2001 PLAYER / PITCHER OF THE WEEK #08
| NAME | TEAM | AVG | SLG | G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | K | W | IW | SB | CS | HBP |
| JONES,Andruw | DEW AL | .320 | .800 | 6 | 25 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| NAME | CLUB | G | W | L | S | ERA | IP | R | ER | H | K | BB | IBB | WP | BK | HB | HR |
| KILE,Darryl | CHI AL | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| NAME | TEAM | AVG | SLG | G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | K | W | IW | SB | CS | HBP |
| JONES,Chipper | BAL NL | .375 | 1.042 | 6 | 24 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| NAME | CLUB | G | W | L | S | ERA | IP | R | ER | H | K | BB | IBB | WP | BK | HB | HR |
| KENNEDY,Joe | WGE NL | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 7.2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Hampton Huskies @ Long Beach Titans |
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| Series Summary: | Long Beach continues their slide by getting swept at home by Hampton. The losing streak is now 17 games! |
Iowa Giants @ Castle Rock Hounds |
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| Series Preview: | Two teams hovering around .500 will battle it out as Iowa visits Castle Rock. The Hounds have been underachieving the last couple of series after a really strong start to the season, and have fallen a 1/2 game behind Fort Worth in the West, while Iowa is also in 2nd place, but 9.5 games back in the East. |
| Game #1: | Lohse takes the mound vs. Sele in this one, which appears to be a mismatch in favor of Iowa. But Lohse pitches a gem, going the full 9 innings, allowing just one earned run on 7 hits and one walk. Sele gives up four runs in 6 IP, including a homer to Bonds and the Hounds take the series opener by a count of 6-1.
WP: Lohse (2-1) |
| Game #2: | Castle Rock has the starter advantage in this one, as Burkett takes on Lance Davis. Bonds gets the Hounds on the board with a solo shot in the first. Castle Rock tacks on five more in the 2nd, running Davis from the game. The Hounds don’t look back from there, scoring 12 runs on 16 hits and holding Iowa to 2 runs on 6 hits. The final is 12-2, Castle Rock as they take a 2-0 series lead.
WP: Burkett (7-1) |
| Game #3: | Iowa takes out all of its frustrations on the Castle Rock pitching staff, racing to a 14-0 lead in the 4th inning behind Maddux. Greg does get tossed for hitting Luis Gonzalez in the bottom of the 4th, but it doesn’t matter. Kenny Rogers gets tossed in the 8th for hitting a batter as well. Then Bradford gets tossed in the bottom half and things are getting ugly. Castle Rock adds a few meaningless runs at the end, but the final is 15-4, Iowa. Strangely, Iowa had 8 doubles, but no homers in the game.
WP: Bradford (1-2) |
| Game #4: | Biddle vs. Carpenter in this one, and we have a veritable pitcher’s duel (early 2000’s style) in this one, as it is 4-4 after 7 innings, with the teams trading runs. It’s going to come down to the bullpens to decide it. And, Mike Sweeney gets to Guardado, delivering a 2-RBI triple in the bottom of the 8th to give Castle Rock the 6-4 lead. They add one more and Benitez comes on to close a Castle Rock 7-4 victory.
WP: DeJean (2-2) |
| Game #5: | Lidle takes the hill for Iowa to face Pettitte for Castle Rock. They are both cruising until Lidle is lost to injury in the bottom of the 4th, and it is going to test the Iowa bullpen. It is scoreless until Luis Gonzalez goes deep for a two-run homer in the bottom of the 6th. That is all Pettitte would need (and get) as he goes the distance for a complete game 2-0 victory and Castle Rock takes a 4-1 series lead. Both runs allowed by Garces in the loss were unearned, as neither team scored an earned run in this one.
WP: Pettitte (4-3) |
| Game #6: | Weaver vs. Doug Davis in the series finale. Both teams are back to their scoring ways, as it is 2-1 after the first inning thanks to a Dye homer for the Hounds. Again, Iowa takes out it frustrations with a big 3rd inning, taking a 7-2 lead. Bonds gets two of the runs back in the bottom half, and it is 7-4. Then Sweeney gets a triple to score two more and it is 7-6. This Hounds team may never fully be out of a game. Barrett then hits a two-run homer and it is suddenly 9-7, Castle Rock. But, Iowa claws back to score four runs in the top of the 6th and it is 11-9, Iowa. But, not to be outdone, Luis Gonzalez delivers a three-run homer in the bottom half of the inning to make it 12-11.
DeJean comes on to start the 7th for Castle Rock and immediately gets tossed for hitting Saenz. And, of course, Saenz scores to make it 12-12. Castle Rock loads the bases in the bottom of the 7th, but Bradford gets Sweeney to ground out to end the threat. Offerman homers off of BJ Ryan to give Iowa a 13-12 lead in the top of the 8th. It is still 13-12 in the bottom of the 9th, when Bonds gets on with a 1-out single and Jermaine Dye walks it off with a 2-run homer to give Castle Rock the 14-13 victory and a 5-1 series win. The Hounds hit five homers in the win, including two from Dye. Bradford was kept in the game by Cajun Hook (did not live up to his name) for way too long in relief and he ended up taking the loss. WP: Pineiro (3-2) |
| Series Summary: | In a wild series with both high scoring and low scoring games, the Hounds take it 5-1. |
Corktown Bootleggers @ Harper Woods Expos |
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| Series Summary: | Corktown travels down I-94 to play Harper Woods, and the series ends up Split 3-3. |
Manhattan Gas Hornets @ Gladstone Gladiators |
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| Series Preview: | Gladstone starts yet another series with Chuck Knoblauch nursing an injury. Management is going to line his uniform with bubble wrap for the final game of the series… Manhattan is riding an 8 game winning streak to start the series, while the Gladiators have won 7 of their last 10. |
| Game #1: | Richard Hidalgo launched a 3-run shot in the bottom of the 1st, which was all that the Gladiators needed. Dave Williams spun a beautiful shutout through 8 and 2/3 innings, but allowed a couple of baserunners in the top of the 9th, whereupon Mike Lincoln came in to get the last out and preserve the shutout, picking up his first save of the season. FINAL SCORE: GLG 3 – MGH 0 |
| Game #2: | Michael Tucker hit a leadoff homer in the bottom of the 1st. Garrett Anderson tied the score in the top of the 5th, but Dave Berg singled in Juan Uribe in the bottom to reclaim the lead. But then Ray Durham hit a 3-run shot in the top of the 6th to put the Gas Hornets ahead, 4-2. The Gladiators were unable to respond, and that’s how the game ended. FINAL SCORE: MGH 4 – GLG 2 |
| Game #3: | Michael Tucker again opened the scoring, this time on a sacrifice fly by Corey Koskie in the 1st. The Gas Hornets replied in the 3rd, when Ray Durham tripled in Derek Jeter, then scored on a wild pitch by Chan Ho Park to take the lead. Koskie tied the score in the 4th with a solo blast, but Jason Kendall hit a 2-run shot in the 5th to retake the lead. David Dellucci doubled and scored on a single by Benito Santiago in the bottom of the 5th, but that’s all the Gladiators could manage. Manhattan tacked on another pair in the 8th, and Gladstone got another in the 9th, but the Gas Hornets hung on for their 2nd straight win. FINAL SCORE: MGH 6 – GLG 4 |
| Game #4: | Manhattan opened the scoring in the 3rd on a solo homer by Matt Stairs. The score stood at 1-0 in Manhattan’s favor until the 6th, when Tim Wakefield walked Richard Hidalgo to load the bases and then Juan Uribe to tie the score. Matt Leiter came in to shut the door in the 6th, but then gave up a gopher to Dave Berg in the 7th. The Gas Hornets tied the game in the 9th, and the Gladiators were unable to respond in their have, so it went to extra frames. The bullpens kept things quiet until the 14th, when Derek Jeter homered to break the deadlock. But with two out in the bottom of the 14th, Corey Koskie doubled and scored on Dave Berg‘s single to tie it. Troy O’Leary the homered to end the game in a Gladstone victory. FINAL SCORE: GLG 5 – MGH 3 |
| Game #5: | Once again, Manhattan opened the scoring, this time in the 2nd when Luis Alicea singled in Matt Stairs, stole 2nd, then scored on a double by Dave Martinez. Derek Jeter then hit a 2-run homer and it looked like this was going to be the Gas Hornets’ day. But in the 6th inning, Desi Relaford hit a two-out single, then went to third on Mark Loretta‘s hit-and-run. Corey Koskie hit a bloop single to score Relaford, then Jeff Bagwell tripled to drive in Loretta and Koskie, and Richard Hidalgo tied it with an RBI single. The score remained tied, 4-4, until the 8th, when Hidalgo game up with Koskie and Bagwell on 1st and 2nd. He proceeded to single to score Koskie, and Bagwell scored on a wild throw home. Felix Rodrigues picked up his league-leading 15th save to end the game. FINAL SCORE: GLG 6 – MGH 4 |
| Game #6: | The theme of Manhattan opening the scoring continued, as Ray Durham doubled in Derek Jeter and then scored on Tino Martinez‘ single. Jeff Bagwell tied it in the 4th with a 2-run shot. Then Bagwell hit a solo blast in the 6th to break the deadlock. In the 8th, Gladstone tacked on a few more, with Bagwell driving in Loretta with a single and Richard Hidalgo hitting a 2-run homer to break it open. Manhattan was unable to score in the 9th. FINAL SCORE: GLG 6 – MGH 3 |
| Series Summary: | Gladstone gets the better of Manhattan, taking the first game and then the last 3 for a 4-2 series win. |
Flora-Bama Mullets @ Blarney Drive Bandits
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| Series Preview: | Couple 1st place squads square up for a 6 game set. |
| Game #1: | Schilling vs Hampton in the opener and Mike was spinning the dark one today. After the dust settles he is the proud owner of a shiny 4-hit shutout. Curt matches him allowing 4 hits (amazingly 1 single, 1 double, 1 triple and 1 HR). No bull pen needed today for either team. Shawn Green drives in all the runs.
FBM 0 BDB 2 W: Hampton (4-4) |
| Game #2: | Still 0-0 heading into the 4th and Bama plates 4 with the help of a Liefer 3-run dinger. That would be all Person would need as he delivers the series 2nd CG shutout.
FBM 5 BDB 0 W: Person (6-1) |
| Game #3: | No shutout! Fans were entertained as teams combine for 9 extra base hits. Bandit Pratt’s 2-run HR in the 4th was the game winner. Ruben “High” Sierra had a nice 2-4 double/HR/1 RBI game in the Mullett loss.
FBM 2 BDB 5 W: Johnson (7-0) |
| Game #4: | Exciting game with 29 hits, 14 runs and 20 left on base. Bandits had a 6-1 lead after 5 full but Bama kept chipping away. After the 5th inning all the scoring went to the visitors as they tied it up with 2 runs in the 9th and then the W with 2 more in the 10th. Berkman 3-5, Olerud 3-6 and Juan-Gone 4-5 led the long hair attack.
FBM 8 BDB 6 W: Sasaki (2-1) |
| Game #5: | Things got chippy! Schilling was still a bit hot after Hampton spun gold in game 1 against him and exacted his revenge via hunting with fastballs. Curt made it into the 5th but was ejected after drilling back to back batters. This sparked a Bandit rally as they tally 4 in the 5th to go ahead 5-3. The would add 2 more in the 6th as Stewart is ejected for beaning Giles. Some bad blood being brewed between these two teams? Each team collected 11 hits but the free base runners ended being a big deal in the Bama loss.
FBM 5 BDB 8 W: Wells (3-2) |
| Game #6: | Mullets score early and often to open up a 6-0 lead after 3 innings. Hampton makes a statement early buy plunking Berkman in his 2nd at bat and sending him to the showers for the rest of the day. Blarney makes it a little interesting with a 3-spot in the 6th and 1 more in the 7th but fall short. Juan-Gone parked a 2-run job and 4 Bama hitters had 2 hits.
FBM 6 BDB 4 W: Burnett (6-3) |
| Series Summary: | Back and forth series as each team wins 3 and no team won back to back games. |
Dondero Oaks @ Chicago Demolition |
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| Series Preview: | The upcoming series between the Chicago Mobsters and the Dondero Oaks is set to be an interesting matchup. The Mobsters, with a strong record of 25-15, are likely coming into the series with confidence and momentum. On the other hand, the Dondero Oaks, at 11-28, have struggled this season and will be looking to upset the odds.
Given the records and performance so far, the Chicago Mobsters would be the favorites to win the series. If we were to set odds, they might look something like Chicago Mobsters at -200 (1.50) and Dondero Oaks at +170 (2.70), indicating that the Mobsters are expected to win, but in sports, any team can surprise on any given day. Please note that these odds are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. |
| Game #1: | The Chicago Demolition secured a solid victory over the Dondero Oaks with a final score of Chicago 4 – Dondero 1. The game began with a series of defensive plays, keeping the score tied at 0-0 until the bottom of the 1st inning when the Demolition’s P. Nevin singled, allowing S. Stewart to score the opening run. Despite several hits from the Oaks, Demolition’s pitcher Gary Knotts held them at bay, striking out six and walking only two. The Oaks’ only run came in the top of the 8th inning when K. Stinnett homered off Knotts. The Demolition responded in the bottom of the 7th with a three-run double by E. Renteria, solidifying their lead. Oaks’ pitcher Paul Wilson was forced to leave the game due to injury after 5 and 2/3 innings, with Courtney Duncan and Randy Choate taking over pitching duties. The game concluded with Demolition’s closer, Jordan Zimmerman, securing his 5th save after striking out R. Sanders to end the game.
Final Score: Chicago 4 – Dondero 1 Win: Gary Knotts 1-0 (4.76) |
| Game #2: | In a dominant display, the Chicago Demolition shut out the Dondero Oaks with a final score of Chicago 10 – Dondero 0. The game started off with a series of routine fly balls, quickly retired by the Demolition’s center fielder, Murray. The Demolition’s offense then kicked into gear with a two-run homer by Delgado in the bottom of the 1st, setting the tone for the rest of the game. The Demolition’s bats stayed hot, with Renteria and Hocking hitting back-to-back home runs in the 2nd inning, extending their lead to 5-0.
The Oaks struggled to find an answer to Demolition’s pitcher Darryl Kile, who was in fine form, allowing no runs and issuing only two walks. The Demolition’s offense continued to pile on the pressure, with another homer by Renteria in the 6th, bringing in three runs. Johnson added the final touch with a solo home run in the 8th inning. Kile completed the game with a high fly ball caught by Johnson, sealing his sixth win of the season. Final Score: Chicago 10 – Dondero 0 Win: Darryl Kile 6-0 (2.52) |
| Game #3: | In a thrilling 13-inning contest, the game between the Oaks and the Demolition was a pitcher’s duel from the start. The match began with tension as B. Hunter walked but was later caught out and ejected for arguing with the umpire. Both teams’ pitchers, R. Clemens for the Demolition and J. Acevedo for the Oaks, showcased their dominance, with Clemens racking up an impressive 15 strikeouts. The Oaks broke the deadlock in the 11th inning when D. Bichette drove in H. Bocachica with a solid hit to left field. However, the Demolition responded in the bottom of the 11th as C. Delgado’s double brought in B. Higginson to tie the game. It wasn’t until the 13th inning that the Oaks took the lead for good with D. Cruz’s home run. G. Carrara managed to hold off the Demolition in the bottom of the 13th, despite a tense moment with runners on second and third, to seal the victory for the Oaks.
Final Score: Dondero 2 – Chicago 1 (13 Innings) Win: Giovanni Carrara 1-1 (3.54) |
| Game #4: | In a game that saw the Chicago Demolition dominate from the early innings, they secured a comfortable victory over the Dondero Oaks with a final score of Chicago 11 – Dondero 4. The Demolition’s offense was sparked in the second inning by a two-run homer from D. Justice, setting the tone for the rest of the match. The Oaks managed to get on the board in the fifth with a solo shot by D. Cruz, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback. Chicago’s lineup continued to apply pressure, with key hits and a few Oaks’ errors contributing to their tally. Kevin Millwood‘s solid pitching performance over six innings, allowing just one run on four hits, earned him the win, improving his record to 3-5 with a 4.63 ERA. Pedro Astacio, on the other hand, took the loss for the Oaks, falling to 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA after surrendering five runs in just under three innings of work. The Demolition’s relentless offense and tight defense sealed the deal, leaving the Oaks trailing and unable to recover.
Final Score: Chicago 11 – Dondero 4 Win: Kevin Millwood 3-5 (4.63) |
| Game #5: | In a game that showcased Chicago’s offensive prowess, the team truly wore their hitting shoes, resulting in an explosive performance. The game began with the Oaks taking an early lead with a two-run homer by J. Valentin in the top of the 1st inning. However, Chicago, referred to as Demolition, quickly responded in the bottom of the same inning, taking the lead with a score of 3-2. The momentum stayed with Chicago as they continued to rack up runs, including a grand slam by C. Delgado in the bottom of the 5th, extending their lead to a commanding 12-3.
Chicago’s pitchers managed to keep the Oaks at bay, with starter David Cone striking out six over five innings and earning the win. The Oaks struggled to keep up, with their pitcher Kevin Jarvis being pulled early after giving up seven runs. Chicago’s hitters were relentless, with R. Alomar and T. Clark contributing significantly to the team’s impressive 19-hit tally. The game concluded with the Oaks adding a final run with a solo home run by R. Ibanez, but it was not enough to challenge Chicago’s dominance. Final Score: Chicago 19 – Dondero 5 Win: David Cone 4-2 (5.46) |
| Game #6: | In a thrilling encounter, the Oaks took an early lead with a solo home run by R. Sanders in the first inning. The Oaks extended their lead in the second inning with a three-run homer by C. Woodward, making it 4-0. J. Valentin added to the lead with another solo home run in the third inning. However, Demolition began their comeback in the third inning with S. Stewart’s RBI triple and B. Higginson’s sacrifice fly, bringing the score to 5-2. The fourth inning saw Demolition close the gap further with D. Justice’s two-run homer, making it a one-run game. The game remained tense until the bottom of the eighth when T. Clark hit a two-run homer, giving Demolition the lead for the first time. Despite a late challenge in the ninth, with D. Cruz doubling and the Oaks threatening with a runner on second, J. Zimmerman secured the save, and Demolition clinched the victory.
Final Score: Chicago 6 – Dondero 5 Win: Arthur Rhodes 2-1 (2.35) |
| Series Summary: | The series showcased the Chicago Demolition’s strong offense and pitching, with multiple home runs and solid performances on the mound. Key players like C. Delgado, E. Renteria, and D. Justice made significant contributions with their bats. Pitchers like Gary Knotts, Darryl Kile, and David Cone delivered wins, with Kile achieving a shutout. The Dondero Oaks had moments of resistance, including a 13-inning win and early leads in some games, but ultimately struggled to match the Demolition’s intensity. The series was marked by a mix of dominant wins for Chicago and closely contested games, including a comeback victory for the Demolition. |
Fort Worth Panthers @ Monroeville Maulers |
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| Series Preview: | The Maulers after a successful series victory 4-2 last week against Castle Rock are in 2nd place of the AL Central 4GB division leader CHI., return home to host the first place Fort Worth Panthers in the AL West. |
| Game #1: | MVM 12-17-1 vs FWP 6-14-1
W-Mike MacDougal 1-0, Ramiro Mendoza H 3 It’s 6-6 through 5IP as both teams rack up a 6-run inning and chase each teams respective starter. However the MVM bull pen by committee shuts the door the rest of the way as the Maulers hammer out two more 3-run innings to cap off a 12-6 victory no HRs for either team all singles & doubles. MVM 12-6. Craig Counsell 5-5, RBI 2(16), Fred McGriff 2-5, 2B(8), Aramis Ramirez 2-5, RBI (20), Ivan Rodriguez 2-4, John Mabry 2-2 2B(2) RBI 2(8) Mckay Christensen 3-4 RBI (1), Alfonso Soriano 3-5, 2B 2(11) RBI 4(28), Troy Glaus 2-5 RBI 2(28), Doug Mientkiewicz 2-5 RBI (25), Rey Sanchez 2-5 RBI (13), Jason Varitek 2-4 2B 2(2) RBI 2(3) INJ MVM: Jose Hernandez 6 days |
| Game #2: | MVM 1-5-1 vs FWP 0-8-2
W-Ramiro Mendoza 2-0 A complete about-face from game 1 as both starters hurl a 1 hitter past the 7th to gain 20 grade status. Kevin Brown completes 9IP allowing only 2 hits and Jon Lieber completes 12IP allowing 4 hits. A scoring chance by the Panthers in the top of the 12th is thwarted by Vladimir Guerrero as he nails Rusty Greer trying to tag from 3rd base. From there the game labors on with no real threats to squelch for either team as each respective bull pen shuts the door. Then finally in the 18th the Maulers prevail with a bases loaded walk by the patient Jason Varitek for a 1-0 MVM victory. Rusty Greer 2-7 2B 2(7), Rich Aurilia 2-6 2B(9) Troy Glaus 2-7, Alfonso Soriano 2-7, Jason Varitek 0-6 BB, RS RBI (4) |
| Game #3: | FWP 7-10-0 vs MVM 5-12-1
W-Jeff Powell 2-2 Maulers in control after 8, 5-2 as Darren Oliver once again is shown favor by the APBA computer gods and scatters 7 hits allowing only 2 runs. Ramiro Mendoza on for the save and he implodes along with a crucial error by Einar Diaz allowing 2 unearned runs. The Panthers plate 5 runs in the top of the 9th to take the lead and Jose Cabrera is lights out in the 9th for the save. FWP 7-5 Rondell White, 2-5 HR(4) RBI 2(8), Rich Aurilia 2-4 2B(10), Aramis Ramirez 2-3 HR(5) RBI 2(22) Mckay Christensen 3-5 2B(1) RBI(2), Rey Sanchez 2-4, Jaque Jones 2-3 |
| Game #4: | MVM 6 vs FWP 0
W-Jason Schmidt 5-4 CG(2) Jason Schmidt cruises along scattering 8 hits but allowing no runs for a CG shutout. The Maulers hammer out 4 runs in the 1st jumping on Hideo Nomo quickly highlighted by a Doug Mientkiewicz GSHR! The Panthers could not recoup while LOB 8. MVM 6-0. Rusty Greer 2-4 2B(8) |
| Game #5: | FWP 6-9-2 vs MVM 4-7-1
W-Ramon Ortiz 3-4, Travis Phelps SV(7) After the Maulers take an early 2-0 lead, the Panthers plate 5 runs in the top of the 3rd and one more in the 4th. The Maulers keep close with 1 of their own in the bottom half of the 4th and it’s 6-4 FWP. Both bull pens engage and it’s goose eggs the rest of the way for a Fort Worth victory. HRs by Troy Glaus and Fred “Crime Dig” McGriff. Craig Counsell 2-5 2B(7) RBI(17), Rich Aurilia 2-4 2B(11), Fred McGriff 1-4 HR(8) RBI 3(27) INJ: McKay Christensen 3 Day |
| Game #6: | MVM 6-7-0 vs FWP 5-8-1
W-Ray King 1-0 The Panthers & Maulers start off the game with a 2 spot in the first. Then it’s 5-4 FWP after 5. The Maulers plate the tying run in the 6th, as Ray King, on in long relief holds the fort for MVM as the Maulers walk off the game with a Vladimir Guerrero SAC Fly scoring Jacque Jones from 3rd who led off the 9th with a double then moved to third on a Balk of all things. MVM 6-5 Aramis Ramirez 2-4 HR (6) RBI (23), Ivan Rodriguez 2-4 2B(6) |
| Series Summary: | FWP 24-57-6 / MVM 34-57-5
MVM takes the series 4-2 keeping the heat on division leading CHI., and thwarting any hopes FWP had of taking the lead in the AL West, as Troy Glaus & Vladimir Guerrero are finally starting to awaken and it’s paying dividends for the Maulers. The Maulers defense remains suspect but the hammering time lineup has been able to overcome the deficiency at least for now. Overall the production was even for both teams with MVM managing to get runners in scoring position home more often than FWP. |
Baltimore Blue Crabs @ Michigan Marauders |
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| Series Preview: | Baltimore comes to Michigan to take on a struggling team. |
| Game #1: | Michigan 8 Baltimore 1 Brian Schneider with a homer and 2 RBI. Ben Sheets gets his first win of his career. |
| Game #2: | Baltimore 2 Michigan 0 Chipper Jones hits two solo homers for the Baltimore win. Johnson tosses a one-hitter. |
| Game #3: | Baltimore 10 Michigan 5 Ryan Dempster earns his 1st win of the season. Chipper Jones with a homer. |
| Game #4: | Baltimore 9 Michigan 8 Chipper Jones with a homer again. Shane Halter added a homer for Michigan. |
| Game #5: | Michigan 4 Baltimore 2 Brosius with 2 RBIs. |
| Game #6: | Baltimore 7 Michigan 2 The Blue Crabs sock 3 homers. Woody Williams wins his 3rd. |
| Series Summary: | Baltimore wins 4 of 6 from Michigan. |
Houghton Penguins @ Southlake Stealers |
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| Series Preview: | On a train bound for nowhere, I met up with the Gambler,,,,oh if only Kenny Rogers was alive today that line may be “two teams bound for nowhere….” Houghton led by Rookie of the Year Candidate Albert Pujols, travels to Southlake to take on, who the heck even knows who still plays on that team. The Stealers team is vastly different from the squad that opened the new Dome against Chicago, as they are looking to the future for sure. Lets see what happens? |
| Game #1: | Ted Lilly for the Penguins will toe the rubber for just a short time, as he wont make it through the 3rd, yielding 6 runs on 9 hits. But that is fantastic compared to the 8 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks the Stealers starter Haynes gave up in just 3.2 innings.
Leading 9-7 in the 7th, Houghton went to Riske with his impressive 1.46 ERA this season. An infield single by pinch hitter Al Martin, followed by an error from Tejada, a wild pitch by Riske, and a walk to Conine had cut the lead to just one without a ball leaving the infield. Eckstein laid down a perfect squeeze bunt to tie the game at 9 each. A base hit by Wooten of Weber brought in the go ahead run. WP: Shuey 1-3 |
| Game #2: | Penguin ace Mark Buehrle was exactly what was needed for the Houghton boys. He was masterful scattering just 5 hits across 8 shutout innings. Mondesi would hit a two run home-run and Pujols went 2/5 with an RBI as well, leading the Penguin victory.
The biggest surprise of the day was Fat Toad Irabu not surrendering a run. Who even thought that was possible. WP: Buehrle 5-3 |
| Game #3: | Southlake jumps out by scoring 4 runs on 9 hits and 4 walks in the first 3 innings, but then watch the bats fall asleep. Generating just one more hit and one walk the rest of the way.
The Penguins would pound out 12 hits and take advantage of 3 Stealer errors to take the series lead by a score of 6-4. The big blows for the Pens were back-to-back doubles by Jenkins and Tejada to break the tie and give Houghton a lead they would not relinquish. Jenkins on the day was 2/4 with 2 runs and 2 RBIs. Dotel was the stopper the Penguins needed going the final two innings to get his 5th save on the season. WP: Valdez 3-2 |
| Game #4: | With a chance to secure at least a split, Houghton gave the pill to Romero. However, the Stealers had other ideas, scoring 3 runs in each of the first three innings to put this one away early.
Chuck Finley continued with his surprising season giving up just 3 runs on 5 hits across 8 innings. It looked as if he may throw his 3rd complete game of the season, but having not worked lately, Sarge went to John Smolts for the final three outs. Final Score Southlake 9 / Houghton 3 WP: Finley 4-3 |
| Game #5: | With the Series now tied at two games apiece, both teams went deep into their rotation for game five. Its “Jekyll and Hyde” Scott Schoeneweis versus Reuter.
Since getting shut out in game two, the Stealers have come out swinging early in games. Today’s sticks were no different. Carlos Beltran got it going with a 2-run homer in the first inning. Dan Wilson added another run on a bloop single in the second inning. The first of his 4-hit day in 4 at-bats. Followed by Macias getting a seeing eye ground ball single to score Beltran in the 3rd inning. At the end of 3 innings the Stealers had a 4-0 lead. Which Schoeneweis would show up on the mound today was the real question. It was answered when Jeff Kent led off the 4th inning with a solo shot to cut the lead down to just 3 runs. Jose Cruz Jr. would add a solo shot of his own in the 6th to make it just a two-run lead. But when he had to bear down, Schoeneweis did exactly that. For 6 innings he stymied the Penguins giving up just 4 hits and 4 walks, with 5 very timely strikeouts including 2 of Albert Pujols in crucial points of the game. The Southlake bullpen which has been questionable this series, stepped up from there. John Smoltz pitched the 7th inning and Rob Nen, despite being the center of trade rumors, finished with a 6 out save to cap the victory and set up a possible series win in game 6. Final Score 4-2 Stealers WP: Schoeneweis 4-4 |
| Game #6: | A rematch of game one of the series in which both Starting Pitchers were rocked, not lasting long that day. This meant both pitchers were well rested and ready for revenge.
The Stealers would again draw first blood with Eckstein scoring on Macias double in the third inning. Carlos Beltran would extend the lead with a solo shot in the 5th inning. Stealers up 2-0. Meanwhile Haynes was dealing on the mound. Giving up a single to Jenkins in the 5th and another to Lawton in the 6th, and that was it for him on the day. The Penguins would add a walk from Tejada and Pujols, but also strike out 8 times, as Haynes goes the distance in posting a shutout. Lilly did well for the Pens giving up another 2 runs in the 7th inning, but the lack of offense doomed him, tagging him with his 5th loss of the season against no wins. Final Score 4-0 Stealers WP: Haynes 2-2 |
| Series Summary: | Southlake takes the Series 4-2.
Houghton drops to the basement of the AL East with Corktown running away with the division. They are only 5 out of the Wild Card with still 75% of the season to play. But their journey doesn’t get easier as they return home to face the first place Western Division leading Castle Rock Hounds. Southlake will go on the road, yet again, to take on the Fort Worth Panthers. The Stealers are only one game behind these same Panthers for a WC spot. Will they continue to shed player contracts in what looks like a fire sale of talent? Rumors are circulating that closer Rob Nen could be the next talented player on his way out the door. We can only wonder what is going on in management’s mind lately. |
Hollywood Vampires @ Danbury Mad Hatters |
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| Series Preview: | Hollywood take their positive record to Danbury |
| Series Summary: | Hollywood DESTROYS Danbury 5-1. |
Winnipeg Goldeyes @ Valdosta Bombers |
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| Series Preview: | Winnipeg makes the long trek to South Georgia. |
| Game #1: | Winnipeg 11-8. The hitters had their way and the Goldeyes were able to outslug the Bombers in this one. |
| Game #2: | Valdosta 8-3. Kip Wells (0-5) got tattooed and only lasted into the 3rd. Eric Chavez homered and doubled twice for the good guys. |
| Game #3: | Valdosta 6-1. James Baldwin (2-3) tossed 7 innings of 1-run ball. Mark Grudzielanek hit 3 (!) HR’s to back the Bomber attack. |
| Game #4: | Winnipeg 5-2. Plenty more HR’s in this one but the Goldeyes hit theirs with runners on base. |
| Game #5: | Winnipeg 2-1. Joe Kennedy (who??) went 7 2/3 IP while allowing zero runs. Kenny Lofton‘s 2-run HR was the difference. |
| Game #6: | Winnipeg 8-6 (13 Innings). The Goldeyes bullpen pitched 9 + innings, allowing just one run. |
| Series Summary: | Winnipeg takes 4 of 6. The teams combined for 24 HR’s in 6 games. |
DeWitt Tigers @ California Quakes
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| Series Summary: | California & DeWitt split. |