2016 Tigers Claw Woodpeckers to Sweep 45+ Series in Chicago Central MSBL

Chicago Central MSBL, 45+ Division

Tigers 8, Woodpeckers 6

‘Trimarco and Moga Take Charge on the Bump’

Submitted by John Sudges, Tigers manager

After an 18-1 regular season, anything less than the Championship in the Chicago Central MSBL would have been a disappointment for the 45-over Tiger team. After breezing through the first round of the playoffs and defeating the Warriors two games to one in the semifinal series, the Championship series was set against the Woodpeckers, whose 35-over division team would win the Chicago Central Championship in that age group.

Game one was a classic with the Tigers prevailing 4-3 in 11 innings. Although the Tigers were able to capitalize on a couple miscues which eventually lead to the winning run, the real story of the game was pitcher Mike Trimarco, who threw all 11 innings and fanned 7 while only walking 1.

In Game two the Woodpeckers jumped out to a four run lead on Tiger starter Steve Moga, but the veteran pitcher settled down as the Tigers scored a couple in the second inning capped with a key base hit by Paul Zuziak and pulled within one run in the fifth with the big blow being a Mark Nilles home run. Moga didn’t give up a run or a hit after the third inning and the Tigers eventually tied it up in the seventh and took the lead in the ninth with hits by Brad Pagen, Zuziak and Rick Eertmoed.