With the bases loaded and the Ramblers down 5-2 in the bottom of the seventh and final inning of Friday's 2011 Prairie League championship, Ben Cottrell delivered with the most dramatic hit in the history of the Key West Ramblers' franchise. Cottrell's one-out grand slam broke the hearts of Farley and gave Key West (35-13) its second Prairie League championship in four years.
Cottrell, who came into the game 14-for-24 at the plate on the season, crushed the back-breaking homer off Farley pitcher Brian Miller, who took the loss. Cottrell's blast set off a celebratory mob at home plate. The improbable finish created a frenzied atmosphere that will no doubt live as the lasting image of the 2011 season.
With the Ramblers down 5-2 entering the bottom of the seventh, Dan Spain started the inning with a single. Tim Carty was then hit by a pitch prior to Justin Kuhle grounding into a fielder's choice in which the shortstop made a great play to rob Kuhle. Tanner Denlinger followed by drawing a walk to load the bases with one out. Up to the plate stepped the red-hot Cottrell who smoked a line-drive to left-center that carried over the wall for a walk-off grand slam and a 6-5 championship victory.
Cottrell's heroics awoke a team that had not scored since the first inning when Carty cracked a two-run double. Cottrell's second home run of the season brought one side to a state of jubilation and the other to one of disgust.
Friday's win gave the Ramblers their third tournament championship this season after winning the EIHL preseason tournament and the Farley Tournament. Key West completed the 2011 season with a record of 8-0 at Farley Park and a 12-6 record in games decided by a single run.
Meanwhile, starting pitcher Sean O'Connor threw all seven innings for the Ramblers and notched his 10th win of the season, good enough to tie a franchise record also held by Cottrell and Ned Schauff.
Spain finished the season the way he started it - by spraying hits everywhere. The Ramblers' star shortstop went 4-for-4 to cap another outstanding season. Outfielder Jared Munson went 2-for-4 on the night to bring his season average to just below .300.
Friday's classic marked the final game for the Ramblers in 2011. Check back in the coming weeks for more coverage of the 2011 season.
Fellas, you are the best men in the world to play with. This year has been a privilege. We never gave up. Ever. We never backed down. Thanks for a great year brothers.
ReplyDelete- #3Fellas, you are the best men in the world to play with. This year has been a privilege. We never gave up. Ever. We never backed down. Thanks for a great year brothers.
- #3
I only wish I had been there to enjoy the moment. Great job, Ramblers!
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