2000 PLAYER / PITCHER OF THE WEEK #1

NAME	TEAM	AVG	SLG	G	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	R	RBI	K	W	IW	SB	CS	HBP
ALFONZO,Edgardo	CAL AL	.478	.957	5	23	11	2	0	3	10	10	1	5	1	0	0	1

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	7.1	0	0	3	4	4	0	0	0	0	0

NAME	TEAM	AVG	SLG	G	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	R	RBI	K	W	IW	SB	CS	HBP
ORDONEZ,Magglio	BDB NL	.462	.885	5	26	12	2	0	3	7	15	2	0	0	1	0	0

NAME	CLUB	G	W	L	S	ERA	IP	R	ER	H	K	BB	IBB	WP	BK	HB	HR
HALAMA,John	MGH NL	1	1	0	0	0.00	9	0	0	6	7	3	0	0	0	0	0

Baltimore Blue Crabs @ Santa Rosa Beach Bums
Series Preview:	The Bums open the season at home facing ‘Hudson’ the almost had draftee. The Bums faltered late last year, they hope to put on another competitive year with the possibility of a pennant. THEY FACE STIFF COMPETITION AGAIN THIS YEAR.
Game #1:	The Crabs put Hudson on the mound () to face Bums Vazquez (). The Crabs strike first in the 2nd on back-to-back-to-back-to-back singles by Batista, Young, Wilson, and Cora. Crabs 2-0. In the 4th Bums Rios ties it up after a leadoff single by Vander Wal with a shot over the right field wall. In the 5th Koskie leadoff with a double, Thomas drew a walk and Vander Wal smacked an RBI double, followed by a Rios RBI single, followed by an Encarnacion sharp grounder off Hudson’s mitt for a run. Bums 5-2. Hudson is replaced after allowing 5 runs on 10 hits in 5 innings. Crabs put two on with 1-out in the 7th. Bums bring in Karsay to relieve Vazquez. No matter Posada went yard to tie it up at 5. And two batters later Batista went yard with Casey aboeard. Crabs 7-5. And that’s how it would end. Baltimore 7 14 0 WP: Worrell 2b: Young; HR: Posada, Casey; Sb: Wilson; S: Paniagua Santa Rosa Beach 5 11 2 LP: Karsay 2b: Koskie, Vanderwal; HR: Rios.
Game #2:	Crabs looking to continue the momentum send Dempster () to the mound and the Bums Bohanon (). Crabs waste no time. McLemore lead the game off with a walk and Kapler went yard. Crabs 2-0. Jones followed with a homer and the score is 3-0 after 3 batters. The Crabs continue and fill the bases before Hidalgo makes a catch at the wall for a mercy out. Crabs Wilson leadoff 3rd with a double and scored on a Batista single. Bums allow another run in the 5th on an Alomar error. Crabs 5-0. Bums 4 errors already. Playing a little rusty. Bums get one back in the 5th with an Alomar 2-out solo shot followed by Koskie and Thomas back-to-back doubles. Hidalgo then singled Thomas home for his first hit of the year. Crabs 5-3. Karsay is not showing last year’s form allowing 2 runs in the 7th and leaves gane with a 36 ERA. With the score 7-4. Crabs Tucker seemingly puts it away with a 2-run shot over the centerfield wall. Baltimore 9 14 2 WP: Dempster 2b: Wilson 2, Kapler, Elster, Hunter; HR: Kapler, Jones, Tucker; H: Stanton. Santa Rosa Beach 4 11 2 LP: Bohanon 2b: Koskie, Thomas: HR: Alomar.
Game #3:	Crabs continue to bring the strong arms with Williams () to face O. Fernandez (). Crabs start fast again. With 2-out Jones and Batista drew walks and Casey doubled them home. In the bottom half the Bums load the bases with 0-out and score three to take the lead. In the 5th after a Hidalgo double and Vanderwal walk, Perez stroked a 2-out RBI single. Bums 4-2. After a wild pitch Molina dropped in a single in front of a diving Wilson for two more. Crabs Casey ger one back in the 6ht with a solo shot. Bums Thomas adds two more in the bottom half with Alomar aboard. Bums 8-3. Kapler kept the Crabs in the game with a 2-run double in the 7th. Crabs score three more in the 7th with a Casey long ball. Score 8-8. Bums Encarnacion answers with a solo shot to leadoff the bottom of the 7th. Bums seemingly closes out the game with a 3-run pinch hit homer. Bums 12-8. But there are still two more innings. Baltimore 9 9 1 LP: Peters 2b: Kapler, Casey, Cora; HR: Casey 2, Wilson 1; IBB: Young. Santa Rosa Beach 12 11 1 WP: De Los Santos 2b: Hidalgo, Darr; HR: Berkman, Thomas, Encarnacion; S: Sasaki.
Game #4:	Well what to expect next. No lead seems to be safe with these two teams. Crabs call on Appier () and the Bums Harper (). With 2-out in the 1st and Jones onboard Batista stoked a double, but Vanderwal gunned Jones down at home. In the bottom half Alomar singled, Koskie walked, Appier threw a wild pitch and Thomas lifted one to Tucker for one. With 2-out, Vanderwal doubled for another. In the next at bat Crabs Casey drew a walk and advanced to third on a Young double. He scored on a Wilson sacrifice fly. Bums 2-1. In the bottom half Rios walked, Perez singled, Alomar stroked an RBI single with Perez thrown out at third. Thomas leadoff the 3rd with a solo shot. Bums 4-1. With two on and 1-out in the 3rd, Rios stroked an RBI single chasing x-Bum Appier. Two batters later Perez touched Farnsworth for a 3-run homer. Bums 8-1. In their next at bat, Crabs Wilson stroked a 2-un homer. But Bums Berkamn followed that with a 3-run shot in the bottom half. Can the score keeper keep up. With 2-out in the 5th the Crabs add a couple more. Bums 11-5. Baltimore 8 13 1 LP: Appier 2b: Bastista, Casey, Young, Oliver; HR: Wilson; SF: Wilson. Santa Rosa Beach 16 15 1 WP: Harper 2b: Koskie, Hidalgo, Vanderwal; 3b: Rios; HR: Thomas, Hidalgo, Berkman, Perez; SF: Thomas, Molina; H: De Los Santos, Carrasco.
Game #5:	For the rubber match. Crabs Suppan () will face Bums Rigdon (). Crabs Casey starts the scoring in the 2nd with a solo shot, then Young ditto. Crabs 2-0. In the bottom half Hidalgo and Berkman single and Hidalgo scored and a double play ball by Sanders. Crabs Casey having a phenomenal series banged an RBI single in the 3rd. Crabs 3-1. Alomar brought it to within one again with a solo shot in the bottom half. Bums tie it in the 5th on an Alomar doulbel and Koskie single. Bums fill the bases later in the inning and Sanders lifted a sacrifice fly. Bums 4-3. With Crab runners on first and second with 2-out the Bums go to Karsay in the 6th. Oh no! Karsay ETA 36.0 v. Wilson BA .450. And yes, that ball is history and the Crabs took the lead 6-4. But with two runners on in the bottom half, Thomas ripped a 3-run homer, Bums 7-6, and here we go again. Guess who. No, not Wilson this time. Crabs Casey led off the 8th with a triple. Karsay out. Rodriguez in. Oliver banged him home to tie the game at 7. In the 8th, Bums Molina reached with 0-outs, pinch runner Vanderwal stole second, Perez bunted pinch runner Darr to third, Alomar lifted a fly to Wilson who gunned darr down at the plate. Crabs Paniagua enters the game in the bottom of the 11th. Alomar steps up, strikeout. Caminiti steps up, strikeout. Thomas steps up, homerun. Bums pull the series out after a very shaky start. Baltimore 7 9 0 LP: Paniagua 3b: Casey; HR: Casey, Young, Wilson; HBP: Tucker, Cora. Santa Rosa Beach 8 11 0 WP: Rodriguez 2b: Alomar, Perez; HR: Alomar, Thomas, Hidalgo; SH: Perez; SF: Sanders; SB: Encarnacion 2, Vanderwal.
Series Summary:	Blue Crabs Casey owned the series 13H, 7RBI 2-2b, 1-3b, 3HR in 18AB with 3W. But the Bums managed to win the series 3 games to 2.

Hampton Huskies @ Manhattan Gas Hornets
Series Preview:	The two time defending NL Champion Gas Hornets open the season against a vastly improved Hampton club looking to make a name for themselves (that can be spoken in mixed company). Outlook for Manhattan this year – still a good offense, but the pitching, as usual, is suspect.
Game #1:	Pitching didn’t look like an issue for Manhattan as Rick Reed goes 8 innings giving up just 2 hits, 1 run and fanning 8! We like that. Ricky Gutierrez gets 1 of the 2 hits for Hampton, and rbi double in the 5th. But that just made it 5-1 Manhattan as the Gas Hornets offense gets 9 hits (3 from Garrett Anderson including a homer (1) and 7 runs. They were also aided by SIX walks from the Huskies pitchers. HAM 1-2-2 LP Jamey Wright (0-1) MGH 7-9-1 WP Reed (1-0)
Game #2:	This one was more of a donnybrook. Manhattan made use of some hits and walks in the 3rd for 7 runs including a Matt Stairs homer (1). Tino Martinez goes 3 for 4 with 3 rbis (based loaded double). But Hampton replies with a 3 run 4th – Derek Lee homer (1) and then a 3 run sixth, Billy Spiers bases loaded triple! But those 6 runs fell short and Manhattan tacked on a couple of insurance runs to preserve a game 2 win. HAM 6-10-0 LP Adam Eaton (0-1) MGH 9-11-0 WP Jesus Sanchez (1-0) S Mike Williams (1)
Game #3:	John Halama tosses a CG 6 hit shutout as the Gas Hornets cruise to a 5-0 win and a 3-0 start to the season. Ray Durham and Adrian Brown each get 3 hits in the contest. The Huskies 6 hits were scattered among 6 different batters. Carl Pavano did only allow 1 walk – a major improvement for Hampton from the first two games. Durham nets his 1st homer of the year. HAM 0- 6-2 LP Pavano (0-1) MGH 5-12-0 WP Halama (1-0)
Game #4:	Manhattan starts right off in game 4 where they left off, scoring 2 in the 1st off Joe Nathan. Rob Bell (another newcomer) is keeping that 2-0 lead intact until the 5th inning. Then he starts giving up the long ball. Todd Hundley (1), Derrick Lee (1) and Bill Mueller (1) connect and the Huskies get single runs in the 5th, 6th and 7th to grab a 3-2 lead. The bullpen comes in and gives up 3 runs in the 8th and well, the Huskies hang on to the 6-3 lead to get in the win column! HAM 6-9-0 WP Nathan (1-0) MGH 3-8-0 LP Bell (0-1)
Game #5:	Manhattan uses the long ball to get 5 of their 7 runs in this one, Garrett Anderson a two run shot (2) in the 1st and Derek Jeter a 3 run shot (1) in the 4th. Anderson drives in another and the Gas Hornets cruise behind 6 hit pitching from Tim Wakefield to take the finale, 7-1. In the repeat scoring from game 1, Ricky Gutierrez drives in the lone Huskies run. HAM 1- 6-2 LP Jay Witasick (0-1) MGH 7-10-0 WP Wakefield (1-0)
Series Summary:	Manhattan got some surprising pitching performances for the opening week – and as in recent seasons finds itself wondering what can be? Non-Contenders with some good (but fading pitchers) inquire within. We pay high prices!!!

Winnipeg Goldeyes @ Long Beach Titans
Series Summary:	In a very close series Long Beach takes 3 of 5 from Winnipeg.

Fort Worth Panthers @ California Quakes
Series Summary:	California takes the series 4-1.

Harper Woods Expos @ Monroeville Maulers
Series Preview:	It’s opening day in Monroeville, PA, for the MAULERS’ inaugural season at HAMMER & STEEL STADIUM! The Harper Woods EXPOS come into town for a 5 game series. The MAULERS MGR Ernie “Buster” Panek is optimistic and ready to play ball!
Game #1:	HWE 3-7-1 / PIT 2-4-2 W-WASHBURN 1-0, SV-1 LIGTENBERG vs L-LIEBER 0-1It’s 3-0 HWE after 5 as WASHBURN is pitching masterfully allowing only 3 hits and the MAULERS’ bats are anything but pounding. LIEBER scatters 7 hits in a CG effort as his defense lets him down with 2 errors and 1 unearned run that cost them a chance to win the game. The MAULERS manage 1 run on a solo HR and make it close in the 9th as LIGTENBERG has a rocky start going for the save surrendering a lead-off 2B, back-to-back walks, and then a SAC fly. After 2 outs, GIPSON is on to PH and he drives one DEEP to leftfield but WALKER gallops back and runs it down saving a come-from-behind walk-off victory by the MAULERS. A dramatic win for the EXPOS that spoiled the MAULERS’ inaugural home opener. But optimism runs high in the MVM clubhouse as Coach Panek gathers his troop’s composure and congratulates them on a never say die effort. HWE 3-2.2B: M. JOHNSON (1), RBI: WALKER 2(2), LARKIN (1) LOB:52B: GUERRO (1), GLAUS (1), HR: HOLLANDSWORTH (1), RBI HOLLANDSWORTH (1), JONES (1)
Game #2:	HWE 10-19-0 / MVM 4-8-0 W-ELDRED 1-0 vs L-ASHBY 0-1The “crack of the bat” rings out for HWE as ASHBY allows 16 hits, and 8 runs through 6. There are a few fireworks early for MVM trying to keep up but to no avail. The EXPOS add 2 more for insurance while LOB 11 runners! HWE 10-4.HELTON 4-6, DESHIELDS 4-4, COLBURN 2-3, JOYNER & BAUTISTA 2-5 2B: DESHIELDS (1), COLBURN (1), 3B: LARKIN (1), HR: DESHIELDS (1), BAUTISTA (1), JOYNER (1) RBI: WALKER (1), LARKIN (2), DESHIELDS 3(3), BAUTISTA 3(3), JOYNER (1), LOB:112B: GUERRERO (2), MCCARTY (1), VARITEK (1), HERNANDEZ (1), HR: REESE (1), RBI: REESE 2(2), GUERRERO (1), HERNANDEZ (1) LOB:5
Game #3:	HWE 3-6-1/ MVM 4-1-0 L-LIGTENBERG, BS-1, L 0-1 vs W-SCHOENEWEIS 1-0 CGHWE holds a 3-1 lead to the top of the 8th although MVM pounds out 10 hits while LOB 11! SCHOENEWEIS struggles early but gathers his composure and shuts out the EXPOS the rest of the way for a CG victory as the MAULERS finally reward his effort with the VLADIMER GUERRERO show (3-5). Adding 1 run in the bottom half of the 8th and then 2 in the 9th chasing LIGTENBERG for a second time this series but this time getting the win. GUERRERO walks it off with a double scoring VARITEK from first who PH for REESE. A little sunshine for the MAULERS and their 1st victory of the season! MVM 4-3.2B: DESHIELDS (2), HR COLBURN (1), RBI COLBURN 3(3) 2-4. LOB:32B: GUERRERO (3) 3-5, RBI: GUERRERO 2(3), MCCARTY (1) LOB:10
Game #4:	HWE 5-11-0 / MVM 6-10-2 L-STEIN 0-1 vs W-CORNELIUS 1-06-4 MAULERS after 5 as CORNELIUS gets run support to overcome his mediocre 6IP effort. The MAULER middle relievers struggle a bit allowing 1 run but KING is up to the task and shuts the door in the 9th for his 1st save. The EXPOS unleash a barrage of singles (BAUTISTA 4-4) with only 1 extra-base hit. GUERRERO shines once again 2-4, and the MAULERS get their legs moving with 2-SB and 2-CS. Series tied 2-2. MVM 6-5.2B: LARKIN (1), RBI: DESHIELDS 2(5), BAUTISTA 2(5), COLBURN (4) LOB:62B: SANCHEZ (1), VARITEK (2), HR: GUERRERO (1), JONES (1), RBI: GUERRERO (4), JONES 3(4) VARITEK 2(2) LOB:7
Game #5:	HWE 3-8-1 / MVM 6-3-0 L-MECIR 0-1, BS-1 vs WENDELL 1-0The MAULERS win their 3rd straight and take the series scoring 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th breaking a 3-3 deadlock to secure victory. GLAUS is the star as he goes 2-3 smashing 2-HRs and 3-RBI providing the run support for the middle relievers who this time do a fine job keeping the EXPOS at bay preparing the way for KING and his 2nd save of the season. MVM 6-3.2B: HELTON (1), RBI: HELTON (1), LARKIN (3), DESHIELDS (6), LOB:52B: CATALANOTTO (1), GIPSON (1), HR: GLAUS 2(2), RBI: HOLLANDSWORTH 2(3), GLAUS 3(3), GIPSON (1), LOB:8
Series Summary:	It looked grim after the first 2 games for MVM, especially after game 2. However, the never say die attitude from Coach “Buster” PANEK rallies the troops for a 3-game winning streak to take the series. A one-series home stand for the MAULERS and now it’s off to Southlake for their first road trip of the young season.

Blarney Drive Bandits @ Hollywood Vampires
Series Summary:	Blarney embarrasses Hollywood in it’s home series by sweeping them in 5 games. Magglio Ordonez is my vote for Player of the Week as he seemed to always be in the middle of a rally Game 5 shouldn’t have been close, as Blarney led 7-0 in the 8th before a Konerko grand slam.

Houghton Penguins @ Montreal Canadiens
Series Summary:	The Canadians pitching could not last the 5 and less grade Houghton pitching and thus Houghton takes the series 3-2.

Connecicut Jays @ Valdosta Bombers
Series Preview:	The 2000 season opens with Connecticut Jays paying a visit to Valdosta.
Game #1:	Jays 6-2. A pair of 3-run HR’s sealed the Bombers fate as Al Leiter gets the win with 7 solid IP’s.
Game #2:	Bombers 6-5. Rob Nen (24 XYZ) was 1 out from the save, when Mike Piazza committed an error (catcher’s interference) to allow the tying run to score and a wild pitch later, the Bombers walked off with a win.
Game #3:	Bombers 11-5. A couple of big innings for Valdosta and they survived another 3-run HR from the Jays. SP’s Kris Benson and Pat Hentgen were both lit up by the hitters.
Game #4:	Bombers 8-3. Jamie Moyer with 7 strong IP for the win. Lots of HR’s again today.
Game #5:	Jays 12-1. A good old-fashioned ass kicking. Jays scored 7 in the 1st and that was that. Chan Ho Park gets the win.
Series Summary:	Bombers win 3 of 5. I think I counted 17 HR’s in the series. Manny hit 5 for the good guys!

Chicago Demolition @ Southlake Scorpions
Series Preview:	Opening season series as Chicago travels to Southlake.
Game #1:	Charles Johnson goes 3-4 to lead the Demolition to the 3-2 win.
Game #2:	Jeff Cirillo with 2 HR to lead Chicago to the 2-0 start with an 8-4 win.
Game #3:	Scorpions scratch a run across in bottom of 10th for their initial win of the season, 3-2.
Game #4:	Demolition pound out 16 hits to win 12-6. Shannon Stewart goes 4-4.
Game #5:	Scorpions tally 3 in the 1st and make it stand for the 5-3 win.
Series Summary:	Demolition win series 3-2.

Castle Rock Hounds @ Portland Mavericks
Series Preview:	The Castle Rock Hounds visit the Portland Mavericks. The Hounds were 94-68 last year where they secured a wild card and made it to the Divisional Series. The Mavericks were awful in 1999, but look to be on the rise with a renewed starting pitching staff.
Game #1:	The Hounds show their outstanding offense early, scoring 13 runs in the first five innings. Portland’s highlight was a grand slam homerun by Tori Hunter. Five Hounds homer in the game. CRH 14 POR 8
Game #2:	Castle Rock scores two in the first inning, but then the offense dries up. Portland could only plate one runner, when a triple by Valentin scored Zeile in the 8th. CRH 2 POR 1
Game #3:	Portland scores six runs of Hounds starter Elarton, and that would be all they needed for the close win. POR 7 CRH 5
Game #4:	Portland sprinkles runs through five separate innings, while Sirotka has a quality start. Portland wins the game, but loses Owens and Kennedy to injuries. POR 7 CRH 1
Game #5:	Game 5 is game 1 in reverse, as both teams score a ton, but this time Portland comes out on top. Burkett gets pulled after giving up 6 runs in the first 2 2/3rds innings. POR 13 CRC 8
Series Summary:	Portland wins the series 3 games to 2, but teams should beware of the Hound’s offense, and especially their keen ability to draw walks. In a division with no bad teams, this could be an interesting year for the AL West.

Michigan Mauraders @ Danbury Mad Hatters
Series Summary:	Mauraders take the series 3 games to 2.

DeWitt Tigers @ Corktown Bootleggers
Series Summary:	Tigers take the series 3 games to 2.