Alaska at Florida, games 6 and 7

Game 6 Florida 8 Alaska 5

Facing Bartolo Fatone, Florida scored 3 times in the second with a Gromit single, Ortiz triple, and Oakenshield homer.  The lead wouldn't last though as in the 3rd inning Joel Camels allowed a pair of 2 out singles and then unwisely pitched to the King of the North.  Robb Stark tied the game with a deep fly to left.

Maldonado doubled in the bottom 3rd to make it 4-3.  That score remained until the top of the 6th.  Joel Camels allowed a pair of base runners to reach, and Wally Calhoun went to the pen for David Tejada.  This decision would earn Calhoun a Francona award.  Tejada struck out the side, stranding the runners.  Tejada hit for himself (striking out) and went back out there for the 7th, and he again struck out the side.

Florida broke the game open with a 4 run 7th.  Tejada went back out for the 8th but was out of gas, allowing 3 hits and a run before David Kison relieved him and ended the inning.  Darrell Tibbs came out for the 9th and got 2 quick outs, bringing up Stark.  The Alaska strongman tapped a weak grounder back to the pitcher, and we have a game 7.

Game 7: Florida 5 Alaska 0

Florida had ace Peter Buchanon on the mound and he did not disappoint.  Alaska went with Brandon Bailey, who matched scoreless innings through 3.  Alaska tried the strategy of running up Buchanon's pitch count with swings and misses, as he fanned 11 through 7 innings.  Bailey, with one strikeout, pitched to contact but the results didn't work out as well as in game 5.

Maldonado, Ortiz, and Kawasaki hit solo homers in the 4th, 5th, and 6th innings.  Florida added another in the 6th on a stolen bases attempt throwing error.  In the 7th, Ezekiel Duke hit for Buchanon, drew a walk, stole a base, and scored on a single.  Jesus Alvarez pitched a perfect 8th, and Grant Hansen came in for the 9th.  Stark grounded out, Merkich struck out, and Pandaval grounded back to the pitcher.  Florida will play in the first ever Sunshine state series.