Leonia, NJ   

The Sop-NJ team showed their mettle winning the first playoff game in a easy 18-6 victory.  But then, the Meshuganas team rallied back and in doing so, accomplished something no other ABL team has been able to this season, against a very competitive SOP-NJ team; namely, win two straight games against them.  In the second game, the Meshuganas made the come back in the very first inning with scoring a magical 13 runs.  Then, after getting shut-out in the next four innings and allowing the determined SOP-NJ team to score in every inning; it appeared the Meshuganas would be eliminated from the playoffs.  But four large runs in the of the 6th inning produced the winning scores and turned it into a 17-14 victory and even up for the upcoming rubber match.

In the 3rd and final game, each team stayed close to each other until the Meshuganas team scored the knock out punch with another magical 13 run inning and forced their opponents to produce six runs to stay in the game.  But the strong pitching of the Meshuganas' Matt Rheingold only gave up 4 runs and in turn the title was in hand!   Mr. Matt Rheingold pitched in all three games this afternoon and for his effort, gained the two required victories.  The Meshuganas patience at the plate played off big by gaining 8 walks in the game, six in the final inning and all six crossing the plate for the winning runs.  

On the day, David "Wags" Wagreich had a total of 10 RBI's and 3 H/R's. A great performance from one batter!  Teammate, Adam Sporno also had a very good day with 8 RBI's.  For the SOP-NJ, Jason DeJesus had a total of 9 RBI's in a losing clause.

Our very best wishes on a very nice season to the entire SOP-NJ team who led the league this season.

Congrat's and best wishes to the entire Meshuganas team in their victory and good luck for moving on in the playoff's and the ABL league championship game.