2000 A.L. DIVISION SERIES #2

What tips the scales in favor of the Chicago Demolition is their precious home-field advantage, secured by their razor-thin victory in the regular season series, where they narrowly outpaced the Bootleggers, winning seven of the thirteen games played. This edge could be pivotal in a high-stakes postseason encounter.

The Chicago Demolition, led by their charismatic manager, Stray Corrado, have earned a reputation for their power-packed lineup and an ace pitching rotation that’s nothing short of elite. The Demolition have proven time and again that they can both hit and pitch with the best in the league, making them a formidable force to reckon with.

On the other side, the Corktown Bootleggers, managed by the experienced skipper, Chris DeMecurio, have an equally imposing roster. They showcase a blend of youthful exuberance and veteran expertise, which has led them to claim the top spot in the highly competitive American League East.

Expect a clash of baseball philosophies, as the Demolition aim to rely on their brawny offense and dominant pitching, while the Bootleggers are set to outmaneuver with their strategic gameplay and resilient defense. This series is bound to be a showcase of baseball at its finest, filled with thrilling moments that will keep fans at the edge of their seats.

However, the path to victory won’t be an easy one for either of these Mid-West Winter League powerhouses, as looming in the wings are the California Quakes, who have already clinched their spot in the American League Championship Series. Whichever team triumphs in the Chicago vs. Corktown showdown will face the formidable Quakes, who are looking to make their mark in the postseason and prove that they are the team to beat in the American League.

As the first pitch of this Division Series approaches, fans of both the Chicago Demolition and the Corktown Bootleggers can hardly contain their excitement. This is baseball at its finest, where legends are born and dynasties are forged. Grab your peanuts and cracker jacks, because this Mid-West Winter League Division Series is here to thrill, entertain, and leave us all in awe of the great American pastime. The only question that remains is, who will emerge victorious in this epic clash of titans? The answer is just a few games away.

In a highly anticipated Division Series Showdown, the Chicago Demolition came out swinging, securing their place as a solid World Series contender in a thrilling game against the Corktown Bootleggers. The final score stood at 9-5 in favor of the Demolition, a testament to their stellar performance throughout the game.

From the very start, it was evident that this Division Series Game was destined to be a memorable one. The Bootleggers and Demolition battled fiercely, both teams determined to take home the early lead in the Series.

In the top of the first inning, the Bootleggers were met with exceptional pitching from the Demolition’s Pedro Martinez. He held the Bootleggers scoreless, managing to retire three consecutive batters, including the talented Scott Rolen and Jason Giambi. The Demolition defense was a force to be reckoned with.

The bottom of the first inning saw the Demolition taking the lead, with base hits from Rich Becker, Bobby Higginson, and Carlos Delgado resulting in a 1-0 lead. Despite some aggressive plays, including a failed attempt to score a second run, the Demolition were well on their way to securing the championship.

As the game progressed, the Demolition’s power hitters continued to dominate.Carlos Delgado, Becker, and Higginson all had spectacular moments, increasing the lead to 6-0 in the second inning. A close play at the plate resulted in an out for the Bootleggers, a testament to their tenacity in the field.

The Bootleggers made a valiant effort to come back in the top of the fourth inning, with Alex Rodriguez and Andres Galarraga both delivering impressive Home Runs. Still, the Demolition’s solid defense held strong, maintaining their lead.

In the sixth inning, the Demolition’s Carlos Delgado added another run with a home run, widening the gap to 8-4. The Bootleggers tried to rally in the seventh, loading the bases, but Hipolito Pichardo came in to relieve Pedro Martinez, closing the door and securing the win.

The Chicago Demolition emerged victorious, demonstrating their prowess on both offense and defense. However, a 4 game injury to Edgar Renteria will leave Chicago short for Games, 2, 3, & 4 with a 4 game injury to his left hamstring.

Final Score: Chicago 9 – Corktown 5
Series 1-0 Chicago

Win: Pedro Martinez 1-0 (7.11)
Loss: Stan Spencer 0-1(21.00)

In a Division Series that had baseball fans on the edge of their seats, the Bootleggers managed to secure a thrilling victory against the Demolition, winning the title with a final score of 5-2.

The game was a pitching duel from the start, featuring two of the league’s most formidable hurlers. Alex Rodriguez was the first to face off against Roger Clemens in the top of the 1st inning. However, a well-placed strikeout by Clemens set the tone for the game. The Bootleggers had a breakthrough in the top of the 1st when Scott Rolen managed to ground out, but not before bringing in the first run, courtesy of Jason Giambi‘s double. The Bootleggers took a 1-0 lead.

The Demolition were not about to let the game slip away so easily. In the bottom of the 1st, they answered back when Phil Nevin launched a home run to tie the score at 1-1.

As the game unfolded, both teams showcased their pitching prowess. It wasn’t until the top of the 6th inning that Jason Giambi broke the deadlock with a solo home run, putting the Bootleggers ahead 2-1. This marked the beginning of a scoring spree for the Bootleggers.

In the top of the 7th inning, the Bootleggers extended their lead, with a double from Alex Rodriguez followed by an RBI sac fly by Albert Belle. In the same inning, Jason Giambi stepped up to the plate and sent another pitch over the wall, giving the Bootleggers a 5-1 lead.

The Demolition fought back in the bottom of the 7th, as Shannon Stewart and Denny Hocking both hit for extra bases, allowing the Demolition to score another run. However, the Bootleggers managed to escape the inning with their lead intact at 5-2.

The final innings saw some stellar pitching by both teams, with no further scoring changes. The Bootleggers held on to their lead, securing a 5-2 victory and tying the series.

This game will undoubtedly be remembered for its intense pitching performances, crucial home runs, and the Bootleggers’ outstanding defensive plays. The Bootleggers celebrate & game home field advantage, while the Demolition put up a valiant fight but fell short in taking a 2-0 lead.

As the baseball seasonunwinds, fans can reflect on the first two Division Series games that showcased the essence of the MWWL – a couple of thrilling contest that kept everyone on the edge of their seats until the final outs were recorded.

Final Score: Corktown 5 – Chicago 2
Series tied at 1-1

Win: Paul Abbott1-0 (1.69)
Loss: Roger Clemens 0-1 (4.26)
Save: Roberto Hernandez #1

Game #3 between the ​Demolition and the ​Bootleggers, the action was intense from the start. In the top of the 1st inning, the score was tied 0-0 with no outs and bases empty. ​Rich Becker faced ​James Baldwin and struck out, followed by ​Bobby Higginson also striking out. Carlos  Delgado managed to hit a single, his 5th hit of the series, but Charles Johnson grounded weakly to first for the third out.

In the bottom of the 1st inning, with the score 0-0. Ray Lankford faced Kevin Millwood and hit a high pop fly to right field, which was caught for the first out. Alex Rodriguez hit a squibber in front of the plate and was thrown out at first for the second out. Jason Giambi then hit a single to right center, his 6th hit of the series. Ellis Burks hit a fly ball to center field that was caught for the final out.

Moving on to the top of the 2nd inning, the score was still tied at 0-0. Phil Nevin hit a double to left and reached second safely. Shannon Stewart hit a line drive to left, resulting in a run for the Demolition, making it 1-0. Jeff Cirillo faced Baldwin and struck out, followed by Denny Hocking hitting a double and bringing in another run, making it 2-0. Tony Womack hit a high fly ball to center, but the coach signaled to stop and the ball was returned to the infield. Rich Becker faced Baldwin for the 2nd time & walked to first to load the bases, but Bobby Higginson struck out, leaving the bases loaded.

In the bottom of the 2nd inning, the score remained 2-0 in favor of the Demolition. Scott Rolen hit a double to the left-center power alley, his 1st double of the series. Andres Galarraga hit a hard liner to Hocking, resulting in a great catch for the first out. Albert Belle hit a deep ball to left-center, resulting in a double and a run for the Bootleggers, making it 2-1. Eric Young hit a moonshot to right field, but it was caught for the second out. Brad Ausmus hit an infield roller that was thrown out at first for the final out.

Moving on to the top of the 3rd inning, the Demolition extended their lead to 4-1. Carlos Delgado hit a home run, followed by a home run by Charles Johnson, making it back-to-back homers for the Demolition. The Bootleggers’ manager decided to replace James Baldwin with Todd Stottlemyre. The Demolition continued to dominate in the 4th inning, with Stottlemyre struggling to contain the Demolition’s offense. The score extended to 7-1 in favor of the Demolition.

In the bottom of the 4th inning, the Bootleggers managed to score two runs, bringing the score to 7-3. Ray Lankford hit a single, followed by a double by Albert Belle, resulting in a run for the Bootleggers. Eric Young hit a fly ball to right field, allowing another run to score. However, their efforts were not enough to catch up to the Demolition.

In the top of the 6th inning, the Demolition continued their strong performance. Todd Stottlemyre struggled to contain them, and the score extended to 12-3 in favor of the Demolition. They added another run in the top of the 7th inning, extending their lead to 13-3. From there, both teams had few scoring opportunities, and the game ended with a final score of 13-3 in favor of the Demolition.

The Demolition showed their dominance in Game #3, with strong hitting and pitching performance. The Bootleggers struggled to keep up and couldn’t close the gap. The Demolition now lead the series 2 games to 1, inching closer to moving on to the League Championship Series.

Final Score: Chicago 13 – Corktown 3
Series 2-1 Chicago

Win: Kevin Millwood 1-0 (1.35)
Loss: James Baldwin 0-1 (22.50)

In a high-stakes Game 4 of the American League Division Series, the Chicago Demolition proved their mettle against the Corktown Bootleggers, winning 9-4 to inch one game closer to advancing to the American League Championship. The Demolition took an early lead and maintained their dominance throughout the game.

The game kicked off with a solid defensive performance from both sides, as pitchers Rich Becker for the Demolition and Stan Spencer for the Bootleggers held their opponents scoreless in the first inning. The action was tight, with Becker, Spencer, and the fielders making critical plays to keep the score at 0-0.

The Demolition broke the deadlock in the top of the third inning. Jeff Cirillo capitalized on an error by the Bootleggers’ defense, reaching first base. Denny Hocking walked, and Tony Womack‘s hit brought Cirillo home, giving the Demolition a 1-0 lead. This run marked the beginning of a dominant offensive performance by the Demolition.

In the following inning, the Demolition extended their lead to 4-0. Phil Nevin walked, and Shannon Stewart‘s deep fly ball scored a run. Jeff Cirillo‘s hit allowed another run, while Bobby Higginson‘s single brought in the third. The Bootleggers’ defense struggled to contain the Demolition’s offensive onslaught.

Despite their early struggles, the Bootleggers managed to score two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, closing the gap to 4-2. Errors by the Demolition’s defense allowed Alex Rodriguez to reach first and subsequently score. However, they couldn’t capitalize further as RayLankford was thrown out at home.

In the top of the seventh inning, the Demolition unleashed their bats again, adding three more runs to their tally. The Bootleggers’ defense faltered with errors, and the Demolition took full advantage. Charles Johnson‘s hit brought in a run, and a subsequent error allowed another run to score. Bobby Higginson‘s single extended the lead to 7-2.

The Demolition kept their momentum going into the eighth inning, scoring one more run after Shannon Stewart‘s double. Albert Belle hit a  home run in the bottom of the eighth gave the Bootleggers a glimmer of hope, but they couldn’t muster enough offense to overcome the Demolition’s sizable lead.

In the top of the ninth inning, the Demolition added another insurance run when Eli Marrero hit a home run, making the score 9-2. The Bootleggers put up a fight in the bottom of the ninth, scoring two runs, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback. Alex Rodriguez and Ray Lankford capitalized on errors, but the Demolition’s defense held strong to secure the 9-4 victory.

With this win, the Chicago Demolition low leads the series 3-1 and is 1 win away from securing their spot in the American League Championship Series. Their dominant offensive performance, combined with sturdy pitching and fielding, showcased the depth and talent of this team. The Corktown Bootleggers fought valiantly but ultimately fell short in game #4.  Lets see what happens in Game #5 before we write off the Bootleggers.

Final Score: Chicago 8 – Corktown 2
Series 3-1 Chicago

Win: Pedro Martinez 2-0 (3.21)
Loss: Stan Spencer 0-2 (10.61)

In a high-stakes showdown in the American League Division Series, the Chicago Demolition proved their mettle by defeating the Corktown Bootleggers with a commanding 4-0 victory in Game 5. This decisive win sealed the series for the Demolition, with a final tally of 4-1 in favor of the Windy City team.

The game commenced with an air of anticipation, recognizing that it was an elimination game for one of these two teams.  Yet both teams had their eyes set on advancing further into the playoffs, and the tension was palpable as they took the field.

The Demolition, led by pitcher Roger Clemens, took charge in the top of the 1st inning, shutting down the Bootleggers’ offense without allowing any runs. The Bootleggers sent Paul Abbott to the mound to counter Clemens.

However, Abbott struggled in the top of the 1st inning. After walking the leadoff batter, Rich Becker, Bobby Higginson stepped up to the plate. Higginson’s hit resulted in a double, sending Becker to third.  A 3-run home run by Carlos Delgado, then gave the Demolition an early 3-0 lead.

The Demolition continued their offensive momentum in the top of the 1st inning, as Charles Johnson recorded a base hit and Phil Nevin hit a deep fly to left field. Despite Johnson’s attempt to reach third base, the Bootleggers managed to prevent any further damage.

In the bottom of the 1st inning, the Bootleggers struggled to generate any offense against Clemens. The veteran pitcher was in control, striking out one batter and retiring the side.

The Demolition held their 3-0 lead until the top of the 3rd inning when Phil Nevin hit a double, setting the stage for a deep fly from Shannon Stewart that drove Nevin home, extending their lead to 4-0.

The Bootleggers couldn’t muster much offense against Clemens, who delivered a stellar performance during his time on the mound. 

As the game reached the late innings, the Demolition’s pitching and defense remained airtight. In the bottom of the 7th inning, Chicago manager Stray Corrado made a pitching change, bringing in Nelson P. Cruz. Cruz continued to dominate the Bootleggers’ lineup, recording crucial outs.

Entering the 9th inning with a four-run cushion, the Bootleggers Andres Gallaraga, Ray Lankford & Albert Belle faced the Demolitions’ reliever, Nelson P. Cruz & after three infield groundball outs the Demolition secured the win, &  clinching the Division Series.

With this victory, the Chicago Demolition advanced to the next round of the playoffs, the American League Championships – demonstrating their prowess and resilience on the baseball field. They would undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in their pursuit of a championship title.   But the will go up against the formidable California Quakes

Final Score: Chicago 4 – Corktown 0
Chicago win the Series 4-1

Win: Roger Clemens 1-1 (2.08)
Loss: Paul Abbott 0-1 (6.14)

The Chicago Demolition’s combination of powerful hitting, stellar pitching, and strong defense proved to be the winning formula in this series. They now advance to face the California Quakes in the American League Championship Series, aiming to continue their pursuit of a American League Championship title. The Corktown Bootleggers put up a valiant fight but were unable to overcome the Demolition’s dominance.