Improbable Run Continues For Crawdads

Joplin – The Joplin Crawdads continued their unprecedented run toward a title by sweeping the first place Boggstown Boilers in four games during the American League Championship Series of the Holiday Baseball League Monday night and locked in a head-to-head battle with the McCall Mudhens for the Championship. Undefeated in 7 playoff games, the Dads’ played remarkably sound defense, displayed steady pitching and provided adequate offense to defeat the still slumbering Boilers.

In a lineup cast with unlikely heros, Rogers Hornsby again proved to be the stabilizer. Reaching base safely 21 times out of 24 at-bats in the series, Hornsby’s truly unbelievable run at the plate during these playoffs have led the Dads’ from the worst team in League history to Championship caliber in just a few weeks. Hornsby has been retired a total of three times in 7 playoff games.

When The Crawdads needed it they seemed to find outs in the form of double-playes, runs being cut down at the plate, singles attempting to be stretched into doubles, and run saving throws from their outfield not allowing Boiler runs to cross. Since the installation of new manager Darrell Porter, the Dads’ have taken a one hour long infield practice before every game in hopes of limiting runs.

“They looked TIGHT on defense,” analysts Joe Gordon said after the game. “They saved themselves about 10-15 runs total in the series just by cutting down Boiler base-runners… The way they played tonight, I think they still would’ve won, but against a tough Mudhens squad they might NEED those runs.”

Once again the Crawdads seemed to find the two out hits that they have begun to be known for. Whether it’s Roberto Clemente with a grand-slam, Orlando Cepeda with a two-run single or catcher Gabby Hartnett with a clutch double, the Dads’ always seemed to have an answer for a Boilers rally.

A brilliant pitching performance by Nolan Ryan in game one set the tone for Joplin as Ryan allowed one earned run in 9 innings to earn the win. Closing the game with 5 scoreless innings, Ryan earned the game MVP honors and displayed a rare dominance over what was considered the best offense in the league.

X