Playoffs: Denver vs. Hollywood

Game 1 Denver at Hollywood.

Bryan Hastings faced Bill Higgins in this series opener. Both pitchers were on their games early, with the score 1-1 in the bottom of the 8th inning. With the B’s in a first and third, one out situation, it looked bleak for Denver. Hastings was able to induce a shallow ground ball fielded by Eric Cartman, who fired to second base to start an inning ending double play. Walking back to the dugout, this reporter couldn’t help but hear Cartman’s proclamation to “respect my authority”.

With 2 outs in the top of the 9th inning, Denver’s Lou Jones hit the go-ahead homerun off Bill Higgins. Despite the HR, the B’s left Higgins in to face Eric Cartman, who promptly doubled. The B’s refused to pull Higgins who walked Alberto Montero. Now the B’s pull Higgins, but with 2 on and 2 out, Miguel Rosario comes through with a 2 run double to extend the lead to 4-1 going into the bottom of the 9th.

Luther Trautwein looked good to start the 9th inning, getting 2 quick outs. Then he allowed an off the wall double to Eli Moreno. Hollywood pinch hit with Ruben Rogers who excited the crowd with a mammoth 2 run homerun. Stephon Jameson then connected for a solo homrun to tie the game at 4.

In the top of the 10th inning, Denver failed to score. In the bottom of the 10th, Trautwein remained in the game for Denver. Heres the inning:

Elvis Dixon: Strikeout
M. Tejawa: Walk
F. Justis: Single, Tejawa to 3rd base
(Trautwien relieved for S. Weiland)
R. Brown: Fly out to right field foul line, Tejawa scores the winning run on the sacrifice fly.

Final Score: Hollywood 5, Denver 4