Lannisters Clinch Title; Armadillos and Goofballs Move Toward Silver; Thunderwolves Suffer Tragedy

JK Lannisters (15-7-1) vs.  HP PhoeGnomes (12-11)

Despite numerous contenders, the Lannisters clinched their second consecutive title this week.  After a grueling season in which numerous players were injured or ineffective, Jeff’s squad found just enough pieces to secure one more victory.  A more thorough write-up about the championship itself will be posted after the season.  This week, the Lannisters defeated the PhoeGnomes with a combination of timely hitting and solid pitching.

Leading the way was the team’s maligned rotation.  Jon Lester again proved to be a stabilizing force.  Unlikely subs like Martin Perez and Bartolo Colon added solid efforts.  Kenley Jansen added two saves.  Wade Davis contributed a save and even scored a win.  This was enough to easy wins in ERA and WHIP, along with victories.  Heather had more strikeouts thanks to more innings pitched, but the 3-1-1 lead would prove to be too much to overcome.

On offense the teams were relatively even.  Nolan Arenado and Kendrys Morales had two home runs each for the PhoeGnomes.  Odubel Herrera and Eduardo Nunez had three steals each; Heather led the league in the category.  However, the Lannisters had a better OBP and more home runs and RBIs.  David Ortiz led the way with three home runs and eight RBI.  Mike Trout had seven RBI and eight walks.  This gave Jeff a lead in OBP, home runs, and RBI.  The totals were enough to secure three more categories and earn a 6-3-1 win.  After losses for the Legion and Possums, this was enough to give Jeff the title for the year.

KG Capital City Goofballs (13-10) vs.  CM Happy Hollidays (2-20-1)

The Goofballs continued their push toward second place with a dominant victory over the Happy Hollidays.  Kevin set the stage for his victory with a dominant offensive showing.  He took all five categories and led the league in RBI and OBP.  Freddie Freeman and Maikel Franco continued to lead the way for the Goofballs.  They combined for five home runs and 15 RBI.  Yasmani Grandal added two homers and seven RBI in just seven at bats.  Freeman and Dexter Fowler had two steals each.  The Happy Hollidays didn’t have an answer, and Kevin built a 5-0 lead.

On pitching, Chris fared better.  He earned more victories and had a lower WHIP.  However, Kevin’s bullpen picked up five saves to go along with an excellent week from starter Joe Musgrove.  Chris had three starters go at least 6.0 innings and not allow any earned runs.   However, Anibal Sanchez was the lone problem for the Hollidays, and his rough start gave Kevin the edge in ERA.  Kevin also took strikeouts, and earned the win for the week.  He also moved into third place, just a half-game behind the Legion for second.

LK Armadillos (12-9-2) vs.  CP Legion (13-7-3)

The Armadillos are also looking for the silver medal, and moved into a three-way tie for third after a victory over the Legion.  The Armadillos fired on all cylinders this week, setting impressive marks on both offense and defense.  Gaby Sanchez paced the Armadillos’ offense with three home runs and eight RBI.  Mark Trumbo and Edwin Encarnacion had two homers each.  Giancarlo Stanton added a home run in limited playing time.  This gave Larry a large lead in home runs, RBI, OBP, and SLG.  The Legion were lifeless on offense, thanks to poor weeks from Jonathan Villar (2 for 19) and Jake Lamb (1 for 15).  The Legion had the lowest RBI, OBP, and SLG numbers in the league.  They did take steals, but the Armadillos maintained a 4-1 edge.

On pitching, the Armadillos also excelled.  They threw 79.1 innings and had a masterful 2.84 ERA.  Clayton Kershaw continued to shine, throwing 13.0 innings, striking out 13, and allowing a 0.54 WHIP.  In contrast, the Legion suffered a series of implosions from Kevin Gausman, Danny Duffy, and Ken Giles.  However, Giles, Roberto Osuna, and Cody Allen did lead the league in saves.  Unfortunately for the Legion, the Armadillos ended their title chances with a solid 7-3 victory.  Chris is likely disappointed with the loss, but can take solace in contending in a year when most thought he was rebuilding.  Yet again the Legion were in the championship race to the bitter end.  For the Armadillos, there is still a chance to compete for second place.

KK Thunderwolves (6-14-3) vs.  RK Possums (13-8-2)

The final match of the week saw the Thunderwolves overwhelm the Possums.  Kyle had the best offensive week of any team.  He led the league in home runs, steals, and SLG.  Nelson Cruz had four home runs and eight RBI.  In total, ten Thunderwolves had at least one homer.  Rick tried to counter with a nice three home runs week from Justin Upton, but it wasn’t enough.  Kyle earned the clean sweep.

On pitching, Kyle was less dominant but did enough to earn the victory.  He featured an epic eight inning, three hit, 12 strikeout game from Jose Fernandez. Sadly, the game would prove to be Fernandez’s last, as he died in a boating accident on Sunday morning.  The loss of Fernandez is a huge blow to the Thunderwolves, and the game of baseball as a whole.  Fernandez’s effort and love of the game were clearly visible whenever he pitched.  Kyle has lost an ace pitcher, and one of his best building blocks.  The game itself has lost a Hall of Fame talent and someone who, by all accounts, was a good person.  Kyle and the Thunderwolves will carry on without Fernandez, but the game itself will be diminished and less fun for everyone without being able to watch him compete.

Next Week

With the title wrapped up, the Lannisters will take a victory lap against the Happy Hollidays, and enjoy Big Papi’s final games.  The congested race for second and third is still to be decided!  The Armadillos can move up with a win against the Goofballs.  Kevin needs the victory to possibly take second place.  Rick also needs a win to maintain his position.  He plays the PhoeGnomes.  Finally, the Legion meet the Thunderwolves.  Chris wants to hold onto second, while Kyle hopes to play spoiler last in the year.