2015 Corona Rockies Repeat in MABL NYC
MABL NYC: Brooklyn/Queens Division
Corona Rockies 8, Spartans 5
‘Santiago Leads the Way on the Hill’
Provided by Alex Gomez, Rockies manager
On Sunday September 6, 2015 the stage was set for the Championship series between the Rockies and Spartans in the MABL NYC. The game went scoreless for two innings until the Spartans took the lead first with an RBI Triple by Ariel Urena in the top of the third. One inning later the Rockies came back with their own triple by Sharpie which scored three runs with two outs. Pete Santiago, who pitched game two of the series, pitched five innings which helped keep the Spartans at bay and was also the winning pitcher in both game two and three. Rockies closer Mendoza saved both game two and three closing the door on the Spartans late inning rallies. The pitching duo of Santiago and Mendoza proved to be the key pieces in the Rockies repeat.
The Brooklyn/Queens MABL has been in existence for two years and in both years the Rockies have needed come from behind victories to win the Championship. The Rockies are coached by Alex Gomez and Emilio together, combining the brain trust that has provided leadership to the championships. During the playoffs the Rockies offensively were led by Marcos Castro, Alex Oates and Coach Alex Gomez. Alex Gomez had an outstanding playoff run collecting over ten hits versus the Tigers, Royals and Spartans. He also provided multiple keys hits in game two in MCU park as he was a home run shy of the cycle. A big double by Emilio Herrera put the game at 8-4 in favor of the Rockies. Alex stated that if he could choose an MVP for the Playoffs it would be both Santiago and Mendoza. This year winning the championship was more satisfying than last as the Rockies endured the pain of the death of Alex Gomez’s father, who lost his battle with cancer last December. Alex stated, “To win a championship for my father is something I thank my players and teammates every day.”
The Rockies are already looking towards next spring with a 3-Peat already in their mindsets. They have recruited quiet new talent to blend with what’s already in place after back-to-back champions during which they were carried by Marcos Castro, Jonathan Nouel and Luis Herrera. Luis has played both seasons in MABL being the best shortstop in 2014 and transferring to third like the infamous Alex Rodriguez and becoming one of the best third basemen in 2015.Marcos Castro first three months of the 2015 season were good enough to be the leading candidate for league MVP honors, as he was building a Triple Crown season leading in every offensive category. Pitching was led by veterans Silvio Tejeda and Pete Santiago. But the Rockies had an emerging star in pitching rookie Eliezer Estrella who won several games during the season versus all the best teams such as the Spartans, Royals and Brewers. He dominated all season.
The Rockies in two years have an unheard of record of 50-5 which is an amazing two year run that has been nothing short of historical. Joel Feliz and Oscar V provided slugging power during the season as Emilio and Andy have been as consistent as the sunny weather. The team is well balanced as the Rockies have Oates, a veteran presence at the plate and an emotional leader in the clubhouse. They also boast a veteran catcher who calls a great game in Sosa. The Rockies revealed another rookie in center fielder Sharpie who provided stolen bases and a great complement to Marcos Castro. This team is very well balanced with young and old.