The Damn Yankees defeated the Cardinals 9-7 to advance to the 55 Championship Finals.
I do not have the book, but the DY's had quite a few timely hits to take a 9-4 lead into the last inning. The Cardinals put on a last inning push to plate 3 and had the the tying run on second with two outs. But Jim Ansel induced a come backer to end the game.
And speaking of Jim Ansel, he pitched a great, gutsy game. Not everything was working the way he would have liked, but he had enough stuff and put it all on the line for the team. Lots of pitches! But he went the distance for the win. Again, a great performance.
What a classic battle against a classy bunch of competitors. The Cardinals showed why they are the two-time defending champs as they battled us right down to the wire. They would be the first to admit that they didnt bring their A game defensively tonight, with the exception of Earl Mitchell, who showed why he is considered one of the top defensive shortstop in the league with a flawless game tonight. Paul Watson is a hit machine (two doubles and a single) and Pete Zamory came up big with three singles and four stolen bases.
On the Yankees side, Joe Hervieux and our skipper Ray Demers delivered the big blows as they each stroked a pair of doubles in key at bats. But the difference in the game was the solid outfield play of DYs centerfielder Matt Kelly and rightfielder Gregg Woolston, and the bulldog pitching effort from Hall of Famer Jim Ansel, who struck out six and never allowed the Cards to get too comfortable at the plate. Its always a fight when we take the field against these guys, and I have so much respect for how they play the game.
After a three-year hiatus, the Damn Yankees have finally punched their ticket to the 55s finals and it means that much more to have to go through the Cards to get there. Game 1 of the championship series awaits on Wednesday, with the No. 2 Whiz Kids and No. 3 Americans battling it out on Tuesday for the other finals spot.
Good point mike, I went to the game and was surprised to learn this was a one game playoff. Best two out of three is the way to go. One game in the semi's is not the way to go.55's pay to play too, and deserve the chance to have the best team play on. One game? Anything can happen,a couple of your best players can't make it that night,and the season is done. We as a league can do better than this.
Pete westfall
P.s. congrats to the yanks and cards on a well played game
-- Edited by pkw1217 on Tuesday 6th of August 2013 08:30:55 AM
Congrats to the Yanks. Good luck in the finals. Cards had a great season and showed why they were the 2 time Champs. 55 division is a very competitive division and only getting better.
Just so you guys know the division managers make these decisions and unless it is way out of line the league / board doesn't get involved in division level decisions.
They also play the 55's with one umps ..... i have heard players tell stories of the umps saying "i can't see that far so unless i see the out i call them safe" ...... as you can imagine calling a tag at second base on a steal when you are the home plate ump isn't necessarily going to be easy.
But ..... this all started just a couple of years ago and is a work in progress.
I would imagine you will see two umps in the not too distant future and a best of 3 semis would certainly do a better job of weeding out the better teams since a team with one dominant pitcher would have to win a second game.
As we all age we will see this division get better and better ..... I myself am looking forward to turning 55 so i can play!
take a deep breath johnny
there are 2 umps for the playoffs,as there should be.
its all a matter of cost I guess, but i'm figuring the older I get , the more I appreciate just the opportunity to step out on the grass.
paying another $40-50 bucks a year for 2 umps?? that's it??
By the way John, have you been in a room with these managers all at one time?
I'll remind you of the scene where Nicholson is introducing all the patients as "doctors".
Nothin better
