by Bill Lingrell

An outstanding season came down to one half inning. Unfortunately for Lou Gehrig A, the breaks did not go their way, as Hamilton Babe Ruth defeated Lou Gehrig 8-4 in the Fall Ball Playoff Semi-Finals.

Lou Gehrig used strong pitching and timely hitting to take a 4-2 lead into the bottom of the 6th inning, but could not hold on. Hamilton Babe Ruth used a leadoff walk and an infield single to set the table for their first run. A double steal cut the Lou Gehrig lead to one. A second walk put the go ahead runner on base. With two outs, a short fly to right fell just inches away from a diving Chris Pierfy. Pierfy responded with a quick throw to the plate, but the go ahead run was ruled safe on a close play. Babe Ruth added some insurance runs on a single, walk, and a Lou Gehrig error.

TJ Hargraves was once again outstanding on the mound. Hargraves allowed only two hits, an unearned run, and struck out 5 in three innings. Hargraves left the game with the lead, thanks to a clutch two run single by Mike Rogers. The single down the third base line scored Anthony Chiappetta and Pierfy.

Robert Warrick replaced Hargraves on the mound, and retired the first two batters. A pair of bloop singles were followed by a tough grounder to third that was bobbled, bringing in the tying run.

Lou Gehrig again responded, as Dan Elliott singled with one out. Rogers again came up big, as he launched a booming double over centerfield that plated Elliott. Ross Nanfeldt brought in Rogers with a double of his own, this one over the right fielder's head.

Lou Gehrig A had a very successful season. The team finished 9-4, and were the West Group champions. Lou Gehrig averaged 12.5 players at each game, with every player averaging at least 4 innings in the field per game. In addition, every player averaged at least 2 at-bats per game.