But just in case it's NOT and since I was indeed asked to "write it up" ~ here you go...

Besides, you're being a little modest Rick ole buddy... Your three hits were key in helping to lead the way offensively ~ especially your 2 out single with nobody on that started the winning rally in the third inning when we took the lead we'd only add to later...

Prior to that, the Marlins had again put up a 2 spot in the first inning, same as in the first game. Mike Cleary got a big 2-out hit as he singled in Mike Girrard and Tommy Maney to give the Marlins a 2-0 lead in the top of the first...

After I led off the bottom of the first with a double and you singled, then I made a base-running blunder and after not scoring on your sharp single to right, got thrown out home on an excellent play by Marlins catcher Mike Ferraro (sp?) when he caught you in a rundown between first and second after a ball bounced in the dirt. I broke from third and headed home during the run-down and he scooped the short hop and tagged me nice and hard on a very clean play. He's a hell of a good ball player...

So, despite the promising start to our inning, it fizzled after my base running faux paus as then Jon LaTorre came up big and stuck the 3 and 4 hitters out to keep the score 2-0 Marlins until the bottom of the second. That's when D2 (Donnie Dunham ~ manager and great second baseman) got the ball rolling with a big 2 out single. After moving to second on a wild pitch, Rich Royka (awesome first baseman) roped a gapper into right center to bring Donnie home and put us on the board... He was stranded there and it remained 2-1 Marlins until the bottom of the next inning, the 3rd.

That's when you (Rick Caruso ~ great outfielder) got your second single in as many at-bats, this time with 2 outs and nobody on. Jack Griffin, our pure hitting machine and another great outfielder, then singled as well. So up came clean-up hitter Mike Ruetter who promptly pounded one to the fence in left field that Jim McQuade couldn't quite get and it bounced off the fence scoring both Rick from second easily and Jack all the way from first. So after that gave us the aforementioned 3-2 lead, we moved to the top of the fourth feeling a little better...

And then the Marlins began to mount a little rally with a single and a hit batsman, but the old rally-killer double play presented itself and the Yankees took advantage to end the threat with the ever friendly 6-4-3 variety...

Then in the bottom of the inning we began to build on our lead. Big John Sheehan had the prettiest bunt single ever during a rally that ended up scoring a couple on bases loaded fielders choices when the Marlins got the only outs they could. That left us up 5-2 after 4...

After nothing from the Marlins in the top of 5th as ace Darrin Ambridge just kept doing his thing out on the mound, the bottom of the 5th was also seemingly uneventful with again 2 outs and nobody on... And then up came MONSTER Mike (Ruetter) again. And with his loud trademark grunt he connected with a mighty blow on a Jon LaTorre pitch that was a little up in the zone and I dunno how far it went, but I think they are still looking for that ball somewhere in Voorshseville...

But the Yankees knew they were still in a dogfight and the defending champion Marlins were obviously not going to relinquish their crown that easily as they were still only down 6-2. They showed their grit by beginning yet another rally in the top of the 6th as Darrin gave up his only walk of the game which was promptly followed by a single. And well, Darrin then induced a nice hard grounder to short for his and all pitchers best friends and another 6-4-3 ended that mini-rally as well.

The Yankees then proceeded to go in for the kill in the bottom of the 6th after the inning-ending dp. Smelling blood in the water, the shark attack was led by CDMSBL Hall of Famer and one of it's original founders, Mr. Todd Baldwin! He lined a sharp single to left and I am not exactly sure what happened next as the bases started churning fast at that point... After Todd, we basically had like 6-7 straight hits after getting back to the top of the line-up and our lead ballooned to 12-2...

EVERYBODY on the team contributed, even our stellar, gold-glove centerfielder Steve Hutchinson (Hutch to those of us who know and LOVE him) who mastered running the bases with his golden sombrero (and helmet) on! Literally a total team effort and very nice to be a part of...
If there was an MVP, it'd probably have to be manager D2 for not just pushing all the right buttons, but his stellar play in the field and at the plate, ~ as well as humor after the games ~ but mostly for his loyalty and dedication to his guys as he always incorporates everyone into the fold...

I mean hell, he even took in an ole' stary from down south that even sounds a lil funny when he talks...
And I am ever appreciative the Damn Yankees took this country boy in...

And while the south may or may not one day rise again ~ I'm sure the Damned Yankees of the 45 CDMSBL will be getting up outta bed to go play a very impressive, well rounded Giants team for the Championship next weekend... Hopefully it will be as picture perfect as it was this weekend as I hope everyone enjoys the holiday today (or at least a day off if you got it) and look forward to seeing everyone again real soon...

And now...

Shhhh...

Hunting season actually begins next weekend...


-- Edited by Marcus Aurelius on Monday 10th of October 2011 07:49:58 AM

-- Edited by Marcus Aurelius on Monday 10th of October 2011 08:29:42 AM

-- Edited by Marcus Aurelius on Monday 10th of October 2011 11:29:40 AM

Congrats Yanks and Giants for making the finals. those games will take place next weekend with a DH'er starting at 12:30 at New Scotland on Saturday. game three of the best of three series will be played on sunday at 12:30 if needed. jreel 45 comm.

Congrats to both teams!