2019 Kakalacks Sweep Rangers for 18+ Championship in Central North Carolina MSBL

Central North Carolina MSBL, 18+ Division

Kakalacks 13, Rangers 10

Submitted by Rob Isbell, League President

The #1 seed 18+ Kakalacks defended  last year’s title versus the #2 seed 18+ Triangle Rangers in two games to win their 9th 18+ Central North Carolina MSBL Championship. 

After a tough round one playoff game, winning a close one 8-7 versus the Woodpeckers, the Kaks cruised past the Bulls in the second round, winning 13-1.

Game one of the Championship Series took place under the lights on a Friday night at Ting Stadium, where the Kaks were met with some unfortunate pre-game adversity when starter Freddy Foshay broke his arm warming up in the bullpen. The Kaks had to make a quick decision despite being slightly shook up and turned to Jeff Webb to pick up the pitching duties. Webb commenced to pitch a complete game gem giving up one run on three hits, and two strike outs.

Offensively, the Kaks were playing inspired, putting up seven runs between the first two frames. Leading the way at the plate were Paul Regan (4-4 with 3 RBIs) and Richard Cates (3-5 with 1 RBI) as the Kaks cruised in Game one, winning 12-1.

In Game two of the series, the Kaks continued to hit the ball well, this time behind contributions from Greg Smith (3-5 with two 2Bs), Richard Cates (3-5 with 2 RBIs) and Adam Martin (4-5 with 3 RBIs).

The Kaks were up 10-3 through six innings, but the Rangers rallied in the seventh and eighth innings to pull within one run. Contributions from Paul Regan, who hit two doubles late in the game, helped push the Kaks out in front for good. Manager Adrian Matlock got the start on the mound, and pitched well in the first six innings, keeping the Rangers off balance, giving up three runs on six hits and four strikeouts. OB Taylor pitched the seventh and eighth innings, where the Rangers mounted their comeback. The Kaks turned to Jeff Webb once again in the ninth, who shut the door as the Kakalacks won game two to clinch the Championship, 13-10.