2013 World Series Game 1

Portland hosts Charlotte, a rematch of the 2005 series where Charlotte took a four game sweep.  There aren't many players left from that 2005 series, but a few stand out and remain in key roles.  Mark Roberts still managers the Hawks, and 40 year old Jacen Solo remains one of the best second basemen in the league.  For the Decepticons Sonic Russell played left field in 2005, now he manages the team.  Roger Lewis remains one of the best pitchers in the game, George Kird at 40 is still a fine catcher, an Jetstorm is still in the bullpen in a reduced role.

Game 1 starts with a pitcher's duel between aces Lewis and Charlie Zito.  Zito loads the bases with one out in the first, but escapes when Todd Lee snares a line drive off th bat of Zandar Dukakis and Kal Chillingworth strikes out.  The Solo brothers hit back to back doubles in th 4th to give Zito a lead.  It's the only run Lewis will allow in. 7 inning 3 hitter.  Zito is scoreless into the 8th, when DJ Werden ties the game on a solo homer.  In the top of the 9th Charlotte scores a pair of hard throwing rookie Kevin Ribaudo.  Anakin Solo doubles, Ryan Ponder plates the go ahead run with a double, and Ray Brooks adds an insurance run with a single.

In the 9th Jim York replaces Solo in right field.  Anakin is playing the first game of his life in right field, as there is no DH in the game.  He manages to play the position without screwing up.  Rafael Baker gets 2 out around a walk to Richie Almanzar.  With lefty Jason Durazo due up, Roberts goes to the pen for Bobby Torres.  The lefty reliever induces a groundout to short to end game one with a 3-1 victory.