25 or 6 to 4

Sometimes in life you find things that just keep making you scratch your head, no matter how many times you see or experience them. I think that Seattle - Arizona matches are going to be that way. At least, that has been the story so far.

Nakamura slowly overcame the slow down approach of Barcenilla. Picking up a pawn, then giving it back to activiate both rooks and bishop Naka was able to create a net and through it.

Ginsburg on board 2 just played simple chess. When it appeared that Mikhailuk might be making some progress the f4 pawn recieved more attention than Slava would have liked. Inevitably the game slipped into thrash around mode as the bishops of opposite color were either a drawing tool (for White) or enough to win (for Black). Ginsburg was ultimately correct as the black squares were a coffin for Slava.

Josh on board 4 kept trying to pick up something, but Leo Martinez had more than enough to keep it level. Note to Josh; have a line ready for the Hedgehog.

That left the Rensch - Lee encounter on board 3. With Seattle leading 1.5 - .5 this game and board 2 entered into the critical phase of "Seattle has less than 2 minutes on the clock" territory. Michael had lost a pawn in the middle game, but was able to assemble quite a formidable force for counterplay. Rensch went astray by pushing his king to b1 where Lee had an a greeting party prepared. The Arizona third board eventually gave up a piece for 3 pawns and attempted to muddy matters in Lee's time situation. Problem was that the White pieces were a little short of squares. Rensch overlooked a tactic and Lee picked up a second piece simultaneously exchanging rooks. Seattle wins!

Good match. Both teams put out some entertaining efforts. Seattle got some good play from the lower boards this time around. Quite a far cry from the last time these 2 teams faced off, last season when Arizona thrashed the Sluggers 3-1 in the final week of the regular season.

Ok, that's all for now. ttyl