MLDS LA vs Bay Area

 Game 1:

Eugene Wheeler wasted no time establishing his presence, he homered on the first pitch Jeffery Anderson threw for the Shockers. Later in the same inning, Christian Reyes added a solo shot. Bay Area went on to win 5-1 behind 7 innings of 3 hit ball from Joe Perry. Chris Craig struck out 5 over the last 2 innings for the save.

Game 2:

Wheeler got things started with a HBP, stole second, and came around to score. Bay Area added another run in the inning, but the Shockers scored 3 in the bottom off ace Anthony Henderson to take a 3-2 lead. Henderson was wild to start the game, walking 4 in the inning and allowing all runs to score with 2 outs after he it looked like a line drive double play might get them out of it. Shockers took a 4-2 lead to the 8th behind a strong start from Joe Lamb, and went to their closer, William Wright, for a 2 out save. It was a disaster very quickly. A walk and 2 singles made it 4-3, and Miguel Cruz then hit a 3 run homer to put Bay Area on top. Craig showed Wright how it was done, pitching 2 innings for his second straight two inning save.

Game 3:

Shockers went to Wright again in the 8th, this time with a 6-4 lead. Once again, he was not up to the task. Wright loaded the bases and Peter Rabbitt tied the game with a single, but at least Wright was able to keep the game 6-6. In the top 9th, Shockers retook the lead and Michael Molina's 3 run homer gave them some insurance. Wright remained in the game and struck out the side in the 9th. Apparently, he really doesn't like the 8th inning.

Game 4: 

Wheeler again started the game well, with a single, steal, and run scored. LA removed starter Ken Caffey after a single inning, and went to Grant Hansen. Hansen pitched well for 4 2/3 innings, striking out 9. LA scored their first run in the 6th as Larry Brooks drove in Tomas Gatito, and in the 7th a sac fly from Gatito tied the game at 2. Chris Craig pitched a scoreless 8th and struck out the side in the 9th. In the bottom of the inning, Ryan Jones led off with a double off Gerrit Garcia. After an intentional walk, the runners pulled off a double steal, with Jones beating the throw to third. Jason Anderson grounded out to third and the runners held, bringing up Peter Rabbitt. Peter hit a weak tapper between third and the mound, Jones took off. Garcia fielded it and made a desperate throw to the plate, but it was too late, and the Bandits walk off with the series victory, beating the team with baseball's best record in 2023.