2002 National Division Champions!
Braves Wrap-up their First Championship!!
Four runs in the 8th and one more in the ninth marked the Braves triumphant upset win over the 3 time defending National Division Champions, Plain Wrap in the night game at JetHawk Stadium.
Plain Wrap jumped out to an early 3-0 in the top of the first on an RBI double by third baseman, Marco Contreras and an RBI single by Wrap starting pitcher Tim Degrasse helping out his own cause.
Plain Wrap took what most figured to be an insurmountable lead in the top of the eight. Short stop, Joe Arnold lead off with a single and stole second. After Andy Hodgins took one for the team, Marco Contreras jacked a bomb over the hitter’s eye in dead center field figuring to be the knock out blow to the Braves championship hopes.
But the Braves showed they had the “eye of the tiger”. Trailing 11-7 in the bottom of the eighth and Plain Wrap rolling towards a possible 4th straight title, Braves third baseman, Kurt Romo lead off with a spotlight single and then Kenny Bernas followed with a walk. The table was now set for the Brave’s first baseman, JR Trujillo’s three run blast over the rockets in left field closing the score to 11-10 in favor of Plain Wrap. Following a costly Plain Wrap error Braves short stop, Richard Prieto made it hurt by blasting a double to the gap, scoring Braves closer, Albert Palma all the way from first base and tying the game at 11 after eight complete.
In the top of the ninth, Plain Wrap was able to get DH, Donovan Wallace to second base following his one out single but he was left stranded there.
Plain Wrap who traditionally plays solid defense botched a ground ball at second base and then a wild pitch putting the winning run at second base for the Braves with nobody out. Braves catcher, Kevin Surr received a free pass by Plain Wrap to set up the double play. Braves left fielder, Andy Montes, Jr. then executed a beautiful sac bunt moving Martinez to third and Serr to second. Romo was up next but was pitched around due to his 4 for 4 evening which included a double. The Braves now had bases loaded and only one out for their second baseman, Kenny Bernas. With the count 1 ball and 2 strikes Bernas was hit by an errant curve ball scoring the game winning run and giving the Braves their first National Division title.
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Braves are the 2002 National Division Champions
defeating Plain Wrap 12-11
Braves demonstrate the team spirit that got them the championship
Braves slugger, JR Trujillo scores after banging out a 3 run homer in the 8th inning
Albert Palma scores on a double by Richard Prieto
Braves pitcher, George Kassis sprays the victory champagneChampionship Game
Braves 12 Plain Wrap 11