2002 PLAYER / PITCHER OF THE WEEK #11

**Chicago Demolition**
– **Record:** 34-24
– **Position:** 2nd Place in the American League Central
– **Recent Performance:** 5-5 in their last 10 games, but they have gained momentum with 2 consecutive wins.
– **Strengths:** The Demolition have shown resilience and the ability to bounce back, as evidenced by their recent winning streak. Their pitching staff has been solid, and they have a balanced lineup that can produce runs.

**Corktown Bootleggers**
– **Record:** 34-24
– **Position:** 2nd Place in the American League East
– **Recent Performance:** 7-3 in their last 10 games, though they are 1-1 in their last 2 games.
– **Strengths:** The Bootleggers have been on a hot streak, winning 7 of their last 10 games. Their offense has been particularly potent, with several players contributing to their recent success.

### Series Odds

Given the current form and recent performances of both teams, the series is expected to be closely contested. Here are the odds for the series:

– **Chicago Demolition:** 50%
– **Corktown Bootleggers:** 50%

Both teams have identical records and are in similar positions within their respective divisions. The Demolition’s recent winning streak gives them a slight edge in momentum, while the Bootleggers’ overall recent form suggests they are a formidable opponent. This series could go either way, making it a must-watch for baseball fans.

However, the Demolition responded in the sixth inning with a powerful three-run homer by D. Justice, turning the tide in their favor. This crucial hit brought home McLemore and Renteria, giving the Demolition a 3-1 lead.

Billy Wagner came in as a relief pitcher for the Demolition and delivered an impressive performance, securing the win with his fourth victory of the season. John Garland, despite a solid start, took the loss for the Bootleggers, bringing his record to 1-5.

The Demolition’s defense held strong, preventing any further scoring from the Bootleggers, and Wagner closed out the game with a series of strikeouts in the ninth inning.

Final Score: Chicago 4 – Corktown 1

Win: Billy Wagner 4-0 (1.58)
Loss: Jon Garland 1-5 (4.40)

Chicago struggled to respond initially, but C. Delgado’s double in the third inning brought E. Renteria home, putting the Demolition on the board. They added another run in the fourth inning when R. Alomar scored on a passed ball, narrowing the gap to 4-2.

Despite Chicago’s efforts, Corktown’s pitching, led by Miguel Batista, held strong. Batista pitched six and a third innings, allowing only two runs on ten hits. Ugueth Urbina and Troy Percival provided solid relief, with Percival earning his 13th save of the season by closing out the ninth inning.

Final Score: Corktown 4 – Chicago 2

Win: Miguel Batista 7-3 (3.04)
Loss: Kevin Olsen 1-4 (4.40)
Save: Troy Percival #13

The breakthrough came in the bottom of the fourth inning when Eli Marrero hit a crucial triple, driving in two runs for Chicago. This gave the Demolition a 2-0 lead. Corktown responded in the top of the sixth inning with a run, narrowing the gap to 2-1, but Chicago’s defense held strong.

In the bottom of the eighth, Chicago added an insurance run, extending their lead to 3-1. Willie Banks came in to close the game for Chicago, securing his first save of the season. Roger Clemens earned the win, improving his record to 6-2 with a 3.58 ERA, while Omar Daal took the loss, moving to 5-3 with a 3.88 ERA.

Final Score: Chicago 3 – Corktown 1

Win: Roger Clemens 6-2 (3.58)
Loss: Omar Daal 5-3 (3.88)
Save: Willie Banks #1

In the fourth inning, Corktown’s offense surged again with a two-run double by Gary Matthews, increasing their lead to 8-1. Rodriguez hit another home run in the sixth inning, further solidifying Corktown’s dominance. The Bootleggers’ pitching was equally impressive, with Freddy Garcia delivering a strong performance, allowing only one run over seven innings.

Despite some late-game efforts by the Demolition, Corktown’s bullpen held firm, preventing any further scoring. The Bootleggers’ offense was relentless, amassing 14 hits throughout the game. With this victory, Freddy Garcia improved his record to 4-5, while Hector Mercado took the loss, dropping to 2-1.

Final Score: Corktown 11 – Chicago 1

Win: Freddy Garcia 4-5 (4.22)
Loss: Hector Mercado 2-1 (6.88)

The game started with both teams unable to score in the first inning. However, the Demolition broke the deadlock in the bottom of the second inning. Joe Girardi‘s crucial base hit to right field allowed Mark McLemore and David Justice to score, putting the Demolition ahead 2-0.

In the fifth inning, Roberto Alomar extended the lead to 3-0, scoring on Shannon Stewart‘s single. The Demolition added another run in the sixth inning when Girardi’s hit brought in another run, making it 4-0.

Millwood’s pitching was stellar throughout, allowing only a few hits and keeping the Bootleggers scoreless. Despite some attempts by the Bootleggers to rally, Millwood and the Demolition defense held firm, securing a comprehensive victory.

Final Score: Chicago 4 – Corktown 0

Win: Kevin Millwood 6-2 (2.35)
Loss: Steve Trachsel 4-5 (4.70)

Final Score: Chicago 1 – Corktown 0

Win: Pedro Martinez 6-5 (1.88)
Loss: Jon Garland 1-6 (4.07)
Save: Billy Wagner #13

Chicago’s pitching was a standout feature throughout the series. Kevin Millwood and Pedro Martinez delivered exceptional performances, with Millwood securing a shutout victory in a 4-0 win and Martinez leading the team to a narrow 1-0 victory with his dominant pitching. Billy Wagner was instrumental in closing games, earning his 13th save of the season in a crucial 1-0 win.

Offensively, Chicago’s D. Justice made a significant impact with a three-run homer that turned the tide in one of the games, while Phil Nevin‘s solo home run in another game provided the decisive edge. Joe Girardi and Roberto Alomar also contributed key hits that helped secure victories for the Demolition.

Corktown, despite their efforts, struggled to maintain consistency. They did, however, deliver a commanding 11-1 victory, highlighted by Yorvit Torrealba‘s grand slam and Alex Rodriguez‘s two home runs. Freddy Garcia‘s strong pitching performance in this game was a bright spot for the Bootleggers.

The Bootleggers’ offense showed flashes of brilliance, with A. Rodriguez and D. Erstad contributing crucial hits in a 4-2 victory. However, their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities in other games, coupled with Chicago’s resilient defense, proved to be their downfall.

Overall, the series was a testament to the competitive nature of both teams, with Chicago’s balanced approach and timely hitting giving them the edge. The Demolition’s ability to bounce back and maintain pressure on Corktown was key to their success, making this series a memorable one for baseball fans.

Aramis Ramirez hits an early homer for Hampton. The Huskies have a lead 3-2, but Michigan ties it in the 7th and scores 5 in the 8th. Williams and Edmonds hit homers.

Michigan 8 Hampton 3
W, Mesa 2-3
L, Chacon 1-8

Michigan limits Hampton to 3 hits in route to their second victory over Hampton. Corey Patterson with 4 hits for Michigan. Clement throws a strong 7 innings for the win.

Michigan 7 Hampton 1
W, Clement, 4-7
L, Suppan 2-3

Williams and Palmeiro with 3 hits each. Edmonds with 3 RBI. Plesac comes in for the win.

Michigan 8 Hampton 5
W, Plesac 1-1
S, Mesa 7
L, Grimsley 0-4

Low scoring game. It was 1-1 until the 9th inning when Michigan gets a run to end the game. Pote with the win in relief. Shinjo hits a homer for Hampton. Guzman with a homer for Michigan.

Michigan 2 Hampton 1
W, Pote 2-1
L, Grimsley 0-5

Michigan leads 5-1 after 3 innings. Hampton gets 3 in the 5th and Michigan scores 3 in the 8th. Orlando Hernandez gets the win in relief. Mesa gets the save. Bret Boone hits a 3 run homer. Derek with a homer and 3 RBIs for Hampton.

Michigan 8 Hampton 4
W, O. Hernandez 2-1
S, Mesa 8
L, Benson 4-7

Hampton avoids a 6 game sweep and gets their hitting shoes on. The Huskies hit 4 homers. Drew with 3 hits. Affeldt gets the win in relief.

Hampton 10 Michigan 6
W, Affeldt 3-4
L, Stone 2-1