2002 PLAYER / PITCHER OF THE WEEK #5

**Chicago Demolition (12-10)**
– **Current Standing:** 2nd place in the American League Central
– **Recent Performance:** The Demolition have shown strong performances recently, with a balanced team effort in both pitching and hitting. Their lineup has been consistent, and their bullpen has been reliable in closing out games.

**Iowa Giants (10-12)**
– **Current Standing:** 3rd place in the American League East
– **Recent Performance:** The Giants have had a mixed start to the season, struggling with consistency. However, they have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their offensive lineup.

### Series Odds

Given the current standings and recent performances, the odds for the series might look like this:

– **Chicago Demolition:** 60% chance of winning the series
– **Iowa Giants:** 40% chance of winning the series

### Key Factors to Watch

– **Pitching Matchups:** The effectiveness of the starting pitchers will be crucial. Chicago’s rotation has been more consistent, which might give them an edge.
– **Offensive Firepower:** Both teams have capable lineups, but the team that can capitalize on scoring opportunities will likely come out on top.
– **Bullpen Performance:** Late-game situations could be decisive, and both teams will rely on their bullpen to secure wins.

This series promises to be competitive, with both teams eager to improve their standings. Fans can expect exciting games with potential for standout performances from key players on both sides.

The turning point came in the fifth inning when the Demolition capitalized on defensive errors by the Giants. Edgar Renteria’s three-run homer put the Demolition ahead 6-2, a lead they maintained for the rest of the game. Kevin Millwood delivered a strong performance on the mound for the Demolition, pitching seven and a third innings, allowing only two runs on five hits, and striking out seven. Todd Stottlemyre, despite a solid start, took the loss for the Giants.

Final Score: Demolition 6 – Giants 2

Win: Kevin Millwood 4-1 (1.89)
Loss: Todd Stottlemyre 0-1 (1.80)

The highlight of the game came in the third inning when Eli Marrero hit a grand slam, extending the Demolition’s lead to 6-0. Marrero’s powerful hit over the left field fence was a pivotal moment, showcasing his ability to seize the moment and deliver under pressure. The Giants’ pitcher, Denny Stark, was pulled from the game after Marrero’s grand slam, having allowed six runs, only one of which was earned.

The Demolition continued to build on their lead, scoring additional runs in the fourth and seventh innings. Despite a couple of solo home runs by the Giants’ Mark DeRosa, the Demolition’s pitching, led by Darrul Kile, remained strong throughout the game.

Final Score: Demolition 10 – Giants 2

Win: Darryl Kile 2-1 (3.86)
Loss: Denny Stark 1-3 (2.00)

However, the Demolition responded in the bottom of the fifth with a two-run homer by C. Delgado, pushing the score to 3-1. E. Marrero added another run with a solo home run, extending the lead to 4-1. Despite the Giants’ efforts, they couldn’t overcome the deficit. Roger Clemens secured the win with a solid performance, while Billy Wagner earned his seventh save of the season by closing out the game.

Final Score: Demolition 4 – Giants 1

Win: Roger Clemens 1-0 (4.15)
Loss: Jeff Weaver 3-1 (1.56)
Save: Billy Wagner #7

Iowa fought back in the sixth inning, tying the game at 2-2 with a series of strategic plays, including a double by Jose Vizcaino that brought in Michael Young. However, Chicago regained the lead in the seventh inning when Roberto Alomar’s double drove in Rickey Henderson, making it 3-2.

The Demolition’s bullpen held strong, with Willie Banks securing the win, improving his record to 1-1 with a 4.26 ERA. Rocky Biddle took the loss for Iowa, dropping to 1-2 with a 3.06 ERA. Robb Nen closed the game for Chicago, earning his third save of the season. Despite Iowa’s efforts to rally in the ninth inning, Chicago’s defense held firm, sealing their victory.

Final Score: Chicago 3 – Iowa 2

Win: Willie Banks 1-1 (4.26)
Loss: Rocky Biddle 1-2 (3.06)
Save: Robb Nen #3

The Demolition’s offense came alive in the fourth inning. Roberto Alomar and Carlos Delgado both singled, setting the stage for Edgar Renteria’s crucial triple down the right-field line, driving in two runs. Bobby Higginson added another run with a groundout, extending the lead to 3-0. Greg Colbrunn sealed the victory with a solo home run in the seventh inning, bringing the score to 4-0.

Greg Maddux, pitching for the Giants, had a challenging outing, giving up four runs on five hits over seven innings. Despite his efforts, the Giants’ offense couldn’t support him, as they were unable to capitalize on the few opportunities they had.

Final Score: Demolition 4 – Giants 0

Win: Pedro Martinez 3-2 (1.88)
Loss: Greg Maddux 2-3 (5.15)

The game began with both teams struggling to score, but Chicago took an early lead in the bottom of the 1st inning with two runs. Iowa responded in the 3rd inning, narrowing the gap to 2-1. The game continued with back-and-forth action, and by the 6th inning, Iowa had taken a 3-2 lead thanks to a home run by J. Vizcaino.

In the 7th inning, Iowa extended their lead to 5-2, but Chicago fought back, scoring two runs to make it 5-4. The 8th inning saw Chicago tie the game at 5-5, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

In the bottom of the 9th, with the score tied at 6-6, Chicago’s E. Marrero hit a grounder deep into the hole, allowing S. Stewart to score the winning run. This walk-off victory was sealed with Marrero’s decisive hit, bringing the game to a close.

Final Score: Chicago 7 – Iowa 6

Win: Brendan Donnelly 2-0 (1.26)
Loss: Eddie Guardado 0-2 (4.50)

The series opened with a commanding 6-2 victory for Chicago, where Edgar Renteria’s three-run homer in the fifth inning turned the tide. Kevin Millwood’s strong pitching performance, allowing only two runs over seven innings, set the tone for the series.

Chicago continued their momentum with a 10-2 win, featuring Eli Marrero’s grand slam that highlighted the Demolition’s offensive prowess. Darrul Kile’s solid pitching ensured the Giants struggled to find their rhythm.

In a tighter contest, the Demolition edged out the Giants 4-1, thanks to Carlos Delgado’s two-run homer and Roger Clemens’ effective pitching. Billy Wagner secured the win with his seventh save of the season.

The fourth game saw Chicago clinch a narrow 3-2 victory. Roberto Alomar’s crucial double in the seventh inning drove in the winning run, while the bullpen held firm to secure the win.

Pedro Martinez delivered a masterful complete game shutout in the fifth game, leading Chicago to a 4-0 victory. Edgar Renteria’s triple and Greg Colbrunn’s solo homer provided the necessary offensive support.

The series concluded with a dramatic 7-6 walk-off win for Chicago. Eli Marrero’s decisive hit in the bottom of the ninth inning sealed the victory, capping off a series filled with excitement and competitive spirit.

Overall, the Demolition’s balanced team effort, highlighted by key offensive plays and reliable pitching, proved too much for the Giants. This series sweep not only boosts Chicago’s standing but also demonstrates their potential as a formidable contender in the league.

The Maulers hammer out two innings with multiple runs on 3-HRs as Jason Schmidt is almost unhittable allowing only 2-hits in 6.2IP however both solo HRs. Pokey Reese has himself a game off the bench 3-4, HR RBI-2. Maulers 8-runs on 8-hts

MVM 8-2.
W- Jason Schmidt 2-2
L- Mark Buehrle 1-3

HOU
Matt Lawton 1-4 HR(30 RBI(8)
Brian Fullmer 1-2 HR(2) RBI(10)

MVM
Pokey Reese 3-4 HR(2) RBI 2(3)
Alphonso Soriano 1-4 HR(5) RBI 3(14)
Lee Stevens 1-3 HR(2) RBI 2(3)

The Penguins out hit the Maulers 8 to 4 but only plate 1 run. The Maulers match runs with hits for the 2nd game in a row 4 runs on 4 hits the long ball provides all the run production most notably a PH 3-run blast from Jose Hernandez in the 7th to break a 1-1 tie and the victory for MVM. The Maulers bull pen shuts the door 4IP 3-Hits 0-Runs.

MVM 4-1
W- Ramiro Mendoza 3-1
L- Kirk Rueter 2-2

HOU
Albert Pujols 2-4
Matt Lawton 1-3 HR(4) RBI(9)

MVM
Felipe Lopez 2-3 2B(2)
Alphonso Soriano 1-4 HR(6) RBI(15)
Jose Hernandez 1-1 HR(2) Rbi 3(6)

Maulers jump out to a 3-1 lead in the 1st. The Penguins run production wakes up in the 4th and continues through the 9th plating 11 runs on 13 hits and taking advantage of 4 Mauler errors, for an 11-6 victory on a trifecta of HRs.

HOU 11-6
W- J.C. Romero 1-0
L- Ramiro Mendoza 3-2, BS(1)

HOU
Miguel Tejada 3-5 HR 2(5) RBI 3(13)
Albert Pujols 2-5 2B(12) HR(3) RBI 2(16)
John Mabry 2-5 RBI(3)

MVM
Jose Hernandez 2-5 2B(6)
Vladimir Guerrero 2-5 2B(10)
Jaque Jones 2-4 RBI(12)
Todd Hollandsworth 2-4 HR(4) RBI 2(10)

Darren Oliver hurls a fine 6.2IP as the Penguin bats smack the ball around Hammer & Steel Stadium for 15 hits and plate 8 runs in support of his first win. MVM scatters 9 hits and plates 3 runs as Sun-Woo Kim goes the distance for the Maulers to help out a tried bull pen.

HOU 8-3
W- Darren Oliver 1-2
L- Sun-Woo Kim 1-3

HOU
Matt Lawton 3-6 2B(3) RBI(10)
Miguel Tejada 2-6 RBI(14)
Jeff Kent 2-4
Joe Randa 2-5 HR(2) RBI(5) RS-2
John Mabry 3-5 RS-2

MVM
Jaque Jones 2-5 HR(7) RBI(13)
Alphonso Soriano 2-5 2B(8) RBI(18)
Felipe Lopez 2-4 HR(2) RBI(7)
Rey Sanchez 2-4

Homeruns galore and usually that means the Maulers had Hammered out victory but Houghton was power king this day and 2 better on the score board for their third victory in a row of this series after dropping the 1st two games.

HOU 7-5
W- J. C. Romero 2-0
L- Ray King 1-1

HOU
Miguel Tejada 2-4 HR(6) RBI(15)
Matt Lawton 2-5 HR(5) RBI 2(12)
Jeff Kent 2-4 2B(5)
Albert Pujols 2-3 HR(4) RBI 2(20)
Pat Burrell 1-4 HR(7) RBI 2(19)

MVM
Jason Varitek 2-5
Vladimir Guerrero 2-4 HR 2(8) RBI 3(17)
Troy Glaus 2-4 HR(4) RBI 2(14)

Wow what do you say about a 11-0 whooping, nothing you just hang your head and walk back to the locker room nurse your wounds to live another day. The Penguins make a statement and win 4 straight and the series 4-2. 11 runs on 11 hits and a 2 hitter by Mark Buehrle adding insult to injury. The Maulers early season woes is indicating this could be a long one…

HOU 11-0
W- Mark Buehrle 2-3
L- Jason Schmidt 2-3

HOU
Jeff Kent 2-4 RS-2
Pat Burrell 2-5 2B(9) 3B(2) RBI 2(21)
Joe Randa 2-4
Jose Cruz 2-5 2B(3) HR(2) RBI 2(6)

The Maulers are fading fast a very weak pitching staff will be the death of this season. Houghton will be battling Corktown for the AL East division title they have the lineup muscle and a three headed relief monster to make up for a meh starting pitching but is just enough starting effort to keep them in the game until the fireman arrive.

Houghton takes the series 4-2 over Monroeville.

Tough result for Michigan. Matt Clement has no-hitter until the 7th. Michigan nurses a 1-0 lead. In the 9th, with Clement going for the shutout, gives up a hit and a walk. Brian Banks hits a 3 run homer. Michigan doesn’t respond in the 9th.

Randy Johnson keeps Michigan scoreless most of the game. It’s 2-0 Blarney Drive. In the 8th, Aaron Boone hits a solo, then Bret Boone hits a solo in the 9th to tie the game. In the top of the 13th, Blarney Drive scores 2 to win the game.

Brad Radke gets roughed up early. Brian Giles with a homer and 4 RBI for the Bandits. Ordonez adds a homer.

Michigan finally takes a game. Mesa gets the win in relief. Travis Hafner hits a 2 run walk off homer. Sierra has a homer and 3 RBI for Michigan.

The Bandits score like it’s a football game. Wells goes to 4-1. Ryan Klesko with 5 hits. Hundley and Larson hit homers.

The Bandits stay hot. Klesko with another great game. He hits for the cycle and has 10 total bases. Clement has a decent start but takes the loss. Leiter with 5 innings and 4 runs gets the win.