The Cubs became the first team in Cactus Softball history to finish both the regular season and the tournament undefeated with a 5-2 victory over the Reds.  This was the third time the Cubs and Reds have met for the tournament championship in the last five seasons and also the rubber match.  Both teams played outstanding defense especially in the outfield where two dazzling catches by John Deere and a long running catch by Clint Bailey kept the Reds in the game.  Dave Pearce gave the Cubs all the runs they would need with a 3 run first inning HR over the center field fence and Rob Bittler added 2 insurance runs with a 2 out single in the 4th.  The Reds would leave 14 runners on base in the game as the Cub defense made the plays they had to make when they needed them.  Championships can be won by defense and the Cubs proved this all season long as they established themselves as the best defensive team ever assembled in Cactus League play.  The Cubs gave up only 58 runs in 12 games for an average of 4.8 runs per game but it got even better in the tournament.  The Cubs allowed only 11 runners to cross the plate in 4 games for an average of 2.7 runs per game.  The Cubs have a solid offense but it was their defense and their pitching that set them apart from the rest of the teams in both divisions.  Congratulations to the Cubs for a record setting season and to the Reds for once again reaching the championship game.