by www.baseballeurope.com
Blagoevgrad Buffaloes are the baseball masters of Bulgaria and they proved it with another title in the National championships. With their 45-year-old playing manager Yassen Nedelchev still in charge, the “bisons” overtook Dupnitza Devils 3-2 in the best-of-five final series. The decisive Game 5 took place last Saturday, October 29th, at Porter Field in Blagoevgrad where the Buffaloes sealed their trophy with a 5:2 win.
Blagoevgrad’s ace Martin Andonov threw a complete game giving only 6 hits and 2 runs, none of them earned (0 ER). For the Devils Martin Velinov lasted 7 innings on the mound and was charged with 7 hits and 3 runs and Petyo Petkov closed it, being responsible for the last 2 runs in the game.
For the Buffaloes it was the seventh consecutive and 18th altogether title in the 22 years of Bulgarian baseball history. Established back in 1993 Blagoevgrad’s ball club has played in every championship finals since and has lost only once – in 2004 when it was outdueled in five games by Dupnitza. Only one another team has managed to win the championships – Sofia Academics did it three times in the early ages (1990-1992).
2011 BULGARIAN CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
October 1st, Game 1
BLAGOEVGRAD – DUPNITZA 9:1
October 2nd, Game 2
BLAGOEVGRAD – DUPNITZA 7:9 (Final 11)
October 22nd, Game 3
DUPNITZA – BLAGOEVGRAD 6:5
October 23rd, Game 4
DUPNITZA – BLAGOEVGRAD 2:14 (Final 7)
October 29th, Game 5
BLAGOEVGRAD – DUPNITZA 5:2
2011 FINAL STANDINGS
1. Blagoevgrad Buffaloes
2. Dupnitza Devils
3. Sofia Blues
4. Sofia Yunak
5. Sofia Athletic
6. Sofia Lions