[EMSoccerCoach]

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES REVIEW



vs.
97-65 106-56

Game One: Bill Byrd (16-7, 2.79) settled down after allowing two runs in the second, including a Babe Ruth homer, letting New York tie it at 2 in the top of the 7th. But the Hitmen scored four in the 7th, all charged to Byrd, to take a 6-2 lead and hold on for a 6-4 victory behind Howie Pollet (17-8, 2.71).

Terry Kennedy, Jim Viox, David Wright and John Cassidy drove in the New York runs.

Ruth and Pat Putnam each drove in a pair for Chicago. Brandon Lyon, who saved 34 during the regular season, closed it out for Chicago.

Chicago leads series 1-0.

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES REVIEW



92-70 102-60

Game One: Anibal Sanchez (12-12, 3.50) had posted a 1.80 ERA over his last 10 starts. Then he met Jake Beckley.

Beckley slammed three homers, two off Sanchez, as the Knights rolled to a 10-2 series-opening victory. Sanchez was knocked out in the third, and Dontrelle Willis (23-7, 2.94) coasted after being spotted a 6-0 lead after three.

Beckley, a free agent at season's end, went 5-for-5 with three homers and five RBI, and Fred Carroll drove in three as well for the Knights.

New Orleans leads series 1-0.