2017 65+ Cactus
Sacramento Senators 15, Chicago Grays 12
‘MVP Banelos Posts Perfect 5 for 5 at the Plate’
By Randy Vernon, special to MSBL
October 27, 2017, Maryvale Auxiliary Field #6, Phoenix, AZ – The Sacramento Senators started strong scoring six runs in the first inning and fought off several rallies by the Chicago Grays to claim the 2017 World Series for the 65+ Cactus Division, winning 15 – 12.
Sacramento started the game scoring six runs in the first, capped off by a 3-run RBI by Robert Johnson. Chicago responded with three runs in the top of the second and another in the third to close the score to 6 – 4. Sacramento was able to widen its lead with another four runs in the bottom of the third. Chicago responded with four runs of its own in the top of the 5thto stay within two runs, trailing 10-8. Sacrament quickly responded with another four runs in the bottom of the 5th. After scoring two runs in the seventh, Chicago rallied in the top of the ninth with two more runs. They had the bases loaded with the tying run on first base before Sacramento was able to close the door getting the final two outs and claim the 2017 World Series title.
Sacramento was paced by its team MVP, catcher Gilberto
Banelos. Banelos went 5-for-5, scoring twice and driving in two runs. Said Banelos, “The game could go either way.” This was a special game for Banelos as it was his fourth World Series championship, having previously won twice in the 55+ division and once in the 60+ division.
Sacramento also received contributions from Johnson, who finished with four RBI, and Carter Nijor, who had four hits and four RBI. Every member of Sacramento’s starting lineup scored at least once, with Al Luger scoring three times. Sacramento manager John Mason said of his team, “A lot of
guys came together. We got hits when we needed them.” Sacramento finished the game with 23 hits.
Sacramento pitcher Chuck Loseth started the game, with Robert Stormont pitching six innings in relief.
The Chicago Grays we led offensively by Joe Kutis and Darryl Johnson who each had two hits and four RBI. Ricky Martin added three hits and three runs scored. Johnson tried to lead Chicago’s ninth-inning comeback with a 2-RBI hit with one out in the 9th. But Chicago was unable to push any more across the plate. Chicago pitcher Paul Ociepka showed off his endurance by going the distance, throwing a complete game.