Outlaws defend WTBL title.
Down 2 games rally to win World Series in 7
games.
Aberdeen 3/2/2004 - During the long flight back to Aberdeen manager Ernie Whitt grappled with either starting Zito in Game 6, or going with Josh Fogg to slow down a Gambler offense that was proving to be productive even against good lefties like Barry and Mark Mulder.
Ernie went with his 27 game winner and also immediately questioned his choice when Thome hit a deep solo shot in the first inning. In the bottom of the first the Outlaws responded with a four run inning that chased Ben Sheets. Mike lamb lead off with a walk and then when to third on a single by Brett Boone. After stealing 2nd Boone and Lamb scored on a single by Ryan Klesko. Brian Daubach who hit 32 homers in the regular season then hit a two run bomb to send Sheets to the showers.
Both teams but runners on in the 2nd, but couldn't score. Then in the third the Gamblers get two runs on a two run shot by Ramirez to close the gap to 4 to 3. With Ernie ready to pull Barry at any time, both offenses become quiet. As Zito and Affeldt both keep hitters off balance until the sixth. After doubling Brook Fordyce scores on a wild pitch, which is the only run Jeremy gives up in five innings.
After Zito tires in the 8th, Ellis Burks brings the Gamblers within one with a solo shot off Jason Isringhausen. Richardo Rincon puts the tying run on in the 9th by giving up a single to Eric Chavez, but Jose Mesa then gets Jeter to fly out and pinch hitter Todd Greene to ground out to save it.
Congrats to Gamblers who made it a very exciting series. I would look forward to a rematch next year, but the Outlaws don't look to be that strong this coming season.
Round 1 - Wild Card
The El Dorado Wesels defeated the Halifax Mooseheads (tm 3) in 7
games.
The Grand Rapids Gamblers (11) defeated the Big Valley Big Cats (12)
in 5 games
The Maumee Indians (2) defeated the Canadian Kommandos (24) in 7
games
the Aberdeen Outlaws (15) defeated the PD Power Hellians (22) in 7
games.
Round 2 - Semi Finals
The Grand Rapids Gamblers (11) defeated the Maumee Indians (2) in 7
games
The Aberdeen Outlaws (15) defeated the el Dorado Weasels (6) in 5
games.
Round 3 - Finals
The Aberdeen Outlaws (15)
defeated the Grand Rapids Gamblers (11) to win the 2003 WTBL world
series.
Congratulation to Evan and his Outlaws on their first championship and a dominant season.