|
 |  |  |
|
|
|
| The unbeaten run ends for the Ex-Sliderz |
|
|
August 14 -
After running through the regular season a perfect 12-0, the Ex-Sliderz finally let one slip away. Unfortunately, it came in the semi-final round of the playoffs, as Oasis put it all together in getting the win, 12-7.
Oasis started the night off well enough, as their first three hitters all reached base in getting the lead at 1-0. Three straight flyouts to Kevin and Ernesto stranded a couple on base as the Ex-Sliderz went to work.
Paul started things off by reaching on an error. Kevin lined a double to put two men in scoring position. Ryan then ripped a two-run single to right, as he advanced to third on a bouncing ball in the outfield. An RBI sac-fly by Ernesto made it 3-1 after 1.
The 2nd inning was quiet for both teams, as the minimum amount of hitters was sent up for each team. Oasis got the lead in the 3rd on big three-run homer by Joey with two outs. Andy got things going in the bottom half with a leadoff single. Paul followed with one of his own. An out later, Ryan smoked an RBI single to right, making it 4-4, but Paul was thrown out at home on a great relay to the plate.
Mauro led off with a single to start the 4th, and Rickard followed that up with an RBI double, taking the lead back at 5-4. Dave and Aaron each hit singles in the bottom of the frame, but nothing came of it as Oasis held onto the lead.
Three more runs came for Oasis in the 5th, as Mark doubled, and Charlie and Maye both singled. The big blow was a triple by Mauro just out of the outstretched arm of a diving Kevin in left. The Ex-Sliderz fought right back. Andy again started things with a walk, and Paul singled. Kevin also took a walk to load the bases for the heart of the order. Ryan lifted a sac-fly RBI to center to go down 8-5. An RBI double on a liner by Ernesto made it 8-6, and Dave finished it off with a sac-fly RBI, leaving Oasis with a slim 8-7 lead after 5.
With it still anybody's game heading into the 6th, Oasis went down with only a single. Todd singled and Aaron walked to open the bottom half, but they were both stranded as that big hit just wasn't coming.
Taking advantage of a great opportunity to expand their lead with the meat of the order due up, Oasis did just that in the 7th. It didn't start off that way, as Todd not only knocked down a hard shot back to the mound, but made a great play from the dirt to get the first out. But, two straight singles and a towering three-run homer by Maye made it 11-7, and an RBI double by Gary gave them a 12-7 lead.
The Ex-Sliderz were faced with the tough task of coming back, and it just wasn't meant to be on this night, as three straight flyouts ended their night and season.
Obviously losing is never any fun, and after running the table in the regular season, it's tough to take the first loss when it counts the most. This was pretty much an even game for 6 innings, but give Oasis credit - they got the big hits when they needed them the most, and we didn't. It was just one of those things.
Even with the loss, it's the first time this team (DTQB back in the day, Sliderz after that, an Ex-Sliderz when that jerk didn't want to sponsor anymore) has gone undefeated in the regular season. That's hard to do and can't be taken away. Since 2005 when this team first started, we've made the playoffs every year they've been held (cancelled twice because of floods). Not too shabby and something to keep building on.
Hopefully next season will bring the Ex-Sliderz their fourth championship, and most importantly, a new sponsor!
Game MVP - Ryan led the way on offense hitting in the #3 hole, going 2-for-3 with a run, a triple, a sac-fly, and 4 RBIs. He also has been great at the hot corner all season long.
Defensive Star - Todd doesn't get many opportunities to make plays on the mound, but he sure came through with the first out in the 7th by showing great hustle.
Play of the Game - The 7th didn't go so well for any of us, but Todd's play on the comebacker to the mound and the last out by strikeout was great.
|
|
|
|
| Sun May 11, 2025 |
| No events are scheduled. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 | |  |
|