2018 Giants Capture First Title in 22+ Division of Chesapeake MSBL

Chesapeake MSBL, 22+ Division 

Chesapeake Giants 6, Mariners 5

‘Veteran Stattel Drives in Winning Run’

Submitted by Alan Keitz, Giants manager

I am very proud of my guys. The last couple of years we have come up just short of a Chesapeake MSBL championship so to finally get over the hump was an amazing feeling. In the championship game we were down 4-0 after two innings and things didn’t look very good. Our starting pitcher John Braxton settled in and shut the Mariners down, allowing us to come back. We scored three in the eighth inning to tie it up at five apiece. Giants pitcher Jesse Spellmeyer allowed only one run over the final three innings to set up a very exciting bottom of the ninth.

Matt Reade singled to start the ninth inning while Adam Wilson singled behind him sending Matt to third. The Mariners walked Kevin Steiner to load the bases and set up a force. Randy Stattel came to bat but immediately got into a 1-2 hole. After fouling off five or six straight pitches he laced a line drive to left center bringing Matt Reade home and our team its first Championship!

Randy is our crafty veteran. He’s 47 years young and I believe the oldest guy in our league’s 22+ division. He can still keep up with younger guys. He brings a ton of baseball knowledge, leadership and experience to our team. I just can’t say enough about this group of guys.