The Hugg Baseball League today announced the results of the 1996 Division Series, with four teams advancing to the Conference Championship Series following a dramatic opening round of postseason play.
Atlantic Conference
Savannah Swamp Foxes defeat Southeast Slammers, 3–2
In one of the most competitive series of the opening round, the Savannah Swamp Foxes outlasted the Southeast Slammers in five games.
Savannah took the first two games at home before the Slammers stormed back with consecutive wins to even the series. In the decisive Game 5, Savannah’s pitching and timely hitting carried them to a 6–1 victory and a spot in the Atlantic Championship Series.
Series Results:
- GM1: Slammers 4 – 5 Swamp Foxes
- GM2: Slammers 1 – 6 Swamp Foxes
- GM3: Swamp Foxes 3 – 5 Slammers
- GM4: Swamp Foxes 4 – 7 Slammers
- GM5: Slammers 1 – 6 Swamp Foxes
Savannah wins series, 3–2.
Buffalo Bison defeat Asheville Moonshiners, 3–1
The Buffalo Bison continued their dominant play from the regular season, dispatching the Asheville Moonshiners in four games. Buffalo’s offense came alive early in the series, highlighted by a commanding 9–2 win in Game 2. Asheville rallied to win Game 3 in extra innings, but Buffalo closed the door in Game 4 to move on.
Series Results:
- GM1: Moonshiners 2 – 3 Bisons
- GM2: Moonshiners 2 – 9 Bisons
- GM3: Bisons 6 – 7 Moonshiners
- GM4: Bisons 8 – 3 Moonshiners
Buffalo wins series, 3–1.
Pacific Conference
Naperville Lazy Fisherman sweep Portland Stag, 3–0
The Naperville Lazy Fisherman made quick work of the Portland Stag, sweeping the series in convincing fashion. After two close games to open the series, Naperville erupted for 18 runs in Game 3, completing the sweep and advancing to the Pacific Championship Series.
Series Results:
- GM1: Stag 4 – 5 Lazy Fisherman
- GM2: Stag 3 – 6 Lazy Fisherman
- GM3: Lazy Fisherman 18 – 6 Stag
Naperville wins series, 3–0.
Nashville Sounds edge Round Rock Express, 3–2
In a tightly contested five-game battle, the Nashville Sounds emerged victorious over the Round Rock Express. Both teams traded wins through the first four games before Nashville sealed the series in Game 5 with a thrilling 6–5 victory at home.
Series Results:
- GM1: Express 6 – 2 Sounds
- GM2: Express 0 – 5 Sounds
- GM3: Sounds 1 – 7 Express
- GM4: Sounds 3 – 0 Express
- GM5: Express 5 – 6 Sounds
Nashville wins series, 3–2.
Conference Championship Matchups Set
With the Division Series complete, the 1996 HBL Conference Championships are set:
- Atlantic Championship Series: Buffalo Bison vs. Savannah Swamp Foxes
- Pacific Championship Series: Nashville Sounds vs. Naperville Lazy Fisherman
Both series will be best-of-seven matchups, with winners advancing to the 1996 HBL Championship Series.