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Sep 7, 2006 

2006 Suzao Cup Recap

VIVA PORTUGAL!
The National Nightmare Is Over
Portuguese Win First Title Ever, 19-11

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THE PORTUGEES WIN THE PENNANT, THE PORTUGEES WIN THE PENNANT! Portuguese players mob the pitcher after the final out in the 2006 Suzao Cup. Team Portugal wins the Cup for the first time in four tries.

By Bill Johnson
Special to tailgater.blogspot.com

CASTRO VALLEY, Calif. Aug. 27, 2006. The long national nightmare that has been the Suzao Cup for Team Portugal finally ended Sunday with a 19-11 win against the perennially strong Mexicans at Palomares Hills Park.

The Portuguese All-Stars added a new nickname along with a few big boppers and a new attitude to end their three-game losing streak to Michelle "Beaner" Garcia's pesky Mexicans.

It's been typical throughout this series to have close game, at least early in the game, and this year's game was no different. After adding blue-chip talent like Roy Santos, Mike Padfield (a long-lost cousin from Georgia) and the infamous Monterey Boys, coach Steve Tavares seemed to have an advantage in personnel for the first time.

"Those Beans play well every year. I think Beaner puts Mexican jumping beans in their jock straps. I think somehow we got too cocky before the game, which is funny because we've never sniffed victory in three years," said Portuguese coach Steve Tavares.

Said Portuguese catcher and veteran of all four games, Julian Tavares: "The Mexicans always bring the heat, but they didn't the bring the thunder like the Portugees did, today."

After numerous lead changes in the first four innings, Portugal headed into the pivotal bottom of the fifth with a 6-5 lead, then the long awaited power surge finally occurred. After retiring the leadoff hitter, Portugal responded with six consecutive hits that was punctuated with the first Portuguese homer in series history. Newly-acquired John Andrade's three run blast to dead center gave the squad an 11-5 lead and blew the game wide-open.

"That whole scene, I think, pumped up the whole team and intimidated the Mexicans. They never really recovered from that homer," said Coach Tavares.

The presence of the new power to the lineup cannot be overlooked but their tenacity quite possibly stemmed from a sort of national call to arms after Portugal's triumphant World Cup run this summer, which coincidentally also involved a rousing 2-1 victory over Mexico in the group stages.

"The new player's drive was important. For some this game is for fun and it is, but some of us care about winning and it was good that they played serious."

Now, the displeasure of a losing resides in the Mexican dugout and their frustration was apparent.

"[Those] guys are big cheaters. We played by the rules. Next year youire going down!," said Mexican coach Michelle Garcia. She also felt disappointment over her team's overall play and singled out first basemen Seth "Seto Magneto" Miranda.

"I fired him. I demoted him from first to leftfield and that bit me in the ass, too. He overran the ball. I've never been so mad at him in my life," said Garcia.

An admittedly overmatched Mexican team took solace in giving Team Portugal a battle and offered their annual message of overachieving.

"Even by them cheating, we still almost beat you with a couple of girls and a bunch of kids," said Beaner.

"They're full of s-h-i-t-t-t-t-t!," said first-year third basemen Mike Padfield, "We offered to give them some players. They probably should have brought the dog in to play first base."

"They could bring their pumped-up kids, rub The Cream all over them and we'll still beat them next year," said Julian Tavares.

Nevertheless, the Portuguese players felt a load off their shoulders after the indignity of being beaten handily for three straight years in a game designed to honor the memory of one of their own.

"It's a feeling like you don't know if you're dreaming. I kept pinching my leg to see if it was real. There was disbelief, then belief or, in Portuguese; disbeliefsshh, then beliefssh," said Julian.

"I must admit that I got a little choked up in the middle of that celebration on the mound. I was very proud of the way everybody played. We played as a team. We made some mistake out there. I know I made a few, but everybody picked each other up and made big plays every time we need it," said Coach Steve, "This win is dedicated to all those who played hard for this team when we failed which makes this win so much more sweeter."

One of the players who have played through the lean years was this year's MVP Eddie Tavares. E.T. earned his first win after two losses by allowing 11 runs on a whopping 33 hits. He also was 3-for-3 with a double and three runs scored. Others may have had better statistics on Sunday, but it was Tavares' tenacious slide into second base that may become the signature moment of Portugal's victory.

On a single to left in the third inning, Eddie attempted to take another base after the Mexican leftfielder fumbled the ball. In his gritty run to second, he stumbled half way and slide face-first into the dirt. He then, quickly crawled on his bare legs to the base while bloodying his knees.

"I would like to thank Uncle Eddie for digging deep, not just physically deep, but deep into his soul on that slide into second base," said Julian.

Despite the rivalry and the trash-talking Coach Garcia still took a moment to remember why we were all there on that diamond Sunday afternoon.

"The only thing that made me happy was to see Carlos get to walk around proud with his Portuguese flag on. That probably made Suzie happy."

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TEAM PHOTO Team Mexico and the Portuguese All-Stars pose for the traditional post-game photo. Thanks to Marianne Tavares for the photos and Tia Tina Tavares for keeping score.