2024 LEG PLAYOFF ROUND 1

 

Well, in comparison to the American League even though two series went 7 games the National League was boring.

#1 ranked Coastline advanced after recovering from being down 3-1 to defeat West Michigan 4-3.

#2 Minnesota completed the only sweep in the NL by beating Madison East.

#3 Virginia overcame some key injuries to beat Climax 4-2 and

#4 Pigtown downed Southlake in a great close series 4-3. The four top teams advanced to the next round.

 

The American League's first round was anything but normal.

Havana was the only team that followed the script as the #4 seed. They swept Kansas City 4-0.

#1 Delaware was stunned 4-3 by Stratford (who snuck into the playoffs by the skin of their ... uh, teeth).

#2 Hollywood were offed in five games by Chicago. and

#3 Fort Worth was taken by Jack Street 4 games to 2.

 

The Divisional Semis pair up as follows:

AL:

#8 Stratford at #3 Havana

#7 Chicago at #6 Jack Street

NL:

#4 Pigtown @ #1 Coastline

#3 Virginia @ #2 Minnesota

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2024 LEG PLAYOFF ROUND 2

 

In Chapter 2 of Rod Serling's Twilight Zone of Baseball, we saw what I would call two huge upsets. This time though the American League didn't have a monopoly on upsets -

the National League's Coastline Bobcats, who had the best record in the league, fell and fell hard when they got swept by the upstart Bombers of Pigtown.

Meanwhile in the American League, the Chicago Nine continued their improbable post-season surge and got past Jack Street 4 games to 1.

The other two series, although disappointing for the teams on the short end of the stick, went much more according to script. Minnesota downed Virginia 4-2 in the NL while Havana swept Stratford in four straight.

 

Havana will host Chicago for the AL Crown while Minnesota will enjoy home field advantage over Pigtown in the NL.

 

The only consolation I can offer to the teams that were ousted is that every team that made the playoffs is a good team. A swing of luck in one direction or another will make it so that any one of the 16 teams that made it into the post-season had a realistic shot at winning.

 

Anyhow, congratulations to the winners.

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AL CHAMPIONSHIP

CHICAGO VS HAVANA

Game One: - Chicago won 5-4 in 13 innings, showcasing their resilience and strategic prowess. Scot Shields secured the win after Treinen's injury.
Game Two: - Havana bounced back with a 5-2 victory, thanks to Kluber's complete game and timely hitting.
Game Three: - Havana edged out Chicago 6-5 in 11 innings, capitalizing on key opportunities and strong bullpen performance.
Game Four: - Chicago responded with a 6-5 win, driven by early offensive power and Clemens' strong pitching.
Game Five: - Chicago's aggressive base running led to a 7-4 victory, tying the series.
Game Six: - Havana won 5-3, overcoming Chicago's early lead and capitalizing on injuries.
Game Seven: - Chicago clinched the series with a 7-4 victory, highlighted by Buck Freeman's three-run homer and Treinen's flawless relief.

In conclusion, Chicago's combination of strategic base running, timely hitting, and resilience in the face of injuries propelled them to victory. Their ability to execute under pressure and adapt to challenges was key in overcoming the favored Havana Scorpions, securing the American League Championship.

 

NL CHAMPIONSHIP

PIGTOWN VS MINNESOTA (SAN TAN)

 

Game 1 - Minnesota's ace, Randy Johnson gets the start against Pigtown's ace, John Tudor. The Big Unit was better and Minnesota won 3-0 behind Johnson's shutout.

 

Game 2 - In Game 2, the pitching dominance continued. This time, Pigtown's Roy Halladay outdueled William Bell and won the game 2-0 to knot the series up 1-1.

 

Game 3 - The series moved to Pigtown for games 3-5. Joe McGinnity on the hill for Pigtown opposed by Curt Schilling for Minnesota. In extra innings, the dynamic duo of Hartsell and Greenberg struck again with Greenfield hitting a sac fly to drive in Hartsell with the winning run. Pigtown 4, Minnesota 3 (10 innings).

 

Game 4 - Game 4 featured a re-match of Game 1 (Johnson vs Tudor). Pigtown went on to win 6-1 and take a 3-1 lead in the series.

 

Game 5 - Game 5 was an epic game. In the 14th inning, Lenny Dykstra got a RBI single to win the game and the series for Pigtown. Final score 3-2.

 

Pigtown wins the series 4-1 on the back of back up player, Mule Suttles who did not make an out in the series and had 6 RBIs. Congrats to Jeff on a great season.

 

World Series will be the Chicago Nine (AL) of Stray Carrado vs the Pigtown Bombers (NL) of Tim Braue

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LEG SEASON IV WORLD SERIES

The LEG Season IV World Series promises to be an electrifying showdown between two resilient teams: the Chicago Nine and the Pigtown Bombers. Both teams have defied the odds to reach this pinnacle, showcasing their tenacity and skill throughout the playoffs.

The Chicago Nine, finishing 5th in the American League East with a record of 84-78, have been the underdog story of the season. Their journey to the World Series has been nothing short of remarkable. In the first round, they dispatched the Hollywood Zombies in a decisive 4-1 series victory, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. The Nine continued their impressive run by overcoming the Jack Street Hustlers with the same 4-1 margin in the second round. Their most challenging test came in the third round against the Havana Scorpions, where they emerged victorious in a thrilling seven-game series. The Nine's success can be attributed to their balanced roster, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars, all of whom have stepped up in crucial moments.

On the other side, the Pigtown Bombers, who finished 3rd in the National League East with a 94-68 record, have been a dominant force throughout the playoffs. They began their postseason campaign with a hard-fought 4-3 series win against the Southlake Spiders, demonstrating their resilience and depth. The Bombers then swept the Coastline Bobcats in a commanding 4-0 series, highlighting their offensive prowess and pitching strength. In the third round, they faced the Minnesota Moonrakers and secured their World Series berth with a convincing 4-1 victory. The Bombers boast a formidable lineup, characterized by power hitters and a pitching rotation that has consistently stifled opposing offenses.

As the two teams prepare to clash in the World Series, the odds slightly favor the Pigtown Bombers due to their superior regular-season record and dominant playoff performances. However, the Chicago Nine's underdog spirit and ability to rise to the occasion cannot be underestimated. The series is expected to be closely contested, with the Bombers holding a slight edge at 55-45 odds.

Ultimately, the LEG Season IV World Series promises to be a captivating battle between two teams with contrasting paths to the championship. Fans can expect a series filled with dramatic moments, strategic battles, and unforgettable performances as the Chicago Nine and Pigtown Bombers vie for the coveted title.

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GAME 1
In a thrilling championship game, the NINE (Stray) edged out the BOMBERS (Tim B) with a final score of 2-1. The game began with both teams locked in a scoreless tie through the first inning. The NINE took an early lead in the top of the second inning when I. Rodriguez's single allowed R. Lankford to score, putting them ahead 1-0.

The BOMBERS struggled to respond, with W. Ford delivering a strong pitching performance, keeping them at bay through the early innings. Meanwhile, J. Tudor of the BOMBERS also showcased his pitching prowess, allowing only one run on four hits over seven innings.

The game remained tense and closely contested, with both teams unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities. In the bottom of the eighth inning, the BOMBERS managed to tie the game at 1-1, thanks to a sacrifice fly by T. Hartsell that brought J. Robinson home.

As the game moved into extra innings, the NINE seized their chance in the top of the 10th. B. Robinson's double put the go-ahead run in scoring position, and P. Martin's hit, coupled with a fielding error by M. Suttles, allowed R. Dandridge to score, giving the NINE a 2-1 lead.

In the bottom of the 10th, Takashi Saito took the mound for the NINE, tasked with securing the win. Saito delivered a stellar performance, striking out J. Robinson, E. Lombardi, and O. Smith in succession to close out the game.

Final Score: Chicago 2 – Pigtown 1

Win: Scot Shields 1-0 (0.00)  
Loss: Felix Rodriguez 0-1 (0.00)  
Save: Takashi Saito #1

The NINE's victory was a testament to their resilience and strategic play, with key contributions from their pitchers and timely hitting. The BOMBERS, despite a valiant effort, fell just short in a game that showcased the competitive spirit of both teams.

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GAME 2
The Bombers, led by pitcher Roy Halladay, secured a decisive victory over the Nine with a final score of 4-0. Halladay's exceptional performance on the mound was a key factor in the Bombers' success, as he delivered a masterful shutout, allowing only one hit over seven innings and striking out eight batters. His dominance set the tone early, as he struck out the first batter, R. Lankford, and continued to overpower the Nine's lineup throughout the game.

The Bombers' offense came alive in the fourth inning when Ozzie Smith doubled, driving in Jackie Robinson for the first run of the game. This was followed by a pivotal seventh inning where Elmer Flick's triple brought home two more runs, extending the Bombers' lead to 3-0. Hank Greenberg added to the score with a sacrifice fly, bringing the final tally to 4-0.

Felix Hernandez, the starting pitcher for the Nine, struggled to contain the Bombers' offense, allowing one earned run on five hits over five innings. Despite his efforts, the Nine's bats remained silent against Halladay and the Bombers' bullpen, which included strong performances from relievers Takashi Saito, Cody Allen, and Jeff Montgomery.

The Bombers' defense was also instrumental in their victory, executing key plays to prevent the Nine from gaining any momentum. Notably, the Bombers turned a crucial double play in the fifth inning to escape a potential scoring threat.

Overall, the Bombers' combination of stellar pitching, timely hitting, and solid defense proved too much for the Nine to overcome. Roy Halladay earned the win, improving his record to 1-0 with an impressive 0.00 ERA, while Felix Hernandez took the loss, falling to 0-1 with a 1.80 ERA.

Final Score: Bombers 4 - Nine 0

Win: Roy Halladay 1-0 (0.00)  
Loss: Felix Hernandez 0-1 (1.80)

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GAME 3
In a very close one the NINE (Stray) edged out the BOMBERS (Tim B) with a final score of 4-3. The game started with the BOMBERS taking an early lead in the top of the first inning when Hank Greenberg hit a solo home run off Roger Clemens, putting the BOMBERS ahead 1-0. Clemens, however, quickly settled in, retiring the next batters to end the inning.

The NINE struggled initially against Joe McGinnity, with their first two innings ending without any runs. However, in the bottom of the fourth, they found their rhythm. Willie Wells hit a double, followed by Ray Lankford's clutch hit that brought in two runs, tying the game at 2-2. Ken Griffey Jr. then hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Lankford to score and giving the NINE a 3-2 lead.

The BOMBERS responded in the top of the seventh with Jim Edmonds hitting a solo home run, leveling the score at 3-3. The game remained tense as both teams battled to gain the upper hand. In the bottom of the eighth, Willie Wells hit his third double of the game, putting the go-ahead run in scoring position. Freddie Freeman then delivered a crucial triple, driving in the run and putting the NINE ahead 4-3.

Blake Treinen came in to close the game for the NINE in the ninth inning. Despite a single by Bobby Grich, Treinen managed to retire the side, securing the victory for the NINE.

Final Score: Chicago 4 - Pigtown 3

Win: Roger Clemens 1-0 (3.38)  
Loss: Joe McGinnity 0-1 (4.91)  
Save: Blake Treinen #1

The game was a showcase of strategic plays and key performances, with Clemens earning the win despite allowing two home runs. McGinnity pitched well but ultimately took the loss, while Treinen earned his first save of the series. The NINE's victory was marked by timely hitting and solid defense, culminating in a memorable championship win.

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GAME 4
The Pigtown Bombers faced off against the Chicago Nine, delivering an intense matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The game kicked off with the Bombers taking an early lead in the top of the first inning, thanks to E. Flick's powerful home run off Whitey Ford, putting them ahead 1-0. However, the Nine quickly responded in the bottom of the first, with E. Stanky driving in M. Trout to tie the game at 1-1.

The Bombers regained momentum in the third inning when H. Greenberg launched a three-run homer, extending their lead to 4-1. The Nine struggled to find their rhythm against John Tudor's pitching, who delivered a stellar performance throughout the game. Despite their efforts, the Nine couldn't capitalize on their opportunities, leaving runners stranded in crucial moments.

In the fifth inning, Greenberg struck again with another home run, this time a three-run shot, widening the Bombers' lead to 7-1. The Bombers continued to dominate, with B. Grich hitting a grand slam in the eighth inning, pushing the score to a commanding 12-1.

The Nine attempted a late-game rally in the ninth inning, sparked by M. Trout's solo home run and a series of hits that brought in additional runs. B. Robinson's two-run double narrowed the gap, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bombers' substantial lead.

John Tudor's exceptional pitching performance, allowing only one earned run over seven and a third innings, secured the win for the Bombers. Whitey Ford, on the other hand, struggled, giving up four runs in just three innings, resulting in the loss for the Nine.

The Bombers' offensive power, highlighted by Greenberg's two home runs and Grich's grand slam, proved too much for the Nine to handle. Despite a valiant effort in the final inning, the Nine fell short, and the Bombers claimed victory in this championship showdown.

Final Score: Pigtown 12 - Chicago 7

Win: John Tudor 1-0 (1.26)  
Loss: Whitey Ford 0-1 (3.60)

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GAME 5
In Game Five, the Bombers (Tim B) emerged victorious over the Nine (Stray) with a final score of 5-3. The game began with both teams locked in a scoreless tie until the top of the second inning when the Bombers took the lead. B. Joyce's crucial base hit to right field allowed Edmonds and Smith to score, putting the Bombers ahead 2-0. The Nine quickly responded in the bottom of the second, with D. Green's double bringing Griffey home, followed by I. Rodriguez's single that tied the game at 2-2.

The game remained tied until the top of the sixth inning when the Bombers regained the lead. O. Smith's single to right field allowed Lombardi to score, making it 3-2. B. Joyce then delivered a double, driving in two more runs and extending the Bombers' lead to 5-2. The Nine managed to score one more run in the bottom of the sixth, with W. Wells doubling to bring Trout home, narrowing the gap to 5-3.

Despite the Nine's efforts to rally, the Bombers' pitching staff held firm. Roy Halladay delivered a strong performance, pitching six and a third innings, allowing three runs on six hits, and securing the win with a record of 2-0 and an ERA of 2.02. Felix Hernandez, who came in as a reliever for the Nine, took the loss, bringing his record to 0-2 with an ERA of 4.91. J.J. Putz closed the game for the Bombers, earning his first save of the series.

The Bombers' strategic plays and solid defense, combined with timely hitting, secured their victory in this championship matchup. The Nine fought valiantly, but the Bombers' early lead and consistent performance throughout the game proved decisive.

Final Score: Bombers (Tim B) 5, Nine (Stray) 3

Win: Roy Halladay 2-0 (2.02)
Loss: Felix Hernandez 0-2 (4.91)
Save: J.J. Putz #1

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GAME 6
Game Six the NINE (Stray) dominated the BOMBERS (Tim B) with a decisive 12-1 victory. The game kicked off with a bang as W. Wells launched a solo home run in the top of the first inning, giving the NINE an early lead. Despite a strong start from J. McGinnity, the BOMBERS' pitcher, the NINE capitalized on their opportunities, with R. Lankford and B. Freeman contributing key hits.

The NINE extended their lead in the second inning when M. Trout's blooper allowed K. Griffey and R. Clemens to score, making it 3-0. The BOMBERS struggled to respond, with R. Clemens, the NINE's pitcher, delivering a stellar performance by keeping the BOMBERS scoreless through the early innings.

In the fourth inning, M. Trout struck again with a three-run homer, pushing the NINE's lead to 7-0. The BOMBERS' defense faltered, allowing the NINE to continue their offensive onslaught. B. Freeman added to the tally with a home run in the fifth inning, and R. Clemens helped his own cause with a hit that brought in another run, making it 9-0.

The BOMBERS managed to get on the board in the eighth inning with a solo home run by M. Schmidt, but it was too little, too late. The NINE responded in the ninth inning with R. Lankford and B. Freeman setting the stage for I. Rodriguez's sacrifice fly, which brought the final score to 12-1.

Roger Clemens was the standout performer, earning the win with a dominant pitching display, improving his record to 2-0 with a 2.12 ERA. Joe McGinnity, on the other hand, took the loss, dropping to 0-2 with a 9.49 ERA after allowing nine earned runs over five innings.

Final Score: Chicago 12 - Pigtown 1

Win: Roger Clemens 2-0 (2.12)  
Loss: Joe McGinnity 0-2 (9.49)

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GAME 7
In a tightly contested winner take all Game Seven, the Bombers (Tim B) edged out the Nine (Stray) with a final score of 2-1. The game was a showcase of pitching prowess and strategic plays, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The game began with both teams unable to score in the first inning, as Roy Halladay for the Bombers and Whitey Ford for the Nine demonstrated their pitching skills. In the bottom of the first, the Bombers took an early lead. Bill Joyce drew a walk and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Hank Greenberg then hit a sacrifice fly to right field, allowing Joyce to score and giving the Bombers a 1-0 lead.

The Nine struggled to find their rhythm against Halladay, who was in top form, allowing only two hits over six and a third innings. The Bombers' defense was solid, turning crucial double plays to keep the Nine at bay. In the bottom of the eighth, the Bombers extended their lead. Ozzie Smith singled and advanced to third on Lenny Dykstra's single. Bill Joyce then ripped a double down the left field line, scoring Smith and making it 2-0.

In the top of the ninth, the Nine attempted a comeback. With J.J. Putz on the mound for the Bombers, Willie Wells reached first on an error and stole second. Buck Freeman then hit a towering fly ball to right, which was dropped, allowing Wells to score and cutting the deficit to 2-1. However, Putz managed to regain his composure and retired Larry Gardner to end the game.

Roy Halladay earned the win, improving his record to 3-0 with a 1.37 ERA, while Whitey Ford took the loss, dropping to 0-2 with a 3.00 ERA. J.J. Putz secured his second save of the series. Despite the Nine's late rally, the Bombers' early lead and strong pitching secured their victory in this thrilling championship matchup.

Final Score: Bombers (Tim B) 2 - Nine (Stray) 1

Win: Roy Halladay 3-0 (1.37)  
Loss: Whitey Ford 0-2 (3.00)  
Save: J.J. Putz #2

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The Season IV Leg World Series was a thrilling seven-game showdown between Pigtown and Chicago, with Pigtown ultimately clinching the series 4 games to 3. Here's a breakdown of the standout performances and key statistics from the series:

### Pigtown Highlights:
- **Roy Halladay**: Halladay was the standout performer for Pigtown, earning the World Series Most Valuable Player award. He achieved an impressive 3-0 record with a stellar 1.37 ERA, demonstrating his dominance on the mound and playing a crucial role in Pigtown's success.
- **Team Performance**: Despite a modest team batting average of .180, Pigtown managed to hit 7 home runs, showcasing their power-hitting capabilities. Their on-base percentage was .287, indicating that while they struggled to hit consistently, they capitalized on their opportunities to score.
- **Fielding and Pitching**: Pigtown's fielding percentage was .973, slightly lower than Chicago's, but their pitching staff posted a solid team ERA of 3.57, which was instrumental in their series victory.

### Chicago Highlights:
- **Team Performance**: Chicago had a higher team batting average of .237 and a slightly better on-base percentage of .289 compared to Pigtown. However, they only managed to hit 4 home runs throughout the series, which may have contributed to their inability to clinch the series.
- **Fielding and Pitching**: Chicago's fielding percentage was .985, indicating strong defensive play. Their team ERA was 3.77, slightly higher than Pigtown's, which may have been a factor in their series loss.
- **Base Running**: Chicago struggled on the base paths against Pigtown's catcher Ernie Lombardi, managing only 6 stolen bases while being caught stealing 4 times. This limited their ability to create scoring opportunities through aggressive base running.

### Key Takeaways:
- **Roy Halladay's Dominance**: Halladay's exceptional pitching was a decisive factor in Pigtown's series win. His ability to consistently shut down Chicago's offense provided Pigtown with a significant advantage.
- **Power vs. Consistency**: Pigtown's ability to hit home runs was a key component of their offensive strategy, allowing them to score runs despite a lower batting average. In contrast, Chicago's higher batting average did not translate into enough runs to secure the series.
- **Defensive and Pitching Edge**: Both teams displayed strong defensive skills, but Pigtown's slightly better pitching performance, led by Halladay, gave them the edge needed to win the series.

In summary, Pigtown's combination of power hitting, effective pitching, and strategic play led them to a hard-fought victory over Chicago in the Season IV Leg World Series.
 

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