2002 PLAYER / PITCHER OF THE WEEK #8
| NAME | TEAM | AVG | SLG | G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | K | W | IW | SB | CS | HBP |
| WALKER,Larry | HWE AL | .667 | 1.600 | 4 | 15 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| NAME | CLUB | G | W | L | S | ERA | IP | R | ER | H | K | BB | IBB | WP | BK | HB | HR |
| MARTINEZ,Pedro | CHI AL | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| NAME | TEAM | AVG | SLG | G | AB | H | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | K | W | IW | SB | CS | HBP |
| HINSKE,Eric | GLG NL | .450 | 1.050 | 5 | 20 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| NAME | CLUB | G | W | L | S | ERA | IP | R | ER | H | K | BB | IBB | WP | BK | HB | HR |
| HALLADAY,Roy | HLW NL | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.12 | 16 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Dondero Oaks @ Chicago Demolition |
|
|---|---|
| Series Preview: | In the upcoming six-game series between the Chicago Demolition and the Dondero Oaks, we have two teams with contrasting records and standings. Here’s a brief preview and analysis of the series:
Team Overview Dondero Oaks Given the current records and standings, the Chicago Demolition are the clear favorites in this series. Here’s a breakdown of the expected outcomes: Chicago Demolition: With their strong performance this season, they are likely to win the majority of the games in this series. I would estimate that Chicago should win at least 4 to 5 games out of the 6-game series. Dondero Oaks: Despite their struggles, the Oaks might manage to pull off an upset in one or two games, especially if they can capitalize on any off days from Chicago’s pitchers or if their own players step up unexpectedly. Conclusion: |
| Game #1: | In a thrilling matchup, the Demolition edged out the Oaks with a final score of 4-3. The game started with both teams struggling to score in the first inning. Roger Clemens, pitching for the Demolition, showcased his prowess by striking out multiple batters early on. The Demolition took the lead in the second inning with a two-run single by Joe Girardi, followed by a sacrifice fly that brought in another run, making it 3-0. They extended their lead to 4-0 in the fourth inning.
The Oaks fought back in the fifth inning, scoring their first run due to a throwing error by Clemens. Raul Ibanez brought the Oaks closer with a two-run homer in the sixth inning, narrowing the gap to 4-3. Despite their efforts, the Oaks couldn’t overcome the Demolition’s lead. Billy Wagner came in to close the game for the Demolition, securing the win with his 11th save of the season. Roger Clemens earned the win, improving his record to 3-1 with a 4.14 ERA, while Michael Tejera took the loss, dropping to 0-5 with a 7.41 ERA. Final Score: Chicago 4 – Dondero 3 Win: Roger Clemens 3-1 (4.14) |
| Game #2: | In a thrilling matchup, Dondero emerged victorious over Chicago with a final score of 8-4. The game started with a strong performance from Johan Santana, who secured the win with a record of 2-3 and an ERA of 4.15. Andy Van Hekken, on the other hand, took the loss, dropping to 0-2 with a 5.17 ERA. Mariano Rivera closed the game, earning his third save of the season.
The game began with a scoreless first inning, but Dondero took the lead in the second inning with a solo home run by J. Gibbons. They extended their lead in the fourth inning with another home run by F. Thomas, making it 2-0. The fifth inning saw Dondero further their advantage to 4-0 with key hits from M. Cordova and R. Ibanez. Chicago attempted a comeback in the fifth and seventh innings, scoring two runs, but Dondero’s offense proved too strong. B. Molina’s two-run homer in the sixth and M. Cordova’s two-run blast in the ninth sealed the victory for Dondero. Despite a late rally by Chicago, Rivera’s pitching ensured Dondero’s win. Final Score: Dondero 8 – Chicago 4 Win: Johan Santana 2-3 (4.15) |
| Game #3: | In a stellar performance, Pedro Martinez led the Demolition to a 3-0 victory over the Oaks, throwing a No-Hitter with 12 strikeouts and only 2 walks. Martinez’s dominance on the mound was evident from the start, as he consistently shut down the Oaks’ lineup, allowing no hits throughout the game. The Demolition’s offense came alive in the sixth inning, starting with a sacrifice fly by Edgar Renteria that brought in Shannon Stewart for the first run. Greg Colbrunn then delivered a powerful two-run homer to center field, extending the lead to 3-0. Brett Tomko, the Oaks’ starting pitcher, struggled against the Demolition’s lineup, allowing three runs on four hits over six innings. Despite his efforts, Tomko took the loss, moving to a 1-4 record with a 5.34 ERA. The Demolition’s defense, coupled with Martinez’s exceptional pitching, secured the win, improving Martinez’s record to 5-3 with a 1.61 ERA. The game concluded with Martinez striking out Marty Cordova, sealing his No-Hitter and the team’s victory.
Final Score: Oaks 0 – Demolition 3 Win: Pedro Martinez 5-3 (1.61) |
| Game #4: | In a tightly contested game, Dondero emerged victorious over Chicago with a final score of 4-1. The game remained scoreless through the first six innings, with both teams struggling to capitalize on scoring opportunities. John Lackey, pitching for Dondero, was in fine form, striking out 10 batters over seven and a third innings, while Kevin Olson of Chicago managed to keep the game tied until the seventh inning.
The breakthrough came in the top of the seventh when Raul Ibanez hit a crucial double, driving in three runs and giving Dondero a 3-0 lead. Frank Thomas extended the lead in the eighth inning with a solo home run, making it 4-0. Chicago managed to score a consolation run in the bottom of the ninth with a home run by Jacob Cruz, but it was too little, too late. John Lackey secured the win, improving his record to 3-3 with a 3.31 ERA, while Kevin Olson took the loss, dropping to 0-3 with a 4.50 ERA. Dondero’s bullpen held firm, ensuring the victory and a well-deserved win for Lackey. Final Score: Dondero 4 – Chicago 1 Win: John Lackey 3-3 (3.31) |
| Game #5: | In an exciting matchup, the Demolition team emerged victorious over the Oaks with a final score of 10-5. The game started with the Oaks taking an early lead in the first inning, thanks to a three-run homer by Frank Thomas. However, the Demolition quickly responded, tying the game at 3-3 by the end of the third inning.
The Oaks managed to regain the lead in the fourth inning, but the Demolition’s relentless offense proved too strong. In the sixth inning, the Demolition capitalized on a passed ball to score two runs, taking a 7-5 lead. They continued to extend their lead in the eighth inning, scoring three more runs, including a bases-loaded walk and a sacrifice fly. Billy Wagner, pitching in relief, secured the win for the Demolition, improving his record to 2-0 with an ERA of 2.27. Kazuhisa Ishii took the loss for the Oaks, with a record of 2-5 and an ERA of 4.34. Despite the Oaks’ efforts, the Demolition’s strong pitching and timely hitting sealed their victory. Final Score: Oaks 5 – Demolition 10 Win: Billy Wagner 2-0 (2.27) |
| Game #6: | In a tightly contested game, the Demolition edged out the Oaks with a final score of 2-1. The game remained scoreless through the first six innings, with both pitchers, Roger Clemens for the Demolition and Michael Tejera for the Oaks, delivering strong performances. Clemens was particularly dominant, striking out 10 batters over eight innings.
The breakthrough came in the bottom of the 7th inning when T. Clark hit a solo home run, putting the Demolition ahead 1-0. Later in the inning, R. Henderson’s single drove in R. Alomar, extending the lead to 2-0. In the top of the 9th, the Oaks managed to score a run when D. Jimenez tripled and later scored on a passed ball, narrowing the gap to 2-1. However, Arthur Rhodes, who came in to close the game for the Demolition, managed to hold the lead, securing the win for Clemens and earning his second save of the season. Final Score: Oaks 1 – Chicago 2 – Demolition Win: Roger Clemens 401 (3.65) |
| Series Summary: | In a compelling six-game series between the Chicago Demolition and the Dondero Oaks, the Demolition showcased their dominance, winning four out of six games. The series highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, with Chicago’s strong lineup and pitching staff proving too much for the struggling Oaks.
The series kicked off with a narrow 4-3 victory for the Demolition, thanks to Roger Clemens‘ solid pitching and Billy Wagner‘s 11th save of the season. Despite a valiant effort from the Oaks, including a two-run homer by Raul Ibanez, they couldn’t overcome Chicago’s lead. Dondero Oaks managed to pull off an upset in the second game, winning 8-4. Johan Santana‘s strong performance on the mound and key hits from J. Gibbons and F. Thomas propelled the Oaks to victory, despite a late rally from Chicago. Pedro Martinez‘s stellar no-hitter in the third game was a standout moment, leading the Demolition to a 3-0 win. Martinez’s 12 strikeouts and the Demolition’s timely hitting secured the victory, further solidifying their position in the standings. The Oaks bounced back in the fourth game with a 4-1 win, driven by John Lackey‘s impressive pitching and Raul Ibanez‘s crucial double. Despite a late home run by Chicago’s Jacob Cruz, Dondero held firm to claim the victory. Chicago’s relentless offense shone in the fifth game, as they triumphed 10-5. The Demolition overcame an early deficit with strong hitting and strategic plays, including a bases-loaded walk and a sacrifice fly, to secure the win. The series concluded with another close game, as the Demolition edged out the Oaks 2-1. Roger Clemens delivered a dominant performance, and Arthur Rhodes secured the win with his second save of the season. Overall, the series underscored Chicago’s superiority, while the Oaks showed glimpses of potential but struggled to maintain consistency. |
Hampton Huskies @ Long Beach Titans |
|
|---|---|
| Series Summary: | In a series between 2 teams going nowhere this year, they fittingly split 6 games. |
Iowa Giants @ Castle Rock Hounds |
|
|---|---|
| Series Preview: | Iowa at 13-27 visits Castle Rock at 32-8. Hounds fans are looking for some more runs as the team tries to build off of its hot start. |
| Game #1: | Castle Rock starts off the scoring with back-to-back 2-out bases loaded walks by Luis Gonzalez and Bellhorn to take a 2-0 lead in the 2nd. Nelson Cruz gives up 7 hits and 8 walks in just 3.2 IP for Iowa before he is pulled for Stottlemyre. Iowa would pick up two runs later in the game, but that is all they could muster and the final was 6-2, Castle Rock.
WP: Lohse (4-0) |
| Game #2: | A good pitching matchup in this one, with Pettitte (11) on the mound for Castle Rock and Stark (12) for Iowa. Dye gets Castle Rock on the board with a solo HR in the 2nd. Iowa’s control issues continue, as Stark walks 7 Hounds before getting pulled in the 5th, down 4-0. Meanwhile, Pettitte carries a no-hitter into the 7th, until Kotsay delivers a single to break it up. But, Iowa can’t muster any more offense and the final is 4-0.
WP: Pettitte (5-0) |
| Game #3: | Castle Rock gets on the scoreboard again first, this time thanks to a 1st inning solo HR from Bellhorn. Bonds then doubles and Sweeney homers and it is 3-0 before the fans are even settled in their seats. Iowa gets one back, but Wilkerson gives Castle Rock a 7-1 lead with a 3-run homer in the bottom of the 3rd, chasing Robert Person after just 2+ innings. Michael Barrett greets Veres with another 3-run bomb and it is now 10-1 in the 3rd. It gets even more ridiculous after that, as Castle Rock extends its lead to 18-1 in the 5th as Delino Deshields delivers a 2-run double and a 3-run homer in back-to-back innings.
Castle Rock takes advantage of the score to bring in Carpenter to mop up the last four innings and the final score is 18-4. The Hounds hit 6 homers and both Barrett and Deshields provide 5 RBIs. WP: Pineiro (8-1) |
| Game #4: | Another even pitching matchup as we see Weaver (11) and Rogers (11) battle it out. Iowa strikes first for the first time in the series, as Coomer delivers a clutch 2-out single to score Damon from 2nd base. But, Castle Rock ties it in the bottom half with a Sweeney RBI single. Iowa scores on a Rogers WP in the top of the 2nd to take the lead back. But, Polanco scores on a double play to make it 2-2 in the bottom half. Lamb puts Iowa up 3-2 with a solo HR in the top of the 4th and they tack on two more to make it 5-2. The hits would keep on coming for Iowa as they open up an 8-2 lead.
You would think an 8-2 lead would be safe, but not against these Hounds. Castle Rock strings together six runs in the bottom of the 8th to tie up the game. In the top of the 9th, Sandy Alomar Jr. provides a huge pinch-hit double to score pinch-runner Gabe Kapler, who ran for Vizcaino after he walked. In the bottom of the 9th, Guardado gets Bonds to strike out. But, he walks Sweeney (and Deshields pinch runs and steals second). Wilkerson pops out for the second out and Dye does the same to end the game. So, after blowing a 6-run lead in the bottom of the 8th, Iowa still comes out victorious thanks to Alomar’s double and Guardado’s clutch save. The final is 9-8, Iowa. WP: Guardado (1-2) |
| Game #5: | If you’re going to take advantage of Castle Rock’s weakest link it is this game, as Doug Davis gets his obligatory start. Iowa does just that, jumping out to a 4-0 lead. But, Luis Gonzalez cuts that in half with a 2-run shot in the 3rd. The lead extends out to 6-2, as Kotsay and Coomer go deep for Iowa. Castle Rock is looking for similar late inning fireworks and they manage to score two in the bottom of the 9th to make it 6-4, but Guardado gets Barrett to fly out to end the game and the final is 6-4, Iowa, as they win their second in a row.
WP: Lidle (2-3) |
| Game #6: | Castle Rock is looking for a series win and Iowa is hoping for the split. Iowa has to like their chances, sending Maddux to the mound to face off against Lohse. But, surprisingly, Lohse outduels Maddux and Castle Rock comes away with the 5-3 victory. JT Snow is the hero for the Hounds, going 2-3 with a HR.
WP: Lohse (5-0) |
| Series Summary: | Castle Rock takes 4 out of 6 in the series. Could have been five, but they couldn’t hold on after making up a 6-run deficit in Game 4. |
Baltimore Blue Crabs @ Michigan Marauders |
|
|---|---|
| Series Preview: | Michigan returns home to take on Baltimore. The Marauders are off to a very poor start and will see if they can rebound. |
| Game #1: | Adam Dunn starts off the scoring with a tater in the 3rd for Baltimore. Michigan responds with a double by Guzman to drive in Patterson. Bernie Williams knocks him in with a single. And, the beat goes on as Jim Edmonds hits a 2 run homer.
In the 4th, Branyan hits a 2 run homer for the Blue Crabs. In the 7th, Dunn hits a 2 run homer and Baltimore takes the lead as they knock out Livan Hernandez. Baltimore hangs on for the win. Baltimore 7 Michigan 5 |
| Game #2: | Myers vs. Penny
The Blue Crabs get 2 in the 1st inning. In the 2nd, Vinny Castilla hits a homer for Michigan. Bernie Williams hits a RBI double and Michigan takes the lead. Bret Boone hits a homer for Michigan. In the 6th, Tony Batista hits a 3 run homer to tie it up. 5-5. In the bottom of the 6th, Edmonds hits a base clearing double. Pote falls apart in the 9th and Baltimore takes the lead. Another disappointing loss for Michigan. Baltimore 10 Michigan 9 |
| Game #3: | Michigan nurses a 2-1 lead thanks to Adam Bernero. Then, in the 8th, Baltimore puts 4 on the board.
In the bottom of the 8th, the Marauders put 2 on the board,,,,,,,,but fall short again in a close game. Baltimore 5 Michigan 2 |
| Game #4: | Zito vs. Clement.
Winn gets the first hit for either team in the 6th inning. Jim Edmonds gets a hit in the bottom of the 6th and both teams have given up one hit. Winn gets another single in the 8th and Baltimore takes the lead. It stands up and Michigan loses another close game. Baltimore 1 Michigan 0 – ouch |
| Game #5: | Zambrano vs. Sheets
Giambi hits a 2 run homer in the 1st and Baltimore takes the early lead. Michigan ties it in the 3rd. Jimmy Rollins hits a homer in the 5th for the Blue Crabs. The bullpen pitches well again for Baltimore and the Blue Crabs take the game. Baltimore 2 Michigan 1 |
| Game #6: | Baltimore gets a run on the board in the 1st inning. Jim Edmonds ties it with a homer in the 4th. In the 7th, Rollins hits a double and Baltimore retakes the lead. Andy Fox with an insurance homer in the 9th.
Baltimore 3 Michigan 1 |
| Series Summary: | Michigan doesn’t get the key hits and were dominated by Baltimore pitching. The Blue Crabs sweep the series and Michigan continues to struggle. |
Corktown Bootleggers @ Harper Woods Expos |
|
|---|---|
| Series Preview: | Corktown visits Harper Woods. |
| Series Summary: | A sweep for the Expos. |
Hollywood Vampires @ Danbury Mad Hatters |
|
|---|---|
| Series Preview: | 2nd place Hollywood visits 2nd place Danbury. |
| Series Summary: | Hollywood takes 5 of 6. |
DeWitt Tigers @ California Quakes |
|
|---|---|
| Series Preview: | California’s had a terrible run in close games this year, dropping 12 of 15 1-run or extra-inning games this year. We’re hoping to turn it around as DeWitt visits California for a rare home series. |
| Series Summary: | California wins 4-2, losing another 1-run game. Of California’s 17 losses, 13 have been the 1-run or extra-inning variety. Our manager is on thin ice. |
Fort Worth Panthers @Monroeville Maulers |
|
|---|---|
| Series Preview: | Fort Worth vs Monroeville two sub-par teams in 2002 looking down the road for next year… |
| Game #1: | Jose Lima 0-0 vs Salomon Torres 2-1
The Maulers with an early 2-0 lead from the bat of Jose Hernandez, 2-run HR, as Salomon Torres is lights out thru 4. The Panthers chip away starting in the 5th on a solo HR by Edgar Martinez then take advantage of what was expected to be a respectable Mauler bull pen, ah, nay, nay they blow another lead and the Panther bull pen shuts the door for the victory as the “Hammering-Time” bats are nowhere to be found. Jose Lima gets his first win. W- Jose Lima 1-0 FWP MVM |
| Game #2: | Mark Redman 1-5 vs Jon Lieber 2-3
De Ja Vu Maulers up 2-0 and this time they hang on as Jon Lieber scatters 5 hits over 5IP 1-ER a solo shot by Shea Hillenbrand and the Mauler bull pen by committee of 6, has to take over in middle relief once again and no-hit the Panthers through 4IP to savor a rare MVM victory. Maulers hammer out 10 hits all singles plating 3 runs. W- Jon Lieber 3-3 FWP MVM |
| Game #3: | Todd Ritchie 0-1 vs Julian Tavarez 1-2
It’s a slug fest as two subpar “3” pitchers face off. It’s back and forth action with the Maulers coming out on top for a 2-game winning streak Woo-Hoo! Lol. Julian Tavarez scatters 13 hits through 6IP as once again the Mauler bull pen is lights out allowing no hits for 3IP to gain victory, man where have they been all season? Alphonso Soriano with a 3-run dinger and Doug Mientkiewicz with a 2-run blast to seal the deal. W- Julian Tavarez 2-2 FWP MVM |
| Game #4: | C.C. Sabathia 0-6 vs Pedro Astacio 2-4
Maulers all the way in this one as Pedro Astacio hurls a shutout for 5IP with bull pen help from Al Reyes to thwart a threat in the 6th then 4 more arms to save the day. Maulers keep the pressure on C.C. Sabathia and send him packing in the 7th then tac on 2 more from the FWP bull pen. 3-in-a-row can the Maulers make it 4? W- Al Reyes 1-0 FWP MVM |
| Game #5: | Hideo Nomo 4-3 vs Jason Schmidt 2-4
Battle of the “14” pitchers and its goose eggs through 3IP. Gary Sheffield starts off the scoring with a solo blast in the 4th but that would be all for FWP as Jason Schmidt settles down and hurls a CG 3-hitter as the Maulers hammer out 4 hits with an efficient 3-runs via 2-HRs, for the victory. Both pitchers go the distance giving their respective bull pens a much needed rest. But it’s 4-in-a-row for the Maulers! W- Jason Schmidt 3-4 CG FWP MVM |
| Game #6: | Jose Lima 1-0 vs Jorge Sosa 0-0
5-1 Panthers after 4 then the Maulers plate 3 runs in the 6th but that is as close as it got as FWP add 2 off of the MVM bull pen and grab the last game of the series 7-4 as the panther bats finally wake up in support of a strong pitching performance by Jose Lima and the FWP bull pen. W- Jose Lima 2-0 FWP MVM |
| Series Summary: | Series summary: – FWP 21-40-3 vs MVM 24-47-2
The Maulers give the hometown fans something to cheer about and do the unexpected winning a series 4-2, although the fanfare is cautiously celebrating a successful week. FWP couldn’t get the bats going after a game 1 victory then, left their mark in game 6 to save some face after dropping 4-in-a-row. It still looks like a long season for both teams. |
Winnipeg Goldeyes @ Valdosta Bombers |
|
|---|---|
| Series Preview: | Winnipeg, having a slow start, visits Valdosta, wo are also off to a slow start to the season. |
| Game #1: | Winnipeg 2-1. Tom Glavine (2-7, 6.68) looked sharp with 8 shutout IP for the Goldeyes. Jamie Moyer (4-5, 3.23) allowed just 1 hit in his 7 IP. |
| Game #2: | Valdosta 10-5. Goldeyes had an early lead, but SP Travis Driskoll went on to allow 8 runs as the Bombers pick up a much needed victory. |
| Game #3: | Winnipeg 10-8. Bombers hit 4 HR’s but it wasn’t enough as Winnipeg hangs on for the win. |
| Game #4: | Winnipeg 6-4. Once again, plenty of offense was on display and again the Goldeyes pen hangs on to the win. |
| Game #5: | Valdosta 9-3. Jeff D’Amico (6-2, 2.98) continues his solid work with his 6th win of the year. |
| Game #6: | Valdosta 3-2 (12 Innings). Tom Glavine allowed 0 ER’s in 9 IP, but the Goldeyes defense was awful, committing 4 errors and all the Bombers runs were unearned. |
| Series Summary: | 3-3 split. Not what we wanted, but we’ll take it! |
Houghton Penguins @ Southlake Stealers |
|
|---|---|
| Series Preview: | Houghton is tied atop the AL East as they travel to Southlake to take on the cellar dwelling Stealers. |
| Game #1: | Terry Adams recently recalled from Fort Wayne will toe the rubber in game one against Valdez for the Penguins.
The rest has done Terry well. He was cruising through four innings giving up just 2 hits, 1 Walk and struck out 6 Penguins. Adams walked Cruz to lead off the 5th which the Pens followed up with a seeing eye ground ball to put two on with no outs. Sarge went to the bullpen to shut down the rally bringing in Hasegawa. He got the comebacker to the mound but they were unable to turn the double play. Runners at the corner with just one down, the inning would be over with a groundball. The pens had other ideas. Singles by Fullmer and Pujols would score two runs and a moonshot by Burrell would plate three more. That move totally failed. At the end of 4 1/2 the Pens led 5-0. Valdez was matching Adams pitch for pitch, but he would not be foiled by the fifth inning. He was pitching a gem. He has a 4 hit shutout going through six innings. In the bottom of the seventh Southlake led off with 4 consecutive singles. One run was in and bases were loaded with no outs. Houghton called to the bullpen and brought in Boehringer looking for better results than Southlake had. Todd Zeile would greet Brian with a Sac fly to make the score 5-2. However, Beltran would pop up behind the plate for the second run. Encarnacion wasnt ready for the inning to end as he would single plating the 3rd run of the inning. With two on, two outs and an 0-2 count Jay Payton would send a ball to the deepest part of centerfield. He rounded second as he saw the ball clear the fences and it was suddenly 6-5 Stealers. It seems as if both bullpens let their manger down. After the disaster of Hasegawa, Sarge went to Shuey for two innings of shutout ball. Cassidy would follow with 1.1 innings of mound work, where he struck out 3 of the 4 batters he faced. Only one move left, it was a call to the pen for Smoltz to shut the door. A 1-2-3 9th inning gave him his 6th save of the season as Southlake takes the opener 6-5. WP: Cassidy 1-1 |
| Game #2: | Game two started ugly and just got uglier. In Southlake we call these types of games Stray Games. Each team committed errors in the first leading to a run for the opposition. Southlake would take on an earned run as well to lead 2-1.
Southlake would add another run in the 2nd on a Rondell White single. Houghton has fight in them. A walk, a single, and another walk would load the bases with no outs. Yet another walk to Burrell would cut the lead to 3-2. A sac fly by Ashby would also have trouble finding the plate in the 3rd. Two walks to Beltran and Encarnacion would be followed by a Todd Zeile 3 run blast to make it 6-3 after three innings. A Rondell White Solo shot in the 4th would extend it to 7-3. A single by Payton would be the end of the day for Ashby. The Penguins looked to Boehringer again. His first pitch to Anderson would hit him in the elbow, bringing about a warning from home plate umpire, Country Joe West. Beltran would then laser a ball to right field. Payton runs through the stop sign and is hosed at the plate. A heads up play by former Stealer Davis would apply the tag at the plate and then throw out Beltran trying to advance to second. The traditional 9-2-6 doubleplay to end the inning. Alvarez struck out the first two batters in the 5th. Burrell did not like Country Joe’s strikezone behind the dish and let him know it. That gave Pat an early exit to this game. But with two down a Williams single and a Wilson triple made the game 7-4. Southlake would get that run back on Encarnacion’s 10th homer of the year and it was 8-4 after 5 innings. A double and single to lead off the 6th would be the end of the day for Alvarez. Southlake went to Mota with runners on the corner and no outs. A bouncer to the mound got the force at second but scored the run. The play at first was bang-bang for the possible Doubleplay. Mota did not appreciate Tejada’s actions down the baseline. He let Houghton know it by drilling Pujols with the next pitch. Joe West had seen enough and Mota was sent to the showers. He was not needed though as Speier and Hasagawa did the job tonight, as the went 2.2 innings facing the minium 8 batters. It was time to bring in Smoltz to finish it up 8-5. A Pujols ground out and a Kent pop up started the inning. Mabry lashed a single to left field to give the Pens life. But Williams grounded to first and the flip to Smoltz would end the game. BUT WAIT,,,,the umpire ruled Smoltz stepped over the bag not on it. This led to what was a total melt down by Sarge on the umpires. At one point he ripped the bag out of its place and took it to his dugout. He then dumped not one, not two but three Gatorade jugs on the field. As Smoltz calmed Sarge down, he simply said, “No worries Skip, I got this”. It turns out John Smoltz is flaming underwear, because he is a big fat liar. Instead of getting the third out, he served a meatball to pinch hitter Brad Fullmer and it was a tie game 8-8. The Penguins went to their amazing bullpen. Marte and Dotel went 3.1 innings in which 8 of the 10 outs were strikeouts. Both of those pitchers would pale compare to Romero who went 4 innings of shut out relief. Both teams threatened in the 12th inning but couldnt get a run to the plate. Finally in the 13th inning, Jenkins hit a two out single to score Pujols for what would be the winning run. Final score: Houghton 9-8 |
| Game #3: | Both teams need better pitching in game 3. Houghton turns to current AL Pitcher of the week and staff ace Buehrle. He comes in with just a 4-3 record despite having a 1.62 ERA. The local boys counter with Pat Hentgen.
Each team could not have asked for more from their starters today. Each pitcher was masterful through 8 innings each yielding one run on four hits. With a Bullpen that had let them down over the past two games, The Stealers sent Hentgen out to start the 9th inning. That was a fateful decision as Cruz hit a 2 run shot to deep left to give Houghton a 3-1 lead. Mark Buehrle put a stamp on his attempt for back to back pitcher of the week honors by throwing a 1-2-3 9th inning for the complete game win. He finished the night giving up the one run on 4 hits, with 8 strikeouts. WP: Buehrle (5-3) |
| Game #4: | Looking to even the series the Stealers go to Rookie of the Year Candidate Mark Prior. Prior was sensational, mowing down the Houghton lumber. He goes the distance giving up 5 hits (3 by Pujols), 2 BB, and 10 strikeouts for his first career complete game.
He missed the shutout when one of the hits was a two run shot by Pujols in the 7th inning. His 8th of the season. Burrell who was tossed in game 2 wishes he was tossed out of this one as he struck out 4 times on the day. Meanwhile the Stealers played both long ball and small ball against the Pens. Solo shots by Payton and Velarde, a 2 run blast by White, and sac bunts byEckstein and Payton provided all the offense that was needed. Final Score 6-2 Southlake WP: Prior (3-0) |
| Game #5: | With the Series tied, we have no idea how these final two games will play out. What we do know is Ted Lilly will throw for the visitors while the Stealers will counter with Sturtze.
Both pitchers were dealing early. Sturtze had given up just one hit through the first 4 innings. But like in game 1, they had to play the 5th. The Penguins strung together 4 hits and walk to plate 3 runners. The big blow was a double by Burrell that pushed two across. That was all the Pens would need at Ted Lilly continued his hot start of the year since his call up from the farm (do Penguins play on a farm?). He went 7 innings giving up just 2 hits and no runs, before Yielding to Dotel to do what he does best, kill hopes. Lilly lowered his ERA to 1.69 on the year. Dotel would face the minimum 6 batters to get a two inning save. It was his 6th of the year. Pujols would add his 9th home run of the year in the 9th inning for some extra insurance. Final Score Houghton 4-0 |
| Game #6: | It was awesome. I probably lost my shot at a Pulitzer. I am not going to write it up again. Houghton won 8-5.
WP; Valdez (4–2) |
| Series Summary: | Houghton keeps the lead in the AL East as they take 4 of 6 from the Stealers. |
Flora-Bama Mullets @ Blarney Drive Bandits |
|
|---|---|
| Series Summary: | Bama takes 4 of 6 as their hurlers stymied Bandit bats. |
Manhattan Gas Hornets @ Gladstone Gladiators |
|
|---|---|
| Game #1: | GLA 4 – MGH 2 |
| Game #2: | MGH was down 0-4 after 3, but scored 8 runs over the last 3 innings to win. MGH 8 – GLA 7 |
| Game #3: | GLA 8 – MGH 6 |
| Game #4: | MGH 2 – GLA 1 |
| Game #5: | MGH 3 – GLA 2 |
| Game #6: | MGH 4 – GLA 2 |
| Series Summary: | Manhattan takes the series 4 games to 2. |