by Chris Byrnes
The Zurich Barracudas defeated cross town rival Zurich Challengers 11-0 on Saturday at the ballpark in Zurich to book their second consecutive spot in the Finals. The Barracudas were led by the pitching of Andi Rüsch who pitched 7 1/3 shutout innings allowing only five hits. Rüsch kept the Challengers offensive in check with an aggressive approach and a good fastball.
The Barracudas offense came out on fire scoring six runs in the first three innings to put this game out of reach. In the first inning the Barracudas took advantage of Challengers pitcher Tobi Seigrist two walks and an infield error to load the bases for Nderim Coma and the Barracudas slugger hit a rocket that got by the 3rd baseman to score two runs. Strahil Georgiev stepped to the plate and lifted a sac fly to get the third run across.
In the third inning, Shane Uhle hit a rope to right center field that bounced over the fence for a ground rule double. The Challengers committed another infield error which opened the door for Strahil Georgiev who hit a double to score Uhle to make it 4-0 ballgame. Another Challenger error allowed another run to score and then Stephan Pribitzer dropped down a perfect two out bunt to score another run to make it 6-0.
Rüesch books the win and lowered his era playoff era to 1.09. Roger Savoldelli who picked up the two wins the previous week came on to relieve Rüesch in the 8th and promptly got two quick double plays to end the game.
The Barracudas will have a rematch from last season in the final as they take on the Therwil Flyers who won their semi-final series versus the Bern Cardinals. The Flyers improved their 2015 roster with the addition of Lukas Hagberg and Jack Shannon, both hammered Swiss pitching hitting over .400 on the season. Add the strong Swiss roster with eight national team players and the comeback of Daniel Eichenberger and that makes the Flyers one of the best teams in Europe.
The finals get under way next week Saturday in Therwil and if the series is anything like the one last year the fans will not be cheated.