Cooperstown I coach Jim Knodel said Eddie Bauer, 4-0, would get the pitching start. If Cooperstown wins Thursday, they will play again Saturday, with the championship game set for Tuesday. All games will be at 5:30, at sites to be determined.

Nick Schifano went 3-for-3 with a double and three runs scored, and Rob Knodel also had three hits and seven runs batted in in Cooperstown's rout of Norwich. Bauer had two hits and also collected seven RBIs. Ian McGillivray homered and Bauer picked up the pitching win, his fourth of the season.

Cooperstown improved to 8-0 with a 13-2 victory over Brookfield on July 18, as Rob Knodel and Dave Pikarsky each banged out three hits.

Ian McGillivray picked up his second pitching win of the season, striking out six in five innings. He also doubled and scored three runs. Nick Schifano also scored three times.

In the first game, the Express traveled to Milford to continue a rain suspended match. The visitors used an eight run second inning to dominate Milford by a score of 15-4. The Cooperstown offense was led by Tim Smith who had three hits, two runs, and three RBI in four appearances. Thirteen Express players were credited with hits and eight different players scored. Wesley Carroll took the pitching victory, allowing three runs on four hits for his third victory of the season.

Cooperstown then traveled to Worcester to end their season and came through with a dominating 16-6 victory. The Express offense again featured a wide distribution of skill as nine players had hits and 12 scored during the six-inning match.

Frank Petroskey led the way with four hits, two runs, and one RBI in five at-bats. Luke Banner also had an excellent game with three hits, one run, and four RBI in five appearances. Tim Smith picked up his third victory, allowing six runs on eight hits, with five strikeouts.

This is the first time that Cooperstown has won the league championship and they are now preparing for the post-season tournament. In describing his team's efforts, Coach Dale Petroskey said, "This is a wonderful group of young men. They practiced hard all year, and all that hard work has paid off. Every one of them has improved as a result of the effort they've put in. They know the meaning of 'team' and pulled for each other all year. They are a lot of fun, and a joy to be around. Doug Smith and I have had many wonderful athletic experiences, but working with this team this summer ranks up there as one of the most special."

With the regular season now complete the Cooperstown squad compiled some very impressive statistics.

The Express outscored their opponents 114 to 56 for the 7-3 record, and combined to achieve a .359 batting average, while allowing their opponents to hit only .245.

Individual batting leaders include Brian Segit (.524 avg., 9 runs, 4 RBI, 8 steals), Tim Smith (.485 avg., 15 runs, 9 RBI, 15 steals), Wesley Carroll (.483 avg., 17 runs, 5 RBI, 8 steals), Frank Petroskey (.457 avg., 16 runs, 6 RBI, 8 steals), and Andy Manes (.444 avg., 8 runs, 2 RBI, 8 steals). Wesley Carroll led the pitching staff with a 3-0 record, allowing only 13 runs in five appearances. Tim Smith followed with a 3-2 record, with 28 runs allowed in six appearances.

The playoff tournament begins this Thursday and will continue through the weekend.