I thought I would try my hand at Play by Play
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Under the bright lights of Sunburst Field, the Dallas Wranglers face a determined Phoenix Rattlers squad in a key Western League Southern Division battle. The Wranglers' combination of power hitting and steady defense will be put to the test against the Rattlers' fast-paced, aggressive play style. Both teams have much to prove in this inaugural campaign, with every game a step toward glory.
Here’s a closer look at the competitors:
First, the visiting
Dallas Wranglers (DAL)
The Dallas Wranglers, representing the Western League's South Division, play at Arlington Stadium, an open grass venue in Dallas. The team is led by Willie Stargell, a power-hitting left fielder and first baseman known for his excellent gap power and plate discipline. The pitching staff features young lefty Vida Blue, a dominant starter with high strikeout potential and a powerful curveball and changeup. He is supported by veteran Juan Marichal, a right-hander with exceptional control and a deep pitch mix, and Roger Nelson, who combines good control with a reliable curve-changeup combination. Marty Pattin brings balance to the rotation with his strong control and ability to pitch deep into games, while young Gary Ryerson provides groundball potential from the left side. The bullpen is anchored by promising reliever Joe Gilbert and experienced lefties Joe Grzenda and Juan Pizarro. Dennis O'Toole and Steve Simpson round out the relief corps, offering a mix of control, movement, and strong secondary pitches.
Offensively, the Wranglers are a potent force, starting with young catcher Darrell Porter, a left-handed hitter with power and solid defensive skills. He is complemented by Dave Rader, a contact-oriented lefty behind the plate. First base features Chris Chambliss, a solid contact hitter, alongside the versatile Willie Stargell. In the middle infield, Horace Clarke offers speed and contact hitting, while Davey Johnson provides power and strong gap hitting. The versatile Curt Blefary adds power and plate discipline at third base and in the outfield, with Hal McRae bringing gap power and reliability across multiple positions. Larry Bowa anchors the defense at shortstop with his speed and range, while young Bill Russell offers strong contact and infield defense.
In the outfield, Cesar Tovar's speed and defensive range make him a versatile asset, while Paul Blair adds contact hitting and excellent center field defense. Jose Cardenal brings strong contact and gap power to the lineup, with Reggie Jackson serving as a power-hitting force in right field. Bob Oliver rounds out the roster with his versatility at first base and in the outfield. The Wranglers' blend of youthful talent, veteran leadership, and a well-balanced mix of power, contact, and strong pitching positions them as a formidable contender in their division.
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Next for the home
Phoenix Rattlers (PHO)
The Phoenix Rattlers, competing in the Western League's South Division, play at Sunburst Field, an open turf stadium. Their roster is led by their No. 1 draft pick, Don Sutton, a right-handed ace known for his excellent control, endurance, and diverse pitch mix, including a powerful curveball and screwball. The Rattlers' pitching staff also features Dave Hamilton, a balanced lefty with a solid curveball and slider, and Lynn McGlothen, a young righty with strong strikeout potential. Balor Moore, a hard-throwing lefty, brings dominant stuff with a standout curveball and slider, while Wayne Twitchell adds depth with good movement and a strong slider-curve combo. The bullpen is anchored by Terry Forster, a young left-handed closer with dominant stuff and strong groundball tendencies, supported by Cy Acosta, Jim Bibby, George Culver, and Roric Harrison, who provide a mix of strikeout potential, control, and groundball capabilities.
Offensively, the Rattlers are led by Fran Healy, a right-handed catcher with good contact hitting and gap power, alongside Manny Sanguillen, a high-contact catcher with excellent defense and versatility. Don Mincher brings veteran leadership and power at first base, while Tommy Helms provides contact hitting and solid defense at second base. Dave Nelson and Doug Rader add versatility and power at third base, with young Dave Roberts offering balanced hitting and solid defense. The infield is rounded out by Bert Campaneris, a strong defensive shortstop with speed, and Fred Stanley, who provides reliable defense and good plate discipline.
In the outfield, Johnny Briggs contributes power and strong plate discipline, while Billy Conigliaro offers gap power and good defense in center field. Elliott Maddox and Billy North add speed, contact hitting, and defensive range. Roberto Clemente, a legendary hitter with elite contact and power, anchors the right field, bringing exceptional defensive skills and leadership. Tom Hutton rounds out the roster with strong plate discipline, contact hitting, and defensive versatility. This combination of veteran experience, youthful talent, power, speed, and a deep pitching staff positions the Rattlers as a formidable contender in their division.
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Opening day for the Dallas Wranglers and Phoenix Rattlers promised to be a classic duel, with two star pitchers taking center stage. RHP Don Sutton toed the rubber for Phoenix, while the electric LHP Vida Blue started for Dallas. Both pitchers brought their best, setting the tone for a tense, low-scoring affair.
The Wranglers stepped up to the plate first, but Sutton wasted no time getting to work. He retired Jose Cardenal, Cesar Tovar, and then fanned Willie Stargell to close out a dominant opening frame. Phoenix had their chance in the bottom of the first, and when Bert Campaneris was hit by a pitch, it looked like things might get interesting. However, a caught stealing and some quick outs by Blue kept things scoreless.
Both pitchers continued to dominate. Dallas managed their first baserunner in the second inning with a single from Larry Bowa, but a sharp defensive play caught him trying to advance, and Sutton escaped unscathed. Vida Blue matched him inning for inning, flashing the form that made him one of the league's best. The Rattlers found brief life in the second when Manny Sanguillen singled, but like Dallas, they couldn't capitalize.
As the game moved into the middle innings, Sutton and Blue exchanged quick, scoreless frames. Each batter fought for every inch, but outs piled up quickly. It was a battle of attrition, where even the smallest mistake could change the game's complexion.
In the fourth, Clemente worked a walk for Phoenix but was erased on a double play. Dallas managed a baserunner in the sixth when Blue reached on an error, but Sutton clamped down again. The tension was palpable; every inning seemed like it could be the turning point.
Finally, in the bottom of the seventh, the dam broke. Roberto Clemente led off with a single, and after a strikeout, Doug Rader worked a walk. Sanguillen then laced a line-drive single to load the bases. Don Mincher came up and delivered the decisive blow: a single that drove in Clemente and Rader, giving Phoenix a 2-0 lead. Blue managed to minimize further damage, but the Rattlers now had the advantage.
Dallas had one last chance in the ninth. Reggie Jackson, pinch-hitting, provided a spark with a single. But Sutton, determined to close it out, retired the next three batters, including Willie Stargell, on a deep fly ball to center, ending the game.
It was a masterclass in pitching and defense, with Sutton outdueling Blue to lead Phoenix to a 2-0 victory. Both teams left it all on the field, and fans were treated to a nail-biter—a fitting start to the MSB season.
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