The Finals of the 33 Division is underway, and the Best 3 of 5 series continues throughout the week at Amsterdam's Shuttleworth Park. The Indians took game one 12-0 in six innings. The game was better, and more entertaining, than the final score suggests.
For the Indians, Leo Primeau was both regal and primo on the mound. His no-hitter included only one base runner, on a walk, and, I believe, only one ball left the infield, on a flyout to center field. The defense behind him was solid, with a couple of especially nice plays by Jami Burnetter at SS. Leo also cleanly fielded three comebackers, and he had 6 or 7 strikeouts (he was setting them down so quickly, I missed one!).
His counterpart Andy Guelcher for the Diamondbacks, also threw well, not allowing a hit or a run until the third inning. But things spun out of control quickly in the fourth. Not because the Indians hit him that well, but when the first 7 batters reached, and ultimately scored, on two walks, a hit batter, a fielder's choice, an error, and a couple singles, Guelcher's night was over. The Indians scored three more in the fifth and one in the sixth, off two Diamondbacks relievers, to end things. The final run scored on a bases loaded hit-by-pitch.
Game 2 is Tuesday evening. First pitch at 7:30pm. You'll have to get your recap elsewhere, as this reporter has another assignment (i.e. my wife made dinner plans). Better yet, go watch the game (as a few others did on Monday).
Curt Tucker Disclaimers: apologies if I mis-identified anyone; no animals were harmed in the writing of this report.
Great job Curt on the report!! It was a hard fought game and the Dbacks are a tough squad. Leo pitched great and the D helped out as well with Jami making a diving over the shoulder in left field early in the game. BJ on base I believe 4 times Fernando a couple hits will Horan hit and 3 RBI and James double down Derby 2 hits off the bench after JB Brantley got hurt. Overall great team effort and we look forwards to the rest of the series.