Sheffield Mountain Hares at Moscow Blizzard (18th - 20th April, 2059)
Team Profile: Moscow Blizzard
Banners: Europe Division Champions (2058)
Last season: 1st
Current record: 4-8
The Blizzard have a banner up in the stadium for the first time, having gained themselves one for winning the Europe Division last year, but they’re struggling this year, with a 4-8 start to begin their campaign.
Game 1
SP: Giobbe Marinello
The Hares started the series with a convincing 3-0 win in Moscow. Giobbe Marinello was giving up nothing, allowing only 1 hit and 0 runs in 8 innings in one of his finest performances for a while. Rey Ochoa took over the mantle and shut out the Blizzard in the final inning. Offensively, the Hares weren’t exactly firing on all cylinders, but they did enough, with a 1-run homer from Saetgaliev in the 4th being the highlight, his first of the season.
Player of the game: Giobbe Marinello
Game 2
SP: Alois Herzog
Moscow hit back in style in game 2, as they put on an offensive clinic in a 10-5 win at Fieldfare Park. Sergio Rutz put on a fine display, smashing two home runs as he went 2 for 4 and a walk. Alois Herzog had a bad start, giving up 5 runs in 3 innings before Reynolds turned to the bullpen, who didn’t fare much better. 5-1 down in the 4th, the Hares pulled back to 5-5 and looked to have the momentum. But Moscow managed to pull away when a Kyu-min Rho single started somewhat of a carousel for the Blizzard. The Blizzard racked up 3 home runs over the course of the game, from Curti, Hargenberg and Margreiter respectively.
Player of the game: Sergio Rutz
Game 3
SP: Mototomo Motoyanagi
Fan favourite Motoyanagi put on a great show as he led the Hares to a 4-1 win to clinch the series. He went 7.2 innings - the second pitcher to go deep this series - allowing only 1 run and 3 hits. It did look like the Blizzard might be mounting a comeback in the bottom of the ninth as they had runners on 1st and 2nd, but Torquato Trombelli (what a name!) hit into a double play in what turned out to be the Blizzard’s last chance. It means the Blizzard are now 5-10, while the Hares are positive at 8-7. Offensively it wasn’t a great outing from the Hares, who have really struggled on that side of the field to start the season, as expected. They managed just 4 hits this game, and were fortunate to get the 4 runs they did. A win’s a win, though.
Player of the game: Mototomo Motoyanagi.
Sheffield Mountain Hares Record: 8-7 (5th)