(2-0) Stockholm – Tranås 8-3, 3-1
Defending champion Stockholm is back in the Swedish Elitserien finals after sweeping Tranås 2-0 in the best-of-three semi-finals series on Saturday. In game one Jakob Claesson allowed seven hits, three runs and four bb in nine innings to lead Stockholm to an 8-3 win. Peter Johannessen and Kevin Santiago combined for four RBI at the plate. Kyle West took the loss after conceding eleven hits, six runs (5 ER) and three walks in five innings.
In game two Joakim Claesson started for the first time since the European Championship and gave up just one run on six hits in seven innings to lay the groundwork for a 3-1 Stockholm victory. He struck out seven. The reigning title holder scored the two decisive runs in the bottom of the sixth; moments after Tranås had tied the contest through a RBI single by Sam Hogan. Bjoern Johannessen went 3-for-3 with a double and a RBI for Stockholm. Mikael Andersson was charged with the loss after 5 1/3 frames, nine hits, three runs and two bb.
(2-1) Karlskoga Bats – Sundbyberg Heat 4-2 (11), 12-23 (8), 10-9
The Karlskoga Bats had to go through three thrilling games to down Sundbyberg Heat in the second semi-final series. In game one the Bats celebrated a 4-2 win thanks to a walk-off two-run homerun by Jason Enewold in the bottom of the eleventh frame against Nick Soubiea. Bryce Enewold had tied the contest in the eighth on a hit by Henrik Johansson. Sundbyberg had taken a 2-1 lead in the top of the seventh through RBIs by Philip Gajzler and Shawn Vance. Eimantes Zickus received the win after 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief.
The second match turned out to be a wild slugfest. Sundbyberg scored a whopping 13 runs combined in the seventh and eighth to prevail 23-12 in eight innings. The Heat nearly had blown a 10-1 lead in the sixth, when Karlskoga put seven runs on the board. Rob Learned went an incredible 6-for-6 with a walk, four runs scored and four RBI. Per Lindgren scored five times, while Josh Gregory drove in four. Philip Gajzler (SUN, 3-7, 4 RBI) and Christoffer Johansson (KAR, 3-4, 3 runs, 4 RBI) homered in the game. Nick Soubiea picked up the win, although he allowed nine hits, eight runs and four bb in six innings. Kent Karlsson took the loss, surrendering 17 hits and ten runs (8 ER) in six innings.
In the decisive third game on Sunday afternoon Karlskoga won 10-9, when Bryce Enewold (2-4, 2 runs, 2 RBI) homered with two outs and his brother Jason (2-3, 4 runs) on first in the bottom of the ninth to seal the victory in walk-off style. The game started out like the second one, with both teams scoring at will in the first five innings with the Heat taking a 9-8 lead after three three-run rallies in the first four frames. But they couldn’t hold on to the one-run advantage and have to watch the finals from the stands. Christoffer Johansson drove in three for the Bats. Sundbyberg’s Shawn Vance went 2-for-4 with a homerun and four RBI. Rob Learned scored three times. Michael Andersson received the win, throwing a scoreless ninth. Carl Sjoelin took the loss after 4 2/3 innings o relief.
The Swedish Finals start on September 18 in Karlskoga.