Bill Evans waits for the pitch from Jesse Higginbotham
Wonders 3
Dorian Grays 2
WP: Rick Stacy
LP: Tim Sigda
In a playoff game for the ages, The Wonders dethroned last season's undefeated champions in a thrilling 3-2 victory that spanned two intense weeks. The matchup lived up to all the hype, featuring two teams that were evenly matched in every aspect of the game.
The pitching duel was the story of the series, as both starting pitchers delivered complete game performances, each going the full 9 innings. Despite the high stakes, the pitchers maintained remarkable composure and precision, combining to allow only 12 hits and a scant 5 runs across the series. Each inning was a masterclass in pitching strategy and execution, with fastballs, curveballs, and changeups keeping hitters guessing and off balance.
The defense on both sides was equally impressive, with each team making several highlight-reel plays that showcased their athleticism and coordination. From diving catches in the outfield to slick double plays in the infield, the defensive prowess on display kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Errors were virtually nonexistent, as both teams played with a level of focus and intensity that befits champions.
As the series progressed, every game felt like it could be the deciding factor, with the lead changing hands multiple times and several games going down to the wire. The Wonders displayed resilience and a knack for clutch performances, consistently finding ways to eke out the narrowest of victories. The final game was a fitting climax, with The Wonders scoring a decisive run late in the 9th inning to secure the series.
Ultimately, The Wonders’ ability to capitalize on their few scoring opportunities and their unwavering defensive execution proved to be the difference. This series will be remembered not only for the sheer competitiveness but also for the high level of skill and sportsmanship displayed by both teams. The Wonders' 3-2 triumph serves as a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of playoff baseball, reminding everyone that no team is unbeatable, no matter how dominant their past.
Game photos courtesy of Stu Clark
Wonders 9
Phillies 19
WP: Colin Hosley
LP: Rick Stacy
The Phillies took full advantage of every miscue by The Wonders, cruising to a commanding 19-8 mercy-rule victory in seven innings at Mackenzie Stadium in Holyoke. The Phillies unleashed a relentless offensive attack, scoring in all but one inning. The Wonders struggled to contain the onslaught as the Phillies strung together multiple timely hits, turning each mistake into an opportunity to extend their lead.
The game initially showed promise for The Wonders, who came out swinging with a five-run first inning that momentarily energized the crowd and gave the fans hope. However, that momentum quickly dissipated as the Phillies' defense tightened, and their pitchers clamped down, stifling any chance of a Wonders comeback. The Wonders' early lead was soon overshadowed by the Phillies' ability to exploit every opportunity, demonstrating why they are among the league's best in situational hitting.
The Phillies’ lineup proved too deep and too disciplined, with every batter but one reaching base during the blowout. Their aggressive base running and sharp situational awareness kept the Wonders on their heels throughout the game. Despite a promising start, The Wonders couldn't match the Phillies' firepower or consistency at the plate, ultimately succumbing to the relentless offensive pressure.
By the time the seventh inning rolled around, the game was all but decided, as the Phillies’ 19 runs put the mercy rule into effect, ending the contest early. It was a dominant performance that showcased the Phillies' ability to capitalize on mistakes and maintain pressure from start to finish, sending a clear message that they are a formidable force when given any opening.
Game photos courtesy of Stu Clark
Isotopes 5
Plug Uglies 6
WP: Jeff Whitehead
LP: Jesse Higginbotham
The Plug Uglies were the home team against the Isotopes at Mackenzie Stadium for round two action of the TNB+50 playoff, the winner going to the championship game. It’s been a season of competitive matches, strong pitching, and close games for most teams. And tonight’s match-up would be no different in what turned into debatably one of the greatest games in league history. The Isotopes sent Jesse Higginbotham to the mound against the Uglies’ Jeff Whitehead.
The Topes struck first in the top of the first as John “Sully” Sullivan singled and quickly stole second. Gary Webber reached on a single and drove in Sully to make it 1-0. Scott Dunaisky hit a shot for a double that scored Webber, as the Isotopes announced to the Plugs that they mean business and established a quick 2-0 lead.
The Plugs replied in the bottom frame with lead off hitter Nolan Anaya reaching on a single and stealing second, followed by Bill “The Principal” Evans reaching on a walk. Up came Bobby “Ecc” Eccleston who hit a single to score both Anaya and Evans. Though the Uglies were able to load the bases after that, they couldn’t cash in. After 1 inning it was tied 2-2.
It remained deadlock for several innings that saw some great defensive plays on both sides. Two tough pop fly grabs by Plugs catcher Matt Boulanger, a great pickoff throw from catcher Gary Webber to nail an errant Plug Ugly runner at 2nd base, the steady gloves of shortstop Dave Warner and third baseman Micheal Arbour for the Topes, and an unusual head scratching play at first base by the Plugs Steve “The Wall” Wall.
In the 4th with a runner on first the Topes Ed Cauley hit a pop fly to Wall at first. Wall shouted that he couldn’t see the ball, it dropped in front of him, he quickly grabbed it and tagged the runner, then tagged the bag to retire the batter. The umpires confer and it’s ruled a 3-3 double play in what was easily the most unusual TNB+50 play in recent memory.
Pitching was a big part of the story as well. Jeff Whitehead held down the Isotopes for the next 5 innings, striking out 5 and yielding no runs. On the other side Jesse Higginbotham kept the Uglies scoreless from the 2nd inning to the 8th, pitching brilliantly and striking out six batters.
In the top of the 7th Isotopes skipper Dave Warner announced to people in the gallery that it was time to take control of the game, and that’s exactly what the Topes did. The inning started with a hit by pitch on Micheal Arbour. Though Arbour never made it to second, it was an omen for the inning as both Warner and Dunaisky singled. Up came David “Lazar Wolf” Leslie, who smashed a dramatic double that scored both runners and gave the Isotopes the lead, 4-2. No capitalizing on errors or forcing the Uglies to make mistakes, just solid Isotope hitting getting the best of the Uglies’ ace.
The Plugs tried to rally and get the lead back in the bottom of the 8th, and were able to load the bases. But Higginbotham and the Topes kept their cool and got out of the inning unscathed by inducing a 6-3 ground out.
In the top of the 9th the Isotopes seemingly nailed the coffin shut on the Uglies season. Jonathan “JZ” Zajac and Ed Cauley singled. Then up came big Diego Ortiz, doing exactly what he’s been doing all season long: he smashed an RBI double that scored JZ to give his team an insurance run they desperately needed. Going into the bottom of the 9th the Topes just needed three more outs to advance to finals.
With a 5-2 lead and the bottom of the Plug Uglies order coming up, it appeared to all watching that the Topes had the game locked up. A cloud of defeat hung in the Uglies dugout with a “wait till next year” vibe, and some players admitted out loud that their season was all but over.
But somebody forgot to tell all that to the Plugs bottom three hitters. Skipper Chris “Chaka” Scanlon (who up until now has had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad game) stepped up and hit a 300 foot bomb that sailed over the left fielder. Man on 2nd, nobody out, and Greg “G-Bomb” Elbaum pinch runs for the Ugly skipper. Then Jack Wileden took his 40 ounce bat and hit a single through the right side. Runners on 1st & 3rd. Nobody out. Justin Gaudette worked the count while Wileden took a generous lead off of first. Suddenly Higginbotham threw over to first and Wileden dives back and barely misses the pickoff tag. A few pitches later Gary Webber threw down to first to try to catch Wileden snoozing again, but the throw sailed over the first baseman’s head and Elbaum scored. Gaudette struck out and its 5-3 Topes, 1 down.
Nolan Anaya hit into a 4-6 fielder’s choice but hustled to avoid the double play and sending the Uglies home for the winter. Runner on 1st. Two out. Bill Evans comes to bat and hits a fly ball that dropped between the second baseman and the center fielder. It should’ve been men on 1st and 2nd but Anaya took an ill advised turn to third and looked dead in the water as the throw comes in...but Anaya slide into the back of the bag, somehow eluding the tag. Third baseman Michael Arbour kept the ball in his glove and Anaya was oblivious, dusting himself off and barely keeping a foot on the bag with the season in the balance. The entire Uglies bench screams at him to stay on the bag or be tagged out. After what felt like an eternity Anaya loses his casual attitude, sees what’s happening, and holds the bag. In the mayhem Evans reached 2nd base as the tying run, 2 outs.
Up came Uglies clutch hitter Matt Boulanger, and he doesn’t disappoint with another epic at bat: a scalding hit down the 3rd base line that scoots just over the bag into left field, barely a fair ball. Anaya and Evans score and miraculously the game is tied as Boulanger stood on 2nd base.
Jeff Whitehead barely digs in before the signal is given for an intentional walk to set up a force at all bases, the smart move by the Isotopes. Runners on 1st & 2nd, two out.
Bobby “Ecc” Eccleston comes to the plate hoping to be the hero, but never takes the bat off his shoulder: a wild pitch allowed the runners to advance to 2nd & 3rd and the Topes intentionally walk him. Tie game, bases juiced, two out, the winning run 90 feet away, the Isotopes fighting to get the game into extra innings.
Up to the plate comes Morriss “Mo” Partee in a situation every ballplayer dreams of. But before the drama can continue the umpires confer and eject a heckling fan sitting behind home plate. Hoping to preserve the sanctity of this down to the wire nail biting game (and the concentration of all players involved) the umpires send the fan packing and they are escorted out of Mackenzie Stadium.
The action continues...ball one. Ball two. Higginbotham knows that he needs to throw a strike, and he does as Mo takes a mighty cut and misses badly. The next pitch Partee swings and hits a sharp grounder into the hole between short and third. Will it get through? No! Shortstop Dave Warner grabs the grounder and could throw to any base, but his body is twisted toward third and aims there for the force and extra innings. But third baseman Arbour is off the bag in his attempt to get the ball himself, and has to scramble back to receive the throw, a very tough play. Whitehead aggressively slides into third and creates a puff of dust as the steady handed Arbor tries to retrieve the throw but can’t get it and tumbles to the ground. Boulanger crosses the plate and the Uglies bench explodes with joy. The Plug Uglies defeat the Isotopes 6-5 in a shocking 4 run bottom of the 9th comeback that goes down as one of the greatest games played in TNB+50 history.
Game photos courtesy of Patrick Johnson
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