Softball League Playoff Action Takes Place
Western Stars Angels were crowned the Women’s Playoff Champions as they defeated Rainbows three games to two in their best of five series. Angels took a 2 – 1 games lead when they upended Rainbows 10 – 5.
Cassandra Trott was a perfect 4 for 4 at the plate while Terry Paynter, Shuntae Todd and Nina Webb all pitched in with 2rbi each. Rebecca Schoeler was the lone standout for Rainbows going 2 for 2 including a solo homer. In the fourth and final game of the series, Angels showed no mercy as they pummeled a depleted Rainbows squad 29 – 4 in 3 innings! Fox led the way with 4rbi whilst Paynter, Trott, Keisha Eve and Rickelle Smith all contributed 3rbi each. Rainbows could only muster four total team hits which included a 2-run rbi by Tianna Booth.
In the semi-finals of the A Division Playoff, Fully Loaded Allstars booked their ticket to the finals after defeating the current League Champs, Moongate Brewers two games to one. Brewers drew first blood defeating Allstars 23 – 8 in the first game behind Richard Madeiros [3 for 4 - 1hr, 1sf, 7rbi] and Gary Adams [4 for 5 – 1d, 1hr, 5rbi] while Terence Corday and Jevon Roberts led Allstars with 3rbi each. Allstars turned the tide by winning game two 16 – 7.
Steve Simons did most of the damage hitting a pair of 3-run homers with Jason Simons and Scott Bernard assisting with 2rbi each. Brewers were led by Adams, Alex Styche and Kyle Hamilton with 2rbi each. In the third and deciding game, it was Steve Simons again leading the assault, driving in all 6 of his runs on 3 long balls. Pitcher, Danny Cook, was also in the mix with a solo homer and 5rbi. Brewers’ Gary Adams [1hr – 5rbi] and Rich Madeiros [1hr – 3rbi] once again led the line in a losing effort. Allstars will face Blue Wahoos in a best of three finals.
Hakuna Matata Lions are the new B Division Playoff Champs as they swept Beach Bums in three straight games. In game two, Beach Bums scored seven runs in the 2nd inning but couldn’t manufacture any more runs until they scored their eighth run in the top of the 7th inning. Lions scored three runs in the 2nd, five runs in the 4th and three insurance runs in the 5th inning to win 11 – 8.
Troy Hall [5rbi] and Brian Hall [4rbi] did most of the damage for Lions. Corey Simas [4 for 4 – 3rbi], Katie Masters and Ed DeSilva with 2rbi each topped all Beach Bums hitters. In game three, pitcher, Ed DeSilva, walked Lions’ lead-off batter and the following batter representing the tying and winning runs respectively in the bottom of the 7th inning. A.J. Durham then blasted a 3-run shot to seal the 17 – 15 victory and championship for Lions. Durham [4rbi], Shannon Rayner, Scott Barnes and Troy Hall all with 3rbi each led the way for Lions. Simas [4rbi] and Dylan DeSilva [3rbi] were outstanding in a losing cause.
The C Division Playoff Champions are Mike’s Trucking as they bested Super Express three games to one. Mike’s Trucking won 15 – 11 in the second game to take a commanding 2 – 0 lead in the series. Jaylen Martin with a grand slam and a three-run shot tallied 8rbi to lead all batters while John Outerbridge chipped in with a three-run homer and 4rbi. Mackhi McGowen [1hr – 4rbi] and Chay Carlington [1hr – 3rbi] were the standouts for Super Express.
Determined not to be swept, Super Express dug deep to register their first win 17 – 12 with Antoine Williams [2hr – 6rbi], Dennis Joell and Peter Vipavec each with 3rbi providing the bulk of the fire power. Brandon Ray [2hr – 4rbi], Ray Martin and Mike Oliveira, each with 2rbi, offered the best resistance for Mike’s Trucking. However, the tables were turned in the fourth game of the series as Mike’s Trucking got back to their winning ways putting the brakes on Super Express 21 – 16. Jaylen Martin hit his second grand slam of the week amassing 6rbi while teammates Carlos Lima, Jaryn Martin and Mike Oliveira also joined the party with 3rbi each. Super Express’ Williams continued his prowess at the plate blasting 2 homers which contributed to his 7rbi and Carlington was superb driving in four runs including a two-run homer.
