Sticking Points 2042.4: Rockville Bounced From Playoffs in Geoghegan

[aaronweiner]

In Rockville's first trip to the Geoghegan series since 2034, the Pikemen went the distance with the Mexico City Aztecs but fell short, losing the final game 8-5 despite outscoring the Aztecs in the series 18-17.

"This is a very hard way to lose a series," said Dan Cannon, who to everyone's surprise was roughed up in the decisive game after shutting down Mexico City in Game 2. "I know we're going to have a lot of guys back next year but this one hurts some."

Rockville, whose offense fell off significantly this year with the loss of Francisco Flores and some poor seasons from several long-time stars, wasted two solid efforts from Arthur Dempster and Dave Martin in Games 1 and 3 of the series, scoring just 2 runs combined in the two games off Dennis Ine and Pedro Rocha. Danny Leach, the Rockville breakout bullpen star, also gave up an eighth inning homer to Fernando Moreno in Game 3 to garner a loss in the series.

"Obviously we've got some thinking to do after this one," said Dempster, who posted a 2.84 ERA in his two starts in the series. "This is one of those series that's going to sting a long time."

Rockville did manage to make the playoffs for a franchise-record 8th straight time, and after a very rough start to the season without Bing-de Zhao, bounced back to win the first wild card spot, had a real shot at the division right up until the last days of the year, and should bring back almost exactly the same team next year with some exceptions.

"We're still a high quality ballclub with lots of talent," said manager Duane Whitley. "We should be competitive for a long time."