Williamsport ousted from NYPL playoffs

On Sunday, the Phillies’ Class A short-season affiliate Williamsport lost the deciding game of their best-of-three opening round series in the New York-Penn League playoffs, dropping a 4-0 decision to the West Virginia Black Bears (Pittsburgh affiliate).

With righty hurler Mitch Gueller on the mound, the Crosscutters dropped the contest in front of a home crowd following a rain out on Saturday.  Gueller was tagged for the loss, alloweing one run (earned) in 5 1/3 innings of work while striking out five, walking four and surrendering two hits.

Gueller, 21, had become the team’s ace in recent months, posting an 8-0 record along with a 1.74 ERA over his last nine starts. He also had an ERA of 1.17 at home entering the postseason. The Washington state native was the Phils’ supplemental round (54th overall) draft selection in 2012.

The Cutters’ offense only mustered three hits on the day, including a double from promising outfield prospect Jose Pujols, who went just 1-for-11 in the series.  The team plated just four combined runs in the three-game set.

West Virginia advances to face Staten Island (Yankees) in the title round.

The Double-A Reading Fightins will open the Eastern League Championship Series at home on Tuesday, when they host the Bowie Baysox (Baltimore affiliate) at 7:05 PM.  The EL title round is a best-of-five series.