Maccabi USA defeated the Pala Braves 2-1 to win the April 27-28 SCIFL. Ronnie Rupp went the distance for the Maccabi USA victory.
Sonny Perkins started pitching in the Championship Game for the Pala Braves, who came into the game as the top seed, after going 3-0 on Saturday. After Perkins walked David Shpiro to lead off the game, Larry Silfen bunted Shpiro to second and Jason Gluckman delivered an RBI single to put Maccabi USA up 1-0. Perkins was otherwise sharp until leaving the game in the 3rd inning with a pulled calf injury. Gerald Pyle relieved and was equally effective keeping the Maccabi USA bats in check.
Pala got a solo home run from lead off hitter Chad Gutierrez in the 4th to tie the game at 1-1. The game remained knotted until the 6th as both Pyle and Rupp were terrific. In the top of the 6th, Maccabi USA newcomer Dustin Chapnick doubled to lead off the inning for Maccabi. With 1 out and Chapnick still at 2nd, Silfen bounced a high hopper between SS and 3B and beat it out for his 2nd hit of the game, with the high throw from shortstop getting away, allowing Chapnick to trot home giving MUSA a 2-1 lead. That was enough for Maccabi USA hurler Ronnie Rupp, who got the final 6 outs to secure the Championship, in a nery well played game, by both teams.
Welcome back Mr. Rupp – and good job beating the Big Bald Man. And GP!? How could you lose to an old man?? I love you both and miss the old-school forum banter. Wish I could have seen it. Very good to see you back in the circle and mixing speeds like always. The fans got what they came to see, undoubtedly.
Ron,
real good to hear, yer not done,making misery for others.
my wish is, i do not become your next victim…..
with respect joe