American Association Insider: Playoffs Night Two Takeaways

 Kevin Luckow

(non member of IBWAA)

There's a reason why I didn't want to do a prediction blog. So far I've had at least two of my predictions go wrong as far as how many games their series would last. In a wildly unpredictable season, I guess we should not be surprised.

Fargo-Moorhead 6 Winnipeg 5

Down 2-1 in the fourth inning, a two run Roby Enriquez home run gave the Goldeyes the lead. The lead was padded with single runs in the seventh and eighth innings, including a Ray-Patrick Didder solo home run to give the Goldeyes and closer Derrick Cherry a two run lead heading to the ninth. The RedHawks however got two runners on base, and Matt Kroon emptied them with a three run home run to hush a crowd of 5128 at Blue Cross Park. Tyler Jeans set the Goldeyes down in order and just like that the Goldeyes season was over the and the RedHawks advanced. Another chapter in the legendary rivalry between the two clubs.






Sioux Falls 3 Kansas City 1

Everyone was quick to write off the Canaries, myself included. But the Birds are a resilient bunch. They got just their second win versus Kansas City and first at Legends Field. Monarchs fans would have been stunned if there were any at the game. Rumored attendance was around 280, a tough sell with High School Football and Kansas vs. Missouri rivalry game being played. The Monarchs got out to a 1-0 lead in the first but that would be all the offense for the Monarchs. The Canaries scored single runs in three innings. Nicholai Arbach went six innings allowing just a run. Mike Meyer may have a piece already for next year's rotation, unless a prominent Reds scout gets him signed. In sharp contrast to Game One, three Canaries relievers combined to throw three hitless innings to preserve the lead. 

Lake Country 9 Kane County 7

Jake Gilbert was a late season gem in the Cougars rotation, but it was not meant to be tonight as he allowed nine runs in the first two innings and the Cougars could not come all the way back. It will come down to yet another battle between these rivals on Saturday. The big blow for the DockHounds was a grand slam home run by Peter Zimmerman (does he get one of those every week?). The Cougars got stellar relief from two rotation pieces in Westin Muir and Reese Sharp. This sets up the vaunted Cougars bullpen for Game Three. T.J. Sikemma is capable of throwing a gem, but there will be a short leash with all pen arms available. Who will prevail at Kamp Oconomowoc? The vaunted DockHounds offense or the Cougars pitching? It should be a dandy. 

Cleburne 5 Milwaukee 2

Scott Ellis got the job done, allowing just a run in five innings and the bullpen allowed just one the rest of the way as the Railroaders forced a deciding Game Three in Franklin on Saturday night. Tied at one in the sixth, the Railroaders stunned the crowd of 258 with two runs in the sixth and seventh. Brantley Bell and Aaron Takacs both had two RBI for the Railroaders. The Railroaders who have been on the road longer than a road construction cone in Minnesota, will now have one last road game before heading home to either host a Game One next Monday or empty the lockers. I think all the pressure now lies on the Milkmen. And that could be dangerous for the Milkmen. 













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