Marcos Almanzar kept the Pirates' championship hopes alive with a no-hitter in Game 2

The 2019 NYCMBL summer season will officially conclude on Sunday afternoon, as Randall's Island Field #48 will play host to Game 3 of both the 'A' and 'AA' Division Championship Series.  One day after the Metro League All-Stars head up north to play at Palisades Credit Union Park, the four remaining playoff teams will compete to determine the 2019 champions in a pair of games slated to begin at 2 p.m.

The day kicks off with a rubber-match showdown between the Twins and the Pirates, who are seeking their fourth-straight NYCMBL title. After an impressive Game 1 victory by the Twins, the Buccos fired back last Sunday on the strength of an impressive performance by hard-throwing righty Marcos Almanzar. Almanzar authored a complete game no-hitter in Game 2, blanking the Twins as the Pirates came away with a 2-0 win to even the series at 1-1. 

With both squads well-rested and the 2019 championship on the line, it will be interesting to see which pitchers will take the hill on Sunday afternoon. If the Pirates elect to use Almanazar and the Twins counter with lefty ace Victor Padilla, Game 3 could figure to be another low-scoring affair. 

Following the 'AA' title game, the Yonkers Railsplitters and NY Patriots will play the remainder of the decisive 'A' division championship contest which was halted by inclement weather last weekend. The game was a pitchers' duel in the early-goings, as the Railsplitters' Elizabeth Benn and the Pats' Hawky DeJesus were both masterful through the first five innings of play, at which point the game was suspended due to thunderstorms. 

Play will resume with the Patriots batting in the top of the 6th inning.