The Portage Padres are celebrating another Santa Clara Baseball League (SCBL) championship after edging the Plumas Pirates 7–6 in a dramatic Game 5 Friday night at Rotary Republic Park in Portage.
The Padres clinched their second straight league title, once again topping the Pirates in a hard-fought final series.
Padres build early series lead
The best-of-five showdown started strong for Portage. The Padres won the opener 13–5, then followed up with a 9–3 victory in Game 2 to put the Pirates on the ropes.
Game 3 turned into a marathon, with the two teams locked in a 13–13 tie before darkness forced the contest to be called. The series then shifted to a points format, with the first team to six points taking the championship. Portage was up 5-3 in points heading into Friday night's matchup, needing a win or tie to claim the championship.
Plumas answered back in Game 4, winning 9–6 on Thursday night to set up Friday’s contest in Portage. A win Friday night by Plumas would have sent the series to a deciding Game 6.
Pirates strike first in Game 5
The Pirates jumped out early in Game 5, scoring three runs in the top of the third inning. Plumas added another in the fifth to extend the lead to 4–0.
Manager Andrew Moar says the situation was tense, but he trusted his team to respond.
“I got a little worrisome there for a bit, but I always had faith in the guys that they would make the comeback,” notes Moar.
Padres’ bats explode in the sixth
The breakthrough came in the bottom of the sixth inning for the Padres. Portage exploded for seven runs, turning the game on its head.
The key swing came from second baseman Tanner Boyle, who launched a grand slam to put the Padres ahead.
“We were just working the pitcher all night, and we finally got to him there in the sixth,” adds Moar.
Boyle describes what he saw at the plate.
“I took a couple pitches, had some timing and then found a pitch I could drive, and the boys got on in front of me,” he remarks.
Pirates push back in the seventh
Down three heading into the final frame, Plumas refused to go quietly.
The Pirates scored twice in the top of the seventh to pull within a run before Padres starter Chad Melnic finished off the complete game.
“We found a way to make it interesting for the fans, but found a way to get it done,” says Boyle.
Moar praises Melnic’s effort on the mound.
“Exactly what we want from him. He as big in Game 1 and we knew he was going to be big in Game 5 for us too,” says Moar.
Padres repeat as champions
For the second year in a row, the Padres finished the season lifting the SCBL trophy after beating the Pirates in five games.
“It’s always a good feeling to win your league and the boys deserve it. They played hard all year, and we’ll have some fun tonight,” says Moar.
Boyle adds that the win caps off a strong summer.
“We had a good group this year. We only lost a few games all year,” adds Boyle.
Moar reflects on what makes this roster special.
“I think what stands out is just the group of guys we've got. We all care for each other and play hard for each other, and it makes coming to the ballpark really fun,” continues Moar.
With another championship secured, Portage heads into the off-season already looking ahead.
“Regroup and hopefully run it back next year,” remarks Moar.
Portage finished the regular season in first place overall with an 11-3 record. The Padres, who earned a first-round bye, swept Carberry in two straight games in the second round to advance to the league finals against Plumas, finishing the playoffs with a 5-1-1 record.
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