Sheffield Mountain Hares at Vienna Whistlers (28th - 30th April, 2059)
Logos: SMH by @20_range, VW by @low
Team Profile: Vienna Whistlers
Banners: World Series Champions (2048), Europe Division Champions (2040, 2048)
Playoff appearances: 6
Last season: 6th
Current record: 13-8
Following a few rough years, the Whistlers seem to be in the ascendency, coming in 6th last season, and very much looking like playoff contenders at this early stage of the season.
Game 1
SP: Yushua bin Saqr
In a thriller, the Whistlers beat the Hares 8-5 in game 1 of the series. Much of the Whistlers’ win can be attributed to starter Vuk Tadic who game up just 1 run on 1 hit over 7 innings. Bin Saqr on the other side, gave up 3 runs in 5 innings. Sheffield fell apart in an error-strewn 6th inning, where they gave up 7 runs, leading to them being 7-1 down. They caught up somewhat in the 8th with 4 runs of their own, but it wasn’t enough. Saetgaliev and Rutz both hit homers for the Hares. For Rutz it was his team-leading 5th of the season. As a whole though, Sheffield could only muster 4 hits throughout the game.
Player of the game: Vuk Tadic
Game 2
SP: Giobbe Marinello
The Whistlers continued their red hot form towards the top of the European Division as they beat the Hares 7-5 at Music Park. Vincentian Conor Martin gave up just one run in 6 innings. Marinello on the other side, gave up 2 in 5 innings. But it was in the 7th inning when both offenses hit form, with the score at 4-4 at the top of the 8th, at which point the Whistlers pulled away with another 3 runs, started by Won-joon Kang's 4th double of the season. Rutz hit his 6th home run for the Hares, while Saetgaliev got his second.
Player of the game: Connor Martin
Game 3
SP: Alois Herzog
The Hares avoided a sweep with a convincing 7-2 win in their series finale in Vienna. Bin Jameel continued his recent good form, the designated hitter was 3 for 4 with a home run, 2 singles, and a walk, while scoring 2 runs and driving in 3. He now has 16 RBI for the season. Herzog did his part too, giving up 1 run on 2 hots over 6 innings. The Whistlers struggled to get anything going all game, amassing just 4 hits.
Player of the game: Abdul-Karim bin Jameel
Sheffield Mountain Hares record: 12-12 (10th)