The Juice Boxes, founded by captain/general manager Ian Smith, have been the first team officially eliminated from playoff contention following an interleague matchup between the Talons at Goonies. Smith was fired several weeks ago by VLB Vice President Josh Paul following what Paul only described as “lackluster mentoring”. The Goonies (7-3), found themselves a 6-4 winner in the 9-inning contest. After a failed season, the Juice Boxes appear to be destined for the dreaded MSLB (minors sandbox league baseball).
The Talons (4-5) found themselves up 4-1 going into the bottom of the 6th inning. Captain Scott Ellefritz’s team got their offense from two unlikely heros, rookies Aaron Remley and Scottie’s own father, Steve. Remly supplied a 4-for-5 day with a double, triple, and two runs scored. Remley was knocked in both times by lefty Steve Ellefritz, who went a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate.
The Goonies scored one run in the bottom of the 6th, then took over in the bottom of the 7th, plating three times and taking a 6 to 4 lead. The Goonies were led by two rookies of their own, Rafe Thrasher and Josh Adams. They combined for a 8-for-10 day. Thrasher scored three runs and Adams drove in two. However, it was Thrasher’s glove that was the highlight of this contest, as he looked more like a gazelle in the outfield than a Veto League centerfielder. Thrasher robbed at least two would be doubles with his cat-like quickness.
The Goonies shut down the Talons through the final four frames to seal the win. The Goonies will move on to the playoffs for the second consecutive year, as they will square off against the All-Stars, captained by Tony Zier. The Goonies are just a 1/2 game behind the All-Stars for home field advantage in the playoffs. In the Saukie Division, the Talons are just one win away from sealing their own playoff spot and keeping the Meteors out of the playoffs for the second consecutive year. The Talons won the Veto League World Series in 2009 after beating the Gremlins in fives games during the best-of-seven series.