Penguins finish Cobra

After taking a surprising 2-0 lead in the series, beating former Cy Young award winners Pedro Lewis and Buddy Dervish on the road, the Penguins came home to wrap up the series.  Bryan Brooks took the ball for Florida, with rookie Silvanos Tonka going for New York.

New York took a 1-0 lead in the second inning.  Brett Solo led off with a walk, stole second, and advanced to 3rd on a balk.  Manfred Mueller brought him home with a deep fly to right.  The lead didn't last long as Mitch Oakenshield tied things up with long homer to left.  Florida took the lead in the 3rd as Gerald White Jr. singled, Conn Barbarian walked, and C.J. CROM! blooped an RBI single to left.

New York failed to capitalize on a few chances to score, and Brooks left after 5 innings with only one run allowed despite 4 hits, 5 walks, and no strikeouts.  In the 7th, New York got to Florida's bullpen.  Hal Glover doubled with one out, and advanced to 3rd on a long fly by Gehrig Bear.  With 2 out and right handed batters due up, Florida relieved David Tejada, going to Ernesto Lopez.  Chad White doubled, Brett Solo singled, and just like that it was 3-2 New York.  Lopez finally got David Jackson to pop up and end the inning.

New York stuck with Tonka in the 7th.  Melvin Ortiz singled.  Alfonzo Soprano, in after a double switch, doubled in Ortiz.  Joey Howell walked.  Gerald Jr.  moved the runners up with a bunt, and Conn was intentionally walked.  All was according to manager Calhoun's plan, as the meant Crom had the bases loaded.

C.J. Crom grounded out to 3rd.  Mueller got the force play at the hot corner, but Crom was able to get down the line in time to avoid the double play and bring home the go ahead run.  David Kison pitched a scoreless 8th.

Instead of going straight to his closer, Calhoun brought in lefty Travis Howard to face 2 lefty hitters.  Hal Glover popped up.  Bear grounded to short.  Melvin Ortiz bobbled the ball and allowed Bear to reach.  With the righties up, Calhoun now brought in his closer Grant Hansen.  Chad White grounded to first.  Chad Macha, in as a defensive replacement for Crom, picked it up, threw to second for one, and back to first for 2.

The Penguins are on their way to the championship series, and changes may be in store for New York.