The Marlins dethroned the Giants (formerly the Hornets) Sunday with a 7-2 victory in Game 2 of the best-of-3 championship series Sunday at New Scotland Town Park.
On a gorgeous, mild afternoon with a bucolic backdrop and leaves in transition to their bright, fall colors, this was the perfect setting for championship baseball in this highly competitive division. And at the end, it was the Marlins hoisting the hardware - and deservedly so.
In sweeping the Giants in two straight, it was lead-off hitter and catalyst Tom Maney going 7-for-10 in the two games, and in doing so, earning the Finals MVP award.
The Giants came out as they did in Game 1 and put a run on the borad in their first at-bat. Bob Bolt singled and eventually came around on Ron Smaka's sharp single to center. Dick Stark then singled to put runners on first and second, but Marlins pitcher Jon LaTorre buckled down and induced two ground balls to escape further damage.
The Giants were at it again in the top of the second. Jack Riley and Jim Whitford led off the inning with sharply hit singles. But this time, LaTorre continued to prove why he has been among the elite pitchers over the years in CDMSBL, inducing three ground balls to escape that jam.
Then came the bottom of the second inning, and the Marlins duplicated Game 1, scoring four times. And again, it was Tom Maney providing the spark. After going 4-for-5 in Game 1, Maney remained red hot. Ron Lochner reached on an error to lead off the inning - a smash to third that easily could have been ruled a hit. Mike Ferraro walked. After one out, Chuck Sohl singled to score courtesy runner TJ Scorsone. After a ground out, Phil "Mash'' Gadomski walked to load the bases, bringing up Maney, who promptly lined the first pitch into left-center to score two runs and give the Marlins a 3-1 lead. Randy Craft followed with a single to cap the scoring and the Giants found themselves chasing the Marlins yet again.
Never believing any deficit was insurmountable, the Giants kept at it. But LaTorre met each challenge with the heart of a champion just as he has over the years in helping his teams win 4 national tournaments. He wiggled out of jams as the Giants stranded runners in each of the next three innings.
But then came the 4th inning that prove the Giants demise. After a lead-off walk to Skip Treece, Maney lined a one-out double to put runners on 2nd and 3rd. Randy Craft then lofted a fly to left-center, but the Giants outfielders nearly collided and the ball fell in, allowing Skip and Maney to score. Mike Girard followed with a line single and the Giants trailed 7-1.
But the Giants continued to battle and showed why it was a privilege to have managed these guys this year. Tony Nardacci led off the 5th with a single, but even after a double-play grounder, the Giants never laid down. Stark walked and Steve Lounello followed by rifling a single to right. Mike Kane then singled to left to load the bases. Riley, who had two hits in Game 1 and two more in Game 2, followed with a double to left-center to plate two and cut the deficit to 7-3. Marlins manager John Reel then elected to bring in "Mash'' from the pen and he struck out the next batter to end the rally.
Mash then got the Giants 3-up, 3-down in the 7th, the only inning in which the Giants didn't get a base runner, to give the Marlins the title.
For the Giants, Chris Abrams was outstanding out of the pen, shutting down the Marlins after coming on in the 4th inning to stop the bleeding. He hit one batter after entering, then didn't allow a runner the rest of the way.
Bolt, Lounello, Riley and Whitford each had two hits to pace the Giants, who stranded 10 batters. Stark singled, walked and scored one of the two Giants runs.
For the champion Marlins, Maney and Craft each had two hits. Seven different players score for the Marlins, which shows their balance and depth.
Again, congrats to the Marlins. Just a fun bunch of guys who play baseball the way it's supposed to be played. And they celebrate the way you're supposed to celebrate as well.
I've played against Tom Maney for many years and no person is more deserving of having a successful playoff and MVP award. Aside from being a fine ballplayer with much heart he has shown great humility and friendship to all. One of the really nice guys I have had the priveledge to have known in the CDMSBL.
Also congratulations to the Marlins on a great season.
