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This year we had a new first in USBA History.  2 committee members brought their team to the finals with one yet to hoist the trophy and that created the stage for Saturday's Finals.  Mother nature also wanted to be in on the action so she made it rain, blew some wind and lowered the temperature throughout the series. Both Minnisota and Texas were determined not to let her be a factor and all eyes were set on the coveted trophy.

 

This was Texas's first trip to the finals with Minnesota having veterans who have won it in the past.  Texas was determined to take this year's trophy and making Riaz Parekh the last committee member yet to hoist the trophy.

Game 1:
 

With Minnesota jumping out to an early 3-0 lead it was a lead that they would never give up forcing Texas to be on the ropes from the get go.  With both defences ready to handle the elements and making excellent plays, it was the bats that took centre stage. Unlikely heros like Riaz Parekh and Ahmed Okadia hitting bombs for their teams showed that everyone was ready to play. 

 

It was Minnesota who outdueled Texas by scoring in every inning to take game 1 with a 21-15 Victory.

 

 

Texas was determined to make a charge in game 2 but with Minnesota batting first and putting up a 5 spot only got TEXAS frustrated.  In the bottom of the first the big bats of Texas (Billy Thompson, Nick Lewis, Kevin Gordon) all went deep with a back to back to back HR to send Minnesota message that they made it to the finals for a reason.  With Texas maxing out on homeruns early in the game it was Minnesota who capitalized on this by playing small ball.  Both defence made plays and turned in many double plays.

 

In the bottom of the 7th Texas was only down 5 and needed everyone to step up.  Loading the bases with less than 2 outs must have made Minnesota nervous especially with the big bats coming up to the plate.  It was Minnesota's pitcher Prashanth whose stellar pitching shut the door down only allowing 2 runs ending the threat and the season of Texas.

 

Minnesota wins game 2 with a score of 13-10.