DELMARVA Baseball League

[illeracula]

Game 5:
New Castle 2, Dover 1 (New Castle leads 3-2)
Brian Cline hit a 2-run shot in the 8th to give the Colonials all they needed, in a great pitching duel.

Game 6:
New Castle 5, Dover 4 (New Castle wins 4-2)
Steve Sullivan hit a 2-out 2-run HR to give the Colonials a walk-off win and their first trip to the Championship!

[illeracula]

This is going to be an interesting series, we go into the series beat up. Missing 3 of our starters, the core of our offensive is out. Derek Campbell will be on the roster for the series, but will miss 3 or 4 games. We have removed Javier Uberuaga from the roster and put Mason Foster on the roster giving us another bat.

We are going to rely heavily on our pitching, going with a 4 man rotation. Sweetapple will be getting the ball 1-5 (maybe 4) and 7. The Colonial come into the series hot, taking the final 4 of the Conference Championships and making a September run at the Division title. They have a power-full offense lead by Peter Peters (.332-59-156), a 2-time Silver Slugger winner (this year will be 3) and at 24 is the games premiere hitter.

This should be a fun series hopefully our pitching can keep the #2 ranked Colonials offense at bay.

I was debating putting Pablo Freitas on the playoff roster, but decided against it. He has missed a month and would miss the first 3 games, which would mean we would be 2 players down for the first 3 games. It was a tough call, but our roster would just be too weak. Plus games 3,4 and 5 there will be no DH which means more bench usage... I think I will think about this. Maybe if I drop Elmer Hawkins one of two lefties in the pen, and activate Freitas...

One thing we have going for us is our starters are all HOT.

Game 1 will be starting in a few.

[illeracula]

Pregame Notes: I made a couple of moves pre-game that I may end up regretting, but we will see. Derek Campbell was placed on the 15-day DL, Kevin Howse was placed on the roster taking Derek's spot and will see some time playing 1B. Howse won the MVP in AAA this season, but only managed hitting .158 in 6 games with the Cav's. Elmer Hawkins was removed from the playoff roster, leaving us with 10-pitcher and Pablo Freitas was placed on the roster. He will miss 3 maybe 4 games... Then I looked over the New Castle roster and put Hawkins back on the roster and removed Joe Davis. With 3-4 lefties in the New Castle lineup, including Peters, I felt like it was necessary to keep another lefty in my pocket.

Lineup: Our lineup looks different hopefully they have enough.
Kent Davis (CF), Roberto Perez (3B), Jose Rodriquez (RF), Kevin Howse (DH), Jacob Chaney (1B), Augusto Rodriquez (SS), Yasutoki Ine (2B), Julio Romero (C), Pat Shelton (LF)

Gilberto Perez will come in and play first later in the game, and Chaney will move to catcher, Romero is our #2 catcher, but a better bat than Ramos. Ine is playing for Rivera, who didn't hit at all in the first round. Pat Shelton is filling in for Derek Campbell, and Kevin Howse will DH, moving Jose Escamilla to the bench... this lineup will probalby change a few times this series.

Game 1:
Rod Cantrell (1-1 7.71 playoffs, 19-11 3.21 regular season, didn't face Norfolk this season)
vs.
Don Sweetapple (1-0 1.00 playoffs, 19-6 2.47 regular season, 1-0 1.13 in 1 game vs New Castle)

Inning 1:
Top: Lee Delvin starts things off with an infield single. Ricardo Flores walks, moving Delvin to second. A wild pitch moves the runners up. Peter Peters goes down swinging. Brian Cline (ex-Cavalier) goes down looking. Jorge Alonso singles over short-stop, Pat Shelton muffs the grounder, 2 runs score. Don Perkins goes down swinging.
Bottom: Kent Davis goes down swinging. Roberto Perez grounds out to short. Jose Rodriquez grounds out to short.
New Castle 2, Norfolk 0

Inning 2:
Top: Emory Cameron reaches first on a dropped fly ball to Kent Davis. Steven Wilson flies out to center. Lee Berry flies out to left. Lee Delvin flies out to right.
Bottom: Kevin Howese strikes out. Jacob Chaney goes down swinging. Augusto Rodriquez grounds out to second.
New Castle 2, Norfolk 0

Inning 3:
Top: Ricardo Flores flies out to center. Peter Peters singles to right. Brian Cline grounds into the inning ending 5-4-3 DP.
Bottom: Yasutoki Ine flies out to right. Julio Romero grounds out to 3rd. Pat Shelton swings and misses.
New Castle 2, Norfolk 0

Inning 4:
Top: Jorge Alonso grounds out to 2nd. Don Perkins goes down swinging. Emory Cameron strikes out.
Bottom: Kent Davis flies out to left. Roberto Perez strikes out. Jose Rodriquez grounds out to short.
New Castle 2, Norfolk 0

Inning 5:
Top: Steven Wilson grounds out to 2nd. Lee Berry lines out to right. Lee Delvin flies out to right.
Bottom: Kevin Howse walks to starting things off. Jacob Chaney strikes out. Augusto Rodriquez strikes out. Yasutoki Ine grounds out to short.
New Castle 2, Norfolk 0

Inning 6:
Top: Ricardo Flores singles up the middle. Peter Peters grounds into a 4-6 FC. Brian Cline swings and misses. Jorge Alonso hits a 433 foot HR, scoring Peters. Don Perkins goes down swinging.
Bottom: Julio Romero strikes out. Pat Shelton strikes out. Kent Davis flies out to center.
New Castle 4, Norfolk 0

Inning 7:
Top: Emory Cameron doubles to left... Don Sweetapple is removed from the game, Elmer Hawkins will come in to face the next to lefties... Steven Wilson singles to right, moving Cameron to 3rd. Lee Berry grounds into a FC 1-6... Jamie King comes in to pitch, replacing Hawkins... Lee Delvin flies out to center, Cameron tries to score, but Kent Davis guns him out at home! Hopefully that will shift some momentum.
Bottom: Roberto Perez walks to lead things off. Jose Rodriquez singles up the middle, breaking up the no-hitter. Kevin Howse grounds out weakly to third moving the runners up. Jacob Chaney walks to load the bases. Augusto Rodriquez grounds into the killer 6-4-3 ending the ralley.
New Castle 4, Norfolk 0

Inning 8:
Top: Ricardo Flores starts things off with a single up the middle... Will Rose comes into pitch... Peter Peters walks. Brian Cline grounds out to 3rd moving the runners up to 2nd and 3rd. Jorge Alonso hits a rocket to first for the out... Ivan Pineda replaces Rose on the hill... Don Perkins flies out to left.
Bottom: Cody Johnson pinch hitting for Ine flies out to center. Gilberto Ramos, who came in to play D last inning flies out to right. Pat Shelton collects the hat-trick striking out for the 3rd time.
New Castle 4, Norfolk 0

Inning 9:
Top: Emory Cameron leads things off with a 439ft solo-shot to center. Steven Wilson flies out to right. Lee Berry goes down swinging. Lee Delvin singles up the middle. Ricardo Flores strikes out swinging.
Bottom: Kent Davis grounds out to third. Roberto Perez singles to short. Jose Rodriquez sinlges up the middling moving Perez to third... Cristo Rojas replaces Cantrell on the hill... Howse pops out to short. Jacob Chaney strikes out swinging.
New Castle 5, Norfolk 0
New Castle leads 1-0

W: Ron Cantrell (1-0)
L: Don Sweetapple (0-1)
HR: Emory Cameron (1), Jorge Alonso (1)

POG: Ron Cantrell

Recap: Ron Cantrell was in full control today, going 8.1 innings, striking out 10 and only giving up 3 hits. Don Sweetapple only went 6 innings, giving up 6 hits and 4 runs, only 3 earned, on a bright note he struck out 7. Four Colonials had 2 hits, with Jorge Alonso leading the way with 4 RBI. The Cavaliers had 3 hits, 2 by Jose Rodriquez.

[illeracula]

Pregame Notes: The good news is it looks like moving Campbell off the playoff roster was the right move. Campbell will miss another week suffering a set-back... This team has to do something in Game 2, getting shut-out at home in game one, being held to 3 hits, it was embarrassing. We need to get off to a hot-start and make things happen... The lineup will be mixed up this game. Rivera is back in, Ine to the bench. We will be facing our first left-handed starter of the playoffs. We only have 3-players with contact 10 or over (out of 20) on the roster...

Lineup: Kent Davis (CF), Cody Johnson (2B), Roberto Perez (3B), Jose Rodriquez (RF), Julio Romero (C), Augusto Rodriquez (SS), Jesus Rivera (DH), Gilberto Ramos (LF), Kevin Howse (1B)

Amazing what a few injuries can do to a defense. We aren't as strong as it could be, but we need more bats in the lineup. Hopefully we have something this game. Don't want to go to New Castle down 2-0.

Game 2:
Matt Hollis (0-1 1.29 playoffs, 8-2 2.24 regular season, didn't face Norfolk, Rookie)
vs.
Jose Matos (1-0 0.00 playoffs, 14-2 2.54 w/ Norfolk, didn't face New Castle)

Inning 1:
Top: Lee Devlin grounds out to 3rd. Ricardo Flores singles up the middle. Peter Peters singles to left. Brian Cline singles to left to load the bases. Matos walks Jorge Alonso scoring Flores. Don Perkins sinlges to right scoring Peters. Emory Cameron grounds into the 6-6-3 DP, ending the inning, but the damage has been done.
Bottom: Kent Davis grounds out to 2nd. Cody Johnson stikes out swinging. Roberto Perez singles up the middle. Jose Rodriquez flies out to the warning track.
New Castle 2, Norfolk 0

Inning 2:
Top: Steven Wilson strikes out. Lee Berry grounds out to second. Lee Delvin goes down swinging.
Bottom: Julio Romero strikes out. Augusto Rodriquez flies out to center. Jesus Rivera grounds out to 3rd.
New Castle 2, Norfolk 0

Inning 3:
Top: Ricardo Flores grounds out to third. Peters goes down swinging. Cline grounds out to second.
Bottom: Gilberto Ramos starts things off with a single up the middle. Kevin Howse pops out to the catcher. Kent Davis singles to right. Cody Johnson grounds out weakly to third moving the runners up. Roberto Perez hits a nubber down the first base line for a single. Ramos scores, Davis moves up to third. Jose Rodriquez comes through with a 429 foot blast to right center. Juilo Romero doubles down the left field line. Augusto Rodriquez fies out to right field.
New Castle 2, Norfolk 4

The bats finally came through with some timely hitting. Hopefully the pitching can keep things in check.

Inning 4:
Top: Jorge Alonso grounds out to short. Perkins grounds out to third. Emory Cameron goes down swinging.
Bottom: Jesus Rivera reaches on an error by the second baseman. Gilberto Ramos flies out to deep right-center. Kevin Howse grounds into the inning ending 5-4-3 DP.
New Castle 2, Norfolk 4

Inning 5:
Top: Steven Wilson grounds out to second. Lee Berry singles to right. Berry steals second. Lee Devlin flies out to deep center Berry advances to third. Ricardo Flores grounds out to short.
Bottom: Kent Davis grounds out to third. Cody Johnson grounds out to short. Roberto Perez grounds back to the pitcher.
New Castle 2, Norfolk 4

Inning 6:
Top: Peter Peters strikes out. Brian Cline walks. Jorge Alonso flies out to center. Don Perkins flies out to right.
Bottom: Jose Rodriquez walks. Julio Romero gets robbed off an extra base hit with a great play by Devlin in center. Augusto Rodriquez hits a rocket to short-stop which turns into an inning ending 6-4-3.
New Castle 2, Norfolk 4

Jose Matos is at 95 pitches, his stamina is 12/20, so the bullpen gets up.

Inning 7:
Top: Emory Cameron goes down swinging. Kevin Howse makes a diving play, retiring Steven Wilson 3-1. Lee Berry grounds out to first.
Bottom: Jesus Rivera grounds out to second. Gilberto Ramos walks. Kevin Howse goes down swinging (really thought he'd do more). Kent Davis singles to right, Peters throws the ball away trying to gun Ramos down at 3rd. Ramos scores, Davis moves up to second. Cody Johnson grounds out to third.
New Castle 2, Norfolk 5

I want Matos to get 2 more hitters, I do have a lefty and righty up in the pen.

Inning 8:
Top: Lee Devlin walks to get things started... I pull Matos, bring in Jamie King. Will Rose the lefty is up and Dalton Whitaker joins him... Flores lines out to first... Will Rose comes in the game... Peters flies out to deep right-center. Brian Cline grounds into a fielders choice to short.
Bottom: Roberto Perez flies out to center. Jose Rodriquez strikes out. Julio Romero singles to left... New pitcher for New Castle, Ken Minahan... Augusto Rodriquez walks. Jesus Rivera takes first, getting hit by the pitch on a 0-2 count, loading the bases. Gilberto Ramos flies out to right to end the rally.
New Castle 2, Norfolk 5

Inning 9:
Top: Dalton Whitaker enters the game, Shelton replaces Howse in the lineup, moving Ramos to first Shelton goes to left... Jorge Alonso stikes out. Don Perkins strikes out. Emory Cameron flies out to left.
New Castle 2, Norfolk 5
The Series is tied 1-1

W: Jose Matos (1-0)
L: Matt Hollis (0-1)
S: Dalton Whitaker (1)
HR: Jose Rodriquez (1)

POG: Jose Rodriquez

Recap: The Cavaliers offense still hasn't done much, but the 4-run 3rd was all Jose Matos needed. Jose Rodriquez came through when needed, as he has all season. He is just having one of those seasons. Jose Matos had a rough first, but settled down and held the Colonials in check for 6 more before handing the game over to the pen. Matos gave up 5 hits, walked 3 and struck out 6. Matt Hollis threw the ball well with the exception of the 3rd. Hollis gave up 5 runs on 8 hits, striking out 4. Julio Romero, Roberto Perez and Kent Davis all had 3 hits. The Cavaliers staff hsa held Peters in check so far.

We head to New Castle for game 3, there will be no DH this may help us out...

[illeracula]

Pregame Notes: We head to New Castle for game 3. This game will have no DH. Carlos Mateo is on the bump and will get to take his swings. Mateo is a career .200 hitter, hitting .222 (2-9) this season... Pablo Freitas will be ready to play tomorrow, giving us a better lineup, hopefully he won't adjust too much after a week off...

Lineup: Kent Davis (CF), Roberto Perez (3B), Jose Rodriquez (RF), Julio Romero (C), Jacob Chaney (1B), Augusto Rodriquez (SS), Jose Escamilla (2B), Mason Foster (LF)

Too many players not doing enough. Escamilla is back in the line-up but he has struggled through the playoffs (0-8). Mason Foster will get his first play appearance. Hopefully we have the spark as we did last game. Expect some defensive subs in this game, Foster isn't the "greatest" outfielder.

Game 3:
Carlos Mateo (1-0 1.04 playoffs, 17-6 3.22 regular season, 0-0 10.13 vs New Castle)
vs.
Andy Nelson (1-0 0.00 playoffs, 14-5 3.43 regular season, 0-1 6.35 vs Norfolk)

Inning 1:
Top: Kent Davis grounds out to short. Roberto Perez pops out to short. Jose Rodriquez walks. Julio Romero grounds into a FC.
Bottom: Lee Delvin lines out to second. Don Perkins grounds out to short. Peter Peters flies out to left.
Norfolk 0, New Castle 0

Inning 2:
Top: Jacob Chaney singles to left. Augusto Rodriquez grounds into the 6-4-3 DP. Jose Escamilla flies out to deep center.
Bottom: Jorge Alonso hits a 365ft HR down the left field line to put the first run on the board. Ricardo Flores triples to right-center. Emory Cameron singles up the middle scoring Flores. Steven Wilson grounds into a 4-6 fielders choice. Lee Berry flies out to center. Pitcher Andy Nelson doubles to left-center scoring Wilson. Lee Delvin singles up the middle scoring Berry. Delvin steals second. Lee Delvin pops out to the catcher.
Norfolk 0, New Castle 4

Ron Harris gets up in the pen. Hopefully Mateo settles down.

Inning 3:
Top: Mason Foster singles up the middle. Carlos Mateo lays down the bunt moving Foster to second. Kent Davis singles to right, moving Foster to third. Roberto Perez flies out to deep right field. Foster scores... Peter Peters leaves the game injured, Brian Cline enters in his place... Jose Rodriquez singles to right. A double steal moves the runners up. Julio Romero singles down the right field line, scoring Davis and Rodriquez. Jacob Chaney flies out to center.
Bottom: Brian Cline walks. Jorge Alonso walks... Ron Harris enters the game... Ricardo Flores doubles. Cline scores. Emory Cameron doubles to left center, scoring 2. Steven Wilson flies out to center. Cameron heads to third. Lee Berry pops out to short, ending the inning. Andy Nelson strikes out.
Norfolk 3, New Castle 7

Not the way I was hoping the bottom of the inning would go. Needed a stop...

Inning 4:
Top: Augusto Rodriquez squibs the ball goes down 2-3. Jose Escamilla singles up the middle. Mason Foster reaches on an error moving Escamilla to second... Cody Johnson comes into to PH for Ron Harris... Johnson strikes out. Kent Davis doubles to right-center scoring Escamilla and Foster. Roberto Perez strikes out swinging.
Bottom: Ivan Pindea comes into to pitch... Lee Delvin grounds out to second. Ron Perkins strikes out. Brian Cline reaches on an error by Perez. Jorge Alonso flies out to the warning track.
Norfolk 5, New Castle 7

Inning 5:
Top: Jose Rodriquez strikes out swinging. Julio Romero singles up the middle. Jacob Chaney singles up the middle moving Romero to second. Augusto Rodriquez flies out to center. Jose Escamilla grounds to second, into a fielders choice.
Bottom: Richard Flores grounds out to third. Emory Cameron grounds out to the pitcher. Steven Wilson strikes out.
Norfolk 5, New Castle 7

Inning 6:
Top: Mason Foster goes down swinging... Yasutoki Ine pinch-hits for the pitcher Pineda... Ine singles to right. Kent Davis singles to right, moving Ine to second. Roberto Perez singles to center to load the bases. Jose Rodriquez strikes out. Julio Romero singles up the middle scoring Ine... Carlos Martinez comes into to pitch replacing Nelson... Jacob Chaney pops up to short, but Lee Berry drops the ball. Davis scores. Augusto lines out to the pitcher to end the inning.
Bottom: Elmer Hawkins comes in to pitch replacing Ine in the lineup... Lee Berry flies out to center. Augusto Guzman pops out to short. Lee Delvin grounds out to short.
Norfolk 7, New Castle 7

Inning 7:
Top: Jose Escamilla flies out to deep right-center. Mason Foster clears the right-field fence with a 355 foot HR... Kevin Howse comes in to pinch hit for Hawkins... Howse draws a walk. Kent Davis singles to right, moving Howse to second. Carlos Martinez is called for a balk moving the runners up. Roberto Perez is walked intentionally to load the bases. Jose Rodriquez hits a shot to second, a hard slide breaks up the double play, Howse scores. Julio Romero doubles to right-center scoring Davis and Perez... Joe Wilson replaces Martinez on the mound... Jacob Chaney flies out to center.
Bottom: Jamie King comes into pitch... Don Perkins grounds out to second. Brine Cline pops out to first. Jorge Alonso singles to right. Ricardo Flores strikes out swinging.
Norfolk 11, New Castle 7

Inning 8:
Top: Augusto Rodriquez flies out to center. Jose Escamilla grounds out to first. Mason Foster goes down swinging.
Bottom: Gilberto Ramos replaces Julio Romero moving Chaney to catcher and Ramos to first. Pat Shelton comes in to play left, removing Mason Foster... Pinch-hitter Jonathan cook grounds out to short... Will Rose comes in to pitch. Dalton Whitaker begins to warm up... Steven Wilson hits a routine grounder to first Gilberto Ramos. Lee Berry flies out to right.
Norfolk 11, New Castle 7

Inning 9:
Top: Jesus Rivera pinch hits for Will Rose... Ashton George comes into pitch... Rivera starts the inning off with a walk. Kent Davis grounds in to fielders choice. Roberto Perez singles to right-center moving Davis to second. Jose Rodriquez hits a 379 shot to right-center, scoring 3. Gilberto Ramos singles to right. Jacob Chaney singles to left. Augusto Rodriquez hits a soft grounder to third, moving the runners out. Jose Escamilla grounds out to short to end the inning.
Bottom: Dalton Whitaker comes into pitch, we have no more pitchers avialable and no more bench, hopefully this ends now... Augusto Guzman grounds out to second. Lee Delvin strikes out swinging. Don Perkins singles up the middle. Brain Cline strikes out swinging!
Norfolk 14, New Castle 7
Norfolk leads the series 2-1

W: Elmer Hawkins (1-0)
L: Carlos Martinez (0-1)
S: none
HR: NFK: Mason Foster (1), Jose Rodriquez (2), NWC: J. Alonso (1)

POG: Julio Romero

Recap: This was a strange game, as the Cavaliers pounded out 20 hits and just kept putting pressure on the Colonials. We just wouldn't give up. The bullpen of the Cavaliers really deserves the Player of the game award as 6 relievers went 7 innings, giving up 4 hits and 1 run. Julio Romero proved he deserves more at-bats, going 4-5 with 5 RBI's. Kent Davis also added 4 hits and 4 runs. Jose Rodriquez added 2 hits, 4 RBI's and 3 runs. Mason Foster added 2 hits and 3 runs in his first play-off appearance. The Colonials hads 3 players with 2 hits, Jorge Alonso, Ricardo Flores and Emory Cameron. Cameron added 3 RBI's.

The never give up attitude worked out well as the Cavaliers used 21 players. Hopefully Karl Armstrong will be able to give us some innings in game 4, as our other starters have had struggles.

[NYY #23]

Sweetapple can't (potentially) go out with a loss. I'm hoping for a Game 4 win, so Sweetapple gets to close out the series in Game 5.

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

Sweetapple can't (potentially) go out with a loss. I'm hoping for a Game 4 win, so Sweetapple gets to close out the series in Game 5.

That would be a nice way to end his Cavaliers career. Lets hope that Karl Armstrong can put it all together in Game 4 to make that happen. I can't imagine Sweetapple having 2 rough starts in a row.

[illeracula]

Pregame Notes: The news came in Peter Peters is out for the rest of the series. That is a huge blow to the Colonials offense... on a bright note Pablo Freitas is back in the lineup. Not sure what to expect from him after a 2+ month layoff, can't be much worse than what we have had... The bullpen is tired, so we need a nice outing from Armstrong.

Lineup: Kent Davis (CF), Roberto Perez (3B), Jose Rodriquez (RF), Pablo Freitas (LF), Julio Romero (C), Jesus Rivera (2B), Jacob Chaney (1B), Mason Foster (SS)

Mason earns the start after hitting the ball all over the place in game 3. Romero is back in the line-up. Jesus Rivera is playing second, which we just can't seem to get anyhthing out of.

Game 4:
Karl Armstrong (1-0 0.00 playoffs, 19-8 3.59 regular season, didn't face New Castle this season)
vs.
Todd Eldridge (0-0 4.91 playoffs, 9-13 4.96 regular season, didn't face Norfolk this season)

Inning 1:
Top: Kent Davis hits a little nubber in front of the plate, gunned down 2-3. Roberto Perez grounds out to short. Jose Rodriquez grounds out to short.
Bottom: Lee Devlin grounds out to third. Don Perkins pops out to third. Brian Cline, filling in for Peter Peters clears the left field fence with a 347 foot shot. Jorge Alonso grounds out to short.
Norfolk 0, New Castle 1

Inning 2:
Top: Pablo Freitas strikes out swinging. Julio Romero grounds out to short. Jesus Rivera pops out to second.
Bottom: Ricarod Flores flies out to center. Emory Cameron walks. Steven Wilsons hits a shot to center, Davis gunns Cameron down at third. Wilson moves up to second. Lee Berry walks. Pithcer Todd Eldridge grounds out to second.
Norfolk 0, New Castle 1

Inning 3:
Top: Jacob Chaney grounds into the 3-1. Mason Foster flies out to center. Karl Armstrong walks. Kent Davis goes down swinging.
Bottom: Lee Devlin grounds out second. Don Perkins goes down swinging. Brian Cline walks. Jorge Alonso singles to right-center moving Cline to second. Ricard Flores walks to load the bases. Emory Cameron walks, scoring Cline. Steven Wilson doubles clearing the bases. Lee Berry Walks. Todd Eldridge walks to load them up again. Lee Devlin strikes out, but the damage has been done.
Norfolk 0, New Castle 5

Armstrong has always had some control issues (11/20) and its what keeps him from being a front line starter. I was dreading that this was going to happen, and it did.

Inning 4:
Top: Roberto Perez grounds out to short. Jose Rodriquez walks. Pablo Freitas singles up the middle. Julio Romero grounds into the inning ending 6-4-3.
Bottom: Don Perkins walks... Ron Harris now replaces Armstrong on the hill. We might be in trouble, our bullpen is tired... Brian Cline flies out to right. Jorge Alonso goes yard 399 feet to right center. Ricardo Flores flies out to left. Emory Cameron singles to left. Steven Wilson flies out to right.
Norfolk 0, New Castle 7

Inning 5:
Top: Jesus Rivera walks. Jacob Chaney grounds into the 6-4-3 double play. Mason Foster goes down swinging.
Bottom: Lee Berry flies out to left. Todd Eldridge strikes out. Lee Devlin clears the fence down the left field line. Don Perkins walks. Brian Cline grounds out to short.
Norfolk 0, New Castle 8

Inning 6:
Top: Kevin Howse pinch hits for Ron Harris... Howse grounds out to first. Kent Davis grounds out to short. Roberto Perez grounds out to first.
Bottom: Jamie King comes into pitch... Jorge Alonso flies out to deep left. Ricardo Flores grounds out to short. Emory Cameron walks. Steven Wilson grounds out 3-1.
Norfolk 0, New Castle 8

Inning 7:
Top: Jose Rodriquez walks. Freitas grounds out to second, moving Rodriquez to second. Julio Romoer grounds out short, moving Rodriquez to third. Jesus Rivera walks. Jacob Chaney flies out right.
Bottom: Lee Berry Strikes out. Todd Eldridge laces a liner to left. Lee Devlin grounds out to short, moving Eldridge to second. Augusto Guzman singles up the middle, scoring Eldridge. Brian Cline grounds out to third.
Norfolk 0, New Castle 9

Inning 8:
Top: Mason Foster strikes out... Yasutoki Ine pinch hits for King... Ine singles down the right field line, and gets gunned out trying to stretch it to a double. Kent Davis grounds out to short.
Bottom: Elmer Hawkins comes in to pitch... Jorge Alonso grounds out to second. Ricardo Flores grounds out 3-1. Emory Cameron lines out to short.
Norfolk 0, New Castle 9

Inning 9:
Top: Cristo Rojas comes into pitch for New Castle... Roberto Perez flies out to deep center. Jose Rodriquez strikes out. Pablo Freitas strikes out.
Norfolk 0, New Castle 9
The Series is tied 2-2

W: Todd Eldridge (1-0)
L: Karl Armstrong (0-1)
S: none
HR: Brian Cline (1), Lee Devlin (1), Jorge Alonso (3)

POG: Todd Eldridge

Recap: Not sure what to say about this game. Karl Armstrong set a record for walks in a playoff game with 8 and couldn't make it through the 4th. The 4 run 3rd was the difference maker as the Colonials scored 4 runs with 2 outs. Eldridge keep the Cavaliers at bay with 2 hits and 5 walks. And the Colonials flexed their muscles hitting 3 HR's showing they are just as potent with out Peters in the lineup. Jorge Alonso went 2-5 with 2 RBI and Steven Wilson went 2-4 with 3 RBI's.

One more game in New Castle before heading back home. Game 5 is a key game with Sweetapple getting the ball.

[illeracula]

Pregame Notes: Game 5 series is tied at 2, so this is a must win game with Sweetapple on the bump... We are going up against Rod Cantrell who held us to 3 hits and struck out 10 in game one. Hopefully we can get on him this game... Sweetapple rarely has two bad outings so I am hoping he is ready and feeling good.

Our middle infielders are just not coming through, with Campbell and Candelaria out. Jesus Rivera 2-17 .118, Jose Escamilla 1-14 .071, Augusto Rodriquez 2-29 .069. Just can't seem to get anyone to catch fire.

Lineup: Kent Davis (CF), Roberto Perez (3B), Jose Rodriquez (RF), Pablo Freitas (LF), Julio Romero (C), Jacob Chaney (1B), Yasutoki Ine (2B), Augusto Rodriquez (SS)

Not much of a change in the lineup. Ine is starting at second after going 2-2 as a pinch hitter the past two games. And Augusto Rodriquez is back at short.

Game 5:
Rod Cantrell (1-0 0.00) << Cantrell has a 71% ground ball pct.
vs
Don Sweetapple (0-1 4.50)

Inning 1:
Top: Kent Davis gets things started lining a single into right. Roberto Perez follows that up with a single to right, moving Davis to third. Jose Rodriquez flies out to right. Perez steals second. Pablo Freitas goes down swinging. Julio Romero strikes out ending the inning.
Bottom: Lee Devlin walks to start things off. Don Perkins singles up the middle moving Devlin heads to third. Brian Cline pops out to short. Jorge Alonso grounds into a 6-3 double play.
Norfolk 0, New Castle 0

Inning 2:
Top: Jacob Chaney grounds out to short. Yasutoki Ine grounds out to third. Augusto Rodriquez grounds out to short.
Bottom: Ricardo Flores grounds out to short. Emory Cameron singles up the middle. Steven Wilson flies out to left. Lee Berry singles to right. Rod Cantrell, the pitcher, hits a weak single past short, scoring Cameron from second. Lee Devlin singles to left, scoring Berry. Don Perkins grounds out to second, Ine made a diving play saving a run and ending the inning.
Norfolk 0, New Castle 2

We just can't keep the Colonials at bat, giving up runs in the 1st or 2nd inning every game this series.

Inning 3:
Top: Don Sweetapple grounds out to second. Kent Davis strikes out. Roberto Perez gets the Cav's on the board with a 376 foot shot down the right field line. Jose Rodriquez flies out to center.
Bottom: Brian Cline flies out to right, with Jose Rodriquez making a diving catch. Jorge Alonso strikes out. Ricardo Flores flies out to the right field warning track.
Norfolk 1, New Castle 2

Inning 4:
Top: Pablo Fretias reachs on a fielding error by the shortstop. Fretias gets gunned out trying to steal. Julio Romero grounds out to short. Jacob Chaney grounds out to second.
Bottom: Emory Cameron grounds out back to the pitcher. Steven Wilson hits a rocket 429 feet to straight away center. Lee Berry strikes out. That pesky pitcher Rod Cantrell doubles down the left-field line. Lee Devlin doulbes down the left field line scoring Cantrell. Don Perkins grounds out to third.
Norfolk 1, New Castle 4

Inning 5:
Top: Yasutoki flies out to right. Augusto Rodriquez flies out to center. Don Sweetapple goes down swinging.
Bottom: Brian Cline pops out to first. Jorge Alonso doubles down the right field line. Ricardo Flores singles to left, moving Alonso to third. Emory Cameron strikes out. Steven Wilson flies out to center.
Norfolk 1, New Castle 4

Inning 6:
Top: Kent Davis singles to left. Roberto Perez bloops one over the third basemans head, moving Davis to second. Jose Rodriquez hits a rocket to third, Cameron muffs it, loading the bases. Pablo Freitas grounds into the 6-4-3 DP, scoring Davis and moving Perez to third. Julio Romero grounds out to short.
Bottom: Lee Berry grounds out to second, with Ine making another nice play. Rod Cantrell strikes out. Lee Devlin strikes out, but Romero drops the ball and Devlin reaches first. Don Perkins strikes out.
Norfolk 2, New Castle 4

Inning 7:
Top: Jacob Chaney grounds out to first. Yasutoki Ine gets an infield single up the middle. Augusto Rodriquez grounds into the 6-4-3 DP.
Bottom: Brian Cline gives the Colonials some insuarnce hitting a 2-1 fastball 362ft down the left field line. Jorge Alonso flies out to center. Ricardo Flores grounds weekly to third. Emory Cameron grounds out to second.
Norfolk 2, New Castle 5

Inning 8:
Top: Cody Johnson pinch hits for Don Sweetapple... Johnson walks. Kent Davis doubles down the left field line. Roberto Perez grounds out to first... Ken Minahan comes into pitch... Jose Rodriqeuz pops out to shallow center. Pablo Freitas singles to left-center scoring 2. Julio Romero goes down swinging.
Bottom: Dalton Whitaker comes into pitch, Kevin Howse comes into to bat 9th and play first, Chaney heads over to first and Whitaker is now in the #5 hole... Steven Wilson strikes out. Lee Berry goes down looking... Mike Moran pinch hits for the Minahan... Moran goes down swinging.
Norfolk 4, New Castle 5

Inning 9:
Top: Left Ashton George comes into pitch... I would pinch hit for Chaney a lefty here, but that would leave me without a catcher so Chaney stays in the game, then again he did hit .320 vs Lefties this season... Chaney walks to lead things off. Yasutoki Ine lays down the sac-bunt, the pitcher George throws the ball away moving Chaney to third and Ine to second. Augusto Rodriquez grounds out to third. Kevin Howse comes through with a single up the middle scoring 2. Kent Davis flies out to right. Roberto Perez grounds out to short.
Bottom: Whitaker on the hill, top of the lineup for New Castle... Lee Devlin goes down swinging. Augusto Guzman flies out to right. Brian Cline hits a rocket to third, Perez fields and throws the first. Game over.
Norfolk 6, New Castle 5
Norfolk leads 3-2

W: Dalton Whitaker (1-0)
L: Ashton George (1-1)
S: none
HR: NFK: Roberto Perez (1), NWC: Steven Wilson (1), Brian Cline (2)

POG: Roberto Perez

Recap: Rod Cantrell was on his game till he gave up 2 runs in the 8th, he didn't get the K's he had in game one, but ultimately the bullpen blow it, thanks to a throwing error. Sweetapple was touched-up with 2 bombs, giving up 11 hits. Dalton Whitaker pitched a perfect final 2 innings for the Cavs which saved the day, along with Kevin Howse first post-season hit a game winning 2-run single. Roberto Perez and Kent Davis both had 3 hits. Pablo Freitas and Kevin Howse each had 2 RBI. Lee Devlin and Rod Cantrell each had 2 hits for the Colonials, Devlin added 2 RBI.

The losing pitcher today Ashton George, is now the Colonials closer, began the season as a stater and in two games against the Cavaliers he was 2-0 with a 1.84 ERA.

We head back to Norfolk with Jose Matos getting the ball in game 6. I like my odds with him on the mound. Hopefully he keeps his pitch count down and can go deep into the game. Getting the DH will mean we will be putting out a better fielding team.

I'd like to win this series, because I have a feeling it will be a while we are back here. With some budget issues and league expansion we will need to make some roster adjustments. Hopefully our young guys are up for the challenge.

[illeracula]

Pregame Notes: Game 6 brings us back to Norfolk as we have Jose Matos on the hill. Matos has been lights out since we aquired him mid-season and he threw well in game 2 so hopefully he is up for the challenge. Back in Norfolk means we have the DH back, I think this is actually and advantage to the Colonials with the lack of bats on our bench.

Lineup: Kent Davis (CF), Roberto Perez (3B), Jose Rodriquez (LF), Pablo Fretias (RF), Julio Romero (C), Jacob Chaney (1B), Yasutoki Ine (2B), Augusto Rodriquez (SS), Cody Johnson (DH)

Game 6
Matt Hollis (0-1 5.87) << left-handed
vs
Jose Matos (1-0 2.57)

I am hoping to see some zeros on the board for New Castle the first two innings, we shouldn't have to fight back every game.

Inning 1:
Top: Lee Devlin gets things started with a ground-rule double over the CF wall. Ricardo Flores grounds out to short, moving Devlin to third. Augusto Guzman singles to right, scoring Devlin. Brian Cline strikes out. Jorge Alonso strikes out.
Bottom: Kent Davis grounds out to second. Roberto Perez flies out to deep left. Jose Rodriquez grounds out to second.
New Castle 1, Norfolk 0

Well thats not how I wanted things to start. I get the sense that Hollis is on his game.

Inning 2:
Top: Don Perkins strikes out. Emory Cameron grounds out to short. Steven Wilson singles up the middle. Lee Berry walks. Lee Devlin doulbes down the left field line, scoring 2. Ricardo Flores doubles down the right field line, socring Devlin. Augusto Guzman walks. Brian Cline singles loading the bases... we have bullpen activity... Jorge Alonso grounds out to second to end the inning.
Bottom: Pablo Freitas singles up the middle. Julio Romero walks moving Pablo up to second. Jacob Chaney grounds into the 6-4-3 moving Freitas to third. Yasutoki Ine flies out to deep left.
New Castle 4, Norfolk 0

Inning 3:
Top: Don Perkins strikes out. Emory Cameron strikes out. Steven Wilson singles to left. Lee Berry pops out ot short.
Bottom: Augusto Rodriquez grounds out to short. Cody Johnson strikes out. Kent Davis muscles a single up the middle. Roberto Perez pops out to second.
New Castle 4, Norfolk 0

Inning 4:
Top: Lee Devlin grounds out to short. Ricardo Flores grounds out to short. Augusto Guzman goes down 3-1. And we have a 1-2-3 inning.
Bottom: Jose Rodriquez grounds out to second. Pablo Freitas walks. Freitas steals second. Julio Romero singles to left, Freitas tries to score, gets gunned down at home by Brian Cline. Romero moves up to second. Jacob Chaney flies out to center.
New Castle 4, Norfolk 0

Inning 5:
Top: Brian Cline doubles down the right field line... bullpen activity again... Jorge Alonso flies out to deep left, Cline tags and moves up to third. With the corners in Don Perkins hits a chopper to first. Chaney knocks it down and flips to Matos for the out. Emory Cameron grounds out to third.
Bottom: Yasutoki Ine grounds out to second. Augusto Rodriquez doubles to deep left-center. Cody Johnson strikes out swinging. Kent Davis singles to left-center, scoring Rodriquez. Roberto Perez grounds out to the pitcher.
New Castle 4, Norfolk 1

Inning 6:
Top: Steven Wilson grounds out to second. Lee Berry doubles to center. Lee Devlin strikes out. Ricardo Flores grounds out to short.
Bottom: Jose Rodriquez strikes out. Pablo Freitas strikes out. Julio Romero strikes out.
New Castle 4, Norfolk 1

Inning 7:
Top: Now pitching Ivan Pineda. Gilberto Ramos comes in for Julio Romero and will play first, Chaney moves from first to catcher... Augusto Guzman singles up the middle. Brian Cline strikes out. Chaney guns down Guzman trying to steal second. Jorge Alonso grounds out to short.
Bottom: Jacob Chaney singles up the middle. Yasutoki Ine grounds into the 5-4-3 DP. Augusto Rodriquez grounds out to third.
New Castle 4, Norfolk 1

Inning 8:
Top: Don Perkins lines out to second. Emory Cameron grounds out to third. Steven Wilson singles to right. Wild pitch moves Wilson to second. Lee Berry goes down swinging.
Bottom: Kevin Howse pinch hits for Cody Johnson... Howse flies out to center. Kent Davis walks... Ken Minahan replaces Hollis on the mound... Roberto Perez doubles to right, moving Davis over to third... Cristo Rojas the lefty comes in to face Jose Rodriquez... Jose Rodriquez grounds out to short, scoring Davis, moving Perez over to third... Carlos Martinez, a righty, comes into pitch... Pablo Freitas singles to left, scoring Perez. Freitas steals second. Gilberto Ramos slaps the ball to right field scoring Freitas. Jacob Chaney flies out to right.
New Castle 4, Norfolk 4

Inning 9:
Top: Dalton Whitaker comes into pitch... Lee Devlin singles to right. Ricardo Flores flies out to right. Augusto Guzman pops out to short. Brian Cline strikes out swinging.
Bottom: Ashton George is now pitching... Yasutoki Ine lines out to right. Augusto Rodriquez flies out to center. Kevin Howse grounds out to short.
New Castle 4, Norfolk 4

Inning 10:
Top: Jorge Alonso flies out to right. Don Perkins strikes out. Emory Cameron walks. Jonathan Cook goes down swinging.
Bottom: Kent Davis grounds out to second. Roberto Perez strikes out. Jose Rodrique lines out to first.
New Castle 4, Norfolk 4

Inning 11:
Top: Lee Berry singles up the middle. Berry steals second. Lee Devlin pops out to the catcher. Ricardo Flores singles to right-center, moving Berry to third... Will Rose comes into pitch... Augusto Guzman hits a routine fly ball to left. Berry tags and scores. Brian Cline flies out to deep left.
Bottom: Jack Casey is now on the hill for New Castle... Freitas grounds out to short. Gilberto Ramos strikes out. Jacob Chaney singles to right. Yasutoki Ine grounds out to third to end the game.
New Castle 5, Norfolk 4
The Series is now tied 3-3

W: Aston George (1-1)
L: Dalton Whitaker (1-1)
S: Jack Casey (1)

POG: Lee Devlin

Recap: After falling behind early the Cavaliers fought back and send the game into extra innings. Dalton Whitaker was probably kept in the game 1 batter too many giving up a lead off hit in his 3rd inning of work. And the Colonials manufactured the winning run. Lee Devlin and Steven Wilson each had 3 hits for the Colonials and Kent Davis, Jacob Chaney and Pablo Freitas each had 2 hits for the Cavaliers.

[illeracula]

Pregame Notes: Game 7 should be a fun game, it is all hands on deck... Coming into the series we had 4 starters that were all "hot" and I haven't felt like we have had a "hot" starter outing yet. Maybe Mateo and game 7 will be different. Lets just get it over with...

Lineup: Kent Davis (CF), Roberto Perez (3B), Jose Rodriquez (LF), Jacob Chaney (C), Julio Romero (DH), Gilberto Ramos (1B), Yasutoki Ine (2B), Augusto Rodriquez (SS)

Ine has earned his spot in the lineup, and has played great defense. Rodriquez hasn't hit, but his defense has kept him in the lineup. Gilberto Ramos brings 20 defense to first-base and hopefully a hot-bat...

Game 7:
Andy Nelson (ND in game 3 / 5.1 innings, 13 hits, 7 runs)
vs
Carlos Mateo (ND in game 3 / 2.0 innings, 5 hits, 6 runs)

Inning 1:
Top: Lee Devlin flies out to right. Ricardo Flores singles up the middle. Augusto Guzman walks, moving Flores to second. Brian Cline grounds into the 5-4-3 inning ending DP.
Bottom: Kent Davis grounds out to first. Roberto Perez grounds out to third. Jose Rodriquez flies out to left.
New Castle 0, Norfolk 0

Inning 2:
Top: Jorge Alonso flies out to the warning track in center. Don Perkins grounds out to short. Emory Cameron flies out to left.
Bottom: Pablo Freitas strikes out. Jacob Chaney flies out to center. Julio Romero strikes out.
New Castle 0, Norfolk 0

Inning 3:
Top: Steven Wilson grounds out to third. Lee Berry walks. Berry steals second. Lee Devlin singles to left scoring Berry. Ricardo Flores grounds into the 5-4-3 DP.
Bottom: Gilberto Ramos pops up to second, Don Perkins drops it, Ramos is safe at first. Yasutoki Ine lays the perfect sac-bunt, moving Ramos to second. Augusto Rodriquez grounds out to third, moving Ramos to third. Kent Davis singles up the middle scoring Ramos. Roberto Perez singles to right-center. Davis is gunned out trying to steal 3rd.
New Castle 1, Norfolk 1

Inning 4:
Top: Augusto Guzman walks. Guzman steals second. Brian Cline pops out to first. Jorge Alonso strikes out. Don Perkins grounds out to third.
Bottom: Jose Rodriquez walks. Pablo Freitas strikes out. On the 2-strike hit and run Chaney strikes out and Rodriquez overslides second and is tagged out.
New Castle 1, Norfolk 1

Inning 5:
Top: Emory Cameron grounds out to second. Steven Wilson doubles to center. Lee Berry singles to left, moving Wilson to third. Lee Devlin strikes out. Ricarod Flores strikes out.
Bottom: Julio Romero gets hit by the pitch and takes first. After failing on the sacrifice attempt Gilberto Ramos strikes out. Yasutoki Ine flies out to deep center. Augusto Rodriquez reaches second and Julio Romero goes to third when Augusto Guzman drops the fly ball to right. Kent Davis flies out to left.
New Castle 1, Norfolk 1

Inning 6:
Top: Augusto Guzman goes down 3-1. Brian Cline hits the 1-2 pitch 432 feet dead center for the HR. Jorge Alonso flies out to left. Don Perkins strikes out.
Bottom: Roberto Perez reaches on an infield single. Jose Rodriquez gets drilled by the pitch. Moving Perez to second. Pablo Freitas ground into the fielders choice, moving Perez to third. Jacob Chaney flies out to right, scoring Perez. Freitas steals second. Julio Romero takes one for the team and trots to first. Gilberto Ramos singles slowly up the middle scoring Freitas, moving Romero to third. Yasutoki Ine grounds back to the pitcher.
New Castle 2, Norfolk 3

Inning 7:
Top: Emory Cameron strikes out. Steve Wilson grounds out to second. Lee Berry strikes out.
Bottom: Augusto Rodriquez flies out to center. Kent Davis grounds out to second. Roberto Perez singles to right-center. Jose Rodriquez gives the Cavalies some insurance hitting a 381 foot bomb to right-center. Pablo Freitas flies out to center.
New Castle 2, Norfolk 5

Inning 8:
Top: Lee Devlin strikes out. Ricardo Flores HR's to left. Augusto Guzman strikes out... Don Sweetapple enters the game... Brian Cline strikes out.
Bottom: Jacob Chaney grounds out to first. Julio Romero singles to right. Gilberto Ramos ropes one into left for a single. Yasutoki Ine grounds into the 3-6-3 double play.
New Castle 3, Norfolk 5

Inning 9:
Top: Jorge Alonso pops out to short. Don Perkins strikes out. Emory Cameron singles up the middle. Steven Wilson pops out to first to end the game!
New Castle 3, Norfolk 5
Norfolk wins the series 4-3!!!!

W: Carlos Mateo (1-0)
L: Andy Nelson (0-1)
S: Don Sweetapple (1)
HR: NFK: Ricardo Flores (1), Brina Cline (3)

POG: Ricardo Flores

Recap: The Cavaliers had an answer everytime the Colonials scored, as they just didn't give up. Andy Nelson threw 8 solid innings, but Mateo and Sweetapple were just that much better. Mateo went 7.2 innings, giving up 6 hits and 3 runs, while striking out 8. Roberto Perez had 3 hits and 2 runs for the Cavaliers and Ricardo Flores had 2 hits, including a solo-HR for the Colonials.

Series MVP: Jose Rodriquez. Jose hit .240 for the series, but it included 3 HR's and 10 RBI's and 5 runs scored.

Dalton Whitaker was a close runner-up going 1-1 with a save, giving up 1 run in 3 games, 6.1 innings, while striking out 11. If he had a little more in him he would pitched in game 7, which a save would of given him the award.

[NYY #23]

Congratulations on the win! I was a disappointed Sweetapple couldn't get the job done in Game 5, so it was nice to see him close things out in relief in Game 7. Looking forward to see how things shake out in the offseason, but I'm glad you won before the budget troubles hit.

[illeracula]

Norfolk topped New Castle 5-3 today at Cavailiers Ballpark to win the DELMARVA Baseball League League Championship. The Cavaliers took the series 4-3.

"This victory belonged to the entire city of Norfolk and all our great fans," said the team's owner as he hoisted the championship trophy for the 2nd time. "Our town and our fans support us all the time ... in the good times and the bad."

It was an outstanding year for the Cavaliers as they ended up in first place in the MarVa Conference Western Division with a 112-50 regular-season mark.

[illeracula]

Don Sweetapple voids last contract year: You have just been informed by Don Sweetapple that he has decided not to execute his player option of the last contract year. He will test free agency.

We will miss Sweetapple, he is one of the games greats. He put together 4 solid years for the Cavaliers and we wouldn't of won two Championships without him. We wish him luck.

Don Sweetapple, Age 31
Stuff: 14/14
Movement: 12/12
Control: 18/18
Stamina: 20/20
Groundball Pct: 55%
Velocity: 93-95 Mph

I don't like to give starters hitting the age of 30 long term contracts so when we agreed on his original extension I thought I was making a good deal. In hindsight I should of tried to sign him for 4 or 5 more years. We asked Sweetapple if he'd like to stay with his and his agent got back to us with an absurd 8 year / 19 million per offer. That won't happen, but on the free market he may get close to that.

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

Congratulations on the win! I was a disappointed Sweetapple couldn't get the job done in Game 5, so it was nice to see him close things out in relief in Game 7. Looking forward to see how things shake out in the offseason, but I'm glad you won before the budget troubles hit.

Thanks! That was fun 7-game series, one which I was getting really frustrated and I am so happy it ended on that note... I will sleep well tonight, lol... Yes it was nice that Sweetapple left his mark during this series after 2-non Sweetapple starts. His first relief appearance in 137, regular season and post season appearances.

I am adding 4 teams to the league this off-season, so that puts another wrinkle into the mix. We will have a really interesting starting rotation next season, it just won't feel right without Sweetapple there that is for sure.

[illeracula]

* Repeat Leader in same category

Delaware Conference:
AVG: Francisco Durango (Georgetown Sixteens) .333
Hits: Jeff Lewis (Newark Millers) 199
2B: Fred Bishop (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 38
3B: Jeff Lewis (Newark Millers) 18
HR: Peter Peters (New Castle Colonials) 59
RBI: Peter Peters (New Castle Colonials) 156
Runs: Peter Peters (New Castle Colonials) 147*
SB: Pedro Galvan (Dover Generals) 45
Total Bases: Peter Peters (New Castle Colonials) 404
OPS: Peter Peters (New Castle Colonials) 1.164*
WAR: Peter Peters (New Castle Colonials) 12.4*

Peter Peters is in line to win his 3rd Silver Slugger Award, leading the league in Runs, RBI's, HR's, WAR, TB, XBH, ISO, BB's, OBPCT, SLG, OPS and 2nd in AVG. Enough said?

ERA: Jerry Copeland (Dover Generals) 2.72
W: Ron Cantrell (New Castle Colonials) 19
K's: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 251*
Saves: Bill Fox (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 41
L: Paul Randolph (Milton Brewers) 18
IP: Ron Cantrell (New Castle Colonials) 252.1
K/9: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 9.79
K/BB: Jarred Perry (Lewes Braves) 13.31
WHIP: Jose Herrera (Georgetown Sixteens) 0.95
WAR: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 8.1*

The Golden Arm Award should come down to two players Rod Cantrell and Marcos Estrada.
Marcos Estrada 10-18 3.47 ERA 230.2 IP 215 H 251 K 1.02 WHIP 124 ERA+ 8.1 WAR
Rod Cantrell 19-11 3.21 ERA 252.1 211 H 183 K 1.07 WHIP 134 ERA+ 7.5 WAR

MarVa Conference:
AVG: Steve Williams (Annapolis Admirals) .356
Hits: Kent Davis (Baltimore Barons) 249*
2B: Tony Soto (Baltimore Barons) 41
3B: Cliff Jones (Washington Senators) 14*
HR: Francisco Reyes (Ocean City Tourists) 49
RBI: Francisco Reyes (Ocean City Tourists) 130
Runs(t): Kent Davis (Norfolk Admirals) 132
Runs(t): Roberto Perez (Norfolk Admirals) 132
SB: Roberto Perez (Norfolk Cavaliers) 62
Total Bases: Francisco Reyes (Ocean City Tourists) 368
OPS: Alberto Trujillo (Annapolis Admirals) .975
WAR: Kent Davis (Norfolk Admirals) 7.7

It will be hard to see someone other than Kent Davis to win the Silver Slugger Award. Kent was the sparkplug to this team, if he doesn't then it should be Roberto Perez. If not either of them, it will be a surprise to me.
Kent Davis .352 249 H 39 2B 6 3B 1 HR 75 RBI 133 R 58 SB .815 OPS 121 OPS+ 7.7 WAR
Roberto Perez .301 192 H 21 2B 10 3B 24 HR 93 RBI 133 R 62 SB .880 OPS 137 OPS+ 6.2 WAR

ERA: Miguel Contreras (Ocean City Tourists) 2.35*
W(t): Miguel Contreras (Ocean City Tourists) 20*
W(t): Jorge Moran (Chesapeake Blue Crabs) 20
K's: Miguel Contreras (Ocean City Tourists) 259*
Saves: Dalton Whitaker (Norfolk Cavaliers) 52
L: Dan Jones (Ocean City Tourists) 17
IP: Miguel Contreras (Ocean City Tourists) 253.0
K/9: Barney Butler (Washington Senators) 9.37*
K/BB: Miguel Contreras (Ocean City Tourists) 9.59*
WHIP: Don Sweetapple (Norfolk Cavaleirs) 0.97
WAR: Miguel Contreras (Ocean City Tourists) 11.8*

Miguel Contreras won the pitching triple crown again this year and will be most likely the Golden Arm Award winner. I think there should be discussion between Miguel, Don Sweetapple and Dalton Whitaker. But ultamitely Miguels 11.8 WAR is going to put him over the top.
Miguel Contreras 20-5 2.35 ERA 253.0 IP 220 H 259 K 0.98 WHIP 189 ERA+ 11.8 WAR
Don Sweetapple 19-6 2.47 ERA 248.0 193 H 217 K 0.97 WHIP 180 ERA+ 6.6 WAR
Dalton Whitaker 7-4 2.64 ERA 77 G 52 SV 81.2 IP 49 H 119 K 0.96 WHIP 168 ERA+ 1.8 WAR

New League Records - 2016
SLG - Peter Peters .699
At-Bats - Kent Davis 708
Hits - Kent Davis 249
Runs - Peter Peters 147
1B - Kent Davis 203
3B - Jeff Lewis 18
SB - Roberto Perez 62 (tie)
WAR - Peter Peters 12.4

SV - Dalton Whitaker 52
K - Miguel Contreras 259
BB - Andres Gonzalez 141
WAR - Miguel Contreras 11.8

**Norfolk Cavaliers on the Leader Board**

AVG (2) Kent Davis .352
OBP (5) Roberto Perez .402
SLG (4) Jose Rodriquez .542
SLG (5) Derek Campbell .529
WAR (3) Roberto Perez 6.2
WAR (5) Pablo Freitas 5.3
Hits (5) Roberto Perez 192
2B (3) Kent Davis 39
3B (2) Roberto Perez 10
3B (3) Jesus Rivera 9
3B (5) Gilberto Ramos 7
RBI (2) Jose Rodriquez 122
RBI (6) Pablo Freitas 101
SB (2) Kent Davis 58
BB (3) Roberto Perez 107
XBH (6) Roberto Perez 70
K (5) Pablo Freitas 125
ISO (4) Derek Campbell .258
XBH (6) Jose Rodriquez 63
TB (4) Roberto Perez 305
TB (6) Kent Davis 303

The starters were all over the leader boards, it will be hard to see another pitching staff have this much success. Maybe we will get lucky and be able to duplicate it agian next year or two years down the road, but it was really impressive.

ERA (2) Don Sweetapple 2.47
ERA (3) Jose Matos 2.66
ERA (5) Carlos Mateo 3.22
ERA (6) Karl Armstrong 3.59
W (3) Don Sweetapple 19
W (3) Karl Armstrong 19
W (6) Carlos Mateo 17
IP (2) Don Sweetapple 248.0
IP (5) Karl Armstrong 228.1
SHO (1) Don Sweetapple 2
SHO (1) Karl Armstrong 2
Hits/9 (1) Carlos Mateo 6.70
Hits/9 (2) Don Sweetapple 7.00
Hits/9 (3) Jose Matos 7.19
Hits/9 (5) Karl Armstrong 7.33
K's (4) Don Sweetapple 217
K's/9 (5) Don Sweetapple 7.88
K's/BB (2) Don Sweetapple 4.62
K's/BB (5) Jose Matos 3.84
OAVG (1) Carlos Mateo .204
OAVG (2) Don Sweetapple .211
OAVG (4) Jose Matos .218
OAVG (5) Karl Armstrong .223
WHIP (1) Don Sweetapple 0.97
WHIP (3) Jose Matos 1.01
WHIP (5) Carlos Mateo 1.14
FIP (2) Jose Matos 2.99
FIP (4) Don Sweetapple 3.35
FIP (6) Karl Armstrong 3.81
WAR (2) Jose Matos 6.8
WAR (3) Don Sweetapple 6.6

[illeracula]

Got an email from the owner, Bill Parker, and he is raising our budget up to $95,000,000, this is still the worse in the league, but should give us a little more flexibility. But that being said we have a ton of arbitration cases that we need to figure out. At least with Expansion we will lose some players to the draft, but that doesn't mean it will save us a lot of money. Currently we are looking at $73.7 million in obligated salaries.

We have 14 players eligible for arbitration, and 3 players available for Free Agency. I am going to let Pat Shelton walk, try to work out an agreement with Will Rose before he claims free-agency and I will give a list ditch effort by offering arbitration to Don Sweetapple. Its highly unlikely, but worth the try.

I am looking forward to expansion so I can trim more salary, players like Elmer Hawkins, Mason Foster, Gilberto Ramos will be left unprotected in the draft.

[illeracula]

Year's Best Gloves Selected by Delaware Conference: Good defense can be the difference between taking the championship and coming in second. The Delaware Conference announced its top defenders at each position today. Here are the Glove Wizard Award winners for 2016:

Pitcher: Matt Perry (Milton Brewers) - 2 times
Catcher: Vince Moy (Milford Clippers) - 2 times
First Baseman: Ramón Miranda (Georgetown Sixteens)
Second Baseman: Kenny Lee (Milton Brewers) - 2 times
Third Baseman: San-pao Xin (Dover Generals)
Shortstop: Errol Williams (Newark Millers)
Left Fielder: Abdul-Hafiz Abdul-Majid (Newark Millers)
Center Fielder: Andrés Salinas (Dover Generals) - 3 times
Right Fielder: Peter Peters (New Castle Colonials) - 2 times

Top Fielders Honored by MarVa Conference: The Glove Wizard Award winners don't get the recognition of the home run hitters, but they are very much appreciated by managers, their teammates and by the fans, who know the value of defensive excellence. Great defense makes a difference in baseball. This year's top glovemen in the MarVa Conference are:

Pitcher: António Alonzo (Richmond Cardinals)
Catcher: William Sloan (Washington Senators)
First Baseman: Dave Hughes (Annapolis Admirals)
Second Baseman: José Colón (Annapolis Admirals) - 2 times
Third Baseman: Eugene Johnston (Washington Senators)
Shortstop: Máximo Sánchez (Washington Senators)
Left Fielder: Pablo Freitas (Norfolk Cavaliers) - 2 times
Center Fielder: William Russell (Chesapeake Blue Crabs)
Right Fielder: Claudio Cordero (Chesapeake Blue Crabs)

Palbo Freitas is the only Cavalier to take home the Gold Glove, and it is his second. He plays a full season he wins the gold glove, the key to his success is to stay healthy. The only other player that I thought had a chance as Jose Escamilla, but he didn't have a 'set' position the 2nd half of the season.

[illeracula]

Davis Top Rookie This Year: The premier rookie performer in the Delaware Conference was Wilmington center fielder Leonard Davis. He was honored today by league officials as the 2016 Newcomer Award winner.

Davis put up some good numbers, including a .304 batting average and .343 on-base percentage, while racking up 17 home runs, 53 RBIs and 61 runs scored.

MarVa Conference Picks Best Rookie: For several weeks the rumor mill had it that the 2016 Newcomer Award winner was a foregone conclusion and the trophy would go to Baltimore left fielder, Marcos Gómez. It is no longer a rumor -- the MarVa Conference made it official today.

Gómez won the award by hitting .289 and collecting 182 hits, 13 home runs, 55 RBIs and 45 walks. He scored 88 runs and posted a .347 on-base percentage.

Notes: the Cavaliers haven't had a "rookie" contend for this award the past two seasons, next year might be different if a pitcher can win the award we will (possibly) have one in our starting rotation, and possibly two.

[illeracula]

Delaware Conference Outstanding Skipper Award Given to Guardio: Guilherme Guardio skippered the Dover Generals to a very successful year and has been acclaimed as the 2016 Delaware Conference Manager of the Year.

He kept it short and sweet in the press conference as he accepted the award, "Thanks, but it wasn't just me out there this season."

The Generals finished the regular season in first place in the Delaware Conference Southern Division with a 89-73 record.

MarVa Conference Names Top Skipper: Alastair Turcotte has molded the Norfolk Cavaliers into a top-flight MarVa Conference team. The 2016 Skipper of the Year came into spring training with a commitment to getting the most out of his Cavaliers.

"I told them I had no preconceived notions about them, that all of them were blank slates as far as I was concerned. I told them to learn my system and we would win. I told them all the spots on the roster were open, that the best players would play -- young or old, rookie or vet -- and that I expected them to hustle, to work hard, and play as a team. They bought into it and made me look good."

And Alastair Turcotte certainly got the most out of his ballclub. The Cavaliers wrapped up the season in first place in the MarVa Conference Western Division with a 112-50 record.

Notes: Alastair the one time bench coach, promoted to manager, placed on the hot seat, has turned himself into one of the games best, winning the manager of the year award for the second time. With 301-185 record as a manager he has been more than we ever expected. He will have his hands full next season, without a Sweetapple holding down the fort.