,
but up stepped Simms who gave the Blues hope as he singled
in the hole at short, Cole then grounded into a fielders
choice and the Blues were down to their last out, Ryan James
fell behind but collected his 4th hit of the game lacing a
single that fell just in front of Ramirez's' feet in center
to extend the inning. With Cole on 2nd and james on first up
stepped Bobby Collier, Collier was down in the count when he
sent an offering deep to right center, Ermi's right fielder
made a valiant attempt to catch the ball but it just got
over his glove by inches, with Cole and james running on
contact Cole scored easily and James crossed the plate as
the throw in on the rely was late and the Blues bench and
their supporters went crazy as they mobbed james at the
plate and collier on the infield.
Both teams played their heart out in
this one, both finals games went extra innings and the
thrilling games gave the Blue & Gray fans their "monies"
worth and something to talk about all off-season.
Congratulations to
Ermi's for making the finals once again, and Congratulations
to the
