2020 50+ National
OC Sox 9, Boston Wolfpack 5
‘Veteran Darensbourg Cops MVP on Mound and at the Plate’
With only a month and a half to go before the start of the 2020 MSBL National World Series, the OC Sox weren’t even sure if they’d be able to field a team. Based in southern California, they had not been able to play a single game since the 2020 Desert Classic in January. An email was sent out and the overwhelming majority of OC Sox Nation wanted to play. The rust showed. At one point in the tournament they were 1-3. Sox Manager Dave Rice had his hands full as the last two pool play games were must wins to have any chance of making the playoffs.
The one thing on their side at this point was their pitching. Their runs against were outstanding. Chris Horrell, slated to start one game, was their horse. He started three games and was exceptional in all, including a 9-inning, 3-2 loss to the defending champ Boston Wolfpack. Dave Morrow, Adam Gonzales and Albert Higgs were all great as well. They won their last pool play game against the always tough So Cal Blue Jays thanks to a bases loaded, 2-out spectacular diving catch by right fielder Alonso Mendoza to seal the win.
Morrow drew the semi-final assignment against the San Antonio Bombers and didn’t disappoint. They avenged their opening day loss by jumping out to a big lead, eventually winning 12-9 to advance to the 50+ National Division Championship.
The OC Sox’ Vic Darensbourg got the ball in the championship, as he has so many times in the past. The OC Sox scored four runs the first inning and never looked back. Offensively the Sox were led by center fielder Greg Martinez, shortstop Kenny Woods, Higgs, Mendoza, second baseman Ted Billick and left fielder Cobi Cradle. Darensbourg helped himself with two doubles while driving in four runs. Darensbourg dominated on the mound as well, allowing only one unearned run over nine, striking out six and earning the MVP. The OC Sox won their fifth National Division championship, their fist in three years after winning four in a row.