The Bristol Knights Charge into the Playoffs

The Bristol Knights won the last 2 games of the regular season to force a tie in the final Manchester Twilight League Standings with the Moodus Nationals, with both teams at 13W – 13L. Fortunately, Bristol beat Moodus in both meetings this year. This earned the Knights the tiebreaker, and the 6th seed in the winners side of the double elimination playoff tournament. It all came down to Friday, 8/1 in a game vs central division opponent, Chicago Sam’s Orioles. Bristol hit the ball well, behind the pitching of Justin Tokarz and Rick Blais, to earn the 8-5 win.

On to the Playoffs. The 6th seed Knights will start the playoffs against longtime league rival, and 3rd seed (Tunxis Grill) Indians. They have had a different sponsor name almost every year, but the Indians core has been mostly the same, led by League President Chris Barsa, Keith Echevarria, Brian Pinney, John Skinner, and a bunch of regulars the Knights have faced countless times in the last 12 years. The Knights will be carefully manage the pitching to try and get the most out of the guys that are available. The Knights lineup going into the playoffs looks to be anchored by MVP candidate, Rick Barrett, manager Brian LaRochelle, Rex Cone, Ed Dickman, and the pair of speedy outfielders Sam Leonardo and Julio Oritz-Rivera. The Knights pitching staff will look to get good innings out of pitchers Earl Oakes, Rick Blais, Chris McGrath, Justin Tokarz, Luke Palma, Rick Barrett, and hopefully Sean Lopata (who is currently hurt, possibly for the season… but hopefully will be able to contribute if his arm recovers any).

The Knights are looking to bring home the 3rd MTL Championship in the 12 year history of the team, and 4th overall including the NABA Fall League.

You can follow all of the league playoff update on the league site: