2015 45+ National

“Darensbourg Calms the Waves”

Las Vegas Senators 7, Downey Waves 0

By Rich Hernandez, Senator’s manager, and Steve LaMontia MSBL

‘Three’ is the new lucky number for the Las Vegas Senators. The Senators used the third inning to score six of their seven runs and pretty much slammed the door shut as they outlasted the Downey Waves 7-0 to claim the 45-over National title of the 2015 MSBL Kickoff Classic in Las Vegas. Vic Darensbourg was the winning pitcher while limiting the Waves to no runs and a miniscule five hits while striking out nine along the way.

The third inning started out pretty good for the Waves with a ground out to second base for the first out. Unfortunately for them there was a next batter. Eight hits, 12 batters and six runs later the game was pretty much over before it began as the Senators sent the deadly dozen batters to the plate.

Essex Burton led the way for the Senators from the leadoff spot by going 2-4, including a home run in the seventh. Vic Darensberg was 3-5 with three singles and a run scored in the big third inning.

Veteran tournament pitcher Vic Darensbourg was masterful on the hill by only allowing five hits while striking out nine. The Las Vegas MSBL player works extremely hard on his game as well as his conditioning. “I have never seen a more fit person in my entire life,” explained Senator’s manager Rich Hernandez. “It’s hard to believe he is 45 years old. He could compete in any division.”

Was there a real go-to guy over the weekend? “Aaron Tollefson was a great utility guy for us,” added Hernandez. “He pitched the first game, he played first base and then played right field in the championship game. He was also steady at the plate all tournament. We needed him because we were really getting banged up.”

Kenny Lumkin led the way for the Waves with a 2-3 day at the plate and got around to third base in the fourth inning but it was just too little. The Waves defeated the Senators 9-5 in pool play so this was sweet revenge for the hometown Senators. “We played them throughout the years in different divisions so we knew them well and knew we couldn’t coast,” said Hernandez. “The big inning is exactly what we needed to change their mindset but we also knew it wasn’t over until the final out with those guys.”

On a side note, veteran MLB player Jose Canseco strapped it on for the Senators on the first day of their pool play. It appears that Jose can still play the game. “He hit a line drive to the fence that one-hopped and didn’t get more than 12 feet off the ground. Somebody could get hurt out there,” explained Hernandez with a chuckle.