DELMARVA Baseball League

[illeracula]

Week 23
Current Week: 4-1 (89-53 .630 / +5)
Next Week: 2 @ New Castle Colonials, 2 @ Milford Clippers, 3 vs Annapolis Admirals
Power Ranking: 1 (+4)
Fan Interest: 96 (+1)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic
Expectation: Playoffs

Runs Scored: 703 (4th)
Avg: .264 (5th)
HR: 188 (2nd)
SB: 144 (1st)
Runs Against: 477 (1st)
Starters ERA: 2.86 (1st)
Pen ERA: 3.20 (2nd)
Def Eff: .724 (1st)

Game 138: Norfolk 1, Chesapeake 5
Miguel Angel Gonzalez (8-9): 7.1 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 4 ER, BB, 3 K
Henry Rojas: 1-4, HR (10), R, RBI
H: 6, LOB: 5

Game 139: Norfolk 6, Chesapeake 2
Joaquin Hernandez (3-1): 8.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 2 K
Miguel Contreras (SV 12): 1.0 IP
Trevor Parker: 1-1, HR (20), R, 3 RBI
Claudio Flores: 2-4, HR (7), R, RBI
Francisco Gallegos: 2-4, 2B, RBI
H: 11, LOB: 4

Game 140: Virginia Beach 1, Norfolk 8
Cornell Pearson (21-2): 7.0 IP, 4 H, R, 4, BB, 5 K
Henry Rojas: 2-3, 2 HR (12), 2 R, 6 RBI
Claudio Flores: 1-2, HR (8), R, RBI
Bob Short: 2-4, HR (20), 2 R, RBI
H: 8, LOB: 7

Game 141: Virginia Beach 8, Norfolk 10
Paul Brown: 5.2 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 7 K
Michael Meagher (2-0): 2.1 IP, 2 H, 3 K
Miguel Contreras (SV 13): 1.0 IP, H, R, K
Sergio Rodriguez: 2-5, R, 4 RBI
Francisco Gallegos: 3-4, 2B, RBI
Trevor Parker: 1-5, HR (21), 2 R, RBI
Robinson Lopez: 2-4, 2B, 2 R, RBI
Bryant Frank: 2-4, 2 R, RBI
H: 14, LOB: 15

Game 142: Virginia Beach 0, Norfolk 7
Carlos Coronado (12-10): 9.0 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 5 K
Bob Short: 2-3, HR (21), R, 3 RBI
Sergio Galvez: 1-5, HR (41), R, 2 RBI
Leonard Lawson: 2-4, 2B, R
H: 10, LOB: 7



Injuries:
SS Bryant Frank came off the DL and was placed in the back-up of the 2B and 3B positions, replacing Carlos Franco. Right now I am not ready to put Frank in a starting slot.

Other/Roster News:
"The Contreras Watch" -- Miguel Contreras 142.0 IP / @ 150. If Contreras hits 150 innings it kicks in a two $17M/year option. Contreras still has some good stats, but he has lost a lot of "stuff", down to 9 and about 10 MPH on his fastball. I'd love to keep him around in Norfolk, but not for $17M.

After deliberation I decided to move Armando Lopez to the closer role to share with Contreras, and Miguel Angel Gonzalez will stay at the #5 starter. MAG was 4-4 2.22 going into this week, Lopez had a a 3.28 ERA and that is basically what I based it on. MAG has come up big for me in the past when I needed big wins, so hopefully this won't be any different... Lopez will share the closer role with Contreras hoping to keep Miguel's innings down, with only 19 games to go...

GM Notes:
SP Carlos Coronado has had an up and down season, including a streak of 7 games and 4 games where he just couldn't get a win no matter how good he pitched. But he has really had a solid season. He currently has the most shut-outs in the DBL, one of two players who have 3. And he leads all pitches in innings pitched. For this being his first full-time season as a starter I have been really impressed with him. Not to mention that he has really stepped up his game over the past month.

I am happy with how Henry Rojas has played since I brought him over. He was my main focal point in the big-deal I pulled earlier this season. Alejandro Diaz was just getting to costly for what he was bringing to the table. Diaz was a great defender and had a lot of power, but his average wasn't high enough for me to be happy with his overall performance... I grabbed Rojas from the Sixteens and put him into my starting lineup. Rojas played in only 6 AAA games, before I put him in my starting lineup. So far he has hit .272-12-45 in 68 games. And has played fairly solid defense, .989 FPct, 34% CS, -0.3 ZR, 7.22 RF and a .996 EFF. Its not great, but I am very pleased... all this for a 23 year old rookie.

We now hold a 5 game lead with 19 games remaining. This team has stepped it up this month and I am hoping we can keep it going. Beating the Surf Dawgs, well sweeping them, makes me feel good about our chances. If we make the playoffs we most likely will lineup against the Surf Dawgs in the Conference Championship. I think we sent them a message. They were lucky enough to face our #1 and #2 during the series, however.

The 3 games series against the Surf Dawgs was the beginning of stretch of 17 days when we don't have a day off, and that stretch ends in Washington for 3. Talk about 3 big games... I did think about going back to a 6 man rotation, but in the end I have to do what is going to put us in the best spot to win and I think that is the current rotation...

This team has had 2 rookies in the starting lineup for most of the regular season, as well as a rookie Starter for most of the year. We have a bench full of young players with few games played and we continue to get better. I think it makes sense. Hopefully, we can keep this up for the next few years... The one downfall about having a close race is we don't get to take a look at some of the younger guys that are "ready" for their cup-of-coffee. I would like to bring up Angel Hernandez to get some AB's and possible even our #1 prospect SP Ernie Kennedy to get a start...

With 19 games left we are 11 wins away from 100. We didn't win 100 till the last game of the season last year, but if we don't, and I don't think we will this year, it will mark the first time since 2015 that the Cavaliers finished under the century mark. A pretty impressive run right there...

I am feeling very confident about this team and how we are playing, but at the same time I am very nervous. I know this game can change at any moment... someone gets hot, someone goes cold, an injury, etc... 19 games can happy so fast, yet go by so slowly...



Standings Leaders
DE Southern: Milton Brewers: 82-60 (+9, M#12)
DE Northern: Wilmington Iron Pigs: 87-55 (+8, M#13)
MV Eastern: Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs: 87-55 (+8 M#13)
MV Western: Norfolk Cavaliers: 89-53 (+5, M#16)

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Adrian Smith, Georgetown Sixteens, 6-14, 4 HR's, 7 RBI's, 4 R's
MarVa: Jiong Wu, Washington Senators, 10-19, 4 HR's, 5 RBI's, 6 R's

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (124.8)
2) Christiana Blue Hens (114.1)
3) Wilmington Iron Pigs (113.3)
4) Milton Brewers (106.9)
5) Washington Senators (105.5)

News:
Lewes Braves: Were eliminated from playoff contention this week. This marks the first time since 2018 that a team other than the Braves will walk away with the Southern Division title. During their 7 year playoff run, the Braves won 3 titles.
Lewes Braves: 1B Totoya Ogawa started his DBL career late, coming over as a free-agent from Japan, but this week at 41-yrs old, he has done what only 7 other DBL players have done, when he connected on his 300th career HR.
Washington Senators: 3B Roberto Perez will miss the next 4 weeks with a sprained ankle, dealing the Senators offense a big blow. Perez is hitting .274-15-49 on the season.

Milestones:
Batting:
Francisco Reyes: 5 to 600 HR's

Pitching:
Miguel Contreras: 2 to 250 W's
Robert Walker: 15 to 2000 K's
Will Wilson: 25 to 1000 G's
Manuel Petrelia: 7 to 300 SV's (2nd member of the 300 sv club)

Minor League Playoff update:
AAA - Global League (final week of regular season)
TBD

AA - American Association
Round 1: Conference Championships - best of 3
Brooklyn Kings (Brewers) vs Empire Island (Blue Jays) - Kings lead 2-0
Minnesota North Stars (Ports) vs Vancouver Mounties (16's) - 16's lead 2-0

A - Continental League
Round 1: Wild Card - best of 3
New Orleans (16's) vs Charleston (Generals) - Series tied 1-1
Nashville (Tourists) vs Oklahoma City (Colonials) - OK City wins 2-0
Billings (Blue Hens) vs San Jose (Cavaliers) - San Jose wins 2-0
Portland (Surf Dawgs) vs Birmingham (Express) - Portland wins 2-0

S-AA - Continental League Short Season (Playoffs start next week)
TBD

[illeracula]

Week 24
Current Week: 4-3 (93-56 .624 / +2)
Next Week: 2 vs Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs, 2 vs Chesapeake Blue Crabs, 3 @ Washington Senators
Power Ranking: 2 (-1)
Fan Interest: 97 (+1)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic
Expectation: Playoffs

Runs Scored: 743 (4th)
Avg: .265 (5th)
HR: 196 (2nd)
SB: 150 (1st)
Runs Against: 503 (1st)
Starters ERA: 2.94 (1st)
Pen ERA: 3.10 (2nd)
Def Eff: .725 (1st)

Game 143: Norfolk 13, New Castle 4
Miguel Angel Gonzalez (9-9): 9.0 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 2 BB, K
Francisco Gallegos: 3-5, HR (22), 2 R, 2 RBI
Claudio Flores: 3-5, 2B, 2 R, 3 RBI
Bob Short: 3-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI
Robinson Lopez: 2-3, 2 R, RBI
H: 17, LOB: 8

Game 144: Norfolk 7, New Castle 6
Jaoquin Hernandez: 7.2 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 K
Eric Helton (5-1): 0.1 IP
Miguel Contreras (SV 14): 1.0 IP, H
Sergio Galvez: 1-5, HR (42), R, 3 RBI
Henry Rojas: 2-4, RBI
Jaun Hernandez: 1-1, 2 R
Pedro Torres: 2-3, R, RBI
H: 12, LOB: 8

Game 145: Norfolk 6, Milford 1
Cornell Pearson (22-2): 7.0 IP, 4 H, R, BB, 6 K
Teo Ha (SV 5): 1.2 IP, K
Sergio Rodriguez: 3-5, R, RBI
Bob Short: 3-4, 2B, RBI
Sergio Galvez: 2-5, 2B, R, RBI
H: 11, LOB: 5

Game 146: Norfolk 1, Milford 5
Paul Brown (14-3): 6.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 5 K
Sergio Galvez: 3-4, R
Bob Short: 1-4, 2B, RBI
H: 8, LOB: 8

Game 147: Annapolis 5, Norfolk 3
Carlos Coronado (12-11): 5.0 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 3 K
Sergo Galvez: 1-4, HR (43), R, 3 RBI
Pedro Torres: 1-3, 2B, R
H: 5, LOB: 0

Game 148: Annapolis 4, Norfolk 2
Miguel Angel Gonzalez (9-10): 7.0 IP, 8 H, 4 R, BB, 5 K
Robinson Lopez: 2-4, 2B, RBI
Francisco Gallegos: 2-3
H: 8, LOB: 9

Game 149: Annapolis 1, Norfolk 5
Joaqin Hernandez (4-1): 7.1 IP, 3 H, R, 2 BB, 11 K
Henry Rojas: 2-3, 2 HR (14), 2 R, 2 RBI
Bob Short: 1-4, HR (22), R, RBI
Sergio Galvez: 2-4, HR (44), R, 2 RBI
Francisco Gallegos: 2-4, HR (23), R, 2 RBI
Pedro Torres: 2-4, R, RBI
H: 10, LOB: 5



Injuries:
2B/3B Robinson Lopez left a game earlier this week with what looks like a pretty bad injury. We aren't sure and awaiting the diagnosis. Bryant Frank and maybe some minor leaguers will fill in for him. I have to review what I have for next week.

Other/Roster News:
"The Contreras Watch" -- Miguel Contreras 143.2 IP / @ 150. If Contreras hits 150 innings it kicks in a two $17M/year option. Conteras still has some good stats, but he has lost a lot of "stuff", down to 9 and about 10 MPH on his fastball. I'd love to keep him around in Norfolk, but not for $17M.

John O'Donegan gave me a call and said he would like to stay in Norfolk. I was able to work out a 2-yr deal worth $1.1M a year, but we just don't have the money to make it work... note singing JO to a 2 yr deal means I'd give up on Mark Bolton and Mike Baldwin... seems like it might be time... Bolton hasn't hit and Baldwin has a bad attitude that seems to be hampering his development.

GM Notes:
Never a good sign when you have a 4-3 week lose 3 games in the standings and the team chasing you passes you on the power rankings. This three game series coming up this week is setting up to be a HUGE one... plus it was such an up and down week. The way we scored at the beginning gave me up that we were "ready" to do this, but then... :-/

Losing 2 of 3 at home to a team with 100 losses on the season doesn't give me much confidence. Did we take it too lightly? Are our 4-5 pitchers just not that good? Of all the times to go into a funk against the Admirals is not the time... and leading into the most important week of the season.

Since Paul Brown has come back from his sprained ankle he hasn't been the same pitcher. He is now 0-1 with 2 ND's since his injury. I really need him to step it up this week and to get back into form... Looking at his game log, the 9 games before his injury he was 4-0 with 6 ND's... and to start the season he was 10-0 with 2 ND's in 12 starts... talk about some bad luck.

With the injury to Robinson Lopez I am a little worried. Lopez has been my 3B since Pedro Torres came up and has done an admirable job. However with him out I am going to take a hit on defense if I play Bryant Frank. I do have a kid in AAA that I could bring up, who is a better defender, but I am not sure about his bat. That would be the biggest question mark, because his glove is rock solid. I will have to see how the VB series goes and wait for the diagnosis on Lopez.

Well not much more to discuss as this point. Just nerves running rampant through the club house and now is the time to step it up. I just hope we have the make up and can pull it out. 2 game lead, 19 games to go... and this is our toughest week of the season right now. If we come out ahead here, we are in a good place. Maybe that is why I am so nervous... Not sure... the rotation however is set-up nicely with Pearson and Brown going against VB and WAS... wish me luck... time to get it going!



Standings Leaders
DE Southern: Milton Brewers: 86-63 (+9, M#5)
DE Northern: Wilmington Iron Pigs: 92-57 (+8, M#6)
MV Eastern: Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs: 88-61 (+5 M#9)
MV Western: Norfolk Cavaliers: 93-56 (+2, M#12)

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Alfredo Rodriguez, Seaford Blue Jays, 10-27, 5 HR's, 11 RBI's, 9 R's
MarVa: Henry Hamer, Ellicott City Express, 8-18, 4 HR's, 9 RBI's

Power Rankings:
1) Washington Senators (122.9)
2) Norfolk Cavaliers (117.3)
3) Wilmington Iron Pigs (116.1)
4) Christiana Blue Hens (109.5)
5) Milton Brewers (107.9)

News:
Ocean City Tourists: Will be without C Domingo Valencia for the rest of the season. Valencia strained his groin muscle and will be out for 6 weeks. Domingo finishes the season hitting .344-18-72.
Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs: Lost and team leader Shunen Koyama for the rest of the season. He may be ready for the DBL Championships if the Dawgs make it that far. Shunen broke his thumb running the bases. He finishes the season hitting .286-15-89.
Annapolis Admirals: Catcher Will Riley extended his hitting streak to 20 games.
Chesapeake Blue Crabs: Are going to be without Claude Bond for the next 3-months with a dislocated shoulder. The Silver Slugger finished the injury plagued season hitting .265-17-54.
Annapolis Admirals: Lost their SS Pepe Martinez for the rest of the season. Martinez hit .266-16-56 in 120 games.


Milestones:
Batting:
Francisco Reyes: 4 to 600 HR's

Pitching:
Miguel Contreras: 2 to 250 W's
Robert Walker: 12 to 2000 K's
Will Wilson: 25 to 1000 G's
Manuel Petrelia: 3 to 300 SV's (2nd member of the 300 sv club)

Minor League Playoff update:
AAA - Global League
Round 1: Conference Championships - best of 5
St Johns Norse (Iron Pigs) vs Calcutta Spiders (Blue Hens) - Tied 0-0
Chattanooga Lookouts (Surf Dawgs) vs Yokohama Baystars (Cavaliers) - Tied 0-0

AA - American Association
Norfolk Affiliate: New Orleans Pelicans (74-66 -6, 3rd)

Round 1: Conference Championships - best of 3
Brooklyn Kings (Brewers) vs Empire Island (Blue Jays) - Kings win 3-1
Minnesota North Stars (Ports) vs Vancouver Mounties (16's) - Mounties win 3-1

Round 2: AA Championships - best of 7
Brooklyn Kings (Brewers) vs Vancouver Mounties (16's) - Kings lead 2-1

A - Continental League
Round 1: Wild Card - best of 3
New Orleans (16's) vs Charleston (Generals) - New Orleans wins 2-1
Nashville (Tourists) vs Oklahoma City (Colonials) - OK City wins 2-0
Billings (Blue Hens) vs San Jose (Cavaliers) - San Jose wins 2-0
Portland (Surf Dawgs) vs Birmingham (Express) - Portland wins 2-0

Round 2: League Championships - best of 7
New Orleans (16's) vs Oklahoma City (Colonials) - Series tied 2-2
Portland (Surf Dawgs) vs San Jose (Cavaliers) - Series tied 2-2

S-AA - Continental League Short Season (Playoffs start next week)
Round 1: Wild Card - best of 5
Jackson (Colonials) vs Charlotte (Blue Crabs) - Charlotte wins 3-0
Jacksonville (Norfolk) vs Sioux Falls (Tourists) - Sioux Falls wins 3-0

Round 2: Championships - best of 7
Sioux Falls (Tourists) vs Chrlotte (Blue Crabs) - tied 0-0

[illeracula]

Minor League Playoff update
AAA - Global League
Round 1: Conference Championships - best of 5
St Johns Norse (Iron Pigs) vs Calcutta Spiders (Blue Hens) - Spiders win series 3-0
Chattanooga Lookouts (Surf Dawgs) vs Yokohama Baystars (Cavaliers) - Baystars win Series 3-2

Round 2: AAA Championship - best of 7
Calcutta Spiders (Blue Hens) vs Yokohama Baystars (Cavaliers) - series tied 0-0


AA - American Association
Norfolk Affiliate: New Orleans Pelicans (74-66 -6, 3rd)

Round 1: Conference Championships - best of 3
Brooklyn Kings (Brewers) vs Empire Island (Blue Jays) - Kings win 3-1
Minnesota North Stars (Ports) vs Vancouver Mounties (16's) - Mounties win 3-1

Round 2: AA Championships - best of 7
Brooklyn Kings (Brewers) vs Vancouver Mounties (16's) - Kings win 4-1

AA - Champion - Brooklyn Kings (Brewers)


A - Continental League
Round 1: Wild Card - best of 3
New Orleans (16's) vs Charleston (Generals) - New Orleans wins 2-1
Nashville (Tourists) vs Oklahoma City (Colonials) - OK City wins 2-0
Billings (Blue Hens) vs San Jose (Cavaliers) - San Jose wins 2-0
Portland (Surf Dawgs) vs Birmingham (Express) - Portland wins 2-0

Round 2: League Championships - best of 7
New Orleans (16's) vs Oklahoma City (Colonials) - Oklahoma City wins 4-2
Portland (Surf Dawgs) vs San Jose (Cavaliers) - San Jose wins 4-2

Round 3: Single-A Championships - best of 7
Oklahoma City (Colonials) vs San Jose (Cavaliers) - San Jose leads 2-0


S-AA - Continental League Short Season
Round 1: Wild Card - best of 5
Jackson (Colonials) vs Charlotte (Blue Crabs) - Charlotte wins 3-0
Jacksonville (Norfolk) vs Sioux Falls (Tourists) - Sioux Falls wins 3-0

Round 2: Championships - best of 7
Sioux Falls (Tourists) vs Charlotte (Blue Crabs) - Sioux Falls wins 4-0

Short-Season A Champion: Sioux Falls (Tourists)

[illeracula]

Week 25
Current Week: 6-1 (99-57 .635 / +5)
Next Week: 3 @ Annapolis Admirals, 3 vs Salisbury Ports
Power Ranking: 1 (+1)
Fan Interest: 97
Owners Mood: Ecstatic
Expectation: Playoffs

Runs Scored: 805 (4th)
Avg: .268 (2nd)
HR: 205 (2nd)
SB: 159 (1st)
Runs Against: 530 (1st)
Starters ERA: 2.96 (1st)
Pen ERA: 3.18 (1st)
Def Eff: .724 (1st)

Game 150: Virginia Beach 6, Norfolk 4
Cornell Pearson (22-3): 6.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 3 K
Sergio Rodriguez: 2-5, 2B, R, RBI
Bryant Frank: 2-4, R
Sergio Galvez: 2-4
H: 10, LOB: 7

Game 151: Virginia Beach 5, Norfolk 6
Paul Brown: 6.2 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 9 K
David Moran (5-4): 0.1 IP, H
Miguel Contreras (SV 15): 1.0 IP, 2 H, R, K
Bryant Frank: 2-3, 2B, RBI
Claudio Flores: 2-4, 2B, R, RBI
Trevor Parker: 1-4, 2 R
H: 11, LOB: 10

Game 152: Chesapeake 2, Norfolk 8
Carlos Coronado (13-11): 9.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 3 K
Henry Rojas: 3-4, 2B, 2 RBI
Bryant Frank: 2-3, HR (8), R, 2 RBI
Francisco Gallegos: 2-4, 2B, R, RBI
Pedro Torres: 2-4, 2B, R
H: 13, LOB: 6

Game 153: Chesapeake 1, Norfolk 5
Miguel Angel Gonzalez (10-10): 9.0 IP, 5 H, R, 0 ER, 5 K
Bob Short: 2-4, 2 2B, 2 R
Trevor Parker: 2-3, 2 R, RBI
Leonard Lawson: 1-1, 2B, 2 RBI
H: 8, LOB: 7

Game 154: Norfolk 16, Washington 3
Jaoquin Hernandez (5-1): 6.0 IP, 10 H, 2 R, BB, 8 K
Laz Tadiotto (SV 1): 3.0 IP, H, R, BB, K (Big League Debut)
Bob Short: 4-5, HR (23), 2 R, 4 RBI
Leonard Lawson: 4-5, HR (23), 3 R, 5 RBI
Sergio Galvez: 2-5, 3B, 3 R
Claudio Flores: 3-4, 2B, 3 R, 3 RBI
Mike Baldwin: 2-5, 2 R
H: 18, LOB: 13

Game 155: Norfolk 12, Washington 5
Cornell Pearons (23-3): 6.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 6 K
Michael Meagher (SV 2): 3.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, K
Henry Rojas: 2-2, 2 HR (16), 3 R, 4 RBI, 3 BB
Pedro Torres: 3-4, 2 HR (10), 2 R, 4 RBI
Bryant Frank: 2-4, HR (9), 2 R, 4 RBI
Mario Vasquez: 1-4, 2 R
H: 11, LOB: 6

Game 156: Norfolk 11, Washington 5
Paul Brown (15-3): 7.0 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 3 K
Francisco Gallegos: 4-5, 2 2B, 2 R, 4 RBI
Henry Rojas: 3-4, 2 2B, R, 3 RBI
Sergio Rodriguez: 3-5, 3 R, RBI
Bryant Frank: 0-2, 2 R
H: 15, LOB: 5



Injuries:
2B/3B Robinson Lopez, Strained hamstring, 2 weeks

Other/Roster News:
"The Contreras Watch" -- Miguel Contreras 144.2 IP / @ 150. If Contreras hits 150 innings it kicks in a two $17M/year option... I think we are good. I will be said to see Miguel walk, but it really is the best thing for the Cavaliers. I have to now try to talk myself out of resigning him at a discount. Its time to break the chain and move on.

GM Notes:
I have to admit when we lost the first game of the week with our ace on the hill I got a little nervous, but then the offense decided to show up and back up the pitching. Talk about a big week for these guys, and the best thing was it wasn't just the "stars". Not only did Galvez, Short and Gallegos hit, but Rojas, Flores, Torres and Frank did as well.

I guess these guys wanted to send a message to the Senators, that big three game series in Washington and we handled business. I am not sure if we scored double digits in 3 straight games at all this year... and that was against the Senators #1, #2 and #3 starters... I am almost able to take a breath...

I was a little worried putting Bryant Frank in the lineup after being on the DL, but I felt he was my best option with Lopez heading to the DL. And he picked it up for me and had a solid week, maybe his best week as a Cavalier. He hit .409 with 2 HR's and 8 RBI's, while scoring 6 times. Not to shabby.

We passed the 200 HR mark this week and it really shocks me that this team showed that much power. I expected Galvez and Short to hit HR's, but have 5 players hit over 20? Galvez: 45, Gallegos: 23, Laswon: 23, Short: 23, Parker: 21. Not too bad. This is the 4th Cavaliers team to surpass the 200 HR mark.

It wasn't to long ago I wasn't sure what to do with Francisco Gallegos. I had him in a few trades, but never pulled the deal. I ended up trading away Yann Gosselin and decided that Gallegos was my 1b. He was up and down in 2019 and 2020, before becoming my full-time 1B in 2021, only to lose the job and bounce around the next two seasons. Then in 2024, he finally become the full-time 1B and has been in that positition for the last 3 seasons. I probably should of gone with him sooner, but he is happy and we are happy with what he has done. This season he set highes in HR's, 23, RBI's, 90, and hits, 153. And the main reason I kept him over Yann was his defense, he won the Glove Wizard in 2024, had a better defensive season in 2025 and didn't win, but should have a very solid chance to win it agian this year, with his best defenisve season of his career.

There is a good chance that Cornell Pearson will win the Golden Arm Award this season, he will become the 5th Cavaliers pitcher to do if he pulls it off. The other winners: Miguel Contreras (2017, 2021, 2022, 2025), Jose Matos (2018), Matt Hollis (2019, 2020) and Paul Brown (2023). Some really nice company there. With only 6 games remaining its possible he will not get another start so he will be ready for the playoffs.

Sergio Galvez has kept on getting better with age. This season his average dipped from where it was last year, but all his other stats when up. He is the offensive leader on this team and he has been fun to watch. There was a time I got a little worried about his development, but he has proved me wrong and became one of the games top hitters.

If the Cavaliers win 1 of their remaining 6 games they will win 100 games for the 11th season in a row.



Standings Leaders
DE Southern: Milton Brewers: 88-68 (+7, X)
DE Northern: Wilmington Iron Pigs: 97-59 (+8, X)
MV Eastern: Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs: 92-64 (+7, X)
MV Western: Norfolk Cavaliers: 99-57 (+5, M#2)

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Alonso Martinez, Wilmington Iron Pigs, 12-29, 3 HR's, 10 RBI's
MarVa: Jose Diaz, Washington Senators, 13-25, 3 HR's, 7 RBI's, 7 R's

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (124.2)
2) Wilmington Iron Pigs (121.9)
3) Christiana Blue Hens (107.7)
4) Washington Senators (1107.5)
5) Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs (103.2)

News:
Milton Brewers: Clinched the Southern Title for the second time in franchise history, and their first since the DBL Inaugural season 2013.
Wilmington Iron Pigs: Defended the the Northern Title for back-to-back seasons and the 6th time in Pigs History.
Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs: Became the first of the 2017 expansion teams to take home a division title, when they clinched the Eastern Division.
Salisbury Ports: Lost rookie Hector Lorenzo for the next 11-12 months with a torn rotator cuff. The Rookie pitched in 40 games going 5-5 7.38 on the season.
Annapolis Admirals: C Will Riley saw his hitting streak end at 23-games. On the season the catcher is hitting .349-26-76.
Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs: Are going to be without LF Jose Silva for the playoffs. Silva is set to miss 4 months with a torn calf muscle. On the season he hit .312-0-18 over 205 AB's.
Baltimore Barons: Lost 1B Walter Dorsey for 8 months with a torn posterior cruciate ligament. Dorsey finishes the season hitting .325-10-44.
Newark Millers: Are hoping the #57 prospect in the DBL will be able to make a comeback after the 20-yr old short-stop, Jimmy Lewis, tore his ulnar collateral ligament. Lewis made his debut this season going .169-2-12 in 219 AB's.
Dover Generals: Stolen-base king SS Pedro Galvan is done for the season with elbow inflammation. He will miss 6-weeks of activities. The 32-yr old finishes the year hitting .315-1-54.
Washington Senators: Are going to miss their Silver Slugger candidate CF Jason Atkins for the next 3-4 weeks. Atkins hit .322-56-136 on the seasons and is the front-runner to win the Silver Slugger. If the Sen's make the playoffs he will miss at least the first round.

Milestones:
Batting:
Francisco Reyes: 3 to 600 HR's

Pitching:
Miguel Contreras: 2 to 250 W's
Robert Walker: 12 to 2000 K's
Will Wilson: 24 to 1000 G's
Manuel Petrelia: 3 to 300 SV's (2nd member of the 300 sv club)

[illeracula]

Week 26
Current Week: 4-2 (103-59 .636 / +5)
Next Week: ** Playoffs **
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 98 (+1)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic
Expectation: Playoffs

Runs Scored: 840 (3rd)
Avg: .269 (1st)
HR: 212 (2nd)
SB: 163 (1st)
Runs Against: 546 (1st)
Starters ERA: 2.94 (1st)
Pen ERA: 3.19 (1st)
Def Eff: .723 (1st)

Game 157: Norfolk 9, Annapolis 0
Carlos Coronado (14-11): 9.0 IP, 6 H, 4 BB, 5 K
Sergio Rodriguez: 3-4, HR (3), 2 R, 2 RBI
Sergio Galvez: 3-5, HR (46), 2 R, 2 RBI
Pedro Torres: 2-4, R
H: 13, LOB: 8

Game 158: Norfolk 5, Annapolis 2
Miguel Angel Gonzalez (11-10): 8.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 7 K
Bob Short: 2-3, HR (24), R, 2 RBI
Francisco Gallegos: 2-4, 2 HR (25), 3 R, 2 RBI
Henry Rojas: 2-4, 2 2B
H: 10, LOB: 8

With the second win of the week the Cavaliers win the Western Division title for an amazing 11th time in a row. The compeition keeps getting better, but the Cavaliers are able to fend off all challengers. Last year it took a big deal and solid 2nd half, this season it was a 21-6 September.

Game 159: Norfolk 3, Annapolis 7
Cornell Pearson (23-4): 2.1 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 3 BB, K
Francisco Gallegos: 3-5, R, 2 RBI
Sergio Rodriguez: 2-3, R
Bob Short: 2-5
H: 11, LOB: 11

Game 160: Salisbury 1, Norfolk 3
Armando Lopez: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 4 K
Michael Meagher (3-0): 2.2 IP, H, BB, 3 K
Miguel Contreras (SV 17): 1.0 IP
Leonard Lawson: 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI
H: 5, LOB: 9

Game 161: Salisbury 3, Norfolk 15
Joaquin Hernandez (6-1): 7.2 IP, 5 H, R, BB, 10 K
Henry Rojas: 3-5, 2B, 2 HR (18), 3 R, 6 RBI
Pedro Torres: 2-4, R, 2 RBI
Sergio Rodriguez: 2-5, 3 RBI
Claudio Flores: 3-5, 2 R, RBI
H: 17, LOB: 6

Game 162: Salisbury 3, Norfolk 0
Carlos Coronado (14-12): 6.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 8 K
Mario Vazquez: 1-3
Sergio Galvez: 1-4
H: 2, LOB: 3



Injuries:
2B/3B Robinson Lopez, Strained hamstring, 1 week

Other/Roster News:
"The Contreras Watch" -- Miguel Contreras 144.1 IP / @ 150. With Contreras not reaching the 150 innings his option won't kick in. I felt bad pulling him from the rotation, but it was what was best for the long run.

GM Notes:
We didn't finish as strong as I had hoped, losing the final game, and 2 of our last 4, but I am happy that we finished with the division title and over 100 wins. That seems to be my goal year in and year out, one that is getting harder and harder... The offense was a huge surprise during the final month, jumping from 5th to 3rd in runs scored and from 5th to 1st in batting average. We relied so much on our pitching staff for the first 145 games, but the final 17+ the offense really picked up the slack.

We had 2 rookies full-time in our lineup since June and both of them had "Newcomer of Year" type years. C Henry Rojas finished the season with a .297-18-65 line and Pedro Torres finished .292-10-49 line. I don't remember the last time we had two rookies in the starting lineup, and these two guys were impressive... Its a shame that Joaqin Hernandez got hurt after 5 starts, because it would of been interesting to see how he would of done all season, giving us 3 full-time rookies. Hernandez finished the season 6-1 2.94 in 12 games, 10 of which were starts.

Carlos Coronado finished the year 2nd in innings pitched with 254.1, but he lead the DBL in shut-outs (4) and complete games (10). He is the first pitcher to complete 10 games in one season and the 2nd to throw 4 shut-outs. It was a pretty amazing season for Carlos.

I am stoked that we pulled off the division and now our focus is changing to the playoffs. I think we should be alright in the playoffs thanks to our strong pitching. With Brown, Pearson, Hernandez and Coronado as my starts we should be alright, as long as the offense can hit the ball.

I will keep this short, so I can get ready for the playoffs and do the end of the year round-up... I really thought once we fell behind the Senators in the 2nd to last week of August that our season was over. I just didn't think there was any way that this offense was going to be able to make this happen. Once thing I may need to focus on for 2027 is a little more offense, pitching only gets you so far, you need a stand-out batter, someone who can change the game with one swing. Not sure there is anyone out there or if I really have room in my lineup up for "that guy", but I am thinking it might be necessary.

Seasons like this are tougher than seasons when you win the division by a lot of games, but in the end they are more rewarding. Next year is going to be a little tougher, then the year after even tougher... but that is what its all about. Building and keeping the team fresh and on top. We have run through quite a bit of players from our first title to this title. With that being said Augusto Rodriguez will be making on his 12th playoff team, not sure if he will make the playoff roster yet, but either way, quite a feat for the last Cavaliers holdover. He has been with the Cav's since 2015.

First around against the Surf Dawgs should be interesting...



Standings Leaders
DE Southern: Milton Brewers: 91-71 (+8, X)
DE Northern: Wilmington Iron Pigs: 100-62 (+8, X)
MV Eastern: Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs: 93-69 (+5, X)
MV Western: Norfolk Cavaliers: 103-59 (+5, X)

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

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (124.2)
2) Wilmington Iron Pigs (121.9)
3) Christiana Blue Hens (107.7)
4) Washington Senators (1107.5)
5) Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs (103.2)

News:
Washington Senators: Abraham Thomas announced his retirement. One of the games most feared hitters during his prime, Thomas has decided to hang it up after not playing in the DBL this season, he played in 79 AAA games with the Salisbury Ports affiliation. The past 4 years have been hard for the aging slugger. He retires with 490 career HR's, 2nd all-time. He was the first every MarVa Conference Silver Slugger in 2013.

Milestones:
Batting:
Francisco Reyes: 2 to 600 HR's

Pitching:
Miguel Contreras: 2 to 250 W's
Robert Walker: 12 to 2000 K's
Will Wilson: 24 to 1000 G's
Manuel Petrelia: 2 to 300 SV's (2nd member of the 300 sv club)

[illeracula]

Thrice as Nice: Hidalgo Takes Triple Crown: To hit for a high average makes one a coveted ballplayer. To hit for power catches everyone's attention, too. But to do both -- and to do it better than anyone else -- that puts a player in a special class. Ricardo Hidalgo now belongs to that class.

The 28-year-old Christiana left fielder has won the Triple Crown, the 1st player in history to do it. He topped the Delaware Conference in batting average (.320), home runs (52), and runs batted in (127).

His manager said, "Ricardo is not only a special ballplayer, he's a special person. He handled all the media attention with class this year and never let it affect his play or the ballclub. I am really proud of him. It couldn't have happened to a better person."

------------------------------------------------
González Dominates Delaware Conference, Wins Triple Crown: Ricardo González of Wilmington has done what few pitchers in DELMARVA Baseball League have been able to do. He's won the Triple Crown, leading the league in all three major categories: wins, ERA and strikeouts. The Iron Pigs star finished 2026 with a 24-4 mark to pace the Delaware Conference in wins. He also posted a league best 2.10 ERA and topped the league with 310 strikeouts. A season good enough to put him as a strong favorite to take the Delaware Conference Golden Arm Award.

"His level of consistency is amazing," said the Iron Pigs manager. "Ricardo goes out there every time he gets the ball and keeps you in the game. You know that when he's on the mound, you have an excellent chance at winning the game."

González is a low key kind of guy. He is very proud of his wins, but not really excited about his unique accomplishment this season. He admitted to the press, "Maybe, just maybe, I'll look back on this Triple Crown when I retire and smile. But for now my stats are for my kids to brag about and for the media-types who love talking about numbers."

------------------------------------------------
Things to note: Hidalgo was always a "star to be" but has been hampered by injuries year in and year out. He made his debut in 2019 and this year makes only the 2nd time he has played over 140 games, and this season he stayed injury free and played in a career high 160. The 28-yr old star is also on his walk year. he made $10M last season with the Blue Hens, but is on track to make a lot more after this season. It will be interesting to see how he does in the future thats for certain.

Ricardo Gonzalez is the first player in the DBL to reach the 300 K mark, and has keep increasing his K numbers over the past 4 seasons. At 19 he made his debut with the Iron Pigs, 8 games in relief, at 20 he went 4-14 in 44 games, 23 starts. Then at 21, he begin his development into the game stop pitcher, going 16-5 3.23 with 274 K's. At the time the 274 K's were the most in the DBL History. He followed that with a 18-6 2.53 season striking out 291. And this season he was even better, reaching the 300 K mark in 240 innings, while only walking 60 batters. His 11.63 WAR tops the charts, beating out Miguel Contreras and his 2016 season 11.60... this kid is only 23, its amazing to see that, and I have a feeling we will be hearing his name a lot more in the future.

[illeracula]

Minor League Playoff update:
AAA - Global League
Round 1: Conference Championships - best of 5
St Johns Norse (Iron Pigs) vs Calcutta Spiders (Blue Hens) - Spiders win series 3-0
Chattanooga Lookouts (Surf Dawgs) vs Yokoham Baystars (Cavaliers) - Baystars win Series 3-2

Round 2: AAA Championship - best of 7
Calcutta Spiders (Blue Hens) vs Yokohama Baystars (Cavaliers) - Baystars win 4-0

AAA - Champion - Yokohama Baystars (Cavaliers)


AA - American Association
Norfolk Affiliate: New Orleans Pelicans (74-66 -6, 3rd)

Round 1: Conference Championships - best of 3
Brooklyn Kings (Brewers) vs Empire Island (Blue Jays) - Kings win 3-1
Minnesota North Stars (Ports) vs Vancouver Mounties (16's) - Mounties win 3-1

Round 2: AA Championships - best of 7
Brooklyn Kings (Brewers) vs Vancouver Mounties (16's) - Kings win 4-1

AA - Champion - Brooklyn Kings (Brewers)


A - Continental League
Round 1: Wild Card - best of 3
New Orleans (16's) vs Charleston (Generals) - New Orleans wins 2-1
Nashville (Tourists) vs Oklahoma City (Colonials) - OK City wins 2-0
Billings (Blue Hens) vs San Jose (Cavaliers) - San Jose wins 2-0
Portland (Surf Dawgs) vs Birmingham (Express) - Portland wins 2-0

Round 2: League Championships - best of 7
New Orleans (16's) vs Oklahoma City (Colonials) - Oklahoma City wins 4-2
Portland (Surf Dawgs) vs San Jose (Cavaliers) - San Jose wins 4-2

Round 3: Single-A Championships - best of 7
Oklahoma City (Colonials) vs San Jose (Cavaliers) - San Jose wins 4-1

A - Champion - San Jose (Cavaliers)


S-AA - Continental League Short Season
Round 1: Wild Card - best of 5
Jackson (Colonials) vs Charlotte (Blue Crabs) - Charlotte wins 3-0
Jacksonville (Norfolk) vs Sioux Falls (Tourists) - Sioux Falls wins 3-0

Round 2: Championships - best of 7
Sioux Falls (Tourists) vs Chralotte (Blue Crabs) - Sioux Falls wins 4-0

SS-A - Champion - Sioux Falls (Tourists)

[illeracula]

September 2026 Award Winners

Delaware Conference Monthly Awards

Castaneda Takes Delaware Conference's Best Bat Award: António Castaneda battered Delaware Conference pitchers all September and wound up taking home the Batter of the Month Award. "I've been around DELMARVA Baseball League long enough to know you really have to work hard day in and day out to be able to put up this kind of consistency," the 26-year-old Castaneda told reporters. "I put in a lot of work, even on the days I might not take the field, and it's always nice when everything comes together for me like it did this last month." In 24 games, Castaneda hit .341 with 8 home runs, 19 RBIs and scored 18 runs. In the current season, Castaneda has put up a .290 batting average with 150 hits, 42 home runs, 107 runs batted in and scored 101 runs.

Delaware Conference Selects González September's Best Pitcher: In September, Ricardo González tore through the Delaware Conference like a seasoned veteran -- quite impressive for a player only 23 years old. The young Wilmington starter posted a 5-0 mark and an ERA of 0.60 to earn the Pitcher of the Month award. In 45 innings he collected 58 strikeouts while limiting the opposition to a .144 average. So far this season González has a record of 24-4 with 300 strikeouts and 59 walks in 233.1 innings and a 2.01 ERA.

Delaware Conference Names Rookie of Month: Mike Johnson earned September's Rookie of the Month honors in the Delaware Conference for last month's performance. The boyish Milton center fielder might be wet behind the ears, but he's proving that he has what it takes to play at this level. Johnson hit .279 with 5 home runs, 12 RBIs and 14 runs scored this past month on his way to winning the award. Johnson is currently batting .274 with 19 home runs, 72 RBIs and 109 runs scored. He has 175 hits in 638 at-bats.

MarVa Conference Monthly Awards

Rojas Claims MarVa Conference Batter of the Month Award: For a rookie just breaking in, Henry Rojas certainly put together a successful month. It was good enough to win the MVDIV Batter of the Month award for September. The 23-year-old catcher for the Norfolk Cavaliers hit .400 with 10 home runs, 27 RBIs and 17 runs scored. So far this year in 80 games Rojas is hitting .294 with 16 home runs, 59 RBIs and 37 runs scored.

MarVa Conference Announces #1 Starter: Norfolk starter Carlos Coronado really put the chill on opposing teams in September and today was acclaimed the MarVa Conference Pitcher of the Month. He excelled with a 4-1 mark and 2.48 ERA in 5 starts. In 40 innings, he fanned 19 and walked 10. Coronado has started 32 times this year, pitched 247.2 innings, fanned 158 batters and walked 57. His current record is 14 wins and 11 losses with a 3.27 ERA.

MarVa Conference Selects Rookie Star of the Month: Youngster Henry Rojas emerged as the latest MarVa Conference Rookie of the Month today. The young man from Norfolk deserved the honor, batting .400 with 10 home runs and 27 runs batted in. Is the month of September a harbinger of things to come or just a fluke? We'll find out someday, but for now, we'll just let Rojas enjoy the limelight. For the season Rojas is batting .294 with 80 hits and 16 home runs. He has scored 37 times and batted in 59.

League Leaders - October 5, 2026 (FINAL)

Delaware Conference League Leaders





End of the Year Award Front Runners:
Silver Slugger: Ricardo Hidalgo, Peter Peters
Golden Arm: Ricardo Gonzalez
Newcomer: Mike Johnson

MarVa Conference League Leaders





End of the Year Award Front Runners:
Silver Slugger: Jason Atkins, Jiong Wu
Golden Arm: Cornell Pearson, Antonio Cortez
Newcomer: Pedro Torres, Henry Rojas

Standings - October 5, 2026 (FINAL)



Southern Division:
Current Leader: Milton Brewers (91-71 .562 / +8)
Projected Winner: Lewes Braves (88-74 .543 / +2)
The Mitlon Brewers walked away with their first division title since 2013. It was a long road for them, but they final return to the top of the Southern Division. Lead by one of the games top offense and top starting staffs, they are built to be able to go deep into the playoffs. Rookie Mike Johnson, joins starts Chip Hurt, Edward Barnes and Berend Middlekamp to give the Brewers a well rounded offense.

Northern Division:
Current Leader: Wilmington Iron Pigs (100-62 .617)
Projected Winner: Wilmington Iron Pigs (97-65 .599 / +2)
The Iron Pigs win the Northern Division for the second time in a row, lead by one of the games premier starts Ricardo Gonzalez. The Iron Pigs also have a solid offense that shows lots of power, which is centered around and perenial Silver Slugger canidate Alonso Martinez. They Pig's have made the playoffs 6 times during their history, but have yet to walk away with the title. This year could be the year.

Eastern Division:
Current Leader: Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs (93-69 .574 / +5)
Projected Winner: Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs (89-73 .549 / +3)
The Surf Dawgs finally won their division holding off the Tourists and Blue Crabs. Last year a last week collaspe cost them their first playoff birth, but this year they held it together and got to celebrate.

Western Division:
Current Leader: Norfolk Cavaliers (103-59 .636 / +5)
Projected Winner: Norfolk Cavaliers (110-52 .679 / +10)
The Cavaliers win the Western Division for the 11th time in a row holding off the Washington Senators for the second year in a row. They Cavaliers overcame a rocky August to turn around and have have their best month of the season in September, which included a 3-game series drubbing of the Senators. Lead by two of the leagues top pitchers they will try to defend their DBL Crown.

[illeracula]

The Brewers come into the series healthy and ready. The surprised the DBL by winning the Southern Division easily and are ready to prove it wasn't a fluke. One of the biggest surprises of the year was the 2025 #1 pick overall, Mike Johnson. Johnson who finished his rookie campagain hitting .274-19-72 with a 2nd in the league WAR of 8.1. Their offense is one of the most potent in the game, and there isn't any one "star" its a true group effort from top to bottom. And if you can keep their offense quite you will have to score on a veteran starting staff lead by Julio Rohca. One of the deepest starting staffs in the game, the Iron Pigs won't get a break.





The Iron Pigs come into this series beat-up with two of their top hitters out for the Brewers series. 1B Alonso Martinez had a career year this season hitting .295-35-114 in 160 games and LF Matt Fisher who despite being injuryed put up some pretty solid numbers himself .321-30-81, in 108 games. Replacing these two bats will be tough. Playing for Martinez is 26 year old Ralph Anderson, who in 32 games hit .239-3-14, and for Fisher is a well known veteran Pablo Freitas. Freitas played in 125 games for the Pigs hitting .199-17-65. These two injuries put more pressure on on catcher Antonio Castaneda and the teams ace Ricardo Gonzalez.



In the end the injuries on the Iron Pigs offense will catch up to them and the Brewers will sneak into the Championship series. Look for this series to go 6 games. Despite the injuries, the Iron Pigs won't have Gonzalez rested for Game 1, unless he throws on short rest, the Brewers staff is rested and ready to go.

[illeracula]

With team leader Shunen Koyama (.286-15-89) out for the playoffs the Surf Dawgs will need someone to step up and help Wayne Weaver lead this balanced offense. The offense likes to work counts, get on base, and manufacture runs. Their patience will test the Cavaliers staff... while their offense is taking walks their young starting staff will try to keep the active offense of the cavliers off balance. The Surf Dawgs head into the playoffs with 4 starters under the age of 28.

The Surf Dawgs come into the playoffs on a cold streak winning just 10 of their last 31 games, but they are out to prove they are for real. They just missed the playoffs last season, and now they have a lot to prove.

Side Note: There is a lot of pressure on the Surf Dawgs, are they are the first team from the 2017 expansion to make it to the playoffs. There are rumors that the league has held off expanding due to the futility of the four expansion teams from that season.





The Cavaliers come into the playoffs hitting the ball all over the play and winning 23 of their last 31. Can their offense keep it up? That is a question that will be answered over the next couple of weeks... If their offense can score the Cavaliers should be able to win their 3rd MarVa Conference title in a row... And this is because they have one of the top pitching staffs in the game, lead by Golden Arm winners Paul Brown and Miguel Contreras and top Golden Arm Candidate Cornell Pearson. With Brown and Pearson going 1-2 the Surf Dawgs will have their hands full.

The Cavaliers aren't all powerful, they do have weaknesses, however not many. The way to beat to the Cav's is to a) take a lot of pitches and get the starters out of the game and b) get their hitters to keep the ball in the park, with 5 players hitting 20+ and 2 more hitting 10+ they can beat you with one swing up and down their lineup.



This is a true David vs Goliath series, with the Cavaliers, making their 12th playoff appearance and the Surf Dawgs making their first. The Cavaliers have won the MarVa Conference title 7 times. The Cavaliers have a playoff veteran team, with team leaders Paul Brown is 4-1 in 6 playoff starts, and Sergio Galvez has played in 51 playoff games. The Surf Dawgs have 3 pitchers who have appeared in the playoffs: Vincent Angel (New Castle: 2018, 2019, 4 G), Jimmy Jones (Norfolk: 2023, 2 G) and Jamie Ortiz (Newark: 2020, 2 G).

In the end the injury to Koyama and the inexperience of the Surf Dawgs will be the difference. The Cavaliers will win the series in 5 games.

[illeracula]

MarVa Conference
The first playoff game for an expansion team will be started by Jorge Cardenas. Cardenas went 17-6 3.63 on the seasons and 1-0 against the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers will go with their ace Paul Brown who was 15-3 2.74 on the season and will be making his 7th post-season start, Brown was 1-0 against the Surf Dawgs.

The Surf Dawgs pesky lineup starts off with 3 lefties, but the rest are righties. With Cf Roberto Alvarez (10-30, HR) holding the best hitting success against Brown:

C Luis Romero, SS Steven Jefferson, LF Wayne Weaver, CF Roberto Alvarez, RF Julio Rodriguez, DH Ken Fletcher, 2B Orinosuke Narita, 1B Martin Scott and 3B Pedro Alvarez.

The Cavaliers lineup has a nice mix of lefties (4) and righties (4) with one switch hitter. Bob Short the #4 hitter is 0-15 career against Cardenas, with no other player facing him more than 8 times.

RF Sergio Rodriguez, CF Sergio Galvez, 1B Francisco Gallegos, LF Bob Short, DH Leonard Lawson, C Henry Rojas, SS Claudio Flores, 3B Bryant Frank, 2B Pedro Torres

History will be made today as the Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs become the first expansion team to make the playoffs. There are a lot of people rooting for them to take down the giant...

Time to play ball:

Both teams went down quietly in the first, but in the second the Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs would get the scoring started. With 1-out Julio Rodriguez would drive a solo-shot over the left-center wall (436ft). Giving the Surf Dawgs the 1-0 lead.

In the bottom half of the 2nd the Cav's would get the run back. With one-out Leonard Lawson drove the 3-1 fastball over the center-field wall (435ft) tying the game. After two we have tie game 1-1, which each team collecting one hit.

The Surf Dawgs wouldn't waste much time getting the run back with lead-off hitter Martin Scott driving a 0-1 pitch over the right field wall (421ft)... but the Surf Dawgs weren't done. Pedro Navarro would single after Martin's HR, then move to second on a FC. With 2-outs he would come home to score on a 3-2 double by Wayne Weaver. After 2 1/2 the Surf Dawgs would hold a 3-1 lead.

After the Cav's went down quietly the Surf Dawgs didn't. After a double-play erased a lead-off single, Orinosuke Narita would hit the Surf Dawgs 3rd HR of the day, a solo shot over the left-field wall (378ft), but that wasn't it. The next hitter Martin Scott doubled down the left field line, and would score on a close play at the plate on a single by Pedro Navarro. After 3 1/2 the Surf Dawgs have been relentless, taking the 5-1 lead, and out-hitting the Cav's 8 to 1.

Paul Brown would finally shut down the Surf Dawgs in the 5th and the Cav's would chip into their lead in the bottom 1/2. Lead-off man Henry Rojas would hit a solo-shot over the right-field wall (431ft), but that is all they would get. After 5 the Surf Dawgs hold the 5-2 lead.

The Cavaliers relief staff would shut-down the Surf Dawgs over the final 3 innings, not allowing anyone to reach base. However, their offense was flat and couldn't get anymore runs home... and the Virginia Beach Surf Dawgs would take the game 5-2 and the a 1-0 lead in the Conference Championship series!!

W: Jorge Cardenas (1-0)
L: Paul Brown (0-1)
S: Rhys Kennerley (1)
HR: VB: Julio Rodriguez (1), Orinosuke Narita (1), Martin Scott (1), NFK: Henry Rojas (1), Leonard Lawson (1)

POG: Jorge Cardenas: 8.0 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 6 K, 1 HB

GM Notes: I am really shocked by the outcome of this game. I am still having issues believing we could only manage 4 hits. Our team should be a much better hitting team than this... our pitching can only do so much, and today it wasn't "great", but 5 runs isn't insurmountable... Paul Brown was just off. He was 100% rested, but didn't have his good "stuff". I have never witnessed him getting hit around like that. His first playoff loss. Hopefully he will be ready for game 5 focused and ready for revenge... The next time we come up against Cardenas you won't see Bob Short in the lineup, he added another 0-4 against him... Maybe they are just psyched to be here, maybe we just took them too lightly. Whatever it is, we need to bounce back to win game 2. We don't want to head into the VB down 2 games... Cornell Pearson will be on the hill for game 2, he hasn't been a "great" playoff pitcher, and has struggled a little at the end of the season. I would be lying if didn't say I am a little nervous...



Delaware Conference
The Wilmington Iron Pigs would jump out to an early lead, plating 4 in the bottom of the first on 4 hits and 4 walks... The Brewers would try to answer back cutting the lead to 4-3 in the 3rd, on 4 hits all singles, but the Iron Pigs pitching would shut-down the Brewers bats after that. The Iron Pigs would add 2 insurance runs in the 6th, thanks to a two run blast by Pablo Freitas. Pablo making his first playoff appearance since 2017 with the Cavaliers... This is a big win for the Iron Pigs taking down the Brewers ace Julio Rocha.

The Iron Pigs would win 6-3 and take a 1-0 series lead.

W: Irving Mills (1-0)
L: Julio Rocha (0-1)
S: Arturo Ramirez (1)
HR: WLM: Pablo Freitas (1)

POG: Irving Mills: 8.0 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 6 K

[illeracula]

MarVa Conference
Well game 1 didn't go as well as I had hoped. We came into the playoffs with hot bats, but Jorge Cardenas shut us down over 8. We just couldn't get anything going, turning game 2 into a pretty much "must win". Oddly enough, both teams are played better this season on the road: Surf Dawgs (48-33 .593 vs 45-36 .556), Cavaliers (52-25 .691 vs 47-34 .580). But even based on that I feel game 2 at home is a must win.

The Surf Dawgs will go with 16 game winner Steve Cole, who will be making his first post-seaon start. Cole went 2-1 3.63 agains the Cav's this season. The Cav's will counter with their top pitcher in 2026 Cornell Pearson. Pearson had the best season of his career going 23-4 2.16, but finished the season losing 2 of his last 3 starts. Pearson will be making his 8th post season start, and he hopes to continue his success from his 2025 campgain where he went 2-0 2.81 in 2 starts (post-season career: 3-3 3.76). Pearons had moderate success against the Surf Dawgs this year going 1-1 3.48.

The Surf Dawgs will go with their same line-up from game 1.
C Luis Romero, SS Steven Jefferson, LF Wayne Weaver, CF Roberto Alvarez, RF Julio Rodriguez, DH Ken Fletcher, 2B Orinosuke Narita, 1B Martin Scott and 3B Pedro Navarro.
(note: Pedro Navarro was listed as Pedro Alvarez in the game 1 notes)

I decided to go with a hunch, and I am not sure if this is wise or not, but I am going to rest veteran Francisco Gallegos who is 1-19 career against Cole and start rookie Jaun Hernandez. Hernandez will play CF and Sergio Galvez will cover 1B duties for now.

RF Sergio Rodriguez, 1B Sergio Galvez, DH Leonard Lawson, LF Bob Short, CF Juan Hernandez, C Henry Rojas, SS Claudio Flores, 3B Bryant Frank, 2B Pedro Torres

I am not sure how long I will stay with this lineup, Gallegos could come back in early, but for now I will see how it goes. The D might actually be a slight upgrade like this, the O, not sure...

Time to Play Ball:
The Surf Dawgs got a single in the first and a double in the second, but didn't threaten beyond that. The Cav's went down 1-2-3 in the first, but in the second the Cav's would break 0's... Bob Short would lead off the 2nd by getting drilled on the first pitch. Juan Hernandez flew out to deep center, and then Henry Rojas would drive a 3-2 fastball over the right-center field wall (432ft) for the 2-run lead. After two the Cav's lead 2-0.

The Cav's would some insurance in the bottom of the 5th, after Sergio Galvez tripled with 2-outs, bring up Leonard Lawson. Lawson popped up the ball betweewn short-stop and left-field, and the ball would end up dropping in between 3B, LF and SS. A rare blunder by such a solid defensive team. That would be the only run the Cav's would get, and after 5 they lead 3-0.

The 9th rolled around and Cornell Pearson sat at 98 pitches. I started Teo Ha and Miguel Angel Gonzalez in the pen, but Pearson has a 2-hit shut-out going, I wasn't about to take him out... well 9 pitches later, Pearson racked up his 8th K of the day and completed the shut-out... and the Cav's have themselves a tied series.

W: Cornell Pearson (1-0)
L: Steve Cole (0-1)
HR: Henry Rojas (2)

POG: Cornell Pearson: 9.0 IP, 2 H, BB, 8 K, 107 PI, 65 PS, Game Score 90.

GM Notes: The swap of Gallegos didn't end up hurting. Hernandez ended up going 1-4, with a stolen base. Galvez made some nice plays over at 1B. so in the end it all worked out... Rojas continues his hot streak going 2-4 with his second HR of the series. He even gunned down the Surf Dawgs best base runner trying to steal... Bryant Frank and Leonard Lawson each added 2 hits... The Cav's hit for the cycle collecting 7 singles, a double (Frank) and triple (Galvez) and a HR (Rojas)... Ken Fletcher and Wayne Weaver were the only Surf Dawgs to get hits. Fletcher singled in the second and move to third with 2 outs. He was the only Dawgs baserunner to each 3B all game... The series is tied with the next 3 set for Virginia Beach.

Series tied 1-1


Delaware Conference
Takayuki Iemochi has pitched in the playoffs before, starting 1 game each year from 2020-2022, but not with much success... but this year would be different, as Iemochi would dominiate the Iron Pigs over 9 innings, allowing just 3 base-runners to reach base, two of which were erased by double plays. Over 9 innings Iemochi would throw 96 pitches, and allow just 1 hit, striking out 5 and ending the Game with a GS of 88... The game was tight for the first 3 innings, tied at 0, but in the top of the 4th the Brewers would start off the scoring with a solo-HR by Ed Barnes. In the 5th they would add 2 more, and after 6 they would own a 4-0 lead. Then in the 7th the Brewers would blow the game wide open with 7 runs on 4 hits! Walks and errors kill. The final blow of the innign was a 2-run blast by Berend Middelkamp... after the dust settled the series would be tied at 1-1 and the Iron Pigs would end up being blown out at home 11-0. It will be interesting to see what happens in Game 3 as the setting moves to Milton.

W: Takayuki Iemochi (1-0)
L: Jason Nixon (0-1)
HR: Edward Barnes (1), Berend Middelkamp (1)

POG: Takayuki Iemochi, 9.0 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 5 K, 96 PI, 59 PS, GS 88

Series tied 1-1

[illeracula]

MarVa Conference
The Cavaliers head into Virginia Beach for game 3 and I'd say its somewhat of a must-win. I think every game is really a must win at this point. I'd like to win 2 of 3 in VB, so we can head home with the need to win only 1 and not both... On the hill for the Cavaliers will be rookie Joaquin Hernandez. Joaquin made 10 starts during the regular season, going 6-1 2.94, and didn't face the Surf Dawgs. At 21 years old, Hernandez will be making his post-season debut.

I am going to do a little tinkering with the lineup again today, with the DH position going to Trevor Parker, with Leonard Lawson sitting. Lawson is 0-7 against Melendez, while Parker is 2-6 with a HR. Other than that its the same line-up we sent out there in game 1.

RF Sergio Rodriguez, CF Sergio Galvez, 1B Francisco Gallegos, LF Bob Short, DH Trevor Parker, C Henry Rojas, SS Claudio Flores, 3B Bryant Frank, 2B Pedro Torres

The Surf Dawgs will answer with Juan Melendez, who was 0-0 3.97 against the Cavaliers this season, and like the other two VB starters will making his playoff debut. Melendez is 5 year veteran at 25 y's old had this best season of his career going 11-12 5.08. He still has some more developing to do, so he should be even better next year as he isn't quite in his prime yet... for the offense, the Surf Dawgs will go with their same lineup as they did in game's 1 and 2.

C Luis Romero, SS Steven Jefferson, LF Wayne Weaver, CF Roberto Alvarez, RF Julio Rodriguez, DH Ken Fletcher, 2B Orinosuke Narita, 1B Martin Scott and 3B Pedro Navarro.

Time to Play Ball:
The Cavaliers put together a small threat in the first, with Gallegos collecting a single with 2-outs. Bob Short followed with a walk to put runners on first and second with 2-outs, but Trevor Parker popped out to shallow left to end the inning... The Surf Dawgs however would fair much better. Luis Romero would start the inning with a single to right. He would move to second on a fielders choice. Advance to third on a wild-pitch, putting runners on first and third. With one out, Romero would score on a sac-fly to to by Roberto Alvarez. Weaver would get stranded at 1B after a Rodriguez pop-out, but the Surf Dawgs were on the board, with the game 3 lead 1-0.

The Cavaliers would answer back in the 3rd. Lead-off hitter Pedro Torres would single to left to get things started. He would steal second easily, and the score on the next pitch a single up the middle by Sergio Rodriguez. Rodriguez, however would get gunned down stealing. The Cav's would tie it up 1-1 after 2 1/2.

The lead-off hitters seem to be the Achilles heel for Melendez, as Trevor Parker greeted him in the top half of the fourth with a blast down the right-field line (356ft). He was the only Cav to reach base, but it was a big one, giving the Cav's the lead 2-1 after 3 1/2.

With Hernandez settling into a groove the Cav's looked to get him some more insurance runs. In the 5th Pedro Torres leads off with a walk, he would advance to second on a single to left by Sergio Rodriguez, and Sergio Galvez would leg out an infield single to load the bases bring up the Cav's 3-4-5 hitters. Francisco Gallegos would walk to bring home Torres. Bob Short grounded out to first, scoring Rodriguez and moving the runners up to 2nd and 3rd. But Trevor Parker (F3) and Henry Rojas (F5) couldn't get the job done. The Cav's add 2 to their score, giving them a 4-1 lead after 4 1/2.

The Surf Dawgs would answer back in their half of the 5th... After a lead-off ground out by Martin Scott #9 hitter Pedro Navarro with see the first pitch he saw over the left-field wall (373ft). The HR looked to shake Hernandez a little as he would end up walking Luis Romero. Romero, would be gunned down stealing, but that wouldn't stop the Surf Dawgs. Steven Jefferson singled with 2 outs, and that single brought up Wayne Weaver, who would tie the game with a HR over the CF wall (428ft). That is all the Surf Dawgs would get, but it was enough to tie the game. After 5, the game was tied at 4.

Playing the percentages, Teo Ha was brought in to face the top three hitters in the Surf Dawgs lineup, all lefties. Luis Romero greeted him with a double to left-center. Steven Jefferson would pull an instant replay doubling to left-center scoring Romero. And the 3rd lefty, Weaver, would fly out to deep center moving Jefferson to third. Armando Lopez would come in and end the damage... but the Surf Dawgs would take the lead 5-4 after 7.

In the 9th, the Cav's had 9-1-2, to face Rhys Kennerley. Pedro Torres would lead off popping out to first. Sergio Rodriguez would single to right, hopefully sparking some offense. Sergio Galvez would strike out for the second time this game, then Francisco Gallegos would end the game with a 6-4 ground out... The Surf Dawgs walk away with the game 3 win 5-4.

W: Wen Pei (1-0)
L: Teo Ha (0-1)
SV: Rhys Kennerly (1)
HR: NFK: Trevor Parker (1), VB: Pedro Navarro (1), Wayne Weaver (1)

POG: Sergio Rodriguez (NFK), 4-5, R, RBI

GM Notes: That one hurt, and I will question why I brought in Teo Ha and not David Moran for the rest of this series. Teo Ha is losing favor with me by the pitch... Henry Rojas gunned down Luis Romero 2-times today. Both of them were big, as the Surf Dawgs scored later in the inning... The Cav's committed two errors, one by Claudio Flores and one by Bryant Frank... Luis Romero and Steven Jefferson both had 3-hits for the Surf Dawgs, Jefferson collected 2 doubles, Romero one. Romero lead the Surf Dawgs with 2 runs scored... Sergio Galvez continues to struggle during the series, he is now hitting .182, last season he hit .387 and he holds a .277 lifetime average in 184 AB's... Claudio Flores may end up losing his starting slot, as he continues to struggle. 1-11 this series, including an error. Mario Vazquez may see the field soon... If I want to win, I will need Bob Short to do something. I can't win with my #4 hitter going 0-fer every game. He is now 0-10 for the series, yet he has only struck out 1 time... Hernandez went 6 innings, allowing 8 hits and 4 runs, he walked 2 and struck out 2. He threw 91 pitches, 52 for strikes. He ended with a 39 game score... Melendez only made it 5.1 innings, allowing 7 hits and 4 runs, while walking 4 and striking out 1. He had a game score of 35.

Surf Dawgs lead the series 2-1

Delaware Conference
The Brewers knew that game 3 was going to be tough facing one of the games top pitchers Ricardo Gonzalez... The Brewers would manufacture a run in the first thanks to a walk, 2 ground-outs and a single. They had a good feeling after getting ahead against Gonzalez... However that would all change in the 3rd. The Iron Pigs would score 3 runs on 4 hits, 2 of them doubles... After falling back 3-1 the Brewers knew they would have their work cut out for them... However, they would chip away at the 3-1 lead, and after 5 they had the game tied 3-3... but in the 6th Antonio Castenada would hit a solo-HR and the Brewers were looking up once again... Facing Arturo Ramirez in the 9th they knew they'd have a chance with Ramirez saving only 12 of 15 as an Iron Pigs this season... with 2-outs and runners on second and third, Edward Barnes struck a single to shallow right. Ramon Benabe would easily score from third, and the Brewers decided to push their luck, sending Mike Johnson home. But he would be thrown out at the plate to end the 9th!... In the 10th, the Iron Pigs would take advantage of a 1-out walk, which was followed by a Tom Anderson 2-run HR. Which is all the Iron Pigs and Arturo Ramirez would need... The game would end 3-batters later 6-4 and the Iron Pigs would have the series lead.

W: Arturo Ramirez (1-0)
L: Frederick Taylor (0-1)
HR: WLM: Antonio Castandea (1), Tom Anderson (1)

POG: Antonio Castandea: 2-3, 2B, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI

Iron Pigs lead the series 2-1

[illeracula]

MarVa Conference
Well if game 3 was a must when, and we lost, that makes game 4 a must win as well. We are giving the ball to Carlos Coronado who will be making his 5th post season appearance, but his first start. He hasn't had good success during the playoffs going 0-2 4.77, but he had the kind of year that gave me faith that he can do it. Carlos was 1-1 1.59 against the Surf Dawgs this season.

I made another tweak to the lineup, with Mario Vazquez getting the start at short for this game. Torres will move from 9th to 7th and Vazquez will hit 9th.

RF Sergio Rodriguez, CF Sergio Galvez, 1B Francisco Gallegos, LF Bob Short, DH Leonard Lawson, C Henry Rojas, 2B Pedro Torres, 3B Bryant Frank, SS Mario Vazquez

The Surf Dawgs answer with Noah Roberts. Roberts is making his playoff debut, and went 0-1 4.73 against the Cav's this season. Roberts won a career high 11 games this season, but he also 12, while posting a 4.34 ERA and pitching in 40 games, 24 of which he started. This was his second season as a regular.

With the lefty on the hill the Surf Dawgs mixed up their lineup, a lineup with 3 new faces, all making their playoff debuts.

RF Julio Rodriguez, SS Steven Jefferson, LF Wayne Weaver, CF Roberto Alvarez, C Michael Shoemaker, DH Ken Fletcher, 2B Orinosuke Narita, 1B Yi-hsui Zha, 3B Errol Yarbrough.

A must win for the Cav's, with a very interesting pitching match-up.

Time to play ball:
With two outs in the first the Cav's would put together a rally, which started with a Francisco Gallegos double to right. Gallegos would score on a single up the middle by Bob Short. Short would advance to second, on an infield single. Then Henry Rojas would bring home short with a single to right-center, it was a close play at home but Short was able to sneak in before the tag... The Cav's would jump on Roberts for 2 in the first.

The Surf Dawgs would cut the lead in half in the second when Roberto Alvarez would hit a solo-HR (413ft) to start the inning off. They would get 2 more singles during the inning, but couldn't get any more runs... After 2 its 2-1 Cav's.

After 7 innings and 112 pitches, Carlos Coronado would be removed from the game... Moran and Helton would shut the Dawgs down 1-2-3 and after the Cav's would still hold the 2-1 lead.

The Surf Dawgs would get their first batter in the 9th on, when Luis Romero singled to left. Miguel Angel Gonzalez would come in the game to close it off... Ken Fletcher sac-bunted, moving Romero to second. Narita would strike out swinging, and Zha would ground out to short, ending the game, with the Cav's winning 2-1.

W: Carlos Coronado (1-0)
L: Noah Roberts (0-1)
S: Migel Angel Gonzalez (1)
HR: VB: Roberto Alvarez (1)

POG: Carlos Coronado, 7.0 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 6 K, 112 PI, 81 PS, GS 63

GM Notes: Coronado stepped it up again for the Cav's surprising me with 7 solid innings. He seems to get better when the pressure is on. At one point this season he was almost demoted from the rotation... We collected 11 hits, but could only get 2 runners across the plate, four of those hits were in the first. If we want to win this series, we will have to score more runs, just need some better timing with our bats... The series is now a best-of-3, with 1 game in VB and 2 at Home, which I am not sure if that is a good thing or not... I went with Gonzalez for the save, because I had more faith in his stuff than Contreras. Its possible that Contreras will get the start in game 7 over Hernandez, if the series goes that far. It will be a hard decision... Mario Vazquez played a flawless SS, but went 0-2 at the plate, with a sac-bunt... The Cav's scored 2 in the first, during the following 8 innings, they had 5 hitters reach the plate 1-time and 4 3-times, and in the ninth Pedro Torres reach 3B, the first Cav's base runner to reach third since the first... Fletcher, Zha and Yarbrough, each had 2 hits for the Dawgs... Leonard Lawson collected game high 3 hits. Galvez and Torres each had 2... Noah Roberts threw a complete game for the Surf Dawgs, allowing 11 hits, 2 runs, he struck out 2 and didn't walk anyone. He had a game score of 60... Both teams turned 1 double play.

The Series is tied 2-2

Delaware Conference
Fernando Fareles (MLT) and Julio Rosario (WLM) locked horns in what would be a crazy pitching duel between two powerful offenses... Fareless went 8.1 innings, allowing 13 hits, but only 1 run to cross the plate... His coutnerpart Rosario would got 7.1 Innings, allowing just 4 hits... The game would start off with a positive/Negative for the Iron Pigs as their lead-off man Gordon Purkis would stroke a double to center, but would leave the game with an injury. Two batters later, Jose Escamilla, how PR for Purkis would be gunned down at the plate by van den Brugt in RF... The momemtum was starting to swing to the Brewers, but Rosario would put them down 1-2-3 in the first... The game was quiet until the 5th when Walt Martin would rope a 1-out triple down the RF line. The next batter would be Jose Escamilla, who replaced the injuried Purkis in the first, and he woudl fly out to CF scoring Martin. In what would end up being the only run of the game...Antonio Castaneda (WLM) lead all players with 3 hits. 3 other Iron Pigs players had 2 hits... Six different Brewers collected a hit, with only one for extra-bases a double by Berend Middlekamp.

W: Julio Rosario (1-0)
L: Fernando Rosario (0-1)
S: Arturo Ramirez (2)
HR: none

POG: Julio Rosario: 7.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 6 K, 99 PI, 66 PS, 76 GS

Iron Pigs lead the series 3-1

[illeracula]

MarVa Conference
Here we are game 5, the last game in Virginia Beach and then we head home for the final 1 (or 2). We are lined up really nicely with Brown and Pearson on the bump. Brown hasn't had his best stuff over the past month, but I think he will be geared up for this game. Since July 1st Brown is 5-1 in 16 games, including the game he left early. Since he returned from the injury he hasn't had kept an opponent under 4 runs. However I have faith that today will be the day he turns it around. On the road this season Brown was 9-1 2.50, in 19 starts...

With Bob Short 0-15 plus his 0-fer in game 1 against Jorge Cardenas, I decided he will sit this game. So down goes Short and in comes Trevor Parker. Parker will DH moving Lawson to LF for the game... and I am going to back to Flores at SS. He will however move from 7th to 9th in the batting order.

RF Sergio Rodriguez, CF Sergio Galvez, 1B Francisco Gallegos, DH Trevor Parker, LF Leonard Lawson, C Henry Rojas, 2B Pedro Torres, 3B Bryant Frank, SS Claudio Flores

The Surf Dawgs bring up the winning pitcher from game 1, Jorge Cardenas who is ready to win his second game of his playoff career. Can he continue the magic that he had in game 1? Will the nerves catch up to him? We will have to see, but Cardenas went 8 innings in game 1, allowing just 4 hits... Ken Fletcher (6-19, 2 HR) and Orinosuke Narita (4-13) lead a Surf Dawgs lineup that has hit Brown quite well over their careers. Brown gave up 3-HR's in 3 straight games, including 2 against the Surf Dawgs, so you know the Surf Dawgs are licking their chops and ready to go, and they are throwing out the same lineup they did in Game 1...

C Luis Romero, SS Steven Jefferson, LF Wayne Weaver, CF Roberto Alvarez, RF Julio Rodriguez, DH Ken Fletcher, 2B Orinosuke Narita, 1B Martin Scott and 3B Pedro Alvarez.

A big game 5 today, who will prevail? This is going to be a tough game for both teams and I am hoping that Brown is feeling better and ready to go...

Time to play ball:
Both pitchers cruised through the first two innings... but in the top of the 3rd the Cav's broke the 0's. Claudio Flores, with 1-out, would single up the middle for the first hit of the game. Then 2 batters later, Sergio Galvez would connect on a 2-run shot over the left-center field wall (394ft)... Thats all the Cav's would get, and after 2 1/2 they would have a 2-0 lead.

Paul Brown was mowing down the Surf Dawgs to starting the game, pitching 3 perfect innings, and then in the 4th, all heck broke loose... In the top half of the 5th Cardenas would stike out the side (Parker, Lawson, Rojas) which seemed to swing the momentum...
Luis Romero would lead off the inning with a solo-HR over the RF wall (399ft). After the HR Brown would walk Jefferson, who would advance to second on a Weaver single. Brown looked to settle down striking out Alvarez and getting Rodriguez to fly out to left. But Ken Fletcher would single to left on an 0-2 pitch, scoring Jefferson. With the game tied at 2, Narita would hit an easy grounder to Bryant Frank at 3B who threw the ball away, allowing Weaver to score. Scott would ground out, but after that mess, 3 hits, a walk and an error the Surf Dawgs had the lead 3-2, after 4.

The lead wouldn't last long as lead-off man Pedro Torres would greet Cardenas in the 5th with a solo-blast over the LF wallk (374ft). Bryant Frank, who I almost PH for, would double off the CF wall. Frank would advance to 3B on a sac-bunt by Claudio Flores and score on a ground-out by Sergio Rodriguez. Not sure what it means that he IF was allowing Frank to score to take the lead in the 5th, the Surf Dawgs must think they can score at least 1 off our staff... after 4 1/2 the Cav's were back in front 4-3

The Cav's would add another run in the 6th, but missed a big opportunity for more. Francisco Gallegos would lead off with a double down the RF line. He would then advance to third on a single by Trevor Parker, and score on a ground-out by Leonard Lawson. with Parker on second, Henry Rojas would leg out an infield single putting runners on 1st and 3rd. Pedro Torres flew out to right-field, and Frank would strike out swinging, ending the inning. A big insurance for the Cav's, gives them a 5-3 lead after 5 1/2.

After 9 solid innings from Paul Brown, Miguel Contreras would be brought in to close out the game in the 9th. Contreras would get Rodriguez to ground out short for out #1. Fletcher would ground out to short for out #2. Contreras would then walk Narita. With a runner on first the tying run was at the plate in Martin Scott. Scott would beat out an infield single,b ring up the winning run... Pedro Navarro would ground out to thid (5-4) to end the inning. And the Cav's would win game 5, 5 to 3.

W: Paul Brown (1-1)
L: Jorge Cardenas (1-1)
S: Miguel Contreras (1)
HR: NFK: Pedro Torres (1), Sergio Galvez (1), VB: Luis Romero (1)

POG: Paul Brown: 8.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 9 K, 127 PI, 84 PS, 72 GS

GM Notes: Paul Brown threw a great game, with the exception of the 4th inning. I am glad to say that little blip didn't last long as he bounced right back and shut-down the Dawgs 1-2-3 in the 5th. I felt good with Brown on the hill today, and I fell good with him for the future. After that 4th I was getting a little nervous... I know what you are thinking. Why did Contreras close out the game, wasn't he supposed to saved for game 7? Well on my walk to Wawa before this game, I decided that Gonzalez will get the start. He has been lights out as a SP in the playoffs, so he deserves the shot... Bob Short did get an at-bat against Cardenas today, he PH for Frank in the 9th, and drew a walk... The Cav's collected 7 hits, by 7 different players. Gallegos and Frank doubled, Torres and Galvez HR'd... The Surf Dawgs had 4 hits, by 4 different players. Luis Romero who was 0-15 career regular season against Brown hit a long-ball off of him... Cardenas threw 8.2 innings, allowing 7 hits and 5 runs. He walked 2 and struck out 7 in another very solid start (GS 55)... The series shifts to Norfolk with Pearson on the hill to close out the series.

Cavaliers lead the series 3-2

Delaware Conference
The Wilmington Iron Pigs put this game away early, by jumping all over the Brewers ace Julio Rocha in the first inning... Lead-off man Jose Escamilla would strike out, however he did so on a wild pitch and he would reach first base. It would be all down hill from there. Santiago Baez would single him to second, then the #3 hitter, Antonio Castaneda, would hit a 3-run HR. The Iron Pigs weren't done, scoring one more, on a 2-out single, 3 batters later... with a 4-run lead, the Iron Pigs weren't done in the second. Santiago Baez would single, Antonio Castandea would walk, and Tom Anderson would hit the Iron Pigs second 3-run HR of the game. And after 1 1/2 innings, the Iron Pigs held a 7-0 lead... The Brewers scored 4 of their own in the bottom of the second, but it was the only rally they could get going, as the Iron Pigs continued to score in the 3rd, 4th, 7th and 9th... And when it was all said in done the Iron Pigs blew out the Brewers 15-5, to take the series and go home Delaware Conference Champions...

W: Julio Herreras (1-0)
L: Juilo Rocah (0-2)
S: Eric Loveland (1)
HR: WLM: Tom Anderson (2), Antonio Castaneda (2), Dave Bullock 2 (2)

POG: Dave Bullock, 4-4, 3 R, 3 RBI, 2 HR, BB

Wilmington wins the Delaware Conference Championship 4-1

Series MVP: Antonio Castaneda: 17 AB's, 2 HR's, 5 RBI's
-Game 1: 0-2, 2 BB, R, K
-Game 2: 0-3, K
-Game 3: 2-3, 2B, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB
-Game 4: 3-5, K
-Game 5: 3-4, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB

[illeracula]

MarVa Conference
We head back home to try to finish off the series. I have Cornell Pearson on the mound for game 6. I sort of thought about starting someone else, and hope we win, so Pearson would be ready for the Championships, but then reality set in and I need to win this game. Game 6 is much more important than game 7. I have to stop thinking ahead and focus on the now. So Pearson, who threw a complete game 2-hit shut-out in game 2 is on the hill and I hope he brings his A-game. Much rather win now, than have to play at game 7.

Steve Cole is on the hill for the Surf Dawgs, he took a tough loss in game 2. Cole was the 2021 #1 pick in the 1st year player draft and this year he put together his best of his career going 16-7 3.68 in 29 starts. Cole is ready to make his 2nd career playoff start a great one, so the Cav's better be ready...

The Surf Dawgs are going with the same lineup they have against all of our righty's. Luis Romero is leading the team with a .313 average, and Orinosuke Narita is slumping the most only hitting .056:

C Luis Romero, SS Steven Jefferson, LF Wayne Weaver, CF Roberto Alvarez, RF Julio Rodriguez, DH Ken Fletcher, 2B Orinosuke Narita, 1B Martin Scott and 3B Pedro Navarro.

I am going with the same lineup I did in game 2, against Cole, well with one minor change Torres and Flores are swapping the 7th and 9th slots. Cole has pitched well over his career against most of the Cav's lineup. During their regular season match-ups Galvez is 10-21, with a HR, Short is 4-9 and Henry Rojas, who went deep against Cole in game 1, is 2-2 with 2 HR's against him.

Bob Short is now hitting .071 during the playoffs as he continues to struggle. I am hoping he can break out of it now, and get rid of the snowflake next to his name.

RF Sergio Rodriguez, 1B Sergio Galvez, DH Leonard Lawson, LF Bob Short, CF Juan Hernandez, C Henry Rojas, 2B Pedro Torres, 3B Bryant Frank, SS Claudio Flores

This isn't a "must" win, but its as close as they come. With our #2 on the hill, and a questionable starter ready for game 7 (Hernandez or Gonzalez) I would rather just win it and be done... I am handing the ball over to Pearson and hopefully he can show this crowd of 43,000+ what he is made of...

Time to play ball:
The Surf Dawgs would get a hit, by Steven Jefferson, who would end up being left on third base in the first... The Cav's would however, get the game started off with a bang. Sergio Rodriguez started things off with a single to left. The next hitters Sergio Galvez would hit a grounder back to pitcher, but Cole couldn't make the play. Galvez would be safe at first and Rodriguez at second on the E1. After a Gallegos strike-out and a successful double-steal Bob Short would hit a BOMB (470ft) over the right-center field wall, giving the Cav's the 3-0 lead. The next two Cavaliers would reach base, Lawson walked, Rojas singled, but wouldn't advance... After 1 the Cav's would jump out to an early 3-0 lead.

The Surf Dawgs would replay the first in the second, single (by Julio Rodriguez), stolen base, left on third... and the Cav's would add an insurance run in their half of the second. With one out Sergio Rodriguez would triple to right-center, and then come home to score on a Sergio Galvez ground out. After 2 the Cav's hold a 4-0 lead.

After getting runners on in the first 4 innings, but not being able to get anyone to cross the plate the Surf Dawgs would finally get a run in the 5th. with 2-outs Steven Jefferson would hit a 2-2 pitch over the right-field wall (379ft). It was all the Surf Dawgs would get, but after the continues threats it must feel good to get a run off of Pearson. After 4 1/2, Cav's lead 4-1.

In the bottom half of the 5th the Cav's would thee run back... Sergio Rodriguez leads off the inning with his second triple of the game, and would score on the Sergio Galvez's fly-out to deep right. After 5 Cav's lead 5-1.

In the 7th, the Cav's would add to their lead... With one-out Claudio Flores would single. With 2-outs Sergio Galvez would single moving Flores to second. The next batter Francisco Gallegos would drive a double into the right-center field alley scoring both Flores and Galvez. The next two batters would walk, but Henry Rojas would ground out ending the threat... After 7 the Cav's hold a big 7-1 lead.

Armando Lopez would be called on in the 9th to close out the game. He looked a little rusty pitching for the first time during the series, but was able to do the job. Julio Rodriguez flew out to deep center. Ken Fletcher would hit a solo-HR to deep left (436ft). Orinosuke Narita would strike out. And Martin Scott would ground out to end the game, and the Cavaliers are heading back to the title game, and will try to defend the 2025 DBL Championship banner! The Cavaliers win the game 7-2 and the series 4-2.

W: Cornell Pearson (2-0)
L: Steve Cole (0-2)
HR: VB: Steve Jefferson (1), Ken Fletcher (1), NFK: Bob Short (1)

POG: Cornell Pearson: 7.0 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 4 K, 113 PI, 68 PS, 63 GS

GM Notes: We only managed 8 hits, but we made the most with those 8 hits, scoring 7 runs. However we did also leave 7 runners on base... Sergio Rodriguez tied the record for most triples in a playoff game with 2. He was 3-5 on the day, leading the Cav's offense, he also scored 3 times... Sergio Galvez and Francisco Gallegos each had 1 hit and 2 RBI's, Bob Short had 1 hit and 3 RBI's... Julio Rodriguez was 3-4 for the Surf Dawgs with 2 steals, Steve Jefferson went 2-4 with a stolen base and a HR... The Surf Dawgs had 8 total hits and left 5 runners on... Steve Cole struggled today, throwing 6.2 innings, allowing 6 runs, 5 earned, on 6 hits and 2 walks, he struck out only 3. His game score was 41... The Cav's return to the Championship Game to defend their title.

Cavaliers win the series 4-2

Series MVP: Cornell Pearson, 2-0, 1 R, 9 H, 16.0 IP, Game 2 shut-out, Game 6 clinching win
- Game 2: 9.0 IP, 2 H, BB, 8 K, 107 PI, 65 PS, Game Score 90.
- Game 6: 7.0 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 4 K, 113 PI, 68 PS, 63 GS

[illeracula]

2026 DelMarVa Championship Preview

The Cavaliers will be facing off against the Iron Pigs in the best-of-seven DelMarVa Championship series. This is a rematch of last seasons Championships, and the third time these two teams have met up in the Championships. The first time was in 2014, when the Cav's defeated the Iron Pigs. In 2014, the series went 6 games, and last year the Cavaliers swept.

Last season the Cavaliers became the first MarVa Conference team to win the Championship in the '20s, and they won for a record 6th time. This will be their 7th appearance in the Championship series, and the Iron pigs 3rd (all against the Cavaliers). The Cavaliers come in injury free, but the Iron Pigs have a couple of their big hitters off their current roster, but the Iron Pigs have their ace rested and ready to go, where the Cav's will be need their lower half of the rotation to step it up.

The Cavaliers hold the home field advantage, winning 103 games versus the Iron Pigs 100. Games 1,2, 6 and 7 will be played in Norfolk. The Iron Pigs played better at home, and the Cav's played better on the road in 2026. This series is going to come down to who can score the most runs. Not just via the HR, but via manufacturing runs. This is shaping up to be a memorable series, and I know I am looking forward to it.

The Iron Pigs have quite of few names the Cavaliers fans will recognize. The following players are ex-Cavaliers: Pablo Freitas, Tom Anderson, Jose Escamilla, Arturo Ramirez and Jose Matos. I am not sure I ever remember playing a team that this many players come through the way of Norfolk. Some of these guys have played a key part in Cavaliers history. Pablo Freitas won the Newcomer of the Year Award in 2013, Arturo Ramirez was the Cavaliers first 1st-round draft pick, going #3 in 2013, and he won the Newcomer of the Year Award in 2018, and finally Jose Matos, who won the Golden Arm Award with the Cav's in 2018, he also has won 5 DelMarVa titles (3 with Norfolk, 2 with Milford).

Wilmington Iron Pigs:
Playoffs: 6
Championship Appearances: 3
Championships: 0

The Iron Pigs come into the playoffs hungry for their first title. After getting swept by the Cavaliers last season the Iron Pigs are out for blood... and because they won their series against the Brewers quickly their starting rotation is set-up 1-2-3... Getting the ball in game 1 is who many consider the top pitcher in all of the DBL, Ricardo Gonzalez. This season Gonzalez went 24-4 with a 2.10 ERA and a DBL record 310 strikeouts.

The downfall for the Iron Pigs are injuries, but those injuries didn't seem to affect them during the Conference Championships. Power hitter LF Matt Fisher is out for the series. He hit .321-30-81 in 108 games this season, and 1B Alonso Martinez doesn't' seem to be on the playoff roster, despite being able to return tomorrow. Martinez hit .295-35-114 on the season. Is he really off the roster? Is this is ploy?

Gordon Purkis who was hurt during the Conference finals returns to the lineup for Game 1.

Norfolk Cavaliers:
Playoffs: 12
Championship Appearances: 7
Championships: 6

We made one roster move before the series, removing Mario Vazquez in favor of Robinson Lopez, who just came off the DL. Lopez will get some PT at 3B, at least for D purposes. He is a career .345 hitter in the playoffs, so he may work his way back into the lineup as well.

With Pearson going in game 6 and Brown in game 5 the Cav's staff isn't rested for the series. Going in game one will be lefty Carlos Coronado, and then the rest of the series is up for grabs. Depending on how Paul Brown feels he make go in game 2, otherwise he is game 3 and Pearson game 4. Which means the game 2 starter will be Gonzalez, Hernandez or Contreras. I am not sure.

Team Comparison:
C: Henry Rojas (.297-18-65) vs Antonio Castenada (.292-42-110)
1B: Francisco Gallegos (.282-25-96) vs Ralph Anderson (.239-3-14)
2B: Pedro Torres (.292-10-49) vs Jose Escamilla (.270-6-29)
3B: Bryant Frank (.252-9-42) vs Tom Anderson (.268-25-80)
SS: Claudio Flores (.243-8-40) vs Gordon Purkis (.222-5-49)
LF: Bob Short (.288-24-83) vs Pepe Santana (.279-18-65)
CF: Sergio Galvez (.282-46-134) vs Walt Martin (.216-10-44)
RF: Sergio Rodriguez (.324-3-64) vs Santiago Baez (.222-1-11)
DH: Leonard Lawson (.259-23-76) vs Kevin Barber (.239-8-49)

P1: Carlos Coronado (14-12 3.26) vs Ricardo Gonzalez (24-4 2.10)
P2: Joaquin Hernandez (6-1 2.94) vs Jason Nixon (14-8 3.75)
P3: Paul Brown (15-3 2.74) vs Irving Mills (10-2 2.19)
P4: Cornell Pearson (23-4 2.16) vs Juan Rosario (14-14 3.91)

SU: Eric Helton (5-1 2.14) vs Edmund Scott (12-6 3.91)
CL: Miguel Angel Gonzalez (18 SV, 2.90 ERA) vs Arturo Ramirez (15 SV, 3.05)

Offense: 840 vs 828 Runs
Pitching: 546 vs 666 Runs Against

Prediction
Looking at these stats, the Iron Pigs might edge out the Cavaliers on the offensive side, especially if Martinez is on the roster, but if they really do leave him off the roster the Cavaliers might be able to edge out Pigs on offense. The starters are very close, and the way the rotations are lined up we "should" see some very interesting pitching match-ups. I am guessing this series is going to be low scoring. In the end this series is going to come down to getting runners on base, and getting them to home. The long-ball isn't going to determine the winner and because of that I am going to give the edge to the Iron Pigs. With Fisher and Martinez out, the Iron Pigs will be focused more on the small ball... In the end the Iron Pigs get their revenge and their first title, but this series will be hard fought and go all 7.

[Nickphillies]

GO CAVS! illeracula your Dynasty Report is incredible! So much depth and immersion!

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by Nickphillies

GO CAVS! illeracula your Dynasty Report is incredible! So much depth and immersion!

Thanks Nick, its nice to hear that you are enjoying it. I hope I can pull this one off, I just think we are running into a red-hot team...

[illeracula]

2026 DelMarVa Championship - Game 1 (Best of 7)

Game 1 of the 2026 DelMarVa Championships will pit the games top pitcher Ricardo Gonzalez against the Cav's #4 starter Carlos Coronado. During the playoffs this season Gonzalez has 1 start, which finished in a no-decision. For his career he is 0-1 4.29 in 3 starts. Coronado will be making his second playoff start in game 1, after pitching a solid game 3 in the Conference Championships. He is 1-2 2.84 in 5 post-season games, over his career. Ricardo took the loss in game 1 last season, his only playoff start during the series, and he is ready to take revenge on the Cav's.

The Iron Pigs will bat 7 rigthy's against the Cav's lefty in game 1. With 4 of them hitting over .389 during the 2026 playoffs. Only two starters have seen Coronado during their careers: Castanada 1-8, and Santana: 0-1

SS Gordon Purkis, RF Santiago Baez, C Antonio Castaneda, 3B Tom Anderson, 1B Ralph Anderson, 2B Kevn Barber, DH Dave Bullock, LF Pablo Freitas, CF Pepe Santana

Coronado will be facing a lot of hitters he has never seen before, he has never made a start during the regular season against the Iron Pigs. So I am not sure what to expect. He comes into the series red-hot, but will be facing some tough right-handed hitters throughout this Iron Pigs lineup... Facing one of the games top pitchers the Cav's will bat 4 lefties, and one switch hitter. I thought about giving Robinson Lopez the start, but decided to hold off, maybe a mid-game PH/Defensive sub role today.

I am going with the same starters as I did in Game 1 of the Conference Finals, with only the order of Torres and Flores being flipped-flopped. The Cav's only have 1 hitter Lawson (.333) who is hitting over .300 during the playoffs as the bats have struggled this post-season.

RF Sergio Rodriguez, CF Sergio Galvez, 1B Francisco Gallegos, LF Bob Short, DH Leonard Lawson, C Henry Rojas, 2B Pedro Torres, 3B Bryant Frank, SS Claudio Flores

Will the Cav's be able to take down the ace? Will Coronado be able to match Gonzalez? This is going to be an interesting game. The Iron Pigs would love to steal a game in Norfolk...

Personally I am a little worried about this series. Our bats our cold, our rotation is going 1-2-3, and they are hot...

Time to play ball:
Both teams had hits in the first, the Iron Pigs, by Purkis was erased on a 6-4-3, while the Cavaliers tried to get a run. Serigo Rodriguez, lead off the game with a single up the middle, and then promptly stole 2B. Taking advantage of Gonzalez lack of an ability to keep runners close. He'd move up to third on a ground out, but the next 3 hitters would fail at getting him home...

In the second the Iron pigs would take the lead when former Cavaliers player Tom Anderson lead off the inning with a solo-blast over the LF wall (363ft). Coronado would shut the next 3 hitters down 1-2-3, and Gonzalez would retire the Cav's 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 2nd. After 2 the Iron Pigs would hold the lead 1-0.

The game would remain tied until the bottom of the 4th when the Cav's would tie it up, thanks to a solo-blast into the RF power-alley (440ft) by Bob Short... After 4 the game was tied at 1.

Gonzalez and Coronado continued to battle through the next 4 innings... After 8 innings the would remain tied at 1.

With Coronado feeling good, just hitting pitch #100, and two pitchers warm in the pen, I decided to stick with CC for the 9th. CC has a 20 stamina, so its not uncommon for him to throw over 100 pitches. With one-out that might of been a mistake, with the righty rested in the pen, the lefty CC would face Tom Anderson, and 7 pitches later the Iron Pigs would score their second run of the game, another solo-shot by Mr Anderson, a line drive over the LF wall (380ft). CC would retire the next two hitters, but the damage was done...

We head into the 9th, down 2-1, to face the Pigs closer Arturo Ramirez with our #2, 3 and 4 hitters. Ramirez has pitched well against the Cav's since being traded away, so this might be tough...
Sergio Galvez grounds out to first (3-1) for the first out. The next batter Francisco Gallegos would greet his old friend with a single to right. Juan Hernandez would come into run for Gallegos giving us speed if necessary. Bob Short would get drilled in the back, moving Hernandez to second. The next batter Leonard Lawson would drive a double down the right field line. Hernandez would score easily to tie the game, and our 3B coach would wave Bob Short home, despite the great arm owned by RF Walt Martin... OUT!... Short was gunned down at home. The next batter Henry Rojas would step-up with the winning run on 2B and strike out LOOKING... after 9 we are head to play more, with the game tied at 2.

In the 11th the Iron Pigs would get things started with a Gordon Purkis single up the middle. The lefty David Moran would come to replace Eric Helton and get the next hitter Walt Martin to ground intot he 4-6-3 DP... but they weren't done... with the power coming up, I decided to bring in the righty Alberto Sanchez. He would pitch around Antonio Castaneda, and end up walking him. Bringing up Tom Anderson, yes him again... and 3 pitches later the Iron Pigs would have a 4-2 lead, thanks to Mr Anderson's 3rd HR of the game, a shot over the left-center field wall (436ft). Sanchez rattled by the HR, would give up a first pitch single to Ralph Anderson and then walk Kevin Barber. With runners on 1st and 2nd the Iron Pigs looked for some insurance... Dave Bullock would hit a rocket by 3B Bryant Frank, Ralph Anderson would try to score, but Bob Short would come up big and gun him down at the plate! But the big-damage was done... After 11 1/2 the Iron Pigs had a big 4-2 lead.

With Ramirez tired after 2 innings of work the Iron Pigs would being in Edward Scott to try to get the Iron Pigs the game 1 victory... he would be facing the 1-2-3 hitters of the Cav's line... the Cavaliers would put up a fight in the 11th, but would it be enough? Sergio Rodriguez ground out, was followed by a single by Sergio Galvez. Hernandez would by PH for by Trevor Parker going for the Lefty/Righty match-up and Parker would go down swinging... with Galvez on first Bob Short would single to left-center. With runners on first and second the crowd started to get into it, with Leonard Lawson at the plate. Lawson would draw the walk in a crazy 9-pitch at-bat... with the bases loaded Henry Rojas would come to the plate... Sitting on a 2-1 fastball, Rojas would be a little over anxious and ground weakly to the pitcher, ending Game 1 of the DelMarVa Championships.
The Iron Pigs would win the crazy game 4-2 in 11 innings.

W: Arturo Ramirez (1-0)
L: Alberto Sanchez (0-1)
S: Edmund Scott (1)
HR: WLM: Tom Anderson 3 (3), NFK: Bob Short (1)

POG: WLM: Tom Anderson: 3-5, 3 HR, 3 R, 4 RBI

The Iron Pigs lead the series 1-0

GM/Game Notes: Can you blame me for this loss? Getting Short gunned out at home? Bringing in Sanchez and not Gonzalez, Contreras or just lseaving Moran in? Pitching around Castenada to get to Anders? Maybe, maybe not. But in the end I think the real game changer was not getting Rodriguez to across the plate in the first. Man on 3rd, 1 out? How does that happen with your #2 and 3 hitters?... Gordon Purkis joined Tom Anderson as the only Iron Pigs to collect multiple hits, Purkis went 2-5... The Cav's had 2 players with multi hit games, Sergio Galvez 2-5 and Bob Short 2-4... Bad day for the Cav's rookies, Henry Rojas: 0-5, 2 K's, 4 LOB and Pedro Torres: 0-4, 3 K's. Maybe the pressure of their first playoff game got to them, both hitters were hitting the ball well coming into this series... Ricardo Gonzalez didn't disapoint his fans. He went 8 strong innings, allowing just 4 hits, the 1 run, while striking out 8. Finishing with a 78 game score... Carlos Coronado matched him just about pitch-for-pitch. Coronado went 9 innings, allowing just 5 hits, 2 runs, both solo-HR's,he walked 1 and struck out 8. His game score was just a couple points behind Gonzalez at 76... The Iron Pigs left 6 runners on, the Cav's 5, each team had a guy throwng out at the plate, and the Cavaliers turned two double plays... If this is any indication on how the rest of the series is going to go, its going to be a fun one...

The Cav's will have some decisions to make in Game 2. The biggest one is "Who is pitching?" I will also have to figure out if I want to tinker with the lineup. Were Torres and Rojas just over-matched in game 1 or is it their nerves? Will they shake that off for game 2? I have Lopez and O'Donegan sitting on the bench ready go to... I still think the loss is my fault, as I should of walked Anderson in the 11th, warmed up Gonzalez and not Sanchez. I wanted to go with Lopez but he was tired... Why did I send Short home?.. So many questions and I'd hate to sit back and think I cost us not only the game, but the series. Hopefully these guys are ready to play tomorrow...

Playoff Record:
Tom Anderson became the first player ever to hit 3-HR's in a playoff game. He hit a solo-shot off Carlos Coronado in the 2nd, to give the Iron Pigs the lead, then he hit a solo-shot off Carlos Coronado in the 9th, to break the 1-1 tie, and finally, hit a two-run home run off Alberto Sánchez in the 11th, to win the game. What a game, this will go down as one of the top playoff performances ever, as he sent a message to his former team... It will be interesting to see how Anderson gets pitched for the remainder of the series.

"Hey, the three homers were great, but I'm just trying to help my ballclub ... not thinkin' about home runs. I'm just thinkin' about winning ballgames. When you think about home runs, you very seldom get 'em," he philosophized in the postgame press conference.