I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the Cubs did not win the final. The Puerto Rico Athleticos completed an improbable 3 game sweep of of the top 3 seeds. After beating the defending champs in the quarter finals, the A's came back from 6 runs down against the number one seeded Montgomery County Yankees, in the 9th to win their semi-final game 16-13. They beat the Albany Cubs 9-2 to become the 2018 Fall Classic.
The score was tied at 0 through 3 innings, and then came the 4th inning!
The A's used a number of bloopers and seeing eye ground balls, along with a couple of hard hit balls, and two Cubs' errors to ambush the Cubs for 7 runs in the 4th inning.
Meanwhile, the A's starting pitcher was changing speeds nicely and locating his pitches well. The Cubs were getting some hits (3 in the first 3 innings), but could not get anything strung together. Every time we thought we had a rally started, some Cub would square up a pitch and hit it right at an Athletico defender, and they always made the play (at least that is the way it was today). They just seemed to get all of the breaks, in that one inning, and they always seemed to make a really good play, right when the team needed it most. The rest of the game was played dead even (2-2).
This gritty group of Peurto Rican 55+ baseballers was the better team today, and they beat us in the game that mattered most. A tip of the cap to them.
Our team was absolutely terrific in 6 of the 8 games we played this week. We just weren't good enough to when it mattered most. It will sting for a little while and cause some sleepless nights this winter, but we got to enjoy 7 days of great weather, along with some great guys, and terrific ballplayers, and their wonderfully supporting wives, while we played a game that we have all loved since we were young boys. The fields are in great condition and the competition is exhilarating. All-in-all another wonderful baseball vacation with my friends!
Thanks for all of your support. Some of the guys here read these posts, and really feel the support from home.
-- Edited by mgirard11 on Saturday 10th of November 2018 08:59:54 PM
This is to all the guys the went west and south to represent CDMSBL, congratulations and well done. It sounds like you guys gave it your all, and had a great time doing so. Have a safe trip home. WELL DONE FELLOWS...
Way to represent fellas,no shame in getting as far as you did.
Hats off to you guys.
P. S.- Mike,
So you're saying there's a chance to forget about leaving the winning run stranded at third when I was 11 YRS old???
Looking forward to getting to that place.
Again, congrats boys,way to go.
the 45's and 55's did us proud.55's: I recall the Puerto Rican teams are always well run and sponsored and well supported by the fans. The whistle and horns and cheers make it fun and heighten the intensity. It surprised me that a 1-4 team made it all the way but again talent with luck and timing make this tourney. I have no doubt a true series would have the Cubs win. You gave up the least runs in the whole 55's. 45's: you just met your match in that super human channel swimming dude. Your offense otherwise was the best down south in years. Very proud of these two teams and every member. I am now rooting for the 5- Albany team to rack up some wins this week.
Jreel
