2021 45+ Mountain
WinBerg Construction 10, Sacramento Capitals 6
November 6, 2021 Maryvale Stadium, Phoenix, AZ-The WinBerg Construction Baseball Club successfully defended its 2020 title with an 8-0 undefeated run to the 2021 MSBL World Series 45+ Mountain championship.
Stumbling and Fumbling at the Start
After making only two fielding errors in the previous seven games leading up to Championship Saturday, WinBerg opened the title game with two uncharacteristic miscues. Two infield throws sailed into the home team dugout, narrowly missing, WinBerg Skipper, John Haney, who was still penciling the opposing lineup into the official scorebook. Sprinklers had run until 8:45am before the 9AM start, making field conditions extremely wet. The Sacramento Capitals took full advantage in the top of the first inning, adding on four straight hits (Elias Mendoza, Aaron Kirkland, Scott Scardina, Warren Alston) to take a 4-0 lead. A 6-4-3 double play stranded Scardina at 3B closed the inning before any more damage could be done. The four unearned runs ended any thought Haney may have had of a smooth championship game.
WinBerg chipped away with 2 runs in the bottom of the first on hits by #2 hitter, pitcher Lincoln Mikkelsen and Kenny Fischer (RBI), walks to Rick Acker and Rod Metzler and an RBI by Todd Thorn. Another run was added the bottom of the 2nd on a double steal by Matt Lockwood and Jeremy Loretz. Lockwood stole home after Sacramento threw through as Loretz stole 2B. Loretz had four stolen bases in the game (and 10 for the week).
Things Heat Up in the Middle Innings
The game heated up in the bottom of the 4th inning when Acker was hit by a pitch in the bill of his batting helmet. The Sacramento catcher may have accused him of leaning in and may have mentioned it was the only way he would get on base. There were some heated words and, of course, the benches emptied. Players from both teams charged toward home plate to exchange pleasantries and ideas for dinner plans after the game. By the time order was restored, WinBerg had taken the lead with 2 runs on one hit (Sammy Nolan), a walk, two HBPs, an error and stolen bases by Loretz and Nolan.
Todd Thorn scored in the bottom of the 5th on an RBI single to center by #10 hitter, Nolan (2-4 and .550 for the week). Matt Lockwood was out at the plate on the same play on a brilliant throw by Sacramento CF Sam Calagna.
WinBerg sent all 10 hitters to the plate, adding 4 runs in the 6th, to take what appeared to be a commanding lead 10-4. Loretz started the inning with a double and advanced to 3B on a base hit by Mikkelsen. After a walk to Acker loaded the bases, Loretz was forced out at the plate on a grounder to a drawn in infield. Kenny Fischer followed with a 2 RBI single and Thorn hit a Sac fly to LF. Justin Visconti followed up with an RBI double scoring Fisher from 1B. The inning ended with the base loaded, after a walk to Lockwood and a single by catcher Rick Blankstrom.
For second year in a row, Sacramento brings Tying Run to the Plate
Sacramento started to climb back into the game when pinch runner Miguel White scored in the 7th. He scored again in the 9th and Sacramento mounted a rally, loading the bases and bringing the tying run to the plate for #3 batter, ex-pro and big time hitter Lou Fisher. The 10-6 game ended on a hard hit grounder to shortstop Acker who tossed to Lockwood at 2B for the force out. Pitcher/SS Fisher started on the hill for the Capitals in both the playoff game and the championship game.
Depth was the key all week for the WinBerg ball club. The roster of 18 included players who played multiple positions and seven who hit from the left side of the plate. Defensively, players subbed in and out all week allowing everyone to stay fresh.
Manager, John Haney was able to make playoff lineups with 6 left handed hitters against KC right handed submariner Brian Scarcello and started five left handed hitters in the final against Capitals righty Lou Fisher. The option to load the lineup from the left side when going against ex-pro right handed pitchers was a big plus.
It can reduce the effectiveness of the ex-pro slider.
The hitters who were still available in the dugout were a very formidable lineup too. Five proven big game hitters including Jason Copeland, Leonard Charette (3-4 with 2-2B 2 RBI in last year’s championship game), Andy Postema (.667 avg led team), Bradley VanBergen and Dan Jeffreys were ready and available for the final game when called upon. No opponent would have wanted to face a lineup with those five.
WinBerg Construction
Kenny Fischer 2 for 3, 3 RBI BB
Jeremy Loretz 2B, 4 stolen bases
Sammy Nolan 2 for 4, RBI
Todd Thorn 2RBI
Rick Acker 1 for 2, 2R, RBI, 2BB, HBP
Justin Visconti 2B RBI
Lincoln Mikkelsen W (2-0) CG 7K, 2 for 3 2R BB
Playoff Sacramento Capitals vs Chicago North TSP
On the way to the championship game, Sacramento Capitals knockout Chicago North TSP 7-6
In Friday divisional playoff action, the Sacramento Capitals again knocked out 2019 champion Chicago North TSP 7-6 to reach championship Saturday. This was the second straight year the teams had met in the playoffs. With the score 7-5 going to the bottom of the 9th, the TSPs scored one and had the tying and winning run on base when the final out was recorded. Capitals CF Sam Calagna made a game saving over the shoulder catch to deny Chicago of its opportunity for a championship appearance.
Playoff Kansas City Brewers vs WinBerg Construction
Brewers and WinBerg meet for the third time
The KC Brewers met WinBerg for the third time in the week. WinBerg recorded a controversial 2-1 win in early pool play, with a KC game tying second run in the 5th being taken off of the scoreboard two innings later after an umpires error was corrected. KC right handed submariner Brian Scarcello went the distance (6Ks 1 ER) as did Lincoln Mikkelsen (13Ks 1 ER). Scarcello was the playoff starter but left the game in the 3rd with an arm injury. WinBerg pulled away after that with a 14-0 win to advance to the championship. Todd Thorn went 5 innings for the win. Jeff Krejcik caught Thorn for the first five innings and then pitched four shutout innings himself for a save. Sammy Nolan (3H 2R RBI), Jeremy Loretz (2H 4R 2RBI), Justin Visconti (2RBI), Rod Metzler (2H 2RBI), Rick Acker (2H 2R RBI), Kenny Fischer (2RBI) made contributions offensively.
For Mike Robb’s KC Brewers, Mike Olmedo, Ben Connole, Tony French and Jon Leddick all had base hits, and Joe Amaro hit a double, but in separate innings. The Brewers could not string anything together against Todd Thorn and Jeff Krejick and never had more than one base runner in any inning until the ninth.
Mountain Division Pool Play
WinBerg played its two doubleheaders in pool play in a 28 hour period on Monday and Tuesday. All the games were close including a 2-1 win over KC and a 9-8 win over Chicago. Wins were also recorded 6-2 vs AZ Angels and 6-1 over Sacramento. Pitchers Jorge Valencia (1-0), Jeff Krejcik (1-0 0.82 ERA and a save), Kenny Fischer (save), Todd Thorn (2-0 0.00 ERA 20Ks save) and Lincoln Mikkelsen (2-0 1.50 ERA 20Ks) all pitched impressively. Sammy Nolan (1-0), Matt Lockwood and Rick Blankstrom combined for the win in the last game of pool play.
Dan Jeffreys made two crucial game saving plays at 3B in the 9th inning to preserve a 9-8 win over Chicago in pool play game four to effectively guarantee WinBerg of the top seed for the playoffs. Tournament MVP Rod Metzler had 4 hits and six RBIs and Jorge Valencia recorded a CG in the win. WinBerg and Chicago seem to match up in high scoring affairs. Last year, Chicago had a walk off 10-9 win in pool play.
WinBerg’s top hitters for the week were Andy Postema (.667), Metzler (.655), Brad Holstad (.571), Nolan (.550), Thorn (.440), Lockwood (.417), Krejcik (.400) and Loretz (.391). Metzler (3 times), Holstad and Leonard Charette all had 4-hit games. Metzler (13) and Kenny Fischer (9) led the week in RBIs.
WinBerg Construction 10, Sacramento Capitals 6
November 6, 2021 Maryvale Stadium, Phoenix, AZ-The WinBerg Construction Baseball Club successfully defended its 2020 title with an 8-0 undefeated run to the 2021 MSBL World Series 45+ Mountain championship.
Stumbling and Fumbling at the Start
After making only two fielding errors in the previous seven games leading up to Championship Saturday, WinBerg opened the title game with two uncharacteristic miscues. Two infield throws sailed into the home team dugout, narrowly missing, WinBerg Skipper, John Haney, who was still penciling the opposing lineup into the official scorebook. Sprinklers had run until 8:45am before the 9AM start, making field conditions extremely wet. The Sacramento Capitals took full advantage in the top of the first inning, adding on four straight hits (Elias Mendoza, Aaron Kirkland, Scott Scardina, Warren Alston) to take a 4-0 lead. A 6-4-3 double play stranded Scardina at 3B closed the inning before any more damage could be done. The four unearned runs ended any thought Haney may have had of a smooth championship game.
WinBerg chipped away with 2 runs in the bottom of the first on hits by #2 hitter, pitcher Lincoln Mikkelsen and Kenny Fischer (RBI), walks to Rick Acker and Rod Metzler and an RBI by Todd Thorn. Another run was added the bottom of the 2nd on a double steal by Matt Lockwood and Jeremy Loretz. Lockwood stole home after Sacramento threw through as Loretz stole 2B. Loretz had four stolen bases in the game (and 10 for the week).
Things Heat Up in the Middle Innings
The game heated up in the bottom of the 4th inning when Acker was hit by a pitch in the bill of his batting helmet. The Sacramento catcher may have accused him of leaning in and may have mentioned it was the only way he would get on base. There were some heated words and, of course, the benches emptied. Players from both teams charged toward home plate to exchange pleasantries and ideas for dinner plans after the game. By the time order was restored, WinBerg had taken the lead with 2 runs on one hit (Sammy Nolan), a walk, two HBPs, an error and stolen bases by Loretz and Nolan.
Todd Thorn scored in the bottom of the 5th on an RBI single to center by #10 hitter, Nolan (2-4 and .550 for the week). Matt Lockwood was out at the plate on the same play on a brilliant throw by Sacramento CF Sam Calagna.
WinBerg sent all 10 hitters to the plate, adding 4 runs in the 6th, to take what appeared to be a commanding lead 10-4. Loretz started the inning with a double and advanced to 3B on a base hit by Mikkelsen. After a walk to Acker loaded the bases, Loretz was forced out at the plate on a grounder to a drawn in infield. Kenny Fischer followed with a 2 RBI single and Thorn hit a Sac fly to LF. Justin Visconti followed up with an RBI double scoring Fisher from 1B. The inning ended with the base loaded, after a walk to Lockwood and a single by catcher Rick Blankstrom.
For second year in a row, Sacramento brings Tying Run to the Plate
Sacramento started to climb back into the game when pinch runner Miguel White scored in the 7th. He scored again in the 9th and Sacramento mounted a rally, loading the bases and bringing the tying run to the plate for #3 batter, ex-pro and big time hitter Lou Fisher. The 10-6 game ended on a hard hit grounder to shortstop Acker who tossed to Lockwood at 2B for the force out. Pitcher/SS Fisher started on the hill for the Capitals in both the playoff game and the championship game.
Depth was the key all week for the WinBerg ball club. The roster of 18 included players who played multiple positions and seven who hit from the left side of the plate. Defensively, players subbed in and out all week allowing everyone to stay fresh.
Manager, John Haney was able to make playoff lineups with 6 left handed hitters against KC right handed submariner Brian Scarcello and started five left handed hitters in the final against Capitals righty Lou Fisher. The option to load the lineup from the left side when going against ex-pro right handed pitchers was a big plus.
It can reduce the effectiveness of the ex-pro slider.
The hitters who were still available in the dugout were a very formidable lineup too. Five proven big game hitters including Jason Copeland, Leonard Charette (3-4 with 2-2B 2 RBI in last year’s championship game), Andy Postema (.667 avg led team), Bradley VanBergen and Dan Jeffreys were ready and available for the final game when called upon. No opponent would have wanted to face a lineup with those five.
WinBerg Construction
Kenny Fischer 2 for 3, 3 RBI BB
Jeremy Loretz 2B, 4 stolen bases
Sammy Nolan 2 for 4, RBI
Todd Thorn 2RBI
Rick Acker 1 for 2, 2R, RBI, 2BB, HBP
Justin Visconti 2B RBI
Lincoln Mikkelsen W (2-0) CG 7K, 2 for 3 2R BB
Playoff Sacramento Capitals vs Chicago North TSP
On the way to the championship game, Sacramento Capitals knockout Chicago North TSP 7-6
In Friday divisional playoff action, the Sacramento Capitals again knocked out 2019 champion Chicago North TSP 7-6 to reach championship Saturday. This was the second straight year the teams had met in the playoffs. With the score 7-5 going to the bottom of the 9th, the TSPs scored one and had the tying and winning run on base when the final out was recorded. Capitals CF Sam Calagna made a game saving over the shoulder catch to deny Chicago of its opportunity for a championship appearance.
Playoff Kansas City Brewers vs WinBerg Construction
Brewers and WinBerg meet for the third time
The KC Brewers met WinBerg for the third time in the week. WinBerg recorded a controversial 2-1 win in early pool play, with a KC game tying second run in the 5th being taken off of the scoreboard two innings later after an umpires error was corrected. KC right handed submariner Brian Scarcello went the distance (6Ks 1 ER) as did Lincoln Mikkelsen (13Ks 1 ER). Scarcello was the playoff starter but left the game in the 3rd with an arm injury. WinBerg pulled away after that with a 14-0 win to advance to the championship. Todd Thorn went 5 innings for the win. Jeff Krejcik caught Thorn for the first five innings and then pitched four shutout innings himself for a save. Sammy Nolan (3H 2R RBI), Jeremy Loretz (2H 4R 2RBI), Justin Visconti (2RBI), Rod Metzler (2H 2RBI), Rick Acker (2H 2R RBI), Kenny Fischer (2RBI) made contributions offensively.
For Mike Robb’s KC Brewers, Mike Olmedo, Ben Connole, Tony French and Jon Leddick all had base hits, and Joe Amaro hit a double, but in separate innings. The Brewers could not string anything together against Todd Thorn and Jeff Krejick and never had more than one base runner in any inning until the ninth.
Mountain Division Pool Play
WinBerg played its two doubleheaders in pool play in a 28 hour period on Monday and Tuesday. All the games were close including a 2-1 win over KC and a 9-8 win over Chicago. Wins were also recorded 6-2 vs AZ Angels and 6-1 over Sacramento. Pitchers Jorge Valencia (1-0), Jeff Krejcik (1-0 0.82 ERA and a save), Kenny Fischer (save), Todd Thorn (2-0 0.00 ERA 20Ks save) and Lincoln Mikkelsen (2-0 1.50 ERA 20Ks) all pitched impressively. Sammy Nolan (1-0), Matt Lockwood and Rick Blankstrom combined for the win in the last game of pool play.
Dan Jeffreys made two crucial game saving plays at 3B in the 9th inning to preserve a 9-8 win over Chicago in pool play game four to effectively guarantee WinBerg of the top seed for the playoffs. Tournament MVP Rod Metzler had 4 hits and six RBIs and Jorge Valencia recorded a CG in the win. WinBerg and Chicago seem to match up in high scoring affairs. Last year, Chicago had a walk off 10-9 win in pool play.
WinBerg’s top hitters for the week were Andy Postema (.667), Metzler (.655), Brad Holstad (.571), Nolan (.550), Thorn (.440), Lockwood (.417), Krejcik (.400) and Loretz (.391). Metzler (3 times), Holstad and Leonard Charette all had 4-hit games. Metzler (13) and Kenny Fischer (9) led the week in RBIs.
