Bashers Roll to Title

For the first time in their 13 year existance, the Bashers can call themselves the cream of the crop. On Saturday, June 24 the Bashers completed their run to the title by winning both the winner's bracket final and the championship game for the Arlington County Men's "D" League.

WINNER'S BRACKET FINAL
BASHERS 14 LAST CALL 10

Under cloudy skies the second-seeded Bashers and fourth-place Last Call met to determine the first team in Saturday's championship game. Last Call opened the scoring by putting up 3 runs in the top of the first. However, the Bashers responded in kind, and then some. The Bashers sent 16 batters to the plate in their half of the first, scoring 11 times.

Last Call refused to go away quietly, and posted a five-run second to cut the Basher advantage to 3. With the Bashers unable to score in the bottom of the second, Last Call had an opportunity to retake control of the game. However, "Old" Danny was able to retire them in order in the top of the third, a half-inning that marked a turning point in the contest. The Bashers would use their half of the third to put up an additional 3 runs, including a tape-measure solo home run by Tab, to extend the lead to 14-8. While the Bashers would not score again, Last Call was able to only score two more runs themselves as the Bashers defense stepped up.

"Old" Danny was able to get his second win of the tournament, as the Bashers advanced to the championship game for the second consecutive season.

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
BASHERS 18 MCG CAPITAL 12

The tournament came down to the top two teams during the season, with the top seeded MCG Capital (14-2-2) taking on the second seed, the Bashers (14-3-1). The Bashers had to make due without several regular players, including Marty, Adam, Miguel and, for most of the contest, Dave. However, they were able to find a way to finish the season on a positive note anyways.

For the first time in the tournament, the Bashers batted first. They made the most out of their opportunity. The Bashers put up five runs in the opening frame, including Chris' three-run home run to left. The Basher defense held MCG to a single run in the bottom of the first to lead 5-1 after 1.

In the second, both teams added a single run to the scoresheet. The Bashers put up another in the top of the third to take a 7-2 lead. However, MCG's bats got rolling in the third. They added four to their tally and cut the deficit to a single run. In the top of the fourth, Glen hit a long home run down the right-field line to extend the Basher advantage to 9-6. However, MCG continued their hot hitting into their half of the fifth, taking their first and only lead of the contest. The regular season champions put up 6 runs in the inning, taking a 12-9 advantage after 4.

It is often said that championship teams know how to respond to adversity. Facing their first deficit deep in a ballgame in the entire tournament, the Bashers came out in the top of the fifth and did what needed to be done to take home their first title. The Bashers sent all 10 hitters to the plate, scoring 6 times to retake control of the game and a 15-12 advantage. In the bottom of the fifth the Basher defense came through and posted a three-up, three-down frame. The Bashers looked for insurance in the top of the sixth, and they got it with a three-run frame and an 18-12 lead.

As the Bashers took the field for the bottom of sixth, they stood just three outs away from glory. The first pitch was roped towards third, but Allan was there and came up with a sensational grab on the line-drive. The second batter hit a bullet towards short, but Chris was able to snag it out of the air for the second out of the inning. With a 2-1 count, the third batter for MCG hit a looping short fly ball to left. He expected to reach base and keep the game alive. However, Glen made a great break on the ball, reached in front of himself, and made the catch to give the Bashers the 2006 championship.

The win went to "Old" Danny, who ended up 3-0 in the tournament.

The Bashers ended the season with a final record 18-3-1. Pictures from the playoffs will be posted shortly.

The Bashers plan to return to the field in the fall. Rumors continue to swirl as to the level at which the team will compete. No comment was available after the game from any of the Bashers.