Camarillo Quests (90-72) vs. Tempe Tempers (121-41)
The 2013 post season marked the first time these two original founding franchises have faced each other in the playoffs.  The Tempers entered the series well rested after enjoying four rest days, while the Quests battled a very tough Roseville Thorns for three games.  The Quests showed the effects of the wild card round with multiple hitters nearing fatigue, their #3 starter on the D.L. and their #1 and #2 still worn-out.

Sacramento was first acquainted with Dom when he took over Owensboro toward the end of last season.  Sacramento swept Owensboro in the NLDS, and realized not only that Dom was a knowledgeable APBA guy, but that he would be a force to be dealt with in the future.  In his first full season, Dom managed his way back to the NLDS for another face-off against the Sacramento Capitals.  We both looked forward to another head-to-head series.

Preview:  Hollywood and Southbend comprise 2 of the 3 best records in the American League.  Some would argue that Southbend is a better team than Chicago, who had 2 more wins, since they played in the toughest division in the league. The AL West finished with an average of 92.2 wins per team, compared to the next closest division (AL Central) with 86.75 wins per team.  While Hollywood finished with the best record in the AL, they are matched up with the Wild Card who happens to be Southbend, even though they had 21 wins more than the NL East team.  The last time Hollywood was in the playoffs, they were swept in a pitcher dominated World Series by Sacramento.  They return to Hollywood with higher hopes

Game 1:  Eric Stults (14 grade) vs Kris Medlen (22 grade).  Stults finished the season with a 9-2 record and a 2.02 ERA while Medlen went 16-2 with a 1.53 ERA.  Southbend gets on the board early after a 1-out single by Jose Altuve is followed by a Ryan Ludwick homer.  Trailing 2-0, Hollywood gets on the board in the bottom half thanks to a Paul Goldschmidt single, that scores Ian Kinsler.  The game stays that way until the 4th, when Mike Trumbo greets Medlen.  MEDLEN kicks and deals … a blast to right … way back … it’s gone!  Southbend leads 3-1.  Medlen kicks the ground in disgust.  Medlen cant get settled in and with 2 outs, Southbend’s Matt Joyce scores on a passed ball to make it 4-1.  Medlen is pulled in the 4th.  Southbend tacks on a 5th run in the 5th thanks to a Mike Trumbo SF.  Trailing 5-1, Hollywood’s stadium goes quiet as Starlin Castro approaches the plate.  Castro singles and steals second.  That brings up Chris Denorfia….Speedy CASTRO edging toward third … the pitch is on the way … DENORFIA drives it deep to left … I think it can … I think it can! … it can! … home run for DENORFIA.  Denorfia cuts the lead to 5-3!  With 1-out, Jayson Werth steps in.  STULTS deals … that’s rocked to deep left center … it is high … and long … and gone!  WERTH with a monster shot to cut the lead to 5-4.   After Kinsler, walks, steals second and moves to third on a wild pitch, Alex Gordon steps to the plate. 

85-77 American League Eastern Division Champions Elyria Indians head to Chicago for games 1 & 2 to take on the Mobsters, the American League Central Champions who record stands at 108-54.

Game #1 – At Chicago:
Jordan Zimmermann (15-12  3.06) vs. Chris Sale (21-7  2.73)

Chris Sale goes 7.1 innings, is in line for the win, but the bullpen can’t hold the lead as the Indians tie the score on a Mike Baxter pinch hit single off Tim Collins.   Andrew McCutchen hits a 2-Run Home Run in the bottom of the 8th inning off Wade Davis.   Aroldis Chapman comes on in the 9th faces 3 batters and strikes out 2 of the 3.
Final Score: Chicago 4 – Elyria 2
Win: Tim Collins (1-0  0.00)
Loss: Wade Davis (0-1  18.00)
Save: Aroldis Chapman (1) (0.00)
Home Runs: Andrew McCutchen (1)