A sharp bouncer to first base. Captain Korman wrangles it, steps on the bag and with that the Giants are your 2024 Reaper Cup Champs!
But how did we get here? Let’s take a look back on the Giants’ miracle run to the Cup!
The Giants would face the Expos in round 1. After taking a loss in game 1, the Giants would turn to the fiery Hunter Lee in games 2 and 3 to shut down the Expos offence, as the Giants put up over 40 runs across both games to close out the series.
In the second round, the Giants would take on the second seed Pirates. A back and forth series showcasing some of the best offence and pitching across the league, but it would be the Giants’ onslaught offence that overtook the top-to-bottom powerhouse that was the Pirates.
We now approach the finals. The Giants taking on the top seeded Reds in a best of 5 matchup! A powerful 1-2 punch in the rotation led by Josh Kiner and Jordan Lipson, looking to quell the Giants’ offence and potentially end the Lipson Curse!
Game 1 would start with a matchup between the ever dominant vet Lipson, and workhorse Chris MacLean! In a back and forth affair, the Giants would overcome an early deficit thanks to their offence led by power bats Conner Stevenson and Anwar Khan to secure the victory.
Game 2 was all about Rookie sensation, Aaron Sosa. The All Star catcher can pitch some too! Throwing a complete game gem against the Giants to even the series! With the series tied up, it truly became anyone’s to take.
The Giants would turn to an unlikely starter in game 3 in Conner Stevenson. The flame throwing closer twirled a solid outing, allowing his team to capitalize on the Marv Weiman Pitcher of the Year candidate, Josh Kiner, for an 11-run inning to put the game away!
On the verge of game 4, the Reds would turn to Jordan Lipson one final time in hopes of forcing a game 5.
Hunter Lee had other ideas.
Lee would spin one of the finest games of his career, holding the Reds’ bats hapless to the tune of a complete game. Defensive plays by All Star catcher, Sam Kadish would help along the way to keeping the Reds at bay through the game!
Tied going into the bottom of the 7th, Giants vet, Alim Manji would find himself on third when a Jordan Lipson curveball got away from catcher Aaron Sosa, allowing Manji to score what would be the winning run. The top of the 8th would come and go on just a moment’s notice, as Lee sat down the top of the Reds lineup to complete the series!
The Giants overcame many of the toughest opponents they could have on their way to a Reaper Cup, and truly earned their victory! For captains Spencer Korman and Leo Scire, they found a way to bring their team together and play as a collective unit, making them near unbeatable in the sprint that is the playoffs!
Thank you all so much for an incredible year! From the players, captains, exec and our sponsors, we truly could not have what we do without all your efforts and contributions. We look forward to what 2025 has in store for RHMRBL.
Our 40th season is not wrapped up yet, as the Banquet is soon to be announced! Look out for more soon!