October 26, 2060
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN
A battle of two Heartland behemoths ensued in the Cartwright Cup between the Bluebirds and River Monsters for a claim to the pennant and a shot at the title. Nashville had a slight advantage in the regular season, beating Twin Cities 8 out of 14 games, but both teams were mightily feared. The Monsters scored the second most runs in the Frick, but still more than 100 fewer than the Bluebirds, who were ranked first in runs, OBP, OPS, WAR, wOBA, HR, and SB. The Monsters were in the top 5 of almost every offensive category, as well, but are more keen to rely on defense and pitching, where they allowed the fourth least amount of runs this season and ranked second in ZR. Yet, the Bluebirds ranked second in runs against, WAR, FIP, and bullpen ERA. They ranked first in strikeouts, which helps negate their above average defense. Despite the strengths of both teams, the Bluebirds used brute force on their way to a 4-1 series win.
Twin Cities would send out Kujapa Padmanabhan to mound in Game 1. Bold move? Or just wasting this journalists’ time trying to spell that name? Regardless, he would only pitch to a single batter and the River Monsters relied on the bullpen, filled with the usual starters, to take down the mighty Bluebirds. It did not work. Eric Stevens threw 6 IP allowing just 1 ER and the Bluebirds lineup scored two runs in the 6th inning. David Molina pitched the final 3 innings without allowing a hit for the save and the Bluebirds took the first game 2-1.
Mark Lolololo allowed 1 hit in 6 IP in a Game 2 gem, striking out 8. Molina and Giustino Modica finished off the game by allowing just one more hit and the Bluebirds won another close game, 3-1.
Game 3 was a doozy and a joy for baseball fans around the world. David Lopez, the injury replacement for Todd ‘TNT’ Tatlock, delivered a clutch 2-run HR in the top of the 9th to take a 4-2 lead. However, Modica allowed two runs in the bottom of the 9th and picked up a blown save. The game would go on to play 13 innings, where the River Monsters emerged victorious.
The Bluebirds picked things up again in Game 3 and veteran, Barney Lindsay, pitched 6 IP of two hit ball. On the offensive side, Lopez, Brooks Eliot, and Alfonso Gonzáles all hit homers to propel Nashville to a 3-1 series lead.
Stevens took the bump again in Game 5 and pitched another gem. Colby Triska was 3-4 with a HR and the Bluebirds took the series with the 3-1 win.
“I’m really proud of this team,” said GM Chad Nason. “Alan has built a heckuva team over there and he’s one of the finest GMs in the league, but I don’t think anyone matches up with our boys. Our job isn’t finished, though, and we look forward to taking on Charlotte for another shot at a Monty.
The heavily favored Bluebirds will take on the Charlotte Flyers in the Monty Brewster Memorial Series. Charlotte won nearly 30 fewer games than the Bluebirds. They were 8th in runs scored in the Johnson League, but relied on pitching and defense by giving up the 3rd fewest runs. To make this even more of a challenge for the Flyers, they will be without star 1B Dallas Dixon, who was injured in the Cartwright Cup. Jim Fleming will get a chance to face his former team in what could be the biggest upset in Brewster history if they prevail over the Bluebirds.
