by Finnish Baseball and Softball Federation

The Espoo Expos won their 11th consecutive Finnish Championship of baseball on Sunday in Leppävaara, Espoo. Helsinki Puumat fell in the 3rd game of the Finnish Finals by the score 8-3. Despite getting swept in three straight games Puumat kept each of the games close, losing 9-10 in 10 innings in game 1 and 6-7 in game 2.

The deciding contest was watched by about 100 people on Sunday with Saturday’s game attended by over 150.

“Our thanks go out to the fans and the players. The team was able to stay focused for the entire finals. Winning the deciding game is always difficult,” said Expos’ captain Pertteli Salmenperä.

2013 SM-Finals – Game results:

Game 1 (Fri. Aug 23): Espoo Expos – Helsinki Puumat 10-9 (10 innings)

Game 2 (Sat. Aug 24): Helsinki Puumat – Espoo Expos 6-7

Game 3 (Sun. Aug 25): Espoo Expos – Helsinki Puumat 8 – 3

“This has truly been a wonderful season. We had many activities and close, exciting games all season in both our leagues. In recent years, we have attracted many new players, especially young ones, which will bring some new life to baseball here in the near future,” said Finnish Baseball and Softball Federation President Tony Jones. “Our merger with the Pesäpallo Federation at the beginning of this year and the upcoming decision by the International Olympic Committee on baseball-softball’s possible inclusion in the 2020 Summer Olympics on September 8 makes this an exciting time for baseball in Finland,” concluded Jones.