Wild Wild Card

Las Vegas --- The Las Vegas Fremonts beat the Kansas City Butchers tonight 5-4 in an 11-inning thriller settling the Friendship League’s one game Wild Card playoff. Robinson Cano singled home Shohei Ohtani for the winning run off Butchers ace closer Craig Kimbrell.

The ‘Monts took an early 2-0 lead courtesy of a two-run Marcus Semien long ball off Kansas City starter J.A. Happ in the second. Carlos Carrasco replaced Happ in the third and dueled with ‘Monts starter Trevor Bauer over the next 3 ½ innings. 

The Butchers drew even in the 5^th without a hit after Bauer waked three consecutive hitters. Joe Jimenez replaced Bauer with a walk to Jonathan Vilar driving in a run. Tyler Rodgers replaced Jimenez and Max Stassi's passed ball tied the score.

A George Springer RBI double pulled Kansas City ahead 3-2 the top of the seventh; only to be answered by Stassi’s two run double in the bottom of the frame. Giancarlo Stanton lead off the eight with a game-tying a home run off Fremont reliever Nick Vincent; the last score before the wild extra inning finish.

In the home half of the 10^th, Mark Canha lead off for the ‘Monts with a double and was advanced to third on a Leury Garcia sacrifice bunt. Semien and Jackie Bradley Jr. drew back-to-back walks but Las Vegas failed to score after Kimbrell struck out Dave Robertson and Jose Ramirez flew out to center.

It seemed to be the end of line for Las Vegas in the top of the 11^th as Kansas City loaded the bases with no outs. Fremont starter Trevor Cahill came on to strike out Xander Bogarts, then retire Alex Bergman and Kris Davis with fly outs to center.

A tired Kimbrell came out to start the 11^th, gave up the winner and the Las Vegas Fremonts advanced to the playoffs for the first time in their 10-year history.

“First, our hats off to a fine Kansas City club and their manager for a great season and a game for the ages,” the drunk and Miller Lite soaked General Manger told reporters after the game, “we didn’t expect much this season, but our team produced down the stretch and we’re able to give our deserving fans a trip to the playoffs.”

 The after game party was delayed until the Tom Jones impersonator arrived

Commuters are encouraged to avoid the Fremont Street area until further notice

Fremont fans continue to celebrate as of press time, dancing around the Moe Green statue outside the ballpark deep into the night. Celebrations are expected to continue until the team makes their first playoff appearance against the Michigan Mammoths.