The Majors Sports Café Braves won the team’s first ever 28+ Championship (since merging with Safeway Moving in 2000) on Saturday afternoon, defeating the Red Sox 13-6 at Roncalli. 

On a perfect afternoon for baseball, the 28+ Championship Game started out in exciting fashion.  The Red Sox jumped on Braves starter Wayne Edwards early, tallying three runs in the first and another run in the second while compiling five hits in the two stanzas.  The Braves bounced back on Red Sox starter Tim Labbe for three in the second with two outs on the board.  The Red Sox punched back with two runs in the top of the third and the Braves notched another pair of runs in the bottom of the frame to keep it close, leaving the score six to five in favor of the Sox after three electric innings. 

After regaining his composure, Edwards was able to keep the Red Sox off the board by facing only four above the minimum over the next five innings before yielding to rookie closer Chris Larkey in the ninth.  Larkey also kept the Red Sox off the board by posting a three up, three down ninth which sealed the Braves victory.  Our researchers believe that Edwards is the oldest pitcher (Age 47) to win the MSBL 28+/30+ Championship in the history of the IABL.

Winning Pitcher, Wayne Edwards

Edwards went eight innings, giving up six runs on twelve hits.  He struck out five and walked five as well.  The Braves defense helped Edwards’ pitching effort by turning three double plays on the day.  Edwards was also 2-3 at the plate including a 2 RBI double and HBP.  Offensively, the Braves were led by Mike Lexa (3-4, RBI, 3 R, HBP), Brandon Sisley (3-5, 3RBI), Eric Mertl (2-4, 3B, RBI, HBP, 2 R), and Jack Parkhurst (2-5, 2B, 2 RBI, R).  Also posting hits were Brad Streeval (RBI 2B), Ralph Lewis, Mark Paris (2 RBI), and Chris Larkey. 

The Red Sox were led at the plate by Lance Massey (3-3, 2 R, BB, RBI), Jon Weaver (2-3, R), Brad Astroski (2-3, BB), and Ron Eich (2-4, RBI).  Robert Mil, reliever Dale Carr, and Scott Golden (2 RBI) rounded out the Red Sox offense with a hit apiece for the day.  Benji Peterson also had an RBI. 

Performances of the day included Golden with tremendous defensive play at second (actually recorded the first three outs of the game) with seven successful chances on the day and 2 RBI single.  Also notable for the Sox was Lance Massey, who reached base in every at bat, and fine blocking behind the plate by catcher Dave LeTourneau.  For the Braves, rookie third baseman Brandon Sisley stood out both at the plate and in the field, as did catcher Mark Paris and second baseman Mike Lexa. 

Congratulations to Eric Mertl’s Majors Sports Café Braves and Scott Golden’s Red Sox on a fine season and a tournament well played. 

MSBL 28 Champion Braves

Front Row (L-R):  Mark Paris, Onix Aviles, Mike Lexa, Ralph Lewis, Brad Streeval

Back Row (L-R):  Jack Parkhurst (28 Division member since it's inception in 1990), Brandon Sisley (Rookie), Chris Larkey (Rookie), Wayne Edwards, Eric Mertl (Manager), Charlie Hill

Not Pictured:  Dean Hill, Shannon Andrews, Patrick Hudspeth