2009 National Division Champion Giants Season Highlights
Regular Season Summary
The 2009 Giant team added a few new faces. With the A's folding before the season started, the Giants picked up two MSBL veterans - Joe Brotherton and Mikey Smith. Joe and Mikey were huge additions to the team. Joe played an incredible third base and Mikey took a ton of pressure of Mike Denevi by playing the bulk of the season at shortstop. Steve Chase was another addition to the Giant roster. Steve played a critical role throughout the season playing outfield, first base, and pitching. Finally, the Giants picked up Nick Caravelli, another SJMSBL veteran, in the middle of the season. In his first game as a Giant, Nick came through with a walk off base hit in the bottom of the ninth to beat the Tigers.
In addition to the "rookies", the Giants still have the core of players in place from last year. Jon Cannon had a terrific season for the Giants. When Jon is in centerfield, fly balls never have a chance. Jon hit eight home runs during the season and three home runs in a single game against the Indians. Mike Denevi was an absolute workhorse on the mound. Mike went 6-1 during the regular season and 3-0 in the playoffs. Every time the Giants need a big game, Mike is always there to carry the load. Kevin Wakeman was another workhorse on the mound. Kevin pitched two great games against the Indians including Game One of the championship series. All the Giants contributed throughout the season - Rich Zuvella, Huck Hibberd, Don Sanford, Mike Boesch, Phil Jaramillo, Gabe Barrientos, Paul Tomini, Ric Foley, John Yandle, Harold Sutherland, Mark Sarpa, Ron Dunn, Chris Denevi, and Mike Digiulio were all critical to the season's success.
The Giants had their fair share of injuries during the season. Don Sanford hurt his knee, Zu hurt his leg, Boesch pulled a quad, and Phil Jaramillo broke both hands. All the injured Giants came back during the season to contribute to the Giant championship season. In fact, Phil Jaramillo played in the decisive Championship Game with two broken hands and came up with several stellar defensive plays in the game.
Playoff Summary
The Giants finished second behind the Indians during the regular season, but were poised to make a strong playoff run. However, the Giant playoff run started off a little slow.
Round One, Game One
In Game One of the opening round, the Tigers beat the Giants 7-2 behind the solid pitching of Craig Jones. The Giant offense never got on track and the Giants found themselves facing an elimination game right out of the gate.
Round One, Game Two
The Giants were up to the challenge with Mike Denevi on the mound. Mike pitched a solid game for the 12-6 victory over the Tigers. Joe Brotherton, Jon Cannon, Harold Sutherland, and Mikey Smith led the Giant offense with three hits apiece. Joe Brotherton hit a two-run homer to put the game out of reach, forcing a decisive Game Three at Ohlone College the following week
Round One, Game Three
In Game Three, Mike Denevi pitched another complete game to propel the Giants into the Championship series against the Indians. Mike struck out eight and gave up four runs with two earned in the 7-4 win.
Denevi was helped when the Giants turned a triple play in third inning. With the score 2-1, Mikey Smith caught a short pop-up just above the grass and fed the ball to Chris Denevi at 2nd to double off the runner and then threw the ball to 1st to double off the other Tiger's runner - triple play! Kevin Wakeman led the Giant offense with two doubles and two runs scored.
Championship Series
The Giants and the Indians have been battling each other in the National Division Championship for the past three years. The Indians won two games to one in 2007. The Giants swept the Indians in 2008 to win their first championship since 2001.
Championship Series, Game One
In the first game of the 2009 championship series, Kevin Wakeman and Jaime Ybarra battled for nine innings with Wake getting the win. Kevin pitched a thee-hit gem, giving up only one unearned run for the complete game 3-1 victory.
Joe Brotherton and Jon Cannon fueled the Giant offense. Joe went 3-for-3 with a walk and a run scored and Jon went 1-for-3 with 2 RBIs.
Mike Denevi scored on a wild pitch in the first and Jon Cannon drove in Mikey Smith in the third with a sac fly to give the Giants a 2-0 lead. That's all Wakeman needed to get the win and take a 1-0 lead in the championship series.
Championship Series, Game Two
In Game Two, Mike Denevi pitched another gem for the Giants. Mike threw a nine-inning complete game 6-0 shutout while giving up only six hits, walking one, and striking out six. With a little help from the Giant defense, Denevi only faced 31 batters - 4 over the minimum.
The Giants took a 1-0 lead in the first on a Kevin Wakeman base hit. In the third, Huck Hibberd hit a solo shot and the Giants added one more for a 3-0 lead. In the eighth, the Giants put the game out of reach with home runs by Mike Denevi and Jon Cannon.
On the day, Mike Denevi and Kevin Wakeman gave up zero earned runs over 18 innings. With the victory, the Giants win the National Division title for the second year in a row. The 2009 championship gives the Giants 13 National Division titles - the most titles in San José MSBL history.
Great Season Giants!!! Congratulations!!!