2024 AMERICAN LEAGUE WILD CARD SERIES “D”
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| SERIES PREVIEW – The upcoming Wild Card Round Match up between the Coconut Creek Crushers (101-61) and the Chicago Mobsters (90-72) promises to be an exciting matchup. Coconut Creek, finishing third in the American League West, dominated the regular season series against Chicago, winning 9 out of 12 games. Both teams are eager to advance past the first round, with Chicago needing to win 3 out of 6 games and Coconut Creek needing 4 out of 6 to move on to the Division Series.Chicago’s strength lies in their bullpen, which is considered superior to Coconut Creek’s. However, the Crushers have the edge in both starting pitching and hitting. Given these factors, the odds slightly favor the Coconut Creek Crushers to win the series, but Chicago’s strong bullpen could make it a close contest. |
| GAME #1 – Blake Snell 17-5 (2.57) vs. Logan Gilbert 16-7 (3.11)
The Coconut Creek Crushers emerged victorious over the Chicago Mobsters with a final score of 3-0. The game remained scoreless through the first six innings, with both starting pitchers, Logan Gilbert for the Mobsters and Blake Snell for the Crushers, delivering stellar performances. Gilbert pitched five innings, allowing only two hits and striking out five, while Snell went seven and two-thirds innings, giving up four hits and striking out nine. The breakthrough came in the top of the seventh inning when Nico Hoerner‘s infield single drove in Geraldo Perdomo, giving the Crushers a 1-0 lead. Brandon Marsh then hit a two-run triple, extending the lead to 3-0. The Mobsters’ bullpen couldn’t contain the Crushers’ offense, with Felix Bautista taking the loss after allowing the go-ahead run. Chris Martin closed out the game for the Crushers, earning his first save of the series. The Mobsters managed to get a runner on base in the ninth inning, but Martin shut the door, securing the win for the Crushers. Coconut Creek 3 – Chicago 0 Win: Blake Snell 1-0 (0.00) |
| GAME #2 – Joe Musgrove 8-5 (3.17) vs. Chris Bassitt 12-7 (3.24)
The Mobsters dominated the Crushers is this one. The game started with a scoreless first inning, but the Mobsters quickly took the lead in the bottom of the first inning when Luis Arraez doubled and scored on a single by Yandy Diaz. The Mobsters extended their lead in the second inning with a solo home run by Willy Adames and a two-run homer by Luis Arraez, making it 4-0. Alex Bregman added a two-run home run in the fourth inning, and Bregman hit another solo shot in the sixth inning, bringing the score to 7-0. The Crushers struggled offensively, failing to score throughout the game. Chris Bassitt pitched seven strong innings for the Mobsters, allowing only four hits and striking out nine. Aroldis Chapman, Devin Williams, Bryan Abreu, and Jhoan Duran each pitched in relief to secure the shutout. Joe Musgrove took the loss for the Crushers, giving up six runs in just over three innings. Chicago 7 – Coconut Creek 0 Win: Chris Bassitt 1-0 (0.00) |
| GAME #3 – Logan Webb 18-7 (3.37) vs. Bryce Miller 11-9 (4.15)
The Coconut Creek Crushers defeated the Chicago Mobsters with a final score of 4-2. The game began with a strong start from both teams, but Coconut Creek’s Logan Webb quickly found his rhythm, striking out key batters and keeping the Mobsters’ offense in check. Despite an early lead by Chicago, thanks to a single by Yordan Alvarez that brought Luis Arraez home, the Crushers responded in the bottom of the second inning. Anthony Santander‘s double and Geraldo Perdomo‘s single tied the game at 1-1. The Mobsters regained the lead in the third inning with a solo home run by Alex Bregman, but the Crushers quickly responded in the bottom of the third with a single by Matt Olson that brought Nico Hoerner home, tying the game again at 2-2. The turning point came in the fifth inning when Brandon Marsh‘s single and a wild throw allowed Hoerner to score, followed by a sacrifice fly by Olson that brought Marsh home, giving the Crushers a 4-2 lead. Webb continued to dominate on the mound, finishing with seven strikeouts. Chris Martin closed out the game, securing his second save of the post season. Coconut Creek 4 – Chicago 2 Win: Logan Webb 1-0 (3.18) |
| GAME #4 – Kutter Crawford 12-7 (3.55) vs. Logan Gilbert 16-7 (3.11)
Coconut Creek edged out Chicago with a final score of 5-4. The game was marked by a dramatic 9th inning where both teams showcased their resilience and fighting spirit. In the top of the 9th inning, Coconut Creek managed to break the tie with a series of well-timed hits and strategic plays. The inning started with a lead-off single, followed by a sacrifice bunt to advance the runner. A crucial double brought in the go-ahead run, and a subsequent single added an insurance run, making the score 5-3 in favor of Coconut Creek. Chicago, however, did not go down without a fight. In the bottom of the 9th, they quickly put a runner on base with a walk. A double then brought the runner home, narrowing the gap to 5-4. With the tying run in scoring position, Coconut Creek’s pitcher, Hector Neris, managed to hold his nerve. Despite the pressure, Neris struck out the next batter and induced a groundout to end the game, securing the win for Coconut Creek. The game was a testament to the competitive nature of both teams, with Coconut Creek ultimately emerging victorious in a nail-biting finish. Final Score: Coconut Creek 5 Chicago 4 Win: Hector Neris 1-0 (6.75) |
| GAME #5 – Blake Snell 17-5 (2.57) vs. Chris Bassitt 12-7 (3.24)
In another thriller, the Chicago Mobsters edged out the Coconut Creek Crushers with a final score of 7-6 in 12 innings. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing their resilience and determination. Here’s a detailed recap of the dramatic 8th and 9th innings, as well as the 12th inning that sealed the victory for Chicago. Top of the 8th Inning The Mobsters started the 8th inning with a single by Spencer Torkelson, who was then replaced by pinch-runner Riley Greene. Greene stole second base, putting himself in scoring position. After a flyout by Julio Rodriguez and a groundout by Willy Adames, Greene advanced to third. Luis Arraez was intentionally walked, bringing Andrew McCutchen to the plate. McCutchen delivered a clutch double, scoring both Greene and Arraez, extending the Mobsters’ lead to 5-2. Bottom of the 8th Inning The Crushers responded in the bottom of the 8th with Nico Hoerner and Seby Zavala both singling, putting runners on first and second with no outs. However, Felix Bautista struck out Brandon Marsh and Matt Olson, and then got Brandon Nimmo to strike out, ending the inning without allowing any runs. Top of the 9th Inning In the top of the 9th, the Mobsters managed to load the bases with two outs. Willy Adames drew a walk, forcing in a run and making the score 6-2. However, Matt Brash struck out Luis Arraez to end the inning, leaving the bases loaded. Bottom of the 9th Inning The Crushers mounted a dramatic comeback in the bottom of the 9th. Willi Castro and Stone Garrett both walked, and Geraldo Perdomo singled, scoring Castro and moving Garrett to third. Edouard Julien then hit a three-run homer, tying the game at 6-6. Matt Moore managed to retire the next two batters, sending the game into extra innings. Top of the 12th Inning In the top of the 12th, Willy Adames hit a double. Gabriel Moreno then singled, allowing Adames to score the go-ahead run. The Mobsters took a 7-6 lead. Bottom of the 12th Inning Jhoan Duran came in to close the game for the Mobsters. He walked Brandon Marsh, but then got Matt Olson to fly out. Duran then picked off Marsh at first base, and walked Brandon Nimmo bringing up, Willi Castro – who hit a fly ball to left field, which was caught by Yordan Alvarez, ending the game. Final Score: Chicago 7 – Coconut Creek 6 (12 Innings) Win: Bryan Abreu 1-0 (0.00) |
| GAME #6 – Joe Musgrove 8-5 (3.17) vs. Jesus Luzardo 17-9 (3.38)
The Chicago Mobsters emerged victorious over the Coconut Creek Crushers with a final score of 3-1. The game started with both teams struggling to get on the board in the first inning. Jesus Luzardo, pitching for the Mobsters, struck out three batters in the top of the first, while Joe Musgrove, pitching for the Crushers, managed to keep the Mobsters from scoring despite an error by Nico Hoerner that allowed Yandy Diaz to reach first base. The Mobsters took the lead in the bottom of the second inning when Luis Arraez hit a single to left field, allowing Julio Rodriguez to score. The Crushers tied the game in the top of the fourth inning with a sacrifice fly by Anthony Santander that brought Brandon Nimmo home. However, the Mobsters quickly regained the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning when Gabriel Moreno hit a double to left center, scoring Riley Greene. In the bottom of the fifth inning, Brandon Belt extended the Mobsters’ lead with a solo home run to center field. Luzardo pitched five strong innings, allowing only one run on four hits and striking out eight batters. Felix Bautista and Bryan Abreu came in as relief pitchers, with Abreu earning the save by striking out Will Benson to end the game. Musgrove pitched six innings for the Crushers, giving up three runs on five hits and striking out six batters. Despite their efforts, the Crushers were unable to overcome the Mobsters’ lead. Final Score: Chicago 3 – Coconut Creek 1 Win: Jesus Luzardo 1-1 (3.00) |
SERIES SUMMARY – The Chicago Mobsters won the series 4 games to 3 against the Coconut Creek Crushers, thanks to the Ghost Win for winning their division. Congratulations to Cliff Miller on a excellent MWBL Season & many thanks for playing Head to Head.SERIES HIGHLIGHTS –
FINAL RESULT – Chicago Mobsters 4, Coconut Creek Crushers 3 (including the Ghost Win). |