First Round Series Fun Facts

Fun Facts from the first 2 games of the playoffs.

1 - For the first time ever, all 4 series are 2-0.
2 - The winning team in all 4 NL games scored exactly 6 runs.
3 - Wild Card teams are 2-6, with only 100 win Baltimore winning.
4 - Jeromy Cooper and two relievers combined to shut out Richmond in game 1.
5 - After allowing a single to the 2nd hitter of the game, Moose Gates allowed only a walk and a hit batter in the following 6 innings, finishing with 7 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, and 10 K's for Cheyenne in game 1. Fergie Reagan finished the shutout.
6 - Paul Rhodes was perfect through 7.2 before tiring in a complete game 6-2 victory in game one for Sioux Falls.
7 - AL Representatives include the top 4 in the league in ERA, 4 of the top 5 in runs scored, and the top 4 in fielding %. Only Scranton and Richmond are in all 3 categories.
8 - In the NL, only 1 of the top 4 scoring teams reached the post-season (Mexico City). Meanwhile, the top 3 and 6 of the top 8 pitching teams (ERA) made the post-season.

DAKOTA WIN TITLE - CITY PLANS CELBRATION!

The Sioux Falls Dakota won the Season 10 Championship over the Richmond Confederates tonight. Paul Rhodes threw 7 shutout innings completing a post-season that saw him throw 45 innings while allowing just 31 hits and 10 earned runs (2.00 ERA) while striking out 44 and walking just 9. The Dakota were powered to the 8-3 victory with a 3-run shot off the bat of Larry Price in the bottom of the first. Joaquin Medrano put an exclamation point on the series with a grand slam in the 7th.

As the city of Sioux Falls and state of South Dakota rejoiced, plans for a championship celebration were made. The parade to honor the champs will begin 77 miles west of Sioux Falls at the Mitchell Corn Palace (pictured right). Rarely has Sioux Falls seen a celebration like the one planned. Liquor stores for 150 miles are sold out of Tullamore Dew and Branca Mentha, key ingredients in the naughty girl scout, the official drink of the World Champion Dakota. Dakota manager Esteban Valentin declined to comment due to his drunkeness.

Playoff Preview (Sioux Falls)

Sioux Falls Dakota (NL North Champions)

Hitting:
Only Joaquin Medrano knocked in 100 runs for the Dakota but #2 hitter Winston Powell makes the offense go with his .440 OBP. Three other hitters finished with 90+ RBIs so the middle of the order is dangerous at times.

Team BA: .266
Team HR: 228
Team SB: 88

Pitching:
Ace Bartolo Gonzalez strained his elbow with about 40 games to go and the Dakota staff hasn't been the same since. Paul Rhodes is still a star and the pen seems improved over past years.

Team ERA: 3.72
Team SV: 46-63
Team HR Allow: 163