The Texas Manor Dirt Bags celebrate after winning the NAFA “AA-Major” World Series championship, Sunday, at Raccoon River Park Softball Complex in West Des Moines, Iowa.
Photos By BOB OTTO
WEST DES MOINES, DES MOINES, IA – What a difference a year makes.
In the 2009 NAFA “A-Major” World Series tournament, the Manor Dirt Bags of Texas got a pretty good spanking from the Topeka Toros, losing 7-0 in the championship game.
But the 2010 World Series has been a complete reversal of fortunes for the Texas team as they exacted a bit of revenge by defeating the Toros, 2-1, to win the NAFA “AA-Major” World Series championship.
But as the score indicates, this game was tight from the first to the last pitch.
The Texas Manor Dirt Bages, 2010 NAFA “AA-Major” World Series Champions
Manor trailed, 1-0, into the sixth inning and was shackled by Toro’s right-hander Tony Buckley, who fired a five-hitter and struck out five. But Chris Torres ruined Buckley’s shutout bid by tying the game with an RBI double to left field.
Then Mark Barrera reached first base safely and Justin Tumlinson followed with a fielder’s choice that brought Torres racing home for the go ahead run.
And that’s all right-hander, Corey Avery, needed.
The hard throwing Canadian closed out the Toros over the final two innings and finished with a five-hitter, six strikeouts, and no earned runs. Then the celebration began.
This was the first championship in national tournament play for Manor. And it showed in their jubilation. After the final out, the bench emptied with players racing for Avery. They high fived each other, whooped it up, and bear hugged at the pitching rubber with Avery squarely caught in the middle.
This was a long sought after championship, and it showed that it meant something.
“This is my first time pitching in a NAFA championship and it’s awesome,” said Avery, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Pitcher on the strength of his two games on Sunday in oppressive heat and humidity that had players’ uniforms drenched in sweat and dirt.
Manor Dirt Bags, Cory Avery.
The Texas team began Sunday’s playoffs with a 7-0 victory over the Cal-State Builders and followed that with a 14-inning, 2-1, nail biter over New Image of Wisconsin, the defending “AA-Major” champion.
Avery and Tim Niel shared the pitching mound in the marathon with Niel picking up the win. He pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowed four hits, no runs, and struck out five. Pete Saldana (2-for-7) and Mark Barrera (2-for-6) each drove in a run to head Manor’s 12-hit attack.
Meanwhile, Topeka reached the championship with three consecutive victories: The Toros knocked off the Pickseed Bronx (Canada) 7-1; Palazzo’s Java House (Iowa) 4-3; and the Minnesota Angels, 6-0.
The Toros battered the Angels heralded pitching staff of Kevin Kammueller and Juan Potolicchio for nine hits with Dean Jordan (1-for-3) driving in two runs, and Kyle Brown (1-for-3) plating another. Layne Berry was 3-for-4 with two runs scored, while Matt Arbiza (1-for-3) scored twice.
Buckley again was at his best allowing but one hit, while striking out four and walking two.
For the Manor veterans, this victory at this national championship level was special.
“This is the first time we’ve ever won a championship like this,” said Manager, Ken Tumlinson. “We finished second to the Toros in the A-Major last year, but we turned the tables on them.”
Named to the All World team were Manor’s Christopher Torres, Peter Saldana-Rodriguez, Jason Chagoya, and Corey Avery. From the Toros, Jaime Garcia, Jr., Boomer Berry, Kyle Brown, and Tony Buckley were selected All World. Avery was selected the Most Valuable Pitcher, while Buckley was named the Most Valuable Player.
Manor Dirt Bags batting: Will Sandifer, 0-3, 1 run; Jason Chagoya, 1-1, Chris Torres, 1-3, 1 run, RBI; Mark Barrera, 1-2, Steve Salsman, 1-3; Tim Schultz, 1-1.
Manor pitching: Cory Avery, 7 innings, 5 hits, 1 run, 0 earned runs, 2 walks, 6 strikeouts.
Topeka Toros Batting: Matt Arbiza 1-4; Layne Berry, 0-4, 1 run; Chris Leaf, 2-4; Dean Jordan, 1-2; Josh Arbiza, 1-3.
Toros pitching: Tony Buckley, 7 innings, 5 hits, 2 runs, 1 earned run, 4 walks, 5 strikeouts.
For more World Series information, visit the NAFA website.
North American Fastpitch Association
