58.41 Blazers Eke Out Geoghegan Series Win

[Bob Breum]

Playing a determined Charlotte (91-72) squad, Montreal (92-70) advanced to the Doubleday Series with an extra inning walk off victory in game five. With each team having held court at home, the match returned to Montreal for the final game. Tied at one in regulation, the wildcard contestants played two more frames before the home team Blazers scratched across a run in the bottom of the eleventh.

Facing reliever Felix Camarco, center fielder John Oliver reached on error on a groundball to shortstop Elvan Masuki. Leadoff hitter Antonio Lopez dropped a sacrifice bunt down the first base line to move Oliver to second. Montreal third baseman Eduardo Gonzalez worked the count full but flew out to center field. Oliver remained at second base. With two outs, first baseman Lineu Aldo grounded the first pitch he saw sharply between first and second. Oliver was waved home by third base coach Adrian Rios, beating the throw from former Blazer and right fielder Fuad Demirel.

Montreal stopper Adam Bristcoe was named the MVP of the series, having thrown 9⅔ shutout innings with eight strikeouts, earning one win (game 2) and one save (game 1). Miguel Martinez hit two home runs.

The Blazers will be without starting pitcher Juan Cruz (12-5) for the remainder of their playoff run. Cruz strained his biceps in game three after throwing only four pitches. Ricardo Negrete (11-12) will probably take his spot in the rotation.

Montreal travels to familiar rival Charm City (94-68) for the Doubleday Series. The Jimmies overtook the Blazers in September to claim their sixth consecutive division title, earning a bye for the Geoghegan Series. The teams split their regular season series 7-7.

[trmmilwwi]

What a series and such a crazy ending. I can imagine being a fan taking that all in.