Itä defeated Länne in the men’s title match at Tampere’s renovated baseball stadium 2–1 (4–3.1–3.0–0.2–0).
In honor of the East’s victory, Sami Haapakoski went to pick up the victory trophy. Mika Kylmäniemi / All Over Pres
The hit cannon of the East reigned as the king of the value match Juho Toivola. Joensuun Maila’s joker, who played his first East-West game, hit three runs in the match and was exceptionally successful in the home run. Toivola escorted the forwarder home with a locker Juha Puhtimäki from a pass that was going wrong by a meter with a flight marker.
– I was very involved in the pass, it was high enough that I had time to think about what I was going to hit. Of course, luck was also involved, because there was a flipper error in the front field.
Toivola saw that the previous series game also brought additional anger.
– On Thursday I played a bad game in Kitee, I decided to get over it and show that I can hit runs.
Eastern Sami Haapakoski played the 17th ranking match of his career. The man appreciates every choice he makes.
– This is also a sign that I have succeeded and our team has succeeded. The choice of East–West is always heartwarming. In the game itself, the margins were small, we were that much better.
Haapakoski, who is playing his first season in Kempele’s Kiri, has also had time to sign an extension contract for next season with the same club.
– Changing the jersey brought additional energy, my mind is clear. Now we just aim to develop the game and aim for the highest possible ranking.
Volts for the audience
Puhtimäki, who was the star of the West, also got excited to throw volleys on the field to the delight of the crowd. When asked if his hamstring was about to fail, he had a clear answer.
– There is no fear of that, the man is made of steel. I don’t know where I got the idea to do volts, I haven’t done that in fifteen years. I thought of throwing the Volt back as well, but maybe it’s better not to.
Gamemaster of the East Iiro Haimi was the smile.
– Even though the game is real, we still keep a smile on our faces, this was a great event. Some of the team will stay in Tampere to celebrate, and some will go home.
Gamemaster of the West Tomi Niskanen was a little sad about the loss, but was still in a reasonably good mood.
– Defeat is of course not a nice thing. It was still nice to be a part of it, the nesting population has a positive spirit. In East-West you see people you don’t see often, I enjoy this kind of thing.