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G143

The 3-game series between StL and WC is not only important in determining who wins the division, but also displays 3 of the top candidates for the West CYA. In G1 Ohtani was solid, 3 R in 6 IP, game 2 saw Aldegheri get hit around, and game 3 features Windy City's ace Abraham Tejada.

Windy City was active in the 1st, with some generosity from SP Sonny Gray. With 1 out, Nolan Gorman singled. After Vasquez popped out to SS, Gray issued back to back walks, loading the bases for former Shire player Armando Alvarez (.220 1 HR), and he cleared the bases with a double down the LF line, giving the Whitetails an early 3-0 lead.

In the top of the 3rd it looked like StL was going to have it's own big inning as they loaded the bases with no one out on a single by Barrera and consecutive walks to DeLatuer and Moore. Roman Anthony flew out to shallow RF, and Ozuna and Beltre both struckout to end the run scoring threat with no runs scored. It looked like that would be the regretful moment for the Shires in this important game.

Gray would gather himself and throw 5.2 scoreless innings following the 3-run 1st inning. In the 7th, Nunez led off with a walk, followed by a walk to Barerra. DeLatuer hit into a crushing DP, and Nunez would score on a wild pitch as Moore earned the eventual walk. Moore stole 2nd base and Anthony was HBP. Ohtani came up clutch with a run scoring single to bring the Shires to within 1 run of the Whitetails. Beltre walked to load the bases and Trenein struck out rookie Pete Brace to maintain the WC 3-2 lead.

In the 8th, Nunez walked with 1 out, and stole 2B, before Barrera grounded out for the 2nd out. WC brought in lefty Tanner Scott to face LHB Chase DeLatuer, prompting bench coach Descalso to PH Tommy "Tanks" White, a risky move given Chase's success in the last 2 games. Tommy Tanks proceeded to blast a 2-run HR deep into the left field night, giving the Shires a 4-3 lead.

Whitlock and Hentges closed out the game, and the series, giving StL the win and maintaining the division lead.