ARCATA (Aug. 8, 2010) — Well, it's official: time flies when you're having fun.
The Humboldt Crabs survived a late rally by the Humboldt Steelheads to win 5-4 at the Arcata Ball Park on Sunday, marking the end of a highly successful season that seemed to whizz by.
How successful, you may ask? Of all Crabs teams to play more than 50 games, this team's 43-9 record ranks fifth in team history. They ended the campaign on a 10-game winning streak, accomplishing the goal manager Matt Nutter had issued to keep the losses to single digits after a three-game slide in mid-July left them at 33-9.
Coming off a thrilling victory in the WCL Tri-State Tournament title game on Saturday, Sunday's affair had almost a festival air to it. Home run derby (Todd Eagle won it), half-priced concessions, banner presentations, awards, kids running the bases, and of course, great baseball.
Thanks largely to the work of starter David Popkins, the Crabs were cruising along with a 5-1 lead heading into the eighth, but three-time former Crabs MVP Jeff Giacomini uncorked a bases-clearing double with two outs and it was suddenly 5-4. But Derrick Dingeman once again came in and preserved the 43rd and final victory of the 2010 Crabs season.
After the game, the traditional postseason awards were handed out. Popkins was named the team MVP for his accomplishments both on offense and on the mound; Andrew Ayers and Garrett Yrigoyen (#GarrettYrigoyen) were named best offensive and defensive players, respectively; and Bryson Rahier was honored with the Kevin Morsching "coach's award."
The Steelheads also gave out some postseason hardware. Spencer Duggan received MVP honors; Giacomini was the top offensive player; Kevin Ayers was the best defensive player; and Justin Yslas received both top pitcher and coach's award.
Thanks to all the fans who came out to make Season 66 one of the best yet!
