Under a full moon on a chilly night, the Wilmington Tides completed their ascension from fourth place to first by defeating the Port City Mudcats decisively on Tuesday, Nov. 11th. The final game of the Fall Season got off to a fast start as Tides' CF Chet Nesley, leading off, blasted a shot high off the leftfield fence with a resounding clang. The Tides jumped out to a 3-0 lead but the Mudcats battled back and halfway through the game, the 'Cats led 4-3. After that, the Tides kicked it up a notch and the 'Cats had no answers to the relentless offense that resulted in a fourteen run lead. The 'Cats clawed back with four runs after the game was out of reach. Brian Maready started and gave way to WP Rick Parnell who held the 'Cats while the Tides offense did its damage. Tides' catcher Jeff Navarro finished up for the Tides.
Mudcats 17 Breaktime Brewers 4. With an impressive display of offense and pitching, the Port City Mudcats powered their way to the Championship game. The 'Cats broke open the game in the 4th inning when Bob "I'll Play Anywhere" Bennett crushed a Home Run over the right centerfield fence to forge to a 5 run lead. The Mudcats brought their hitting shoes as Jamie Vangorder, Ruben Maldonado and Ken Vafier had multi-hit games and Kevin Garrett hit one off the top of the fence, missing a Home Run by an inch. WP Joe Stephenson pitched a complete game chalking up 8 Ks and issuing no walks. With the win, the Mudcats earned their way into the Championship Game for the Red Division. They will play the Wilmington Tides Tuesday night @ Godwin Park, 7pm. All are encouraged to come out to see two evenly matched teams battle for the title of Champs of the Fall.
Tides 10 Mets 6. The Wilmington Tides defeated the first place Mets in a playoff game at Godwin Park. The Tides jumped out to an early lead on a long double off the bat of Chet Nesley, a rope down the third baseline by Rick Parnell, a line drive by Shane McCumbee and a clutch RBI hit by Travis Watson. The Mets battled back on clutch hitting by Brian Cardiero but came up short. Tides' Brian Maready recorded the win with an assist from closer Parnell. The Tides await the winner of the game between the Mudcats and Breaktime Brewers scheduled for Sunday @ 1pm at Castle Hayne. The Championship game will be played under the lights @ Godwin Park at 7pm on Nov. 11th.
Mudcats 15 Breaktime Brewers 10 The Mudcats and Brewers engaged in a slugfest with the 'Cats emerging victorious. The big blow was a grand slam homer by Joe Stephenson to break a 9-9 tie. Scott Keenan of the Brewers hit his first homer in the losing cause. Mets 14 Tides 8 The high powered Mets' offense continued its winning ways with a victory over the Tides. The Tides were powered by a 3 run shot by Jeff Navarro and a solo bomb by Mgr. Rick Parnell.
In one of the best played games of th Fall Season, the Stingrays sponsored by Batter Up defeated the amazing Miller Lites by a score of 2-1. The 'Rays flashed leather throughout the game to keep the 'Mites at bay. The right side of the Rays infield, 2B David Blasingame and 1B Elijah Perkins, made one sparkling defensive play after another to thwart 'Mite rallies. WP Jay Slaughter pitched six outstanding innings in relief for the victory. 'Mites pitcher Tim Whitehead also pitched great in this classic pitchers' duel. The winning run scored in the bottom of the 5th when a long fly ball off the bat of Terry Ward got caught in the wind and eluded the 'Mites centerfielder allowing Ed "the Bearded Cat" Fowler to score from first. more to follow
Saturday, Nov. 1st. Stingrays 8 Seahawks 7. The Stingrays defeated the Seahawks to advance to the Championship game. Behind the pitching of Doug Peacock and Dave Malkmus the Stingrays came back from a 7-2 deficit to win over the injury-depleted 'Hawks. Miller Lites 4 Old Salts 2. In the late game at Myrtle Grove, the Miller Lites advanced to the Championship game behind the strong pitching of Billy Cauley. The 'Mites featured a balanced offense and played flawless defense to secure the victory. Mets 20 Breaktime Brewers 5. The Mets' offense continued to roll. They broke open the game with not one but two grand slams in the same inning. Both came with two outs in the books. With the win the Mets took over first place.
We've Come a Long Way, Baby!
The evolution of the Carolina Mens Baseball League can be traced from the gloomy, wet days of March to the sun-soaked debut on Opening Day in May. The photos and commentary have been gathered in "News Archives" under the League News button on the left side directory.
