Lumberkings Catcher Jeff Twist delivered in the clutch once again, driving in the game winner for the South team in California’s North vs. South All-Star series. (click photo to enlarge)
[BAKERSFIELD, CA] – The California Lumberkings, in their hometown of Bakersfield, played host to the first ever “California Challenge” All Star Series, a best-of-three matchup between the best players from Northern California vs. the best players from Southern California. Not only did they participate alongside many of California’s best ISC players, but played key roles in its outcome.
Lineups were comprised of California’s top ISC and ISC II players, with So Cal Bomber pitchers Tony Peeples (North) and Travis Price (South) winding up in opposite dugouts. The teams proved to be very evenly matched, trading 6-5 wins in Games 1 and 2. Two members of the California Lumberking, Brian Teeters and Shawn Mandolesi drove in all 5 runs for the South in Game 1, which took at 5-2 lead into the 7th inning, only to have the North rally for 4 in the bottom of the 7th and win. (Teeters generously provided special jerseys for the players in the game, navy blue for the North and red for the South)
In the final, deciding Game 3 — the proverbial rubber match — the score was tied, 1-1 through regulation. When the game turned to the International tie-breaker to decide it, it was yet another California Lumberking providing the key hit — Jeff Twist, driving home the runner from second, who — you guessed it — was a Lumberking, Shawn Mandolesi.
The “California Challenge” concept originated amongst the Lumberkings as a fund raiser for their 2007 campaign, with manager David Weldin spear-heading the project, which include game tickets sold to corporations as well as fans, a Bar-B-Q, and T-shirts sold. Lumberkings Brian Teeters and Greg Hicks also assisted, along with other members of the team.
The Lumberkings were the first ever team from California to compete in the ISC II Tournament of Champions, advancing to the second round of the playoffs, before falling to the Kitchener Outlaws in one of the tournament’s closest games. The L’kings hope to return to Kitchener, Ontario, Canada next August, for the 2007 edition of the ISC II Tournament of Champions.