The end of the AFL season is rapidly approaching and the Dogs are making a very strong push to earn a spot in the championship game.  Currently, we possess a 17-12 record and still sit in first place within the National Division.  Tonight is a strange night because we actually have to make up the rest of last Friday’s game because the lights went out (I speculate sabotage because it was already a 4+ hour game and past 11 pm) along with a regularly scheduled game at 7 pm.  I have never seen anything like it in all the years that I have played baseball.  Right at the most important point in the game, the most unexpected event occured leaving everybody confused.  The make-up game will begin in the bottom of the 11th inning with Scottsdale runners on first and second and no outs.  Anthony Slama is getting the ball to close the game out so hopefully things go in our favor.  Kinda strange that the best we are playing for is a tie due to the fact that league rules don’t allow games to continue past the 11th inning to protect the pitching staffs.

As the season winds down, it is very evident that we are all breaking down both mentally and physically.  Although the much needed off season is on everybody’s mind, we all intend to finish as strong as possible.  Finishing as the AFL champions would be a great honor for everybody on our team.  I have never been involved with such a long season and have never thrown as many innings.  Currently I’ve thrown about 180 combined innings between the regular season, instructional league, and the AFL.  I have managed to stay healthy, which is a great confidence booster going into next season.

In all, the Twins representatives have played well.  We have all provided strong contributions to the Desert Dogs success thus far.  Each pitcher has thrown well.  Last night, Rob Delaney came in for the eigth inning against the Peoria Saguaros and earned a victory. The hitters continue to perform well at opportune times.  Danny Valencia boasts a solid 1.000 fielding percentage at third base and sits atop all fielders in the AFL.

That is about all that I have for this week.  I should have one more blog to complete before the season is over, and hopefully by that time we will know who will be playing for the AFL title.  Thanks for reading and take care.