World Series Results

Our 2023 World Series was netplayed yesterday and we have a winner. The Blaze upset the Bandits to claim the title in 6 games. I've attached the final playoff LZP... though it doesn't quite include all playoff results from earlier rounds.

When you look at these numbers, you'd think the Bandits would have likely won it:

• The Bandits' hitters had a .661 OPS. Blaze hitters had a .590 OPS.
• Bandits had 69 base runners to 54 for the Blaze.
• Bandits had 17 extra-base hits to 12 for the Blaze.

However, these other things tell a different story:

• Bandits had 46 LOB, while the Blaze only left 31 runners on.
• Blaze defense turned 10 DPs (8 in the first 2 games alone) to just 2 for the Bandits' defense.
• Blaze had 11 stolen bases to only 1 for the Bandits.

Here's a game by game rundown...

Game 1: Alcantara and Manoah each went 8 innings without allowing any earned runs. There were only 5 hits combined in the game. The lone run came in the 4th inning as Justin Turner's faulty defense gave up a single and an error on the same play... allowing Gimenez to score from 1st base. Blaze win 1-0.

Game 2: Bandits had 9 base runners during Carlos Rodon's 4 innings of work, but could only score 3 runs. Meanwhile, the Blaze chipped away getting clutch hit after clutch hit off Verlander to score 5 middle inning runs. The Bandits had plenty of chances to score more runs, but grounded into key DPs to end each of the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th innings. It was 5 DPs total they hit into for the game. Blaze win 5-4.

Game 3: Bandits' SS Bogaerts was injured in his first AB and that caused their defense to unravel... with Arcia (their backup SS) subsequently committing a pair of errors leading to 4 unearned Blaze runs scoring and it was 6-0 Blaze after 5 innings. Bandits left on 9 runners, while Trea Turner hit 3 homers for the Blaze. Blaze win 8-3.

Game 4: Facing elimination, the Bandits rallied for an 11-inning victory (winning on Goldschmidt's walkoff homer)... despite Edwin Diaz blowing a 9th inning save chance. It probably shouldn't have made it all the way to the 11th inning as the Bandits again held a 12-5 edge in runners left of base. Bandits win 5-4.

Game 5: Again facing elimination, Justin Verlander was stellar. He faced one batter over the minimum through 7 innings before allowing a solo homer in the 8th. Three Bandits relievers slammed the door without allowing any hits after that homer to preserve the victory and necessitate a game 6. Bandits win 3-1.

Game 6: A combination of unearned runs (via an error and a wild pitch) and clutch 2-out singles gave the Blaze an 5-0 lead after 4 innings. The Bandits had plenty of chances for their own clutch 2-out hits, but left on another 9 runners as those hits did not come. Blaze win 5-1.