2024 AMERICAN LEAGUE WILD CARD SERIES “B”

In a thrilling championship game, the Southwest Detroit Fighting Chihuahuas edged out the Fremont Cannons with a final score of 4-3. The game started with a scoreless first inning, but the Cannons took an early lead in the bottom of the first with two runs, thanks to a single by Austin Hays that brought in Mike Yastrzemski and Byron Buxton. They extended their lead to 3-0 in the third inning when Nolan Gorman singled to drive in Yastrzemski again.

The Fighting Chihuahuas began their comeback in the sixth inning. Dansby Swanson hit a triple, scoring Travis Jankowski, and Ryan McMahon grounded out to bring Swanson home, narrowing the gap to 3-2. In the seventh inning, J.D. Davis hit a two-run homer, putting the Fighting Chihuahuas ahead 4-3.

Paul Sewald pitched a scoreless sixth inning for the Fighting Chihuahuas, earning the win. Hunter Harvey and Ryan Helsley each pitched a scoreless inning in relief, with Helsley inducing a crucial double play in the eighth inning. Shawn Armstrong closed the game in the ninth, despite a tense moment when an interference call put runners on first and second with two outs. Armstrong managed to get Mike Yastrzemski to ground out, sealing the victory for the Fighting Chihuahuas.

Southwest Detroit 4 – Fremont 3

Win: Paul Sewald 1-0 (0.00)
Loss: Tarik Skubal 0-1 (2.45)
Save: Shawn Armstrong #1

The Southwest Detroit Fighting Chihuahuas emerged victorious over the Fremont Cannons with a final score of 9-4. The game started with a bang as Dansby Swanson hit a three-run homer in the top of the first inning, giving the Fighting Chihuahuas an early 3-0 lead. They continued to dominate, adding another run to make it 4-0 by the end of the first inning. Fremont struggled to respond initially, but Shohei Ohtani‘s double in the third inning brought in two runs, narrowing the gap to 5-3 by the end of the third inning. Fremont’s defense faltered, committing multiple errors that allowed Southwest Detroit to maintain their lead. The game was sealed in the ninth inning when Ryan McMahon hit a grand slam, extending the Fighting Chihuahuas’ lead to 9-4. Despite Fremont’s efforts, they couldn’t overcome the deficit. Tyler Wells earned the win with a solid performance, while Shohei Ohtani took the loss. The Fighting Chihuahuas’ strategic plays and timely hits secured the victory.

Southwest Detroit 9 – Fremont 4

Win: Tyler Wells 1-0 (5.40)
Loss: Shohei Ohtani 0-1 (5.14)

Xn a pivotal postseason matchup, Southwest Detroit triumphed over Fremont with a final score of Southwest Detroit 5 – Fremont 1. The game saw standout performances and critical moments that defined the outcome. Shawn Armstrong (1-0, 0.00 ERA) earned the win with an impressive 5.1 innings of scoreless relief, stepping in after starter Matt Manning was forced to exit early due to injury. Manning’s departure, just two batters into the game, casts a shadow over Southwest Detroit’s postseason hopes as they may have to proceed without him. Ryan Helsley secured the save, his first of the postseason, despite allowing Fremont’s lone run in the 9th inning. Kodai Senga (0-1, 6.14 ERA) took the loss for Fremont, struggling through 7.1 innings and conceding all five earned runs. Southwest Detroit’s offense was powered by Ryan McMahon, who hit a home run and drove in two runs. J.D. Davis added a solo home run, and Harrison Bader contributed with two RBIs. For Fremont, Austin Hays was a bright spot, going 3-for-4 and hitting a home run off Helsley in the 9th inning. Despite Hays’ efforts, Fremont couldn’t muster enough offense to overcome Southwest Detroit’s late lead and solid pitching. The victory propels Southwest Detroit forward in the postseason, though the loss of Manning will be a significant hurdle as they aim to continue their playoff run.

Southwest Detroit 5 – Fremont 1

Win: Shawn Armstrong 1-0 (0.00#)
Loss: Kodai Senga 0-1 (6.14)
Save: Ryan Helsley #1

In an exciting extra-innings showdown, the Fremont Cannons triumphed over the Southwest Detroit Fighting Chihuahuas with a final score of Fremont 7 – Southwest Detroit 5 (10 Innings). The game saw notable performances and some unfortunate injuries that could impact the series moving forward.

For Fremont, Shohei Ohtani was a standout, going 3 for 4 and scoring 3 runs. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contributed significantly as well, going 2 for 5 with an RBI. Dairon Blanco also had a strong showing, going 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs. However, the Cannons suffered a setback as Nolan Gorman was injured and is expected to miss the rest of the series, sidelined for 6 days.

On the Southwest Detroit side, Starling Marte managed to get two hits, and shortstop Dansby Swanson added an RBI, but overall, the Fighting Chihuahuas struggled to generate much offense.

Shohei Ohtani, despite his impressive performance at the plate, had a challenging day on the mound, allowing 3 earned runs over 5.1 innings while facing 26 batters. Southwest Detroit’s starter, Jordan Montgomery, also had a tough outing, giving up 5 earned runs in 8 innings. However, his ability to eat up innings provided some much-needed rest for the Fighting Chihuahuas’ bullpen, earning him the respect of his teammates.

The game was ultimately decided in the 10th inning when the Cannons scored 2 crucial runs, securing the victory. Rober Suarez earned the win, improving his record to 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA, while Hunter Harvey took the loss, dropping to 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA.

Fremont 7- Southwest Detroit 5 (10 Innings)

Win: Robert Suarez 1-0 (0.00)
Loss: Hunter Harvey 0-1 (9.00)

In an intense matchup, the Southwest Detroit Fighting Chihuahuas edged out the Fremont Cannons with a final score of 4-3. Fremont started Tarik Skubal for the second time in the series, but he struggled, allowing four runs (three earned) all on home runs. Andrew Abbott took the mound for Southwest Detroit and delivered a stellar performance, pitching seven innings and allowing just two runs, both on home runs, while striking out 11 batters. Ryan Helsley came in for relief in the 8th inning, giving up no runs on two hits and striking out two to secure the win. Fremont’s offense was powered by home runs from Austin Hays and Shohei Ohtani, with Hays hitting a two-run blast off Abbott in the 3rd inning. Southwest Detroit responded with three home runs of their own: solo shots from Ryan McMahon and Harrison Bader, and a two-run homer off Skubal in the 7th inning. Despite Fremont’s early 3-0 lead after three innings, they couldn’t add any more runs. Southwest Detroit chipped away at the lead with one run in the 4th, two in the 7th, and the game-winning run in the 8th. 

Southwest Detroit 4 – Fremont 3

Win: Ryan Helsley 1-0 (1.59)
Loss: Tarik Skubal 0-2 (3.00)