2018 Dodgers Defeat Orioles for 35+ Championship in Detroit MSBL

Detroit MSBL, 35+ Division

Dodgers 9, Orioles 2

‘MacDonald Throws Complete Game; Hits Homer’

Submitted by Joel Fealk, Detroit Dodgers

After suffering three straight final losses to the O’s in 2014, 2015, and 2016 and a shocking and disappointing semi loss in 2017 to the Cardinals, the boys in blue exorcised their demons and finally knocked off the five time defending champions Orioles two games to one in the best of three series to earn their first Detroit MSBL title since 2007, this year being their second title in franchise history.

The Dodgers were led by MVP Scott MacDonald’s epic performance on the hill and at the plate. Scotty threw 18 of the 23 innings in the series, while earning two compete game wins and pitching in all three games. In addition to his prowess on the mound, Mac also went deep over the left field fence and on to the road of Woodward Heights in the third and decisive game to begin the Dodger scoring. From there the team never looked back as the hits and runs kept rolling all night until the final out of a 9-2 victory.

Veteran first baseman Andy Fairman, activated and back in the lineup for the first time in two weeks, did not miss a beat leading the charge with three big hits. The Dodgers pounded the Orioles starting pitcher all night long as well as taking full advantage of the rare miscues by the Orioles outfield. Two huge errors extinguished any hope of them making a final comeback.

As unsure and shaky as the bird’s defense was, the Dodgers looked and played confidently with a near flawless game in the field. Nick McIntosh continued dependable play at second base, solidifying the team up the middle alongside all-time Dodger hit leader Bobby Graham at shortstop. Perennial all-star Sean Dobson did his usual outstanding job patrolling center.

Throughout the 2018 season a truly complete team effort from everyone allowed the Dodgers to achieve this goal. Manager Andy Cohen got to hold his head up high and at last got to have a drink of sweet victory. This was Cohen’s ninth year as manager of the Dodgers and first title under his tenure.