The American Baseball League

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Eastern League Championship Series
Chicago Storm (92-76) vs Detroit Mustangs (104-64)

The well rested Mustangs will take on the Chicago Storm in the Eastern League Championship Series. Detroit won the season series. Mustangs ace Alonso Caprasquillo will start the opener against Doyle Alexander.

Prediction: Detroit 4-1

The Mustangs are well rested and have their rotation set-up perfectly. Detroit’s depth will be too much for Chicago, and they should not have any problems advancing to the World Championship Series.

Western League Championship Series

San Antonio Wranglers (85-84) vs Fort Worth Cowboys (87-81)

The underdog Wranglers will look to continue their improbable run verse the Fort Worth Cowboys. The Wranglers won a one game playoff to advance to the playoffs, and had no trouble knocking off San Jose. Fort Worth also didn’t have any problems advancing to the League Championship, knocking off Houston 4-1. Fort Worth won the season series. San Antonio will go with ace Frank Tanana in game 1. Fort Worth will counter with their number 1 starter Steve Rogers.

Prediction: San Antonio 4-3

The Wranglers will continue to roll, and upset Fort Worth. Look for a big series from the starting rotation to shut down Fort Worth’s offense.

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Detroit jumps out to early lead and holds on for game one win
Detroit Mustangs 5
Chicago Storm 4

The Mustangs jumped out to an early lead with a four run 1st inning, and held on to edge Chicago 5-4. Ralph Garr lined an RBI double to get the Mustangs on the board first, and Tommy McCraw followed with a 3 run homer that barely cleared the wall, to put Detroit up 4-0 after 1 inning.

Alonso Caprasquillo wasn’t as sharp as normal, but managed to hold on to the lead and pick up the win, as Chicago chipped away at the lead, scoring 2 in the fourth, 1 in the fifth, and 1 in the 8th. Stan Thomas came on to close the door in the ninth, picking up his second save of the playoffs. Doyle Alexander took the loss for Chicago, pitching a complete game, but giving up 5 runs.

Ultan Hazzard drove in two runs for Chicago, with Enos Cabell and Larry Hisle also driving in runs. Mickey Rivers hit an RBI double in the bottom of the seventh for Detroit to give the Mustangs an insurance run.

Player of the Game: Tommy McCraw

Detroit leads 1-0.

Buckner’s big 9th inning hit leads San Antonio in game 1 upset.

San Antonio Wranglers 6
Fort Worth Cowboys 5

San Antonio wasted no time proving they belong in the playoffs, when Fred Lynn connected on a 3 run shot that put the Wranglers up 3-0. Hal Breedon’s 4th inning triple drove in the fourth run of the game, giving Frank Tanana a 4 run cushion to work with.

Stumpy Van Husen took Tanana deep in the bottom of the 4th, trimming the Wranglers lead to 4-1. Tanana got wild in the 6th inning, hitting a batter, walking a batter, then throwing a wild pitch allowing a run to score, and Fort Worth to pull within two. Tanana’s struggles continued in the 7th inning, allowing a single and hitting two batters to load the bases. Darrel Porter tied the game with a single to center field that scored two.

Bill Buckner came through in the clutch with a two-out ninth inning double that put San Antonio ahead 6-4, and improving Frank Tananas playoff record to 2-1. Javier Gelada came on for the ninth, and gave up a home run to Willie Stargell, that proved to be too little too late, as Gelada notched his 4th postseason save. Steve Rogers took the loss for Fort Worth, dropping his postseason record to 1-1.

Player of the Game : Fred Lynn

San Antonio leads 1-0.

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Bobby Grich ties up series with 2 run single in ninth
Chicago Storm 6
Detroit Mustangs 5

Bobby Grich stroked a 2 run single off Detroit closer Stan Thomas to put the Storm ahead 6-5 and tie up the series at 1. The effort of Detroit starter Doc Medich was wasted with the blown save. Medich pitched 8 innings and gave up 4 runs, and left the game with a one run lead.

Chicago got on the board first with a two run double by George Foster in the top of the first. Ultan Hazzard added a solo homer in the third. Detroit came back in the bottom of the fifth off Chicago starter Jim Lonborg, scoring three runs on an RBI double by Gwang-soo Kim, and a two-run homer by Taizo Matsusaki to tie the game at 3. Detroit went ahead in the bottom of the 6th, when Gwang-soo Kim drove in his second run of the game with an RBI single. They added an insurance run in the 8th when pinch-hitter Stephen Comiskey singled to drive in a run.

That wasn’t enough for Mustang’s closer Thomas, as he gave up the 2-out single to Bobby Grich, that scored Hazzard and Reggie Smith. George Kahle picked up the win for Chicago, with 1 1/3 innings of relief, giving up 1 run. Dave LaRoche came in and pitched a hitless ninth to pick up the save, his third of the playoffs.

Player of the Game: Ultan Hazzard

Series tied 1-1.

San Antonio win second straight game on the road to take control of the series

San Antonio Wranglers 7
Fort Worth Cowboys 3

With the series heading back to San Antonio, the Wranglers are heading back with a 2-0 lead, in control of their destiny. San Antonio got a strong outing from Dick Tidrow, who pitched 8 1/3 innings, giving up 3 runs and striking out 7. Tidrow ran into some trouble during the second inning, giving up 3 runs, but got out of the jam, and dominated the rest of the game. He picked up his second postseason win, against 1 loss. Dock Ellis struggled for Fort Worth, giving up 7 runs in 5 2/3 innings.

Fred Lynn continued his hot streak for the Wranglers, hitting a solo home run in the 6 run sixth inning. He is batting .355 for the playoffs, with 3 home runs and 7 RBI. Glenn Adams and George Scott each drove in two for San Antonio. Curtis Frahill broke out of his slump, going 3-5, with 2 runs scored and 1 run driven in.

Player of the Game: Curtis Frahill

San Antonio leads series 2-0

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Blyleven and Hazard too much for Mustangs
Chicago Storm 4
Detroit Mustangs 2

With Bert Blyleven on the mound, the Chicago Storm won again to take control of the best of seven series. Blyleven pitched 8 strong innings, and gave up 2 runs, improving his playoff record to 3-0 with a 3.51 ERA in 3 starts. Blyleven hasn’t lost since August 27th, and appears to be fully recovered from the back spasms that caused him to leave the game on September 28th after 2 innings pitched, and missing his next start.

“My back is feeling great now, and I feel like I’m back to 100%,” Blyleven said, “I had all my pitches working tonight, and feel like when I do, I can beat anyone.”

Dave LaRoche came on and pitched a hitless ninth to pick up the save, his fourth in the playoffs. Dave Goltz, making his first playoff start for Detroit, gave up 4 runs in eight innings, and took the loss.

Ultan Hazzard had a huge night for the Storm, going 3-4, with 2 home runs, and 3 RBI. Reggie Smith added a solo homer for Chicago. Doyle Alexander will take the mound tomorrow for Chicago, pitching against Dave Hamilton.

Player of the Game: Ultan Hazzard

Chicago leads series 2-1

San Antonio bench caps ninth inning San Antonio comeback

San Antonio Wranglers 3
Fort Worth Cowboys 2

The Wranglers struggled all night against Fort Worth starter Tommy John, who only gave up two hits in 8 innings, but managed to rally against Fort Worth closer Troy Joseph, scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the ninth to hand Joseph his second loss of the playoffs. Bill Champion pitched 8 1/3 innings for San Antonio, giving up 2 runs, but was pulled for reliever Wayne Garland, who finished the game and picked up the win for the Wranglers.

Steve Yeager hit a solo homer in the 7th off John, to pull San Antonio within one, but proved how valuable a good bench can be in the ninth. Pinch hitter Bill Buckner led off the inning with a walk, and Glenn Adams came off the bench to drive the next pitch into the gap, and ended up with an RBI triple. San Antonio again went to the bench, and pinch hitter Rusty Staub ended the game with a single past the drawn in infield to easily score Adams.

Ben Oglivie connected for a two run blast in the first inning for Fort Worth.

San Antonio will start Frank Tanana tomorrow, as they go for the sweep. Steve Rogers will counter for Fort Worth.

Player of the Game: Tommy John

San Antonio leads 3-0

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Mustangs win in 10 to even up series
Detroit Mustangs 4
Chicago Storm 3

The Mustang bats were silent all night, but managed a 10th inning rally that included two walk, a balk, and a double by Mickey Rivers that drove in two, that put Detroit up 4-2, as Stan Thomas struggled in the bottom of the 10th, but hung on to pick up the win. Alonso Caprasquillo pitched 8 strong innings for Detroit, giving up 2 runs on 8 hits. Caprasquillo was a last minute replacement for starter Dave Hamilton, a late scratch. Chicago squandered a brilliant start by Doyle Alexander, who gave up 2 runs in 9 innings. Dave LaRoche took the loss for Chicago, giving up 2 runs in the 10th.

Player of the Game: Doyle Alexander

Series tied 2-2

Rogers and Fort Worth avoid sweep

Fort Worth Cowboys 5
San Antonio Wranglers 2

With their backs against the wall, Fort Worth handed the ball over to Steve Rogers, who responded with 8 innings, giving up 2 runs, to lead Fort Worth past San Antonio for their first win in the series. Troy Joseph rebounded from his game three loss, by pitching a scoreless ninth to earn the save, his 3rd of the postseason. Frank Tanana started for San Antonio, but struggled locating his fastball, giving up 10 hits and 4 runs in 7 1/3 innings.

Bill Buckner got the start in left field for San Antonio tonight, and drove in both runs with a 1st inning single. Fort Worth continued to rely on the longball, getting solo homers from Chris Speier and Dusty Baker. Joe Lis drove in 2 runs tonight, with 2 singles in 5 at bats.

Player of the Game: Steve Rogers

San Antonio leads 3-1

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Storm take 3-2 as series heads back to Detroit for final two games
Chicago Storm 5
Detroit Mustangs 3

Jim Lonborg didn’t have his best stuff tonight, but managed to get the job done, and led Chicago past Detroit to take a 3-2 series lead with tonight’s 5-3 victory over the Mustangs. Lonborg gave up 12 hits and 3 runs in 8 innings pitched, but was able to work out of most jams. Chicago turned 4 double plays, and Detroit left on 8, as they failed to capitalize on many opportunities. Bill Gogolewski pitched the ninth for Chicago to pick up the save. Doc Medich took the loss for Detroit, giving up 5 runs and 10 hits in 8 innings.

Ralph Garr and Taizo Matsusaki each went deep for the Mustangs. Garr went 4-4 with 2 RBI. Ultan Hazzard hit a solo home run for Chicago, and Rudy Meoli added a two run blast.

Player of the Game: Ralph Garr

Chicago leads series 3-2

Tidrow leads San Antonio past Fort Worth and on to World Championship Series

San Antonio Wranglers 7
Fort Worth Cowboys 3

Dick Tidrow took the mound for San Antonio tonight with one goal in mind, win the game and send the Wranglers to the World Championship Series. Tidrow did just that, pitching a complete game 5 hitter, striking out 8 and allowing 3 runs. Tidrow cruised through the game until the 8th inning, where he began to struggle, giving up a two-run, two-out single to Ben Oglivie that pulled Fort Worth within 1 run of the Wranglers. That would be as close as they got though, as Tidrow settled down and picked up his third postseason win. Cowboys starter Dock Ellis took the loss, giving up 7 runs in 7 2/3 innings.

The Wranglers continued to get support off the bench in the eight, as pinch hitters Rusty Staub and Gary Maddox combined for two hits and three RBI in the inning. Ron Bloomberg added a two run homer for San Antonio, and Fred Lynn and Bill Buckner each went 2-4. Lynn has hit .341 in the playoffs, with 3 home runs and 7 RBI.

Player of the Game: Dick Tidrow

San Antonio wins series 4-1

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Goltz gem forces game 7
Detroit Mustangs 4
Chicago Storm 2

With Detroit facing a must win game, Dave Goltz was in control today, as the right-hander pitched 8 strong innings, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits, while striking out 5. He picked up his first postseason win today to force a winner take all game seven. 21 game winner Bert Blyleven took the mound for Chicago, giving up 4 runs in 7 2/3 innings. Blyleven has been unstoppable in the playoffs before tonight for the Storm, winning all three playoff starts.

The Mustangs got started in the first, with a walk, followed by back-to-back doubles by Mickey Rivers and Ralph Garr, which scored two runs. Gary Carter followed with a single to put Detroit up by three, and that was all Goltz needed. Ultan Hazzard continued to pound the ball for Chicago, hitting a 2 run homer in the sixth which accounted for both of Chicago’s runs. Hazzard has 5 homers and 16 RBI for the playoffs.

Game 7 is scheduled for tomorrow, with the Storm throwing Doyle Alexander, and the Mustangs countering with ace Alonso Caprasquillo. Caprasquillo is 3-0 in the playoffs.

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Mustangs win to head to World Championship Series
Detroit Mustangs 5
Chicago Storm 1

In front of a sold-out crowd at Tiger Stadium, Alonso Caprasquillo and the Detroit Mustangs went out and shut down the Chicago Storm to head to the World Championship Series with a 5-1 victory. Caprasquillo shook off a shaky first inning, but quickly settled down, and mowed down Chicago hitters. He pitched a complete game 5 hitter, striking out 6, and only yielding a first inning run. The 21 year-old lefty has pitched like an ace all season, winning 19 games with a 2.58 ERA in the regular season, and improving his postseason record to 4-0 with a 2.63 ERA.

Doyle Alexander took the loss for the Chicago Storm, pitching 7 1/3 innings, while giving up 5 runs on 13 hits and 4 walks. He finished the postseason with a 1-2 record, and a 4.24 ERA.

Mickey Rivers got the Mustangs started in the first with an RBI double. For the game, Rivers went 2-5 with 1 RBI. Tommy McCraw hit the games only homer, while going 3-5 with an RBI. All the Mustangs except Gwang-soo Kim added at least one hit in the game, but the Mustangs did strand 14 runners on base.

Detroit Manager Ralph Houk was pleased with the win, but stressed the team must be prepared, “While we are relieved to win tonight’s game, our work isn’t done. We will be facing a tough team, who is playing very good baseball right now. We can’t continue to leave men on bases. We need to do the little things better, to move runners over, and score some more runs.”

Player of the Game: Alonso Caprasquillo

Detroit wins series 4-3

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San Antonio Wranglers (85-84) vs Detroit Mustangs (104-64)
The underdog Wranglers have been on a roll all playoffs, after squeaking into the playoffs. Frank Tanana(2-2, 4.31 ERA), Dick Tidrow (3-1, 3.19 ERA), and Bill Champion (2-0, 3.74 ERA) have combined to start all playoff games for the Wranglers, and have been able to shut down the opposition. Wayne Garland (1-0, 0.00 ERA) and Javier Gelada (4 Saves) have pitched great out of the bullpen with the game on the line.

Fred Lynn (.341, 3 HR, 7 RBI) and Ron Bloomberg (.300, 2 HR, 7 RBI) have led the offense for the Wranglers. Rusty Staub has come off the bench for the Wranglers in five games, going 3-5 with 4 RBI in the playoffs.

The Mustangs rotation has been led by Alonso Caprasquillo (4-0, 2.63 ERA) and Dave Goltz (1-1, 3.38 ERA) in the playoffs. Starters Dave Hamilton (0-0, 18.90 ERA) and Doc Medich (0-1, 5.47 ERA have struggled in the playoffs. The bullpen has been led by closer Stan Thomas (1-1, 3 SV) and Bob Apodoca (1-0, 0.00 ERA).

Mickey Rivers (.417, 0 HR, 5 RBI) and Taizo Matsusaki (.409, 3 HR, 9 RBI) have led the Mustangs offense.

Prediction Mustangs 4-2

The Mustangs depth will be too much for the Wranglers, whose magical run will end.

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Tanana gives Wranglers game 1 upset
San Antonio Wranglers 6
Detroit Mustangs 4

The Wranglers came into Detroit as the underdogs, but played like the favorite, with Frank Tanana pitching eight strong innings to pick up the win. Tanana, 3-2 in the playoffs, gave up 7 hits and 4 runs(3 earned) in picking up the game 1 win. Javier Gelada pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up his fifth postseason save.

Doc Medich continued to struggle for the Mustangs, giving up 6 runs in 6 2/3 innings, raising his playoff ERA to 6.03, while picking up his second loss of the playoffs.

Glenn Adams and Ron Bloomberg combined to go 6-9, driving in 4 runs for the Wranglers. Leadoff hitter Curtis Frahill scored three runs.

The Mustangs will try and even up the series tomorrow, before the series shifts to San Antonio.

Player of the Game: Ron Bloomberg

San Antonio leads series 1-0

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Goltz shuts down Wranglers to even series
Detroit Mustangs 4
San Antonio Wranglers 0

With his team down 1-0 and heading on the road, the Mustangs needed Dave Goltz to pitch the game of his life, and he came through. Goltz shut down the Wrangler bats, pitching a complete game, five hit shutout to pick up the win and tie the series. Goltz struck out 5, while walking none, and did not allow a Wrangler runner to advance past first base.

Doc Medich took the loss for the Wranglers, giving up 4 runs in 7 2/3 innings. Medich got in trouble early, giving up 2 runs in the second on five straight singles. Medich gave up a solo homer to Gary Carter in the seventh, and an RBI double to Mickey Rivers in the eighth.

Carter went 3-4 with a RBI and 2 runs scored for the Mustangs. The series will resume in San Antonio after an off day for travel.

Series tied at 1

Player of the Game: Dave Goltz

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Wranglers give extra effort to win in 10 and take series lead.
San Antonio Wranglers 4
Detroit Mustangs 3

The San Antonio Wranglers continued their impressive postseason run, knocking off the favored Detroit Mustangs 4-3 in 10 innings to take a 2-1 series lead. San Antonio got on the board first with a run in the first, and added 2 in the sixth, but the Wranglers left starter Bill Champion in the game too long, giving up 3 runs in the eighth inning to tie the game. The Wranglers bounced back in the bottom of the 10th, with 2 walks and a walk-off single by Pat Bourque to give the Wranglers the win and the series lead.

Wranglers starter Bill Champion worked 7 2/3 innings, giving up all 3 Mustang runs, while striking out six. Reliever Rich Folkers came out of the bullpen to pitch 2 1/3 scoreless innings to pick up the win. Detroit starter Alonso Caprasquillo again pitched brilliantly, giving up 4 hits over 8 innings, but was hurt by two errors, a throwing error by catcher Gary Carter in the first, and a throwing error by shortstop Juan Mendoza. Reliever Stan Thomas worked an inning and a third, giving up one run and taking the loss for the Mustangs.

The Mustangs offense was led by rightfielder Ralph Garr, who went 4-4 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored. The Mustangs managed 13 hits, but stranded 12 men on base. Gary Maddox drove in one run for San Antonio on a sacrifice fly, and pinch hitter drove in the winning run in the tenth.

Doc Medich will take the mound for the Mustangs tomorrow as they try and even the series at 2. Frank Tanana will be starting for the Wranglers.

Player of the Game: Ralph Garr

San Antonio leads series 2-1

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Well, I lost the end of the season, and the start of the next, as far as writings go, so it's been a long time since updating, but with spring training starting, I've gotten the motivation to go back and put together the missing pieces, and get back up to date. Who knows if anyone cares or not, but I hate leaving things half done, or at least without a full year being completed. So I'll at least finish the first year, then see what happens.......

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San Antonio bats too much for Mustangs
San Antonio Wranglers 10
Detroit Mustangs 4

The San Antonio Wranglers moved within one game of winning the first American Baseball League Championship, defeating the Detroit Mustangs 10-4. The Wranglers came from behind scoring 4 runs in the bottom of the fifth, to take a 4-3 lead and never looked back. Frank Tanana continued to pitch well for San Antonio, winning his fourth game of the postseason, pitching a complete game, and giving up 4 runs. Detroit started Doc Medich suffered the loss after being chased from the game before recording an out in the eighth inning, giving up 8 runs in 7 innings pitched.

Curtis Frahill delivered the big blow in the fifth with a three run homer, putting the Wranglers up for good in the game, and pulling them within one game of winning the inaugural American Baseball League Championship. Ron Bloomberg added a solo shot for the Wranglers, and Fred Lynn pounded out three hits.

Taizo Matsusaki collected three hits for Detroit, driving in two runs on an opposite field blast, while scoring another, and added a stolen base. Tommy McCraw added a homer for the Mustangs in the losing effort.
Doc Medich will take the mound for the Mustangs tomorrow as they try and even the series at 2. Frank Tanana will be starting for the Wranglers.

Dick Tidrow will take the mound for the Wranglers, trying to close out the series. The Mustangs will throw Dave Goltz.

Player of the Game: Taizo Matsusaki

San Antonio leads series 3-1

[Jestor]

What the hell happened to San Diego?

I lend my support to the Sea Wolves out of this batch of teams. Things better improve soon or Carlton Fisk will take it out on some people with a Louisville Slugger.

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San Antonio wins big to win series 4-1
San Antonio Wranglers 8
Detroit Mustangs 5

The San Antonio Wranglers wrapped up the inaugural American Baseball League Championship last night, defeating the Detroit Mustangs 8-5. The Wranglers continued their impressive post season run, after their lackluster season. Manager Bill Virdon spoke about their unexpected run, "We believed we have had the talent to win, never gave up even when we were struggling. We won when it counted, and that's why we are the champions."

Dick Tidrow overcame a shaky start to pick up the win, going 8 innings, while giving up 5 runs, 4 of which were earned. Detroit jumped out to a 5-1 in the top of the 6th before Tidrow settled down, "I didn't have my best stuff tonight, but I did enough to keep the team close, and give us a chance to win." Javier Gelada pitched a hitless ninth to pick up his sixth save of the postseason

Dave Goltz gave up 8 runs in 6 2/3 innings, picking up the loss for the Mustangs.

Ron Bloomberg and Bill Buckner each picked up three hits for the Wranglers. Steve Yeager delivered the big blow with a three run homer in the bottom of the sixth which put the Wranglers up for good, 6-5. Each San Antonio started delivered a hit in the game, and five different Wranglers knocked in a run.

The Wranglers announced they will be celebrating with a championship parade on Friday, October 31st in downtown San Antonio.

Player of the Game: Gary Carter

San Antonio wins series 4-1