2002 PLAYER / PITCHER OF THE WEEK #2

Chicago Demolition (3-2)
Key Pitchers in the seriess:

Pedro Martinez: Known for his exceptional pitching skills, Martinez is a dominant force on the mound. His ability to strike out batters and maintain control makes him a crucial asset for the Demolition.

Roger Clemens: A seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience, Clemens brings power and precision to the pitching lineup. His competitive nature and track record of success add depth to the team’s rotation.

Kevin Millwood: As a reliable starter, Millwood provides stability and consistency. His ability to keep games close and give his team a chance to win is invaluable.

Harper Woods Expos (2-3)
Key Players:

Jarrod Washburn: With a solid pitching repertoire, Washburn is capable of delivering strong performances. His ability to adapt and adjust during games is a key strength.

Kerry Wood: Known for his high strikeout rate, Wood can be a game-changer on the mound. His explosive fastball and competitive spirit make him a formidable opponent.

Mike Mussina: A crafty pitcher with a strategic approach, Mussina uses his experience to outsmart batters. His ability to pitch in high-pressure situations is a significant advantage for the Expos.

Series Odds
Given the current records and the strengths of the pitching rotations, the Chicago Demolition might have a slight edge in this series due to their winning record and the presence of two legendary pitchers in Martinez and Clemens. However, the Harper Woods Expos have the potential to turn the series around with strong performances from their own talented pitchers.

Odds:
Chicago Demolition: 55%
Harper Woods Expos: 45%

These odds reflect the competitive nature of the series, with both teams having the potential to come out on top. The outcome will likely hinge on the performance of the starting pitchers and the ability of each team’s offense to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Chicago Demolition (3-2)
Key Pitchers in the seriess:

Pedro Martinez: Known for his exceptional pitching skills, Martinez is a dominant force on the mound. His ability to strike out batters and maintain control makes him a crucial asset for the Demolition.

Roger Clemens: A seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience, Clemens brings power and precision to the pitching lineup. His competitive nature and track record of success add depth to the team’s rotation.

Kevin Millwood: As a reliable starter, Millwood provides stability and consistency. His ability to keep games close and give his team a chance to win is invaluable.

Harper Woods Expos (2-3)
Key Players:

Jarrod Washburn: With a solid pitching repertoire, Washburn is capable of delivering strong performances. His ability to adapt and adjust during games is a key strength.

Kerry Wood: Known for his high strikeout rate, Wood can be a game-changer on the mound. His explosive fastball and competitive spirit make him a formidable opponent.

Mike Mussina: A crafty pitcher with a strategic approach, Mussina uses his experience to outsmart batters. His ability to pitch in high-pressure situations is a significant advantage for the Expos.

Series Odds
Given the current records and the strengths of the pitching rotations, the Chicago Demolition might have a slight edge in this series due to their winning record and the presence of two legendary pitchers in Martinez and Clemens. However, the Harper Woods Expos have the potential to turn the series around with strong performances from their own talented pitchers.

Odds:
Chicago Demolition: 55%
Harper Woods Expos: 45%

These odds reflect the competitive nature of the series, with both teams having the potential to come out on top. The outcome will likely hinge on the performance of the starting pitchers and the ability of each team’s offense to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Harper Wood’s Grissom added another run in the seventh inning, extending their lead to 4-1. But Chicago rallied in the bottom of the seventh, with Stewart’s double clearing the bases and tying the game at 4-4. Harper Wood regained the lead in the eighth inning with Gomez’s RBI double and Huckaby’s two-run homer, making it 7-4.

In the bottom of the ninth, Chicago attempted a comeback. Alomar’s double and McLemore’s single brought the score to 7-5. Stewart’s groundout added another run, but Harper Wood’s Hendrickson secured the win by inducing a game-ending double play.

Final Score: Harper Wood 7 – Chicago 6

Win: Kerry Ligtenberg 1-1 (4.50)
Loss: Arthur Rhodes 0-1 (18.00)
Save: Mark Hendrickson #1

Both teams displayed strong pitching and defense, keeping the score tied through the regular nine innings. The game extended into extra innings, showcasing a tense battle between the pitchers and batters. In the top of the 11th inning, C. Gomez hit a crucial home run off Willie Banks, giving Harper Woods a 2-1 lead.

Eric Gagne came in to close the game for Harper Woods, securing his third save of the season. Despite Chicago’s efforts, including a walk to D. Justice and a pinch-runner in Rickey Henderson, Gagne managed to induce a double play to end the game.

Final Score: Harper Woods 2 – Chicago 1 (11 Innings)

Win: Ricardo Rincon 1-0 (0.00)
Loss: Willie Banks 0-1 (27.00)
Save: Eric Gagne #3

Carlos Zambrano was the winning pitcher, improving his record to 1-1 with a 5.54 ERA, while Alan Benes took the loss, dropping to 0-1 with an 11.57 ERA. Harper Woods’ relentless offense was highlighted by Todd Helton’s two-run homer and D. Bautista’s home run, contributing to the team’s impressive 21 runs.

Despite Chicago’s efforts, they managed only three runs, with their first hit coming in the fourth inning. Harper Woods’ pitching staff, led by Zambrano, effectively shut down Chicago’s lineup, allowing only six hits throughout the game.

This game was a clear demonstration of Harper Woods’ offensive depth and pitching strength, marking a significant victory in their season.

Final Score: Harper Woods 21 – Chicago 3

Win: Carlos Zambrano 1-1 (5.54)
Loss: Alan Benes 0-1 (11.57)

By the sixth inning, the Expos had tied the game at 7-7 and then surged ahead with a series of hits, including a crucial RBI single by Todd Helton. The Expos extended their lead to 10-7 in the eighth inning with a solo home run by Danys Bautista. Harper Woods’ bullpen, led by Antonio Osuna and capped by Eric Gagne’s fourth save of the season, held the Demolition scoreless in the final innings to secure the victory.

Final Score: Harper Woods 10 – Chicago 7

Win: Antonio Osuna 1-0 (1.35)
Loss: Darryl Kile 0-1 (8.10)
Save: Eric Gagne #4

The Expos responded in the sixth inning, tying the game at 1-1 after Bautista’s triple brought Huckaby home. Both teams continued to battle, with pitchers from both sides keeping the game tight.

The decisive moment came in the bottom of the ninth inning. With the score tied at 1-1, Bobby Higginson hit a crucial single, putting the winning run on base. Edgar Renteria then delivered the game-winning hit, driving Higginson home and sealing the victory for the Demolition.

The Demolition’s walk-off win was highlighted by the clutch performances of Higginson and Renteria in the ninth inning, showcasing their ability to deliver under pressure.

Final Score: Chicago 2 – Harper Woods 1

Win: Billy Wagner 1-0 (1.42)
Loss: Mark Hendrickson 1-2 (13.50)

The series kicked off with Harper Woods narrowly defeating Chicago 7-6, thanks to a late-game surge led by Gomez’s RBI double and Huckaby’s two-run homer. This set the tone for Harper Woods’ offensive prowess, which was further highlighted in their overwhelming 21-3 victory. In this game, every Harper Woods starter contributed at least one hit and RBI, with standout performances from Todd Helton and Danys Bautista.

Chicago, however, demonstrated their ability to fight back, securing a walk-off victory in a tightly contested 2-1 game. Edgar Renteria’s game-winning hit in the ninth inning underscored Chicago’s clutch capabilities.

Harper Woods continued to impress with a dramatic 11-inning win, where C. Gomez’s home run and Eric Gagne’s third save of the season sealed a 2-1 victory. Their resilience was further tested in a comeback win, overcoming a 7-1 deficit to triumph 10-7. Key contributions from Todd Helton and Danys Bautista, along with a strong bullpen performance, were pivotal in this victory.

Despite Chicago’s efforts, including a strong start in one game with a 7-1 lead, Harper Woods’ ability to rally and their consistent offensive output proved decisive. The series concluded with Harper Woods showcasing their depth and versatility, leaving a lasting impression with their strategic play and ability to perform under pressure.

Overall, the series was a testament to Harper Woods’ offensive depth and pitching strength, while Chicago demonstrated their potential with key defensive plays and timely hitting. The games were marked by thrilling comebacks, walk-off victories, and standout individual performances, making it a memorable series for both teams.

Goose eggs through 5 as SLS strikes 1st with 1 run in the 6th. It looks like the Hammerin’ time bats will be squelched the rest of the game as John Smoltz fires 2IP and no hits. Paul Shuey on for the 9th and the Mauler bats wake up to steal the game from SLS with two HRs Alfonso Soriano and Jaque Jones smacks his 1st HR and 1st RBI of the season for the walk-off win!
MVM 2 vs SS 1.

W- Willis Roberts 1-0
L- Paul Shuey 0-2, BS-1

SLS
Carlos Beltran 2-4

MVM
Alfonso Soriano 1-3, HR(3) RBI(5)
Jacque Jones 1-3 HR(1) RBI(1)

Jon Lieber continues strong starting pitching as he completes a 4-hitter for his first victory of the season. Maulers hammer out an efficient 4 runs on 8 hits.

MVM 4 vs SS 0

W- Jon Lieber 1-0 CG
L- Terry Adams 0-2

MVM
Doug Mientkiewicz 2-3, 2B(2) RBI(5)
Vladimir Guerrero 2-4 2B(2) HR(2) RBI(3)

The Maulers explode for 5 runs in the first 2 innings and send starter Wilson Alvarez to an early shower as first-round draft pick Coco Crisp makes his presence known blasting his first home run of the season, a 3-run shot in the 2nd! The Stealers chip away over the 3rd thru 6th and make a gallant comeback effort to tie the game. However, the hammerin’ time bats say not in our house and wake up after 3 straight goose egg innings by the SLS bull pen and plate 3 runs in the bottom of the 6th to regain the lead. The Mauler bull-pen by committee holds the fort as MVM adds 3 more in the bottom of the 8th for much-needed insurance. Ray King finishes the 9th to close out the deal.

MVM 11 vs SLS 6

W-Ramiro Mendoza 2-0
H- Jim Brower (1)
H – Jaime Cerda (1)
Closer- Ray King

L- Guillermo Mota 0-1

SLS
Carlos Beltran 3-5 RBI(5)
Juan Encarnacion 2-4 HR 2(2) RBI 3(3)

MVM
Alfonso Soriano 3-4 2B 2(2)
Jason Varitek 3-4 2B(3) RBI(5)
Kevin Mench 2-4 2B(1) RBI 2(2)
Troy Glaus 2-4 HR(1) RBI 2(2)
Coco Crisp 1-2 HR(1) RBI 3(3)

Dave Williams settles down after surrendering 3 runs in the first 2 innings to hold the hammering time goose eggs in the 3rd through 6.1IP. Jason Speier, Guillermo Mota, and John Smoltz combine to shut the door as the Stealers smack out 15 hits mostly singling Nate Teut to death with a couple of doubles thrown in for good measure and take their first game of the series.

SLS 5 vs MVM 3

W- Guillermo Mota 1-1
Sv- John Smoltz (3)

L- Ramiro Mendoza 2-1

SLS
David Eckstein 2-5
Jay Payton 4-5 2B 2(5) RBI 2(4)
Eric Owens 3-4 RS-2

MVM
Coco Crisp 2-4 2B(1)
Pokey Reese 1-4 HR(1) RBI(1)

An afternoon delight twin bill as SLS is hoping to take 2 and even the series. It’s 3-2 SLS after 4 and then the Stealer bats pound out 4 in the 5th and never look back. The Maulers make some noise plating 3 runs 7th-9th but fall short. Jose Encarnacion, Jeff Conine, and Ben Davis have themselves a monster of the game!

SLS 9-5 vs MVM 5

W- Mark Prior 2-0
H- J Mateo (1)
Sv- Paul Shuey (1)

L-Julian Tavarez 0-1

SLS
Eric Owens 2-5 2B 2(2)
Jose Encarnacion 3-5 RS-2 3B(1) HR(3) RBI 3(6)
Jeff Conine 3-4 RS-2 2B(3) HR(2) RBI 3(7)
Ben Davis 3-4 2B(2) RBI(2)

MVM
Vladimir Guerrero 2-4 RS-2 2B(3) HR(3) RBI(4)
Todd Hollandsworth 2-3 RS-2 RBI(4)
Jacque Jones 2-4 2B(1) HR(2) RBI 2(3)

Pedro Astacio has masterful stuff this day setting down SLS in 7.2IP on 4 hits. However, the long ball gets the best of him in the 6th and the 8th as the Stealers make some noise but the Hammerin’ time bats were too much this day hammerin’ out 12 runs on 17 hits to take game 2 of the twin bill, and the series 4-2.

W- Pedro Astacio 1-1
L- Terry Adans 0-3

SLS
David Eckstein 2-4 2B(3) HR(1) RBI 3(6)
Jay Payton 1-3 HR(2) RBI(2)

MVM
Todd Hollandsworth 3-5 2B(1) HR(2) RBI 2(6)
Doug Mientkiewicz 2-4 RS-3
Vladimir Guerrero 3-5 RS-2 2B(4)
Troy Glaus 3-4 RBI 2(5)
Jacque Jones 2-4 2B(2) RBI 2(5)
Kevin Mench 2-4 2B 2(3) RBI 2(5)

The Maulers continue to pick up where they left off last season hammerin’ the ball around town top to bottom of the lineup and got just enough starting pitching and a solid performance by the bull-pen committee.

Monroeville takes the series over Southlake 4-2.