Smartmarks Fake Baseball League

Angel_Grace_Blue · July 2, 2004

Not a-fucking-gain. It seems like it always comes down to the last handful of games, which result in Atlanta losing a playoff spot. Damn horrible bullpen. Why don't we have Rolf? He's good. Atlanta's isn't.

Oh well, time for the first of the semi to occassionaly decent TSM players to retire (No offense Zenon and Crowe, but your first guys did kinda suck) and for me to start anew. With someone who sucks. Huzzah!

GO ANYBODY BUT JACKSONVILLE!

Sly · July 2, 2004

Well... at least Los Angeles did better than Baltimore... I guess... even if my numbers all went down... and we ended up 8.0 Games out of the Wildcard Race... and... and...

July 2, 2004

SFBL

September/October 2016

Awards/SFBL Players In The News:

Wednesday, September 19th, 2016:

Robert Henderson collects 2000th hit against New Orleans

VANCOUVER - Vancouver's leftfielder Robert Henderson already has some highlights in his career, and today he added another one, getting his 2000th career hit. In 8 years of big league action so far, Robert has compiled a batting average of .372, along with 314 homeruns and 1,051 RBI. 'It's hard to believe that I did it. I want to thank my family, my friends and my teammates!' With one out in the 8th inning, Robert drilled a single, evoking a long standing ovation from the home crowd.

SFBL Standings

Injuries:

Saturday 9/15/2016:

DET: Logan Caldwell was injured while running the bases.

Diagnosis: Strained Posterior Cruciate Ligament.

He is out for about 2-3 weeks.

Sunday 9/16/2016:

LV: David Hunter was injured while running the bases.

Diagnosis: Pulled Hamstring Muscle.

He will be OK in about one week.

TSM Rankings:

Batters - Last Month:

1) Robert Henderson (.430, 8 HR, 33 RBI)

2) Paco Fernandez (.396, 3 HR, 18 RBI)

3) Edward James (.250, 7 HR, 29 RBI)

4) Patrick Hannon (.303, 6 HR, 23 RBI)

5) Shiro Suzuki (.302, 6 HR, 20 RBI)

6) Logan Caldwell (.261, 6 HR, 20 RBI)

7) David Hunter (.271, 4 HR, 13 RBI)

8) Mike Van Siclen (.333, 7 HR, 14 RBI)

9) Carlos DeSantis (.288, 4 HR, 20 RBI)

10) Winston Ghandi (.306, 2 HR, 13 RBI)

11) RJ Frost (.267, 5 HR, 19 RBI)

12) Timothy Marsch (.217, 3 HR, 13 RBI)

13) Austin Sly (.252, 3 HR, 14 RBI)

14) Charlie Matthews (.170, 5 HR, 12 RBI)

15) Joseph Corbin (.212, 3 HR, 13 RBI)

16) Brandon Rhodes (.250, 2 HR, 2 RBI)

17) John Duran (.059, 0 HR, 5 RBI)

Batters - This Month:

1) Paco Fernandez (.366, 1 HR, 17 RBI)

2) Timothy Marsch (.367, 5 HR, 21 RBI)

3) Robert Henderson (.378, 7 HR, 13 RBI)

4) Edward James (.291, 6 HR, 26 RBI)

5) Austin Sly (.283, 6 HR, 19 RBI)

6) Shiro Suzuki (.287, 4 HR, 11 RBI)

7) RJ Frost (.245, 5 HR, 25 RBI)

8) Patrick Hannon (.250, 7 HR, 14 RBI)

9) Carlos DeSantis (.302, 2 HR, 13 RBI)

10) Winston Ghandi (.210, 4 HR, 20 RBI)

11) Charlie Matthews (.211, 4 HR, 20 RBI)

12) Mike Van Siclen (.225, 2 HR, 12 RBI)

13) Logan Caldwell (.265, 2 HR, 12 RBI)

14) Joseph Corbin (.203, 0 HR, 9 RBI)

15) David Hunter (.156, 2 HR, 5 RBI)

16) Brandon Rhodes (.000, 0 HR, 0 RBI [1 AB, demoted to AAA (see below)])

17) John Duran (.133, 0 HR, 0 RBI)

Batters - Overall:

1) Robert Henderson (.382, 44 HR, 129 RBI) (=)

2) Edward James (.292, 36 HR, 138 RBI) (=)

3) Paco Fernandez (.300, 22 HR, 91 RBI) (=)

4) Shiro Suzuki (.289, 32 HR, 96 RBI) (=)

5) Winston Ghandi (.299, 27 HR, 102 RBI) (=)

6) Carlos DeSantis (.293, 23 HR, 117 RBI) (=)

7) RJ Frost (.292, 32 HR, 114 RBI) (=)

8) Timothy Marsch (.300, 20 HR, 82 RBI) (+4)

9) Patrick Hannon (.264, 38 HR, 95 RBI) (=)

10) Mike Van Siclen (.285, 28 HR, 86 RBI) (=)

11) Austin Sly (.272, 22 HR, 91 RBI) (+2)

12) David Hunter (.245, 18 HR, 71 RBI) (-4)

13) Logan Caldwell (.280, 19 HR, 83 RBI) (-2)

14) Charlie Matthews (.216, 21 HR, 68 RBI) (=)

15) Joseph Corbin (.232, 11 HR, 52 RBI) (=)

16) John Duran (.190, 8 HR, 26 RBI) (=)

17) Brandon Rhodes (.200, 2 HR, 2 RBI) (=)

Starting Pitchers:

1) Peter Kostka (19-8, 2.73 ERA, 2.40 ERC)

2) Eric LeBeau (11-16, 4.14 ERA, 3.15 ERC)

3) Giant Gonzales (17-7, 3.62 ERA, 3.57 ERC)

4) Marvin Jenkins (14-14, 3.92 ERA, 3.72 ERC)

5) Ann Onita (9-12, 4.60 ERA, 4.29 ERC)

6) Nigel McClain (14-15, 4.45 ERA, 4.37 ERC)

7) Gabriel Cirillo (8-10, 4.62 ERA, 4.85 ERC)

Relievers:

1) The Berzerker (3-8 (32 SV), 3.69 ERA, 2.57 ERC)

2) Ben Dover (1-2, 7.41 ERA, 9.25 ERC)

Notes: Brandon Rhodes needs some work in AAA, even though he's playing for Montreal.

Pretty sad, eh? Nonetheless, he was demoted in the final month of the season, playing a few games for Montreal's AAA team. No telling when he might be able to come back to the Fritures de Liberte. Next year might not be the obvious answer after all.

Robert Henderson fell short of his goal of .400 by .018 points, but with a .382 batting average and yet another batting title, that certainly isn't anything to cry about. However, his team missed the playoffs once again, wasting his peak years continually...that is sad.

With that, here's the playoff matchups:

Boston Tea Baggers vs. Seattle Frasiers

Denver Douchebags vs. Chicago Transit Authority

Jacksonville Jackoffs vs. Columbus Pride

Memphis Eels vs. New Jersey Clerks

KingPK · July 2, 2004

Dang, almost got to 20.

Let the bidding begin.

Chuck Woolery · July 2, 2004

I say me, Henderson and Kostka all go to the Crunk Machine, and Tipsy Gesner goes there for the "Err'body In The Club Gettin'" pun.

July 2, 2004

I say me, Henderson and Kostka all go to the Crunk Machine, and Tipsy Gesner goes there for the "Err'body In The Club Gettin'" pun.

That's a huge trade. Since MVS and Henderson are on the same team, I'd only count it for one trade, but Kostka is two trades, and right there that's two TSM trades wasted for next year.

It's a great idea, though.

Angel_Grace_Blue · July 2, 2004

Speaking of trades, I would like for whomever my next player happens to be become a Jane. I swear, I shall help snare a title for Atlanta. Around the 2046 season...but it shall happen!

Of course, having other quality players on the team would help too. I would be anger-ful if Atlanta wins big after Gonzo and DeSantis retire...which of course will happen.

Think I'll shut up right about now.

Cartman · July 2, 2004

If I had stayed in Atlanta they would be in the playoffs right now...

I wanna go back!!!!!!!!

July 2, 2004

If I had stayed in Atlanta they would be in the playoffs right now...

I wanna go back!!!!!!!!

There's no telling how good they'll be next year, though. It could be a completely different story.

July 6, 2004

Once again, it's not much, but you guys need something. I've been sick these past few days, but I give you guys this much.

BOSTON TEA BAGGERS VS SEATTLE FRASIERS

2016 SFBL EAST-WEST PLAYOFFS

GAME 1

As two-time defending SFBL champions, Seattle hoped for an easy opponent in the first round. They received the Boston Tea Baggers.

It certainly wasn't easy to beat them in Game 1, however, but a rain-delayed Game 1 ended in the favor of the champions, as they barely hung on to defeat

Boston 5-4 in Game 1 of the series at Microsoft Field.

Glynn Kortkamp hit a solo homerun in the bottom of the first to give the Frasiers an early 1-0 lead. That would not last long, however, as Boston would

score two runs in the top of the third thanks to an opportunistic error by the centerfielder scoring Jonas Omara and James Strootman's RBI single.

Seattle evened the score at 2-all with yet another Glynn Kortkamp RBI, this one from an infield hit. After an hour-plus rain delay in the 4th inning,

Boston would take the lead 3-2, but Seattle roared back with runs in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings to take a 5-3 lead that they would hold on to

to win the game.

RJ Frost went 0-for-3 in his first 2016 postseason appearance with a walk.

WP - Doug Izzet (1-0)

LP - Nicanor Cabello (0-1)

S - Raul Carrera (1)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 28 minutes

Player of the Game: Glynn Kortkamp (3-for-4, R, 2 RBI, 2B, solo homerun in 1st inning)

DENVER DOUCHEBAGS VS CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY

2016 SFBL EAST-WEST PLAYOFFS

GAME 1

Chris Gale's big double in the bottom of the seventh inning was enough to clinch the game for Chicago, as they took the lead 3-1 and hung on to win Game 1

by a score of 3-2, taking a 1-game-to-0 lead in the series against the Denver Douchebags.

Galvin Blea and the Chicago bullpen only allowed two runs on five hits, in an otherwise close game. Ben Gonzalez homered for Denver in the eighth to make

the score 3-2, but Denver would not have another runner in scoring position after that homerun.

WP - Joe Graham (1-0)

LP - John Propes (0-1, 8 IP, 7 HA, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 Ks)

S - Rolando Tavares (1)

Time of Game: 2 hours, 55 minutes

Player of the Game: Galvin Blea (0-2 all-time in fourteen career postseason starts)

JACKSONVILLE JACKOFFS VS COLUMBUS PRIDE

2016 SFBL NORTH-SOUTH PLAYOFFS

GAME 1

A pair of doubles brought home three runs for Columbus in the bottom of the fourth, and that was all the Pride needed to take Game 1 of their series against Jacksonville, allowing only one run in a 3-1 victory.

Paco Fernandez was 0-for-4 with two strikeouts, and Winston Ghandi was 0-for-3 with one walk, but Ghandi was caught stealing in his only on base appearance.

WP - Timothy Foster (1-0, 5 1/3 IP, 3 HA, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 Ks)

LP - Jonathan Sholar (0-1, 8 IP, 5 HA, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 Ks)

S - Jose Lopez (1)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 20 minutes

Player of the Game: Timothy Foster (6 decision winning streak)

MEMPHIS EELS VS NEW JERSEY CLERKS

2016 SFBL NORTH-SOUTH PLAYOFFS

GAME 1

As most have predicted going into this series, New Jersey didn't stand a chance against the heavy hitting offense of the Eels, and they collapsed late, blowing a 4-4 tie as Memphis crushed the Clerks by a final score of 10-4 to win the first game of the series.

John Duran did not come into the game that was highlighted by a hot final three innings by the Eels, as they scored three runs in the seventh, two in the eighth and one in the ninth inning to finish with a 10-4 score. In contrast, New Jersey did not score another run after the fourth inning.

WP - Garrick Van't (1-0, 8 IP, 6 HA, 4 ER, 3 BB, 11 Ks)

LP - Miguel Moldonado (0-1, 6 1/3 IP, 9 HA, 7 ER, 5 ER, 1 BB, 4 Ks)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 23 minutes

Player of the Game: Wilfredo Briceno (2-for-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 2B)

July 8, 2004

BOSTON TEA BAGGERS VS SEATTLE FRASIERS

2016 SFBL EAST-WEST PLAYOFFS

GAME 2

After squeaking out a Game 1 victory at home, Seattle got an early 1-0 lead after two innings, but a big three-run inning in the fourth for the Tea Baggers followed up two innings later with another two runs gave Boston what they needed to even the series at one game a piece with a 5-3 victory over the defending champion Seattle Frasiers.

Joe Colopy's RBI single was followed up by a 2-run homerun from Josmir Figuerres to give Boston a 3-1 lead in the top of the fourth. Seattle gained a run back to cut the lead in half, but Jonas Omara laced a double to right-center in the top of the sixth to score Figuerres and Oviedo and to distance themselves from the Frasiers.

Rolf Dreikugeln pitched one and two-thirds innings in his first 2016 postseason appearance and his first save. RJ Frost went 1-for-4 in the game, with a double in the fourth inning and two RBI, improving his postseason batting average to .143.

BOSTON 5, SEATTLE 3

Series tied 1-1

WP - David Guzman (1-0, 7 IP, 6 HA, 3 ER, 4 BB, 3 Ks)

LP - Jose Ayala (0-1, 6 IP, 5 HA, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 Ks)

S - Rolf Dreikugeln (1)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 19 minutes

Player of the Game: Josmir Figuerres (1-for-3, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB, 2-run homerun in 4th)

GAME 3

Jm Macias' 2 doubles in the sixth and seventh innings were instrumental in helping Seattle comeback for five runs in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings combined, helping Seattle to overcome Boston at home and win 6-5 to take a 2-1 series lead.

Boston had a 2-1 lead early, but Seattle took the lead 3-2 in the fifth on a Glynn Kortkamp RBI single, and a throwing error by the leftfielder to home that allowed Manny Rodriguez to scored. Boston had the lead right back in the bottom half of the inning with an RBI single from James Strootman and an RBI double from Robert Gennari that SCORED Strootman. David Shiras' RBI single in the top of the sixth tied the score at four-all, and Jm's double in the top of the seventh brought home both Kortkamp and Frost to give Seattle a 6-4 lead. Robert Gennari would hit a solo homerun in the bottom of the eighth to make the score 6-5.

Raul Carrera came on in the bottom of the ninth to close the game for Seattle, and despite a single to right from David Smith with two outs, Boston couldn't make the comeback happen.

Rolf did not make an appearance, as RJ Frost went 0-for-3, drawing two walks and driving in one run while scoring once himself. His postseason numbers are now a .100 batting average with no homeruns and three runs batted in.

SEATTLE 6, BOSTON 5

Seattle leads series 2-1

WP - Doug Izzet (2-0)

LP - Ben Joos (0-1, 6 1/3 IP, 7 HA, 6 R, 4 ER, 5 BB, 6 Ks)

S - Raul Carrera (2)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 31 minutes

Player of the Game: Jm Macias (2-for-4, R, 2 RBI, 2 2B)

GAME 4

Boston scored early.

Seattle scored...eh...kinda in the middle of the game.

And when it was all said and done, Boston's early score was more than Seattle's middle score.

Three runs in the first inning were all it took for Boston to win Game 4, as Seattle could only manage two runs in the fifth inning against Tim Neal and were otherwise hopeless as Boston took Game 4 3-2 to even the series 2-games-to-2 at the Sack.

RJ Frost's postseason woes continued as he went 0-for-4 with a strikeout, lowering his batting average to .071.

Rolf Dreikugeln picked up his second save with another inning and two-thirds performance.

SEATTLE 2, BOSTON 3

Series tied 2-2

WP - Tim Neal (1-0, 7 IP, 3 HA, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 Ks)

LP - George Along (0-1, 4 1/3 IP, 4 HA, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 Ks)

S - Rolf Dreikugeln (2)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 15 minutes

Player of the Game: Tim Neal (3-2 alltime in eight postseason starts)

DENVER DOUCHEBAGS VS CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY

2016 SFBL EAST-WEST PLAYOFFS

GAME 2

Denver scored two runs in the third inning to take an early 2-0 lead, but Chicago once again worked for a late comeback, as two runs came across the plate in the sixth inning to tie the score, and an RBI single to left field from Waverly Whaley in the bottom of the eighth inning clinched the game for the Transit Authority as Denver went down 1-2-3 in the top of the ninth to give Chicago a 2-games-to-0 lead in the best of seven series against the Douchebags, winning once again by the score of 3-2 as the series prepared to move to Summer's Eve Field for three games.

Of the thirteen combined hits from both teams, they were all singles. This was a great example of small ball from both teams, as Jayme Hermann and Osvaldo Gallardo had a pretty good pitchers' duel going for six innings before Chicago finally got to Jayme Hermann, scoring two runs on him and later scoring the winning run on Berny Elias as the Chicago bullpen was flawless with two perfect innings of work split between Gregory Barker and Rolando Tavares, who were awarded the win and the save in this game, respectively.

DENVER 2, CHICAGO 3

Chicago leads series 2-0

WP - Gregory Barker (1-0)

LP - Berny Elias (0-1)

S - Rolando Tavares (2)

Time of Game: 2 hours, 58 minutes

Player of the Game: Waverly Whaley (3-for-4, 2 RBI)

GAME 3

This game was even closer than the first two, but the difference maker came in the fifth inning.

Jose Etenza hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Ben Gonzalez in the first inning and give Denver a 1-0 lead, but Chicago came back in the top of the fifth inning, scoring a run on Cristian Vasquez' single and tying the game at 1-all. It was Denver who would have the last laugh, however, as in the bottom half of that same inning, Ben Gonzalez doubled to deep center field, as Daron Mount scored from first to make the score 2-1, which would be the final score as Denver pulled within one game of the Transit Authority in the playoff series.

CHICAGO 1, DENVER 2

Chicago leads series 2-1

WP - Ramon Razo (1-0, 7 IP, 6 HA, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 Ks)

LP - Eddie Fusco (0-1, 6 IP, 7 HA, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K)

S - Jim Field (1)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 23 minutes

Player of the Game: Ramon Razo (first career postseason win in two starts)

GAME 4

Finally, the Rocky Mountain air got some balls to actually start leaving the park, and the scores started going up as an effect of that. Unfortunately, Denver's score was going up faster than Chicago's.

Denver got a convincing 8-4 win over Chicago in Game 4 to tie the series at 2 games a piece with Game 5 scheduled tomorrow at Summer's Eve Field.

CHICAGO 4, DENVER 8

Series tied 2-2

WP - John Propes (1-1, 6 2/3 IP, 9 HA, 4 ER, 0 BB, 4 Ks)

LP - Galvin Blea (0-1, 4 1/3 IP, 9 HA, 3 ER, 2 BB, 0 Ks)

S - Berny Elias (1)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 22 minutes

Player of the Game: Bo Gossage (2-for-2, BB, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2B)

JACKSONVILLE JACKOFFS VS COLUMBUS PRIDE

2016 SFBL NORTH-SOUTH PLAYOFFS

GAME 2

Columbus had a 4-0 lead after five innings, but Jacksonville decided that they wanted to come back. And comeback, THEY most certainly did.

The two runs in the sixth inning for Jacksonville were not enough, but the eight-run inning that they produced in the eighth inning was most certainly enough to make a HUGE comeback and destroy Columbus 10-4 to even the series at one game a piece.

During the eight run inning, Octavio Santos was walked with the bases loaded, scoring Winston Ghandi from third. Dale Fear then singled to left, scoring Brandon Mariano and John Tripp and leaving runners on second and third. Lemarcus Cooper came on in relief of Vernon Duran, but Samuel Pumarada got the shortstop to fudge his throw, scoring both Santos and Fear on the throwing error as Pumarada reached first. Two batters later, Bruno Soto singled to center, bringing Pumarada home from second base. Ghandi then came to the plate and laced a 2-run homerun to deep right-center, capping off the final two runs in the total of eight that absolutely destroyed Columbus after the Pride seemed to have the Jackoffs right where they wanted them with a solid pitching performance from ace Tipsy Gesner.

Paco Fernandez didn't get to have any fun in the eighth inning, finishing the game with a 1-for-5 day and leaving his postseason batting average at .111. Ghandi scored three times, going 2-for-4 with two RBI from that eighth inning homerun. He had also doubled earlier in the inning, before the scoring attack began, and also committed an error at shortstop in a very exciting day for the Ghandinator.

JACKSONVILLE 10, COLUMBUS 4

Series tied 1-1

WP - Andrew Fasquelle (1-0, 7 2/3 IP, 5 HA, 4 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 Ks)

LP - Jose Lopez (0-1)

Time of Game: 4 hours, 3 minutes

Player of the Game: Winston Ghandi (2-for-4, 3 R, 2 RBI, BB, 2B, 2-run homerun in 8th)

GAME 3

After an embarassing 10-4 loss to Jacksonville in Game 2, the Pride were determined to reverse their fortunes in Astroglide Park and close out the series before returning to Applewhite Field.

Jacksonville had another big inning in the ninth, but by the time they had scored those six runs in the final stanza, Columbus had already scored 12 runs of their own. Columbus fought fire with fire, taking a commanding 4-0 lead in the top of the first and never letting go as they took a 2-1 lead in the playoff series with a convincing 12-7 win.

Paco Fernandez hit a solo homerun in the ninth inning as a part of that six-run inning, finishing the game 1-for-5 with one run scored and one RBI along with 1 strikeout to take his postseason numbers in his rookie season to .143 with one homerun and one RBI.

Ghandi went 2-for-4 with one run scored, bringing his postseason average to .364 with one homerun and two RBI.

COLUMBUS 12, JACKSONVILLE 7

Columbus leads series 2-1

WP - Felix Rodas (1-0, 8 IP, 3 HA, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 Ks)

LP - Pepe Delcastillo (0-1, 4 1/3 IP, 7 HA, 7 ER, 9 BB, 3 Ks)

Time of Game: 4 hours, 13 minutes

Player of the Game: Neall Isaacson (3-for-4, 3 R, 3 RBI, 2 BB, 2B, solo homerun in the 7th)

GAME 4

The lead changed several times, but the Pride struck before the seventh inning stretch and got the death blow on Jacksonville.

Jacksonville is facing elimination in Astroglide Park with a 7-5 Columbus victory that gives Columbus a 3-games-to-1 lead in the series with one game left to play at Astroglide Park, perhaps the final game in Jacksonville this season.

Paco Fernandez went 1-for-5 in the leadoff position, striking out once as his batting average moved to .158. Winston Ghandi's batting average in the postseason fell to .333 with his 1-for-4 performance, crossing the plate once for Jacksonville.

COLUMBUS 7, JACKSONVILLE 5

Columbus leads series 3-1

WP - Marco Jimenez (1-0)

LP - Benito Echeveste (0-1)

S - Vernon Duran (1)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 41 minutes

Player of the Game: Michael Lingler (2-for-4, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 2 K)

MEMPHIS EELS VS NEW JERSEY CLERKS

2016 SFBL NORTH-SOUTH PLAYOFFS

GAME 2

It's pretty simple math.

In a pitchers' duel between Claudio Galaviz and Ofilio Suarez, Galaviz will come out the victor.

And that was the case in Game 2, as both Galaviz and Suarez held their respective opponents scoreless through eight innings, but Fernando Ornelas finally scored the first run of the game by doubling down the left field line and scoring Adam Gillen. AndreW Versace would later single to the gap in the left-center after Suarez had left the game, but Ornelas crossed the plate and was credited to Suarez as he picked up the losing decision in a 2-0 game, Memphis jumping out to an early 2-0 lead in the series as the game would return to the Grand Ole Park as the quest for a sweep continued.

Once again, John Duran did not play in the game in any shape or form.

WP - Claudio Galaviz (1-0, 8 IP, 4 HA, 0 ER, 2 BB, 10 Ks)

LP - Ofilio Suarez (0-1, 8 1/3 IP, 5 HA, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 Ks)

S - Frederick Dale (1)

Time of Game: 2 hours, 50 minutes

Player of the Game: Claudio Galaviz (5th career win in eleven postseason starts)

GAME 3

After taking the first two games with little to no serious competition from the New Jersey Clerks, Memphis had a hard time with New Jersey in the first of two scheduled games with a possible third at Grand Ole Park. Memphis had to scramble to the tie the game at 5-all in the eighth inning on an Andrew Versace homerun, and from there, Esequiel Acosta made himself famous with a big two-out homerun in the tenth inning, a walkoff solo shot that gave Memphis a game three victory and an opportunity to sweep New Jersey tomorrow at Grand Ole Park.

Memphis hit four homeruns as a team in a game where John Duran once again did not make an appearance, whether as a defensive replacement or a pinch hitter.

NEW JERSEY 5, MEMPHIS 6 (10 INNINGS)

Memphis leads series 3-0

WP - Frederick Dale (1-0)

LP - Rickey Ramsey (0-1)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 45 minutes

Player of the Game: Esequiel Acosta (3-for-5, 3 R, 1 RBI, K, GW HR in 10th inning)

GAME 4

The brooms were out in Memphis, but New Jersey wasn't quite ready to be put in the dustpan.

A late scoring surge from the Clerks allowed them to hold off the Eels in Game 4 by a score of 12-8, putting the series at 3-games-to-1 as New Jersey still faced elimination in Game 5 at Grand Ole Park.

As usual, Duran did not make an appearance.

NEW JERSEY 12, MEMPHIS 8

Memphis leads series 3-1

WP - Miguel Moldonado (1-1, 5 1/3 IP, 5 HA, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 Ks)

LP - Garrick Van't (1-1, 4 2/3 IP, 9 HA, 6 ER, 1 BB, 6 Ks)

Time of Game: 4 hours, 21 minutes

Player of the Game: Steven Zuber (3-for-5, 2 R, 2 RBI, 3B)

The next update will be wrapping up all of these first round playoff series.

July 9, 2004

BOSTON TEA BAGGERS VS SEATTLE FRASIERS

2016 SFBL EAST-WEST PLAYOFFS

GAME 5

In a game dominated by singles, the fifth game in the series between the Frasiers and the 'Baggers was decided by the only extra base-hit of the game.

Joe Colopy's two-run homerun in the seventh inning broke a 1-1 tie established in the top half of the seventh by Seattle. Seattle couldn't make up the defecit, and the defending champions are now facing elimination as they return to Microsoft Field as the losers, by the score of 3-1.

Seattle actually had a chance in the top of the ninth to win the game with runners on the corners and only one out, but Mike Barnwell ended the game with a 5-4-3 double play.

RJ Frost went 1-for-5 with a strikeout, his postseason batting average now at .105. Rolf Dreikugeln pitched two-thirds of an inning in the eighth, allowing one hit and walking two as he finished the inning in twenty-six pitches, twelve of them for strikes. King Caffee, however, was the Boston player who collected the save.

SEATTLE 1, BOSTON 3

Boston leads series 3-2

WP - Rosendo Carrillo (1-0)

LP - Jose Ayala (0-2, 8 IP, 7 HA, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 Ks)

S - King Caffee (1)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 7 minutes

Player of the Game: Joe Colopy (1-for-2, R, 2 RBI, BB, K, 2-run homerun in 7th, injured throwing a ball in the 8th)

GAME 6

With their hopes of repeating as SFBL champions for an unprecedented third time fading into the horizon, Seattle knew that they had to come up with something big in Microsoft Field to turn the tide of the series, which was currently leading towards the Boston Tea Baggers, who took the lead in the best-of-seven series with a 3-1 victory over the Frasiers at The Sack in Boston.

After an off day, the teams had traveled across the country to arrive in Seattle, coming to Microsoft Field as Frasier Fanatics packed the seats to watch Seattle go for a tie in the best-of-seven series, forcing a Game 7, to which the SFBL playoffs are always no stranger to.

Seattle struck first, as a slumping RJ Frost was looking strong with a double down the right field line that brought in Manny Rodriguez from second. Seattle's bats went quiet again until the bottom of the fifth, when they looked to extend their lead with a solo homerun from David Shiras with one out.

The Frasiers had extended their lead to 2-0, but they could add no more insurance runs, and that was unfortunate as Boston chose a very late time to strike. But it was as effective as ever, as James Strootman tripled to deep center to score David Smith and Strootman scored on the next at-bat, Anderson Goers laying down a perfect sacrifice bunt to bring in Strootman and tie the game at 2-all. Seattle later got out of the inning, avoiding any further damage done. They had lost the lead, but the game was only tied and the important thing was that Boston had not stolen the lead.

The rest of the half-innings went 1-2-3 as the game piled into extra innings. Boston went down in order in the top of the tenth, but in the bottom of the tenth RJ Frost received a walk from pitcher Kelvin Clements. That was the last better Clements would have to face for the night, as he was pulled in favor of Rolf Dreikugeln. With one out already on the board, the consistent Dreikugeln got Manny Donato to ground into a fielder's choice, as the second baseman forced RJ Frost for the second out of the inning. Jm Macias stepped up to the plate, and on the first pitch from Dreikugeln, Donato stole second to a roaring ovation from the fans in Seattle.

Macias then did the rest of the work, singling to the gap in right-center as the crowd let their home team hear it, the hoots and hollers drowning out the third base coach as he told Donato to round third and head for home. By the time centerfielder Strootman got to the ball in the gap, the speedster Donato was already crossing the plate as the winning run and being swamped by his teammates.

Seattle's 3-2 win forced a game seven, as Boston would have to win the rubber game away from home against the team with seemingly all the momentum in the Seattle Frasiers.

BOSTON 2, SEATTLE 3 (10 INNINGS)

Series tied 3-3

WP - Clifton Drader (1-0)

LP - Rolf Dreikugeln (0-1)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 44 minutes

Player of the Game: Fidel Rubino (5 2/3 IP, 3 HA, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 Ks, no decision)

GAME 7

One more win was all that was needed to keep hope alive for Seattle in their quest to find a third consecutive SFBL Championship.

Just one win against Boston's Tim Neal, who in Game 4 absolutely dominated Seattle en route to defeating them. But this was Game 7, and Seattle hoped that it would be a completely different story.

After four innings, it seemed like both Tim Neal AND George Alongi were settling in for a good ol' fashioned pitchers' duel, a very fitting way to send this series off. Neal and Alongi were locked in a staring contest, and the first to blink would be in for some severe consequences. Unfortunately for Alongi, his staring isn't what he used to be, and he blinked in the top of the fifth inning as Thomas Lipps doubled with one out, and then was advanced to third on a sacrifice grounder from David Smith. James Strootman then laid down a tricky hit, reaching base on an infield hit as the Seattle defense couldn't get Thomas Lipps either as he crossed the plate as the first run of the game and giving Boston a 1-0 lead with the game almost half over. The inning wasn't over, however, as the very next batter in Anderson Goers got a piece of a George Alongi fastball and sent it to the gap in left-center, scoring Strootman from first without any trouble from the Seattle outfielders. Robert Gennari came to the plate and struck out swinging, but with the first half of the game over, Boston had a 2-0 lead, and it was up to the defending champions to come up with some kind of comeback.

By the top of the seventh, George Alongi was finally replaced by Doug Izzet, but Tim Neal remained on the mound, and for good reason. Going into the eighth inning, Seattle had been held by Neal to only TWO hits. Seattle's bats were relatively quiet, but they needed to be alive in the home stretch. The eighth started with Mike Barnwell roping a single down the first-base line. Dan Downey received a free pass, sending Barnwell to second as there was one runner in scoring position already with no outs. David Shiras was next, and he sent a single to left as Barnwell rounded third and beat the throw home by Anderson Goers, scoring to cut Boston's lead in half. In all the hubbub of Goers trying to catch Barnwell at the plate, Dan Downey advanced to third and Shiras went to second. After an Oscar Ortiz strikeout, Manny Rodriguez came to the plate and lifted a flyball to the gap in right-center. Downey tagged up from third and crossed the plate without a challenge from the outfield as the score was tied 2-2. The easy part was over, and now it was only going to get harder as Seattle tried to get that last run to put them over the hill. Unfortunately, with Shiras on second and two outs, Glynn Kortkamp flied out to left field, ending the inning. Only two more hits were charged to Neal's performance, but they came with two earned runs as well as Neal was stuck in a mystical no decision.

Seattle had a chance to end the game in the bottom of the ninth, as runners were on first and second with one out. However, Mike Barnwell couldn't get the job done and instead grounded into a dreadful double play, 6-4-3 as the inning was over. Tim Neal had pitched a complete game...but the game wasn't over, and it carried over into extra frames.

In the tenth, David Smith led off against Raul Carrera and reached base as Manny Rodriguez bobbled the grounder. James Strootman was next to the plate, and Smith was promptly caught stealing. The rest of the inning was a cakewalk as Boston went down in order. The bottom half of the inning was 1-2-3 as well, sending the game into the 11th. Another 1-2-3 inning for Boston gave Seattle an opportunity against Nicanor Cabello. The first batter up was Manny Rodriguez, obviously still kicking himself from making an error. Not necessarily a costly one, but an error in general.

Kicking himself so hard that he hit a rocket to left-center.

415 feet later, the dream for a three-peat was still alive.

Manny rounded the bases, becoming a hero for all of Seattle as many Frasier Fanatics rushed the field to congratulate their hero, running over the security in their way as they wanted to celebrate the game 7 victory. For Boston, it was a battle hard fought, but simply lost to the better team.

BOSTON 2, SEATTLE 3 (11 INNINGS)

Seattle wins series 4-3

WP - Tim Righini (1-0)

LP - Nicador Cabello (0-2)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 40 minutes

Player of the Game: Manny Rodriguez (1-for-4, R, 2 RBI)

DENVER DOUCHEBAGS VS CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY

2016 SFBL EAST-WEST PLAYOFFS

GAME 5

The scores were low once again, and in what was potentially the final game at Summer's Eve Field, Denver made the most of it by shutting out the Transit Authority, four pitchers combining for the eight-hit shutout starting when Jayme Hermann left in the fifth inning.

Having swept their three games at home, Denver now has a chance to return to Sears Field with a shot at advancing to the next round of the playoffs with a win over Chicago, who are also undefeated so far at home in the playoffs.

CHICAGO 0, DENVER 2

Denver leads series 3-2

WP - Jayme Hermann (1-0, 5 1/3 IP, 4 HA, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 Ks)

LP - Osvaldo Gallardo (0-1, 8 IP, 8 HA, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 Ks)

S - Jim Field (2)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 8 minutes

Player of the Game: Jayme Hermann (3.16 career postseason ERA)

GAME 6

Hoping that the trend of home teams winning all of their games in this series would continue, Chicago returned to Sears Field with the hope of forcing a Game 7.

They tied the game in the bottom of the seventh, but Denver piled on two more runs in the final two frames and were able to regain the lead they held for most of the game, winning 5-3 and eliminating Chicago from the playoffs.

Jose Etenza hit the game-winning hit in the eighth, hitting a single to shallow center field to score a pinch runner from second as Denver took the lead 4-3

DENVER 5, CHICAGO 3

Denver wins series 4-2

WP - Berny Elias (1-1)

LP - Joe Graham (1-1)

S - Jim Field (3)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 26 minutes

Player of the Game: Michael Barnes (3-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 2B)

JACKSONVILLE JACKOFFS VS COLUMBUS PRIDE

2016 SFBL NORTH-SOUTH PLAYOFFS

GAME 5

Facing elimination in their own stadium, Jacksonville wanted to not only avoid such a shame, but also wanted to start getting momentum in their favor and advance to the next round of the playoffs. But it had to start tonight.

And from the outset, things didn't look very promising.

Michael Lingler singled down the first base line, scoring Neall Isaacson from second in the top of the second inning to score the first run of the game. The Pride weren't done yet, however, as two batters later, Jeff Canale singled to the gap in left-center and brought home Robert Herring for run #2. Finally, David Tondus got the third run of the inning by taking a single down the third base-line, scoring Lingler as Columbus managed to scatter hits all over the place in the second frame to take a quick 3-0 lead.

Columbus tacked on two more runs in the top of the third when Michael Lingler struck again, doubling to the gap in right-center as Herring and Isaacson both scored.

Jacksonville finally struck back in the bottom half of the third inning, as Bruno Soto came to the plate with Paco Fernandez on first. Paco stole second, and Soto singled to the gap in right-center, bringing home Paco to make the score 5-1.

The Jackoffs scored again in the bottom of the 4th, as John Tripp singled to center and brought home Eugene Widrick and Brandon Mariano to make the score 5-3. Meanwhile, Columbus had nothing to offer in contention.

In the bottom of the seventh, Jacksonville tacked on another run as Paco crossed the plate again thanks to a Eugene Widrick single to right field. The score was 5-4, and the Jacksonville fans noticed that the comeback was coming together, as Columbus' offense seemed to have died.

The tying run crossed the plate in the form of Dale Fear, brought home by a Samuel Pumarada single, TYING the game at 5-5 as the crowd was riled up and ready to see Jacksonville complete the comeback.

But the ninth came and went, and the game piled into extra innings.

Finally...in the twelfth inning...Columbus went scoreless again...but James Baucom laced a single to left and brought home Brandon Mariano! Down 5-0 way back in the third inning, Jacksonville had not only comeback, but scored six unanswered runs as Columbus went scoreless for nine innings and lost the game 6-5 as Jacksonville pulled within one game of Columbus, the series now going back to Applewhite Field as the Jacksonville fans went home happy from Astroglide Park.

COLUMBUS 5, JACKSONVILLE 6 (12 INNINGS)

Columbus leads series 3-2

WP - Carl Owens (1-0)

LP - Jesse Holman (0-1)

Time of Game: 4 hours, 29 minutes

Player of the Game: Bruno Soto (4-for-6, 1 RBI, K)

GAME 6

After forcing the series to return for Applewhite Field for at least one more game, the Jacksonville Jackoffs set off to work at forcing a game seven, to which this particular franchise was no stranger.

The Pride would please their hometown fans by striking first blood, however, as Neall Isaacson hit a deep fly to right-center. Samuel Pumarada gathered it in his glove, and then threw a bullet, hoping to nail Antwan Adelaide as he attempted to sacrifice himself over to third base. However, the throw was off target and the third baseman didn't have any hope of it, and as the ball sailed past the third baseman, Adelaide rounded third and crossed home plate as the first run of the game.

Dale Fear tied the game at 1-all in the top of the seventh, jacking a homerun down the right field line as the second batter to face Braulio Cerda, who had just come on in relief of starter Felix Rodas.

Fearing that a repeat of Game 5 might be in order, Columbus struck right back in the bottom half of the same inning, as David Zearge singled to center and brought home Neall Isaacson from home, despite a challenge once again from Samuel Pumarada, this one actually almost having a chance at catching its target.

It was not long before Columbus lost the lead once again, as Eugene Widrick got silly on a ball, sending it 490 feet into left field with one out and no one on as the game was once again tied at 2-all.

Runners were on first and second in the bottom of the ninth for the Pride as they got a last chance to win the game before sending it into extra innings, but Michael Lingler grounded into a 6-4-3 to end the inning and give Columbus an ominous feeling as the game once again crawled into extra innings. However, the Jackoffs went down 1-2-3 in the top of the tenth, and Columbus immediately got another chance to end the game. With one out, Jeff Canale singled to center and represented the winning run as Rafael Calderon came on in relief of Jake Swieconek. The first batter that Calderon faced was Tondus, and on the first pitch Canale bolted off to second, stealing it easily. Not only that, but the throw by Dale Fear was far too high, allowing Canale to advance to third before he was finally stopped. Having caught a lucky break, Columbus pounced all over it and finally put a stake in the heart of Jacksonville as David Tondus singled to left and Canale easily scored as the winning run crossed the plate, and Jacksonville was eliminated.

In their final games of 2016, Paco Fernandez and Winston Ghandi both went 1-for-5, striking out twice and once, respectively. Paco Fernandez was also caught stealing during the course of the game. Paco finished his rookie postseason with a .133 batting average, one homerun and one RBI, while Winston Ghandi finished with a more respectable .269 batting average, with one homer and two runs batted in.

JACKSONVILLE 2, COLUMBUS 3 (10 INNINGS)

Columbus wins series 4-2

WP - Jose Lopez (1-1)

LP - Jake Swieconek (0-1)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 38 minutes

Player of the Game: Felix Rodas (6 IP, 6 HA, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 Ks, no decision)

MEMPHIS EELS VS NEW JERSEY CLERKS

2016 SFBL NORTH-SOUTH PLAYOFFS

GAME 5

All it took was one double to knock the New Jersey Clerks out of the playoffs.

With a double in the eighth inning with two men on and no one out, Esequiel Acosta brought home two runs, the only two runs scored in the game as Memphis defeated the Clerks 2-0 and won the best-of-seven series by a final tally of 4-games-to-1.

Memphis' win at home now leaves them lying in wait to see who will win the series between the Columbus Pride and Jacksonville Jackoffs.

Duran's 2016 postseason was finished on the bench watching the game as he once again was not called upon to play in any role.

NEW JERSEY 0, MEMPHIS 2

Memphis wins series 4-1

WP - Claudio Galaviz (2-0, 8 1/3 IP, 4 HA, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 Ks)

LP - Ofilio Suarez (0-2, 7 IP, 5 HA, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 Ks)

S - Frederick Dale (2)

Time of Game: 2 hours, 35 minutes

Player of the Game: Claudio Galaviz (left the game in 9th inning with 88 pitches thrown, 59 for strikes)

Der Kommissar · July 9, 2004

One of these years, I am hoping Suzuki actually makes it to the playoffs. The playoff recaps sound fun, but, alas, Suzuki's teams just seem to fall short.

July 9, 2004

DENVER DOUCHEBAGS VS SEATTLE FRASIERS

2016 SFBL EAST-WEST CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

GAME 1

Although many fans had predicted a Chicago/Seattle Conference Championship, Denver made an improbable comeback and upended the Transit Authority in six games to have a chance at the East-West Conference Championship and a shot at an even sweeter prize in the SFBL Championship.

Of course, Seattle were going into the playoffs as two-time defending champions, and looking for a three-peat to try and solidify the team as a dynasty. The first round was tough for Seattle, however, as they struggled to win an intense Game 7 against the Boston Tea Baggers to advance to the next round. Denver has been resting one day longer than Seattle, but will it matter?

At first glance, it appeared that the well-rested Douchebags had Seattle right where they wanted them. Michael Barnes doubled down the right field line, scoring Ben Gonzalez from first as Denver took an early 1-0 lead off Jose Ayala.

It would not be long before Seattle came back, however. Having only allowed one hit in the first three innings, Jayme Hermann looked to keep the momentum going through the fourth. Glynn Kortkamp hit a single to shallow left-center with one out in the inning, however, and RJ Frost followed Kortkamp by going yard on Jayme, driving a ball 407 feet into right-center. Both men crossed the plate to make the score 2-1 in favor of the Frasiers...if Seattle had been wary so far in this game, the 2-run homerun woke them up. After Oscar Ortiz flied out to deep left-center trying to make it a back-to-back homerun situation, Mike Barnwell and Jm Macias both singled. Eric Battle was hit by an iffy pitch from Hermann, and suddenly the bases were loaded. Dan Downey struck out swinging, as Hermann got out of a tough jam. However, it proved that the Frasiers were not lying down in Game 1 despite not being the most rested team.

Jose Ayala started to get things going his way, as Denver had trouble getting runs on the board. Meanwhile, in the bottom of the 6th, Eric Battle grounded into a 5-4-3 double play with the bases loaded and Berny Elias on the mound in relief of Jayme Hermann, but Oscar Ortiz did score from third on the play, making the score 3-1. That would be the last earned run credited to Jayme, as Dan Downey once again struck out looking to end the inning.

Another 1-2-3 inning for Denver in the top of the seventh gave way for Seattle. After drawing a walk, Glynn Kortkamp was sent home by RJ Frost again, as the Velvet Hammer stroked a double down the right field line, scoring Kortkamp and giving RJ his third RBI of the day, still with only two outs in the inning. The next batter was Oscar Ortiz, and he too sent a hit down the right field line. This one got away from the rightfielder, however, and not only did RJ Frost score, but Oscar Ortiz slid into third with a HUGE triple that gave Seattle a commanding 5-1 lead on the Douchebags.

Denver would finally get some redemption in the top of the eighth, as Jose Etenza singled to center, scoring Bo Gossage from second and cutting Seattle's lead from four runs to three.

In the top of the ninth, there was only one chance remaining for the 'Bags. With two outs and runners on the corners, pinch hitter Dale Vickrey hoped for a miracle homerun to tie the game. And on a 2-1 pitch, he sent a fly ball to right field...that didn't have the distance.

Game over, and Seattle takes Game 1 5-2 to take an early one-game-to-none lead in the series.

Following the game, the Player of the Game was awarded to RJ Frost for his efforts in tonight's game, coming up big for Seattle. He went 2-for-4 in the game, driving in three runs and scoring twice himself. His two-run homerun in the fourth inning was a huge turnaround for Seattle, proving that they had come to play this first game against Denver, no matter how rested they were. And of course, building the lead against Denver with his RBI double kept Denver from having any hope that they could catch up with the Frasiers, who were no doubt the favorite in this series. This game improved RJ's postseason batting average to .200, with one homerun and seven RBI total in eight games.

DENVER 2, SEATTLE 5

Seattle leads series 1-0

SCORING SUMMARY:

DENVER 3RD: Michael Barnes doubled to right, Ben Gonzalez scored.

SEATTLE 4TH: RJ Frost homered to right, Glynn Kortkamp scored.

SEATTLE 6TH: Eric Battle grounded into double play, Oscar Ortiz scored.

SEATTLE 7TH: RJ Frost doubled to right, Glynn Kortkamp scored; Oscar Ortiz tripled to right, RJ Frost scored.

DENVER 8TH: Jose Etenza singled to center, Bo Gossage scored.

WP - Jose Ayala (1-2, 7 1/3 IP, 5 HA, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 Ks)

LP - Jayme Hermann (1-1, 5 IP, 7 HA, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 Ks)

S - Raul Carrera (3)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 18 minutes

Player of the Game: RJ Frost (2-for-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2B, 2-run homerun in 4th)

GAME 2

After some heroics in Game 1 from RJ Frost, the Frasiers were hoping that one of two things would happen in Game 2; either a team effort would present itself and Seattle would work together to stave off the hungry Douchebags, or someone else on the team would step up. Not necessarily RJ Frost, but perhaps someone else who felt like being a heavy hitter.

Unlike Game 1, it was Seattle who struck first, as Oscar Ortiz followed up a double from David Shiras with a double of his own, scoring Shiras. The second run of the game came as Oscar Ortiz made a bold move and STOLE HOME(!), giving Seattle a 2-0 lead as John Propes didn't look so hot in this inning; along with the two hits he allowed, he also walked one batter and threw a wild pitch to RJ Frost.

The runs were few and far between until the seventh inning rolled around and Denver finally got themselves moving. Marc Taylor led off the inning with a solo homerun to deep left-center off Doug Izzet--who had come on in relief of Fidel Rubino in the sixth inning--as Seattle's lead was cut in half with only three more innings to go for each team. The remainder of Denver's seventh inning was uneventful, however, as the next three batters went down in order.

Wanting to avoid a situation that would allow Denver to sneak in and steal a victory out from underneath the Frasiers, Seattle came to the plate after the seventh inning stretch, hoping that the home crowd were prepared to get behind them. David Shiras doubled down the right field line with one out, and after a wild pitch from John Propes advances Shiras to third, another pitch wasn't wild, but it certainly wasn't good as Oscar Ortiz jacked the ball to left field, a 2-run homerun that suddenly gave Seattle plenty of breathing room, a three-run lead with only six outs remaining for Denver. The rest of the inning did not generate any more offense, but the damage had most certainly been done. In a curious move, John Propes remained in the game, although he had looked shaky all day and had just given up what could potentially be the fatal blow in the game.

However, as the bottom of the eighth came to an end, Propes was the one who walked off the mound, knowing that he had a complete game situation on his hands, if only Denver could find the power to get a comeback going against Seattle. Into the top of the ninth, Raul Carrera was on the mound with a chance for his fourth save of the postseason. The reliable closer got James Deherrera to ground out to the second baseman to begin the inning with out #1. Marc Taylor seemed dangerous as the only offensive producer for Denver today, but he struck out swinging to the delight of the Seattle fans. Stacy Perez hit a single down the first-base line, but it was going to take more than that if Denver wanted to make a swift comeback. It was not meant to be, however, as Daron Mount grounded a ball to the third baseman, and Manny Rodriguez flipped it over to Jm Macias who stepped on the bag to force Stacy Perez out and end the game! Seattle took both of their games at home, and now hoped to win their first two games at Summer's Eve Field to complete a sweep, only days removed from finishing a grueling seven-game series against the Boston Tea Baggers.

After being the hero of Game 1, RJ Frost faded into the background, going 0-for-4 and showing the colors of a true slumper that he has been in the postseason, as his batting average fell to .176.

DENVER 1, SEATTLE 4

Seattle leads series 2-0

SCORING SUMMARY:

SEATTLE 3RD: Oscar Ortiz doubled to left, David Shiras scored; Oscar Ortiz stole home and scored.

DENVER 7TH: Marc Taylor homered to left-center.

SEATTLE 7TH: Oscar Ortiz homered to left, David Shiras scored.

WP - Fidel Rubino (1-0, 5 2/3 IP, 3 HA, 0 ER, 3 BB, 1 K)

LP - John Propes (1-2, 8 IP, 9 HA, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 Ks)

S - Raul Carrera (4)

Time of Game: 2 hours, 55 minutes

Player of the Game: Oscar Ortiz (4-for-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 2B, 2-run homerun in seventh inning)

GAME 3

As the series moved to Summer's Eve Field for three games, Denver hoped that they could turn the beat around as it were, and get themselves back on the right track. A sweep at home would put Seattle on the ropes and force them to come up with a miracle in Game 6 to force a seventh and deciding game once again.

Seattle looked to prevent that fate by scoring early, as Glynn Kortkamp flied out to right-center for the second out of inning, but with Manny Donato on third, he tagged up and scored as the first run of the game in the very first half-inning of the game.

Denver responded in the bottom half of the second inning, as Daron Mount singled to the gap in right-center. Marc Taylor scored from second, tying the game at one run a piece.

George Alongi tried to keep Denver under wraps so the offense could give him the winning decision, but it wasn't meant to be just yet. In the bottom of the third, the Douchebags struck again and pleased the home crowd as Ramon Mariscal singled to centerfield, scoring Michael Barnes from second without any challenge from centerfielder Manny Donato.

In the top of the fourth, Seattle had a response as RJ Frost hit a solo homerun down the right field line with one out in the inning, his second homerun of the postseason and the homerun that tied the game at 2-2.

The scoring was back and forth as Denver responded in the bottom of the fourth, Michael Barnes sending Bo Gossage home with a single to right field.

In the top of the sixth, Frost made another statement by following up a leadoff single from Glynn Kortkamp with a 2-run homerun to deep center field, sending it 445 feet and giving Seattle a one-run lead, 4-3.

George Alongi would leave for the clubhouse in the very next half-inning, now having his winning decision that he desired. Denver would never threaten again, as even though they had runners on first and second in the bottom of the ninth, Ryan Samplonius and Marc Taylor both hit fly balls to end the game as Seattle picked up their third victory in a row on Denver. One more victory would give them a sweep, something which many gamblers have been betting on in Las Vegas since the beginning of the series.

RJ Frost was awarded Player of the Game for the second time in three games, going 2-for-4 with 3 RBI and scoring twice himself with his two homeruns in the fourth and sixth innings, both off of starter Ramon Razo. He made up 75% of Seattle's offense tonight, and for that was a very valuable player to the Frasiers squad.

SEATTLE 4, DENVER 3

Seattle leads series 3-0

SCORING SUMMARY:

SEATTLE 1ST: Glynn Kortkamp hit sacrifice fly to right-center, Manny Donato scored.

DENVER 2ND: Daron Mount singled to right-center, Marc Taylor scored.

DENVER 3RD: Ramon Mariscal singled to center, Michael Barnes scored.

SEATTLE 4TH: RJ Frost homered to right.

DENVER 4TH: Michael Barnes singled to right, Bo Gossage scored.

SEATTLE 6TH: RJ Frost homered to center, Glynn Kortkamp scored.

WP - George Alongi (1-1, 5 2/3 IP, 10 HA, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K)

LP - Ramon Razo (1-1, 7 1/3 IP, 6 HA, 4 ER, 0 BB, 4 Ks)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 28 minutes

Player of the Game: RJ Frost (2-for-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 HR in the fourth and sixth innings)

GAME 4

After making a huge comeback to upend the Chicago Transit Authority, Denver was now faced with the possibility of a sweep from the much more formidable Seattle Frasiers, who had definitely come to Summer's Eve Field with every intention of getting a sweep in any arena, not just Microsoft Field. With a chance to go to the SFBL Championship for ring #3, Seattle was not going to waste any opportunities to destroy their opponents.

And they looked to destroy early. Glynn Kortkamp went yard on Jayme Hermann in the top of the first inning, sending a ball 390 feet for the first run of the game and crushing the spirit of the Douchebags early.

They fought back, however, as Daron Mount singled to right and brought Bo Gossage home from second to tie the game at one run a piece.

Denver kept it coming in the very next inning, scoring in the fourth inning as Ramon Mariscal hit a sacrifice fly to deep left field, bringing Ken Coutu in from third as Denver collected their second out of the inning, but more importantly their second run of the game.

Seattle tied the game up once again when Manny Donato hit a sacrifice grounder to the catcher, bringing in Eric Battle from third as he came across the plate in the top of the fifth to tie the game.

Denver was not done, and got the lead back in the bottom of the sixth when Ramon Mariscal beat out an infield hit as Michael Barnes scored from third.

Seattle came right back in the top of the seventh, as Manny Donato flied out to left-center and pinch runner Steve Lehner came home, beating the throw from Ramon Mariscal as the game was tied once again.

Denver had no response after the seventh inning stretch, but Seattle had something in the top of the eighth. Mike Barnwell's single to right field scored RJ Frost from second as Seattle finally took their first lead since the beginning of the game, 4-3.

Denver only got one more man in scoring position after that, however, as they were shut down by Seattle relief pitching and were held scoreless in the final six outs, losing the game and the best-of-seven series by a score of 4-3.

As the sweep came to a close, RJ Frost finished with his batting average at .214, with three homeruns and 10 RBI, as he currently leads the team in homeruns and RBI in the postseason, but certainly not in batting average. His final stats for tonight's game were a 1-for-4 day, scoring once and representing the game-winning run since he crossed the plate with Mike Barnwell's game-winning hit.

SEATTLE 4, DENVER 3

Seattle wins series 4-0

SCORING SUMMARY:

SEATTLE 1ST: Glynn Kortkamp homered to right.

DENVER 3RD: Daron Mount singled to right, Bo Gossage scored.

DENVER 4TH: Ramon Mariscal hit sacrifice fly to left, Ken Coutu scored.

SEATTLE 5TH: Manny Donato hit sacrifice grounder to the catcher, Eric Battle scored.

DENVER 6TH: Ramon Mariscal reached base on an infield-hit, Michael Barnes scored.

SEATTLE 7TH: Manny Donato hit sacrifice fly to left-center, Steve Lehner scored.

SEATTLE 8TH: Mike Barnwell singled to right, RJ Frost scored.

WP - Jose Ayala (2-2, 7 IP, 10 HA, 3 ER, 0 BB, 5 Ks)

LP - Jayme Hermann (1-2, 7 IP, 9 HA, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 Ks)

S - Raul Carrera (5)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 11 minutes

Player of the Game: Glynn Kortkamp (2-for-5, R, RBI, solo homerun in 1st inning)

COLUMBUS PRIDE VS MEMPHIS EELS

2016 SFBL NORTH-SOUTH CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

GAME 1

With a record of 102 wins and only 60 losses, Columbus was definitely the favorite against Memphis, who qualified for the playoffs with an 87-75 record; making Memphis the team with the lowest record of the teams remaining in the playoffs. Memphis made short work of New Jersey, however, winning their series in five games to advance to this stage. Columbus beat Jacksonville in six games, a very heated series that could've easily gone seven games. Columbus is generally considered to be the team to beat this year, and if Memphis were to win this series, it would be considered one of the major upsets. Of course, Memphis is no stranger to the SFBL Championship as a franchise. The Eels have reached the SFBL Championship two times in their history, and have won both times--in 2006, they defeated the Las Vegas Jokers in six games, and in 2013 they defeated Seattle in a legendary seven game series. Columbus, on the other hand, has only been to the big dance once--in 2014, when they lost to give Seattle their first SFBL Championship ring in a seven game barnburner. Now it is 2016, however, and both teams are as hungry as ever for a championship.

Michael Lingler's double in the bottom of the second inning brought Robert Herring across the plate for the first run of the game, giving the Pride an early 1-0 lead, much to the delight of the flamboyant Columbus fans.

Memphis had something very big planned in response, however, and unleashed it on the unsuspecting Tipsy Gesner in the top of the fourth inning. The inning began with a leadoff single to center from Chucky Staller. Fernando Orneals followed that with a single his own. A third single from Brett Smith had the bases loaded already on Tipsy, with no outs yet. A FOURTH single, this one from Esequiel Acosta brought home Chucky Staller and kept the bases loaded with no outs. Andrew Versace finally got the first out for Columbus with a flyout to right-center, but Fernando Ornelas tagged up at third and scored without a challenge as Memphis took a 2-1 lead over Columbus. However, the Eels were not done. Two batters later, Wilfredo Briceno hit a big double to deep right field, the ball bouncing off the wall as Smith and Acosta coasted around the bases to score, suddenly giving Memphis a commanding 4-1 lead. Josh Pugh struck out swinging to end the inning, but with five hits Memphis generated four runs and absolutely shelled Columbus' ace in Tipsy Gesner.

The bats finally quieted as Tipsy and Claudio Galaviz both seemed to come into their own. Columbus searched for a way to start a comeback, and Neall Isaacson tried to spark one by jacking a solo homerun to deep center field, landing 422 feet later as the ball that cuts Memphis lead from three runs to only two. However, the next three batters went down in order as Columbus was left with only one run to show for themselves in that inning.

Columbus got another spark in the bottom of the eighth, as David Tondus singled to left, scoring Jeff Canale from second and finally getting Claudio Galaviz off the mound in favor of Chris Addington, as well as taking Memphis' lead down to only one slim run. Addington got Harry Clingenpeel to ground into a double play to end the inning.

With only one chance remaining in the bottom of the ninth, the pressure was on Columbus to deliver in front of their hometown crowd, who were expecting nothing short of success. With Frederick Dale on to make the save for the Eels, he got Antwan Adelaide to ground out and Neall Isaacson to flyout. With only one out left, very few fans in Columbus left Applewhite Field for the parking lot, holding on to the faith that their team would make a comeback. Robert Herring kept things alive by slapping a single to left, reaching base and representing the tying run. David Zearge then singled down the left field line, sending Herring to second. He then advanced to third without a throw, as the fans began to feel like they had a miracle on their hands, and that Columbus really could make a comeback. Michael Lingler was next to the plate...as Frederick Dale threw a pitch that got away from him! The crowd rose to their feet in a roar, as Robert Herring passed the plate with ease, scoring the tying run as Columbus had completed a comeback and now looked to get the stake to drive into the heart of Memphis.

Not only that, but later in the at bat, Michael Lingler received a walk, putting runners on first and second, still with only one out remaining! Keith Batke was walked, and the crowd was almost at an insane level of craziness! Jeff Canale now represented Columbus' opportunity to win it all in the first game...but he flied out to right field. How anti-climatic.

The game was tied, and it carried into extra innings. Two batters into the top of the tenth, and Columbus had their hopes dashed once again...off the bat of Fernando Ornelas, as he crushed a solo homerun down the left field line, taking a 5-4 lead for Memphis as the Eels dugout was overjoyed with the recent turn of events. After watching Columbus mount an amazing comeback, Memphis had now crushed the final step in the comeback--getting the victory. Andrew Versace would double later in the inning, scoring Brett Smith from first as Memphis extended their lead to 6-4, as the light at the end of the tunnel for Columbus had grown very dim in a short amount of time.

Sure enough, in the bottom of the tenth, there were no heroics. Antwan Adelaide was walked, but the other three batters around him could not get anything done as Columbus fell short in Game 1, losing 6-4 in 10 innings.

MEMPHIS 6, COLUMBUS 4 (10 INNINGS)

Memphis leads series 1-0

SCORING SUMMARY:

COLUMBUS 2ND: Michael Lingler doubled to right, Robert Herring scored.

MEMPHIS 4TH: Esequiel Acosta singled to left-center, Chucky Staller scored; Andrew Versace hit sacrifice fly to right-center, Fernando Ornelas scored; Wilfredo Briceno doubled to right, Brett Smith and Acosta scored.

COLUMBUS 7TH: Neall Isaacson homered to center.

COLUMBUS 8TH: David Tondus singled to left, Jeff Canale scored.

COLUMBUS 9TH: Frederick Dale throwed wild pitch, Robert Herring scored.

MEMPHIS 10TH: Fernando Ornelas homered to left; Andrew Versace doubled to center, Brett Smith scored.

WP - Frederick Dale (2-0)

LP - Lemarcus Cooper (0-1)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 37 minutes

Player of the Game: Fernando Ornelas (2-for-5, 2 R, 1 RBI, solo homerun in 10th inning)

GAME 2

Memphis upset Columbus in Game 1, winning the opening game of the best-of-seven series that Columbus is heavily favored to win. The odds have changed a bit, but the Pride are still the favorite to win this series and advance to the Championship. Little did they know that they would soon be locked into a slugfest with the powerful offense of Memphis.

In the bottom of the first, it began. Columbus put numbers on the board first as Neall Isaacson singled to the gap in left-center, scoring David Tondus from third. The next batter was Robert Herring, and he flied out to deep left-center. Antwan Adelaide tagged up to go to third and the centerfielder attempted to gun him down at third, but the throw was very much off-target, rolling to the wall behind the third baseman as Adelaide rounded third and scored easily as Columbus suddenly jumped out to a 2-0 lead.

Memphis responded in the very next half-inning, as Wilfredo Briceno hit another one of his famous doubles, scoring two runs again as Andrew Versace and Hiderou Tanzan crossed the plate to tie the game with one swing.

The bats were quiet for only a brief time, reawakening in the bottom of the third. David Zearge doubled to the gap in left-center, scoring Neall Isaacson from first. With Zearge on second and two outs, Michael Lingler came to the plate and hammered a two-run homerun down the right field line, giving Columbus a seemingly comfortable 5-2 lead. However, there was plenty of game left to play, and Memphis certainly seemed like they wanted that victory in Game 2 to sweep the first two games on the road from Columbus.

Memphis' response came in the top of the fifth. Adam Gillen started the scoring with a single to shallow right-center, scoring Hiderou Tanzan from third and sending Wilfredo Briceno to third. Briceno would come home as the catcher overthrew his target trying to catch Adam Gillen stealing second. The score was now 5-4 as Adam Gillen cruised into third, representing the tying run for Memphis. Chucky Staller, whose at-bat had spawned the error from the catcher, was still at the plate, and on the very next pitch he hit a single to shallow left, scoring Gillen and effectively clearing the bases, tying the game at 5-all.

The scoring was far from over, however, as the bottom of the fifth rolled around and it began all over again. It began with Antwan Adelaide hitting a single to shallow left-center. Adelaide would be caught stealing at second when Neall Isaacson came to the plate, which was unfortunate since Isaacson then hit a triple down the right field line. Representing the go-ahead run, Isaacson would be stuck on third as Robert Herring received a walk, and a pitch got away from Ramon Ramos against David Zearge, plunking him in the back as the bases were loaded for Michael Lingler, who already had a homerun in the game.

AND HE GOT ANOTHER.

GRAND SLAM!

All four men crossed the plate, and Columbus had once again extended their lead, now to 9-5, as the Columbus fans now knew that they had a slugfest on their hands.

Columbus was not done however, as they were finally able to contain Memphis. In the bottom of the seventh, the fans were regenerated by the seventh inning stretch and got behind their team. Herring singled to right-center to begin the inning and to get rid of Ramon Ramos, finally, replaced by Chris Addington. Two batters later, however...Michael Lingler came to the plate. Instead of allowing him to reach base on an intentional walk, Addington pitched to him...and paid for it, as Lingler hit his THIRD homerun of the game, a 402 foot shot that gave Columbus an amazing 11-5 lead! The Pride fans were now gushing with love to their team, who had seemingly wrapped things up in Game 2, sending the fans home happy before the series transferred to the Grand Ole Park.

But Memphis wasn't finished yet. In the top of the eighth, Fernando Ornelas went yard on Braulio Cerda, as the first batter Cerda faced. The ball landed in the left-center stands and cut Columbus' lead to five runs, which was still quite substantial.

Finally, the top of the ninth rolled around. Memphis only had three outs remaining, and the thought was very real that a comeback was nearly impossible. It would be a chore to even tie the game, let alone find a way to take the lead from Columbus, who had built a substantial lead on the shoulders of Michael Lingler's three homeruns. A flyout to deep right field by Hiderou Tanzan got the fans excited as only two outs remained. With one out already recorded in the inning...something happened.

Wilfredo Briceno doubled down the left field line as he appeared to be a double machine against Columbus. Josh Pugh was walked as the next batter, and with runners on first and second, Adam Gillen singled to right, scoring Briceno without any challenge from the Pride, the score now 11-7 in favor of Columbus. Chucky Staller was next, and HE hit a single down the first-base line. Josh Pugh rounded third and headed for home, beating the throw from Harry Clingenpeel as the lead for Columbus was now only three runs, with Adam Gillen on third and Staller on second. Jose Lopez came on in relief of Braulio Cerda, who had certainly been shelled in this outing. Fernando Ornelas received a walk as the first batter to face Lopez, bringing up Brett Smith.

He sure didn't waste any time in learning how to become Michael Lingler. It barely reached over the fence, but the ball made it that far, and that was all that counted as Brett Smith smacked a grand slam homerun, the SECOND in this very game, as the stunned Columbus players, the stunned Columbus fans, and everyone watching at home looked on in shock as Memphis suddenly had a 12-11 lead. After all of that hope built up that Columbus had the game one, Memphis had managed to erase that in a matter of a half-inning. Esequiel Acosta and Andrew Versace got nothing done as the final two outs of the inning, but to say that the damage had been done was a gross, gross understatement. The morale of the Columbus fans seemed to be the morale that had been lowered the most. They were absolutely crushed by what had happened to their favorite team, collapsing in one Hindenburg of a half-inning, breaking apart before their very eyes.

However, there were still three outs remaining for Columbus to find a way to recover. Fortunately, spirits were a little brighter in the dugout then they were in the general admission seats where the fans were calling their local priest to ask for some kind of divine intervention.

As the bottom of the ninth began, things didn't look so grim. Frederick Dale came on to close the game out...and promptly allowed a walk to put Neall Isaacson on first. Robert Herring and David Zearge struck out, however, and all of a sudden Columbus was down to their final out. Michael Lingler came to the plate with a chance at his fourth homerun, but was walked unintentioally, moving Isaacson to second. The closer was out and Jl Ibarra was in to face Keith Batke...only to walk HIM, loading the bases! The fans were now pumped up again, watching Memphis deconstructing much like Columbus had just a half-inning ago. Douglas Haman came on in relief of Jl...but didn't do much better. Jeff Canale singled to right, almost inciting a riot as Neall Isaacson's pinch runner came across the plate! Tie game! Lingler reached third and rounded the base, the hero who had kept Columbus in the game with three big homeruns...being waved home as there was...no throw! Lingler scores easily, and Columbus WINS Game 2! There's a Pride party in the stadium and in the streets, as it's like Columbus has won the SFBL Championship with that game!

MEMPHIS 12, COLUMBUS 13

Series tied 1-1

SCORING SUMMARY:

COLUMBUS 1ST: Neall Isaacson singled to left-center, David Tondus scored; Robert Herring flied out to left-center, centerfielder committed a throwing error, Antwan Adelaide scored.

MEMPHIS 2ND: Wilfredo Briceno doubled to left, Andrew Versace, Hiderou Tanzan score.

COLUMBUS 3RD: David Zearge doubled to left-center, Neall Isaacson scored; Michael Lingler homered to right, Zearge scored.

MEMPHIS 5TH: Adam Gillen singled to right-center, Hiderou Tanzan scored; Adam Gillen stole second, throwing error by the catcher, runner advanced to third, Wilfredo Briceno scored, Chucky Staller singled to left, Adam Gillen scored.

COLUMBUS 5TH: Michael Lingler homered to right, Neall Isaacson, Robert Herring, and David Zearge scored.

COLUMBUS 7TH: Michael Lingler homered to right, Robert Herring scored.

MEMPHIS 8TH: Fernando Ornelas homered to left-center.

MEMPHIS 9TH: Adam Gillen singled to right, Wilfredo Briceno scored; Chucky Staller singled to left, Adam Pugh scored; Brett Smith homered to left, Fernando Ornelas, Chucky Staller, and Adam Gillen scored.

COLUMBUS 9TH: Jeff Canale singled to right, Doug Grillo scored, Michael Lingler scored.

WP - Jose Lopez (2-1)

LP - Frederick Dale (2-1)

Time of Game: 4 hours, 3 minutes

Player of the Game: Michael Lingler (3-for-3, 4 R, 8 RBI, 2 BB, 3 HR in the third, fifth and seventh innings)

GAME 3

After a high-scoring slugest, the next game between Memphis and Columbus, now in Grand Ole Park for three straight games, was much more subdued.

Adam Gillen hit a deep homerun to right field in the bottom of the second, scoring both himself and Josue Torbert to give Memphis an early 2-0 lead.

The Pride responded in the top of the seventh, striking before the seventh inning stretch as Keith Batke singled home Michael Lingler, cutting Memphis' lead in half. That is as close as the Pride would get, however, as Memphis' pitching was simply too much for Columbus on this night. Memphis won by a final score of 2-1, and also took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, scheduled for at least two more games at the Grand Ole Park, and perhaps more should Columbus get a victory on the road.

COLUMBUS 1, MEMPHIS 2

Memphis leads series 2-1

SCORING SUMMARY:

MEMPHIS 2ND: Adam Gillen homered to right, Josue Torbert scored.

COLUMBUS 7TH: Keith Batke singled to right, Michael Lingler scored.

WP - Eugene Viljoen (1-0, 6 1/3 IP, 6 HA, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 Ks)

LP - Felix Rodas (1-1, 6 2/3 IP, 5 HA, 2 ER, 2 BB, 9 Ks)

S - Chris Addington (1)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 17 minutes

Player of the Game: Eugene Viljoen (first career postseason decision)

GAME 4

The second game at the Grand Ole Park was even more subdued than the first.

In an extreme pitchers' duel between Tipsy Gesner and Claudio Galaviz, Gesner ended up victorious with a complete game victory, while Chris Addington folded in the top of the ninth as Neall Isaacson hit a heroic homerun in the top of the ninth to piss off the Memphis fans put to delight the Columbus fans watching at home as the Pride went on to victory, by the simple score of 1-0.

COLUMBUS 1, MEMPHIS 0

Series tied 2-2

SCORING SUMMARY:

COLUMBUS 9TH: Neall Isaacson homered to right.

WP - Tipsy Gesner (1-0, 9 IP, 6 HA, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 Ks)

LP - Chris Addington (0-1)

Time of Game: 2 hours, 47 minutes

Player of the Game: Tipsy Gesner (2nd career complete game in the postseason)

July 9, 2004

For some reason I hate the Seattle Frasiers. I'm happy to know they won't be able to draft me.

Angel_Grace_Blue · July 10, 2004

Damn. If only I had stayed in Seattle for my whole career.

But I suppose that my leaving freed up the money for the Fraisers to sign Frost and others.

July 10, 2004

COLUMBUS PRIDE VS MEMPHIS EELS

2016 SFBL NORTH-SOUTH CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP

GAME 5

When Neall Isaacson was ejected in the second inning, arguing with the home plate over a strike three call that may or may not have been the right call, Columbus seemed doomed.

And indeed, Isaacson's replacement was no better than the real thing, as Michael Fleming went 0-for-3. He wasn't holding the team back, however, as only four Pride players got hits, for a total of five hits in the game. Memphis collected nine hits, and did considerably better than Columbus, winning a pivotal Game 5 by the score of 4-0 and taking a 3-games-to-2 lead in the North-South Conference Championship series.

Garrick "Rice-Cakes" Van't pitched seven and one-thirds innings of three-hit baseball, allowing no runs, walking none and striking out eight in 102 pitches. Van't (2-1) was replaced in the eighth inning by Chris Addington. Van't improved his record to 2-2 all-time in SFBL postseason play, with eight starts to his credit.

Adam Gillen's solo homerun in the bottom of the first inning was a big morale crusher for the Pride, as the fans in the Grand Ole Park were riled up and ready to make the experience unbearable for all of the visiting players from Ohio. There were many complaints from Columbus players of rude and vulgar words thrown out to the players, especially in the outfield. This has been attributed by some to the promotion of 50 Cent Beer Night (Bust a cap in your ass and pour the beer in your mouth!), but Memphis management has vehemently denied these claims.

COLUMBUS 0, MEMPHIS 4

Memphis leads series 3-2

SCORING SUMMARY:

MEMPHIS 1ST: Adam Gillen homered to center.

MEMPHIS 6TH: Andrew Versace singled to center, Brett Smith scored; Hiderou Tanzan stole second, throwing error by the catcher, runner to third, Esequiel Acosta scored.

MEMPHIS 8TH: Josue Torbert singled to left, Esequiel Acosta scored.

WP - Garrick Van't (2-1, 7 1/3 IP, 3 HA, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 Ks)

LP - Timothy Foster (1-1, 6 IP, 7 HA, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 Ks)

S - Douglas Haman (1)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 3 minutes

Player of the Game: Garrick Van't (threw 63 strikes out of 102 total pitches)

GAME 6

Even being heavy favorites to win a series doesn't make you play any better.

The Columbus Pride couldn't agree more to that above statement. Many experts believed that Columbus had the potential to not only win the North-South Conference Championship, but to move on from their thrashing defeat of the Memphis Eels to overtake the East-West Conference Champion and win the SFBL Championship for the first time in franchise history.

The thrashing defeat has not come yet, and some experts have performed a 180, finding positive qualities in the Memphis Eels that they had not spotted previous to Memphis actually hitting the field to play baseball. Memphis has snuck up on Columbus and caught them sleeping, and in the progress have left Columbus facing elimination in Game 6 of the Conference Championship. To say that the Pride were frustrated would be an understatement. As a franchise, the team was known in the early years of the SFBL as a team who couldn't get their act together, perennial losers. They broke that mold in 2010 with an improbable playoff run, edging the Vancouver Vasectomy by a slim three-game margin. Alas, the men in Jacksonville were feeling it that year, and Columbus didn't stand a hope as they were trounced in the Conference Championship four games to one by the team that would go on to win their first championship against the Philadelphia Freedom in a stunning seven game series.

2011 was an off year for the team, but they were back in 2012, though looking less than 100% of themselves in 2010. However, they fought hard against Jacksonville, who had worked hard to attempt a dynasty. Columbus tried to hold them back, but in the end the Jackoffs were too strong. Their 2nd playoff meeting ended in victory for Jacksonville once again, as they took the duke in seven games. The very next year, Columbus was back and looking like their old selves. It was not meant to be, however, as Memphis met Columbus for the first time in the postseason and eliminated them in six games, going on to defeat Seattle for their second SFBL title in seven games.

2014 was the year of four new expansion teams, and a new birth for Columbus. They went 100-62 in the new North Division, trouncing Indianapolis by ten games. They advanced to the SFBL Playoffs, brutalizing Charlotte in five games in the first round, and moving on to the Conference Championship against Memphis. This was Columbus' year, however, as they managed to best Memphis in seven games. However, in the Championship, it was all over. Seattle took the series to seven games, and the outcome was different as the Frasiers captured their first franchise championship. Columbus faced Charlotte again in 2015, but Charlotte had the best of them this time, winning in six games and inciting Peter Kostka to leave the team. He was tired of the team's failures in the postseason, and he wanted a change of venue. But who could blame him? Columbus had dropped the ball time and time again, and this was a cry for help from Kostka, help from the "close, but no cigar" style of play that Columbus showed.

This year, Columbus had made plenty of progress. In their third playoff meeting, Jacksonville and Columbus battled to six games, but the Pride won it this time, as there was a new aura around Columbus. They are juggernauts again this year. There's no reason why Memphis should be holding them up like this.

But they are.

All of this history leads to another meeting with Memphis, and a chance to avoid elimination by forcing a Game 7 and hoping for the best from there.

Finally, the game.

Early in the game, Columbus established that they wanted the win more than anything else. To win the series in front of their own fans at Applewhite Field would be a dream come true, and they wanted to feel that emotion.

In the bottom of the second, David Zearge homered to center field, giving Columbus a 1-0 lead with two outs. Later in the inning, Keith Batke hit a single to center, scoring Michael Lingler from second to make the score 2-0 in favor of the Pride. Columbus added another run in the bottom of the fourth when Keith Batke picked up another big single, scoring Robert Herring from second to make the score 3-0! With that, Eugene Viljoen was finally able to slow down Columbus' momentum and give Memphis a chance to come back.

In the top of the sixth, they began a rally to do just that. Chucky Staller singled to shallow left-center, bringing Josh Pugh in from second to make the score 3-1. The top of the seventh brought more bad news for Columbus, as Roger Marcantel, a pinch hitter, singled to left and scored designated hitter Josue Torbert from second to cut the Pride's lead to one single run.

However, Memphis couldn't get anything going in the eighth. And with only three outs remaining, Columbus had a chance to take the win, tying the series and forcing a Game 7. Jose Lopez was on for the save, a pretty reliable closer in the regular season.

After leading off with a walk to Esequiel Acosta, Josue Torbert struck out swinging and Adam Gillen grounded into a fielder's choice to the shortstop, forcing Acosta out at second base.

With only one out remaining...things got crazy. Marty Senn singled to left, advancing Gillen to second. Wilfredo Briceno received a walk, and the bases were loaded. Andrew Versace was next, and the drama was on...as Lopez walked HIM! The Columbus pitching coach had seen enough, calling for Marco Jimenez to come on in relief after Lopez gave up the game-tying run...Jimenez entered the game...and promptly allowed a single from Chucky Staller, scoring both Marty Senn and Chris Addington, who had come on in the game as a pinch runner. The score was now 5-3 Memphis...and Columbus fans were understandably crushed. Brett Smith grounded out to the third baseman to finally end the inning, as the damage could be felt all through Columbus. The city was devastated, once again, and left without a chance to go for the big one...

...as Columbus went down in order in the bottom of the ninth. Fans had been pissed before at the Pride, but now they simply accepted it. Losing when the pressure was on was something that Columbus seemed born to do, and they just let the Pride wallow in their own shame.

History always has a way of repeating itself.

MEMPHIS 5, COLUMBUS 3

Memphis wins series 4-2

SCORING SUMMARY:

COLUMBUS 2ND: David Zearge homered to center; Keith Batke singled to center, Michael Lingler scored.

COLUMBUS 4TH: Keith Batke singled to left, Robert Herring scored.

MEMPHIS 6TH: Chucky Staller singled to left-center, Josh Pugh scored.

MEMPHIS 7TH: Roger Marcantel singled to left, Josue Torbert scored.

MEMPHIS 9TH: Andrew Versace walked, Adam Gillen scored; Chucky Staller singled to left, Marty Senn, Chris Addington scored.

WP - Ramon Ramos (1-0)

LP - Jose Lopez (2-2)

S - Frederick Dale (3)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 26 minutes

Player of the Game: Chucky Staller (2-for-5, 3 RBI, 2 Ks)

2016 SFBL CHAMPIONSHIP

SEATTLE FRASIERS

vs.

MEMPHIS EELS

KingPK · July 11, 2004

Really, the Pride are the SFBL equivalent of the Red Sox. Can't believe how badly they blow it in key situations. Of course, nothing will beat having the opposing team put a 20 spot on the board in Game 7 of the championship series.

Lightning Flik · July 11, 2004

I hope to God that my player retires soon with at least a Ring soon. I'm tired of always being on the outside looking at everyone else win. It's not fair.

July 11, 2004

Hurry up and do the Championship already. I want my guy in!

I know I said somewhere earlier how impatient I am.

July 11, 2004

SEATTLE FRASIERS VS MEMPHIS EELS

2016 SFBL CHAMPIONSHIP

GAME 1

The Memphis Eels are no stranger to being underdogs, but the Vegas line on their matchup with Seattle leaves them as SEVERE longshots, as Seattle is simply too good of a team to be denied their third straight title against a team that doesn't have all of the tools, like Memphis.

So, in Game 1, Seattle used the art of the longball to try and earn success.

In the top of the first, Manny Rodriguez hit a solo homerun with one out, giving Seattle an early 1-0 lead. From there, Claudio Galaviz and Jose Ayala squared off, both of them trying not to make a crucial mistake.

As the bottom of the fifth arrived, it seemed that Ayala now was ready to make his mistake. A double by Hiderou Tanzan was that mistake, as Esequiel Acosta scored from first to tie the game at 1-1.

Memphis seemed poised to slither in and steal this game from Seattle, but Manny Donato had other plans, as he crushed a two-run homerun in the eighth inning to make the score 3-1 in favor of the Frasiers.

RJ Frost added insult to injury, jacking a three-run bomb with two outs in the top of the ninth to bury the Eels for good, as they had no chance for a rally in the bottom of the ninth, losing Game 1 by a finally score of 6-1.

SEATTLE 6, MEMPHIS 1

Seattle leads series 1-0

SCORING SUMMARY:

SEATTLE 1ST: Manny Rodriguez homered to left.

MEMPHIS 5TH: Hiderou Tanzan doubled to right-center, Esequiel Acosta scored.

SEATTLE 8TH: Manny Donato homered to left, Glynn Kortkamp scored.

SEATTLE 9TH: RJ Frost homered to right, David Shiras, Oscar Ortiz score.

WP - Jose Ayala (3-2, 7 1/3 IP, 1 HA, 1 ER, 4 BB, 2 Ks)

LP - Ramon Ramos (1-1)

S - Clifton Drader (1)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 9 minutes

Player of the Game: Jose Ayala (93 pitches thrown, 54 for strikes)

GAME 2

After taking a hard loss when Seattle came back big in the late innings to win Game 1, Memphis was determined to get some redemption.

They got off on the right foot, as Chucky Staller laced a single to right field as Adam Gillen scored from second. George Alongi was not credited with the run, however, as Gillen reached second base because the rightfielder dropped Adam's pop fly.

Seattle responded right back in the top of the second inning as Mike Barnwell singled to left, scoring RJ Frost from second to tie the game at 1-all. Dan Downey was injured as the next batter when he was hit by a pitch, the diagnosis was uncertain during the game, and there's no word on what exactly happened to him as of yet.

The Frasiers then took the lead in the top of the third when Glynn Kortkamp hit a single down the left field line, scoring Oscar Ortiz from third to give Seattle a 2-1 lead.

Memphis was further discouraged in the fourth inning when David Shiras slapped a two-run homerun over the fence in left field, scoring himself and substitute catcher Charles Panatta to give Seattle a commanding three-run lead, even with plenty of the game remaining.

The Eels tried their best to come back, scoring in the bottom of the sixth as Andrew Versace slammed a homerun over the RIGHT field fence, cutting Seattle's lead down to only one run as Versace and Brett Smith scored.

Right before the seventh inning stretch. RJ Frost hit a double to the gap in right-center, scoring Glynn Kortkamp from second without a challenge from the Memphis outfield as Seattle re-extended their lead to two runs.

Memphis threatened with runners on first and second in the eighth and ninth innings, but they couldn't get the job done as they lost once again, going into the off day down two games to zero as they lost 5-3.

SEATTLE 5, MEMPHIS 3

Seattle leads series 2-0

SCORING SUMMARY:

MEMPHIS 1ST: Chucky Staller singled to right, Adam Gillen scored.

SEATTLE 2ND: Mike Barnwell singled to left, RJ Frost scored.

SEATTLE 3RD: Glynn Kortkamp singled down the left field line, Oscar Ortiz scored.

SEATTLE 4TH: David Shiras homered to left, Charles Panatta scored.

MEMPHIS 6TH: Andrew Versace homered to right, Brett Smith scored.

SEATTLE 7TH: RJ Frost doubled to right-center, Glynn Kortkamp scored.

WP - George Alongi (2-1, 7 IP, 9 HA, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 Ks)

LP - Garrick Van't (2-2, 5 1/3 IP, 5 HA, 4 ER, 5 BB, 4 Ks)

S - Raul Carrera (6)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 25 minutes

Player of the Game: David Shiras (1-for-4, 1 R, 2 RBI, 2-run homerun in fourth inning)

GAME 3

The off day having passed, Memphis was already in a jam against the heavily favored Seattle Frasiers, as their Cinderella magic seemed to be running low.

RJ Frost led off in the bottom of the second for Seattle and jacked a homerun to deep right field, giving Seattle an early 1-0 lead.

Another run was added to that total in the bottom of the third as Glynn Kortkamp doubled to the gap in left-center, scoring the speedy Manny Rodriguez from first as Seattle took a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the fifth, Seattle doubled their run total as Glynn Kortkamp was issued a walk by Eugene Viljoen with the bases loaded and one out, scoring the third run in the game for Seattle. The very next batter was RJ Frost, who grounded into a fielder's choice that forced Kortkamp out at second base as Oscar Ortiz scored from third to give Seattle a 4-0 lead, the game half over.

Wilfredo Briceno came up big for Memphis in the top of the seventh, striking with a 3-run homerun with one out, scoring Hiderou Tanzan and Andrew Versace as Seattle's lead was quickly cut to one run just before the seventh-inning stretch. That would be as close as Memphis could get, however, as the bullpen put everything in lockdown and the Eels didn't stand a chance as they fell just short, losing 4-3 as they faced elimination in Game 3, not to mention the first sweep since the inaugural SFBL season.

MEMPHIS 3, SEATTLE 4

Seattle leads series 3-0

SCORING SUMMARY:

SEATTLE 2ND: RJ Frost homered to right.

SEATTLE 3RD: Glynn Kortkamp doubled to left-center, Manny Rodriguez scored.

SEATTLE 5TH: Glynn Kortkamp received a walk, David Shiras scored; RJ Frost grounded into a fielder's choice, Oscar Ortiz scored.

MEMPHIS 7TH: Wilfredo Briceno homered to left, Hiderou Tanzan, Andrew Versace scored.

WP - Fidel Rubino (2-0, 6 1/3 IP, 5 HA, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 Ks)

LP - Eugene Viljoen (1-1, 5 1/3 IP, 10 HA, 4 ER, 1 BB, 4 Ks)

S - Raul Carrera (7)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 12 minutes

Player of the Game: RJ Frost (2-for-4, R, 2 RBI, solo homerun in 2nd inning)

GAME 4

Memphis faced elimination in Game 4 of the Championship series, having come all this way only to become the first championship team swept in the finals since Charlotte was swept by the Boston Tea Baggers in 2003.

With that, they set out on trying to avoid the sweep and live to see another day.

Things were looking grim, however, as the bottom of the second saw Seattle score the first run of the game with a throwing error to home by the centerfielder, scoring Manny Donato as the ball sailed past the catcher and reached the backstop before the catcher could even recover the ball.

The Eels hung tough, however, as Josh Pugh singled down the left field line in the top of the fifth inning, scoring Hiderou Tanzan from second and tying the game, finally.

The two teams reached a stalemate as the innings flew past. In the top of the ninth, Memphis had a runner on first but could not cash in, falling short of taking a lead and leaving the game in the hands of Seattle, or otherwise force extra innings. With one out, Jm Macias roped a double to the gap in left-center, as Chris Addington left the game in favor of usual closer Frederick Dale, not looking for a save, but just a chance to keep Seattle from winning this game. He got Mike Barnwell to strike out swinging. And against Charles Panatta, with Shannan Stubbs as the pinch runner on second, the 2-2 pitch was delivered...

...and SENT DOWN THE RIGHT FIELD LINE! Stubbs scores, and the game is over! It's a clean sweep for Seattle and a three-peat to match it! Three consecutive SFBL Championships for the Seattle Frasiers.

MEMPHIS 1, SEATTLE 2

Seattle wins SFBL Championship 4-0

SCORING SUMMARY:

SEATTLE 2ND: Manny Donato scored on a throwing error to home by the centerfielder.

MEMPHIS 5TH: Josh Pugh singled to left, Hiderou Tanzan scored.

SEATTLE 9TH: Charles Panatta singled down the right field line, Shannan Stubbs scored.

WP - Raul Carrera (1-0)

LP - Chris Addington (0-2)

Time of Game: 3 hours, 7 minutes

Player of the Game: Jose Ayala (6 1/3 IP, 6 HA, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 Ks)

End of Season Awards:

East-West Fresh Fish Award:

Maurice Cass (BAL)!

He batted .251 in 613 AB, with 13 homers and 57 RBI.

North-South Fresh Fish Award:

Paco Fernandez (JAC)!

He batted .300 in 570 AB, with 22 homers and 91 RBI.

East-West Rocket Wrist Award:

George Alongi (SEA)!

He had a record of 23-6 with an ERA of 2.23.

In 36 games started, he pitched 238 innings, fanning 190 and walking 35 batters.

East-West Big Stick Award:

Abel Ortiz (LV)!

He batted .329 in 571 AB, with 49 homers and 127 RBI.

North-South Rocket Wrist Award:

Tipsy Gesner (COL)!

He had a record of 21-8 with an ERA of 2.14 and 4 shutouts.

In 37 games started, he pitched 286.1 innings, fanning 232 and walking 39 batters.

North-South Big Stick Award:

Robert Henderson (VAN)!

He batted .382 in 617 AB, with 44 homers and 129 RBI.

East-West Glass Ceiling Award Winners:

Pitcher: Osvaldo Gallardo (CHI)

Catcher: Chris Gale (CHI)

First Base: Louis Robbs (NY)

Second Base: Al Reineri (PHI)

Third Base: Edward James (LV)

Shortstop: Robert Gennari (BOS)

Leftfield: John Duffner (DEN)

Centerfield: Mike Cannington (PHI)

Rightfield: Jed Goude (PHI)

North-South Glass Ceiling Award Winners:

Pitcher: Manuel Chao (JAC)

Catcher: David Zearge (COL)

First Base: Michael Lingler (COL)

Second Base: Benicio Cantu (NRL)

Third Base: Patrick Hannon (HOU)

Shortstop: Phil Wilson (ATL)

Leftfield: Joel Velasquez (DET)

Centerfield: Marcus Wernicke (KAN)

Rightfield: George Kennedy (KAN)

Player pages are on the way. Feel free to comment on the new champions, if you wish.

Lightning Flik · July 11, 2004

Congradulations are in order for the Frasiers who won a tough series. Even if it did end in 4 straight, it wasn't a clear cut win.

Oh look, I won the Glass Ceiling Award. HOORAH! ...I'm probably going to be one of those guys who is like one of the greats to never win a Championship.

July 11, 2004

Woohoo, now its time for my future Cy Young award winning self to be drafted.

Der Kommissar · July 11, 2004

Woohoo! One more season until I become a free agent! (and, with my luck, re-sign with Oklahoma.)

Angel_Grace_Blue · July 11, 2004

Huzzah for the Fraisers! Too bad I got traded before they became the power-houses they are now.

I've got mixed feelings regarding Giant Gonzales. On one hand, he's old and I kind of want him gone to bring in a new, hopefully better player. On the other hand, he had a hell of a season, and I'd like to see him go out with a ring. I guess I'll see what happens and whatnot.

July 12, 2004

Paco as the fresh fish.......I like it.

Rob E Dangerously · July 12, 2004

so.. did I win the Triple Crown?

July 12, 2004

so.. did I win the Triple Crown?

Nope.

You got the batting title once again, but finished 5th in both homeruns and RBI.

Better luck next year.

Player pages are ABOUT to be updated.

Der Kommissar · July 12, 2004

Oh look, I won the Glass Ceiling Award. HOORAH! ...I'm probably going to be one of those guys who is like one of the greats to never win a Championship.

At least you've been to the playoffs. (I think) Poor Shiro will be remembered as the good player who was always on shitty teams. His loyalty is admirable, but it can get quite frustrating. I just hope he somehow reaches 3,000 hits because that would be a cool stat to achieve.

July 12, 2004

TSM Player Stats

SFBL Career Leaderboard

Smartmarks Fake Baseball League

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