The WhizKids scored 4 runs in the 1st, 5 more in the 3rd, then held off the late surging Marlins for a 2nd round playoff victory and a date in the finals. Jim Konstantakis got the victory, allowing 5 earned runs over 5 1/3 innings. Chris Abrams notched the save with 1 2/3 hitless innings. After a walk and a pop up in the 1st, the Whiz had 6 consecutive hits to take the 4-0 lead. RBI singles by Porter, Pierce, A. Torre, and Braverman. The Marlins came back with 2 in the 2nd on an error, and a shot to center by Reel that was misjudged by yours truly for a double. The Whiz countered with 5 in the top of the 3rd. Palmer had an RBI double, but the Fish escaped further damage when Klopfer hit a rope down the left field line, and
Abrams, running from 1st, was nailed at the plate on a perfect 7-5-2 relay. Down 9-2, the Marlins wouldn't swim away. They responded with 3 in the bottom of the frame on 5 consecutive hits, RBI's by Newcomb and Pelton. Then in the 5th, the Marlins strike again, scoring 2 runs on hits by Celentano and Hayner. Meanwhile, the WhizKids' bats were silenced by Skip Treece, who allowed only a 7th inning double to Klopfer over the last 4 innings. With the same 9-7 score and 1 out in the 6th, Treece and Newcomb singled. Abrams relieved Konstantakis, and Pelton greeted him with a shot to right field. It was caught by Braverman, who threw to 2nd for the double play, ending the threat. Abrams retired the side in order in the7th to give the WhizKids the hard fought victory. Congratulations to Ed Diegel and the rest of the Marlins on a fine season. There is no quit in that team! Next up for the WhizKids are the defending champs, the Damn Yankees. Game #1 is Friday at 5:30 at New Scotland. Jim Porter-Manager-WhizKids 53+ Division