This newsletter contains series and game summaries for the 2014 NABC World Series and other playoff series. The box scores and playoff statistics are all available in the final C-file that I distributed by e-mail. Congratulations to the top seeded Rivertown Otters, managed by Rick Christianson, who defeated manager John Duke and his 4th seeded Buffalo Bison, in a 5 game series featuring all close games The only Bison victory came in Game 4, but the Otters bounced back to clinch the series in Game 5. Wyandotte led 2 games to 1, before Danbury rallied to take the final 3 games. This was the first matchup of #1 and #4 seeds in the World Series since seeding began in 2000 and the 8th title for a #1 seed, while a #4 seed has never won the title. The WS games were played online via phone as this season all playoff games were contested via a phone connection. Thanks to all playoff managers for completing games promptly.
For Rivertown manager Rick Christianson, in his third NABC year, this was his third playoff, second straight #1 seed and first finals appearance and first NABC championship. The Rivertown franchise now has 21 playoff runs in 38 seasons overall, plus 7 World Series titles in just 9 appearances, with the most recent previous championship in 1998. For Buffalo’s manager Duke, in his 36th season in the NABC as the only Bison manager, this was the 8th World Series appearance, plus the 25th qualification for the playoffs. The Bison have 4 previous titles with the most recent in 2012.
In the series, the Otters came back to score at least 1 run in 6 of the 9 innings that they had an opportunity to bat again, which kept Buffalo at bay. Over the course of the post-season, the Otters offense was led by Miguel Cabrera (.350, 14 for 40, 4hr, 8rbi, 8r), Robinson Cano (.279, 12-43, 7r) Yadier Molina (.297, 4-2b, 4r) and Raul Ibanez (2hr, 8rbi). Tanner Roark (2-0, 2.59) and C.J. Wilson (2-0, 2.77) led the Otters staff to an overall 2.67 ERA and 8 wins in 10 post-season games. For Buffalo, Jayson Werth (.309, 17-55, 4hr, 16r, 9 rbi, 6sb), Aaron Hill (.271, 16-59, 3hr, 12 rbi) and Carlos Gonzalez (.273, 15-55, 3hr, 9r, 8rbi, 6sb) were the most productive hitters. Jorge de la Rosa (2-1, 2.73 led the Bison starters, while Luke Hochevar (2-0, 0.00, 4sv, 9.1ip, 3h, 13K’s) was spectacular.
Congratulations to both Rick and John for making it to the finals, and thanks to all NABC managers for another great year!