Johnstown AAABA Playoff Recap: Days 2 & 3

Good Afternoon,

     I didn't have a chance to post Sunday night about the games, so I am combining both nights into this one post.

Martella's Pharmacy 11-12, Berkley Hills Renegades 9-3
     After losing game one in the tenth inning, a game they led by two runs in the 9th inning, the Renegades looked like they were going to tie the series after taking an early 6-1 lead in game two. However, Martella's stormed back scoring nine runs in the fifth and sixth innings, en route to an 11-9 win and a 2-0 series lead. Derek Younker picked the win, despite giving up 17 hits and 8 earned runs. Ryan D'Andrea took the loss, giving up 7 runs (5 ER) in 4.1 innings. Anthony Fanelli, Tony Strasiser, and Jesse Cooper each had multiple RBI for Martella's, while Jake Pribanic and Dan Gray each had multiple RBI.
     In game three, Martella's jumped out to an early 7-1 lead and ended the series with a 12-3 win. Seven different Martella's players had an RBI in the game. Rick Jones led the way for the Renegades with 2 RBI, while John Jones went 4-for-5 in the game with an RBI. Nick Cubarney picked up the win, going seven innings, giving up three runs. Alain Girman took the loss, pitching 2.1 innings giving up 7 runs (5 ER). The Renegades end the 2013 season with a 22-15 record, while Martella's enters the championship series with a 25-12 record.

Delweld 7-12, Laurel Auto Group 4-7
     In game two, Laurel Auto Group and Delweld were tied after five innings, but Delweld scored two runs in both the seventh and eighth innings to pick up a 7-4 win. Laurel Auto Group Committed four errors leading to two unearned runs. Delweld pitcher Nate Plummer picked up the win, tossing eight innings. Matt Kochasic took the loss for Laurel Auto Group.
     In the final game of the series, Laurel Auto Group scored first but Delweld scored 12 runs in innings 4-8 to pick up a 12-7 victory and a series sweep. Delweld got multiple RBI from Eric Weyant, Ian Helsel, Matt Martin, and Luke Campbell. Campbell also provided a home run in the victory. Ben Webb and Ryan Bills each had two RBI for Laurel Auto Group and Zach Zimmerman had two stolen bases. Austin Sleek picked up the win for Delweld, while Chris Nolan, who pitched in relief, took the loss. Laurel Auto Group finishes the season with a 21-16 overall record, A significant improvement over their 13-21 record from last season. Delweld enters the championship round with a 28-9 overall record.

Finals Preview: Delweld vs. Martella's
     The finals for the Johnstown AAABA League playoffs are now set for Thursday, as Delweld and Martella's Pharmacy both swept their series Monday night. This guarantees that these two teams will represent Johnstown in the AAABA National Tournament. This will be a tough series, because both these teams want to be the #1 Johnstown team and play in front of the larger crowd in the evening games at the Point.
     In the regular season, Delweld won the season series taking four of the six meetings. The last of those meetings was supposed to be last Thursday, but Delweld forfeited the game. It is not totally clear why, but the fact that they were locked into their seed and that there was a chance that they may have ended up playing Martella's in the first round had they defeated them were probably factors. Taking away the forfeited game, Delweld won four of the five meetings. However with the stakes on the line, and the fact that three of the five meetings that were played were one run games, I feel like this series will go at least four or five games.

Season Series (Delweld wins 4-2)

Delweld 3, Martella's 2 6/5

Delweld 1, Martella's 0 6/6

Delweld 6, Martella's 5 6/7

Delweld 10, Martella's 2 7/8

Martella's 7, Delweld 4 7/9

Martella's 7, Delweld 0 (Delweld Forfeited This Game) 7/18

     According to the Martella's AAABA Website, the two teams will meet in the league championship round for the 7th time in the last 11 years. Martella's has also clinched their first trip to the tournament in the last 12 years and their fifth straight overall. Delweld missed the tournament last year, but prior to 2012, they had made five straight appearances. Below is the schedule for the series, and I encourage everyone to try and attend one or all of these games. These two teams are rich in tradition and are going to put on a heck of a show.

BEST-OF-FIVE FINALS

Thursday, July 25

Martella's Pharmacy vs. Delweld, 7:00 p.m. 

Friday, July 26

Delweld vs. Martella's Pharmacy, 7:00 p.m. 

Saturday, July 27 

Martella's Pharmacy vs. Delweld, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 28

Delweld vs. Martella's Pharmacy, 7:00 p.m. (if necssary)

Monday, July 29 

Martella's Pharmacy vs. Delweld, 7:00 p.m. (if necessary)

-The Flood City Sports Fan