Slayers Continue Title Defense
The Slayers entered the playoffs as the worst playoff team in the league, by record. Their 88 wins were the fewest of any playoff team and for much of the season, it looked like they wouldn't even reach that many. Their first opponant would be the team with the most wins in the whole league, Rohan. Their 102 wins made them one of only two teams in the league to reach the 100-win mark.
Faced with a foe 14 games their better and ranked higher in both offense and pitching, it would seem bleak for the Slayers, especially given how inconsistent they had been this season.
"We didn't want to just give it away. I was confident that our bats would work and that our pitching would find a way to get it done. I knew it would be hard, but possible." K.L. spoke.
The Slayers did just that. They pitched well, especially in games two and four, and the offense took care of the rest.
Seladriel's fame grew a bit more in Minas Morgul with her 2-hit shutout in game 2 of the series to get the Slayers out of Rohan with two big wins. Already becoming a hands-down fan favorite, this performance just got the dryad fans in a frenzy as the team headed home in hopes of closing the series.
Staff ace Galealbo Elvawen didn't do particularly well, but did enough to leave with the lead after 8 tough innings. Steelshaper took care of a shaky 9th to maintain the win. Darkleaf was pounded, but Denema Earora responded with a solid outing and the series was closed on a bullpen effort after Elvawen couldn't get through the game in her second time out.
"The fans were going crazy!" Tanta Chubb spoke, "They were just getting more and more into the games with each inning. Even in the loss, it seemed like they were just willing us onward."
This trip through the playoffs holds a bit more meaning for Niara Smoothflower as she's been beset by injuries and poor play since her rookie season.
"I feel blessed to be here and am glad for the oppertunity. I hope I don't let my team or the fans down, especially the fellow dryad fans." Niara spoke humbly.
Any mention of offense has to start with MVP candidate Imrilron, but, while he had 2 HR in the series, it was Minta Sandyman of all people who did the bulk of the damage. After a terrible season, she put up 10 RBI in the series to, by far, lead the team in that category. Picked up during the season via trade, Firbal the Nasty still didn't show his HR power, but picked up 6 RBI. Marquis Smith and Minto Foxburr each scored 6 times to lead the team.
On the pitching side, Seladriel and Earora combined for 2 wins, 16 IP, and just 4 hits allowed. Beardcutter allowed 1 run on 3 1/3 IP and the rest of the bullpen pulled together to help Steelshaper pick up 2 saves and Smoothflower to claim the clinching win in game 5.
In fact, it was a lot of playoff firsts for Smoothflower. She picked up her first postseason win in her first postseason appearance. She also picked up her first postseason at-bat, with which she got her first postseason hit, extra base hit (a double), and ended up scoring her first run.
Next on the Slayers' plate is Lothlorien. Lorien pitchers simply shut down the Uruk-Hai, allowing 1 run in 4 games. The Lorien bats didn't do much, but they didn't have to. The Slayers will have their work cut out for them in trying to solve such a hot and talented pitching staff.
"If we do what we are capable, we can take them." Isilborn Imrilron spoke to the hitters in the locker room, "We did it last season, and we can do it again. We just need to take care of our business and the rest will fall into place."
Posted at May 15, 2006 11:10 PM | more from Minas Morgul