After fighting their way into a wildcard berth, having to battle Maine, Las Vegas and Kansas City down to the last game, it was off to the divisional series against the 50-31 mighty Michigan Mammoths.
Splitting the first two in Michigan, the Commodores came back to Commodore Perry Stadium. Games 3 and 4 were hard fought, exciting one run victories that could have gone either way but Lake Erie prevailed in both. Then Iwakuma put the finishing touches on the series victory with a 6-0 complete game shutout, giving Lake Erie the 4-1 series victory. It was now on to Boston to face the Bobcats in the World Series.
Boston came off a tough 7 game series win over the back to back defending champion Minnesota Men. Facing a well rested Commodore crew would prove to be too much to over come. As in the prior series Lake Erie was able to gain a split in Boston and it was finished in Commodore Perry Stadium. In the decisive game 3, the Lake Erie bullpen was able to hold on for a 2-1 victory. That seemed to sink the Bobcats as the Commodores then went on to win the final 2 games 7-1 and 9-5.
This is the 1st championship ever won in Doug Ebbole's Friendship League career, including back in his 1st stint in the 1990's.
Congrats to a great year for all. Everyone got the season finished on time: it was an exciting finish to the season for quite a few teams: and great job to Michigan, Minnesota and Boston for making the playoffs.
Will see everyone in March in Southfield for the draft. "Man the cannons.....FIRE!"
Outstanding job Doug, happy to see you get your first 'ring'! Congrats to all playoff teams for great seasons. Can't wait for Draft Weekend!
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