2024 A.L. LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Southwest Detroit has the edge in fielding, while both teams are evenly matched in pitching. However, Chicago boasts a much stronger offensive lineup. Despite this, Southwest Detroit won the regular season series against Chicago 8-4.

Given these dynamics, the odds slightly favor Southwest Detroit due to their head-to-head success and superior fielding. The prediction is that the series will be closely contested, likely going to 7 games, with Southwest Detroit emerging victorious 4-3 to represent the American League in the 2024 MWBL World Series.Lets see how all this plays out…

This game was a showcase of stellar pitching, timely hitting, and a few unexpected twists.

Game Highlights:

Top of the 1st:

The game started with Travis Jankowski facing Logan Gilbert. Jankowski checked his swing but was rung up by the third base umpire. Willson Contreras was hit by a pitch, marking his first time clobbered in the series. Dansby Swanson reached first on an error by shortstop Willy Adames, advancing Contreras to third. However, Ryan McMahon grounded into a double play, ending the inning without a score.

Bottom of the 1st:

Yandy Diaz led off with a single to right field. Alex Bregman hit into a fielder’s choice, and Yordan Alvarez lined out to right. Brandon Belt struck out, leaving Bregman stranded at second after a wild pitch.

Top of the 3rd:

The Fighting Chihuahuas threatened with runners on first and third, but Logan Gilbert managed to escape the jam by getting Ryan McMahon to ground out to second.

Bottom of the 5th:

The Mobsters broke the deadlock when Yandy Diaz hit a double off the wall, scoring Riley Greene from second. This gave Chicago a 1-0 lead.

Top of the 7th:

The game took a dramatic turn when Travis Jankowski hit a two-run homer off Camilo Doval, putting Southwest Detroit ahead 2-1. This was followed by a near back-to-back homer by Willson Contreras, but it fell short.

Bottom of the 7th:

Willy Adames hit a double, putting the tying run in scoring position. However, Ryan Helsley managed to retire the next three batters, preserving the lead.

Top of the 9th:

William Contreras hit a clutch single to left center, scoring Zach McKinstry and extending the lead to 3-1. William Contreras was thrown out trying to advance to second, ending the inning.

Bottom of the 9th:

Hunter Harvey came in to close the game. After a double by Willy Adames, Spencer Torkelson struck out on a checked swing that got past the catcher, but was thrown out at first, sealing the victory for the Fighting Chihuahuas.

This championship game was a testament to the resilience and skill of both teams, but it was the Southwest Detroit Fighting Chihuahuas who emerged victorious, thanks to timely hitting and strong pitching performances.

Southwest Detroit 3 – Chicago 1

Win: Tyler Wells 1-0 (1.50)
Loss: Camilo Doval 0-1 (9.00)
Save: Hunter Harvey #1

In a game that will be remembered for its nail-biting tension and dramatic finish, the Chicago Mobsters emerged victorious over the Southwest Detroit Fighting Chihuahuas with a final score of 4-3 in 10 innings. The championship game, held at a packed stadium, showcased the best of baseball with stellar performances, strategic plays, and a walk-off home run that sealed the win for Chicago.

The game started with a bang as Dansby Swanson of the Fighting Chihuahuas launched a two-run homer in the top of the first inning, giving his team an early lead. Chicago’s pitcher, Chris Bassitt, struggled initially but managed to regain composure, striking out Ryan McMahon and getting William Contreras to fly out, ending the inning.

Chicago responded in the bottom of the second inning. Julio Rodriguez’s single, followed by his stolen base, set the stage for Luis Arraez’s clutch hit, driving in two runs and tying the game. Gabriel Moreno’s single brought in another run, putting Chicago ahead 3-2.

Southwest Detroit fought back in the fourth inning, tying the game at 3-3 with a bloop single by Dominic Smith that scored William Contreras. The game remained deadlocked as both teams’ bullpens took over, with Yennier Cano, Devin Williams, Aroldis Chapman, and Bowden Francis delivering crucial outs for Chicago.

The seventh inning saw a bizarre play where a collision between Willson Contreras and Ryan McMahon resulted in an error, allowing Alex Bregman to reach base. However, a double play on a throw from Alec Burleson to home plate cut down the potential go-ahead run, keeping the score tied.

In the bottom of the ninth, Luke Jackson struck out the side for Southwest Detroit, sending the game into extra innings. Jhoan Duran took the mound for Chicago in the top of the 10th and delivered a perfect inning, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

Yordan Alvarez stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the 10th and delivered a towering home run to right-center field, sending the Chicago fans into a frenzy and clinching the win for the Mobsters. The walk-off homer was the perfect ending to a game filled with tension and excitement.

Chicago 4 – Southwest Detroit 3 (10 Innings)

Win: Jhoan Duran 1-0 (0.00)
Loss: Luke Jackson 0-1 (4.50)

The Chicago Mobsters emerged victorious over the Southwest Detroit Fighting Chihuahuas with a final score of 4-1. The game was marked by intense moments and standout performances, keeping fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Here’s a detailed recap of the game highlights and key plays that led to Chicago’s triumph. 

Top of the 1st Inning

The game began with a strong defensive showing from both teams. Yandy Diaz of the Mobsters was quickly retired by a sharp play from Dansby Swanson. Alex Bregman followed with a groundout, and Yordan Alvarez struck out, leaving the score tied at 0-0.

Bottom of the 1st Inning

The Fighting Chihuahuas had a promising start with Travis Jankowski reaching first base. However, a hit-by-pitch incident involving Dansby Swanson caused a brief scare as he was struck on the helmet. Despite the injury, Swanson managed to stay in the game. Jesus Luzardo, the Mobsters’ pitcher, maintained his composure and struck out Alec Burleson to leave the bases loaded.

Top of the 4th Inning

The Mobsters capitalized on defensive errors by the Fighting Chihuahuas. Alex Bregman reached base on an error by Ryan McMahon, and Julio Rodriguez’s hit led to another error, allowing Bregman to score. Spencer Torkelson’s single brought Julio Rodriguez home, giving the Mobsters a 2-0 lead.

Top of the 7th Inning

Leody Taveras singled, and Luis Arraez hit a two-run homer, extending the Mobsters’ lead to 4-0. This crucial hit provided a comfortable cushion for Chicago as they headed into the final innings.

Bottom of the 7th Inning

Willson Contreras of the Fighting Chihuahuas hit a solo home run off Camilo Doval, putting Southwest Detroit on the scoreboard. However, it was not enough to spark a comeback.

Bottom of the 9th Inning

Aroldis Chapman took the mound for the Mobsters to close out the game. Despite a single by Contreras, Chapman retired the next two batters, securing the win for Chicago.

The Mobsters’ victory was a testament to their resilience and ability to capitalize on their opponents’ mistakes. With stellar pitching from Jesus Luzardo and clutch hitting from Luis Arraez, Chicago clinched the win in another memorable game. 

Chicago 4 – Southwest Detroit 1

Win: Jesus Luzardo 1-0 (1.29)
Loss: Andrew Abbott 0-1 (2.57)
Save: Aroldis Chapman #1

The game began with both teams struggling to find their rhythm, as the first three innings saw no runs scored. A “Pitcher” Perfect start for both teams defensive side of things. Chicago’s Logan Gilbert and Southwest Detroit’s Corbin Burnes were locked in a pitcher’s duel, each delivering impressive performances on the mound. Gilbert struck out seven batters over seven innings, while Burnes fanned nine over eight innings, but it was Gilbert who ultimately secured the win.

The game saw its first run in the bottom of the fourth inning when Travis Jankowski scored for the Fighting Chihuahuas, giving them a 1-0 lead. However, the Mobsters quickly responded in the top of the fifth. Willy Adames walked, followed by a single from Riley Greene, putting runners on second and third. Luis Arraez then hit a sacrifice fly to center, allowing Adames to score and tie the game at 1-1. Yandy Diaz’s double brought Greene home, and Alex Bregman’s single scored Diaz, pushing the Mobsters ahead 3-1.

The Fighting Chihuahuas narrowed the gap in the bottom of the seventh when Willson Contreras hit a solo home run, making it 3-2. But Yordan Alvarez’s solo shot in the top of the eighth extended the Mobsters’ lead to 4-2. Riley Greene added another insurance run with a solo homer in the ninth, making it 5-2.

Southwest Detroit made a valiant effort in the bottom of the ninth. Zach McKinstry doubled and scored on a single by Contreras, but Felix Bautista, who came in to close the game, struck out Travis Jankowski and got Dansby Swanson and Ryan McMahon to ground out, sealing the win for Chicago.

Chicago 5 – Southwest Detroit 3

Win: Logan Gilbert 1-0 (1.50)
Loss: Corbin Burnes 0-1 (4.50)
Save: Felix Bautista #1

The game was a nail-biter from start to finish, featuring stellar pitching, strategic base running, and clutch hitting.

Top of the 1st Inning:

The game began with Tyler Wells on the mound for the Fighting Chihuahuas. Wells quickly retired Yandy Diaz and Alex Bregman, but walked Yordan Alvarez. However, he struck out Brandon Belt to end the inning, keeping the game scoreless.

Bottom of the 1st Inning:

The Fighting Chihuahuas’ Travis Jankowski fouled a ball off his foot but managed to draw a walk. He then stole second and third base, showcasing his speed. Despite his efforts, the inning ended with no runs as Bryce Miller struck out Dansby Swanson and Ryan McMahon lined out to Bregman.

Top of the 2nd Inning:

Julio Rodriguez led off with a single and stole second and third base. Willy Adames hit a sacrifice fly to bring Rodriguez home, giving the Mobsters a 1-0 lead.

Bottom of the 2nd Inning:

Bryce Miller continued his strong performance, retiring the side in order, including a strikeout of Harrison Bader.

Top of the 3rd Inning:

Gabriel Moreno singled, and Alex Bregman reached on an infield hit. Brandon Belt then hit a double, scoring Moreno and Alvarez, extending the Mobsters’ lead to 3-0.

Bottom of the 3rd Inning:

The Fighting Chihuahuas fought back. William Contreras singled, and Travis Jankowski doubled. Contreras and Jankowski both scored on a double by Willson Contreras, tying the game at 3-3.

Top of the 4th to 6th Inning:

Both teams’ pitchers settled in, with Tyler Wells and Bryce Miller keeping the game tied. Devin Williams came in for the Mobsters in the 6th inning, striking out two batters.

Top of the 7th Inning:

Riley Greene tripled and scored on a single by Luis Arraez, putting the Mobsters ahead 4-3.

Bottom of the 7th to 8th Inning:

Devin Williams and Bryan Abreu held the Fighting Chihuahuas scoreless, with Abreu striking out Dansby Swanson.

Top of the 9th Inning:

Ryan Helsley pitched for the Fighting Chihuahuas, allowing a walk but no runs. Jhoan Duran and Felix Bautista closed the game for the Mobsters, with Bautista securing the save.

Bottom of the 9th Inning:

The Fighting Chihuahuas’ J.D. Davis and William Contreras were retired, and Zach McKinstry’s flyout ended the game.

Chicago 4 – Southwest Detroit 3

Win: Devin Williams 1-0 (0.00)
Loss: Tyler Wells 1-1 (3.46)
Save: Felix Bautista #2

Series Overview:

The series kicked off with a tightly contested Game 1, where the Fighting Chihuahuas managed to secure a 3-1 victory thanks to timely hitting and strong pitching.

However, the Mobsters quickly bounced back in Game 2, winning 4-3 in extra innings, highlighted by Yordan Alvarez’s walk-off home run.

In Game 3, the Mobsters continued their momentum with a 4-1 win, capitalizing on defensive errors by the Fighting Chihuahuas and stellar pitching from Jesus Luzardo.

Game 4 saw another strong performance from Chicago, with Logan Gilbert leading the team to a 5-3 victory, bolstered by home runs from Yordan Alvarez and Riley Greene.

The decisive Game 5 was a nail-biter, with both teams showcasing their pitching and strategic base running. The Mobsters ultimately triumphed 4-3, with Luis Arraez driving in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning and Felix Bautista closing out the game.

Key Highlights and Performances

• Tyler Wells: Wells pitched a great game #1 of the series – 6 Inings Pitched, 4 Hits, 1 Walk, Struck Out 8 & allowed only 1 Run.
• Yordan Alvarez: Alvarez was instrumental in the Mobsters’ success, delivering a walk-off home run in Game 2 and a crucial solo shot in Game 4.
• Luis Arraez: Arraez’s clutch hitting was pivotal, including a two-run homer in Game 3 and the go-ahead RBI in Game 5.
• Jesus Luzardo: Luzardo’s pitching in Game 3 was exceptional, allowing only one run and striking out several key batters.
• Logan Gilbert: Gilbert’s performance in Game 4 was a standout, striking out seven batters and securing the win.
• Felix Bautista: Bautista’s closing abilities were on full display, securing saves in both Game 4 and Game 5.

Conclusion

The Chicago Mobsters’ victory in the ALCS was a testament to their balanced team effort, combining strong pitching, timely hitting, and strategic plays. Despite Southwest Detroit’s initial edge in fielding and their regular season success against Chicago, the Mobsters’ offensive firepower, magnificiant arms in the bullpen & it’s outstanding job proved decisive. 

With this win, the Chicago Mobsters advance to the 2024 MWBL World Series, ready to compete for the ultimate championship. The series was a thrilling showcase of baseball at its finest, leaving MWBL fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Mobsters’ quest for glory.

Congratulations to the Chicago Mobsters on their ALCS triumph!