SMH and SJG logos by @20_range
The San Juan Garitas sit at the bottom of their division, so I hope this is an opportunity to pick up a couple of wins for the Hares. We're off to Puerto Rico!
Game 1
SP - Rafael Guzman
Starting pitcher Rafael Guzman fulfilled his part of the bargain, helping the Sheffield Mountain Hares stymie the San Juan Garitas, 5-2, pitching a complete game in only 95 pitches, and giving up just two runs in a dominant performance. On the batting side of things Chase Clem had a big run-scoring double for the Mountain Hares in the bottom of the fifth inning. With Sheffield leading 2-1 and a runner on 1st, he got a changeup from 30-year old right-handed pitcher Marco Gonzalez and swatted a double to left-center. It was his 2nd double of the season, and more importantly, it put the Mountain Hares ahead, 3-1. A Sergio Rutz one-run homer in the 6th didn’t hurt either, and we ended up running away with it 5-2.
Player of the game - Rafael Guzman
Game 2
SP - A. Herzog
The Hares continued their great recent form to thrash the Garitas 10-2. . Our standout performer was bin Jameel, who went 1 for 3 with a home run and 3 walks, while scoring 3 runs and driving in 2 for the Mountain Hares. Alois Herzog earned the win to go to 1-0. He allowed 1 run on 5 hits, with 3 walks and 6 strikeouts in 5 innings of work. Willie Perez, who finished 5th in The Americas and Oceania Conference in extra base hits with 85 in 2055, chipped in a 2-run single for Sheffield in the bottom of the second, as well as a homer in the 6th. Jose Garay and M Nien also pitched in with their own home-runs in a welcome rout at Kingfisher park.
Player of the game - Abdul-Karim bin Jameel
Game 3
SP - Yushua bin Saqr
What on Earth is going on? Another win? With superstar Willie Perez rested Yushua bin Saqr put in a good shift as we completed an impressive sweep of the ailing San Juan Garitas (now 5-13) at Kingfisher Park. The Mountain Hares won the game, 4-1, working their way out of trouble in the top of the ninth. The score was 4-1, Sheffield, with one out. San Juan, with runners on 1st and 2nd, was mounting a threat. Mario Sanchez dug in at the plate, but on a first pitch changeup, he popped out to E Shephard, who took the game home for Sheffield, who are now .500 and 9-9, after a 6 game win streak.
Player of the game - Yushua bin Saqr
I’m delighted, Perez continues to be on a heater, and we’re looking much more consistent on the pitching front. We must temper our expectations though given the Garitas are looking like one of the worst teams in the league at the moment. Our next series against the Moscow Blizzard, who top our European division, should help to show us where we stand.