Buffalo Blizzard Crowned World Series Champions

By the time the ball landed on Sun Wanatabe's glove in deep right center field, it became official that Buffalo had its world series revenge. Leading 8-2 in the bottom of the 9th, it was no surprise that the Buffalo Blizzard were this season's World Series champs. This revenge was sweet for the Blizzard, after losing the Season 10 World Series to the Trenton Fire. In this rematch of last year's World Series, Buffalo won the series 4-2 and outscored the Fire 30-18 in the 6 games played. Buffalo followed on their reputation of a high scoring, offensive powerhouse led by Parker McIntyre and Rey Shigetoshi. Trenton suffered from a late season injury to Cy Young winner Andrew Baxter, whose stellar pitching performance last season made the difference in shutting down the Blizzard's offense.

Here is a game by game summary and highlights of the World Series:
Game 1: Buffalo 4, Trenton 2
Jorge Lee (13-3, 3.95 ERA) vs Norberto Gonzalez (4-0, 4.28 ERA no starts in regular season).

Jorge Lee pitched 6 innings, allowing 1 run before turning it over to the bullpen. Career closer and world saves leader Don Gonzales logged the save. Norberto Gonzalez pitched reasonably well (4 IP, 2 ER), and reliever Max Nunez allowed 2 ER over the next 4 innings, but 4 runs was all that Buffalo needed to win this one. Buffalo led the series 1-0.

Game 2: Buffalo 1, Trenton 2
Kenny White (13-9, 3.57 ERA vs Stewart Pose (19-5, 3.05 ERA)

Pitching on short rest, 19-game winner Stewart Pose shut off the Buffalo offense for 4 innings before relievers Jorel Roth and Kirk Heiserman picked it up and picked up the win for the Fire. Buffalo pitchers performed well enough to win, but it would go Trenton's way in this low scoring game. Kenny White pitching 6 innings, allowing 1 ER, and Carlos Gil got the loss by allowing 1 ER in 2 innings pitched. Series tied 1-1.

Game 3: Trenton 1, Buffalo 7
Aaron Ashley (14-5, 4.45 ERA) vs Benito Manzanillo (13-4, 4.73 ERA)

The series shifted to Buffalo for Game 3, where historic lows in October temperatures chilled the Fire's chances early on, but it was actually Benito Manzanillo's strong pitching and the combined power of Rey Shigetoshi and Parker McIntyre that finished them off. The Blizzard jumped to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning on back to back homers by the dynamic duo. Ashley allowed 12 hits and 6 ER in 6IP, and the offensive onslaught demoralized the Fire early on. Buffalo led series 2-1.

Game 4: Trenton 1, Buffalo 9
Norberto Gonzalez (4-0, 4.28 ERA) vs Elston Brunson (12-7, 4.84 ERA)

In a series turning point, Trenton's veteran Norberto Gonzalez started for the second time in the World Series, limiting the Blizzard to 1 run in 5 innings, but reliever Max Nunez was crushed by the Blizzard and by untimely erros, giving up 8 runs (6ER). The Blizzard asserted themselves in the 8th inning, with back to back homeruns by Shigetoshi and McIntyre followed three batters later by a 2Run HR by Horacio Guardado. Bill "The Caveman" Torres picked up the win in relief. Buffalo led series 3-1

Game 5 : Trenton 10, Buffalo 1
(Stewart Pose (19-5, 3.05 ERA) vs. Jorge Lee (13-3, 3.95 ERA)

Trenton re-established themselves in Game 5, denying the Blizzard's attempt at clenching at home and showing that Trenton's offense is also capable of fireworks. Once again pitching on short rest, Pose established himself as a gutsy pitcher, throwing a few innings before Jorel Roth picked up the win in 5+ innings of one-hit shutout ball. Jorge Lee pitched 5 innings, giving up 6R, 3 ER. Trenton's Russell Leonard provided the fire power, going 4 for 5 with 5 RBIs, including 2 homeruns. Buffalo led the series 3-2.

Game 6: Trenton 2, Buffalo 8

Aaron Ashley (14-5, 4.45 ERA) vs Kenny White (13-9, 3.57 ERA)

Kenny White finally got his series win, by throwing 7 innings of shutout ball in the World Series clincher. Buffalo jumped to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning on a 2-Run HR by Rey Shigetoshi and never looked back, scoring 4 more in the 3rd and 2 more later on. Parker McIntyre went 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs, including a solo shot in the 9th for his 11th homerun of the postseason. Buffalo wins the World Series for the second time in franchise history.