2015 Bombers Sweep Series to Win ‘AA’ Crown in Southern Colorado MSBL

Southern Colorado MSBL ‘AA’ Division

Colorado Springs Bombers 14, Dodgers 1

‘Bombers Do It The Hard Way’

Submitted by Bud Maison, League President

September 16, 2015— Congratulations to the Bombers who battled through a tough ‘AA’ division to win the Southern Colorado MSBL championship against a formidable foe in the Dodgers. The Bombers faced a determined Pirates team in the semifinals that put the #1 seeded Bombers on their heels with a solid 7-4 decision. Faced with elimination the Bombers proceeded to unleash their well-known offensive attack and defeated the Pirates over the next two games scoring a combined total of 34 runs and only giving up seven (17-7, 17-0) to take the best of three series and advance to the finals. Rich Palmer went the distance on the mound in game two for the win and Karl “the ancient one” Bystrom threw a complete game shut out to take pivotal game three.

With a quick turnaround entering the first final game just two days later, that pitching effort would prove important as pitching was at a premium. The Bombers came out of the gate quickly and stole game one from the Dodgers scoring two runs in the bottom of the ninth for the victory. The Dodgers led the game 6-1 as late as the third inning but the Bombers mounted their gradual comeback,chipping away one or two runs here and there, and found themselves with a chance just one run down in the ninth.

With the bases loaded and the game tied, Bomber’s clean-up hitter Eric Lenberg saw nothing but balls and the Bombers ‘walked’ away with a 7-6 victory. Again, a Bomber’s pitcher, Andrew Goss, dug deep and threw a complete game to get the win.

Game two developed much quicker for the Bombers as they jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the second inning and never looked back. With clutch hitting from the offense and shut-down pitching by Mike Simpson and Rich Palmer, the Bombers dominated a tough Dodger’s team to win the title in convincing fashion, 14-1.

In playing five games over eight days, the Bombers made it tough on themselves but still found themselves atop the heap as champions of the SoCo ‘AA’ Division. Congratulations to Bomber’s catcher and lead-off hitter, Joe Walker, who was awarded the MVP of the finals. Going 5 for 8 with a double and a triple and sparking many a rally for the offensive juggernaut, Joe also called a great series behind the dish. Honorable mention goes to Karl Bystrom who was 5 for 7with a double, Todd Thomas, also 5 for 7, Mike Simpson who threw seven innings, fanning nine, giving up 0 earned runs and only four hits, and Andrew Goss who threw nine innings, had five Ks and only gave up five earned runs. A well deserved championship for the old guys of the league. Congratulations Bombers!