Central League Playoff Highlights

Semifinal Game 1

The Yankees edged the Phillies 5-4 to make it to the championship game. The Yankees drew blood early as their powerful top of their lineup of Drew Kiley, James Amato, Kenny Nygaard, Mark DeSantis and Will Harrington pushed across two runs. Not to be outdone the Philly sluggers Harrison Furey, John Dehler, Zack Stamoulis, Connor Muldoon and Brian Goulard tied it up in their half of the 1st with timely hitting. The game went back and forth from there. Stellar pitching by the Yanks core of Jonathon Granville, DeSantis and Will Harrington matched the formidable staff of Stamoulis, Goulard and Dehler pitch for pitch. The outcome wasn't decided until the final out. Down 5-4, Phillies on first and second, Zack Stamoulis lashed a rocket toward short. The Yankees shortstop grabbed the shot and stepped on 2nd to end a great game.

Semifinal Game 2

In Wednesday's National Division Championship, the Marlins edged the Cubs 7-4. Once again, the Marlins benefited from the outstanding pitching duo of Matt Rogers and Joe Torres. With his blazing speed, Aiden Murphy was the catalyst for Marlins in the early going. Justin "the hammer" Samardich did an amazing job behind the plate and added several key RBIs. The Cubs showcased the pitching talents of Kyle Wein, Bobby Clarke, and Steven Wald. Patrick Gerspach and Joey Ardita also made key defensive plays to keep the Marlins in check.

Championship Game

As expected a pitchers duel captivated the crowds Saturday between the Yankees and Marlins. After going 13-1-1 during the season the Marlins faced the hottest team in the league in the Yankees, winners of 5 straight. After the pregame announcements and the National Anthem the crowd saw stellar pitching early by Joe Torres of the Marlins and Jonathon Granville of the Yankees. Superb fielding by both teams was the rule of the day, including a great catch by Jack Lori on a Matt Greiner liner headed for extra bases down the rightfield line. The Yankees broke the deadlock in the 2nd when Chris Misere doubled to deep left field driving in Will Harrington to make it 1-0. The Yankees made it 2-0 when Mark DeSantis singled, stole second and scored on Will Harrington's double to left center in the 4th. Brian Lorusso, pitching for the Marlins, refused to let the Yankees score again, pitching brilliantly. In the bottom of the 4th, the Marlins mounted a rally when Brian Lorusso walked, stole second and scored on Matt Rogers shot to centerfield. In the top of the 6th and the Marlins trying to rally, Aidan Murphy lifted a high fly to left center which Jonathon Castoro came running in to make a nice one handed catch. Mark DeSantis preserved the win by retiring the last 7 batters in order. Great season for the post season champion Yankees and regular season champion Marlins.