The Hornets and the A's squared off yesterday for the 45 division championship.
In game one the Hornets scored 9 runs in the bottom of the first inning and jumped to an 11-0 lead after 3 innings. Game 1 starter Bob Bolt was lifted at that point and the A's quickly scored 5 runs in the fourth inning with just 1 out and runners on base; Bolt returned to put out the rally but the A's scored 4 more in the fifth to make it 11-9. Bobby then retired the last six A's and the Hornets won game 1 by the score of 12-9. Bobby pitched 6.2 innings and allowed 2 earned runs.
Game two was a great game worthy of a championship series. The A' jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning but the Hornets scored a run in the third and one in the fourth to knot the score at 2-2. Game two starters Chris Abrams (Hornets) and Ed Class (A's) were both brilliant changing speeds and keeping batters off balance.
The A's mounted a rally in the bottom of the 6th inning loading the bases with one out. In comes Steve Lounello who quickly struck out the next two batters to end the rally. Steve's elbow had been barking since the 35 division playoffs 6 weeks ago. Steve had not been on the mound since; the rust did not show however as he pumped in fastball after fastball with great velocity.
In the top of the seventh Class walked the first two batters and Tony Nardacci moved them over with a bunt. Dick Stark sent a long fly ball to center to plate the go ahead run. Ron Smaka then lined an rbi single to right and the Hornets led 4-2. Lounello set the A's down in order (two more via strike outs) and the Hornets win their first 45 division championship.
Abrams threw 5 and a third innings after pitching 6 and a third Monday night to clinch game three of the semifinal series with the Marlins. Lounello went 1.2 innings striking out 4 of the 5 guys he faced. Steve threw a total of 12.1 innings this year and struck out 26.
Bob Bolt won the playoff MVP award; in seven games Bobby reached base safely 17 times (8 hits and 9 walks) and scored 12 runs. He also went 2-0 on the mound winning game one of the semis vs. the Marlins and game 1 of the finals vs. the A's,
Congrats to the Hornets on a great run through the playoffs. They got solid pitching and timely hitting, and that is the best known recipe for winning championships! I really enjoyed the new unbalanced schedule during the regular season, and the new playoff format was a huge hit in my book! Don't tinker with something that isn't broken in the off-season!!! The 45+ division is PERFECT just the way it is!!! I can't wait until next season!!!
