DELMARVA Baseball League

[illeracula]

Current Week: 3-2 (117-45 (+33))
Next Week: **Playoffs Start**
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 90
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Runs Scored: 943 (1st)
Avg: .293 (2nd)
HR: 163 (5th) << went from 8th to 5th since aquiring Francisco Reyes
SB: 190 (1st)
Runs Against: 518 (1st)
Starters ERA: 3.20 (1st)
Pen ERA: 2.34 (1st)
Def Eff: .714 (1st)

Injury News: We got some good news before the week started. Ron Reilly is dealing with some hamstring soreness but won't miss anytime, he is still shut down for the rest of the season. And King Brock will 3 days, with a strained rib cage. He should get some swings in the season finale.

Game 158: Baltimore 3, Norfolk 6
Miguel Contreras (18-2) finished the season off strong, going 6.2 innings, allowing 7 hits and 2 runs. He struck out 5 and walked 1. Derek Carter finished off the game for the save (4). The offense was lead by red-hot Joe Chambers who had 3 hits, and Francisco Gallegos and Kent Davis who each added 2. Francisco Reyes hit a 3-run HR (51).

Eastern Division Race: Annapolis + 1
Annapolis beat Salisbury 8-7, Baltimore lost to Norfolk 6-3
Ocean City beat Chesapeake 7-0 (1 loss or a win by Annapolis or Baltimore they will be eliminated)

Game 159: Norfolk 3, Chesapeake 4
Min-Bum O (ND) got the start, and did a good job in his debut going 7.2 innings, allowing 6 hits and 3 runs. He walked 2 and struck out 4. (not sure why Hollis didn't get the start). Luis Gonzalez (0-4) took the loss, allowing 3 hits and 1, without retiring a batter. The offense collected 9 hits with Kent Davis getting 3 of them, including a HR (6). Ed Duke added 2 hits and 2 RBI's, including a HR (28). Kent Davis collected 2 hits raising his season total to 198, as he tries to keep his streak of 200+ hit seasons alive. He has 4 in a row.

Eastern Division Race: Annapolis +1
Annapolis beats Washington 3-2
Baltimore beats Richmond 8-7
Ocean City Eliminated

Game 160: Norfolk 8, Chesapeake 3
Arturo Ramirez (13-3) went 8.2 innings, allowing 6 hits and 3 runs, while striking out 5. The offense flexed their muscle today, hitting 4 HR's. Joe Chambers hit a solo-HR (8) for his only hit. Francisco Reyes collected 2 hits and 2 RBI's, hitting a solo-HR (52). Ed Duke had 3 hits and 3 RBI's, he also hit a solo-HR (29). And Augusto Rodriquez added the fourth HR (9) a 2-run shot.

Eastern Division Race: Annapolis +1
Annapolis lost to Washington 6-7
Baltimore lost to Richmond 1-8

Game 161: Norfolk 11, Chesapeake 2
Paul Brown (3-2) bounced back from two rocky starts, going 6 innings allowing 3 hits and 2 runs. He did walk 6, but struck out 4. Ernesto Beneques threw 3 innings of 1 hit ball for the save (1). Jeff Lewis lead the offense with a 3 hit day, he collected 2 runs, 2 RBI's and 2 walks. He also hit a solo-HR (16). King Brock rejoined the lineup, with a big day going 2-4 with 4 RBI's, including a grand-slam (29). Joe Chambers continued to streak hitting a 2-run HR (9) in his only at-bat. Augusto Rodriquez added 2 hits. Kent Davis went 0-5, he will need 2 hits in the season finale.

Eastern Division Race: Annapolis Clinches
Annapolis beat Washington 7-4
Baltimore lost to Richmond 1-2

Game 162: Norfolk 3, Chesapeake 4
Vaughan Griffith (9-10) took the loss going 5.2 innings, allowing 4 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks. He struck out 6 and gave up 2 HR's. The offense was lead by King Brock 2-3 with a solo-HR (30) and Fransico Reyes 1-4 with a 2-run HR (53). Jeff Lewis alos added 2 hits. Kent Davis collected 1 hit and ends the season with 199 hits.

Around the League:

• Roberto Perez of the Ocean City Tourists will head into to the 2019 with a 22 game hitting streak.
• Grant Wright of the Lewes Braves took home his first batting title. The 39 year old lead the Delaware Conf with a .352 average.
• Jeff Lewis of the Norfolk Cavaliers won his first batting title, hitting .342, while collecting 213 hits.

Playoff Match-ups:
Northern: New Castle Colonials vs. Southern: Lewes Braves
Eastern: Annapolis Admirals vs. Western: Norfolk Cavaliers

** I am totally disappointed in the crash of the Barons, they finished September with a 8-17 record, losing 8 of their last 10. They won at least 14 games every other month this season **

Players of the Week:
Delaware: n/a
MarVa: n/a

Power Rankings (not updated):
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (143.7)
2) New Castle Colonials (115.9)
3) Lewes Braves (114.2)
4) Annapolis Admirals (112.0)
5) Richmond Cardinals (108.7)

GM Notes: What does Francisco Reyes mean to this team? Well in 66 games he was 3rd in HR's and 5th in RBI's. He gives us that power man in the middle, the threat of tying the game or winning the game with one swing... Figuring out the #3 and #4 starts for the playoffs is going to be tough. I am not sure if I should put Vaughan in the pen or Arturo. One thought is put Arturo as the closer, he throws strikes and gets grounders, but Vaughan gives up a lot of HR's and the Admirals are a power team. Something to think about before game 1... I am glad King Brock isn't out for too long, he is a threat in the middle of the order. I have made a lineup change lately moving Kent Davis back to the lead-off slot (he wasn't happy hitting 3rd, last year he wasn't happy leading off, go figure) and Ed Duke to 3rd. Duke has been red-hot, think it has something to do with hitting after Jeff Lewis and before Reyes??... Time to get this team ready for the playoffs and a chance to 4-peat. I know the Admirals are ready to take us down.

Francisco Reyes Watch:
Before: 93 G .309-32-74
After: 66 G .298-21-74

[illeracula]

Delaware Conference
New Castle Colonials vs Lewes Braves

New Castle Colonials:
Playoff Appearances: 3 (2016, 2018, 2019)
Last Appearance: 2018
Titles: 0

Runs Scored: 856 (1st)
Runs Against: 678 (3rd)

Season versus Lewes: 9-11

Top Players:
Peter Peters, RF, .316-33-105
Jorge Alonso, LF, .309-3-133
Jose Matos, SP, 17-8 3.34
Aaron Nicholas, CL, 44 SV, 1.83

Key Injuries:
None

Keys to Winning:
The Colonials will need to score runs off the top pitching staff in the Delaware Conference. Peter Peters is the key to this offense, on the season he hit .375-4-11 against the Braves. If he can continue to hit they should be in a good slot to appear in the Championship.

Key Players (vs the Braves's this season):
Jesus Rivera: .173-2-5
Peter Peters: .375-4-11
Keith White: 1-2 2.70

Lewes Braves:
Playoff Appearances: 2 (2015,2019)
Last Appearance: 2015
Titles: 1 (2015)

Runs Scored: 831 (3rd)
Runs Against: 632 (1st)

Season versus New Castle: 11-9

Top Players:
Leonard Davis, RF, .290-38-103
Charles Culligan, 1B, .276-31-97
Jarred Perry, SP, 16-9 3.02
Carlos Rodriquez, CL, 48 SV, 2.47

Key Injuries:
Grant Wright (OF) .352-9-56
Cristobal Diaz (SP) 7 GS, 2-3 3.20
Rod Cantrell (SP) 21 GS, 9-6 3.64

Keys to Winning:
The Braves will need to hit the ball. Only one player on the Braves hit better than .300 on the season agains the Colonials, Jake Judkins @ .333 in 72 AB's. If they can't get good swings agains the Colonials pitching the Braves won't be visiting the Championships this year.

Key Players (vs the Colonials's this season):
Leonard Davis: .237-5-11
Matherw Keys: .156-0-1 (64 AB's)
Jarred Perry: 2-2 4.13

Prediction: When its all said and done the Colonials will be heading back to the DelMarVa Championship game. Their hitting is just going to be to tough for the Braves pitching. The Colonials will make easy work of the Braves and win the series in 5 games.

MarVa Conference
Annapolis Admrials vs Norfolk Cavaliers

Annapolis Admirals:
Playoff Appearances: 5 (2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Last Appearance: 2018
Titles: 0

Runs Scored: 845 (3rd)
Runs Against: 725 (3rd)

Season versus Norfolk: 7-9

Top Players:
Abraham Thomas, DH, .293-56-142
Jorge Gutierrez, SS, .312-32-92
Marcos Estrada, SP, 19-8 2.92
Ed Yoder, CL, 27 SV, 1.70

Key Injuries:
Javier Uberuaga (SP) 4 GS, 2-1 4.44
Tony Knox (CF) 67 G, .336-4-41 19 SB

Keys to Winning:
The Admirals will need to score runs against the Cav's pitching, with 2 of the leagues top startings getting 4 starts, that is imperative. If they can beat Contreras or Hollis they will be in the drivers seat.

Key Players (vs the Cav's this season):
Abraham Thomas: .230-5-9
Marcos Estrada: 2-1 2.01
Joe Gould: 0-2 5.00

Norfolk Cavaliers:
Playoff Appearances: 5 (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
Last Appearance: 2018
Titles: 4

Runs Scored: 943 (1st)
Runs Against: 518 (1st)

Season versus Annapolis: 9-7

Top Players:
Jeff Lewis, RF, .342-16-106
Francisco Reyes, 1B, .305-53-148
Miguel Contreras, SP, 18-2 2.60
Matt Hollis, SP, 20-6 2.49

Key Injuries:
Maik Wassink (IF) 24 G, .323-0-10
Shawn Brock (SP) 9 GS, 6-2 4.30
Dalton Whitaker (CL) 63 G, 43 SV, 6-4 1.64
Will Rose (MR) 27 G, 1 SV, 2-0 3.71
Javier Janchez (LF) 84 G, .252-6-33

Keys to Winning:
The Cavaliers will need to hit the ball. Kent Davis (.174-0-3) and King Brock (.175-0-2) two key offensive threats for the Cav's struggled against the Admirals this season. Both players head into the season on hot-streaks, which they have to maintain if they want any chance of winning this series.

Key Players (vs Annapolis this season):
Ron Reilly, 0-2 6.04
Jeff Lewis, .328-1-11
Joe Chambers, .314-1-2

Prediction: Its hard to bet against a team that has won the title the past 3 years and has 2 of the games best pitchers on their staff. The injury to the closer (Dalton Whitaker) really hurts. This series is going to be brawl with both teams beating up and knocking each other over... and when the dust settles the Cavaliers will walk away with a game 7 Victory and another shot at the title.

[illeracula]

MarVa Conference
Game 1: Annapolis Admirals @ Norfolk Cavaliers
Attendance: 43,369

Starting Lineups:
Admirals:
Kiyonobu Matsurra LF
Sanho Busones 3B
Glenn Jenkins DH
Abraham Thomas 1B
Jorge Gutierrez SS
Jose Colon 2B
Roberto Chavez CF
William Sloan C
Jose Rodriquez RF

Joe Gould P

Cavaliers:
Kent Davis CF
Jeff Lewis RF
Ed Duke C
Francisco Reyes 1B
King Brock DH
Mauro Candelaria 2B
Sergio Galvez LF
Joe Chambers 3B
Augusto Rodriquez SS

Miguel Contreras P

Inning 1:
Top: Matsurra Walks. Busones lines out to CF. Matsurra Steals second. Jenkins Doubles to Right, Matsurra scores. Thomas grounds out to third. Gutierrez ground out to short.
Bottom: Davis grounds to 1B, E3 sends him to second. Davis to third on WP. Lewis strikes out. Duke flies out shallow left. Reyes grounds out to third.
Annapolis 1, Norfolk 0

Inning 2:
Top: Colon grounds out to second. Chavez doubles down the RF line. Chavez steals third. Sloan strikes out. Rodriquez flies out left.
Bottom: Brock flies out to left-center. Candelaria pops out to short. Galvez walks. Chambers strikes out.
Annapolis 1, Norfolk 0

Inning 3:
Top: Matsuura grounds out to first. Busones strikes out. Jenkins flies out to center.
Bottom: Rodriquez flies out right. Davis singles up the middle. Davis steals second. Lewis grounds out to short, Davis to third. Davis scores on a WP. Ed Duke walks. Reyes grounds out to third.
Annapolis 1, Norfolk 1

Inning 4:
Top: Thomas singles up the middle. Gutierrez strikes out. Colon flies out to deep center. Chavez strikes out.
Bottom: Brock strikes out. Candelaria flies out to center. Galvez pops out to the catcher.
Annapolis 1, Norfolk 1

Inning 5:
Top: Sloan flies out to center. Rodriquez strikes out. Matsuura grounds out to third.
Bottom: Chambers pops out to short. Rodriquez flies out to center. Davis strikes out.
Annapolis 1, Norfolk 1

Inning 6:
Top: Busones grounds out to short. Jenkins flies out right. Thomas grounds out to short.
Bottom: Lewis grounds out to third. Duke singles to center. Reyes lines out to third. Brock grounds out to the catcher.
Annapolis 1, Norfolk 1

Inning 7:
Top: Gutierrez doubles down the RF line. Colon singles to left. Gutierrez to third. Chavez strikes out. Sloan strikes out. Rodriquez triples, Gutierrez and Colon score. Matsuura grounds out to third.
Bottom: Candelaria flies out to center. Galvez singles to right. Chambers singles to left, Galvez to second. Rodriquez strikes out. Davis pops out to the catcher.
Annapolis 3, Norfolk 1

Inning 8:
Top: Busones grounds out to third. Jenkins strikes out. Thomas grounds out the pitcher.
Bottom: Defensive Sub: Augusto Guzman comes in to play SS... Lewis hits a 349ft HR down the RF line. Duke follows that up with a 418ft HR over the right-center field wall. Reyes singles to left-center... New Pitcher: Wilson Acosta replaces Joe Gould on the hill... Brock grounds into the 6-4-3. Candelaria grounds out to short.
Annapolis 3, Norfolk 3

Inning 9:
Top: New Pitcher: Jamie King replaces Miguel Contrears (109 pitches)... Guzman grounds out to third. Colon grounds out to the pitcher. Chavez strikes out.
Bottom: New Pitcher: Ed Yoder... Galvez grounds out to the mound. Chambers pops out to short. Rodriquez flies out to right.
Annapolis 3, Norfolk 3

Inning 10:
Top: Sloan strikes out. Rodriquez singles to right. Matsuura singles to right, Rodriquez to second. Busones strikes out... New Pitcher: Elmer Hawkins... Jenkins strikes out.
Bottom: Davis singles up the middle. Lewis grounds weakly to third, Davis to second. Duke flies out to right, Davis tags and moves to third. Reyes ends the game with a 433ft shot over the left-field wall.
Annapolis 3, Norfolk 5
Cavaliers lead Series 1-0

W: Elmer Hawkins (1-0)
L: Ed Yoder (0-1)
HR: Ed Duke, Jeff Lewis, Francisco Reyes
POG: Francisco Reyes 2-5 2 RBI's

Recap: The ex-Cavs, Joe Gould and Jose Rodriquez played key parts in this game today, as Rodriquez drove in 2-runs putting the Cav's in the hole, and Joe Gould dominated till the 8th, probably kept in the game a little too long. But in the end it was the power that won the game for the Cavaliers as they collected 3-HR's. Getting a win with Contreras on the hill is big.

Key Notes: Due to poor staff management the ace of the Admirals staff, Marcos Estrada, isn't scheduled to appear till game 3.

Delaware Conference
New Castle Colonials @ Lewes Braves
Colonials 3, Braves 2

W: Jose Matos (1-0)
L: Jarred Perry (0-1)
S: Aaron Nicholas (1)
HR: Ricardo Flores (1), Marcos Neito (1)

POG: Jose Matos, 8.0 IP, 8 H, 2 Runs, 4 K's

Key Moment: In the top of the 5th, with a 3-2 count and 2 outs, Ricardo Flores took Jarred Perry deep over the left-field wall for a 2-run HR. Breaking the 1-1 tie. It was all the Colonials needed.

New Castle leads 1-0

[illeracula]

Game 2: Annapolis Admirals @ Norfolk Cavaliers
Attendance: 43,494

Starting Lineups:
Admirals:
Kiyonobu Matsurra LF
Sanho Busones 3B
Glenn Jenkins RF
Abraham Thomas 1B
Jorge Gutierrez DH
Jose Colon 2B
Roberto Chavez CF
William Sloan C
Jody Davis SS

Luis Trevino P

* with the lefty on the hill Jose Rodriquez will be on the bench and Jody Davis will replace him in the lineup. Jenkins moves to RF, Davis plays SS and Gutierrez will DH *

Cavaliers:
Kent Davis CF
Jeff Lewis RF
Ed Duke C
Francisco Reyes 1B
King Brock DH
Mauro Candelaria 2B
Sergio Galvez LF
Joe Chambers 3B
Augusto Rodriquez SS

Matt Hollis P

Inning 1:
Top: Matsuura singles to left. Busones strikes out. Jenkins lines out to first. Matsuura moves up on the passed ball. Thomas strikes out.
Bottom: Davis grounds out to the mound. Lewis strikes out. Duke grounds out ot the pitcher.
Annapolis 0, Norfolk 0

Inning 2:
Top: Gutierrez flies out to left. Colon singles to left. Chavez strikes out. Sloan strikes out.
Bottom: Reyes strikes out. Brock flies out to left. Candelaria lines out to frist.
Annapolis 0, Norfolk 0

Inning 3:
Top: Davis bloops one into right. Matsuura grounds into the 5-4-3 DP. Busones flies out to left.
Bottom: Galvez gets hit by the pitch. Chambers lays down the sac-bunt, moving Galvez to second. Rodriquez singles up the middle, Galvez scores. Davis doubles down the left-field line, Rodriquez to third. Lewis strikes out. Duke flies out to center.
Annapolis 0, Norfolk 1

Inning 4:
Top: Jenkins strikes out. Thomas walks. Gutierrez walks, Thomas to second. Colon grounds into a 4-3 DP.
Bottom: Reyes singles to right. Brock lines out to second. Candelaria grounds into an ending ending 4-3 DP.
Annapolis 0, Norfolk 1

Inning 5:
Top: Chavez grounds out to third. Sloan flies out to deep center. Davis walks. Matsuura reaches on a E5, Davis to second. Busones singles to right, Davis scores, Matsuura to second. Jenkins ground out to second.
Bottom: Galvez doubles to left. Chambers grounds out to pitcher, Galvez moves to third. Rodriquez walks. Davis reaches on an E5, Galvez scores, Rodriguez to second. Lewis flies out to center, Rodriguez moves up to third. Duke grounds out 3-1.
Annapolis 1, Norfolk 2

Inning 6:
Top: Thomas grounds out to the pitcher. Gutierrez goes 373ft opposite field to tie the game up. Colon flies out to right. Chavez walks. Sloan strikes out.
Bottom: Reyes singles to left. Brock flies out to center. Reyes steals second, on a blown hit-and-run. Candelaria grounds out to third. Galvez flies out to right.
Annapolis 2, Norfolk 2

Inning 7:
Top: Davis grounds out to short... New Pitcher: Rick Kelly comes into pitch, replacing Hollis (125 pitches)... Matsuura lines out to right. Busones grounds out to third.
Bottom: Chambers strikes out. Rodriguez hustles out a double. Davis flies out to right. Lewis singles to left, Rodriguez scores. Duke grounds out to first.
Annapolis 2, Norfolk 3

Inning 8:
Top: New Pitcher: Elmer Hawkins the lefty enters the game to face the Lefty... Jenkins grounds out to third... New Pitcher: Closer Derek Carter enters the game to face the heart of the Admirals lineup... Thomas drives one 414ft over the right-center field fence. Gutierrez grounds out to short... Pinch Hitter: Jose Rodriquez pinch hits for Colon... Rodriquez grounds out to second.
Bottom: New Pitcher: Wilson Acosta enters the game for the Admirals... Reyes grounds out third. Brock gets his first hit of the series, a 435ft HR over the right-center field wall. Candelaria flies out to right. Galvez grounds out to second.
Annapolis 3, Norfolk 4

Inning 9:
Top: Chavez strikes out. Sloan strikes out... Pinch hitter: Cipriano Rocha, hits for Davis... Rocha grounds out 3-1.
Annapolis 3, Norfolk 4
Norfolk leads the series 2-0

W: Derek Carter (1-)
L: Wilson Acosta (0-1)
HR: Abraham Thomas (1), Jorge Guiterrez (1), King Brock (1)

POG: Augusto Rodriguez: 2-2 2B, Run, RBI

Key Moment: After Sergio Galvez was hit by the pitch, Joe Chambers was called on to lay down a sac-bunt. Chambers has never had a sac-bunt in his career, not even in the minors, and is known as being a poor bunter, but he came through got the bunt down and moved Galvez to second. The next batter Augusto Rodriquez singled up the middling putting the Cavaliers on the board first. Without that bunt, Galvez never scores.

Key Notes: Game 3 will put Arturo Ramirez on the hill against Marcos Estrada. With Contreras in game 1, Hollis in game 2 and Estrada in game 3, this series has been a showcase for the top pitchers in the history of the DelMarVa Baseball League. Game 3 is certainly going to be another exciting/entertaining game.

Delaware Conference
New Castle Colonials @ Lewes Braves
Colonials 1, Braves 2

W: Paul Randolf (1-0)
L: Todd Eldridge (0-1)
SV: Carlos Rodriquez (1)
HR: None

POG: Paul Randolph, 8 IP, 3 H, 1 Run, 3 BB's, 4 K's

Key Moment: With the first 2 hitters for the Colonials reaching base in the top of the 3rd, Paul Randolph, was able to pitch out of the jam. Thanks to a sac-bunt, moving the runners to 2nd and third. A sac-fly scoring the lone run, and then with a 3-2 count Randolph struck out Ricardo Flores ending the threat. The only viable threat the Colonials were able to put together all game.

Series is tied at 1

[illeracula]

MarVa Conference
Game 3: Norfolk Cavaliers @ Annapolis Admirals
Attendance:52,528

Starting Lineups
Cavaliers:
Kent Davis CF
Jeff Lewis RF
Ed Duke C
Francisco Reyes 1B
King Brock DH
Mauro Candelaria 2B
Sergio Galvez LF
Joe Chambers 3B
Augusto Rodriquez SS

Arturo Ramirez P

Admirals:
Kiyonobu Matsurra LF
Sanho Busones 3B
Glenn Jenkins DH
Abraham Thomas 1B
Jorge Gutierrez SS
Jose Colon 2B
Roberto Chavez CF
William Sloan C
Jose Rodriquez RF

Marcos Estrada P
* side note in his playoff career Estrada is 6-1 2.18 in 9 starts.

Inning 1:
Top: Davis grounds out to the pitcher. Lewis drives the first pitch he sees 389 ft over the right-center field wall. Duke doubles to right-center. Reyes grounds out to third. Brock flies out to left.
Bottom: Matsuura fouls out to the catcher. Busones strikes out. Jenkins walks. Thomas flies out to deep left.
Norfolk 1, Annapolis 0

Inning 2:
Top: Candelaria grounds out 3-1. Galvez grounds out to second. Chambers grounds out to first.
Bottom: Gutierrez grounds back to the pitcher. Colon singles to left. Chavez doubles down the right-field line, Colon to third. Sloan strikes out. Rodriquez grounds out to second.
Norfolk 1, Annapolis 0

Inning 3:
Top: Rodriguez singles to left. Davis lines out ot left-field. Lewis flies out to center. Duke grounds out to second.
Bottom: Matsurra doubles to right. Busones doubles to right-center, Matsuura scores. Jenkins singles to right, Busones to third. Thomas grounds into the 1-6-3. Gutierrez walks. Colon doubles down the left-field line, Busones scores, Gutierrez to third. Chavez pops out to short.
Norfolk 1, Annapolis 2

Inning 4:
Top: Reyes grounds to third. Brock singles to center. Candelaria grounds out to first, Brock to second. Galvez strikes out.
Bottom: Sloan singles to left. Rodriguez hits into the 4-6-3. Matsuura singles to right. Busones singles to left, Matsuura hustles to third. Jenkins strikes out.
Norfolk 1, Annapolis 2

Inning 5:
Top: Chambers grounds out to short. Rodriguez lines out to second. Davis grounds out to first.
Bottom: New Pitcher: Jamie King enters the game... Thomas strikes out. Gutierrez grounds out to first. Colon singles up the middle. Chavez strikes out.
Norfolk 1, Annapolis 2

Inning 6:
Top: Lewis singles to right. Duke singles to right, moving Lewis to second. Reyes strikes out. Brock grounds into the 4-6-3 inning killer.
Bottom: Sloan goes down 3-1. Rodriguez goes down 3-1. Matsuura grounds out to third.
Norfolk 1, Annapolis 2

Inning 7:
Top: Candelaria grounds out to second. Galvez goes down swinging. Chambers strikes out.
Bottom: Busones flies out to right. Jenkins strikes out. Thomas reaches on an infield hit. Wild pitch moves Thomas to second. Gutierrez strikes out.
Norfolk 1, Annapolis 2

Inning 8:
Top: Defensive Sub: Augusto Guzman comes in to play short... Rodriguez reaches on an infield single. Davis lies down the sac-bunt, moving Rodriguez to second. Lewis grounds out to short, Rodriguez to third. Duke singles up the middle, Rodriguez scores. Reyes singles up the middle, Duke to second. Brock strikes out.
Bottom: Colon singles to left. Chavez flies out to center. Sloan walks... New Pitcher: Rick Kelly enters the game... Rodriguez singles up the middle, Colon scores, Sloan to second. Matsuura flies out to center. Busones grounds into a FC (6).
Norfolk 2, Annapolis 3

Inning 9:
Top: New Pitcher: Ed Yoder enters the game to try to close it out... Pinch Hitter: Mike Ford will hit for Candelaria... Ford grounds out to the pitcher. Glavez lines out to short... Pinch Hitter: Pat Hall will hit for Chambers... Hall Strikes out.
Norfolk 2, Annapolis 3
Norfolk leads the series 2-1

W: Marcos Estrada (1-0)
L: Jamie King (0-1)
S: Ed Yoder (1)
HR: Jeff Lewis (2)

POG: Jose Colon, 4-4 double, Run, RBI

Key Moment: In the 6th inning the Cavaliers started off with 2 quick hits, then Estrada struck out Reyes and then got King Brock to hit into the inning ending double play.

Delaware Conference
Lewes Braves @ New Castle Colonials
New Castle 7, Lewes 2

W: Keith White (1-0)
L: Jesus Garcia (0-1)
HR: Felipe Marquez (1), Steven Wilson (1)

POG: Felipe Marquez, 3-4, HR, Run, RBI

Key Moment: After the Braves jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, the Colonials answered right back, with a lead-off single, followed by a triple and sac-fly. Taking the lead and momentum away from the Braves.

New Castle leads the series 2-1

[illeracula]

MarVa Conference
Game 4: Norfolk Cavaliers @ Annapolis Admirals
Attendance: 52,728

Starting Lineups
Cavaliers:
Kent Davis CF
Jeff Lewis RF
Ed Duke C
Francisco Reyes 1B
King Brock DH
Mauro Candelaria 2B
Sergio Galvez LF
Joe Chambers 3B
Augusto Rodriquez SS

Ron Reilly P
* I almost went with rookie Paul Brown, but in the end chose Reilly. Tough call to make... Reilly has struggled against the Admirals this season (0-2 6.04) and in the Post Season (0-3 5.47 5 G/4 GS)

Admirals:
Kiyonobu Matsurra LF
Sanho Busones 3B
Glenn Jenkins DH
Abraham Thomas 1B
Jorge Gutierrez SS
Jose Colon 2B
Roberto Chavez CF
William Sloan C
Jose Rodriquez RF

Carlos Delgado SP

Inning 1:
Top: Davis flies out center. Lewis pops out to first. Duke doubles to left. Reyes drives a ball over the left field, 389 ft away, Duke scores. Brock walks. Candelaria singles to right, Brock to second. Galvez grounds into a 6-4 FC to end the inning.
Bottom: Matsuura grounds out to third. Busones grounds out to pitcher. Jenkins walks. Thomas grounds out 3-1.
Norfolk 2, Annapolis 0

Inning 2:
Top: Chambers strikes out. Rodriguez flies out to left. Davis grounds out to second.
Bottom: Gutierrez grounds out to third. Colon singles to left. Chavez pops out to third. Sloan strikes out.
Norfolk 2, Annapolis 0

Inning 3:
Top: Lewis grounds out to short. Duke singles to left. Reyes pops out to first. Brock doubles down the left-field line, Duke to third. Candelaria walks, loading the bases. Galvez strikes out looking.
Bottom: Rodriguez grounds out 3-1. Matsuura strikes out. Busones grounds out 3-1.
Norfolk 2, Annapolis 0

Inning 4:
Top: Chambers singles to left. Rodriguez flies out to left. Davis grounds out to first, Chambers to second. Lewis strikes out.
Bottom: Jenkins grounds out to second. Thomas grounds out to second. Gutierrez grounds out to second.
Norfolk 2, Annapolis 0

Inning 5:
Top: Duke flies out to center. Reyes grounds out to short. Brock singles to center. Candelaria walks, Brock to second. Galvez flies out to right.
Bottom: Colon grounds out to second. Chavez singles up the middle. Chavez steals second. Sloan grounds out to second. Rodriguez grounds out to second.
Norfolk 2, Annapolis 0

Inning 6:
Top: Chambers grounds out to third. Rodriguez flies out left. Davis singles up the middle. Lewis drives the 3-2 pitch 424ft over the left-center field wall, Davis scores. Duke strikes out.
Bottom: Matsuura singles up the middle. Busones flies out to right. Jenkins strikes out. Thomas lines a single up the middle, Matsuura to second. Guiterrez flies out to deep center.
Norfolk 4, Annapolis 0

Inning 7:
Top: Reyes grounds out to third. Brock lines out to left. Candelaria grounds out to short.
Bottom: Colon grounds out to third. Chavez strikes out. Sloan flies out to right.
Norfolk 4, Annapolis 0

Inning 8:
Top: New Pitcher: Garip Ertegun enters the game... Galvez singles to left, goes to second on an error by the left-fielder. Chambers strikes out. Augusto Rodriguez singles to right, Galvez scores. Davis singles to right, Rodriguez to second. Lewis grounds out to first, Rodriguez to third, Davis to second. Duke singles to right, Rodriguez and Davis score. Reyes bloops a single into left, Duke to second. Brock flies out to center.
Bottom: Defensive sub: John Phillips will come into catch... Rodriguez lines a hit to left. Matsuura pops out to first. Busones strikes out. Jenkins strikes out.
Norfolk 7, Annapolis 0

Inning 9:
Top: Candelaria flies out to left. Galvez singles to left. Chambers grounds into the 6-4-3 DP.
Bottom: Thomas grounds out on a nubber to the catcher. Gutierrez singles to left... Jody Davis comes into pinch hit for Colon... Davis grounds into a 5-4 FC... Injury: Mauro Candelaria comes up injured on the play, Pat Hall will come in to replace him... Chavez grounds into a fielders choice to short.
Noroflk 7, Annapolis 0
Norfolk leads the series 3-1

W: Ron Reilly (1-0)
L: Carlos Delgado (0-1)
HR: Jeff Lewis (3), Francisco Reyes (2)

POG: Ron Reilly, 9 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 6 K's, 133/89 PI/PS
*Looks like I made the right choice going with Reilly.

Key Moment: Francisco Reyes hits a 2-run 2-out HR in the first to give Ron Reilly all the run support he needs.

Delaware Conference
Lewes Braves @ New Castle Colonials
Lewes 7, Colonials 0

W: Bartolo Machado (1-0)
L: Andy Nelson (0-1)
HR: Leonard Davis (1)

POG: Bartolo Machado, 7 IP, 6 H, 1 BB 4 K's

Key Moment: A two out double by Charles Culligan, scored Felipe Marquez in the first, who singled on the first pitch of the game gave the Braves the lead for good.

Series is tied 2-2

[illeracula]

As we prepare for game 5 and our attempt to end the series, we have to deal with an injury to Mauro Candelaria. He isn't ready to go and we have no timetable on how long it will take for him to return to the playing field. Starting game 5 tomorrow will be Pat Hall.

Candelaria wasn't having a good post-season going 1-14 in the first 4 games, but he is a career .290 post-season hitter. He missed last years playoffs with an injury, but in 2017 he played an important role in the Cavaliers success, hitting .421-0-9. For his career he has 27 post-season hits and a .290 average.

Hall who only has 1 career post-season at-bat, which came during game 3 of this series (a strikeout), will be counted on to play solid defense and any offense we get from him will be a bonus.

Game 5 we will have Miguel Contreras on the hill to try to end the series to give us some rest before the Championship series. With Miguel and Matt Hollis lined up for the next 2 games I do like my chances.

If we make the Championships and Candelaria isn't able to go on we will have a tough decision to make. He is this teams captain, and will be missed.

[illeracula]

MarVa Conference
Game 4: Norfolk Cavaliers @ Annapolis Admirals
Attendance: 52,318

Starting Lineups
Cavaliers:
Kent Davis CF
Jeff Lewis RF
Ed Duke C
Francisco Reyes 1B
King Brock DH
Pat Hall 2B
Sergio Galvez LF
Joe Chambers 3B
Augusto Rodriquez SS

Miguel Contreras P
** on 4 days rest, 87%

Admirals:
Kiyonobu Matsurra LF
Sanho Busones 3B
Glenn Jenkins DH
Abraham Thomas 1B
Jorge Gutierrez SS
Jose Colon 2B
Roberto Chavez CF
William Sloan C
Jose Rodriquez RF

Joe Gould SP

Inning 1:
Top: Davis walks. Lewis flies out center. Duke strikes out. Reyes singles up the middle, Davis to second. Brock grounds out to second.
Bottom: Matsuura singles to left. Busones grounds into a tailor made 6-4-3. Jenkins sits on the 2-1 pitch and drives it 381ft over the right-center field wall. Thomas flies out left.
Norfolk 0, Annapolis 1

Inning 2:
Top: Hall singles to left. Galvez strikes out. Hall is gunned out trying to steal. Chambers grounds out to second.
Bottom: Gutierrez strikes out. Colon walks. Chavez singles to left, Colon to second. Sloan dumps one into left, Colon to third, Chavez to second. Rodriguez strikes out. Matsuura strikes out.
Norfolk 0, Annapolis 1

Inning 3:
Top: Rodriguez grounds out to short. Davis singles up the middle. Lewis singles to right, Davis moves to third. Duke hits into a 4-3 DP to end the inning.
Bottom: Busones strikes out. Jenkins pops out to short. Thomas flies out to center.
Norfolk 0, Annapolis 1

Inning 4:
Top: Reyes walks. Brock grounds into the 4-6 FC. Hall grounds out to the pitcher, Brock moves up to second. Galvez lines one over the right-field wall (349ft) for a HR, Brock scores. Chambers grounds out to third.
Bottom: Gutierrez singles to left. Gutierrez is gunned down stealing. Colon grounds out to third. Chavez doubles down the left-field line. Sloan grounds out to second.
Norfolk 2, Annapolis 1

Inning 5:
Top: Rodriguez doubles to deep center. Davis singles to right, Rodriguez to third. Lewis flies out to shallow center. Duke grounds into the 4-6-3 DP. Davis tried to steal, but couldn't get a jump.
Bottom: Rodriguez strikes out. Matsuura strikes out. Busones strikes out.
Norfolk 2, Annapolis 1

Inning 6:
Top: Reyes strikes out. Brock HR's over the right-field wall (352ft). Pat Hall goes back-to-back, over the right-field wall (358ft)... New Pitcher: Willard Green... Galvez flies out to right. Chambers fouls out to the catcher.
Bottom: Jenkins singles to right. Thomas singles to left, Jenkins to second. Gutierrez strikes out. Colon grounds out to first, Jenkins to third, Thomas to second. Chavez reaches on an infield single to short, Jenkins scores, Thomas to third. Sloan strikes out.
Norfolk 4, Annapolis 2

Inning 7:
Top: Rodriguez flies out to right-center. Davis grounds out to short. Lewis singles to left. Duke flies out to right.
Bottom: New Pitcher: Vaughan Griffith enters the game. Miguel has thrown 103 pitches... Rodriguez walks. Matsuura grounds into a 3-6 FC. Busones flies out to deep-center, gold star play by Galvez, Matsuura tags and heads to second. Jenkins walks. Thomas flies out to deep center on a shot (holding my breath).
Norfolk 4, Annapolis 2

Inning 8:
Top: Reyes grounds out to short... New Pitcher: Wilson Acosta... Brock grounds out back to the mound. Hall singles to right. Galvez grounds into the 4u FC.
Bottom: Gutierrez grounds out to second. Colon strikes out. Chavez strikes out.
Norfolk 4, Annapolis 2

Inning 9:
Top: Chambers doubles to center. Rodriguez pops out to second. Davis strikes out. Lewis strikes out.
Bottom: New Pitcher: Elmer Hawkins enters the game... Sloan flies out left. Rodriguez grounds out to the pitcher. Matsuura walks. Busones singles up the middle, Matsuura to third. Jenkins grounds out to short.
Norfolk 4, Annapolis 2
Norfolk wins the series 4-1!!

W: Miguel Contreras (1-0)
L: Joe Gould (0-1)
S: Elmer Hawkins (1)
HR: Sergio Galvez (1), King Brock (2), Pat Hall (1), Glenn Jenkins (1)

POG: Pat Hall, 3-4, HR, Run, RBI

Key Moment: Bottom of the second with the Admirals up 1-0, the get to Contreras and have the bases loaded with 1 out. Contreras then strikes out the next two hitters ending the inning and a huge threat.

Series MVP: The MVP for the series was a tough call, but in the end the award goes to Jeff Lewis. Lewis hit .304 on the series, getting at least 1 hit in every game. He drove in a team high 5 and hit 3 HR's.

Notes: This is the fourth straight year the Admirals have lost to the Cavaliers in the Conference Championships!... For those of you wondering why Elmer Hawkins closed the door and not the "closer" Derek Carter. Hawkins was in the game to face the lefties, with 3 of the 5 batters he faced left-handed. Jenkins, a lefty, was going to be his last batter no matter what... Pat Hall seemed to relish in the moment of getting the start. He performed above and beyond what I was expecting... The Cavaliers head to the finals for the 4th straight time and 5th in the last 6 years.

Delaware Confernece
Lewes Braves @ New Castle Colonials
Lewes 8, New Castle 7

W: Jarred Perry (1-1)
L: Jose Matos (1-1)
S: Carlos Rodriguez (2)
HR: Leonard Davis (2), Peter Peters (1), Ethan Mason (1)

POG: Peter Peters, 2-4, HR, Run, 4 RBI's

Key Moment: The Braves rally in the 5th all started with a 3-2 walk to Felipe Marquez. You never want to walk the lead-off man, and this turned into some bad news. A walk and 2 singles got Marquez across the plate, then a wild pitch set-up a Jake Judkins single to right, scoring two. What would end up being the last 2 Braves runs, but the most important two.

Notes: Jose Matos the ace of the Colonials only made it through 3 innings, for a sad line of: 3 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 3 BB, 4 K's

[illeracula]

Team officials for the Norfolk Cavaliers have revealed that the recent injury to Mauro Candelária will keep him out for 3 months. The 32-year-old second baseman suffered a concussion on 10/03/2019. He has not played since.

Candelária is currently hitting at a .266 pace with 5 home runs and 57 RBIs.

====
Now we need to figure out how to replace Mauro on the roster for the Series. Currently we have 14 hitters and 11 pitchers on the roster, so the first thing I will need to figure out is if I want to keep that break down or add another pitcher. Adding another pitcher will allow me to have 2 lefties in the bullpen. However I do need to keep in mind that we will be playing up to 3 games with out a DH. Do I want more hitters to PH or more pitchers to swap? All our starters are capable of working 7+ innings... hmmm... it will be a tough decision.

Candidates:
Luis Gonzalez - LHP
- A lefty out of the pen who had a great post season for us last year. Injuries and a slump derailed him this year. Last Year: 4 games, 4.2 IP, 5 K's 1.93 ERA

Shawn Brock - LHP
- A lefty with a lot of stamina. and good control of 5 pitchers. Just off the DL and hasn't pitched in 4+ months. He missed last years playoffs with an injury as well.

Francisco Gallegos - 1B
- Switch hitter with power. Slumped during his first call-up with the Cav's but hit the ball well during his Sept call-up, albeit only played in 2 games. Limited to PH, DH or 1B, would be the best defensive option at 1B.

Markus Lee - UTL
- Markus can't hit but he can play SS, 2B, 3B and LF. He would make for a fine late inning defensive replacement.

With a couple of days to go before the series starts, I will have to ponder the positives and negatives of each. They are listed in the order I think would be best.

[illeracula]

Delaware Conference
New Castle Colonials @ Lewes Braves
Braves 7, Colonials 4

** The Lewes Braves Advance to the DelMarVa Championship Series **

W: Paul Randolph (2-0)
L: Todd Eldrdge (0-2)
S: Carlos Rodriguez (3)
HR: Leonard Davis 2 (4)

POG: Leonard Davis, 3-5, 2 HR's, 2 Runs, 2 RBI's

Key Moment: In the bottom of the first, with 2 outs and a runner on first, the Braves put a string together of 3 hits. After a single by Charles Culligan put runners on first and second, Jake Judkins hit a 2-2 pitch down the left-field line giving the Braves the lead they would never let go.

Series MVP: Paul Randolph is given the honors of series MVP. Randolph won games 2 and 6, throwing a total of 15 innings, allowing just 10 hits and 4 walks, while striking out 4 and posting a 0.60 ERA.

Notes: The Braves are the only Delaware Conference team to win the DelMarVa Championship, beating the Washington Senators in 2015.

Returning Players from the 2015 Roster:
Jarred Perry (SP)
Terry Tayler (MR) - was not on playoff roster
Joaquin Torres (2B)

Series Preview Coming Soon...

[illeracula]

2019 DelMarVa Championship Series Preview
Lewes Braves vs Norfolk Cavaliers

Schedule:
Game 1: Lewes Braves @ Norfolk Cavaliers
Game 2: Lewes Braves @ Norfolk Cavaliers

Game 3: Norfolk Cavaliers @ Lewes Braves
Game 4: Norfolk Cavaliers @ Lewes Braves
Game 5*: Norfolk Cavaliers @ Lewes Braves

Game 6*: Lewes Braves @ Norfolk Cavaliers
Game 7*: Lewes Braves @ Norfolk Cavaliers
* If Necessary

Teams Overview
Lewes Braves
The Lewes Braves won the Southern Division with a record of 100-62, the second best record in all of the DBL. They then took out the New Castle Colonials in the Conference Champions to win the Delaware Conference and advance to their second League Championship. In 2015 the Braves beat the Washington Senators to claim their only title, and the only title for a Delaware Conference Team.

The Braves got here with solid pitching and timely hitting. They are built very much like the Cavaliers, leading the Delaware Conference in Runs Against (632), Starters ERA (3.61), Bullpen ERA (3.17) and placing 2nd in Defensive Efficiency (.706).

Their pitching staff is lead by 16 game winner Jarred Perry, Perry is 35 years old and has been pitching in the DBL since 2013. He has 109 carrer wins vs 64 losses and has won at least 15 games each year. He doesn't like to walk people, actually set a career high this season with 22. Following Perry is 15 game winner Paul Randolph and 16 game winner Jesus Garcia.

The bullpen is lead by ex-Cavalier closer Carlos Rodriguez. Rodriguez set a career high this year with 48 saves, and has been with the Lewes Braves since 2016. One thing the Braves have going for them are lefties out of the pen. The bullpen for the Braves will contain 3 lefties, Mike Banks, who pitched in 84 games this season, holding his opponents to a .201 average, Manny Sanchez who will be used as the set-up man, who gave up only 65 hits in 81 innings and Terry Taylor, who has split time as a starter and a set-up man this year.

The Braves proved they are more than just a good pitching team against the Colonials in the Conference Championship, scoring 7+ runs in 4 games. On the season the Braves offense was 3rd in Runs Scored (831), 4th in Batting Average (.265), and 2nd in OBP (.350), hit 159 HR's good for 5th, and were third in steals (111). All stats that match up well with the Cavaliers.

The offense is lead by Leonard Davis and Charles Culligan. Davis hit .290 on the season, driving in 103, with the help of his 38 HR's. Culligan hit right behind Davis and drove in 97, hitting 31 HR's. And Jake Judkins added 20 HR's for htis powerful team. The starting team is primarily left handed, with 4 starters hitting from the left-hand side.

Going into the Championships the Braves to do have some key injuries. They are missing 2 from their starting rotation. Rod Cantrell is an-ex 19 game winner and was off to a 9-6 start this year before going down. Youngster Cristobal Diaz went down with a shoulder injury in May, but was impressive in his first 7 starts going 2-3 with a 3.20 ERA. And finally Grant "Junkyard Dog" Wright. The 39 year old outfielder hit .352 on the season, as well as collecting 125 walks and scoring 104 runs. Wright was used primarily as the lead-off man.

Norfolk Cavaliers
For the Cavaliers they were the class of the MarVa Conference, which included a 117 win season, and taking down the Annapolis Admirals in 5 games in the Conference Championship game. They will attempt to win their 4th Championship in 4 years and 5th in 6 years. The Cavaliers have overcome a bunch of injuries this year, the latest a concussion to Mauro Candelaria during the Conference Championships. Candelaria will be replaced on the roster by pitcher Luis Gonzalez who shined in last years Championships. Taking over at 2B for the Cavaliers will be Pat Hall.

The Cavaliers are lead by pitching holding their opponents to a league low 518 runs, with a rotation with that doesn't like to give up runs 3.17 ERA (1) and a bullpen that gets even stingier 2.31 (1), and all this is possible because of their solid defense, best in the league at .714.

The Game 1 start goes to 20 game winner Matt Hollis, who is the favorite to win the Golden Arm Award. Hollis will be followed by Arturo Ramriez who won 13, during his injury plagued season, then 17 game winner Ron Reilly and starting game 4 will be team ace Miguel Contreras. You can't go wrong with this rotation.

In the pen the Cavaliers will go by committee. With Dalton Whitaker and Will Rose out for the Championships, the pen of 8 will be used when the time "feels right". Closer Derek Carter came in during the 8th inning last series, and lefty specialist took home a save. Anything will be possible during this series as well. One of the reasons that Luis Gonzalez was added to the roster was to give me the Cavaliers another lefty in the pen to go along with Elmer. The highest ERA for a full-time member of the Cavaliers bullpen was 2.11. So making it to the bullpen doesn't mean its goig to get easier.

Offensively, the Cavaliers likes to score runs, crossing the plate a league high 943 times. Surprisingly, the Cavaliers posted the 2nd best batting average in the MarVa Conference (.293), and with the patient hitting style of the Cavaliers, the lead the league in OBP (.358), they stole the most bases (190) and hit 163 HR's (5th best). Lead by new comer Francisco Reyes (.305-53-148) and Silver Slugger candidate Jeff Lewis (.342-16-106). The Cav's also have 3 lefties that will play an important role in this series, Kent Davis (.332-6-82), Ed Duke (.299-29-110) and King Brock (.293-30-119).

The Cavaliers were haunted by injuries all season, and they will be without some key players during the Championship series. As mentioned close Dalton Whitaker and set-up man Will Rose will be out. The #4 man in the rotation Shawn Brock, who is eligible, but hasn't pitched in 4 months is out, starting CF Javier Janchez, starting 2B Mauro Candelaria and top utility man Maik Wassink will all be missed.

The Braves and Cavaliers did not play each other this year. The Braves play in the Delaware Conference which does not implement the DH. When the Cav's head to Lewes they will have a decision to make about getting King Brock in the game. Is it worth a hit in LF to sit Sergio Galvez a defensive stud?

Position by Position Comparison:
CF: Felipe Marquez vs Kent Davis
Marquez has a bright future in the DBL at 21 he made his debut this season. Davis hit a career low .332 this year. Both players are fast and play solid defense.
Edge: Cavaliers

RF: Leonard Davis vs Jeff Lewis
Davis had a career year this year hitting 38 HR's. Lewis had an MVP type year. Both are quick and play solid defense.
Edge: Push

LF: Melvin Riley vs Sergio Galvez
Melvin hit 15 HR's and drove in 82, career highs in both categories. Galvez played in 60 games, hitting .283 with 18 extra base hits. Galvez is a gold glove candidate and can steal bases, which Riley is solid in the out-field and a good base runner.
Edge: Braves

3B: Dave Moore vs Joe Chambers
Moore didn't have a great year this year for the Braves, hitting only .248-9-59, a big drop from the previous year. He isn't a good defender and he is slow on the base paths. Joe Chambers is a rookie, who can run pretty good, play solid defense and has been a streaky hitter.
Edge: Cavaliers

SS: Matthew Keys vs Arturo Rodriguez
Keys is a fast runner (32 SB), who when he gets on base (.317 OBP) will try to steal. He plays above average short and is reliable. Arturo is a gold glove shortstop, who can steal a base when needed and seems to come through with timely hits, and can hit a HR every now and again.
Edge: Push

2B: Joaquin Torres vs Pat Hall
Torres is a gold-glove winner at SS and plays 2B just as good, and is on the down slope of his career. He is a slow baserunner and a below average hitter. Hall signed on late with the Cavaliers to help fill some injury voids. He isn't a 'star' but he does everything well. The highlight of his season, possibly career was game 5 in the Conf Champ.
Edge: Cavaliers

1B: Charles Culligan vs Francisco Reyes
Charles had a career year showing the form that brought him to the fore front of the 1B talent 4 years ago. He is a power hitter who drives in a lot of runs, can run the bases and has won a gold glove before. Reyes is one of the games top HR hitters of all time and finally looks to have gotten comfrotable in the Cavalier orange. He hits for average, he hits for power, doesn't strikes out and plays solid D (.995 FPct/813 TC).
Edge: Cavaliers

C: Jake Judkins vs Ed Duke
Judkins isn't as refined as Duke behind the plate, and only threw out 25% of the base stealers. He did however have a break out offensive season, he set career highs in HR's, RBI's, Runs and AVG. Duke is a solid hitter and he keeps getting better behind the plate. He threw out 37% of the base stealers this season. He has pure power (29 HRs) and will hit for average (.299). He slumped late in the season.
Edge: Cavaliers

DH: Robert Johnson vs King Brock
Johnson is an aging veteran who had a good year off the bench for the Braves. He hit .282-6-31, but is a shadow of what he once was. King is an RBI machine, driving in 119 in 131 games this year. He is red hot heading into the Championship series. He has developed into one of the game top power hitters, collecting 33 2B's and 30 HR's. In 491 AB's Brock struck out only 54 times.
Edge: Cavaliers

Bench: Braves vs Cavaliers
The Braves do not have a deep bench, but the do have a gold glove 2B on the roster and a solid back-up catcher. However, Don't expect these guys to hit the ball too much. The Cavaliers don't have much more than the Braves, but they do have more speed, more flexibility and a .322 hitter in Mike Ford.
Edge: Push

SP: Jarred Perry/Paul Randolph/Jesus Garcia/Bartolo Machado vs
Matt Hollis/Arutro Ramirez/Ron Reilly/Miguel Contreras
The Braves had the best staff in the Delaware Conference with all their starters winning 13+ games. The Cavaliers had the best staff in the MarVa Conference, with all their starters winning 13+ as well. Both teams have great starting rotations, but the Cavaliers get the edge. Why? K's/BB's: Lewes: 1060/504, Norfolk: 1220/403.
Edge: Cavaliers (slight)

Relief: Carlos Rodriguez/Mike Banks/Joe McMillan vs
Derek Carter/Jamie King/Elmer Hawkins
Both bullpens were tops in the games, but the Braves have more experience and one of the games best closers. The Cavaliers are without their closer and top set-up man, and have a bullpen full of youngsters.
Edge: Braves

Prediction: These two teams match up really well together and the Braves are coming into the Championship on a high beating the favored Colonials. However, overall I just think the Cavaliers are going to be too much for the Braves. I do expect this to be a brawl with each team getting a couple of wins. In the end the Cavaliers will prevail. I believe home field advantage will be huge for them during the 4 games, since when the DH is being used the Cavaliers offense is going to be too strong. In the end the Cavaliers will hoist the trophy for the 4th time in a row, but it will take a battle.
Cavaliers in 6

[illeracula]

2019 DelMarVa Championship
Lewes Braves vs Norfolk Cavaliers
Attendance: 43,542

Starting Lineups:
Lewes Braves
CF Felipe Marquez
C Jake Judkins
3B Dave Moore
1B Charles Culligan (L)
RF Leonard Davis (L)
LF Ryan Warrender
DH Robert Johnson
SS Matthew Keys
2B Yasutokie Ine

SP Jesus Garcia

Norfolk Cavaliers
CF Kent Davis (L)
RF Jeff Lewis
C Ed Duke (L)
1B Francisco Reyes
DH King Brock (L)
2B Pat Hall
LF Sergio Galvez (L)
3B Joe Chambers
SS Augusto Rodriguez

SP Matt Hollis

Inning 1:
Top: Marquez grounds out to second. Judkins strikes out. Moore pops out to second.
Bottom: Davis walks. Lewis fouls out to the catcher. Duke hits into the 5-4-3 DP
Lewes 0, Norfolk 0

Inning 2:
Top: Culligan grounds out to second. Davis strikes out. Warrender singles to left. Johnson grounds into a FC (6ua).
Bottom: Reyes doubles down the LF line. Brock doubles down the RF line, Reyes scores. Hall flies out to right. Galvez grounds out to 2B, Brock to third. Chambers grounds out to third.
Lewes 0, Norfolk 1

Inning 3:
Top: Keys singles to second. Keys steals 2B. Ine flies out to center. Marquez flies out to center. Judkins grounds out to third.
Bottom: Rodriguez bloops one into RF for a hit. Davis pops out to third. Lewis grounds out to third, Rodriguez to second. Duke singles to right-center, Rodriguez scores. Reyes strikes out.
Lewes 0, Norfolk 2

Inning 4:
Top: Moore walks. Culligan grounds into a 4-6 FC. Davis flies out to center. Warrender lines out to short.
Bottom: Brock grounds out to the pitcher. Hall grounds out to first. Galvez singles up the middle. Galvez is gunned out trying to steal.
Lewes 0, Norfolk 2

Inning 5:
Top: Johnson walks. Keys strikes out. Ine flies out to right. Marquez grounds out to third.
Bottom: Chambers walks. Rodriguez lies down the sac-bunt, Chambers to second. Davis grounds out to second, Chambers to third. Lewis grounds out to third.
Lewes 0, Norfolk 2

Inning 6:
Top: Judkins grounds out to first. Moore grounds out to third. Culligan grounds out to second.
Bottom: Duke grounds out to second. Reyes grounds out to third. Brock flies out to left.
Lewes 0, Norfolk 2

Inning 7:
Top: Davis grounds out to second. Warrender strikes out. Johnson strikes out.
Bottom: Hall doubles down the RF line. Galvez walks. Chambers grounds out to second, Hall to third, Galvez to second. Rodriguez flies out to deep center, Hall scores, Galvez to third... New Pitcher: Lefty Terry Taylor enters the game... Davis flies out to left.
Lewes 0, Norfolk 3

Inning 8:
Top: Keys strikes out. Ine strikes out. Marquez doubles to left-center. Judkins strikes out.
Bottom: Lewis strikes out. Duke strikes out. Reyes flies out to center.
Lewes 0, Norfolk 3

Inning 9:
Top: Moore flies out to right. Culligan lines out first. Davis strikes out swinging.
Lewes 0, Norfolk 3
Norfolk leads the series 1-0

W: Matt Hollis (1-0)
L: Jesus Garcia (0-1)

POG: Matt Hollis, 9 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 9 K's, 119 PI/78 PS

Key Moment: Picking a key moment is tough in this game, as the Braves never mounted any kind of threat, only having 2 runners reach 2B. So I will go with the back-to-back doubles by Reyes and Brock to get the scoring started in the 2nd. Taking the pressure off of Hollis and breaking the ice for a tough fought game 1.

"He really did a job on us," said the Lewes manager. "He had good command of his pitches. He changed speeds well and pretty much confused us. We never could zero in on him, but he certainly zeroed in on us."

Thoughts: Starting the lefty Hollis threw the Braves for a loop. There two "big" hitters, Culligan and Davis, just don't hit lefties well. Game 2 we should a different Braves team show up. They did lose game 1 to New Castle in the Conference Championships and came back to win the series. You can't count them out that is for sure... We had our opportunities to score more runs, but we just couldn't come through when we had to. I expect to see more scoring from us in Game 2. This offense is due for an explosion.

[illeracula]

2019 DelMarVa Championship
Lewes Braves vs Norfolk Cavaliers
Attendane: 43,412

Game 2 is a matchup of 2 5* pitchers who have been on the top of the pitching charts since the innagural year. Should be an interesting game.

Starting Lineups:
Lewes Braves
CF Felipe Marquez
2B Joaquin Torres (L)
RF Leonard Davis (L)
1B Charles Culligan (L)
C Jake Judkins
3B Dave Moore
LF Melvin Riley (L)
DH Ryan Warrender
SS Mathew Keys

SP Jarred Perry

Norfolk Cavaliers
CF Kent Davis (L)
RF Jeff Lewis
C Ed Duke (L)
1B Francisco Reyes
DH King Brock (L)
2B Pat Hall
LF Sergio Galvez (L)
3B Joe Chambers
SS Augusto Rodriguez

SP Miguel Contreras
** Miguel startrd 5 days ago, and says he is 100% and ready to go. How can't I throw the ace when he is ready to go. **

Inning 1:
Top: Marquez flies out to right. Torres pops out to short. Davis grounds to second.
Bottom: Davis singles up the middle. Lewis singles up the middle, Davis to second. Duke singles to right, Davis scores, Lewis to second. Reyes flies out to deep center, Lewis to third. Brock doubles down the left-field line, Lewis scores, Duke to third. Hall strikes out. Galvez hits a 2-2 pitch 432 ft over the right-center field wall, Duke and Brock score. Chambers flies out to center.
Lewes 0, Norfolk 5

Inning 2:
Top: Culligan strikes out. Judkins singles to right. Moore strikes out. Riley grounds out to second.
Bottom: Rodriguez strikes out. Davis strikes out. Lewis flies out to right.
Lewes 0, Norfolk 5

Inning 3:
Top: Warrender strikes out. Keys grounds out to first. Marquez strikes out.
Bottom: Duke singles to left. Reyes hits into the 1-6-3 DP. Brock flies out to left.
Lewes 0, Norfolk 5

Inning 4:
Top: Torres strikes out. Davis lines a single to right. Culligan strikes out. Judkins grounds to third.
Bottom: Hall flies out to the CF warning track. Galvez grounds out to second. Chambers strikes out.
Lewes 0, Norfolk 5

Inning 5:
Top: Moore strikes out. Rile grounds out to second. Warrender grounds to third.
Bottom: Rodriguez gets hit with an 0-2 pitch. Davis hits into a 6-4 FC. Lewis strikes out. Duke grounds out to short.
Lewes 0, Norfolk 5

Inning 6:
Top: Keys grounds out to the pitcher. Marquez strikes out. Torres grounds out to second.
Bottom: Reyes doubles to left-center. Brock singles to right, Reyes to third. Hall its into the 4-6-3 DP, Reyes scores. Galvez goes down 3-1.
Lewes 0, Norfolk 6

Inning 7:
Top: Davis grounds out to second. Culligan strikes out. Judkins flies out to right.
Bottom: Chambers strikes out. Rodriguez grounds out to short... New Pitcher: Manuel Romero replaces Perry on the bump... Davis pops out to third.
Lewes 0, Norfolk 6

Inning 8:
Top: Moore singles to center. Riley hits into the 4-6-3 DP. Warrender flies out to center.
Bottom: Lewis singles up the middle. Dukes hits into a 4-3 DP. Reyes flies out to left.
Lewes 0, Norfolk 6

Inning 9:
Top: Keys singles to center. Marquez grounds to third, Keys to second. Torres walks... New Pitcher: Elmer Hawkins comes into replace Contreras / 119 pitches... Davis grounds out to second, Keys to third, Torres to second. Culligan strikes out for the 4th time on the day.
Lewes 0, Norfolk 6
Norfolk leads the series 2-0

W: Miguel Contreras (1-0)
L: Jarred Perry (0-1)
HR: Sergio Galvez (1)

POG: Miguel Contreras, 8.1 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 9 K's, 119 PI/79 PS

Key Moment: The key moment of this game was when Sergio Galvez turned on a 2-2 pitch and drove it over the wall for a 3-run HR. Jumping out to an early 5-0 lead took the wind out of the Braves sails.

"Everything was working for me. I could throw any pitch on any count." - Miguel Contreras

"Well, it was pretty simple today, the Cavaliers had the big hits and all the runs. And Contreras pitched a heck of a ballgame." - Mal Gentry (Lewes MGR)

Thoughts: Two games in the Braves have a total of 7 hits, 0 runs and 18 strike outs, our aces did more than what was expected of them... Our offense came up big in the first inning today and it felt like they were going to explode, but Perry held us down... Next game we have no DH, so King Brock or Sergio Galvez will be shifted to the bench. Not sure how that will go over, since both of those guys are hitting the ball... Cody Johnson may see some time at 3B with Chambers struggling with the bat... Oddly enough both Hollis and Contreras threw 119 pitches and struck out 9. With them ready for Games 5 and 6 I really like our chances here. Lewes has been really unimpressive.

[illeracula]

2019 DelMarVa Championship
Norfolk Cavaliers vs Lewes Braves
Attendance: 52,658

Starting Lineups:
Norfolk Cavaliers
CF Kent Davis (L)
RF Jeff Lewis
C Ed Duke (L)
LF Francisco Reyes
1B King Brock (L)
2B Pat Hall
3B Cody Johnson
SS Augusto Rodriguez

SP Arturo Ramirez

Lineup Adjustments
Without the DH, Sergio Gavlez will not get the start. Reyes will head to left field, Lewis will be in right and King Brock will play first. It was a tough choice, but I decided to go with the veteran Brock over Galvez. Both players are hitting the ton out of the ball this post-season. Brock played 1 game at 1B this season.
Cody Johnson is getting the start to give Chambers a spell. Chambers is 3 for 23 (.130-0-0) during the playoffs and 0-5 with 2 K's during the Championship Series. Johnson hasn't appeared yet in the 2019 playoffs.

Lewes Braves
CF Felipe Marquez
2B Joaquin Torres (L)
RF Leonard Davis (L)
1B Charles Culligan (L)
C Jake Judkins
3B Dave Moore
LF Melvin Riley (L)
SS Mathew Keys

SP Paul Randolph

Inning 1:
Top: Davis strikes out. Lewis flies out to center. Duke singles up the middle. Reyes flies out to deep center.
Bottom: Marquez grounds out to short. Torres grounds out to first. Davis grounds out 3-1.
Norfolk 0, Lewes 0

Inning 2:
Top: Brock grounds out back to the mound. Hall strikes out. Johnson strikes out.
Bottom: Culligan singles to center. Judkins walks, Culligan to second. Moore hits into a 5-4 FC, Culligan to third. Riley singles to right, Culligan scores, Moore to second. Keys hits into the inning ending 4-6-3 DP.
Norfolk 0, Lewes 1

Inning 3:
Top: Rodriguez singles up the middle. Rodriguez steals second. Ramirez fails on the sac-bunt, strikes out. Davis walks. Rodriguez steals third, Davis steals second. Lewis singles to right, Rodriguez and Davis score. Duke grounds out to short, Lewis to second. Reyes flies out to deep center.
Bottom: Randolph singles up the middle. Marquez reaches on a 1-6 FC. Torres hits into a 4-6-3 DP.
Norfolk 2, Lewes 1

Inning 4:
Top: Brock grounds out to second. Hall grounds out to short. Johnson pops out to first.
Bottom: Davis grounds out to short. Culligan grounds out to short. Judkins flies out to center.
Norfolk 2, Lewes 1

Inning 5:
Top: Rodriguez flies out to center. Ramirez singles to left. Ramirez goes to second on a the wild pitch. Davis grounds out 3-1, Ramirez to third. Lewis singles to right, Ramirez scores. Duke grounds out to first.
Bottom: Moore flies out to right. Riley grounds out to short. Keyes flies out to left.
Norfolk 3, Lewes 1

Inning 6:
Top: Reyes strikes out. Brock bloops one into left for a single. Hall strikes out. Brock goes to second on a passed-ball. Johnson walks. Rodriguez grounds out to third.
Bottom: Randolph grounds out to short. Marquez flies out to center. Torres grounds out to second.
Norfolk 3, Lewes 1

Inning 7:
Top: Ramirez flies out to center. Davis flies out to left. Lewis grounds out to second.
Bottom: Davis singles to right. Culligan flies out to center. Judkins strikes out. Moore grounds out to the mound.
Norfolk 3, Lewes 1

Inning 8:
Top: Duke singles to right. Reyes flies out to center. Brock strikes out. Hall hits into a 5-4 FC.
Bottom: Riley grounds out to short. Keys is safe at first on a E1... Pinch Hitter: Ryan Warrender will hit for SP Randolph... Warrender flies out to right. Marquez strikes out.
Norfolk 3, Lewes 1

Inning 9:
Top: New Pitcher: Carlos Rodriguez enters the game... Johnson strikes out. Rodriguez grounds out to second. Ramirez strikes out.
Bottom: Defensive Sub: Sergio Galves enters the game for King Brock and will play LF, Reyes moves from LF to 1B... Torres singles up the middle... New Pitcher: Elmer Hawkins enters the game, Hawkins is in the face the Lefties... Pinch Runner: Yasutokie Ine runs for Torres... Pinch Hitter: Robert Johnson will hit for Davis... Johnson walks, Ine to second. Culligan flies out to left... New Pitcher: Jamie King enters the game... Judkins grounds into the 6-4-3 DP to end the game.
Norfolk 3, Lewes 1
Norfolk leads the series 3-0

** Yes I kept Ramirez in to hit, he had thrown 87 pitches and was dominating in my opinion. Once he gave up the leadoff hit and their two "big" hitters were coming up, both lefties I decided to pull the plug **

W: Arturo Ramriez (1-0)
L: Paul Randolph (0-1)
S: Jamie King (1)

POG: Arturo Ramirez, 8 IP, 5 H, 1 Run, 1 BB, 2 K's, 90 PI/63 PS

Key Moment: There was really 2 key moments in this game. The first was in the 2nd inning Lewes scored the first run of the game, had runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out and Ramriez got Mathew Keys to hit into the 6-4-3 inning ending DP, killing what could of been a big inning... The second had to be the 9th inning with the Braves putting together another ralley, with the winning run at the plate and runners on 1st and 2nd, Jamie King gets Jake Judkins to hit into the 6-4-3 game ending DP... Two huge double plays to end stymie the Braves before they could get a ralley going.

"The bottom line was I just kept the ball down. My breaking stuff was down. Everything was down." - Arturo Ramirez

"What can you say? We haven't hit well all series, hopefully we shake this off and bounce back tomorrow and get a win under our belt" - Mal Gentry (Lewes MGR)

Thoughts: Our offense still isn't doing all that much, today we had 7 hits, all singles. Jeff Lewis had 2 opposite field singles, driving in all 3 of our runs. Ed Duke also added 2 hits... Cody Johnson didn't swing the bat well, but he hasn't played in over an week, so its understandable. I will have to figure out if I want him to go again or Chambers... Duke continues to hit the ball during the series now hitting .417... The Braves have only one starter hitting over .200, Mathew Keys who is 2 for 9... The starting pitching continues to be impressive. And I looked to Ron Reilly to continue that in Game 4.

[illeracula]

2019 DelMarVa Championship
Norfolk Cavaliers vs Lewes Braves
Attendane: 52,311

Starting Lineups:
Norfolk Cavaliers
CF Kent Davis (L)
RF Jeff Lewis
C Ed Duke (L)
LF Francisco Reyes
1B King Brock (L)
2B Pat Hall
3B Joe Chambers
SS Augusto Rodriguez

SP Ron Reilly

Lineup Adjustments
Chambers is getting the start today, but Johnson will most likely see some time. With the lefty on the hill I am not that torn about starting Brock over Galvez.

Lewes Braves
CF Felipe Marquez
2B Joaquin Torres (L)
RF Leonard Davis (L)
1B Charles Culligan (L)
C Jake Judkins
3B Dave Moore
LF Melvin Riley (L)
SS Mathew Keys (S)

SP Bartolo Machado (L)

Inning 1:
Top: Davis flies out to left. Lewis grounds out to second. Duke walks. Reyes singles to left, Duke to second. Brock flies out to left.
Bottom: Marquez grounds out to third. Torres goes down 3-1. Davis grounds out to short.
Norfolk 0, Lewes 0

Inning 2:
Top: Hall doubles to right-center. Chambers flies out to center, Hall moves up to third. Rodriguez pops out to second. Reilly singles to left, Hall scores. Davis flies out to center.
Bottom: Culligan grounds out to third. Judkins beats out a nuber back to the pitcher... Injury: Judkins will leave the game injuried. Luis Bojorquez will replace him... Moore walks, Bojorquez to second. Riley singles to right, Bojorquez to third, Moore to second. Keys strikes out. Machado flies out to center.
Norfolk 1, Lewes 0

Inning 3:
Top: Defense: Bojorquez remains in the game to catch... Lewis grounds out to second. Duke strikes out. Reyes grounds out to third.
Bottom: Marquez grounds out to third. Torres strikes out. Davis singles to center. Davis steals second. Culligan grounds out back to the mound.
Norfolk 1, Lewes 0

Inning 4:
Top: Brock doubles. Hall reahes on an E6, Brock to third. Chambers singles up the middle, Brock scores, Hall to third. Rodriguez grounds into a 6-4 FC, Hall scores. Reilly hits into a 6-4-3 DP.
Bottom: Bojorquez grounds out to second. Moore strikes out. Riley grounds out to first.
Norfolk 3, Lewes 0

Inning 5:
Top: Davis grounds out to short. Lewis grounds out to second. Duke walks. Duke goes to second on the WP. Reyes pops out to short.
Bottom: Keys doubles to left. Machado lays down the sac-bunt, Keys to third. Marquez flies out to center, Keys scores. Torres grounds out to first.
Norfolk 3, Lewes 1

Inning 6:
Top: Brock grounds out to second. Hall flies out to center. Chambers flies out to center.
Bottom: Davis grounds out to second. Culligan doubles down the RF line. Culligan heads to third on the WP. Bojorquez grounds out to the mound. Moore flies out to center.
Norfolk 3, Lewes 1

Inning 7:
Top: Rodriguez grounds out to third. Reilly doubles to right-center. Kent Davis doubles to left, Reilly scores. Lewis is intentionally walked. Duke walks, Davis to third, Lewis to first. Reyes flies out to left, Davis scores... New Pitcher: Terry Taylor enters the game for Machado... Brock grounds out to second.
Bottom: Riley grounds out to the mound. Keys grounds out to first... Pinch Hitter: Robert Johnson comes in to hit for the pitcher, Taylor... Johnson reaches on an E6. Marquez singles up the middle, Johnson to second. Torres doubles to right-center, Johnson scores, Marquez is gunned out at the plate with a perfect throw from Lewis and relay from Hall.
Norfolk 5, Lewes 2

Inning 8:
Top: New Pitcher: Mike Banks (LH) enters the game... Hall lines out to second. Chambers strikes out. Rodriguez singles to right... Pinch Hitter: Mike Ford enters the game to hit for Reilly... Ford flies out to center.
Bottom: New Pitcher: Elmer Hawkins replaces Ford in the line-up and will pitch... Davis grounds out to the mound. Culligan grounds out to the mound. Bojorquez grounds out to short.
Norfolk 5, Lewes 2

Inning 9:
Top: Davis strikes out. Lewes grounds out to short. Duke strikes out.
Bottom: New Pitcher: Jamie King enters the game, replacing Hawkins... Moore singles up the middle. Riley grounds out 3-1, Moore goes to second. Keys triples to right-center, Moore scores... Pinch Hitter: Ryan Warrender enters the game to hit for the pitcher... New Pitcher: Derek Carter enters the game, replacing King... Warrender pops out to short. Marquez walks... New Pitcher: Luis Gonzalez (LHP) enters the game with 4 lefties scheduled to hit... Pinch Hitter: Yasutoke Ine comes into the hit for Torres... Ine grounds out to the mound.
Norfolk 5, Lewes 3
Norfolk sweeps the series 4-0

W: Ron Reilly (1-0)
L: Bartolo Machado (0-1)
S: Luis Gonzalez (1)

POG: Ron Reilly, 7 IP, 2 Runs, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's, 80 PI/53 PS, 2-3 2B, Run, RBI

Key Moment: With 2 outs in the top of the second and the pitcher up the bat, Reilly stroked a single to left, scoring the first run of the game. Giving the Cavaliers an early lead... You can't discount the bottom of the 7th when Jeff Lewis gunned out Marquez at the plate, with the #3 and #4 hitters ready to hit. Huge play by Hall and Lewis.

"Unbelievable for us, and for our fans. This team has worked as hard as any team ever. They deserve it. What these guys have done -- they're going to enjoy it for a long time." - Tony Luke (GM Cavaliers)

"You want the results to be different. They simply outplayed us, they deserve it. They beat us. They're the champions." - Mal Gentry (MGR Lewes)

Thoughts: This is my 5th Championship here in Norfolk, and its the first one we swept. It was a pretty impressive run... Funny thing is as this game is progressing and Reilly is pitching well, hitting the ball, I could only think about how this is probably his last game with the Cavaliers. If it is, then what a game it was... Elmer Hawkins, Dalton Whitaker and Mauro Candelaria are the only remaining players from the 2014 Championship. Hawkins is the only player that was on the roster all 5 Championships however due to injuries. In his post season career Hawkins has pitched in 25 games, has a 3-0 record, with 1 save and a 1.96 ERA. Not too shabby... Even though we swept it seemed like a much closer series, at least more intense... I really didn't expect to win it all this year with the way this team was playing. Just didn't think we'd score enough. I guess with pitching like that it doesn't really matter...

Coming Soon: Championship Series MVP announcement, 2019 Recap, The off-season plan

[illeracula]

The 2019 DelMarVa Championship Series MVP goes to Matt Hollis. Hollis pitched a complete game shut-out in game 1, which started off with a bang.



Hollis pitched in 1 game, went all 9 innings, gave up 0 runs and struck out 9 to take home the honors.

"Baseball is not a sport you can achieve individually, it takes a team, and thats what we have here. This award doesn't go to me, it goes to the Cavaliers!" - Matt Hollis

This was a tough award to give out, not one player sined through this series.
Other Candidates:
Elmer Hawkins 3 G, 2 IP, 0 R, 1 H
Jeff Lewis 4 G .250-0-3
Sergio Galvez 2 G .400-1-3 (2-5)
Mathew Keys 4 G .308-0-1

In the end the Championship shut-out ruled all others. This was truly a team effort and a team win.

[illeracula]

Only three players remain from the 2014 Championship Team... Mauro Candelaria, Dalton Whitaker and Elmer Hawkins

In 2016 Kent Davis joined the team, Pat Hall started with us before being traded away in June.

In 2017 Jeff Lewis, Augusto Rodriguez and Ed Duke joined the team, as starters and Cody Johnson came aboard as a reserve. Miguel Contreras and Ron Reilly joined the rotation. Will Rose and Jamie King joined the pen.

In 2018 Mike Ford came aboard. Shawn Brock and Arturo Ramirez joined the rotation.

Its been quite a few transitions over the years here in Norfolk

.

[illeracula]

2019 League Leaders
Delaware Conference:
AVG: Grant Wright (Lewes Braves) .352
Hits: Jorge Alonso (New Castle Colonials) 185
2B: Anibal Vega (Milton Brewers) 45
3B: Jesus Rivera (New Castle Colonials) 12
HR: Andy Kohl (Dover Generals) 42
RBI: Antonio Reyna (Milton Brewers) 135
Runs: Stan Miller (Georgetown Sixteens) 123
SB: Pedro Galvan (Dover Generals) 69
Total Bases: Jorge Alonso (New Castle Colonials) 344
OPS: Antonio Reyna (Milton Brewers) 1.024
WAR: Peter Peters (New Castle Colonials) 8.9

The Silver Slugger award results will be quite interesting. There was a lot of pairity in the hitting side of things this year in the DE Conf. My guess is hte vote will come to Andy Kohl (.300-42-133) or Peter Peters (.316-33-105) or Stan Miller (.289-42-103)... its just too close to call.

ERA: Brad Jones (Newark Millers) 2.21
W: Jorge Moran (Milton Brewers) 21
K's: Brad Jones (Newark Millers) 259
Saves: Carlos Rodriguez (Lewes Braves) 48
L: Juan Moreno (Christinia Blue Hens) 22
IP: Brad Jones (Newark Millers) 232.1
K/9: Brad Jones (Newark Millers) 10.03
K/BB: Jarred Perry (Lewes Braves) 9.14
WHIP: Jorge Moran (Milton Brewers) 0.96
WAR: Jose Matos (New Castle Colonials) 7.1

The Golden Arm award favorite at the all-star break was Jorge Moran (21-3 2.22), but in the end it looks like Brad Jones (20-4 2.21) is going to take the award. That being said Jose Matos (17-8 3.34) is well liked by the voters, and may sneak it away rom Jorge or Brad. Moran was one point from Jones in ERA, and 30 K's away from ERA finishing in second in both categories. Moran was #2 in WAR (6.5), Jones #3 (6.4).

MarVa Conference:
AVG: Jeff Lewis (Norfolk Cavaliers) .342
Hits: Herminio Bovay (Ellicott City Express) 224
2B: Denny Doooley (Baltimore Barons) 48
3B: Herminio Bovay (Ellicott City Express) 17
HR: Abraham Thomas (Annapolis Admirals) 56
RBI: Francisco Reyes (Norfolk Cavaliers) 148
Runs: Roberto Perez (Ocean City Tourists) 131
SB: Kent Davis (Norfolk Cavaliers) 53
Total Bases: Abraham Thomas (Annapolis Admrials) 387
OPS: Francisco Reyes (Norfolk Cavaliers) .989
WAR: Jeff Lewis (Norfolk Cavaliers) 8.0

The Silver Slugger race in the MarVa Conf is up for grabs again this year. Jeff Lewis (.342-16-106) is probably the favorite, with Abraham Thomas (.293-56-142) and Francisco Reyes (.305-53-148) nipping at his heels. If I had the vote I'd go with Reyes, but do the votes feel the same way? Can you win the MVP and play with 2 teams? Should be interesting.

ERA: Luis Deleon (Ocean City Tourists) 2.23
W: Matt Hollis (Norfolk Cavaliers) 20
K's: Matt Hollis (Norfolk Cavaliers) 248
Saves: Dalton Whitaker (Norfolk Cavaliers) 43
L: Lucio Huerta (Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs) 25
IP: Don Sweetapple (Richmond Cardinals) 245.2
K/9: Pedro Rivera (Ocean City Tourists) 10.27
K/BB: Marcos Estrada (Annapolis Admirals) 13.33
WHIP: Miguel Contreras (Norfolk Cavaliers) 0.93
WAR: Marco Estrada (Annapolis Admirals) 9.1

The Golden Arm award is going to come down to 3 pitchers this season. Matt Hollis (20-6 2.49), Marcos Estrada (19-8 2.92) and Miguel Contreras (18-2 2.60). In the end, I think Hollis will beat out the other two guys and walk away with the award, however I wouldn't be surprised if one of the other two guys walks away with it.

[illeracula]

Letter from the Owner:
Personal Message from the Owner: New Budget: Tony,

I have just decided on your budget for the upcoming season.
You will have $134,000,000 available for the total team expenses. I have also set the suggested draft budget for the first-year player draft to $7,500,000. You may spend more than that in the draft, but the additional costs will be deducted from your money you have available for signing free agents or contract extensions.

You have time until the end of the pre-season to set your scouting and player development budget. Please go to the front office area of your team.

Good Luck!
Bill Parker

Norfolk Personnel Leaving:
Scouting Director, Antonio Diaz. He joined Norfolk in 2016 and was not offered a contract after the 2019 season.

DBL News: The Offseason Begins: It's time to turn the page. Another exciting season of DBL baseball is behind us, but there won't be time for reminiscing. Like everything else in baseball, the offseason is a time for action. Roster and financial moves, trade proposals and the upcoming winter meetings are all demanding the attention of general managers. While players head for well-deserved vacations, GMs across DELMARVA Baseball League are already hard at work determining the next steps for their team.

You may now manually select the league award winners, the option is available in the league menu. If you want the AI to select the awards, simply ignore the option.

The first moves of the off-season:
Brody Grant - Ocean City Tourists Manager was fired after 2 years on the job.
GM Daniel Roberson of the Washington Senators was let go after 1 year.
Jorge Zambrano Richmond Cardinals Manager was fired. He was with the Cardinals for 1.5 years.
Ben Nichols the GM of the Salisbury Ports was let go Nichols had been with the Ports for 2.5 years.

[illeracula]

Arbitration is upon us as is some personnel decisions... after this 2019 season, I have decided to make a move and have let go team trainer Francisco Gonzalez. Francisco has been with the Cavaliers since 2013 as the head trainer and we do owe a lot of our success to him, but it wasn't enough to outweigh the abundance of injuries and set-backs we had this season.

Contract Offers:
Trainer:
David Romero has been offered a 3-year deal to join the Cavaliers as the lead trainer. Romero has spent the last 3 years with the Chesapeake Blue Hens. The 3-year deal is worth $1,500,000.

Ratings:
Gonzalez: Recovery: OK, Arms: Average, Legs: Excellent, Back: Excellent, Other: Decent
Romero: Recovery: Average, Arms: Good, Legs: Good, Back: Excellent, Other: Good

Head Scout:
We have reached out to Alexis Shelton, who at 37 years old has never been a lead scout, but has a great reputation through the game of scouting talent.

Ratings:
Shelton: Majors: Good, Minors: Outstanding, International: Excellent, Amateurs: Outstanding, Projection: Neutral
Diaz: Majors: Good, Minors: Excellent, International: Good, Amateurs: Excellent, Projection: Favor Ability

Arbitration (Current Salary in Parens):
Shawn Brock (SP): Offer: $4,830,000 ($490,000)
Ron Reilly (SP): Offer: $4,400,000 ($3,986,500)
Jamie King (RP) Offer: $3,600,000 ($3,237,000)
Ivan Pineda (RP) Offer: $850,000 ($750,000)
Ed Duke (C) Offer: $6,600,000 ($490,000)
King Brock (DH) Offer: $5,775,000 ($490,000)
Cody Johnson (UTL) Offer: $950,000 ($850,000)
Pat Hall (2B) Offer: $1,300,000 ($931,000)
Augusto Rodriguez (SS) Offer: $3,150,000 ($490,000)

Free Agency Eligible:
Elmer Hawkins (RP) $950,000

I do have some decisions to make, our current salary with our arbitration estimates is running around $117M, which fits in our budget, but the problem is we have too many players at the positions ,is it worth paying that much?

Over the next month I will look into trading Shawn Brock and Pat Hall. Brock has been injured the last 1/2 of the past 2 seasons. A lot of talent when he is on the field, but I can't have someone I am depending on out, right? Ron Reilly is a tough one, he is good, getting better, but do I have space for him? If I can't trade Pat Hall I will let him go, he was signed late in the season as a fill-in, and I am not sure he is worth what he is asking for in regards to fitting into this team.

The final choice is what to do with Elmer Hawkins. He has been a stud lefty specialist out of the pen, so I will have to decide to try to sign him long term or let him walk. Luis Gonzalez is our other lefty in the pen, but I am not sure he is that much better than Hawkins to keep around over him.

I will have to do a team break down look who is coming up through the minors, who will be healthy, etc. and make some tough choices over the next few weeks.