2020 PLAYER / PITCHER OF THE WEEK #4

 

American League Pitcher of the Week – Rube Foster – Middle Channel Sturgeon

2-0 record, 14 innings pitched,  0.64 ERA, 7 hits allowed, 9 strikeouts, & 6 walks

 

 

National League Pitcher of the Week – Christy Mathewson  – Clockwork Heros

2-0 record, 17 innings pitched, 0.53 ERA, 9 hits allowed, 16 strikeouts, & 2 walks

 

 

National League Player of the Week – Cal Ripken Jr.  – Coastline Bobcats

.417 avg / .917 slg, 10 for 24, 3 doubles, 3 home runs, 6 runs, 6 RBIs, & 4 walks

 

 

American League Player of the Week – Rogers Hornsby  – Jack Street Hustlers

.481 avg / 1.185 slg, 13 for 27, 3 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs, 8 runs, 14 RBIs, & 3 walks

 

SPOTLIGHT – LEG’s Most Hated Team … the Jack Street Hustlers

Jealousy is a terrible thing.

OK, maybe no one hates the Hustlers and heck … most teams may actually even like Joe Schall’s affable Hustlers, but man oh man … will they please lose some games.

After four weeks the Hustlers sit atop the AL East with a despicable 22-6 record which I guess makes Joe Schall “Gru” (this is where anyone without little kids just scratches their head confused … ).

The Hustlers have 3 more wins than their nearest rival and you have to go clear across to the NL to find the Coastline Bobcats and Clockwork Heros who are each a stellar 19-9.

So what is it about Jack Street that has allowed them to steamroll through the AL East so far this season? Do the other teams suck? Hardly. The Hustlers simply have been on or near the top all season in the AL whether it’s in the batter’s box or on the mound.

Jack Street’s pitching so far has been as charitable as Christmas Eve Scrooge. With a 2.70 team ERA and four shutouts already this season – both tops in the AL – any run support at all means, the Hustlers have a chance to win.

And winning is something that has come easy to Tom Glavine who has emerged as the team’s ace. All Glavine has done so far is go 5-0 with a 1.81 ERA in six starts with only 28 hits allowed in 45 innings. It doesn’t get much easier once you get past Glavine either. Bill Byrd, the highest-graded starter on the team, hasn’t been stellar but still has a respectable 3.64 ERA and 3-1 record over 42 innings. Like Glavine, Byrd has been good in minimizing hits with only 34 allowed and 4 home runs allowed.

Byrd’s understudy, Dan Haren (whom I’ve despised since he allegedly pitched for my beloved Nationals) has been just as effective as his mentor with a 2-1 record, 3.46 ERA in 39 innings. Sonny Siebert – what’s up with this guy? – is 2-1 with a 2.43 ERA in five starts and 5th starter Carl Lundgren has yet to succumb to the dreaded “L” home run rating with only four homers allowed in five starts (two complete games)  in which he posted an unspectacular 1-1 record but a very nice 2.61 ERA.

The Hustlers’ bullpen has been every bit as effective as the starters and as a group has amassed a 9-2 record and 2.43 ERA. Closer Jeff Brantley has been a perfect 7/7 in save opportunities (leads the AL) and has a 0.75 ERA. Setup man David Veres has been even stingier with a 2-0 record and 0.63 ERA across 14.1 innings. Brad Hand is 2-0 with 2 saves and a 0.90 ERA … pretty nauseating. One can only hope Gru/Schall turns to Todd Jones (7.36 ERA) and Bob Locker (7.71) more often.

At the plate, the Hustlers have been led by some unknown jerk with too many consonants in his first name – Rogers Hornsby. Armed with a top 10 batting average of .323 Horny has 24 RBIs already thanks in no small part to being an extra-base machine – 9 doubles, 2 triples, and 7 homers – and has more walks (20) than strikeouts (11). There is that thing about possibly being the best hitting infielder ever – never mind 2nd baseman.

Somewhat unbelievably Hornsby’s 24 RBIs aren’t tops on this team. That honor goes to Bash Brother Mark McGwire whose parents missed the boat when they named him cuz he looks and acts like the greatest Bubba of all time. The power was expected (12 homers to top the AL) but the batting average was not – .305 compared to .274 in real life. With an on-base average hovering around .400 Bubba adds another dimension to the all-or-nothing batting of many power hitters.

One of the better hitters on the team, Joe (Ducky) Medwick, has been an underachiever by hitting only .235, but even then the Hustlers can’t cut their opponents much slack as he has driven in 17 runs (10 doubles, 5 homers).

Another surprise has been catcher Ted Simmons who has predictably hit for good average (.315) but has chipped in with nine doubles and a league-leading five triples which has translated into 14 RBIs.

Platoon outfielder Larry Hisle has hit .323 and driven in a dozen runs in just 18 games. Fortunately for opponents outfielders, JD Drew and Al Kaline have been mediocre so far with .222 averages and a combined 1 homer in 117 at-bats (bums).

The rest of the infield includes Edgar Martinez who is hitting a pedestrian (I once almost hit a pedestrian) .264 but has still produced with four home runs and 13 RBIs. Shortstop Dick Bartell has been a disappointment with a .183 average and only three doubles so we can only hope the scuzz rubs off on his teammates.

 … great work, Joe, but watch your back.

3Iowa Giants @ Clockwork Heroes
Series Preview: Clockwork is in 2nd place and Iowa third in the leagues toughest division. Clockwork went all in in the draft picking a team to win this year, and so far they they are playing well on the road.
Game #1: Uhle was ok going 5 innings 1 run but Tiny Bonham of Iowa got hurt after 4 strong innings and will miss 10 days. So the game was left to the pen Velarde and Tekulve blew it for clockwork, Goosage and hawkins blew it for Iowa. and the game was tied 5-5 in extra innings. in the 11th Neidenfuer gave up a grand slam to Davy Lopes and the Heros walked off winning 9-5
Game #2: All Clockwork Donovan 2 hits in 8 innings, and 8walks by Iowa led to 8 runs for Clockwork. 8-0 Heros
Game #3: Bob feller thew Giant ace has been a huge disappointment for Iowa as he’s 1-5 with a 3.51 era. Blyleven dominated with a 3 hit shutout and Dykstra homers in the 4-0 Hero win
Game #4: A three run pinch hit homer by Watson and a solo by Melton was more than enough for Hero ace Matheson who went 8 innings no runs 5 hits in the 5-0 Hero win
Game #5: Uhle got hammered by the giants for 5 in the first inning and likely will be moved to the pen as the 18XY is now 2-4 4.66. Dean was ok 3 in 6 for the Giants and improved to 3-2 as yelich had a huge rbi triple in the 6-3 iowa win
Game #6: Feller was again awful 6 runs in 5.2 innings as he falls to 1-6 4.11 as Blyleven was good enough allowing 4 in 6 innings. Tekulve and Gromek where great in relief as the Heros hold on to win 7-4 as Sanitop and Terry homer.
Game #7: Clockwork ace Matheson (5-2 1.25 era) was great going 9 innings 1 run and Clockwork woke up top score 2 in the ninth off Reynolds and Gossage. Dykstra plays the walkoff single hero. 2-1 heros
Series Summary: Clockwork is thrilled to have won 6 of the 7 games without cleanup hitter George Foster. Losing bonham the part timer ace hurt Iowa but it was mostly the Clockwork pitching shutting down Yelich and the Giant Crew.
Pitcher of the week: Chisty Matheson 2-0 17 innings 1 run 29 hits 2 walks 17 strikeouts. No dominant hitter Selkrik catcher Sanitop was excellent driving in 5 runs, Lopes and Dykstra were clutch for the Heros.
New Westminster Salmonbellies @ Fort Worth Cats
Series Summary: Ft. Worth takes the series 5 games 2.
Virginia Cavaliers @ Climax Cougars
Series Preview: Virginia’s hoping to put an end to Climax’s over-achieving by waking up their sleepy bats as the two teams met head-to-head using Team Viewer.
Game #1: Baby-armed Garry Templeton launched his first home run of the season at a pretty nice time to lift the Cavaliers to a 3-2 win in 12 innings.
Harry Heilmann (3) homered twice for the Cavaliers off Smokey Joe Wood who was otherwise pretty solid in his start for Climax.
Keith Foulke nailed down his 8th save with a perfect 12th inning.
Game #2: The homer-happy Cavaliers launched another three homers against the limp-armed Climax Cougars, but some surprise performances by understudies helped the home team overcome shellshock to win it 8-4.
Roger Peckinpaugh, vying to replace putrid Jim Fregosi at shortstop, made a strong case for himself by going 3/4 with a run and an RBI while slick-fielding Chaney White made the most of his start in place of injured Jose Bautista and was 2/4 with a double and a triple, two runs scored and three RBIs. Mel Ott singled and doubled to drive in three.
Frank Robinson (3), Harry Heilmann (4) and Lance Parrish (4) all homered for Virginia off Spud Chandler (4-1) … who actually had some revenge by also hitting Heilmann and Robinson with pitches.
Game #3: The Cavs capitalized on a late-inning pitching collapse by the Cougars and scored two runs in each of the 8th and 9th innings for a nice 4-2 come-from-behind win.
No home runs in this one, but Cavs’ starter Ed Reulbach fanned 10 batters in seven innings but did not factor into the decision. Keith Foulke gave up a hit in the bottom of the 9th but still managed to put down the Cougars and earn his 9th save,
The turning point in this one came in the 8th inning when with one out and men on 2nd and 3rd the brilliant Cougars manager intentionally walked Ralph Kiner to face Frankie Frisch ignoring the fact that Kiner had been colder than a can of mutton trapped in the Arctic ice for a decade. Frisch, of course, doubled in a couple of runs to tie the game.
Johnny Mize had three hits including a double for Climax.
Game #4: Another three-homer game for the Cavaliers as they easily handled the Cougars 8-3.
Frank Robinson (4), Pinky Whitney (1) and Lance Parrish (5) all homered for the Cavaliers who chased Climax starter Van Lingle Mungo after just two innings (well, actually the Climax manager just couldn’t stand to watch him any longer after the starter crapped the bed and allowed three runs in the 2nd inning).
Robinson had four hits for the good team and drove in two runs.
No homers yet again for Climax who now are down 9-0 in that department in the series to this point.
Game #5: The one-day break clearly was not long enough as Rube Waddell repeated the garbage display of pitching of Van Lingle Mungo and was punched around like a guy that gets punched around a lot and was gone after two gut-churning innings in a 9-3 laugher for Virginia.
Only one home – Harry Heilmann (5) – in this game, but it was the Virginia outfielders 5th of the series which is five more than the home team had hit to that point. Heilmann was 2/2 on the day with three walks and two RBIs and two runs scored while perky Tony Pena chipped in with three hits.
Jose Bautista was activated off the DL prior to the game and clubbed his 8th homer of the season, but Virginia starter Juan Guzman (3-1) and his potato-shaped body had already been spotted to a big lead.
In 2 innings, Waddell walked three and gave up four hits which the Cavs converted into three runs before the lefty was gaffed.
Game #6: The Cavaliers took advantage of the Cougars having to rest a couple of key starters and edged the home team 3-2 in 10 innings thanks to a game-winning RBI single by Frank Robinson.
Daniel Murphy had three hits for the winners and Alan Trammell (2) homered and walked twice.
Game #7: Spud Chandler came within one out of a no-hitter but that twat Daniel Murphy drilled a ball between first and second with two outs in the top of the 9th to ruin it, but the Cougars did win 2-0.
It was somewhat a case of poetic justice that John Wetteland came in to get the last out and rather than trying to get Frank Robinson out he chose to try and knock him out … and succeeded … putting him on the shelf for over a week.
Lefty Gomez (2-4) was the hardluck loser despite pitching well and allowing only six hits in the complete game loss.
Series Summary: You are not going to win too many games when you are out-homered 10-1 in a series and this one was no exception. A dazzling display of lackluster baseball by Climax has them drop 5 of 7 games to division-rival Virginia. as the French say … quelle shitshow.
Middle Channel Sturgeon @ Chicago Nine
Series Preview: American League Central Division foes head to the Windy City for a Seven (7) game series.
Game #1: Herb Pennock goes 8.1 Innings & Kris Bryant has a 2-Run Home Run for Chicago in the 4th to win it for the Nine.

Final Score: Chicago 3 – Middle Channel 2

Win: Herb Pennock 1-3 (5.23)
Loss: Max Scherzer 3-2 (1.67)
Save: Brade Lidge #2

Game #2: Middle Channel didn’t like losing in game #1 or only scoring 2 Runs. So they brought their bats. 15 Hits, 14 Runs later they have destroyed the Chicago team. Bill Mazeroski & Victor Martinez both have 3 RBI’s in the win. Rube Foster looks dominant over 7 Innings of work.

Final Score: Middle Channel 14 – Chicago 1

Win: Rube Foster 2-3 (5.51)
Loss: C.C. Sabathia 1-4 (9.00)

Game #3: John Mayberry had two Doubles & 2 RBI’s and (The King) Felix Hernandez goes 7 Strong Innings as Chicago pulls out a squeaker.

Final Score: Chicago 5 – Middle Channel 4

Win: Felix Hernandez 4-1 (1.98)
Loss: Al Leiter 3-3 (5.04)
Save: Jeff Nelson #3

Game #4: Lefty Chris Sale shut down the Nine for 7 Innings & Lyman Bostock was 2 for 4 with 3 RBI’s as the Sturgeon take this 1-Run game.

Final Score: Middle Channel 4 – Chicago 3

Win: Chris Sale 2-1 (2.35)
Loss: Roger Clemens 0-2 (6.31)
Save: Sergio Romo #1

Game #5: Max Scherzer gets roughed up in 4.2 Innings for 5 Earned Runs. John Mayberry & Jayson Werth both have 2 RBI’s for the Nine. J.R. Richard goes 7.1 Innings & Jeff Nelson works the last 1.2 Innings & Chicago wins!

Final Score: Chicago 5 – Middle Channel 1

Win: J.R. Richard 2-2 (5.19)
Loss: Max Scherzer 3-3 (2.45)
Save: Jeff Nelson #4

Game #6: Rube Foster has the Nine’s number. 7 More Scoreless Innings, allowing only 1 Hit & 2 Walks. Ty Cobb & Jose Azcue both have Home Runs for the Sturgeon.

Final Score: Middle Channel 4 – Chicago 0

Win: Rube Foster 3-3 (5.19)
Loss: Herb Pennock 1-4 (5.17)
Save: Aroldis Chapman #2

Game #7: Omar Vizquel Homers & has 3 RBI’s. Bobby Richardson has 3 Hits in 4 trips & then gets ejected. C.C. Sabathia goes the distance allowing only 1 Earned Run.

Final Score: Chicago 5 – Middle Channel 1

Win: C.C. Sabathia 2-4 (7.05)
Loss: Al Leiter 3-4 (5.82)

Series Summary: Chicago takes the series 4 games to 3. One blowout, but these look to be two very even teams that both have a chance of going nowhere fast.
Las Vegas Pirates @ Indiana Indians
Series Preview: Las Vegas Pirates (12-9) at Indiana Indians (5-16). Pirates are hanging tough in the competitive AL East while the Indians are off to a very rough start.
Game #1: Spahn vs. Price. Pirates plate a run in top of first but the Indians answer with 2 in the bottom half. Single runs in the 3rd and 4th give the Pirates the lead that they held into the 9th. Hal Smith delivered a 3-run HR in the top of 9th of Paul Shuey to give the Pirates the going away 6-2 win.
WP- Spahn (3-0, 1.89)
LP- Price (0-4, 3.63)
Sv- Fuentes (3)
J. DiMaggio and Cecil Fielder (9) also go yard for the Pirates.
Game #2: Camnitz vs. Alexander. Both SP were lights out in this one. Camnitz allowed 2 ER in 8 innings to earn the victory. Rivera slammed the door in the 9th for his 3rd save. Alexander allowed 2 ER in 7 innings for the no-decision. Indians ahead 2-1 going to the 8th when Munson committed 2 errors and Rod Beck balked (yes balked, not walked) in the eventual winning run. Catchers interference and Balk occurred on the same play !
WP- Camnitz (4-1, 1.98)
LP- Beck (0-1, 5.02)
Sv- Rivera (3)
Game #3: Chance vs. Pettitte . Andy Pettitte and 2 relievers combine for a 5-hit shutout. Pettitte goes 7.1 for his 1st win of the season. Chance only allowed 1 ER in 7.2 for the tough luck loss.
WP- Pettitte (1-2, 3.18)
LP -Chance (1-3, 6.52)
Sv – Broxton (3)
Game #4: Buhl vs. Drysdale. The Pirates rebound in Game 4 for a 5-3 victory. Bibb Falk collected 3 hits (including a HR) and DiMaggio had two hits for the Pirates. Hitting star for the Indians was nobody.(Suzuki and Zobrist each had 2 but big deal 🙁
WP- Buhl (4-0, 2.31)
LP- Drysdale (2-2, 2.88)
Sv- Rivera (4)
Game #5: Cuellar vs. K. Wood. A day off allowed Pirates manager Ron Moidel to join the festivities via Teamviewer for Games 5 and 6. He probably wished he had let Duke Robinson manage 🙂 Scoreless game until the last of the 8th when Freddie Lindstrom belted a 2-run HR and Larry added an RBI for a 3-0 lead heading to the top of the ninth. Indians brought in closer Broxton who immediately allowed 3 hits and 2 runs in a third of an inning. Rod Beck recovered from Game 2 balk to save it for the Indians. Final, Indiana 3, Las Vegas 2.
WP – Nen (1-1, 4.05)
LP-Cuellar (2-3, 3.46)
Sv – Beck (1)
Game #6: Spahn vs. Price.. Indians score 6 in the bottom of the 8th to turn a 4-3 deficit into a 9-4 win to even the series at 3 games a piece. George Carr had 3 hits and 3 RBI and Larry Walker had 3 hits and 2 RBI to pace the 12 hit Indian attack. Bibb Falk had 3 hits for the Pirates in a losing effort.
WP- D.Robertson(1-0, 2.25)
LP -Fingers (0-1, 6.75)
Indians have their first multi-game winning streak of the season(I know, simply pathetic so far)
Game #7: Camnitz vs. Alexander. Duke Robinson returned to the Pirate dugout after a 2 day break but did nothing to change the fortunes of the LVP. Grover Alexander pitched 7 strong innings and Larry Walker drove in 3 to lead the Indians to a 5-3 win. DiMaggio and Smith each homered for the Pirates.
WP- Alexander (2-2, 3.20)
LP – Camnitz (4-2, 2.70)
Series Summary: Big news her is Indians win final 3 to capture their first series win of the season. Freddie Lindstrom batted 9-16 for the Indians.
San Tan Valley Moonrakers @ Hoboken Zephyrs
Series Preview: The Moonrakers(10-11) travel to New Jersey to take on the first place Zephyrs(14-7).
Game #1: Tom Seaver(3-1) faces Wattie Clark(2-1) in Game 1. Hoboken scored two in the bottom of the first on a two-out, bases-loaded single from Jeff Heath. Seaver would never relinquish the lead. Vern Stephens’ solo shot in the top of the 2nd cut the lead in half. The Zephyrs stretched the lead to 5-1 by scoring two in the 4th on Bill Dahlen’s double and one in the 5th on Eddie Yost’s solo blast. King Kong Keller hit a solo shot off Mike Garcia in the 8th but Jeff Heath’s two-run dinger salted it away for Hoboken in the bottom of the frame.
Hoboken 7 San Tan Valley 2
W- Seaver 4-1
L- Clark 2-2
Game #2: Hoboken touched up Randy Johnson for 6 runs in just 1 2/3 innings as Noodles Hahn cruised to his 4th win of the season. The Zephyr offense was led by Jim Bottomley’s two homers and four RBIs. The game was not without drama as the Moonrakers scored 6 late runs while Deacon Phillippe was trying to get in some work. Bryan Harvey was forced to come in for his 4th save. Hal Trosky led the STV attack with 4 RBIs as Vern Stephens chipped in three hits.
Hoboken 9 San Tan Valley 7
Win- Hahn 4-2
Loss- Randy Johnson 1-3
Save- Harvey, 4
Game #3: The Moonrakers jumped out to a 3-run lead in the 1st led by King Kong Keller’s two-run homer. Hoboken answered with four in the bottom of the 1st as Week 3 POTW, Stan Spence, hit a grand slam. After getting the lead to 5-3, the STV bullpen would hold Hoboken scoreless for the remainder of the game(7 shutout innings) behind Jesse Barnes and Sparky Lyle. The ‘Rakers evened the score in the top of the 5th on Ken Keltner’s big two-out single. Red Faber took the tough loss in his tenth inning of work on Vern Stephens’ game-winning double.
San Tan Valley 6 Hoboken 5 10innings
W- Lyle 1-1
L- Faber 3-2
Game #4: Tom Seaver runs his record to 5-1 in an easy Hoboken win. The red-hot Stan Spence had two hits and two RBIs, Eddie Yost was huge with 3 RBIs on two hits, Jeff Heath contributed three hits and scored twice while Jud Wilson hit his first big fly of the season. Seaver and Steve Blass combined to scatter 5 hits.
Hoboken 9 San Tan Valley 0
W- Seaver 5-1
L- Gagne 0-1
Game #5: After a day off, Virgil Trucks staunched the bleeding holding Hoboken to just one run. Mike Piazza drove in all three STV runs highlighted by a two-run tape measure shot. Scott Garrelts came on to earn his first save. Jered Weaver took the loss and Jeff Heath went 3 for 3 during the hometown loss.
San Tan Valley 3 Hoboken 1
W- Trucks 2-1
L- Jered Weaver 4-2
Game #6: Big Ed Walsh went the distance for another Moonraker win. He allowed 13 baserunners but came up with one clutch pitch after another to hold the Hoboken attack to just one run. Vern Stephens hit the game-winning two-run blast in the top of the 8th off Noodle Hahn. Hahn outpitched Walsh but for that one grievous mistake to Stephens. The STV defense was solid behind Walsh as they turned three clutch double plays. Frank Duncan went 4 for 4 in the losing cause.
San Tan Valley 2 Hoboken 1
W- Walsh 2-0
L- Hahn 4-3
Game #7: Vern Stephens staked the visitors to a 4-0 lead in the 1st with another big home run. A three-run blast this time. Wattie Clark took absolute control of the game while pitching with the lead. Clark only allowed two hits and no earned runs as the Moonrakers stunned Hoboken in the get-away game.
San Tan Valley 5 Hoboken 1
W- Clark 3-2
L- Faber 3-3
Series Summary: After winning three of the first four games by scoring 30 runs, Hoboken looked to pad their first place lead in the NL West. The Moonrakers would have none of it holding the Zephyrs to one run in each of the last three games to take the series 4-3. Vern Stephens made his case for Week 4 POTW going 12-29(.410) with 8 RBIs, 5 doubles and 3 home runs. Two of his blasts were game winners! Tom Seaver won both his starts for Hoboken allowing just one earned run in 16 innings to improve his record to 5-1. He will garner some POTW consideration. Stan Spence stayed hot hitting .360 in the series with 6 extra base hits and 9 RBIs.   STV showed tons of heart coming back to take 4 in front of the hostile Hoboken fanbase.
Detroit DeLoreans @ Nags Head Surf Sox
Series Preview: Two NL East division rivals square off in a seven-game series, both looking to gain ground on first place.
Game #1: NAG 2 – DET 1: Howard Johnson triples and scores in the top of the tenth to give the Surf Sox the 2-1 victory. DeLoreans squander a great pitching performance from Cy Morgan, who went seven innings surrendering only one hit. DeLoreans out hit the Surf Sox seven to two but left eight runners on base. Anthony Rendon went 2 for 4 and stole two bases.
Game #2: NAG 4 – DET 1: After scoring a run in the first inning, the DeLoreans continued their poor hitting. A 2-out, three-run rally in the sixth inning was the difference in the game. It was led by Jimmie Foxx and Andre Dawson. Mike Mussina went seven strong innings for Nags Head, only giving up one run and striking out eight.
Game #3: NAG 2 – DET 8: After a 3-run first inning capped by a 2-run HR from Ripper Collins, the DeLoreans cruised to their first victory of the series. Detroit’s Slim Sallee improved his record to 4-1 while Nolan Ryan took the loss for Nags Head. Both catchers (Gary Carter and Yogi Berra) went 2-4 at the plate to pace the hitting. The DeLoreans stole four bases, giving them nine SBs in the first three games.
Game #4: NAG 8 – DET 4: The Surf Sox scored eight runs on 15 hits to win their third game of the series. The offense was led by Von Hayes (4-6), Dave Winfield (2-4, 2B, HR, 3 RBI) and Gary Carter (3-5, 3 RBI). The DeLoreans had 10 hits, led by Chuck Klein (2-4, HR) and Babe Herman (2-4). Herman continues to hover around a .400 average at a .392 season clip.
Game #5: NAG 2 – DET 6: Detroit’s Cy Morgan went the distance, giving up two runs to earn his first win of the season. Another great performance by Morgan. For the DeLorean’s, Chuck Klein (2-2, HR, 3 RBI) homered in his third consecutive game. The Surf Sox’s Dave Kingman hit a solo shot in the second inning for his fifth HR of the season and Von Hayes extended his hitting streak to four games.
Game #6: NAG 2 – DET 9: The DeLoreans scored six runs in the first three innings to cruise to a 9-2 win. Johnny Schmitz pitched eight strong innings, scattering four hits while striking out eight and surrendering only one run. Ryne Sandberg hit a solo HR in the fourth inning to get the Surf Sox on the board, while Jimmie Foxx paced Nags Head with two hits. Detroit’s Chuck Klein homered (7) in his fourth straight game going 2-5 with 2 RBI. Not to be outdone, Nap Lajoie went 4-5 with two doubles, a triple and 2 RBI.
Game #7: NAG 3 – DET 4: A thrilling game won in the bottom of the ninth by DeLoreans on a pinch-hit sac fly from Jake Beckley. Two excellent pitching performances by the Surf Sox’s Mike Mussina (7 IP, 2 ER, 5 K), and the DD’s Lefty Tyler (8 IP, 2 ER, 6 K). Ripper Collins was Detroit’s hitting hero, going 2-3 with his seventh homer of the season.
Series Summary: Detroit DeLoreans take the series 4 games to 3. Close and competitive games between two fine clubs. Some excellent pitching performances from Mike Mussina, Cy Morgan, Johnny Schmitz, and Lefty Tyler. Francisco Cordero was also stellar out of the pen. The hitting hero was Detroit’s Chuck Klein, who hit .333 in the seven games with 4 HRs, a double, 7 RBI, 6 runs scored, and a stolen base.
Motown Yankees @ Fire Lake Segers
Series Preview: Two N.L. West teams, both 9-12 and trying to be relevant, battled via TeamViewer.
Game #1: Addie Joss (0-3,3.67) vs David Cone (1-2,4.10)
Fire Lake scored single runs in the 1st, 3rd and 5th, and cruised to a 3-1 win. David Cone scattered 5 hits in 7 innings and Don Gullett allowed just a single walk in the final two. Fire Lake also had just five hits, with Pete Rose and Jose Cardenal each having two at the top of the order. Charlie Hustle scored all three of the Segers’ runs. SEGERS 3, YANKEES 1.
Game #2: Adam Wainwright (2-2,3.56) vs Denny Mclain (3-1,3.32)
Motown scored a single run in the 4th and Adam Wainwright cruised through the first six innings, nursing a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the 7th, Wainwright and McGriff collided trying to field a ball off Barry Larkin’s bat, and Wainwright could not continue (5 day injury). The Segers tied the score in the 7th and took a 3-1 lead in the 8th when Larkin took Larry Jansen deep (a two run blast) to the delight of the Fire Lake faithful. Sambito and Soto retired the Yankees in the 9th, and Joe ran off to Fire Lake. SEGERS 3, YANKEES 1.
Game #3: Larry Jansen (0-1,2.70) vs Ron Guidry (0-5,10.03)
The Louisiana Lightning toed the rubber with his rotation spot on the line. In the opposite dugout was Larry Jansen, who served up Larkin’s bomb in the previous contest. The home team took a 2-0 lead after three innings, behind a rbi single by Doggie Perez and Scott Rolen’s 3rd home run of the year. Heine Groh’s 6th inning rbi cut the lead in half, but that was all the offense the Yankees could muster. Guidry allowed just two singles (in 6 1/3 innings) to Motown’s primarily left handed lineup and Smoltz, Lavelle, Stewart and Gullett combined to slam the door shut. Vada Pinson had two hits for the home team. SEGERS 2, YANKEES 1.
Game #4: Carl Hubbell (2-1, 2.23) vs John Smoltz (1-0, 0.96)
If the first three games weren’t enough to break the spirit of the visitors from Motown, this game did it. Hubbell cruised through 5 innings and took a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the 6th. Larkin, Bench, Rolen and Eric the Red all reached, with the latter two driving in runs to tie the score. In the top of the 7th, John Olerud led off with a walk against Mario Soto and Dave “One Night In” Bancroft doubled him home to put the Yankees back on top. All puffed up, Hubbell toed the rubber in the bottom of the 7th and after Larkin once again reached base, Doggie Perez crushed all the Yankees’ hopes and dreams with a 2-run blast into the second deck in left field. Fire Lake’s bullpen once again allowed nothing. SEGERS 4, YANKEES 3
Game #5: Dave Brown (2-4, 4.71) vs Denny Mclain (3-1,3.02)
If anyone ever needed an off day, it was the visitors from Motown. Whatever they did away from the ballpark worked, as on this day, the Yankees were not to be denied. 17 hits, and 8 runs later, Motown had won their first game of the series. Cristobal Torriente had 4 hits, and Dixie Walker and Max Bishop both had three. Biz Mackie’s solo home run was one of 7 extra base hits for the visitors. YANKEES 8, SEGERS 2.
Game #6: Addie Joss (0-4, 3.55) vs David Cone (2-2,3.51)
A repeat of the Game 1 match up, this one was also a pitcher’s duel. Motown took a 2-0 lead in the 4th and Fire Lake battled back to tie it in the 7th, when Reggie Sanders homered off Steve Mingori. Unlike the first four games, the Segers’ bullpen faltered late when Don Gullett surrendered the lead in the 9th. The game ended when Scott Rolen tried to catch Koji Uehara napping by attempting to steal home. Buddy Petway took a big hit, but hung on the ball and the win. Johnny Evers was left standing in the box in a true wtf moment… YANKEES 3, SEGERS 2.
Game #7: Dave Brown (3-4, 4.60) vs Ron Guidry (1-5,8.19)
With Adam Wainwright still unable to pitch after his Game 2 injury, Motown Manager Morgan turned to Game 5 starter Dave Brown. Bold move. Bad Move. Brown was “Ready”, but he wasn’t effective. The Segers scored a single run in the 1st and 5 runs in the second and Ron Guidry once again cruised against a mostly left handed Yankees lineup. Barry Larkin was hit by a Dave Brown pitch, and it appears he may be out of the lineup for the next two weeks. The Fire Lake faithful didn’t like this at all, as Barry is a pencil me in the lineup everyday kind of guy. Curses may or may not have been fired at the Commish’ office, though nothing has been confirmed. SEGERS 8, YANKEES 2.
Series Summary: Fire Lake wins the series 5 games to 2. The Segers now sit at 14-14, the Yankees are 11-17. Both of these ball clubs lack power. In this Series, the Yankees hit 2 home runs, Fire Lake hit 4.

Playing via TeamViewer is great fun. Visiting managers are always welcome in Fire Lake, just so long as you’re willing to return the favor. Thank you to both Iowa and Motown.

Cinicinnati Knights @ Menomonee Minutemen
Series Preview: Showdown of the A.L. West co-leaders. This should be a closely contested series.
Game #1: MEN 1-4-1, CIN 11-14-0

Cincinnati crushes five homers in this one, with Ray Grimes leading the charge with a pair.

Game #2: MEN 1-9-0, CIN 6-10-1

Ted Williams thrills the Cincinnati fithful with three home runs, as the Knights crack four of them.

Game #3: MEN 5-9-0, CIN 0-3-0

Waite Hoyt spins a gem, going the distance and limiting Cincinnati to three hits.

Game #4: MEN 2-8-1, CIN 6-6-0

Ted Williams goes one-for-three, scores a pair and delivers another homer.

Game #5: MEN 7-10-1, CIN 5-10-1

Andrew McCutcheon sets the tone early for Menomenee, launching a three-run homer in the first.

Game #6: MEN 4-4-0, CIN 3-6-0

Chipper Jones clubs a two-run homer in the ninth to steal the win for the Minutemen.

Game #7: MEN 6-9-2, CIN 4-7-0

Chipper Jones comes through for Menomenee again, going three-for-four with a double, homer and three RBI

Series Summary: Menomenee wins a playoff atmosphere-feeling series, four games to three. The Minutemen win the final three games to claim the series.

Ted Williams hit just .300 in the series (6-20), but did slug .950 and was on base at a .517 clip — for a 1.467 OPS.

1Jack Street Rustlers @ Kansas City A’s
Series Preview: 1st place A.L. East Jack Street(17-4) travel to KCA’s(9-12)
Game #1: Haren Vs. 3 Finger Brown: Rogers Horsnby hits a 2 rum game winning homer in the top of the 10th off B. Adams as Jack Street wins it 6-4. W-Veres 2-0 L- B. Adams 1-1 S- Brantley -7
Game #2: Glavine Vs. Fergie Jenkins: Palmeiro hits a 1 out homer off Jenkins in the 9th and Brad Hand pitches a 1-2-3 9th for the save as Jack Street wins 4-3. W-Lefferts 1-0 L- Jenkins 3-1 S- Hand -2
The A’s suffer a big blow to their defense as Dick Stuart is injured for 28 games.
Game #3: 1960’s Showdown, Sonny Siebert Vs. Jim Maloney: All Jack Street as Siebert throws a 3 hit shutout striking out 8 in a 12-0 romp. Mark McGwire hits 2 homers and drives in 4 and Hornsby goes 3-4 with a homer and 4 RBI. W – Siebert 2-1 L – Maloney 0-1
Game #4: Lundgren Vs. Sudden Sam McDowell: The A’s break through with a 2 out walk off homer by Bobby Doerr in the bottom of the 10th for a 3-2 win. W- B. Adams 1-1- L -Lundgren 1-1
Game #5: Byrd Vs. Cicotte: Byrd throws the 2nd shutout of the series for the visitors in a 3 -0 CG win. W- Byrd 3-1 L-Cicotte 1-4
Game #6: Haren Vs. 3 Finger Brown: Jack Street takes a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the 7th before the A’s explode for 6 runs and win it 7-3. Dale Murphy in a rare start behind the plate smashes 2 homers and drives in 3.
W- Dick Hall 1-1 L- Haren 2-1
Game #7: Glavine Vs. Jenkins: It’s all Jack Street as Horsnby hits a double and 2 homers, knocking in 6 runs in a 11-5 rout. W- Glavine 5-0 L – Jenkins 3-2
Series Summary: Jack Street dominates winning the series 5 games to 2. They outscore the A’s 37-222 and out homer the A’S 12-4. Jack Street is now 22-6 and the A’s are 11-17.
West Michigan Retrogrades @ Fantomz Force
Series Preview: The West Michigan Retrogrades hit the road for a series with Fantomz Force. The Force are hoping to move closer to Climax and Coastline in the standings, but will be without offensive centerpiece Larry Doby, while West Michigan is hoping to escape the second division. The Force are hoping their pitching can continue stifling opponents.
Game #1: Willie Foster ’33 (2-3) v. Gaylord Perry ’74 (2-2)

West Michigan 3-2 (16): The Retrogrades wasted no time jumping on the scoreboard. In the 1st inning, George Sisler scored on a double play. West Michigan scored the following inning on Bobby Wallace’s first homer this season. The Force scored one in the 3rd inning then tied the game in the 8th on Josh Donaldson’s roundtripper. Both teams missed opportunities for a dramatic win in the early extra innings. West Michigan went ahead in the 16th on Bill Dickey’s solo shot the held on for the win. Willie Foster pitched 11 innings but didn’t factor into the decision while Fantomz used eight different pitchers.

Game #2: Curt Davis ’36 (1-2) v. Chris Weilman ’14 (3-1)

West Michigan 4-0: West Michigan struck first again, snagging a 1-0 lead after two innings. The Retrogrades rallied for three 5th-inning runs highlighted by doubles by Adrian Beltre and Duke Snider. Curt Davis fired a two-hitter, striking out four and walking five for his second win.

Game #3: H. Schumacher ’34 (1-2) v. Mel Harder ’32 (0-1)

West Michigan 4-1: Fantomz finally snagged a lead in the 3rd inning when John Stone singled home Shin-Soo Choo. The Retrogrades rallied to tie the game two frames later. The deadlock was broken when the visitors scored an 8th-inning run and added two more during the final frame. Austin McHenry doubled twice and raised his average to .417.

Game #4: Urban Shocker ’20 (1-5) v. Satchel Paige ’41 (6-0)

Fantomz 3-2: Johnny Mostil started off Fantomz’s afternoon with a solo shot as fans settled into their seats. The Retrogrades tied the game on Bob Boone’s first dinger, then inched ahead on Snider’s 7th-inning solo shot. In the 8th, Force pinch-hitter Adam Eaton walked. Mostil followed with his second homer to give Fantomz a slim lead. Jeff Russell then pitched a scoreless 9th for his fourth save. West Michigan’s pitchers limited the Force to only two hits – both Mostil homers.

Game #5: Willie Foster ’33 (2-2) v. Stan Coveleski ’23 (0-4)

Fantomz 3-2 (10): Foster and Coveleski compiled identical pitching lines: 7ip 3h 2r 2er 1bb 3K; the only difference was West Michigan scored their runs on two solo longballs by Snider and Beltre while Fantomz’s Ray Lankford hit a two-run clout. In the 10th, Lankford singled home Mickey Cochrane with the walk-off single.

Game #6: Curt Davis ’36 (2-2) v. Gaylord Perry ’74 (2-2)

Fantomz 6-5 (11): The Force rallied in the 8th inning after the Retrogrades jumped ahead early with a four-run 2nd-inning rally when Cochrane plated Lankford. In the 11th with two outs and runners on first and second, Lankford plays the hero for the second straight night, singling home Gil McDougald with the winning run. West Michigan may have let this one slip away, as they were caught stealing three times.

Game #7: H. Schumacher ’34 (2-2) v. Chris Weilman’14 (3-2)

West Michigan 11-8: After absorbing three tough losses, West Michigan came out swinging for the series finale. They scored four 1st-inning runs before fans settled in the seats. The Force would come close during the middle innings, but the Retrogrades kept padding their lad to remain just out of reach. George Sisler, McHenry, and Tommy Davis had three hits apiece for the visitors, with Sisler and Davis homering. John Stone and Don Mattingly each had two hits and homered for Fantomz.

Series Summary: West Michigan won 4 of 7. Both teams snagged victory from the jaws of defeat, then turned around and snagged defeat from the jaws of victory. West Michigan’s middle-of-the-order delivered during key times although their aggressive baserunning may have been costly.

Player of the Week nominee: West Michigan’s Duke Snider, who hit 13-for-34 with 2 HR & 8 RBI.

Pitcher of the Week nominee: Fantomz’s Steve Cishek, who pitched six shutout innings over five games, winning both of Fantomz’s extra-inning contests while allowing only three hits.

Wainwright Wranglers @ Hollywood Zombies
Series Summary: Wainwright takes 4 of 7 from Hollywood
Purry Cowpokes @ Madison East Puregolders
Game #1: Double Duty Radcliffe vs. Guy Bush. Radcliffe took a two-hitter into the seventh, and then the first six batters reached base, including a three-run homer from Joe Jackson. Bush went eight innings for the win.
Game #2: Purry comes to life with an RBI single from Sammy Strang as well as a RBI double from Gorman Thomas leads them to a 4-1 victory. Steve Carlton goes 6 2/3 for the win.
Game #3: Greg Swindell goes 7 in a spot start to make up for Dock Ellis blister and the Purgolders win 4-1. In the 9th, Roberto Alomar walks, SB and then scores on a FC for a manufactured insurance run in the 9th. Madison East wins 4-1.
Game #4: Vida Blue outduels Art Nehf as Purry takes this one 6-1 to even the series up. Neil Walker has a two-run HR and Graig Nettles has two RBI singles for the cause. The only run for the Mighty Purgolders came as Hanley Ramirez stole home.
Game #5: Purry busts out the whipping stick, as most others have too, on Hooks Wiltse watches his ERA climb back above 8 as Madison East drops this contest 11-5. Glenn Davis had two HR and 5 RBI, Rickey Henderson had a pair of 2-run singles and Ed Bailey hit a PH-HR.
Game #6: Jake Weimer and Dock Ellis in a pitching duel that ultimately sees Purry win in a closely contested ball game. Final shows Perry 3-2,
Game #7: Another Purry blowout of the Purgolders. Rickey Henderson contributed a 2-run triple, Jess Barfield hits a two-run shot and Luke Easter blasts a two-run HR in the 5th. Hank Bauer hit a two-run shot in a losing cause for Madison East.
Series Summary: Purry had too much offense and pitching for the Purgolders to keep up with. It was fun to play the entire series face-to-face over Teamviewer with Rob. We have been in leagues together for over fifteen years and he continues his dominance….
Wrigleyville Whales @ Kansas City Blues
Series Preview: The two bottom feeder teams in the American League West meet up in this high profile match.
The Whales have a one game lead over their arch rival Blues.
Game #1: Dutch Ruether 0-3 3.45 vs Degrom 1-2 5.23
not much excitement in this one Yaz 2-3 2-runs 2-2b WHales win 5-3
Game #2: Bob Welch 2-1 2.45 vs Greinke 0-2 4.24
Greinke pitches a gem 6-hit shutout 5-0 win for the Blues
Game #3: Carl Mays 2-2 8.72 vs Tommy Bridges 2-2 5.40
Boog Powell provides the power with 2 homers one in the 9th for 6-4 Blues win
Game #4: Jack Quinn 2-1 3.75 vs Curt Simmons 1-1 1.98
Fisk 4 for 5 1-2b 1-hr Whales win 5-1
Game #5: Sandy Koufax 0-5 7.07 vs Jerry Koosman 0-5 8.42
Two 0-5 pitchers go up in this one
Koosman wakes up throws a 3-hit shutout Blues win 2-0
Game #6: Dutch Ruether 1-3 3.62 vs Al Benton 0-2 33.75
Glenn Davis 2 run shot in ninth gives the Whales the 6-4 win
Game #7: Bob Welch 2-2 3.00 vs Greinke 1-2 3.06
Glenn Davis comes through again Whales win 4-1
Series Summary: My arch rival wins the series 4-3 gets to take the trophy home
Pigtown Bombers @ Coastline Bobcats
Series Preview: Pigtown (4-17) travels to Coastline (14-7) for a 7 game series. Pigtown off to a rough start is looking to right the ship and Coastline is trying to hold onto a share of 1st place in the NL East.
Game #1: PIG strikes 1st in the T1 on a Greenberg rbi-1b. In the B1 CLB takes the lead on a H.Wilson 3-run HR. CLB M.Williams hits a solo-HR in the B2 to add to the ‘Cats lead. L.Gehrig’s rbi-2b in the B3 stretch the CLB lead to 5-1. PIG Greenberg strikes again with a solo-HR in the T4. CLB H.Wilson hits a 2-run HR in the B7, his 2nd of the game, to close out the scoring. CLB K.Brown is solid on the mound giving up 2 runs on 3 hits in 7IP of work to get his 4th win. McGinnity takes the loss.

CLB 7, PIG 2

Game #2: PIG opens the scoring once again in the T3 on a Schmidt rbi-2b. In the CLB B4 Ripken 2bs with 2 out, H.Wilson singles him home, and Gordon follows with a rbi-2b getting pegged at 3rd on the cutoff play. CLB extends its lead in the B6 on a Becker 3b, Jenkins rbi-2b, and Ripken rbi-1b. For CLB, Finley is strong on the mound going 6IP giving up 1 run on 3 hits, fanning 6; Casilla, Marshall, and Sutter close out the game for the ‘Cats. CLB Finley moves to (4-0) on the season, Taylor takes the loss and falls to (1-3).

CLB 4, PIG 1

Game #3: This game is all about PIG J.Tudor as he scatters 6 hits and 4 walks in route to a CG Shutout, handing CLB its first scoreless game of the season and picking up his 1st win. The ‘Cats got runners on but just could not break through against Tudor. PIG got a solo-HR from Greenberg in the T4 and then Tudor helped himself with an rbi-1b to plate O.Smith after he had 3b in the T8. Swift takes the loss for CLB.

PIG 2, CLB 0

Game #4: CLB Stieb returns the favor tossing a 3-hit shutout at PIG to run his record to (4-0). CLB C.Ripken opens the scoring with a solo-HR in the B3. In the B4 M.Williams rbi-2b makes it 2-0. CLB put the game away in the B5 with a C.Ripken 3-run HR. Ripken would add another HR in the B7 for the first ever 3 Homerun Day in CLB history! Stieb with the win goes to (4-0), Abbott takes the loss and falls to (0-4).

CLB 8, PIG 0

Game #5: PIG jumps on CLB K.Brown in the T1 when Edmonds 1bs, Ramirez is HBP, and Schmidt hits a 3-run HR. That would be all the runs that PIG would get as Brown settles down and tosses scoreless innings through the 8th, followed by a scoreless 9th by Casilla. But fortunately for PIG L.Tiant was on his game as he yields only a H.Wilson solo-HR in the B2 to earn his 2nd win of the season. Tiant gives up 5 hits while fanning 8 and only walking 1 in his victory. PIG only gets 4 hits in its win, 3 by Edmonds and the big fly by Schmidt.

PIG 3, CLB 1

Game #6: Pitching has taken over the series as PIG McGinnity and CLB Finley have a good old fashioned pitching duel. It did not look that way early as CLB scores 2 runs in the B1 when Jenkins and H.Wilson each hit solo-HRs for a 2-0 ‘Cats lead. PIG gets its lone run in the T4 on a Ramirez solo-HR. That was all the scoring as McGinnity goes the distance giving up only 2 runs in 8IP, fanning 4 and walking none, but takes the loss to drop to (1-4). CLB Finley continues to pitch well going to (5-0) on the season as he gives up only 3 hits in 6IP. Marshall and Sutter (Save #11) close out the games for CLB.

CLB 2, PIG 1

Game #7: Another strong pitching duel as PIG J.Taylor matches CLB Swift. PIG Taylor loads the bases in the B1 and gives up a Gordon sac fly for the 1st run of the game. Taylor then only gives up 2 more hits through 7IP of work as he holds CLB scoreless. PIG Franco comes on in the B8 and gives up a sac fly to H.Wilson for the other CLB run. But as good as the PIG pitchers were, CLB Swift was better as he gives up only 2 hits (tho he did walk 4), in route to a CG Shutout win. Swift moves to (4-2) and Taylor drops to (1-4).

CLB 2, PIG 0

Series Summary: Coastline takes the hard fought series 5-2 over Pigtown. Coastline looked as though it might be breaking out of its early season offensive funk in the beginning of the series, but then fell back to being non-productive in the last 3 games. Thankfully the CLB pitching remained solid. Ripken (10-24, 6 runs, 6 rbi,3-2bs, 3-HRs) and H.Wilson (9-23, 6 runs, 9 rbi, 4-HRs) have nice series for CLB. Pigtown had a few big hits (Greenberg and Schmidt) in their wins but overall did not have any single player stand out.
1Lewisberry Country Blumpkins @ Boston Braves
Series Summary: Boston takes 5 of 7 games