2002 PLAYER / PITCHER OF THE WEEK #24

Corktown picks up a game on Houghton and wins 3 of 5. Still 3 behind as we wait and see what DeWitt does.

After being shutout 3-0 in the opening game, the Gas Hornets bounced back finding their bats quickly, scoring 3 in the 2nd and 5 big runs in the 3rd after Baltimore scored 2 in the top half to cut the lead to 3-2. The Blue Crabs jumped back in the game on a Chipper Jones 2 run homer (14) but that was the last of their bats as Mickey Callaway held firm for the win (2-1). Brett Myers didn’t last long, 2.1 innings, 8 hits, 6 runs and 2 homers yielded. Josh Phelps hits a 2 run shot (15) and Lenny Harris hits a solo homer (3) as one of his 2 hits. Derek Jeter had another multiple hit game going 3 for 4 with 4 rbis! Gas Hornets pound out 17 hits – and the Blue Crabs, well they managed 10 hits, drew 4 walks and a HBP but had 13 left on base! Gas Hornets suffered another big injury – they’ve been hit with them a lot lately, but fortunately the rosters are expanded. Damian Jackson gets beaned by Miller and will miss 11 days.

Both teams need to keep winning, Baltimore for playoff chances, Manhattan to stay on top of the NL East.

September 6, 2002 — Manhattan, NY: The Manhattan Gas Hornets showcased their dominance on the diamond last night, clinching an impressive 8-4 victory over the Baltimore Blue Crabs in a thrilling night game at Gas Hornets Park. With a stellar combination of offensive firepower and pitching precision, the Gas Hornets once again proved why they are a force to be reckoned with this season.

The game opened with Manhattan establishing early momentum, scoring across multiple innings that culminated in an eight-run tally. The team’s offensive prowess came alive with 14 hits, including Derek Jeter’s 15th home run of the season and Garret Anderson’s 57th double and running his RBI total to 136! Key contributions also came from Chris Singleton, whose triple brought in two critical runs, and Ray Durham, who added to his impressive resume with his 30th stolen base.

On the mound, John Halama delivered a commanding performance, securing his seventh win of the season pitching five solid innings. Manhattan’s bullpen ensured the victory, with Kim earning his 29th save with a flawless outing.

Baltimore grabbed a 4-1 lead with 4 in the 2nd lead by efforts highlighted by Jorge Posada, who hit two doubles to bring his season total to 29, and Jimmy Rollins, whose ninth triple demonstrated his versatility at the plate. Despite their determination, the Blue Crabs struggled to capitalize on opportunities, leaving seven runners stranded during the rest of the game. Pitcher Vincente Padilla faced difficulty in containing Manhattan’s offense, taking his ninth loss of the season.

As the Manhattan Gas Hornets celebrate this pivotal victory, they continue to build momentum for their playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Blue Crabs will look to regroup and refine their strategies as their playoff hopes are slipping away.

FINAL Manhattan 8 Baltimore 4

Barry Zito on the mound and he takes a 1-0 lead into the 7th after the Blue Crabs Russ Branyan drives in one with a SF in the 4th. But an Adam Dunn error in the bottom of the 7th leads to 2 unearned Gas Hornets runs. Manhattan then works to close it out but after Rick Reed gives up a lead off homer to Jimmy Rollins (9) in the 8th and Winn. So an itchy Mark Guthrie comes into quiet the Blue Crabs and despite giving up a walk, he shuts down Baltimore leaving the game tied after 7 ½. Barry Zito does not come back out on the mound going 7, 5 hits, no walks, 4 ks and 2 UNEARNED runs. Branden Looper gets the call – and well – he doesn’t get the job done. He gives up 3 hits, 2 runs with rbi doubles from Jason Kendall and Garrett Anderson. Kim comes on in the 9th, making it interesting giving up a single and walk but then retiring the next three for his 30th save! Derek Jeter had another 3 hit game, is he coming alive down the stretch? And Garrett Anderson also had 3 hits!

FINAL Manhattan 4 Baltimore 2

Garrett Anderson’s 1st triple of the season gives him 2 rbis (139 on the season) and Jason Kendall, Quinton McCracken and Josh Phelps all had 2 rbis in the game – Phelps launched his 16th homer! But the story was the pitching led by Tim Wakefield (19-3) and his 1 hit, 6 innings of pitching. Vladimir Nunez and Mike Williams add 3 scoreless innings of relief (2 hits) to top off the team shutout.

Tim Hudson takes the loss for Baltimore as their postseason hopes really take a hit losing 4 games after the opening victory.

FINAL Manhattan 9 Baltimore 0

Play Ball!!!

A surprising series victory for MVM taking 4 of 5 games while being out hit 55 to 38. CHI leaves town in disbelief squandering a chance to make ground on division leader Harper Woods.

Delgado, McLemore and Stewart made some noise in a couple of games as did Guerrero (100th RBI), Soriano (30-30 season) and Glaus for MVM.

Series highlights Game 1 MVM 11-0 shellacking and Game 2 CHI 10-0 returns the favor on a combined 1-hitter, 1-Walk effort.