2003 PLAYER / PITCHER OF THE WEEK #5

Chicago Demolition: The Pitching Powerhouse
The Demolition have relied on their strong pitching staff to build their winning record. Their rotation boasts one of the league’s best ERAs, consistently shutting down opposing offenses. While their bats have been streaky, the Chicago pitchers give them a chance to win every night. They’ll look to continue their dominance on the mound to stifle the well-rounded attack of the Giants.

Key Strength: Dominant starting pitching and a reliable bullpen.

Iowa Giants: Well-Rounded and Dangerous
The Giants, despite being under .500, are a more dangerous team than their record suggests. Described as a well-rounded club, Iowa features a balance of solid hitters and capable pitchers. They’ll be looking to capitalize on their strengths by testing the depth of the Chicago bullpen and forcing the Demolition’s less-consistent offense to play from behind.

Key Strength: Balanced offense and defense with threats throughout the lineup.

This matchup appears to be a classic contrast of styles: Chicago’s elite pitching vs. Iowa’s balanced attack. If the Demolition’s starters continue to pitch deep into games, they have the clear advantage. However, if the Giants can get into the bullpen early or force high pitch counts, their more consistent offense could prove to be the difference-maker. Expect close, low-scoring contests with a high likelihood of one-run games.

The game flipped in the 6th inning when the Giants exploded for five runs off Demolition starter Roger Clemens, forcing him out of the game. Key RBIs came from Luis Nix, Mark DeRosa, Sandy Alomar Jr., and Mike Lamb. The Demolition fought back, scoring runs in the 6th and a two-run homer by Tony Batista in the bottom of the 9th to make it a one-run game. However, Eddie Guardado managed to strand the tying run at third base in the 9th, securing the win for the Giants.

Final Score: Iowa 7 – Chicago 6

Win: Rob Bell 2-2 (2.45)
Loss: Roger Clemens 1-2 (3.55)
Save: Eddie Guardado #5

Demolition star H. Matsui launched the game-winning home run to deep right field off reliever Javier A. Lopez in the bottom of the 8th inning.

Demolition starter Jason Schmidt put in an excellent 8-inning performance, yielding only one earned run. John Franco closed out the 9th to seal the save for the Demolition.

Final Score: Chicago 2 – Iowa 1

Win: Jason Schmidt 2-2 (4.04)
Loss: Javier A. Lopez 1-2 (2.57)
Save: John Franco #1

The Demolition fought back in the 5th, scoring two runs on a C. Delgado single after an error loaded the bases, bringing the score to 4-2. They tied the game at 4-4 in the 7th inning, driven by an RBI single from H. Matsui. The game remained deadlocked until the 12th when the GIANTS’ J. Damon walked, stole second on the pitch, and then scored the go-ahead run on an M. Young single. E. Guardado closed out the bottom of the 12th for the save.

Final Score: Iowa 5 – Chicago 4 (12 Innings)

Win: Brandon Villafuerte 1-1 (2.92)
Loss: Kevin Gregg 2-1 (3.38)
Save: Eddie Guardado #6

Giants’ only run came in the seventh inning when a hit-by-pitch to pinch-hitter Hee Seop Choi was followed by an RBI single from Mark DeRosa, aided by an errant throw from Scott Stewart.

Demolition starter Pedro Martinez pitched seven strong innings, allowing one unearned run on three hits and four walks while striking out four, earning the win. John Franco came in for the final out in the ninth to record the save, stranding the tying run at the plate.

Final Score: Chicago 3 – Iowa 1

Win: Pedro Martinez 4-1 (2.19)
Loss: Danny Graves 2-1 (4.55)
Save: John Franco #2

The Demolition padded their lead in the 4th, pushing the score to 5-1. They then sealed the victory in the 8th inning, scoring four runs, highlighted by a Shannon Stewart two-run blast. Millwood pitched eight strong innings, surrendering only one run.

Final Score: Chicago 9 – Iowa 1

Win: Kevin Millwood 2-1 (3.03) Loss: Corey Lidle 0-2 (8.64)

Demolition starter Roger Clemens pitched a gem, going seven scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and one walk to earn the win. The Giants’ offense was largely silenced, managing just four total hits in the game.

Final Score: Chicago 8 – Iowa 0

Win: Roger Clemens 2-2 (2.92)
Loss: Jeff Weaver 1-3 (5.46)

The series began with two tightly contested battles, aligning with the “classic contrast of styles” preview. The Giants claimed the first game, 7-6, overcoming an early 3-0 deficit thanks to a five-run 6th inning rally, a key offensive highlight. The Demolition immediately answered with a 2-1 victory, featuring a game-winning 8th-inning home run from Hideki Matsui. Iowa forced extra innings in Game 3 but ultimately won 5-4 on a go-ahead 12th-inning single from Michael Young.

From that point, Chicago’s elite pitching took over, shutting down the Giants’ balanced attack. Pedro Martinez and Roger Clemens each delivered dominant performances, with Clemens capping the series by throwing seven scoreless innings in an 8-0 shutout. The Demolition offense surged late, highlighted by a 9-1 rout that saw Tony Batista and Hideki Matsui go deep, and finished strong with the 8-0 win. Chicago’s pitching staff allowed just two total runs in the final two games, cementing their series victory.

HR – MVM – JOSE HERNANDEZ (2) RBI 3(8)

INJ HOU – KEVIN CASH 5 DAYS

HR – HOU – ALBERT PULOS (4) RBI(11)
HR – MVM – ALPHONSO SORIANO (3) RBI (11)
HR – MVM – TROY GLAUS (5) RBI 2(9)
HR – MVM – DAN WILSON (1) (4)

HR – HOU – MIGUEL CABRERA (4) 2(9)

CG 2-HITTER – MVM – JASON STANFORD

HR – MVM – JOSE HERNANDEZ (3) (10)

HR – HOU – DOUG MIRABELLI (3) RBI 2(7)

HR – HOU – MIGUEL CABRERA (5) 3(12)
HR – HOU – PAT BURRELL (1) 2(6)

MAULERS TAKE THE SERIES 4-2. Hammerin’ Time Bats carrying the pitching staff on their shoulders. Although the pitching has been better than expected to this point anyway, it’s a long season.