Baltimore Phantoms Sweep Phoenix Vipers in Thrilling Series

 

Game 1: Late-Inning Heroics Propel Vipers to Victory (Vipers win 4-3)

 

The Phoenix Vipers staged a dramatic comeback to edge out the Baltimore Phantoms 4-3 in the series opener. Down 3-1 entering the seventh inning, the Vipers’ bats came alive with a three-run rally that secured their victory.

 

The Phantoms took an early lead in the third inning when Craig Steward singled to center, driving in Anthony Hatfield. They extended their lead to 3-0 in the fifth inning, with Millard McClure's double bringing home Leroy Tucker and Joe Glenn.

 

However, the Vipers responded in the sixth with a solo home run by Lenny Meddings. The seventh inning saw Davidson Leigh hit a three-run homer, scoring Luke Meadows and Justin Robertson, which proved to be the game-winning hit.

Thomas Reynolds earned the save for Phoenix, closing out the ninth inning without allowing a hit. Harvey Stratton picked up the win despite giving up three runs on five hits over five innings.

 

Quotes:

• Davidson Leigh (Vipers): "We never gave up. We knew we had to stay patient and wait for our pitch. That seventh inning was a great team effort."
• Craig Steward (Phantoms): "It's tough to lose a game like this. We had the lead, but credit to their hitters for coming through in the clutch."

Game 1 Scoring Summary:

• Bottom 3rd: C. Steward singles, A. Hatfield scores (PHNX 0 - BLTM 1)
• Bottom 5th: M. McClure doubles, L. Tucker and J. Glenn score (PHNX 0 - BLTM 3)
• Top 6th: L. Meddings homers (PHNX 1 - BLTM 3)
• Top 7th: D. Leigh homers, L. Meadows and J. Robertson score (PHNX 4 - BLTM 3)

 

Game 2: Phantoms Strike Early, Hold Off Vipers for the Win (Phantoms win 4-2)

 

The Baltimore Phantoms bounced back in game two with a 4-2 victory, thanks to a strong start and solid pitching. Baltimore jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first inning, highlighted by Donovan Walker's double and Jasper Garrett's single driving in runs.

Joe Glenn extended the lead to 4-0 in the third inning with an RBI single. Davidson Leigh hit his second home run of the series in the sixth inning for the Vipers, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.

Antonio Ibanez was stellar on the mound for the Phantoms, pitching seven innings and allowing just one run on five hits while striking out four. Enrique Garza closed the game, securing the save despite allowing a run in the ninth inning.

Quotes:

• Antonio Ibanez (Phantoms): "I felt good out there. My fastball was working, and I was able to keep them off balance. The early run support was crucial."
• Davidson Leigh (Vipers): "We tried to rally, but their pitchers kept us in check. We need to find a way to get on base more consistently."

Game 2 Scoring Summary:

• Bottom 1st: M. McClure sacrifice fly, L. Tucker scores (PHNX 0 - BLTM 1)
• Bottom 1st: D. Walker doubles, J. Glenn scores (PHNX 0 - BLTM 2)
• Bottom 1st: J. Garrett singles, C. Steward scores (PHNX 0 - BLTM 3)
• Bottom 3rd: J. Glenn singles, N. Millar scores (PHNX 0 - BLTM 4)
• Top 6th: D. Leigh homers (PHNX 1 - BLTM 4)
• Top 9th: S. Larkin singles, A. Whitaker scores (PHNX 2 - BLTM 4)

 

Game 3: Phantoms Pitching Shuts Down Vipers for Series Win (Phantoms win 2-0)
 

The Baltimore Phantoms’ pitching dominated in the final game, securing a 2-0 victory and clinching the series. Preston Brooks and Jamie Deacon combined for a shutout, stifling the Vipers' offense, which managed only six hits.

 

The Phantoms broke the scoreless tie in the seventh inning with a sacrifice fly from Pedro Marquez, scoring Donovan Walker. Neil Millar's single added another run, bringing Millard McClure home.

 

Carlos Rosez pitched a complete game for the Vipers, giving up two runs on nine hits, but couldn’t get the necessary run support.

 

Quotes:

• Preston Brooks (Phantoms): "Our defense played great behind me, and I just focused on hitting my spots. It feels good to get the series win."
• Carlos Rosez (Vipers): "I pitched well, but we couldn't get the hits when we needed them. It's frustrating, but we'll keep working."

Game 3 Scoring Summary:

• Bottom 7th: P. Marquez sacrifice fly, D. Walker scores (PHNX 0 - BLTM 1)
• Bottom 7th: N. Millar singles, M. McClure scores (PHNX 0 - BLTM 2)
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Series MVP: Joe Glenn

 

Joe Glenn’s consistent performance at the plate and in the field earned him the series MVP. He hit .400 with four hits, two RBIs, and two runs scored, playing a crucial role in Baltimore’s victories.

 

Joe Glenn (Phantoms): "It's always a team effort, and I'm just glad I could contribute. We played some good baseball, and we need to keep this momentum going."

 

The Vipers will look to regroup as they head back home, while the Phantoms aim to build on their momentum in their next series.