2021 Loudon Nationals Sweep Grays; Capture Fourth Consecutive DCMSBL 30+ Title

DCMSBL, 30+ ‘A’ Division

Loudon Nationals 14, Washington Grays 2 (Game two of best of three series sweep)

Submitted by Michael Garrison, Nationals manager

After a regular season hampered by adversity, the Loudon Nationals got healthy, found their mojo, and captured their fourth consecutive DCMSBL 30+ title. Solid defense, limited mistakes, timely hitting, and absolutely masterful pitching by Kris “Turbo” Turberville and Steve “Skeemo” Smith were the keys to success. Each hurler went 2-0, recorded two (2) complete games, and the duo had a combined total of thirty (30) strikeouts in the four (4) games.

With resolve and perseverance in long supply, each game gave rise to a new difference-maker in the field and at the plate. Perhaps the most pivotal moment of the playoffs came with one (1) out and a man on first base in the bottom of the ninth inning in game one of the championship series; the Nationals clinging to a 3-1 lead. Nationals’ second baseman, Ian Spector, made a diving stop and then threw the runner out from the seat of his pants to record the second out of the inning. The defensive gem sealed the win for the Nationals, giving them a 1-0 series lead.

Game two (2) of the championship series saw the Grays aggressively post two (2) runs in the top of the first inning, only to have that lead eclipsed and doubled in the Nationals’ half of the first. That’s all that the Nationals would need as Turbo settled in; carving up the Grays hitters and tossing eight (8) shutout innings. While it was certainly Turbo’s night to shine on the mound, Skeemo’s contribution behind the plate was more than noteworthy. Grays’ base runners did not attempt to steal a base.