The closest playoff races remaining are in the National League, including the all-Canadian battle for the final Wild Card spot between Ottawa and Vancouver, who are in the midst of a 4-game series. After splitting the first two games, Vancouver won a war of attrition in 17 innings. This instant classic had it all, and the Renegades never held a lead until C Carl Ramirez hit a bases loaded single that plated P Ralph Cornelius and LF Mike Freeman due to a poor relay throw from the Filibusters' 2B Vic Larson.The Renegades rallied to tie (or win the game) during 3 must-rally occassions. Once in the 9th on a 2-out single from SS Russell Gibbs, once in the 15th on a leadoff home run from 1B Jason Arnold, and finally once more on Ramirez's walk-off. Forty-four players entered the game, 16 of which were pitchers. The game featured 42 hits, and the Renegades produced 7 extra base hits. Vancouver RF Esteban Segui collected 5 hits in 8 at-bats, while Ramirez reached base 7 times in 10 plate appearances.
The win keeps the Renegades very much alive, but it came at a cost. GM Rodneyhuff reports he has only two available bullpen arms for the next game, and his next-day starter, Cornelius, threw the final 4 innings of this one. But don't fault the Renegades if they wind up falling short of the second season. They proved they have a world of fight in them during this 10-9 slugfest. It may not be much consolation if it does not propel them to the playoffs, but it is a game these players can hang their hats on for the rest of their careers.
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