Beit Shemesh Blue Sox win inaugural IBL Championship

In front of a crowd of 2,610 fans at Yarkon Field, the Beit Shemesh Blue Sox shut out the Modi'in Miracle 3-0.

By JERUSALEM POST SPORT STAFF
jp.services1 (photo credit: )
jp.services1
(photo credit: )
In front of a crowd of 2,610 fans at Yarkon Field, the Beit Shemesh Blue Sox shut out the Modi'in Miracle 3-0 to win the inaugural IBL Championship. The pitching match up of Modi'in's righthanded pitcher Maximo Nelson and Beit Shemesh's righthanded pitcher Rafael Bergstrom lived up to expectations as both engaged in a classic pitchers duel. Bergstrom dominated the Miracle offense earning the victory, pitching a complete game shutout, striking out eight batters and allowing no walks. Although Modi'in out hit Beit Shemesh, it was the Blue Sox who manufactured their runs throughout the night. Beit Shemesh jumped out on top in the bottom of the first inning on a sacrifice fly by outfielder Jason Rees, scoring outfielder Sean Slaughter from third base. The Blue Sox scored their second run in the bottom of the fourth inning, on a sacrifice fly by first baseman Ben Pincus. They added their third run of the night in the bottom of the fifth inning, when shortstop Gregg Raymundo (2-for-3) singled, driving in Sean Slaughter from second base. Modi'in threatened at the top of the sixth inning with runners on first and third base and two outs. However, Bergstrom struck out Adalberto Paulino (2-for-4) to end the inning. Ron Blomberg's Blue Sox truly personified a championship team. Beit Shemesh never fell below first place throughout the entire season. Following the game, Commissioner Dan Kurtzer presented the championship trophy to the entire Beit Shemesh team. Manager Ron Blomberg spoke during the trophy ceremony saying, "I've been in two World Series with the New York Yankees, and this championship lives up to both." The Commissioner also presented the individual season achievement awards to the IBL's top players. The IBL announced that the first game of the 2008 season will be played on Sunday, June 23, at 6:00 p.m. at the Yarkon Sports Complex in the Baptist Village in Petah Tikva.