Brainerd Blue Ox slug their way to first championship.
Brainerd Blue Ox
October 26th, 2017: Brainerd gathered in its 1st The CBU Championship Series championship today and made it look easy. They swept the Vermont Greens in straight games, winning the series 4-0.
The Blue Ox disposed of Vermont 2-1 in the series finale at Burlington Field. During the Landis League Finley Division regular season Brainerd put up a 106-56 record and finished first.
If you’re noticing a trend in the CBU, its that leading the Landis League in runs scored and runs prevented, will win championships. Rapid City did it last year, Brainerd did it this year. Fans in Minnesota were treated to a team that finally put together a winning tradition. Outscoring their opponents 897-600.
The Blue Ox hitters were led by Bunion sluggers in 1b - Si-dao Hsia (32 homers), 2b - Charles Porter (30 homers), and left fielder Augusto Huerta (37 homers). Also catcher Darren Willis added 24, and third baseman veteran Tomas Balderas (25 homers) pounded their way to success as well. As you can see the long ball won in Brainerd.
Brainerd pitchers also played well: Cliff Steele went 17-5 with a 3.15 ERA. Starter Jason Smith also added a 17-10 record with a 3.71 ERA. Closer Mike Miller did a super human effort from the closers role shut down teams with 35 saves, and ERA of 0.76.
The Landis League domination continues, make this 4 in a row. The Giamatti League is easily becoming the junior league to the dominate Landis League. 17 Landis League Champions have been named in the 24 years of the CBU.
