Game 1
SP: Nasahiro Nushikawa
The Wildcard Series got off to a quiet start, with the traveling Honolulu Seahawks taking a low-scoring, 2-1 win over the host St Louis Flycatchers. Honolulu’s pitchers didn’t give the Flycatcher offense much of a chance and used the timely hitting of Joe Pennington to seize the win. The third baseman stroked a run-scoring single in the top of the ninth inning to put the Seahawks on top, 2-1.
Player of the game: Lufti Mu’tazz (Honolulu SP)
Game 2
SP: Jason Oliver
The Honolulu Seahawks moved to within one game of the Second Round, downing the St Louis Flycatchers on the road by a score of 3-1. Seahawks right-hander Jason Oliver had a strong outing. He threw 7.0 innings, giving up only 4 hits. Honolulu used a clutch at-bat from Ricky Lopez to capture the win. The right fielder hammered a 2-run home run in the top of the fourth inning to put the Seahawks ahead, 3-1. Rwandan left-fielder Kwafil gave St Louis they’re only offensive spark, with a solo home run in the second inning.
Player of the game: Jason Oliver
Game 3
SP: Sammer Mutegi
Honolulu won the final game by a 7-5 score at Honolulu Grounds, as our following of the Flycatchers is a short-lived one. Syrian Moosa Salim earned series MVP honors for the Seahawks, giving up no runs in his 6 innings pitched. The Honolulu Seahawks will play against the São Paulo Gold Sox in the next round. Juan Vega did manage to hit a home run as the Flycatchers went out with a whimper. Sammer mutegi lasted only 2.2 innings, having given up 4 runs. Ethiopian Salif Benidah Mera wen 2-2 with a home run for the Seahawks.
Player of the game: Honolulu Seahawks
We'll continue to follow the playoffs from the wings, zooming in for some team previews when we get to the World Series. Here's the rest of the Wildcard Series results:
