2023 65+ Central

2023 65+ Central

 

San Antonio BlackOps/Lonestars 3, Puget Sound Mariners 0

Submitted by Bill Rector, manager

 

The San Antonio BlackOPS/Lonestars won the MSBL World Series 65 Central with a 3-0 win over defending Champion Puget Sound Mariners.  The 65 Central was combined with the 65 National Division during pool play.  The SA BlackOPS team finished 2-3 in pool play.

 

BlackOPS beat the LA Athletics in the last game in pool play with Glen Lane on the hill, to give them some momentum going into the Championship game. Jim Schmitz gave the SA BlackOPS a 1-0 lead in the third inning.  

 

Jesus Cruz pitched the Championship game for the SA BlackOPS team.  He was spectacular on the hill only giving up three hits through eight innings.  In the top of the eighth inning BlackOPS added two more runs on RBIs by Ken Solomon and Kevin Hagan.  Cruz went out to finish the game in the ninth inning and ended with a four-hit shutout for the 3-0  BlackOPS victory. 

 

Jesus Cruz was the Championship game MVP.  Albert Martinez was the SA BlackOPS/Lonestars MVP for the week for his outstanding play at shortstop.  The pitching staff for the week was led by Jesus Cruz, Jerry Michael, Glen Lane, Chuck, Schwartz, Kevin Hagan, and Bob Williamson.  The catching duties were led by Brian Kelly and Dave Minchow.