2020 60+ Central
DFW Phillies 12, Chicago MAXX Cubs 10
‘Collie Comes Through with Huge RBI Double in Eighth’
Submitted by Robert Fredette
The DFW Phillies knew going in that every game would be a dog fight. Every team was dangerous, and every team had players who were game-changers. National division teams were waiting to feast on Central division pitching staff.
The week evolved into a chess match with each day’s scores altering the moves put in play for the current day. 3:00 AM Phillies coaches’ meetings became the norm. Coffee and counter moves were the agenda. The Phillies were deep enough and were able to navigate through pool play with a record of 4-2…No easy task.
A hugely talented Colorado Stars team awaited the Phillies in the first round of the playoffs. Both teams played near flawlessly, with the Phillies advancing in a 3-0 nail biter. The Chicago MAXX Cubs overwhelmed the Houston Tigers 6-2. The championship game would be the Chicago MAXX Cubs vs. the DFW Phillies.
The championship game had the Phillies facing the Chicago MAXX Cubs, a team the Phillies had defeated 10-3 in pool play. The Phillies knew, however, that the Cubs had a little something left and were not taking anything for granted.
As predicted, the Cubs came out swinging and led 3-1 after three. The Phillies were able to score three in the fourth and two in the fifth, taking the lead 6-3. The Cubs punched back, scoring three in the sixth to tie it. Then came the eighth inning!
In their top of the eighth, the Cubs scored three to take a 9 to 6 lead. The quiet but confident Phillies found a way. In the bottom of the inning, highlighted by a fantastic managerial decision and a bases-clearing three-run double by Don Collie, the Phillies scored six runs for a 12-9 lead. The Cubs would score one more in the ninth, but it wasn’t enough as the Phillies won 12-10.
The Phillies’ tournament MVP was Enrique Ayala, and the championship game MVP was Don Collie.
“Live a Great Story” was the Phillies theme and “WOW” did they deliver,” stated Phillies long-time manager and World Series veteran Frank Philips.
Here is a link to the APN Video YouTube coverage of the championship game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQYx9LXcFWI