Ottawa Wins it In 6

After the first 2 games split, the Ice came on strong to win 3 of the next 4 and take the 16th Belle WS in 6 games.

Ottawa hauled out the big lumber for Game 3, banging out 13 hits and 16 runs. They also capitalized on 3 Allegheny errors, collecting 6 unearned runs. Jorge DeJesus wasn't super-sharp, giving up 4 earned runs in his 6 innings, but it was good enough for his 3rd win of the playoffs. When the smoke cleared, Ottawa had a 16-5 win.

Pittsburgh returned the favor in Game 4, rapping 18 hits in a 14-5 win. Neifi Foster (3 hits, homer, 5 RBI), Bucky Daal (3 hits, homer, 3 RBI), and Steve Diaz (4 hits, 2 RBI) lead the Allegheny attack.

With the series tied at 2, Game 5 was crucial. The Ice opened by belting around Allegheny starter D'Angelo Cerda for 4 runs in the top of the 1st, but Pittsburgh answered with 3 in their half. Ottawa chased Cerda with 2 more in the second, but the Alleghenys stayed close with 3 in the 3rd. The Ice finally pulled away in the middle innings with 1 in the 4th (Chip Cromer solo HR), 1 in the 6th (Cesar Liriano single) and 2 in the 7th (Cromer and Liriano singles) to take a 10-5 lead to the bottom of the 9th. But the Alleghenys weren't going quietly. They got a couple of runners on with a double and an error, then Bucky Daal slammed a 3-run homer to give Pittsburgh life. But Ice closer Mike Simpson came in and slammed the door (getting the final out on a pick-off), and the Ice had a 10-8 win and a 3-2 series lead.

The Alleghenys had a real shot in Game 6 - they took a 3-1 lead into the 7th on the strength of starter Max Cruz's 6 innings. But Ottawa took advantage of the Pittsburgh bullpen: 4 in the 7th (O'Halloran, Vitiello HR's, Suarez single) and 2 in the 8th (Henley HR). Pittsburgh couldn't answer, and the Ice took a 7-3 win and the WS victory.

Ottawa's win makes it 3 straight for the NL; all-time the Senior Circuit now boasts an 11-5 advantage. This was the first WS win for the Ottawa franchise, and the first WS trip for the Pittsburgh franchise.

That wraps up another excellent season of Joey Belle action...see everyone on the other side of rollover.