League and Team Updates
July 23, 2012 - The national tournament is only weeks away and the field of competitors is beginning to take shape. Here are some more updates from member leagues as the playoffs wind down.
Altoona
Regular-season and defending champions Red Bull swept Ketrow Insurance in 2 games to advance to the finals (13-4, 12-0). They will face new team Nittany Oil/Mini-Mart who swept past Johnston Realty in their semi-final match (3-2, 6-1). The best-of-3 final began Sunday evening. Watch the Altoona Mirror for the most up-to-date results.
Chicago-Metropolitan
We're still assembling information on the Chicago-Metro entry, but we know that the Des Plaines Patriots will not be returning this year. Instead, the Elgin Aces will be making their first appearance in AAABA competition. Chicago has had strong showings under the Patriots banner these past 2 seasons, and while the Aces will be new to the tournament, they will be aided by several pick-up players from the Patriots squad.
Johnstown
The Berkley Hills Renegades are one win away from advancing to the finals after two big wins over Laurel Auto, 8-1 an 15-5. The Renegades are already guarenteed a spot in the national tournament, but must win the playoffs to qualify for the host position. In the other semi-finals, Delweld evened the series at 1-1 with Martella's Pharmacy with a 5-3 win on Sunday. The Pharmacists won the first game on Saturday 9-2. Games continue on Monday at the Point Stadium. For all the scores and standings from the Johnstown AAABA League, visit their new website.
Livonia
The Michigan Rams had their long streak of Johnstown appearances ended two years ago by Coach's Corner, and were again kept out of town by the Michigan Cobras last year. The Cobras represented Livonia well with a 3rd place finish including a mercy-rule victory over Johnstown Delweld on Friday night. This year, the Cobras were poised to advance once again past the Rams and third-place Red Sox. However, the Rams swept the final doubleheader on Saturday, giving both teams identical 18-6-1 records.
As a result, the Livonia representative will be decided by a one-game playoff tonight at 8:30pm at Ford Field. The winner advances to the Zanesville Regional this weekend.
Reporters Wanted
As always, we're looking for help in reporting scores and game news during the regionals and national tournament. If you're interested in helping, please contact Brian at bvarmecky@aaabatournament.com.