2000 AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

The California Quakes, the team with the best regular season record in the American League, come into the series as the formidable top seed. With a remarkable 118 wins and just 44 losses, they have demonstrated dominance from day one, earning them the coveted spot at the top of the league. Their remarkable consistency throughout the season has made them the team to beat.

On the other side of the diamond, the Chicago Demolition, seeded second in the American League, are no strangers to success. With a commendable record of 97 wins and 65 losses, they have shown their mettle in a league filled with talent and competition. Their journey to this championship series has been nothing short of impressive, and they are eager to prove that they have what it takes to emerge victorious.

When these two teams met during the regular season, the California Quakes narrowly edged out the Demolition with a 7-5 series win. The close regular-season contest sets the stage for a fiercely competitive series, where every pitch and swing will carry immense significance.

As the teams prepare to square off, the stark differences in their statistical prowess become evident. California leads the league in fielding percentage, showcasing their defensive excellence, while Chicago holds a more modest position in this category.

Pitching-wise, California boasts the lowest team ERA in the American League at 4.42, with Chicago not far behind at 4.55, promising a thrilling battle on the mound.

At the plate, California shines with a league-leading team batting average of .330, while Chicago holds the second spot at .292. In the power-hitting department, California leads the league with 267 home runs, while Chicago falls in the middle of the pack with 237.

With these remarkable statistics and the competitive spirit both teams bring to the field, the American League Championship Series promises to be a thrilling spectacle for baseball fans around the world. The stage is set, and only time will tell which of these two juggernauts will emerge victorious and secure their spot in the 2000 Mid-West Winter League World Series.

The Demolition continue their dominant performance in Game #1 of the Mid-West Winter League American League Championship Series. The Demolition have shown their offensive prowess by taking an early lead in this championship game.

In the top of the 1st inning, Rich Becker drew a walk against Bruce Chen, setting the tone for the Demolition. Then, Bobby Higginson unleashed a powerful hit that sailed over the right field fence, resulting in a two-run homer. Carlos Delgado flew out to right field, followed by Bruce Chen striking out Phil Nevin and Jeff Cirillo, ending the inning with the Demolition ahead 2-0.

The Quakes couldn’t find their rhythm in the bottom of the 1st as Pedro Martinez, the Demolition’s starting pitcher, held them scoreless. Edgar Alfonzo, Tim Salmon, and Mark McGwire couldn’t make an impact in the inning.

In the top of the 2nd, the Demolition continued to pressure the Quakes. Charles Johnson struck out swinging, followed by Shannon Stewart, who also struck out swinging. David Hocking managed to draw a walk, his first of the series, but Edgar Renteria grounded out, closing the inning with the Demolition still leading 2-0.

The bottom of the 2nd inning was also uneventful for the Quakes, with Nomar Garciaparra, Darin Erstad, and Travis Fryman unable to produce any runs.

In the top of the 3rd, the Demolition added to their lead. Rich Becker managed to draw a walk, Bobby Higginson continued his hot streak with another home run, and Carlos Delgado drew a walk, making it three walks already issued by B. Chen. Phil Nevin struck out, and Jeff Cirillo also fanned, ending the inning with the Demolition ahead 4-0.

The bottom of the 3rd saw the Quakes’ Edgar Alfonzo, Tim Salmon, and Mark McGwire going down without scoring any runs.

In the top of the 4th, Bobby Higginson showcased his power once more with a solo home run, extending the Demolition’s lead to 5-0. In 4 Innings Higginson unleashed 3 Home Runs!    The Quakes couldn’t respond in the bottom of the 4th.

In the top of the 7th, the Demolition continued to exert pressure on the Quakes. Charles Johnson delivered a sacrifice fly, and Shannon  Stewart’s squeeze bunt brought home another run, increasing the Demolition’s lead to 9-2.

The Quakes showed some signs of life in the bottom of the 8th. Mark McGwire doubled and Nomar Garciaparra followed with another double, bringing home a run. However, the Demolition’s Arthur Rhodes and Justin Speier combined to get two quick outs and escape further damage.

The Demolition maintained their lead throughout the game, and in the end, their offense proved too much for the Quakes to overcome. The final score stood at 10-3 in favor of the Demolition.

Game #2 of the Mid-West Winter League American League Championship Series promises to be an exciting matchup as both teams look to make their mark in the series. Be sure to tune in and catch all the action!

Final Score: Chicago 13 – California 3
Series 1-0 Chicago

Win: Pedro Martinez 1-0 (3.60)
Loss: Bruce Chen 0-1 (23.63)

In a thrilling Game #2 of the Mid-West Winter League American League Championship Series, the Quakes emerged victorious over the Demolition with a final score of 7-2. The game was packed with exciting moments and key plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The game began with a tense atmosphere as the Demolition and the Quakes squared off. Rich Becker led off the game facing Carl Pavano, and despite hitting a hard ground ball wide of third, he was thrown out at first, resulting in the first out. Bobby Higginson followed, and Pavano showcased his pitching skills, striking out Higginson. The last batter of the inning, Carlos Delgado, flew out to center field, ending the top of the 1st with no runs scored.

The Quakes took their turn at bat, and Edgar Alfonzo began the inning by drawing a walk from Roger Clemens. Tim Salmon then hit a ground ball to the shortstop, but a well-executed double play by the Demolition’s infield allowed them to erase Alfonzo at second and get the force out at first. Mark McGwire singled for the Quakes, marking his third hit of the series, and Nomar Garciaparra added to the Quakes’ momentum with a base hit to left field. The inning continued with Darin Erstad hitting a hard bouncer to the shortstop, which resulted in an out at first but allowed McGwire to score. The Quakes took an early 1-0 lead.

The Demolition failed to produce any offense in the top of the 2nd, as Phil Nevin drew a walk but was left stranded on base.

The Quakes also failed to score in the bottom of the 2nd, as Diego Segui struck out, Darrin Fletcher hit a fly ball to left field, and J.D. Drew struck out.

In the top of the 3rd, Denny Hocking hit a dribbler to the left of the mound, but a quick play by the Quakes’ defense allowed them to make the out at first. Edgar Renteria then grounded out, but Rich Becker drew a walk to give the Demolition a runner on base. However, Bobby Higginson‘s deep fly ball to left field was caught by Erstad, ending the inning.

In the bottom of the 3rd, Edgar Alfonzo drew a walk, but the Quakes couldn’t capitalize on it as Tim Salmon hit into a double play. The Quakes held onto their 1-0 lead.

The Demolition were retired in order in the top of the 4th, with Carl Pavano making quick work of the batters, striking out Carlos Delgado and inducing a groundout from Phil Nevin and JefCirillo.

The Quakes were also retired in order in the bottom of the 4th, as Nomar Garciaparra and Darin Erstad both hit fly balls, and Travis Fryman struck out.

In the top of the 5th, the Demolition’s Charles Johnson chopped a ball down the first base line, resulting in an easy out. Shannon Stewart then grounded out, and Denny Hocking struck out.

The Quakes extended their lead in the bottom of the 5th when Diego Segui hit a triple, and Darrin Fletcher followed with an RBI single. A walk to J.D. Drew and a base hit from Edgar Alfonzo put more runners on base, but the Demolition managed to avoid further damage and end the inning.

The Demolition finally got on the board in the top of the 6th. Edgar Renteria led off the inning with a double, breaking up Carl Pavano‘s No-Hitter. Rich Becker struck out, but B. Higginson hit a shot toward the hole, allowing Renteria to score. However, the Quakes’ defense managed to turn a double play to limit the damage, and the score was 3-1 in favor of the Quakes.

In the bottom of the 6th, the Quakes failed to add to their lead, and Trevor Hoffman took over the pitching duties for the Quakes.

The Demolition attempted a comeback in the top of the 7th, as Rich Becker drew a walk, and Bobby Higginson followed with a base hit. Carlos Delgado then hit a ground ball to shortstop, leading to a double play. Phil Nevin hit a single, and Jeff Cirillo walked, loading the bases, but the Demolition couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity.

The Quakes added insurance runs in the bottom of the 7th with a solo home run by Darin Erstad, followed by a base hit from Diego. Segui. However, the Demolition managed to avoid further damage and end the inning.

The Demolition attempted another comeback in the top of the 8th, with Bobby Higginson getting on base, and Carlos Delgado hitting a single to drive in a run. However, they couldn’t score any more runs in the inning.

In the bottom of the 8th, the Quakes extended their lead with a home run from Tim Salmon, making the score 7-2 in favor of the Quakes.

The Demolition made a final push in the top of the 9th, loading the bases, but they couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity, and the game ended with a final score of 7-2 in favor of the Quakes.

The Quakes take Game #2 in the American League Championship Series as they now head back to Chicago for games 3, 4, & 5.  Both teams showcased their skills, and it’s clear that this championship series is far from over.

Final Score: California 7 – Chicago 2
Series tied 1-1

Win: Carl Pavano 1-0 (3.00)
Loss: Roger Clemens 0-1 (5.79) 

In a pivotal Game #3 of the American League Championship Series, the Chicago Demolition have asserted some dominance, taking a there second lead in the series over the California Quakes.

The game started with both teams deadlocked at 1-1 in the series, setting the stage for a crucial matchup. The top of the first inning saw the Quakes go down quietly against Chicago’s Kevin Millwood. The Demolition had the same fate, with their offense unable to break through against California’s Tomokazu Ohka.

The breakthrough came in the bottom of the first inning when Chicago’s Paul Becker managed to draw a walk from Ohka. Subsequent plays, including a bouncer to Edgardo Alfonzo and a blooped hit by Carlos Delgado, led to runners on the corners. Paul Nevin then delivered a solid base hit to left field, driving in Bobby Higginson from third and giving the Demolition a 1-0 lead. The Demolition weren’t done, as Jeff Cirillo followed with a hit deep into the hole at shortstop, scoring Delgado. A decision to send Nevin to third also proved fruitful, as a strong throw came in to Nomar Garciaparra but couldn’t prevent Nevin from safely reaching third. The Demolition extended their lead to 2-0.

The onslaught continued with Charles Johnson roping a ball over third base into left field, bringing in Jeff Cirillo from third to make it 3-0. Shannon Stewart then delivered a line drive to right-center, driving in Johnson and taking the Demolition to a 4-0 advantage. Edgar Renteria was the final batter to cross the plate in the first inning, as he grounded out to short, scoring Stewart to put the Demolition up 5-0.

The Quakes managed to get on the scoreboard in the top of the second when Travis Fryman blasted a home run to center field, making it 3-1.   The Demolition continued their offensive display in the bottom of the second inning, with Delgado and Cirillo both contributing to extend their lead to 8-0. 

In the third inning, despite the Quakes loading the bases with two outs, they couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity to cut into the Demolition’s lead. Chicago’s relentless offense continued in the bottom of the inning, adding two more runs to make it 10-1.

The game saw multiple pitching changes as the Quakes tried to stifle the Demolition’s offensive onslaught. However, the Demolition’s pitchers managed to keep the Quakes in check and maintain their substantial lead.

As the game heads into the later innings, the California Quakes face an uphill battle to try to mount a comeback and avoid falling behind in the series. Game #3 has proven to be a decisive one for the Chicago Demolition, putting them in a favorable position as they aim to secure a spot in the World Series.

The American League Championship Series continues, and the Quakes will need aa road win or two to stay in contention. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting series.

Final Score: Chicago 10 – California 4
Series 2-1 Chicago

Win: Kevin Millwood 1-0 (1.42)
Loss: Tomokazu Ohka 0-1 (33.75)

In a high-stakes showdown, the Chicago Demolition and California Quakes clashed in Game #4 of the American League Championship Series. With the series standing at 2-1 in favor of the Demolition, both teams were eager to gain the upper hand in this pivotal matchup.

The game kicked off with the Demolition taking the field and California Qaukes stepping up to bat in the top of the 1st inning. The score was deadlocked at 0-0, setting the stage for a championship game filled with tension and excitement.

The first inning began with Edgar Alfonzo facing PedroMartinez, and a lead-off walk to Alfonzo set the tone for a thrilling opening inning. However, Martinez quickly found his groove and struck out the next batter, Tim Salmon, with a perfectly placed pitch. The Quakes couldn’t capitalize on their early baserunner, as Martinez continued to impress by retiring the next two batters, Mark McGwire and Nomar Garciaparra.

In the bottom of the 1st inning, the Quakes tried to respond, with Rich Becker facing Bruce Chen on the mound. Unfortunately for the Quakes, Becker was caught swinging, and Chen racked up an early strikeout. Bobby Higginson followed, but he too fell victim to Chen’s pitching, striking out for the second out of the inning. The Quakes’ Carlos Delgado earned a walk, and with Phil Nevin at the plate, a wild pitch allowed Delgado to advance to second. However, Chen bounced back to retire Nevin, leaving the score tied at 0-0 after the first inning.

The game remained a scoreless deadlock through the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th innings as both teams’ pitchers delivered exceptional performances. Martinez continued to dazzle on the mound for the Demolition, while Chen held his own for the Quakes.

In the top of the 5th, the Quakes’ Darin Erstad finally broke the silence with a base hit to right field. Travis Fryman followed and advanced Erstad to second with a stolen base, his first of the series. With Erstad in scoring position, Fryman attempted to steal third but was caught in a close play. Despite a base hit from Darrin Fletcher, Erstad was thrown out at home plate on the ensuing play, leaving the Quakes once again empty-handed.

The bottom of the 5th inning saw the Demolition’s Shannon Stewart hitting a double to right-center field, putting the go-ahead run in scoring position with no outs. However, the Quakes’ defense held strong, preventing the run from scoring.

As the game progressed into the later innings, both teams’ pitchers continued to dominate, keeping the score tied at 0-0.

In the top of the 8th inning, the Quakes threatened with runners on second and third and only one out. However, Justin Speier, who had come in to pitch, managed to escape the jam and keep the game tied.

The bottom of the 9th brought the most thrilling moment of the game. The Demolition’s Phil Nevin led off with a single, and he was replaced by the speedy Tony Womack as a pinch-runner. Womack’s presence on the basepaths immediately made a difference as he stole second base, putting the winning run in scoring position.

J. Cirillo then delivered a clutch hit to right-center field. Despite a strong throw from the outfield, Womack attempted to score from second as he blew rightthrough the stop sign at 3rd Base. The Quakes’ defense executed a perfect relay, gunning Womack down at the plate in a dramatic play.

With the winning run cut down at home, the game moved into extra innings. The 10th inning passed without any runs, and the score remained knotted at 0-0 with both teams’ pitchers and defenses putting on an impressive display of skill and determination.

This epic contest will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the classics in the American League Championship Series. The series now stands at 2-2 with game #5 the last game in Chicago before the teams fly west back to California for game #6 & maybe a game #7.

Final Score: California 2 – Chicago 0 (11 Innings)
Series tied 2-2

Win: Trevor Hoffman 1-0 (0.00)
Loss: Hipolito Pichardo 0-1 (18.00)
Save: Mike Myers #1

The Mid-West Winter League American League Championship Series found itself in an intense battle, with the Chicago Demolition and the California Quakes locked in a 2-2 tie in this championship game.

Top of the 1st Inning: Quakes 0, Demolition 0 The game began with an air of excitement as it was a championship match. Edgar Alfonzo, for the Quakes, faced off against Roger Clemens for the Demolition. Alfonzo started strong, hitting a ground ball that got past Delgado at second base, securing him a base hit, his fourth of the series. But the Demolition quickly regrouped, and Clemens struck out Tim Salmon, bringing the first out.

Mark McGwire then stepped up and delivered a powerful hit that soared over the fences, a two-run shot, giving the Quakes a 2-0 lead. Nomar Garciaparra lifted a high fly ball, which was safely caught by center fielder Stewart, resulting in the second out. Darin Erstad hit a ground ball to shortstop Edgar Renteria, who made a quick throw to first, just beating out Erstad and ending the inning. The Quakes took an early 2-0 lead.

Bottom of the 1st Inning: Quakes 2, Demolition 0 In response, the Demolition took their turn at bat. Rich Becker faced Carl Pavano on the mound and drew a walk. Bobby Higginson then hit a sharp line drive to right field, resulting in a double. The Demolition decided to hold Becker at third. Carlos Delgado came up to bat, but a checked swing led to a strikeout, and Pavano needed to go after Nevin in a similar way. Phil Nevin delivered a blooper down the left field line that dropped in, scoring two runs and tying the game 2-2.

Jeff Cirillo hit a bullet to right field, but Nevin, the runner at second, was held at third. Charles Johnson came up, and although he hit a fly ball to center field, it wasn’t deep enough to score a run, and the Demolition didn’t take the chance to send Nevin home.

Top of the 2nd Inning: Quakes 2, Demolition 2 The Quakes came back to the plate, with Travis Fryman leading off. He hit a ground ball that got past Renteria at shortstop for a single. Diedgo Segui was up next but was struck out by Clemens, who recorded his first out of the inning. Darrin Fletcher took a pitch to the shoulder, extending his streak of reaching base to five games. J.D. Drew hit a ball into right-center field for a base hit, and the Qaukes considered sending Fryman home, but he was thrown out at the plate. However, Fletcher was safe at third, and Drew made it to second on the throw. Edgar Alfonzo stepped up but struck out, leaving two Quakes runners on base.

Bottom of the 2nd Inning: Quakes 2, Demolition 2 The Demolition returned to the plate. Shannon Stewart hit a ball that was initially ruled a foul, and he eventually flew out to right field. Denny Hocking swung and missed, resulting in a strikeout. Edgar Renteria drew a walk, and Rich Becker came up to bat. Becker swung and missed for strike three, and the inning ended with the score tied at 2-2.

Top of the 3rd Inning: Quakes 2, Demolition 2 The Quakes sent Mark McGwire to the plate to lead off the third inning. Clemens walked him, putting a runner on base. Nomar Garciaparra lifted a high pop fly to left field for the first out. D. Erstad hit a line drive that was caught by the shortstop, and Travis Fryman grounded out to first to end the inning.

Bottom of the 3rd Inning: Quakes 2, Demolition 2 The Demolition’s Carlos Delgado led off the inning, but he grounded out to the first baseman, who made the play unassisted. Phil Nevin was called out on strikes, and Jeff Cirillo hit a fly ball to center field to end the inning.

Top of the 4th Inning: Quakes 2, Demolition 2 In the fourth inning, Diego Segui walked to start the Quakes’ at-bat. Darrin Fletcher grounded into a double play, with Roger Clemens covering first base. J.D. Drew then hit a deep fly ball to right field, but it was caught at the wall for the third out.

Bottom of the 4th Inning: Quakes 2, Demolition 2 In the bottom of the fourth, Shannon Stewart hit a ball that was nearly a home run but landed foul. He eventually struck out. Denny Hocking hit a sharp grounder down the third base line, which was fielded cleanly for the second out. Edgar Renteria managed to get a single, and Rich Becker walked to put two runners on base. Bobby Higginson then stepped up and singled to center, scoring Renteria and giving the Demolition a 3-2 lead. Carlos Delgado came up next but popped out to the second baseman, ending the inning.

Top of the 5th Inning: Quakes 2, Demolition 3 Roger Clemens was back on the mound for the Demolition in the fifth inning. Edgar Alfonzo hit a fly ball to left field for the first out. Mark McGwire then grounded out to third base. Nomar Garciaparra hit a high pop fly to right field to end the top of the fifth.

Bottom of the 5th Inning: Quakes 2, Demolition 3 The Demolition’s Phil Nevin led off the bottom of the fifth with a groundout. Jeff Cirillo followed with a flyout to center field. Charles Johnson then grounded out to third base, ending the inning.

Top of the 6th Inning: Quakes 2, Demolition 3 Clemens continued to dominate on the mound in the top of the sixth inning. Darin Erstad led off for the Quakes but struck out. Tim Salmon followed and also struck out. Diego Segui managed to reach first base on a walk. Darrin Fletcher grounded out to shortstop, and the Demolition retained their one-run lead.

Bottom of the 6th Inning: Quakes 2, Demolition 3 The Demolition’s Edgar Renteria started the bottom of the sixth with a strikeout. Rich Becker hit a deep fly ball to center field, but it was caught near the wall. Bobby Higginson walked to reach base. Carlos Delgado came up and lined a base hit to center, moving Higginson to second. Phil Nevin grounded out to first base, ending the inning with the Quakes still ahead 3-2.

Top of the 7th Inning: Quakes 3, Demolition 2 In the top of the seventh, J.D. Drew got things started for the Quakes with a base hit. Edgar Alfonzo then singled to right, and the Quakes had two runners on base with no outs. M. McGwire stepped up to the plate and swung at the first pitch, sending a long fly ball to deep center field. Stewart chased it down and made an incredible leaping catch at the wall, saving a potential home run. The Quakes runners tagged up, with Drew advancing to third and Alfonzo moving to second. Nomar Garciaparra came to the plate and swung at the first pitch, hitting a fly ball to right field. Drew tagged up and scored, tying the game 3-3, while Alfonzo advanced to third on the play.   D. Erstad grounded out to third base, ending the inning with the game now tied.

Bottom of the 7th Inning: Quakes 3, Demolition 3 The Demolition began the bottom of the seventh with Jeff Cirillo at bat. Cirillo singled to right field. Charles Johnson then grounded out to second base, advancing Cirillo to second. Shannon Stewart came up to bat and hit a ground ball that went through the legs of the second baseman. This allowed Cirillo to score and gave the Demolition a 4-3 lead. Denny Hocking struck out, and Edgar Renteria grounded out to end the inning.

Top of the 8th Inning: Demolition 4 Quakes 3, the Quakes started the eighth inning with Tim Salmon at bat. Salmon grounded out to second base. Diego Segui then singled to left field. Darrin Fletcher came up and grounded into a double play, ending the inning.

Bottom of the 8th Inning: Quakes 3, Demolition 4 In the bottom of the eighth, Rich Becker led off with a base hit to center field. Bobby Higginson followed with a walk, putting two runners on base. Carlos Delgado then bunted and reached first safely, loading the bases with no outs. Phil Nevin hit a deep fly ball to center field, allowing Becker to tag up and score on the sacrifice fly. The Demolition extended their lead to 5-3, while the other runners held their positions. Jeff Cirillo struck out for the second out, and Charles Johnson grounded out to shortstop, ending the inning.

Top of the 9th Inning: Demolition 4, Quakes 3, the Demolition had Joey Hamilton who pitched the 8th on to pitch the 9th inning. J.D. Drew led off for the Quakes and hit a deep fly ball to right field for the first out. Edgar Alfonzo grounded out to third base for the second out. Mark McGwire came to the plate with two outs, but he struck out swinging to end the game.

Final Score: Demolition 4, Quakes 3 The Chicago Demolition takes a 3-2 lead in the Mid-West Winter League American League Championship Series, taking the game 4-3. The Demolition fans were elated & had high hopes of seeing another game in the Windy City if they can win one in California.

Final Score: Chicago 10 – California 4
Series 3-2 Chicago

Win: Joey Hamilton 1-0 (2.25)
Loss: John Franco 0-1 (27.00) 

In a thrilling game #6, the Demolition and the Quakes squared off in a head-to-head battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The Quakes emerged victorious with a commanding 8-5 win over the Demolition, securing their place in baseball history.

The game started with the Demolition showing their determination from the very first inning. The crowd could feel the excitement in the air as Rich Becker stepped up to face Britt Reames in the top of the 1st. However, it was the Quakes’ solid fielding that stole the show early on, with Darin Erstad making a spectacular catch that set the tone for the game.

The Quakes’s hopes were high as Edgar Alfonzo faced Kevin Millwood in the bottom of the 1st. But Millwood delivered a pitch that turned the tide, leading to a groundout and keeping the score even.  Despite their strong defense in the top of the 1st, the Quakes failed to score in the bottom of the 1st, and the game remained tied at 0-0.

In the top of the 3rd, the Demolitions took a lead with Rich Becker‘s double and a Bobby Higginson base hit, resulting in two runs. However, the Quake didn’t back down. They quickly tied the game in the bottom of the 3rd with a double from Nomar Garciaparra and a single from Darin Erstad.

The game saw another twist in the 4th inning when Diego Segui hit a home run, giving the Quakes a 1-run lead. The Demolition’s pitcher, Kevin Millwood, was replaced after this, and the Quakes capitalized on the change. They extended their lead to 6-3 with a 3-run homer from Mark McGwire in the 6th inning.

The Quakes’ dominance continued in the 7th inning, with Darrin Feltcher reaching base, J.D. DREW drawing a walk, and Edgar Alfonso singling. This set the stage for Mark McGwire, who delivered a massive home run, further extending the Quakes’ lead to 8-3.

The Demolition attempted a comeback in the 8th inning, with Phil Nevin hitting a home run to cut the lead to 8-5. However, it wasn’t enough to catch up with the Quakes. The game ended with a series of singles and a double from the Demolition, but the Quakes’ solid pitching and defense held them off.

The Quakes secured a Game #7 with an 8-5 victory, demonstrating their resilience and consistency throughout the game. With standout performances from players like Mark McGwire, who hit a critical home run along with some solid defensive plays by the team, the Quakes were able to push this one to a game #7.

Final Score: California 8 – Chicago 5
Series tied 3-3

Win: Britt Reames 1-0 (4.82)
Loss: Tony McKnight 0-1 (6.43)
Save: Trevor Hoffman #1

The championship showdown between the Demolition and the Quakes was nothing short of a dominating display of baseball prowess. The Demolition triumphed over the Quakes in a resounding 10-1 victory, showcasing their exceptional skill and control over the game. From the very first pitch to the final out, the Demolition established their championship potential.

The game began with an intense atmosphere, both teams fully aware of the stakes. R. Becker of the Demolition faced off against B. Chen of the Quakes in a duel that set the tone for the game. Chen delivered a powerful pitch that left R. Becker swinging and missing, striking him out. This electrifying moment signaled the intensity of the match.

However, the Demolition quickly bounced back as B. Higginson hit a base hit, putting the first runner on base. The crowd erupted in cheers, witnessing the first signs of offensive power from the Demolition. C. Delgado’s patience at the plate paid off when he drew a walk, putting Higginson in scoring position and extending his impressive on-base streak to five games.

The climax of the inning came when P. Nevin stepped up to the plate and sent the crowd into a frenzy with a powerful swing that resulted in a three-run home run. The Demolition had taken an early 3-0 lead, and the energy in the stadium was palpable. J. Cirillo followed up with a walk, marking the seventh consecutive game in which he reached base. The Demolition continued to press, with C. Johnson launching a two-run homer. The Quakes’ manager, George Skiles, made a quick decision to replace Chen with Mike Myers, but the damage was done, with the Demolition leading 5-0.

In the opening inning, the Demolition showed their championship potential, capitalizing on every opportunity, and the Quakes’ pitching struggled to contain the potent Chicago offense. After a three-run homer and a two-run shot, the Demolition established an early 5-0 lead.

The Quakes, desperate to respond, had their chance in the bottom of the first inning, facing the Demolition’s ace & potential Cy Young Award Winner, Pedro Martinez. Edgar Alfonzo led off the inning but was struck out in a pivotal moment for the Demolition’s pitcher. Tim Salmon followed with a strikeout, adding to Martinez’s impressive tally.

The Quakes’ power hitter, Mark McGwire, finally made contact, hitting a single, but that would be their only hit in the inning. The Demolition’s defense showed their exceptional skills by turning down a potential run, with Nomar Garciaparra‘s double and Darin Erstad‘s groundout.

The Quakes struggled to mount a comeback in the bottom of the first inning, facing the Demolition’s star pitcher. They couldn’t capitalize on the one hit they managed, and the score remained 5-0 in favor of the Demolition.

The Demolition’s relentless offense continued in the second inning as Edgr Renteria singled with no outs. Rich Becker‘s hard-hit single to third base advanced Renteria to second, and he would later score, extending the Demolition’s lead to 6-0. BobbyHigginson added another base hit, showing his consistency in the series. The Quakes’ Mike Myers, who had replaced Bruce Chen, made a strong effort to stop the bleeding by getting the final out of the inning.

In the top of the second, the Demolition continued to pile on the pressure, with another run scored, extending their lead to 6-0, leaving the Quakes with a significant deficit to overcome.

The Quakes attempted to stage a comeback in the bottom of the second inning but faced formidable opposition in the form of Pedro Martinez. Travis Fryman was the only Quakes batter to reach base in the inning with a hit. Diego Segui and Darrin Fletcher both made outs, with impressive plays by the Demolition’s defense. The Quakes failed to score, leaving the score at 6-0 in favor of the Demolition.

In the top of the third, the Demolition extended their lead even further. Carlos Delgado, the Demolition’s leadoff hitter, reached first base on an error but was eventually retired. Phil Nevin followed with a single, and Jeff Cirillo grounded out, advancing the runners. With two outs, Charles Johnson came through again, hitting a two-run double that brought in Delgado and Nevin. The Demolition now led 8-0.

The third inning saw the Demolition extend their lead to 8-0, displaying their dominance both offensively and defensively. Their strong pitching and error-free defense left the Quakes struggling to make a comeback.

The Quakes desperately needed to get their offense going, but they continued to face Martinez, who was in top form. With a runner on base, the Quakes had a glimmer of hope. Darin Erstad grounded into a double play, ending the inning and shutting down the Quakes’ chances once again.

The Quakes were unable to gain any ground in the third inning. The score remained at 8-0 as the Demolition’s defense continued to shine.

The Demolition showed no mercy in the fourth inning, extending their lead to 8-0 with more strong offensive play. The Quakes were struggling to contain the Demolition’s potent lineup.  In the top of the fourth, the Demolition continued their offensive onslaught. Edgar Renteria singled, and Rich Becker followed with another hit, moving Renteria to third. Rich Becker then successfully stole second base, putting both runners in scoring position. Bobby Higginson came through again with a single, driving in both Renteria and Becker. The Demolition now led 8-0, and the game seemed well in hand.

The Quakes were still unable to break through in the fourth inning. Pedro Martinez continued to dominate on the mound for the Demolition.  As the game entered the bottom of the fourth, the Quakes knew that their chances of a comeback were dwindling. Facing Pedro Martinez, they were hoping for a breakthrough. Edgar Alfonzo was struck out, and Tim Salmon followed with a flyout. Mark McGwire tried to provide some spark with a base hit, but it was too little, too late. The Quakes’ struggles continued as Martinez maintained his control.

With a significant lead, the Demolition seemed content to maintain their advantage. In the top of the sixth, the Quakes’ pitcher, Myers, managed to retire the side once again, preventing the Demolition from adding to their lead.

In the sixth inning, the Demolition made no effort to extend their lead, and the Quakes’ pitching held them scoreless. The score remained 10-0, with the Demolition in a commanding position.

Despite their efforts, the Quakes couldn’t mount a comeback in the bottom of the seventh. They faced Joey Hamilton and failed to break through the Demolition’s defenses, leaving the score at 8-0.

The Demolition continued their dominance in the eighth inning when Charles Johnson hit a home run, extending the lead to 10-0.

In the bottom of the eighth, the Quakes managed to score a run when J.D. Drew hit a home run, putting them on the scoreboard at 10-1.

With a significant lead, the Demolition added to their advantage in the top of the ninth. Jeff Cirillo‘s walk and Charles Johnson‘s run-scoring play extended their lead to 11-1. The Demolition strategically traded an out for an extra run.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Quakes tried to stage a late-game rally as Travis Fryman hit a double. However, they couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity, and the game ended with the Demolition securing an emphatic victory.

The Demolition’s all-around performance, including pitching, defense, and timely hitting, showcased their solid team play, exciting offense and brought them one step closer to the World Series. 

Final Score: Chicago 11 – California 1
Series Chicago Wins the Series 4-3

Win: Pedro Martinez 2-0 (1.06)
Loss: Bruce Chen 0-2 (12.00) 

Pedro Martinez was the undeniable star of the series, making three critical starts for the Chicago Demolition. He finished with an impeccable 2-0 record and a remarkable 1.06 ERA, tallying an impressive 17 strikeouts. His dominance on the mound was a major factor in Chicago’s success.

On the offensive side, Phil Nevin was a force to be reckoned with for the Demolition. He batted a scorching .440 and drove in a remarkable 11 runs throughout the series, making him a clutch contributor in key moments. Mark McGwire, representing the California Quakes, also made his presence felt, batting .400 and providing consistent hits throughout the series. Nomar Garciaparra was another standout for the Quakes, amassing 10 hits during the series.

Both Nevin and McGwire’s remarkable consistency was on full display, as they each collected hits in all seven games of the series. Bobby Higginson had a memorable Game 1 for Chicago, smashing three home runs in the first five innings and contributing significantly to his team’s victory. He also scored eight runs over the course of the series.

Rich Becker, Carlos Delgado, and Jeff Cirillo exhibited exceptional plate discipline, with Becker drawing 8 walks and Delgado and Cirillo both earning 7 walks for the Demolition. Their ability to get on base played a crucial role in Chicago’s offensive success.

In terms of team statistics, Chicago maintained a .275 batting average, while California was close behind at .269. However, it was the pitching that made the most significant difference. Chicago’s pitching staff collectively posted an impressive 4.00 ERA, whereas California struggled with a 6.29 ERA.

With his outstanding performance, Pedro Martinez was undoubtedly named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the American League Championship Series. His exceptional pitching and leadership were instrumental in securing Chicago’s berth in the World Series.

As the Chicago Demolition celebrates their hard-fought victory, they now set their sights on the ultimate goal – winning the World Series and etching their names into the annals of baseball history, but they will face a very good opponent in the Long Beach Titans.