2020 Volkers Group Yankees Down Rival Cubs for 35+ Terre Haute Crown Behind McLaren Gem

Terre Haute MSBL, 35+ Division

Volkers Group Yankees 5, Cubs 3

‘McLaren Whiffs 13, Throws 3-Hit Complete Game‘

Submitted by Kyle Volkers, Yankees manager

In a season that many players thought would never be played, the Terre Haute MSBL hosted its championship games on October 11. The dedication and relentless work of league President Dale Mahurin contributed heavily to this season being contested.

In the 35 and over final, the #2 seeded Volkers Group Yankees squared off against their rival, the #1 seeded Cubs. These teams had accounted for the five previous championships between them. The Yankees prevailed in a very well-played game to add to their 2016 and 2018 titles. The Yankees struck first in the third inning, scoring two runs on hits by Jeremy Humphrey, Brian Schulze, Matt McLaren and Jimmy Stephens. The Cubs would rally to tie the score 3-3 in the sixth. In the seventh inning the Yankees took the lead on a huge pinch-hit RBI single by Tim Bloodworth. Thanks to a couple web gems by second basemen Andy Jackson, and an insurance run on an RBI single by Schulze in the eighth inning, the Yankees held on to the win with a 5-3 final score.

Matt McLaren was lights out on the mound, striking out 13 Cubs while allowing just three hits in a gutty complete game effort. The Yankees were paced offensively by Schulze (4 hits, 2 runs, RBI), Stephens (2 hits, 3 RBI) and McLaren (2 hits). Humphrey, Mahurin, Bloodworth, Jackson, Brad Pierce and Jared Clark all added a hit. The Cubs had hits from Eric Atwood, Dusty Sturm and Jason Kempf.

In the semi-final matchup, the Yankees easily handled the Cardinals 12-0. The Yankees pitching staff of McLaren, Kyle Volkers and Clark tossed a shutout while allowing just four hits. At the plate, the Yankees were led by Schulze (4 hits, 3 runs, 2 RBI), Stephens (2 hits, 2 RBI), McLaren (2 doubles), Mahurin (2 hits, 3 runs) and Michael Rinck (2 hits).