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reds1 · 08-15-2018, 11:16 PM

Downie Chiefs (96-58) vs. Braeland City Monarchs (90-64)
Season Matchup: 9-6 in favor of Downie

Downie: Runs scored – 796 (2nd in East); runs against – 623 (1st)
Braeland City: Runs scored – 819 (1st); runs against – 719 (6th)

After nine straight losing seasons, the Downie Chiefs ended last year with a 79-75 record – just the third time they finished above .500. This year, they proved it was no fluke. The Chiefs secured their first playoff appearance back on March 14 and locked up first place on March 21, six days before the end of the regular season. Downie is now entering uncharted territory for them but they will do so with home field advantage, at least for the Pennant Series.

Their rival for the Eastern League Pennant is no stranger to the playoffs, having qualified for the third straight year and fifth overall. The Braeland City Monarchs have won the Pennant twice, in 1939-40 and 1947-48, but are still looking for their first Championship. So if the United Cup comes to the Eastern League this year, a first-time champion will be crowned.

Both clubs are dealing with injuries as they look to the first game of the Series. Downie is without the services of 34-year old veteran RHP Harley Bracher (18-9, 4.69 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 85 ERA+), who suffered mild shoulder inflammation while pitching against the Wellington Athletics on March 25. The injury is considered minor, but Downie elected to place him on the disabled list as they are going with a 4-man rotation anyway and are already carrying 12 pitchers into the playoffs. Bracher will be available following the Pennant Series.

Braeland City’s 28-year old SS Simon Flatt (.249/.353/.333, 4 HR, 48 RBI, 72 BB, 1.5 WAR) has been nursing a strained rib cage muscle ever since he was injured in a collision at 2B during an unsuccessful steal attempt by Wolseley Unions’ George Kimpton back on February 15. However, he remained in the lineup and will lead off for Braeland City in Game 1.

For 54-year old Bill Bouchet – the only manager the Downie Chiefs have ever known – and the rest of his club, the spotlight of the playoffs will be a new experience. But for Braeland City’s 52-year old Toby Reakes and company, they are looking to finally go all the way after coming up short on four previous occasions.

Thus, fans in the nation’s capital are excited over yet another chance for glory, while Downie fans are still processing the fact that their Chiefs are actually in the playoffs. This is what baseball fans dream about. Let the games begin!

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Game 1 – March 28

Gibson Ballpark sees its first post-season action and 29,804 are on hand to witness it. Clear, balmy skies (77F) with just a slight breeze blowing in from left (10 mph) set the scene.

27-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (19-11, 2.82 ERA, 1.23 WHIP) makes his first career playoff start, while Braeland City’s No. 2 starter, 29-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (17-9, 3.52 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) will pitch in his 5th playoff game. He previously pitched for the Queensland Eagles in their Championship run three seasons ago.

Bottom of the 1st:
The Chiefs waste no time seizing the momentum. 1B Robin Duerden singles with one out and advances to 3B when CF Alfonso León connects for a line drive double into the gap in left-centerfield.
Next up is 3B Dominic Dudding. Dudding battles Suzuki to a full-count, then crushes a 3-run home run, 334 ft. into rightfield to open the scoring.
C Jilenko Batiles immediately follows and stings Suzuki as well, sending a 0-1 pitch 337 ft. into rightfield for a solo home run.
Suzuki surrenders two more singles but is able to strike out SP Pelanekelina to end the inning without further damage.
Braeland City 0 – Downie 4

Top of the 2nd:
The Monarchs put runners on the corners when C Christopher Dainty leads off with a single and CF Ricardo Castellanos follows with a double.
With one out, RF Jesús Ortego grounds out to the shortstop. Dainty comes home safely on the play, getting Braeland City on the board.
Braeland City 1 – Downie 4

Bottom of the 2nd:
SS Mac Medley and Robin Duerden lead off with back-to-back singles, putting runners on 1B and 2B.
After Alfonso León advances the runners on a 5-3 groundout, Dominic Dudding collects his fourth RBI of the game when he too hits into a 5-3 groundout, scoring Medley.
Braeland City 1 – Downie 5

Bottom of the 7th:
With RHP Lee Corp taking over from Okura Suzuki, Dominic Dudding and Jilenko Batiles lead off with back-to-back singles.
RF Nathan Ashman and 2B Francis Burrow both hit into fielder’s choices at 2B, allowing Dudding to advance and score.

Looking to finish the game in the top of the 9th, Pelanekelina strikes out Jesús Ortego and induces a 4-3 ground out from PH Jorge Valentín for two quick outs. Pelanekelina then hits SS Simon Flatt on his first offering.
But the game ends when 2B Patrick Lidgate flies out to deep centerfield on the next at-bat. The Chiefs take Game 1.
FINAL: Braeland City 1 – Downie 6

Player of the Game: Dominic Dudding made quite the impression in his first playoff game, going 3 for 5, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R.

Kelii Pelanekelina was impressive as well, going 9.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 5 BB, 4 K, 134 PI (1-0, 1.00; Game Score: 72).

For Braeland City:

Okura Suzuki had that rough 1st inning. In all, he went 6.0 IP, 10 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 2 HR, 108 PI (0-1, 7.50 ERA; GS: 33).

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Game 2 – March 29

The Monarchs and Chiefs return to Gibson Ballpark, with 29,959 giddy fans looking to see if Downie can take both games before heading to Braeland City. It’s cooled off just a little (70F) with partly cloudy skies and a soft breeze (11 mph) blowing out to right.

30-year old RHP Joong Ling (18-5, 2.86 ERA, 1.05 WHIP) will make his first career playoff start. Braeland City responds with their ace, 29-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (16-15, 4.01 ERA, 1.32 WHIP). This will be Grimes’ third career playoff start and he is still looking for his first win (0-1, 5.52 ERA, 1.98 WHIP).

Top of the 4th:
Ling and Grimes exchange zeros until the fourth inning, when Ling runs into some trouble. After getting two quick outs, Ling gives up a single to LF Daniel Tantoco.
Up next is C Christopher Dainty, who turns on a 1-2 pitch and crushes a line drive 2-run home run 407 ft. to the left-centerfield bleachers, giving the Monarchs the lead.
Braeland City 2 – Downie 0

Bottom of the 7th:
Grimes keeps Downie’s hitters at bay until 3B Dominic Dudding leads off the bottom half of the 7th. Working the count full, Dudding then connects for a solo home run, sending it 352 ft. in the leftfield stands and getting the Chiefs on the board.
Braeland City 2 – Downie 1

Bottom of the 8th:
2B Francis Burrow leads off with a single but is thrown out at 2B when PH Connor Buswell hits into a fielder’s choice. Buswell then reaches second on a SS Mac Medley ground out.
RF Nathan Ashman singles into left field. Buswell advances to 3B and is waved home. LF Curt Tiffany throws home but Buswell beats out the throw to tie the game.
With the lead lost, SP Grimes next faces CF Alfonso León. León immediately jumps all over Grimes’ first pitch, sending it 346 ft. in the rightfield bleachers for a 2-run homer, giving Downie the lead.

RP Carl Luscombe relieves Joong Ling to start the top half of the 9th. But Luscombe gives up back-to-back walks to C Alexander Pyatt and CF Ricardo Castellanos with nobody out.
3B Dennis Borton then lays down a sac bunt to advance the runners 90 ft.
With both runners in scoring position Luscombe comes up big, striking out both RF Jesús Ortego and PH Jorge Valentín to end the threat and the game.
FINAL: Braeland City 2 – Downie 4

Player of the Game: Joong Ling earned game honors. He went 8.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 113 PI (1-0, 2.25 ERA; GS: 66).

Dominic Dudding stayed hot for the second game in a row, going 2 for 4, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R.

For Braeland City:

Nicholas Grimes’ winless streak in the playoffs continues, as he went 8.0 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 2 HR, 120 PI (0-1, 4.50 ERA; GS: 54).

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Game 3 – March 31

The Monarchs look to some ‘home cooking’ to try and get into the win column. The Series shifts to Kings Park in the nation’s capital with Braeland City down 2 games to none. But 26,751 fans have packed the stadium to cheer on their club. Weather won’t be a factor once again, as clear skies, warm sunshine (77F) and a gentle breeze (12 mph) blowing out to left make it a great afternoon for baseball.

Taking the hill for Braeland City is 29-year old RHP Robin Medellin (12-12, 4.11 ERA, 1.56 WHIP). This will be Medellin’s third career start in the playoffs, after starting two games last season (1-1, 6.75 ERA). Downie will be countering with 29-year old RHP Bernie Knowles (16-11, 3.48 ERA, 1.32 WHIP). This will be Knowles’ first appearance in the playoffs since 1945 when he was with the Kingston Pelicans and will mark his first career start.

Top of the 1st:
1B Robin Duerden wastes little time opening the scoring, as he slams a one out solo home run, 399 ft. to right-centerfield.
Downie 1 – Braeland City 0

Top of the 4th:
3B Dominic Dudding doubles Downie’s lead when he crushes a lead off solo home run 426 ft. to dead centerfield. It’s his third home run in as many games.
Downie 2 – Braeland City 0

Bottom of the 4th:
The Monarchs are held hitless until the 4th inning, when they get to Bernie Knowles big time.
LF Daniel Tanoco and C Christopher Dainty bang out back-to-back singles with one out. After CF Ricardo Castellanos flies out to centerfield, 3B Andy Mack lines a triple to the gap in left-centerfield, scoring both runners to tie the game.
Downie elects to intentionally walk RF Jesús Ortega, to face SP Robin Medellin. But Medellin drives a 2-2 pitch into the gap in right-centerfield, scoring both Mack and Ortega, giving the Monarchs the lead.
Downie 2 – Braeland City 4

Top of the 7th:
Medellin gets two quick outs to start the inning but then runs into trouble.
Downie loads the bases on a single by Robin Duerden, a walk by CF Alfonso León and a single by Dominic Dudding.
C Jilenko Batiles and LF Howard Dumbrill battle Medellin for back-to-back walks. That forces in two runs, tying up the game. That ends Medellin’s afternoon.
RHP Samuel Hollier takes over but RF Nathan Ashman connects on a long single to deep centerfield. Dudding scores to give the Chiefs the lead once again. Batliles is waved home on the play and beats out Ricardo Castellanos’s throw home.
2B Francis Burrow follows with a single of his own that just gets past the shortstop. Nathan Ashman races home from 2B and also beats out Castellanos’ throw home.

In the bottom of the 9th, Bernie Knowles looks to complete his first playoff start. After getting a ground out and strikeout to start the inning, SS Simon Flatt and 2B Patrick Lidgate crank out back-to-back singles, bringing the tying run to the plate. But Knowles induces a 3-1 groundout from 1B Dean Witherden to end the game, giving the Chiefs a commanding 3 games to none lead in the series.
FINAL: Downie 7 – Braeland City 4

Player of the Game: Dominic Dudding remained on fire for the third consecutive game and won his second PotG honor in the series. Today he went 3 for 4, with 1 HR, 1 R, 2 R, 1 BB.

Robin Duerden went 3 for 5, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 R.

Bernie Knowles just had that one rough inning. In all, he went 9.0 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 132 PI (1-0, 4.00 ERA, GS: 54).

For Braeland City:

Robin Medellin got roughed up by the red-hot Chiefs, going 6.2 IP, 8 H, 7 ER, 6 BB, 4 K, 2 HR, 130 PI (0-1, 9.45 ERA, GS: 28).

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Game 4 – April 1

It’s ‘do or die’ time for Braeland City as they have been unable to halt the steamroller that is the Downie Chiefs. Kings Park once again will host the two clubs with 26,734 fans hoping against hope that their team can keep their season alive. The setting is perfect for an afternoon of baseball: partly cloudy, warm (75F) with a slight breeze blowing out to right (12 mph).

A pair of No. 4 pitchers will face each other. 40-year old LHP David Cooling (16-11, 3.67 ERA, 1.23 WHIP) has been given the task of ‘cooling down’ Downie’s hot bats, while the Chiefs counter with 30-year old RHP Donn Griffin (10-8, 3.70 ERA, 1.42 WHIP). Cooling is a seasoned veteran, having started 11 previous playoff games, all for the Monarchs (3-8, 3.01 ERA). Griffin pitched for the Stratford Barons in the playoffs a few years ago and started one game (0-1, 14.14 ERA).

Top of the 2nd:
Downie strikes first when 1B Robin Duerden leads off with a single. After LF Howard Dumbrill strikes out, C Whatahui Inoke takes Cooling yard, sending a 1-1 pitch 395 ft. to the left-centerfield stands for a 2-run home run.
Downie 2 – Braeland City 0

Bottom of the 5th:
Braeland City gets something going with a couple of Downie miscues. 3B Andy Mack reaches 1B safely on an error (E4). After RF Jesús Ortega draws a full count walk, David Cooling lays down a sac bunt to advance the runners.
Donn Griffin is clearly having control issues as he throws three straight balls to SS Simon Flatt before throwing a wild pitch. That allows Mack to score Braeland City’s first run.
Simon Flatt ultimately draws a walk but 2B Patrick Lidgate hits into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.
Downie 2 – Braeland City 1

Top of the 6th:
The Monarchs return the favor by committing three errors in the inning. Both Whatahui Inoke and 2B Francis Burrow reach base safely on back-to-back errors (E8 and E6) to start the inning. Donn Griffin slaps a ground ball towards 3B and reaches safely on Braeland City’s third straight error (E5). That allows Inoke to come home, restoring Downie’s 2-run lead.
Downie 3 – Braeland City 1

Bottom of the 6th:
LF Daniel Tantoco punches a one-out single through the hole into shallow leftfield. Next up is C Christopher Dainty who puts a charge into Donn Griffin’s first offering and sends it 356 ft. into the raucous leftfield stands for a 2-run home run, tying the game.
Downie 3 – Braeland City 3

Bottom of the 9th:
In the bottom of the 9th, RHP Bill Lafontaine, who took over from Donn Griffin in the 8th, gets the Monarchs to go down in order, sending the game into extras.
Downie 3 – Braeland City 3

Top of the 10th:
PH Connor Buswell leads off and reaches safely on an error (E6). Just after SS Mac Medley is intentionally walked, Buswell steals 3B. Six pitches later, Medley steals 2B without a throw just as RF Nathan Ashman strikes out for the first out. With two out, 3B Dominic Dudding is intentionally walked to load the bases.
But RHP Samuel Hollier gets PH Jilenko Batiles to fly out to centerfield to preserve the tie.
Downie 3 – Braeland City 3

Top of the 11th:
With RHP Lee Corp taking over from Samuel Hollier, Howard Dumbrill leads off with a double. Then with one out, Francis Burrow comes through with a double down the leftfield line, scoring Dumbrill for the go-ahead run. LHP Carl Luscombe follows and hits for himself, drawing a 4-pitch walk. But Mac Medley grounds into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.
Downie 4 – Braeland City 3

Bottom of the 11th:
Down to their last three outs, Braeland City makes things interesting. Patrick Lidgate leads off and strikes out swinging. Dean Witherden then singles into rightfield. After Daniel Tantoco flies out to centerfield for the second out, Christopher Dainty draws a four-pitch walk. Witherden, now in scoring position, is replaced by PR Curt Tiffany. Ricardo Castellanos follows and draws a walk off of Carl Luscombe, loading the bases.
Next up is Andy Mack, who line drives the first pitch he sees. But it’s hit straight to SS Mac Medley and he hangs on to snuff out the threat, ending the game and the series.
The Downie Chiefs win the Eastern League Pennant in impressive fashion and now move on to the United Cup!
FINAL: Downie 4 – Braeland City 3

Player of the Game: Donn Griffin pitched a fine game, although he did not get the win. In all, he went 7.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 1 HR, 107 PI (0-0, 2.57 ERA; GS: 59).

Whatahui Inoke went 2 for 5, with 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB.

For Braeland City:

David Cooling battled like a pro (and perhaps pitched his last playoff game), although it was not enough. He went 8.2 IP, 11 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 140 PI (0-0, 2.08 ERA; GS: 51)

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08-15-2018, 11:16 PM	#460
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,942	Downie Chiefs (96-58) vs. Braeland City Monarchs (90-64) Season Matchup: 9-6 in favor of Downie Downie: Runs scored – 796 (2nd in East); runs against – 623 (1st) Braeland City: Runs scored – 819 (1st); runs against – 719 (6th) After nine straight losing seasons, the Downie Chiefs ended last year with a 79-75 record – just the third time they finished above .500. This year, they proved it was no fluke. The Chiefs secured their first playoff appearance back on March 14 and locked up first place on March 21, six days before the end of the regular season. Downie is now entering uncharted territory for them but they will do so with home field advantage, at least for the Pennant Series. Their rival for the Eastern League Pennant is no stranger to the playoffs, having qualified for the third straight year and fifth overall. The Braeland City Monarchs have won the Pennant twice, in 1939-40 and 1947-48, but are still looking for their first Championship. So if the United Cup comes to the Eastern League this year, a first-time champion will be crowned. Both clubs are dealing with injuries as they look to the first game of the Series. Downie is without the services of 34-year old veteran RHP Harley Bracher (18-9, 4.69 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 85 ERA+), who suffered mild shoulder inflammation while pitching against the Wellington Athletics on March 25. The injury is considered minor, but Downie elected to place him on the disabled list as they are going with a 4-man rotation anyway and are already carrying 12 pitchers into the playoffs. Bracher will be available following the Pennant Series. Braeland City’s 28-year old SS Simon Flatt (.249/.353/.333, 4 HR, 48 RBI, 72 BB, 1.5 WAR) has been nursing a strained rib cage muscle ever since he was injured in a collision at 2B during an unsuccessful steal attempt by Wolseley Unions’ George Kimpton back on February 15. However, he remained in the lineup and will lead off for Braeland City in Game 1. For 54-year old Bill Bouchet – the only manager the Downie Chiefs have ever known – and the rest of his club, the spotlight of the playoffs will be a new experience. But for Braeland City’s 52-year old Toby Reakes and company, they are looking to finally go all the way after coming up short on four previous occasions. Thus, fans in the nation’s capital are excited over yet another chance for glory, while Downie fans are still processing the fact that their Chiefs are actually in the playoffs. This is what baseball fans dream about. Let the games begin! -------- Game 1 – March 28 Gibson Ballpark sees its first post-season action and 29,804 are on hand to witness it. Clear, balmy skies (77F) with just a slight breeze blowing in from left (10 mph) set the scene. 27-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (19-11, 2.82 ERA, 1.23 WHIP) makes his first career playoff start, while Braeland City’s No. 2 starter, 29-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (17-9, 3.52 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) will pitch in his 5th playoff game. He previously pitched for the Queensland Eagles in their Championship run three seasons ago. Bottom of the 1st: The Chiefs waste no time seizing the momentum. 1B Robin Duerden singles with one out and advances to 3B when CF Alfonso León connects for a line drive double into the gap in left-centerfield. Next up is 3B Dominic Dudding. Dudding battles Suzuki to a full-count, then crushes a 3-run home run, 334 ft. into rightfield to open the scoring. C Jilenko Batiles immediately follows and stings Suzuki as well, sending a 0-1 pitch 337 ft. into rightfield for a solo home run. Suzuki surrenders two more singles but is able to strike out SP Pelanekelina to end the inning without further damage. Braeland City 0 – Downie 4 Top of the 2nd: The Monarchs put runners on the corners when C Christopher Dainty leads off with a single and CF Ricardo Castellanos follows with a double. With one out, RF Jesús Ortego grounds out to the shortstop. Dainty comes home safely on the play, getting Braeland City on the board. Braeland City 1 – Downie 4 Bottom of the 2nd: SS Mac Medley and Robin Duerden lead off with back-to-back singles, putting runners on 1B and 2B. After Alfonso León advances the runners on a 5-3 groundout, Dominic Dudding collects his fourth RBI of the game when he too hits into a 5-3 groundout, scoring Medley. Braeland City 1 – Downie 5 Bottom of the 7th: With RHP Lee Corp taking over from Okura Suzuki, Dominic Dudding and Jilenko Batiles lead off with back-to-back singles. RF Nathan Ashman and 2B Francis Burrow both hit into fielder’s choices at 2B, allowing Dudding to advance and score. Looking to finish the game in the top of the 9th, Pelanekelina strikes out Jesús Ortego and induces a 4-3 ground out from PH Jorge Valentín for two quick outs. Pelanekelina then hits SS Simon Flatt on his first offering. But the game ends when 2B Patrick Lidgate flies out to deep centerfield on the next at-bat. The Chiefs take Game 1. FINAL: Braeland City 1 – Downie 6 *Player of the Game:* Dominic Dudding made quite the impression in his first playoff game, going 3 for 5, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R. Kelii Pelanekelina was impressive as well, going 9.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 5 BB, 4 K, 134 PI (1-0, 1.00; Game Score: 72). For Braeland City: Okura Suzuki had that rough 1st inning. In all, he went 6.0 IP, 10 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 2 HR, 108 PI (0-1, 7.50 ERA; GS: 33). -------- Game 2 – March 29 The Monarchs and Chiefs return to Gibson Ballpark, with 29,959 giddy fans looking to see if Downie can take both games before heading to Braeland City. It’s cooled off just a little (70F) with partly cloudy skies and a soft breeze (11 mph) blowing out to right. 30-year old RHP Joong Ling (18-5, 2.86 ERA, 1.05 WHIP) will make his first career playoff start. Braeland City responds with their ace, 29-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (16-15, 4.01 ERA, 1.32 WHIP). This will be Grimes’ third career playoff start and he is still looking for his first win (0-1, 5.52 ERA, 1.98 WHIP). Top of the 4th: Ling and Grimes exchange zeros until the fourth inning, when Ling runs into some trouble. After getting two quick outs, Ling gives up a single to LF Daniel Tantoco. Up next is C Christopher Dainty, who turns on a 1-2 pitch and crushes a line drive 2-run home run 407 ft. to the left-centerfield bleachers, giving the Monarchs the lead. Braeland City 2 – Downie 0 Bottom of the 7th: Grimes keeps Downie’s hitters at bay until 3B Dominic Dudding leads off the bottom half of the 7th. Working the count full, Dudding then connects for a solo home run, sending it 352 ft. in the leftfield stands and getting the Chiefs on the board. Braeland City 2 – Downie 1 Bottom of the 8th: 2B Francis Burrow leads off with a single but is thrown out at 2B when PH Connor Buswell hits into a fielder’s choice. Buswell then reaches second on a SS Mac Medley ground out. RF Nathan Ashman singles into left field. Buswell advances to 3B and is waved home. LF Curt Tiffany throws home but Buswell beats out the throw to tie the game. With the lead lost, SP Grimes next faces CF Alfonso León. León immediately jumps all over Grimes’ first pitch, sending it 346 ft. in the rightfield bleachers for a 2-run homer, giving Downie the lead. RP Carl Luscombe relieves Joong Ling to start the top half of the 9th. But Luscombe gives up back-to-back walks to C Alexander Pyatt and CF Ricardo Castellanos with nobody out. 3B Dennis Borton then lays down a sac bunt to advance the runners 90 ft. With both runners in scoring position Luscombe comes up big, striking out both RF Jesús Ortego and PH Jorge Valentín to end the threat and the game. FINAL: Braeland City 2 – Downie 4 *Player of the Game:* Joong Ling earned game honors. He went 8.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 113 PI (1-0, 2.25 ERA; GS: 66). Dominic Dudding stayed hot for the second game in a row, going 2 for 4, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R. For Braeland City: Nicholas Grimes’ winless streak in the playoffs continues, as he went 8.0 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 2 HR, 120 PI (0-1, 4.50 ERA; GS: 54). -------- Game 3 – March 31 The Monarchs look to some ‘home cooking’ to try and get into the win column. The Series shifts to Kings Park in the nation’s capital with Braeland City down 2 games to none. But 26,751 fans have packed the stadium to cheer on their club. Weather won’t be a factor once again, as clear skies, warm sunshine (77F) and a gentle breeze (12 mph) blowing out to left make it a great afternoon for baseball. Taking the hill for Braeland City is 29-year old RHP Robin Medellin (12-12, 4.11 ERA, 1.56 WHIP). This will be Medellin’s third career start in the playoffs, after starting two games last season (1-1, 6.75 ERA). Downie will be countering with 29-year old RHP Bernie Knowles (16-11, 3.48 ERA, 1.32 WHIP). This will be Knowles’ first appearance in the playoffs since 1945 when he was with the Kingston Pelicans and will mark his first career start. Top of the 1st: 1B Robin Duerden wastes little time opening the scoring, as he slams a one out solo home run, 399 ft. to right-centerfield. Downie 1 – Braeland City 0 Top of the 4th: 3B Dominic Dudding doubles Downie’s lead when he crushes a lead off solo home run 426 ft. to dead centerfield. It’s his third home run in as many games. Downie 2 – Braeland City 0 Bottom of the 4th: The Monarchs are held hitless until the 4th inning, when they get to Bernie Knowles big time. LF Daniel Tanoco and C Christopher Dainty bang out back-to-back singles with one out. After CF Ricardo Castellanos flies out to centerfield, 3B Andy Mack lines a triple to the gap in left-centerfield, scoring both runners to tie the game. Downie elects to intentionally walk RF Jesús Ortega, to face SP Robin Medellin. But Medellin drives a 2-2 pitch into the gap in right-centerfield, scoring both Mack and Ortega, giving the Monarchs the lead. Downie 2 – Braeland City 4 Top of the 7th: Medellin gets two quick outs to start the inning but then runs into trouble. Downie loads the bases on a single by Robin Duerden, a walk by CF Alfonso León and a single by Dominic Dudding. C Jilenko Batiles and LF Howard Dumbrill battle Medellin for back-to-back walks. That forces in two runs, tying up the game. That ends Medellin’s afternoon. RHP Samuel Hollier takes over but RF Nathan Ashman connects on a long single to deep centerfield. Dudding scores to give the Chiefs the lead once again. Batliles is waved home on the play and beats out Ricardo Castellanos’s throw home. 2B Francis Burrow follows with a single of his own that just gets past the shortstop. Nathan Ashman races home from 2B and also beats out Castellanos’ throw home. In the bottom of the 9th, Bernie Knowles looks to complete his first playoff start. After getting a ground out and strikeout to start the inning, SS Simon Flatt and 2B Patrick Lidgate crank out back-to-back singles, bringing the tying run to the plate. But Knowles induces a 3-1 groundout from 1B Dean Witherden to end the game, giving the Chiefs a commanding 3 games to none lead in the series. FINAL: Downie 7 – Braeland City 4 *Player of the Game:* Dominic Dudding remained on fire for the third consecutive game and won his second PotG honor in the series. Today he went 3 for 4, with 1 HR, 1 R, 2 R, 1 BB. Robin Duerden went 3 for 5, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 R. Bernie Knowles just had that one rough inning. In all, he went 9.0 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 132 PI (1-0, 4.00 ERA, GS: 54). For Braeland City: Robin Medellin got roughed up by the red-hot Chiefs, going 6.2 IP, 8 H, 7 ER, 6 BB, 4 K, 2 HR, 130 PI (0-1, 9.45 ERA, GS: 28). -------- Game 4 – April 1 It’s ‘do or die’ time for Braeland City as they have been unable to halt the steamroller that is the Downie Chiefs. Kings Park once again will host the two clubs with 26,734 fans hoping against hope that their team can keep their season alive. The setting is perfect for an afternoon of baseball: partly cloudy, warm (75F) with a slight breeze blowing out to right (12 mph). A pair of No. 4 pitchers will face each other. 40-year old LHP David Cooling (16-11, 3.67 ERA, 1.23 WHIP) has been given the task of ‘cooling down’ Downie’s hot bats, while the Chiefs counter with 30-year old RHP Donn Griffin (10-8, 3.70 ERA, 1.42 WHIP). Cooling is a seasoned veteran, having started 11 previous playoff games, all for the Monarchs (3-8, 3.01 ERA). Griffin pitched for the Stratford Barons in the playoffs a few years ago and started one game (0-1, 14.14 ERA). Top of the 2nd: Downie strikes first when 1B Robin Duerden leads off with a single. After LF Howard Dumbrill strikes out, C Whatahui Inoke takes Cooling yard, sending a 1-1 pitch 395 ft. to the left-centerfield stands for a 2-run home run. Downie 2 – Braeland City 0 Bottom of the 5th: Braeland City gets something going with a couple of Downie miscues. 3B Andy Mack reaches 1B safely on an error (E4). After RF Jesús Ortega draws a full count walk, David Cooling lays down a sac bunt to advance the runners. Donn Griffin is clearly having control issues as he throws three straight balls to SS Simon Flatt before throwing a wild pitch. That allows Mack to score Braeland City’s first run. Simon Flatt ultimately draws a walk but 2B Patrick Lidgate hits into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning. Downie 2 – Braeland City 1 Top of the 6th: The Monarchs return the favor by committing three errors in the inning. Both Whatahui Inoke and 2B Francis Burrow reach base safely on back-to-back errors (E8 and E6) to start the inning. Donn Griffin slaps a ground ball towards 3B and reaches safely on Braeland City’s third straight error (E5). That allows Inoke to come home, restoring Downie’s 2-run lead. Downie 3 – Braeland City 1 Bottom of the 6th: LF Daniel Tantoco punches a one-out single through the hole into shallow leftfield. Next up is C Christopher Dainty who puts a charge into Donn Griffin’s first offering and sends it 356 ft. into the raucous leftfield stands for a 2-run home run, tying the game. Downie 3 – Braeland City 3 Bottom of the 9th: In the bottom of the 9th, RHP Bill Lafontaine, who took over from Donn Griffin in the 8th, gets the Monarchs to go down in order, sending the game into extras. Downie 3 – Braeland City 3 Top of the 10th: PH Connor Buswell leads off and reaches safely on an error (E6). Just after SS Mac Medley is intentionally walked, Buswell steals 3B. Six pitches later, Medley steals 2B without a throw just as RF Nathan Ashman strikes out for the first out. With two out, 3B Dominic Dudding is intentionally walked to load the bases. But RHP Samuel Hollier gets PH Jilenko Batiles to fly out to centerfield to preserve the tie. Downie 3 – Braeland City 3 Top of the 11th: With RHP Lee Corp taking over from Samuel Hollier, Howard Dumbrill leads off with a double. Then with one out, Francis Burrow comes through with a double down the leftfield line, scoring Dumbrill for the go-ahead run. LHP Carl Luscombe follows and hits for himself, drawing a 4-pitch walk. But Mac Medley grounds into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning. Downie 4 – Braeland City 3 Bottom of the 11th: Down to their last three outs, Braeland City makes things interesting. Patrick Lidgate leads off and strikes out swinging. Dean Witherden then singles into rightfield. After Daniel Tantoco flies out to centerfield for the second out, Christopher Dainty draws a four-pitch walk. Witherden, now in scoring position, is replaced by PR Curt Tiffany. Ricardo Castellanos follows and draws a walk off of Carl Luscombe, loading the bases. Next up is Andy Mack, who line drives the first pitch he sees. But it’s hit straight to SS Mac Medley and he hangs on to snuff out the threat, ending the game and the series. The Downie Chiefs win the Eastern League Pennant in impressive fashion and now move on to the United Cup! FINAL: Downie 4 – Braeland City 3 *Player of the Game:* Donn Griffin pitched a fine game, although he did not get the win. In all, he went 7.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 1 HR, 107 PI (0-0, 2.57 ERA; GS: 59). Whatahui Inoke went 2 for 5, with 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB. For Braeland City: David Cooling battled like a pro (and perhaps pitched his last playoff game), although it was not enough. He went 8.2 IP, 11 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 140 PI (0-0, 2.08 ERA; GS: 51) -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 08-18-2018 at 09:44 PM.