2021 Pilots Win First Championship in 62+ Division of Milwaukee-Rock Baseball League

Milwaukee-Rock Baseball League, 62+ Division

Pilots 11, Racine Blues 4 (Game two in best of three Championship series sweep)

Submitted by Bill Windler, Pilots manager

The Pilots used strong pitching and explosive hitting to defeat the Racine Blues in the championship series of the 62+ division of the Rock League in Franklin, Wisconsin. (Milwaukee area).

After winning the first game of the best-of-three title series, 14-2, the Pilots took the second, 11-4, for a sweep and their first 62+ title. They dethroned an excellent Blues team that had won five consecutive division titles.

In the clincher, John Arnold pitched five strong innings to pick up the victory with help from Tom Rogina and Dan Trivett. Wes Thomas and Paul Melotik had three hits each, and Trivett knocked in three runs. Gary Landreman had three hits for the Blues.

In the opener, Trivett went five innings for the victory, with Rogina and Al Alt in relief. Thomas’ three hits and three RBI paced the Pilots’ 17-hit attack, and Vince Renna had four hits for the Blues.

The title capped a 16-2 season for the Pilots. Arnold (9-1, 2.84 era), Trivett (3-0, 1.86) and Rogina (4-1, 4.55) were the top pitchers. Dave Globig hit .615 (1.433 OPS) with 26 RBI and 22 runs. Terry Teske knocked in 22 runs and scored 22.