2016 65+ American

USA Volkers 12, TSP Fire 0

‘Allen Extinguishes Fire with Shutout on Bump’

By Wes Thomas, special to MSBL National

October 28, 2016, Salt River Diamondbacks Complex – The USA Volkers entered the championship game against the TSP Fire boasting a 5 and 0 record in hopes of capping off their dominance with a World Series victory. The Fire battled their way into contention with a 3 and 2 record with hopes of one more magical win to add to their tradition of big wins.

The Volkers got an early gift as Larry Weaver was hit by a pitch leading off the bottom of the first inning. Weaver promptly stole second, and Fred Krause singled him home for a one to nothing lead. That proved to be all they needed as the Volkers starting ace Jimmy Allen handcuffed the Fire all nine innings allowing only three hits. Allen not only pitched brilliantly towards the plate, but when the Fire would show a sign of a rally, Allen would extinguish any threat with his smooth move to first. The crafty southpaw pickoff two runners in key situations getting him out of innings without a flaw.

It was all Volkers as Allen held the Fire to mere sparks. The Volkers erupted in their fifth and pounded out eight runs turning the Fireto ashes as Bobby Hoeffner, Mark Adams, Ron Richmond, Tom Benedickt and Hank Beecher all had RBI blows.

The Volkers added another three runs in their sixth as Fred Krause banged out his second double of the day in his three hit performance and Mark Adams added another rbi in the books having three for the day. The Volkers had 12 hits along with receiving seven total base on balls from the Fire hurlers.

It was the Volkers being on Fire as they walked away with a 12 to 0 victory. Fred Krause led the Volkers with a 3 for 5 day. Ron Richmond and Tom Benedickt had two hits apiece adding to the run production.