2023 A.L. DIVISION SERIES #1

As the regular season dust settles, the Mobsters find themselves perched atop the American League Central, having amassed an impressive 264-141 overall record vs the Stalkers. They’re the team to beat, the standard-bearers of consistency, and they’re hungry for another championship. Their dominance throughout the year has solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with, but they know all too well that their arch-nemeses, the Stalkers, are not to be underestimated.

The Stalkers, fierce and unyielding, finished the regular season in second place, poised for redemption. They’ve tasted the sweet nectar of victory before and are determined to recapture their glory. With a rich history of their own, the Stalkers are battle-hardened and relentless, and they’re here to prove that they have what it takes to dethrone the Mobsters and claim they are the team of the future.

This Division Series promises to deliver edge-of-your-seat action, heart-stopping drama, and a showcase of baseball prowess that only two storied rivals like the Yonge Street Stalkers and the Chicago Mobsters can provide. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a baseball showdown for the ages as we witness history unfold in the Mid-West Baseball League.

In a thrilling Division Series game that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Chicago Mobsters emerged victorious over the formidable Stalkers with a final score of 6-3. This game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams giving it their all, but in the end, it was the Mobsters who took home the “W”.

The game began with high expectations as fans settled in for what promised to be a solid game. The first inning set the stage for an intense battle, with both starting pitchers starting strong and the score tied at 0-0 after 1 inning of play.

In the top of the first inning, the Stalkers’ Trea Turner faced off against the Mobsters’ Tony Gonsolin. Despite a promising start, Turner’s deep fly ball to center field was caught by Julio Rodriguez, and the Stalkers failed to capitalize.

However, in the bottom of the first, the Mobsters showed signs of promise. Yordan Alvarez managed to secure a walk, but the Stalkers’ pitcher, Taijuan Walker, expertly navigated through the inning, keeping the Mobsters at bay.

The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the third inning when Luis Arraez hit a chopper back to the mound, allowing a Mobsters run to score. Alex Bregman’s at-bat resulted in a groundout, but the Mobsters took a 1-0 lead.

But the Stalkers were not to be outdone. In the top of the fourth inning, Adley Rutschman drew a walk, and then Kris Bryant delivered a two-run home run, giving the Stalkers a 2-1 lead.

The Mobsters struck back in the bottom of the fourth inning when Willy Adames blasted a three-run homer, putting the Mobsters ahead 4-2. The Stalkers clawed back with a run in the top of the eighth, making it 4-3 Mobsters.

In the Bottom of the 6th inning with 1 out and the bases empty, Julio Rodriguez faced Walker. He received a breaking ball for ball four and trotted down to first, marking his first walk of the series.  However, the situation quickly turned unfortunate for Rodriguez when, Chicago manager Stray Corrado sent J-Rod on an attempted steal of second base.  A quick move to the plate by Walker allowed catcher Adley Rutschman to make a swift and accurate throw, resulting in Rodriguez being tagged out.   The play appeared to have some confusion, possibly involving missed signs, and a timeout was called. Both Rodriguez and Adam Frazier (Stalkers 2B-Man) were down on the field and got up slowly. Unfortunately, Rodriguez was still in pain and had to leave the game. The clubhouse later reported that Julio Rodriguez was injured and would be sidelined for 14 days. This injury would likely have an impact on the series & the next as Rodriguez is now unavailable for the Mobsters until game 6 of the ALCS, providing they get that far.

The Mobsters continued to fight in the bottom of the eighth when Alex Bregman hit a solo home run, extending their lead to 6-3. With the game on the line, the Stalkers had one final chance in the top of the ninth inning.

Kris Bryant led off the inning but was struck out by the Mobsters’ pitcher, Daniel Bard. The Stalkers then sent Ha Seong Kim to the plate, but he grounded out to third, quickly followed by Jeremy Pena, who was also struck out.

In a dazzling display of pitching prowess, Taijuan Walker was on the mound for a commanding 7 innings, where he masterfully navigated the game, conceding only 6 Runs, 5 Earned. Despite facing a formidable onslaught, he stood his ground, allowing just 2 Home Runs, while maintaining solid outing giving up 5 hits and issuing a 4 walks. He Struck Out 4 battersalong the way.

Meanwhile, Tony Gonsolin, in a performance that can only be described as a symphony of pitching excellence, delivered 7 robust innings on the hill. His pitching canvas was a masterpiece, splattered with only 2 hits and 1 Home Run by the Stalkers. His control was akin to a maestro, allowing just a solitary walk while orchestrating 6 strikeouts that reverberated through the stadium with a resounding echo of the home crowd. Only 2 earned runs tarnished his otherwise impeccable performance, making him a virtuoso of the pitcher’s mound on this day as the Mobsters come away with that “W” in Game #1.

Chicago 6 – Yonge Street 3

Win: Tony Gonsolin 1-0 (2.57)
Loss: Taijuan Walker 0-1 (6.43)

In a heart-pounding game 2 of the Division Series, the Stalkers and the Mobsters faced off in a nail-biting extra-inning showdown that left fans on the edge of their seats. With both teams deadlocked at 2-2, this game was a testament to the power of resilience and determination on the baseball diamond.

The game started as the Stalkers took on the Mobsters in what promised to be a championship-worthy contest. Trea Turner, facing Alek Manoah, kicked off the action in the first inning with no outs and the bases empty, setting the stage for what would be an unforgettable matchup.

Manoah whom the Mobsters traded for just a few weeks before the trade deadline, showed his prowess early on, striking out batters and keeping the Stalkers at bay. The defense was equally impressive, with players like Dylan Moore and Starling Marte making crucial plays in the outfield to prevent runs.

Willy Adames, playing Shortstop for the Mobsters, emerged as a standout player in this game. He showcased his skills in the first inning with a double, setting the tone for the Mobsters’ offense. His stellar performance throughout the game would prove pivotal in the final outcome.

The Stalkerss, led by players like Aaron Hicks and Jeremy Pena, didn’t back down. They delivered clutch hits and smart defensive plays to keep the game competitive. Hicks’ double in the third inning was particularly crucial, leading to the first run for the Stalkers.

As the game progressed, tension continued to mount. The Mbsters managed to tie the game at 2-2 in the third inning.  With both teams locked in a stalemate, it became clear that this matchup was destined for extra innings.

The late innings saw numerous pitching changes, each manager trying to gain the upper hand. The Stalkers’ Emmanuel Clase and the Mobsters’ Rafael Montero were called upon to navigate high-pressure situations. Montero, in particular, was handed the responsibility to keep the Stalkers at bay in the crucial 10th inning.

As the game extended into extra innings, it was clear that both teams were determined to give it all they had.   Being up 2-0, or the series toed at 1-1 would be huge in the end. Every pitch, swing, and defensive play became increasingly important. With every passing inning, the intensity on the field and in the stands reached a fever pitch.

In a shocking turn of events, the game took a dramatic twist in the 10th inning. With the winning run on first base, Mobsters’ Keibert Ruiz was picked off by the Stalkers’ catcher, Adley Rutschman. The pick-off was a game-changing moment that left the Mobsters stunned and the Stalkers with a newfound energy.

The tension reached its peak in the bottom of the 11th inning, with the Stalkers and Mobsters deadlocked at 2-2. Yordan Alvarez stepped up to the plate, the game hanging in the balance. Keegan Akin delivered the pitch, and Alvarez unleashed a thunderous crack of the bat. The ball soared towards the right-center gap, and hearts raced as it landed safely for a single cause Kris Bryant, with lightning speed, tracked the ball down & got it in quickly.  Alvarez wisely held at first, knowing the game-winner was now within reach. A murmur of excitement swept through the crowd as the Mobsters’ hopes were now in the legs of Alvarez’s.

Next came Alex Bregman, the stage set for more heroics. Akin sent a pitch his way, and Bregman lifted it high into the evening sky towards right field. Bryant stood firm, his glove reaching up, and with unwavering resolve, he secured the catch. One out, but Alvarez remained anchored at first, the tension refusing to relent.

Then, Willy Adames stepped up, and the crowd held its breath. Akin delivered, and Adames unleashed a blistering line drive to third, soaring just over the fielder’s outstretched glove. Thairo Estrada sprinted after it, but Alvarez rounded third, and the crowd erupted. The question hung in the air: would Corrado send Alvarez home to try and claim victory? The throw came into Jeremy Pena, and they made the cautious decision to hold Alvarez at third. Adames, standing at second with a crucial double, had cracked open the door for the Mobsters.

Yandy Diaz followed, and the infielders crept in, their hearts pounding in rhythm with the game. Akin threw, Diaz checked his swing and drew his first walk of the series. The bases were now loaded, with 1-Out and the drama reached its zenith.

The moment everyone had been waiting for arrived as Sam Haggerty stepped up with the bases loaded and the game hanging in the balance. The infielders retreated, and the runners took their lead. The pitch came in, and Haggerty connected with a powerful drive down the left-field line. The ball dropped safely, and Estrada hurriedly retrieved it, but it was too late. Alvarez sprinted home with the game-winning run, and the Mobsters erupted in jubilation & out of their dugout. In a heart-pounding climax, the Mobsters walked it off in 11.

The Stalkers and Mobsters put on a spectacle for baseball fans everywhere. With incredible plays, clutch hits, and a game-altering pick-off, this championship game will be remembered as one of the most thrilling and closely contested matchups in recent memory. Both teams showcased their resilience, making it a game that truly lived up to the title of a championship clash. As the final innings played out, it was a reminder of the unpredictable and electrifying nature of America’s pastime.

Chicago 3 – Yonge Street 2 (11 Innings)

Win: Rafael Montero 1-0 (0.00)
Loss: Keegan Akin 0-1 (27.00)

In a high-stakes Game #3 of an American League Division Series, pitcher Gerrit Cole of the Stalkers delivered a masterful performance, securing a crucial victory with a complete game shutout against the Mobsters. The game was a tense battle from start to finish, with both teams vying for supremacy, but Cole’s pitching prowess ultimately stole the show.

It was the Stalkers’ firstbase man, Joey Meneses, who emerged as the hero of the game. With the score tied at 0-0 in the bottom of the 2nd inning and no outs, Meneses stepped up to face the Mobsters’ pitcher, Julio Urias. As the tension in the stadium rose, the pitch came in, and Meneses swung with all his might. The crack of the bat echoed through the stadium as the ball soared high into the sky. Andrew McCutchen of the Mobsters could only watch in awe as the ball sailed toward the warning track, seemingly destined to clear the fences. The crowd held its breath, and then erupted into cheers as the ball disappeared over the wall for a dramatic home run, securing a 1-0 lead for the Stalkers.

Gerrit Cole pitched a full 9 innings, going the distance and not allowing a single run from the Mobsters. This exceptional feat is a testament to his endurance and skill on the mound.  Cole struck out an astounding 12 Mobster batters, showcasing his ability to overpower hitters and keep them off balance throughout the game.   He allowed just 5 hits and 2 walks and consistently kept Mobster hitters at bay and prevented them from generating any significant scoring opportunities.

Yonge Street 1 – Chicago 0

Win: Gerrit Cole 1-0 (0.00)
Loss: Julio Urias 0-1 (1.59)

In a dramatic and high-stakes Game Four of the American League Division Series, the Mobsters emerged victorious with a resounding 3-0 win over the Stalkers. This intense matchup will be remembered for its remarkable pitching performances and clutch plays in pivotal moments, ultimately securing the Mobsters’ a 3 to 1 game lead in the Series.

The game got underway with both teams locked scoreless through 4 innings of playth tie, setting the stage for what would become a championship showdown to remember. In the top of the 1st inning, Staling Marte stepped up to face the Stalkers’ pitcher, Nestor Cortes, and launched a fly ball to center field, a potential early threat that was snatched out of the air by the superb fielding of Hicks for the first out. Luis Arraez followed suit with another fly ball to center field, where Hicks once again displayed his defensive prowess with an impressive catch, securing the second out. Alex Bregman managed to draw a walk, showing patience at the plate, but Yordan Alvarez’s swinging strikeout left one runner stranded.

The Stalkers were unable to capitalize on the Mobsters’ scoreless 1st inning, as both teams’ defenses stood strong.

As the innings ticked away, the game remained in a deadlock with a score of 0-0 through the 2nd and 3rd innings. Pitching prowess and defensive excellence were on full display.

The turning point of the game came in the top of the 5th inning when the Mobsters finally broke the stalemate. Dylan Moore drew a walk, showcased his base-stealing prowess by swiping second base, and was then brought home by a line drive to left field courtesy of Marte, giving the Mobsters a 1-0 lead. Despite the newfound momentum, the Stalkers couldn’t find their offensive rhythm.

An unexpected twist stole the spotlight as a daring fan’s field invasion became a game-changing moment. The drama unfolded in the top of the 7th inning, with one out and the bases loaded, as Starling Marte faced Nasty Nestor Cortes, holding a slim 1-0 lead for the Mobsters. The game came to a halt when an enthusiastic fan breached security and dashed onto the field, prompting a chase worthy of a Hollywood thriller. After a daring escape back into the crowd, the game resumed with the stage set for a pivotal moment. Marte stepped up to the plate, only for the pitch to hit his hand, causing visible pain. However, his resilience prevailed as he trotted down to first base, earning a critical RBI that forced in a run. With the bases still loaded, the game continued, showcasing the unforeseen drama that can unfold in the world of baseball, leaving players and fans alike on the edge of their seats. was it that fan that threw off Nasty Nestor?  If it was, the Stalkers have only themselves to blame as this was at their home ballpark. 

The Stalkers found themselves struggling to mount a comeback in the bottom of the 7th.

In the top of the 8th inning, the Mobsters further solidified their lead. Dylan Moore walked yet again and later crossed the plate thanks to a single by Keibert Ruiz, making it a 3-0 game. The Stalkers were running out of time and options as the Mobsters continued to assert their dominance.

Tony Gonsolin delivered a masterclass performance that left baseball enthusiasts in awe. For a staggering 8.1 innings, he stood as solid as a rock on the mound, an unbreakable fortress against the relentless onslaught of the Stalkers. Gonsolin surrendered just one solitary hit, a mere glimmer of hope for the opposition, and permitted only a single walk. However, what truly set his performance ablaze was the fiery zero that adorned the scoreboard—no runs allowed, a testament to his unyielding resolve and pinpoint precision.  But Gonsolin was not merely a guardian of the mound; he was an artist, too, wielding his arm like a brush on a canvas. He struck out four Stalkers, each swing and miss resonating like a triumphant symphony. His pitches danced through the air, confounding batters and enthralling spectators. In a game where every pitch held the potential for chaos, Gonsolin tamed the storm,with control and dominance.

The game reached its thrilling climax in the bottom of the 9th inning when the Mobsters brought in their closer, Edwin Diaz. The Stalkers made a valiant last-ditch effort to mount a comeback, but the Mobsters’ pitching and defense held firm. The final out was recorded, and the Mobsters secured their well-deserved 3-0 victory, thus taking a 3 to 1 lead in the Division Series. This victory serves as a testament to the significance of timely plays and the impact of outstanding pitching in postseason baseball.   Yet as Joaquin Anduar once said summing up baseball in just one word – “You Never know”.

Chicago 3 – Yonge Street 0

Win: Tony Gonsolin 2-0 (1.17)
Loss: Nestor Cortes 0-1 (2.57)

In a thrilling Game 5 of the Division Series in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Chicago Mobsters emerged victorious with a final score of 5-2 against the Stalkers. This game had its share of highs and lows, with standout performances, key moments, and even an unfortunate injury.

The Mobsters sent one of their three aces, Alek Manoah, to the mound, and he delivered a stellar performance. Manoah pitched seven impressive innings, allowing only two hits and two earned runs, establishing himself as a true force on the mound.

In a tense moment in the top of the 2nd Inning, tensions between Taijuan Walker and ChristianBethancourt reached a boiling point. With two outs and runners on first and third, the score tied at 0-0, Walker fired a fastball that accidentally struck Bethancourt right in the ribs. It was the first time Bethancourt had been hit in the series, and the impact was clearly painful. The umpire immediately called for a timeout, and the team’s trainer rushed out to attend to Bethancourt. In the midst of the pain, Bethancourt couldn’t contain his frustration and exchanged heated words with Walker before heading back to the dugout. The benches emptied as teammates rushed to support their respective players, but surprisingly, no punches were thrown. The incident, however, had consequences beyond the immediate game, as Bethancourt was confirmed to be out of action for the next 13 days due to his injury. With the bases now loaded, the game remained on a knife’s edge, with emotions running high on both sides.   Chicago couldn’t push a run across & the score remained 0-0 at the end of 1.5 Innings of play.

In the bottom of the 2nd inning, the Stalkers took a 2-0 lead with a two-run home run by Aaron Hicks. However, the Mobsters quickly responded in the top of the 3rd inning. Starling Marte singled, Luis Arraez reached base on an error,  which moved Marte over to third.  Yordan Alvarez then hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Marte, putting the Mobsters on the scoreboard.

In the top of the 5th inning, the Mobsters made their move. Willy Adames hit a two-run Home Run, putting the Mobsters ahead 3-2. This lead proved to be crucial, as the Mobsters continued to add to it in the 7th inning. Yordan Alvarez drove in two more runs with a base hit, extending the Mobsters’ lead to 5-2.

The Stalkers tried to mount a comeback in the later innings but were held in check by the Mobsters’ pitching staff. Alek Manoah, Edwin Diaz, Daniel Bard, Zack Thompson, and Jhoan Duran combined to shut down the Stalkers’ offense and secure the victory.

In the end, the Chicago Mobsters celebrated their championship victory, with Alek Manoah’s stellar pitching performance and key hits by Yordan Alvarez and Willy Adames playing pivotal roles in their 5-2 win. Despite the intense competition on the field, the game will also be remembered for the unfortunate injury to Christian Bethancourt, who was forced to leave the series due to the incident & will be unavailable to the Mobsters for the League Championship Series.

Chicago 5 – Yonge Street 2

Win: Alek Manoah 1-0 (2.40)
Loss: Taijuan Walker 0-2 (6.23)