[mikev]

MBBA Pacific Champions!

Finally.

In their 4th year of existance, the California Crusaders are MBBA Pacific champions and will head to the postseason for the first time. The clinching game was a Saturday night game at Las Vegas, the winning pitcher was rookie Arturo "Big Time" Fernandez, and Sake-Bomb hit 2 home runs, giving him 36 on the season (ping: JQ).

Fernandez was brilliant in the clincher, tossing a complete game. He scattered 7 hits and allowed only 2 runs - 1 earned - while striking out 10 Hustlers and issuing no walks. He would also win his second start of the sim against Los Angeles, when it didn't matter and the division was wrapped up already.

California will play the winner of the MBBA Atlantic division, which is still up for grabs with 2 games to play. Baltimore is riding an 8-2 streak and currently holds a 1 game lead over New York.

The Crusaders will use the final 2 games of the season to reset their rotation for the playoffs. Lorenzo Diaz will be given a start so that Jorge Enriquez can rest and prepare for Game 1 of the playoffs. Rumors have been swirling that Ken McKain will get the nod in the second game, while Fernandez will pitch third. If you're keeping track at home, that means reigning Golden Arm winner Henry McHaney will be the 4th starter in the playoffs. He's had a solid year, but he's just been too inconsistent to put out as the #1, while Enriquez has been flat out dominant the entire second half of the season.

The Next Crusade

Playoffs, baby! Bring On New York/Baltimore!!!