WORLD SERIES
Coney Island vs Long Island
WIBL 2013 Series Preview
This year's World Series is a repeat matchup from last year - another "Island Series" between the
reigning WIBL Champion Long Island Ducks and the reign WIBL National League Champion Coney Island
Cyclones. Could end up as a gastronomic series as well with duck l'orange or Nathan's hot dogs
(and even some quohaugs). Either way, the LIE is going to get some busy traffic (even if the Coney
Island GM lives in OH - he grew up on Long Island). Last year's saga ended in a 7 game series with
the finale a 1-0 shutout win for the Ducks. Cyclone players are still feeling the biting sting from
that one - and in a friendly note between GMs - revenge was a major topic - and for those of you
familiar with Long Island, you know Revenge is a real happening!
The Ducks won the AL East with a 98-63 record (T 2nd best in AL), then the beat the Freeport Bandits 4
games to 2 in the AL Division series and eliminated the Westchester Wombats in 6 games in the AL LCS -
winning the last four after dropping the first two ON THE ROAD. They come in on roll. League numbers
for the regular season: Scoring 743 (4th in AL), Batting .236 (10th), Pitching 3.39 era (3rd) and
Fielding .985 (T 2).
The Cyclones ran through the National League with a record of 110-51. They swept the NL Div series
with Greensboro and then in an epic NL LCS vs. the Turtle Beach Bums, won in 7 games - and game 7
featured a 3 HR outburst from Hunter Pence to seal the deal, the final HR - a 2 run shot in the 8th
to give the Cyclones an 8-7 lead, was the winning shot. League number for Coney Island for the season:
Scoring 766 (3rd in NL), batting .266 1st), Pitching 3.02 (2nd), Fielding .986 (2nd).
So settle back we are ready to play some serious World Series baseball.
Game 1 - Johnny Cueto (17-9, 2.27 era) vs. Kyle Lohse (21-5, 1.76 era)
First inning fireworks erupt for the home team, well, runs were scored, not much fire works. Pierre
opens with a single and steals 2nd. Kung Fu Panda grounds out and can't move the runner, Ruiz walks
on a close pitch and then there is a double steal. Then AGon draws a walk to load the bases. Cuddyer
up and he hits a fly ball to Choo in RF, Pierre tags as does Ruiz. The through goes to the plate and
Pierre is safe, 1-0, Ruiz moves to 3rd. Great move, next pitch from Cueto is a wild one (he had 2 in
the game) and Ruiz scores to make it 2-0 (on 1 hit). Cueto settles down after that and the score is
still 2-0 going into the 5th (and Lohse has a NO-NO going!). Napoli opens the fifth with a walk and
with one down Ellis
steps up and gets the 1st Duck hit of the game - and it's a 2 run HR (1) to tie the game. So the
Ducks now have 2 runs on 1 hit - now that is an interesting accomplishment, but both teams doing it
in the same game!!
Moving to the bottom of the 6th Ruiz leads off with double, AGon follows with a back to back double
and an rbi allowing the Cyclones to regain the lead, 3-2. WP from Cueto and AGon moves to 3rd.
Cuddyer grounds one into the hole at 3rd, Andrus moves over from short, grabs it and fires home
to get AGon (who doesn't move all that fast) cutting down the insurance run, Cuddyer reaches 1st.
Pence up, 1 on, 1 1 out and blammo - he takes one over the LF wall for a 2 run shot (1) and a 5-2
lead.
As the 7th begins, Coney Island resorts to the bullpen (Lohse was PH for at the end of the 6th)
and Mijares, Boggs and Lopez (S -1) finish the game with an innning each - each one yielding no
hits. So the 2 run Ellis homer was the ONLY Duck hit in the game and the Cyclones take the game
5-2.
LID 2-1-0 LP Cueto (0-1)
CIC 5-7-1 WP Lohse (1-0) S Lopez (1)
HRs: LID - Ellis (1); CIC - Pence (1)
Interesting stat of game 1 - Choo walked his first 3 times up.
Game 2 - Jeremy Hellickson (14-10, 3.05 era) vs. Tommy Milone (14-3, 2.09)
The Ducks waste no time in this deciding to hit and score as Andrus leads off the game with a
stand-up double off Milone. Ross grounds out but Ruggiano walks, runners at 1st and 2nd. Napoli
to the plate and he uncorks a Baltimore Special to put the Ducks up 3-0 and their first lead in
the series. But wait ... there's more (and no extra S&H) ... Ellis leads off the 2nd with a flare
for a single. Hanigan moves him to 2nd grounding out pitcher to first. Hellickson up and he squares
to bunt, makes contact and Uggla stabs for it, but it gets by him. Hellickson reaches for a single,
but Ellis never stopped running and he came around 3rd and scored to make it 4-0 in the 2nd.
Bottom half, the Cyclones try to mount a comeback. Pence (yeah him again) leads off with a with deep
fly that bounce once and then off the LF wall for a double. Rollins then pops out to Hanigan and
Uggla draws a hard earned walk. Milone up and he squares to sacrifice - this time the fielder gets
it and gets Milone but Pence and Uggla move up. Pierre up and he blasts one over firstbase in RF.
Choo races over, Pence scores and Uggla is waved in and he beats the throw and Coney Island cuts
Long Island's lead to 4-2.
In the 5th Andrus leads off an drills one right a Pence in CF but it knuckles on him, goes to the
wall and by the time the dust settles Andrus is on 3rd with a leadoff triple! Ross then grounds one
to Uggla who fires home but Andrus is safe and Long Island has increased their lead to 5-2. Milone
finishes the inning with no more damage but then leaves for a PHitter - he gives up 5 runs and 7
hits in 5 innings.
[Another interesting note - in the 4th inning with Ellis on 1st and 1 out, Hanigan is at the plate.
He strikes out, Ellis goes for 2nd and Ruiz guns him down for an inning ending strikeout-throw out DP.]
Bottom of the 7th Falu leads off with single (he was in for Uggla via a double switch). Berry comes
in to PR, he takes off and Pierre chops one and it goes to short and hops right on into LF and Berry
gets to 3rd. Sandoval then drives him home with a SF to RF to cut the lead Ducks back to 2 runs, 5-3
after 7. Holland in to pitch the 8th and gives up a hit but nothing else.
Ayala comes in to pitch the 8th (Putz had relieved Hellickson after the Pierre leadoff single in
the 7th). Cuddyer leads off with a walk. That brings up Pence (da da duh duh, da da duh duh donnnn).
Ayala isn't going to let it happen - how can you tell - he HITS HIM! (could have at least made it
an IW - but no, he was going for lasting damage). So Rollins steps and and HE DRILLS IT OUT OF
THE PARK (1) for a 3 run homer and turns the game around and give Coney Island the 6-5 lead. Ayala
then gets Santiago to line out (it was hit hard, but right at Andrus). Berry took a 3rd strike for
2 outs. Nieves comes in to hit for Holland and he singles to RF - that's it for Ayala, 2 hits a
walk and HB - not to mention the
1st hit was a 3 run dinger). Kennedy comes in to pitch, Gardner goes in to run for Nieves (Brett
in for the SPEED). Plan worked well when Sandoval fought off a 3-2 pitch that jammed him and dropped
it into shallow right. 3-2 2 outs, Gardner was running and went all the way around to score and
insurance run, 7-5 Coney Island.
Lopez comes in for the 9th.
Hafner in to PH for Flaherty and singles. Here we go ... Andrus follows with a fly to CF that
Pence gets, 1 down. Ross grounds wide of 3rd, Sandoval takes it on the short hop, goes to 1st, 2
out. Ruggiano up and he hits it back up the middle - Lopez backhands it (or stabbed with his eyes
closed, hard to tell he was facing the other direction) and fires to 1st to get Ruggiano and end
the game. Down 4-0 and 5-2, the Cyclones fight back to win game 2 7-5 and take a 2 game lead out
east to far parts of Long Island.
LID 5-9-1 LP Ayala (0-1), BS 1
CIC 7-9-0 WP Holland (1-0) S Lopez (2)
HRs: LID - Napoli (1); CIC - Rollins (1)
Game 3 - Long Island is now in a must win situaton and manager Tom Meade decides to shake up the order
a bit. Slumping Ike Davis us removed for Chris Carter, Travis Hafner is inserted as DH again after
losing that job ib the ALCS and Daniel Descalso is inserted at 2B for Mark Ellis who struggles against
righthanders at times. Th Ducks proceed to make manager Meade look like a genious.
Travis Hafner opens the scoring with a solo homer in the 2nd but the Cyclones tie it right back up
in the 3rd on a Qunton Berry RBI single. Long Island then jumps on top in the bottom of the 3rd on
a solo homer by Daniel Descalso and then add to the lead on Travis Hafner's second solo shot of the
game in the 4th. The lead was short lived, however, as Dan Uggla's 2 run homer in the 5th tied things
up at 3. It stayed that way until the 8th when Adrian Gonalez singled home Hunter Pence who had
singled and stole 2nd and Coney Island led 4-3. Hafner came up big again in the bottom of the 9th
for the Ducks when he doubled home Shin-soo Choo who had singled and we headed to extra innings tied
at 4. Finally, in the bottom of the 11th, Cyclones' reliever Jose Mijares lost all control after Elvis Andrus singled to
lead off the inning. Mijares proceeded to walk Matt Joyce, Choo and finally Chris Carter to force
home the winning run as the Ducks walked off with the 5-4 win.
CI 4 7 0
LI 5 7 0
WP: Horst(1-0)
LP: Mijares (0-1)
HR: CI, Uggla (1)
LI, Hafner 2(2), Descalso (1)
Game 4 - This one was all Coney Island from the start as the Cyclones jumpe all over Logn Island starter
Johnny Cueto for 3 runs in the first and another run in teh 2nd for an early 4-0 lead. The Ducks got
1 back in the 4th but Scott Moore grounded into an inning ending double play with 2 runners on to end
the threat. In the 5th, the Ducks again put 2 runners on but Elvis Andrus grounded into an inning ending
double play. That would be the last threat of the day for Long Island. Meanwhile, Coney Island padded
their lead with single runs in the 6th, 8th and 9th and the Ducks got a meaningless solo homer by Mike
Napoli in the 9th to make the final score 7-2 in favor Coney Island.
CI 7 11 2
LI 2 8 0
WP: Kuroda (1-0)
LP: Cueto (0-2)
HR: CI, Gonzalez (1)
LI, Napoli (2)
Game 5 - Long Island needs a 3 game winning streak or else they will fail to defend their World Championship
title. Manager Meade sends Ian Kennedy to the hill. Kennedy was inconsistent all season despite finishing
with decent stats but the Ducks need him to be good today. Alas, Kennedy did not answer the call as Michael
Cuddyer launched a 3 run homer in the first inning and Coney Island got off to a very quick 3-0 lead.
Long Islandf got 1 back in the bottom of the frame on a hit and an error to make it 3-1 after 1. Cuddyer
came through again in the 3rd with a big 2 out RBI single and Hunter Pence began nailing the Ducks' coffin
shut with a 2 run homer to make it 6-1 after 2 and a half. Long Island scored a run
in the 6th but Mike Napoli was thrown out trying to score by Quinton Berry to end the inning and the
score stood at 6-2 after 6 innings. Long Island scored again in the 7th as Mark Ellis reached 2nd on
an error and Ryan Hanigan doubled him home. That spelled the end of the day for TCyclones starter Tommy
Milone and Mitchell Boggs came on from the pen. Boggs retired the next 3 batters to end the threat.
Vinnie Pestano came on to pitch the 8th for Coney Island and he retired the Ducks in order. Coney
Island went quietly in the top of the 9th and Wilton Lopez came on to pitch the 9th for t
Descalso pinch hit for Josh Donaldson to start the inning and singled. Mark Ellis flew out to Brett
Gardner in left. Travis Hafner was sent up to pinch hit for Ryan Hanigan and he popped out to Pablo
Sandoval at 3B. Up came Elvis Andrus and he launched off the LF wall for a double with Descalso
stopping at 3rd. Cody Ross then stepped us as the tying run and he was called out on a close pitch
and the game was over, the World Series was over, as Coney Island won 6-3.
CI 6 8 2
LI 3 6 0
WP: Milone (1-0), SV: Lopez (1)
LP: Kennedy (0-1)
HR: CI, Cuddyer (1), Pence (2)
LI, none
Congratulations to Bill and his Comey Island team! The Cyclones were a far better team and
they showed it!
CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Westchester vs Long Island
ALCS begins in Westchester as Ducks pick their way through the world's largest parking lot, the
Long Island expressway; will the end result be Duck al l'orange? or Wombat Stew? Actually I don't
know how one cooks Wombat...but figure this might be a good project for Pray.
Game1: Westchster 6, Long Island 1
Homies score first on combination of speed, little ball and a Cueto error. In the second Fister
pitches himself into a jam but Gomez throws Napoli out at h ome to preserve the early lead. Next
inning Wise walks, Napoli goes beserk and gets thrown out (not a good game, thrown out at the plate
by Gomez, thrown out at plate my ump. off to the clubhouse for fried chicken and beer). Cano is
now up with two on and doubles them both in. In the 8th, Cozart error makes it 6-1. Bat pen shuts
down Ducks at the end.
W- Fister (1-0); L-Cueto (0-1)
Game 2 Westhester 5, Long Island 4 (11 inn)
Ducks miss out on opportunity when Choo get's pick off third in the first. Chris Nelson shows
unexpected power as he has all year with solo shot in the second. In the Fifth Nelson and Wright
walk and Cano singles in a run. in the seventh Joyce doubles, goes to third on a single, but
makes the mistake of testing Gomez arm and is nailed at the plate. Undaunted, the raiders tie
it up on two run shot by Donaldson. Burnett comes into face the lefty and sets him down. we
leave him for another batter..big mistake and Ross deposits one in the bleachers for a two run
lead in the 9th. Bottom of the 9th, Ayala walks Cozart and Nelson hits his second homer of the
game to tie it at 4 all. Wombats load them up
in the 9th and Wise runs for Votto. Cozart sac fly gets it done and Wombats take 2-0 lead
W-Arrendondo (1-0); L-Noberto (0-1)
Teams travel out the LIE for Ducks' home stadium and middle three games of series.
Game 3 - Chris Carter replaced the slumping Travis Hafner at DH for Long Island and paid immeadiate
dividends as he homered in his 1st at bat as the Ducks took a 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning. Wombats'
starter Miguel Gonzalez and Duxks' starter Jonathan Niese were both on their game in this one as
the scored remained at 1-0 through 6 innings. Niese pitched into trouble in the 7th and left with
2 runners on and 1 out but JJ Putz came on to put out the fire. In the botto of the 7th, Scott
Moore singled with 1 outs. Daniel Descalso pinch ran and stole 2nd and scored on a Mark Ellis 2
out single for a 2-0 Duxks lead. Putz, Jeremy Horst and Luis Ayala would all combine to pitch
the final 2.2 innings for Long Island
and allow just 1 hit as Long Island took game 3 by the score of 2-0.
Wes 0 5 0
LI 2 7 1
WP: Niese(1-0) SV: Ayala (1)
LP: Gonzalez (0-1)
HR: LI, Carter (1)
Game 4 - Weschester overcame an early 1-0 Ducks lead by scoring 1 in the 4th, 3 in the 6th and
2 more in the 8th for a commanding 6-1 lead going into the bottom of the 8th. But that's when
the Ducks' bats woke up as Long Island scored 3 in teh 8th and 2 more in the 9th to send the game
into extra innings. The game ended in the bottom of the 13th when Long Island completed their
amazing comeback with a 7-6 win as Josh Donaldson's sac fly scored Elvis Andrus with the winning
run. David Wright led the Wombats' offense with a single, a pair of homers and 3 RBI. Cody
Ross had 3 hits for Long Island.
Wes 6 10 0
LI 7 18 0
WP: Horst (1-0)
LP: Grilli (0-1)
HR: WES, Wright 2(2), Gomez (1)
LI, Napoli (1), Choo (1)
Game 5 - Long Island took a 3 games to 2 series lead with their 3rd straight win as they won
game 5 by the score of 4-3. Weschester scored early on a first inning Joey Votto RBI single
off of Ducks starter Ian Kennedy. Long Island scored all of their runs off of Weschester
starter CJ Wilson. Chris Carter again hit a solo homer for the Ducks first run in the 2nd
inning and then with 2 outs, Ryan Hanigan made it 2-1 with an RBI single. Robinson Cano tied
the game with a 3rd inning RBI single but Wilson's wildness hurt him badly in the 4th inning
when Long Island loaded the bases with 2 outs when Wilson walked Elvis Andrus and then walke
Cody Ross to force in 2 runs. Weschester got to Kennedy in the 5th
for another run but the combination of Matt Thornton, JJ Putz and Luis Ayala came on to shut
down the Wombats for the final 4 innings and the Ducks held on for the 4-3 win.
Wes 3 8 0
LI 4 5 1
WP: Kennedy (1-0), SV: Ayala (2)
LP: Wilson (0-1)
HR: LI, Carter (2)
Ducks sweep three at home and flock on into Westchester to wrap up the series. Wombats dig
in to defend the Maginot line....that didn't work out so well the first time either.
game 6: Ducks 3, Wombats1
Looks like the Fat Lady is warming up as Andrus leads off the
first with a triple, but Fister strikes out the side to get out of the jam. Second inning Napoli
singles and Joyce doubles him home for a 1-0 Duck lead. The wheels come off for Fister in the
third as Andrus gets his third hit and the rest of the lineup follows suit. Solo shot by Wise
gets one back for Wombats in the 5th. Gomez doubles in the 7th, but dies on second. Horst
gives up a single in the 9th but settles in for
the save.
W-Hellickson (1-0); L-Fister (1-1)
So congratulations to the Ducks and good luck in the playoffs. should be a good World Series
Turtle Beach vs Coney Island
Turtle Beach meets Coney Island for the National League Championship series. Opening salvos
are in Coney Island. Top guns for each team will be taking the hill ...
Game 1 - Justin Verlander vs. Kyle Lohse
Cyclones jump out 1-0 in the 2nd and make it 3 zip after 3. Sandoval rbi single was the 1st
run. Turtle Beach cuts it to 3-1 in the 6th on a Carpenter solo HR (1), but the Cyclone plate
2 in the 6th including a leadoff HR (1) by Ruiz. That's the final as Lohse and crew keep the
Bums at bay and take a 1-0 lead in the LCS.
TBB 1-7-1 LP Verlander (0-1)
CIC 5-9-0 WP Lohse (1-0)
Jimmy Rollins gets 3 hits in the game.
Game 2 - Weaver vs Kuroda
Weaver tosses a 3 hitter over 7.2 innings and the Bums pound out 10 hits to even the series
with a 3-0 victory. Carpenter, Granderson and Mauer each have 2 hits (and a double each)
to lead the attack. O'Day pitches the 9th for the save.
TBB 3-10-0 WP Weaver (1-0) S O'Day (1)
CIC 0-3-0 LP Kuroda (0-1)
Series moves to Turtle Beach for games 3, 4 and 5, both teams have a chance to close it
out, but the Bums have the advantage at home.
Game 3
Cruz and Rollins homer for Coney Island and Milone and three relievers make it stand up they hold
on for a 2-1 win.
Game 4
Sandoval and Ruiz homer for Coney Island as they repeat the game 3 outcome with another 2-1 win.
Lohse gets the win.
Game 5
The Bums win 9-0. Carpenter had two homers and Markakis one. Jered Weaver wins his 2nd game
of the series and served notice that he is ready for game 7 should the occasion present itself.
Turtle Beach outscore Coney Island 11-4 in the series but can only win one of the three games.
After splitting games 1 and 2 at Coney Island, the Cyclones went to Turtle Beach and took 2 of
3 to bring a 3 games to 2 lead back home. Looking to wrap up their 2nd straight NL title, they
will be putting their hopes on Tommy Milone (1-0), winner of game 3. They're hoping he can come
through because if it goes to game 7, well, looks like they might have to rely on Phil Hughes.
Turtle Beach will start Chris Sale (0-1) in game 6. He was the loser to Milone in game 3. He's
hoping for a reversal of fortune to give the Bums another day and give Verlander (0-1) a third
start and a chance for the elusive W!
Game 6 - Kung Fu Panda leads of the bottom of the 2nd with a solo HR (2). But in the 4th Longoria
hits a 1 out double (1st hit for the Bums in the game). Markakis follows with a single to tie the
game. The tie is short lived as Rollins tees off on Sale in the bottom half to put the Cyclones
back on top, 2-1. But in the 5th Alvin Jackson HRs (1) to tie it up again. Then in the 6th Longoria
HRs (2) to give the Bums the lead for the 1st time. In the 7th Milone walks Cabrera to lead off the
inning. Boggs comes in to face Weeks and Weeks takes him over the wall (1) for a 2 run shot and a
5-2 Turtle Beach lead. Casilla, Breslow and O'Day keep it that way, so there will be a GAME 7!!
TBB 5-6-0 WP Sale (1-1) S O'Day (2)
CIC 2-6-1 LP Milone (1-1)
HRs: TBB - Jackson (1), Longoria (2), Weeks (1) CIC - Sandoval (2), Rollins (2)
Game 7 - Here we are sports fans, the fans delight, a 7th and deciding game to see who goes to the
World Series representing the NL. As thought, Justin Verlander will take the hill for the Bums and
Phil Hughes will be going for the Cyclones - he was real good at giving up HRs all season and
sported a 7-14 record with a 4.59 era.
[Right now - the disclaimer is that the game that follows is hard to believe.]
In the 2nd Santana opens with a single for the Bums, he moves to 2nd on a groundout. When Cabrera
singles he moves to 3rd. Jackson then singles in a run and Cabrera moves to 3rd. Verlander follows
with a deep fly to RF for an out but Cabrera scores making it 2-0. Verlander is working to get this
one. Bottom half, AGon opens with a single and then with 1 out, Hunter Pence launches one over the
CF wall to tie the game. His 1st HR of the series.
Bottom of the 3rd, Pierre singles and works his way to 3b via larceny. While that has been going on
Verlander gets Sandoval to pop out. He apparently gets Ruiz to do the same thing except Santana
drops the ball and Ruiz reaches. Pierre had to hold, he thought it would be caught. Ruiz swipes 2nd
and AGon flies out to CF scoring Pierre from 3rd and the Cyclones have taken the lead 3-2 in the 3rd.
Hughes still on the mound as the 4th inning starts and he gives up a 1 out walk to Furcal (in becasue
Cabrera was ejected on a close call on a pickoff attempt at 2nd which he didn't agree with -
vehemently). Jackson follows Furcal with a single moving Rafi to 2nd. Verlander then bunts, it's
caught in the air by Hughes who nearly doubles up Furcal at 2nd, nearly, but not quite. OK - well
Schindel decides with Carpenter coming up, he'll bring in his only lefty, Mijares to face left
Carpenter. Smart move? Nope, the play backfires when Carpenter squirts one past Rollins and Furcal
is going to test Juan Pierre's chicken are in LF and it was no contest as he scores standing up to
tie the game. Mijares then settles in
to get Mauer to end the rally.
Bottom 5 - score tied 3-3, Verlander still on the mound for the Bums. Falu leads off (came in as
part of the Hughes double switch) with a double and moves to 3rd on Pierre groundout. Sandoval up
and Santana can't handle the pitch (PB) and Falu scores easily, Coney Island has it's 2nd lead, 4-3,
and Verlander now has 2 URuns to his credit. Home town fans are feeling it, especially when the
Cyclones score another in the 6th to take a 5-3 lead. How did they get that run - Hunter Pence
hits a one out solo HR (2) for his 2nd HR of the game!
How long can the lead last - Cyclone fans (and players) are hoping for the rest of the game.
However, the Bums (being Bums) have other ideas.
Top 7th with Pestano on the mound and 1 out Markakis steps in an pile drives one over the RF wall (2)
and cuts the score to 5-4. Longoria singles and Santana singles, runners at 1st and 2nd and still
just one out. Pestano out, Boggs in (he had some problems with his 1st batter in game 6, but what
the heck, he had problems like that all year, he's due for some good stuff). WRONG! Granderson
greets him by hitting the proverbial "pea" past Gonzalez and Cuddyer catches up with it near the
corner Longoria scores and Santana is held at 3rd (no wanting to test the arm of Cuddyer) and the
game is tied. Furcal then comes up and flies out to Pence in CF, this time both runners tag and
Santana is nailed at the plate to
complete the DP but the inning ends with the score tied 5-5. Well that lasts for a very short time.
Bottom of the 7th Verlander still in there and Falu fans, Kubel (PH for Boggs) grounds out, but Kung
Fu Panda pounds his 3rd HR of the LCS to regain the lead for Coney Island at 6-5.
Holland comes in for the 8th inning, he's been quite good all year. Well Jackson leads off with a
double. Gomez comes in to PH for Verlander and walks. Tying run on 2nd, go ahead run on first.
Carpenter whiffs, 1 out. Mauer however works Holland for a walk and the bags are juiced, with 1 out.
Markakis then hits a grand slam - wait, it was all in his mind. He fans and Holland is pumped. But
Longoria goes to the pump for a 2 run single and suddenly in the top of the 8th the Turtle Beach
Bums have taken a 7-6 lead!! Santana then pops out to end the top half, but the damage was done.
Turtle Beach isn't waiting for the 9th, they bring in O'Day in the 8th. AGon leads off and singles.
Cuddyer then follows with a single, AGon was running and when he gets to 3rd he dashes to the plate
to tie the game but Jackson's throw and Carpenter's relay are too much and AGon is cut down at the
plate preserving the 7-6 lead for the Bums. Meanwhile Cuddyer moved to 2nd on the play. Energy
draining play. Pence then steps in and does his Reggie imitation - FOR REAL - he drives it deep
to left - the crowd is building into a crescendo - and yes it clears the fence for a 2 run HR and
a 1 run Coney Island lead, 8-7. That was Pence's 3rd HR of the series and GAME and rbis number 4
and 5! Rollins and Berry then both fan
to end the inning.
Schindel counters in the 9th with Wilton Lopez (his last reliever in the bullpen and only non
fatigued pitcher left). Lopez became the closer this year when Boggs proved too iffy (plus the
micomanager really liked him and it worked). He's had 2 saves already - both on the road. Granderson
up first in the 9th and he loops one to left and Quinton Berrry races to the gap and takes it in for
out number 1. Furcal up and Lopez hangs a K on him, 2 outs. Jackson up, he's 4 for 4 today, and he
works Lopez over for a walk. 2 outs, tying run on 1st, and Baxter comes in to PH for O'Day. Ruiz
is putting down the number 1 and Lopez follows with the heater and whiff - Baxter fans and the
Lopezs preserves the lead and nails
down the win in mighty up and down game and the Cyclones repeat as NL champions.
TBB 7 14 1 LP O'Day 0-1, BS 1
CIC 8-10-0 WP Holland 1-0, BS 1, S Lopez 3 (Boggs BS 1)
HRs: TBB Markakis (2); CIC: Sandoval (3), Pence 3, (1, 2, 3)
NL LCS MVP - Hunter Pence his game 7 heroics outpaced Lohse (2-0), Lopez (3 saves) Ruiz (3 HRs,
.391 avg - although he was CLOSE) and Sandoval's 3 HRs.
Coney Island does not want to play Turtle Beach anymore - to much stress, they are a great team
and Steve has done a great job with them
DIVISION SERIES
Turtle Beach vs Mokena
Game 1
Cain and Verlander (TBB) were both dominating but JV moreso as the Bums
received some unexpected power from Asdrubal Cabrera and won 3-0. J.V. went the distance.
Game 2
M. Carpenter and Granderson hit homers and Jered Weaver took care of the rest as the Bums
won 4-1. McCutchen dialed long distance for Mokena.
Game 3:
=======
Turtle Beach 7-11-0
Mokena 0-6-1
Sale vs Quintana
Doubles by Jackson and Sappelt followed by a 2 run homer by Longoria and a solo homer by Granderson
gets the Bums up 4-0 with no outs in the 1st. Quintana is lifted in the 5th in favor of a pinch
hitter. Quintana yields 6 ER while striking out 7. Guzman greets Ottavino with a homer in the 6th to
increase the Bums' lead to 7-0. Sale
Game 4:
=======
Turtle Beach 10-11-2
Mokena 1-3-3
Gallardo vs Chen
Sappelt doubles in Gallardo in the 3rd to put the Bums up 1-0. Granderson later singles in Sappelt.
Harper hits a solo homer in the 4th for Mokena to trim the lead to 2-1. Back to back doubles by
Gallardo and Jackson in the 5th ups the lead to 3-1. Longoria then doubles in Jackson. Mauer
drives in 2 and Cabrera singles in a run to knock out Chen with a 7-1 lead with no outs in the 5th.
A 3rd error by Mokena allows Jackson to score in the 6th, the score now 8-1. Longoria homers in the
8th off Uehara to tack on to the rout- now 9-1 in favor of Turtle Beach.
Turtle Beach advances to face Coney Island who swept their series against Greensboro.
Westchester vs Gettysburg
Round one of LDS: Gettysburg travels to Westchester to resume their season long skirmish for
supremacy in the AL West.
Game 1: Gettysburg 3, Westchester 2
Baltimore special by Freese puts Raiders up quickly in the first 3-0. Wombats get one back in
the fifth on Cano double and Votto single. Morse solo shot in the 5th makes it 3-2.but Vogelsong
and Papelbon shut down Wombats to close it out.
W-Vogelson (1-0); S-Papelbon (1); L-Anderson (0-1)
Game 2: Westchester 3, Gettysburg 1
First blood goes to Wombats this time as Nelson and Wright put back to back doubles to work.
Cano singles to make it 2-0. Top of the fifth Molina reaches on error. Therior sends a vicious
liner to right, but Gomez makes a spectacular catch and fires it back in to double up Molina who
can't get back to first in time. Solo shot by WRight makes it 3-0. Top of 9th Jeter smashes
one off Grilli to make it 3-1. But Atchison comes in to shut down Gettysburg and send the series
back south tied at 1-1
W-Peralta (1-0), S-Atchison (1); L-Diamond (0-1)
Series tied at 1-1 on two well pitched games. Teams travel back to Gettysburg for middle three
games. If Raiders sweep, the fat lady has sung.
Raiders charge on up to Westchester for segment 3. Wombats hire out their good luck Gulf Breeze
cheerleaders in effort to avoid ignominious repeat of last years ALDS when they were also up 3-2,
but were swept at home for the 6th and 7th games.
Game 1: Westchester 5, Gettysburg 2.
Looks like another pitching duel as both Diamond and Anderson start out strong. Wombats draw
first blood with solo shot by Morse in bottom of second. Cozart makes it 2-0 on back to back
homer. Anderson makes it interesting in bottom of third as he hits Kearns, gives up a single
to Jeter and hits Denorfia. Raiders have bases loaded and one out....and Molina bounces one
to Wright who starts a 5-2-3 DP to get out of the inning. Raiders tie it up in the 7th on
little ball. Bottom of th 8th, Nelson doubles (no, Pray, I am not going to say Nelson Doubledays
it) and Wright is hit by a pitch. Diamond is ejected and Rodriguez comes in. Cano bloops on
in and Nelson scores to make it 3-2. Runners on second and
third, Gomez grounds out, but Wright scores on the FC and Cano moves to third. Cooper drives
him in with Sac Fly.
Atchison pitches a 1-2-3 9th for the save
W-Burnett (1-0), S-Atchison (3); L-Diamond.
So Wombats take the series and turn on the tube Ithe flat screen?) to watch the Freeport-Long
Island series. Congratulations to Gettysburg for a great season, an incredible turnaround from
last year, and the best pennant race I have been in for years.
Long Island vs Freeport
Game 1 - Cole Hamels (17-9) for Freeport vs. Johnny Cueto (17-9) for Long Island
Hamels was perfect through 3 innings before Elvis Andrus led of the Long Island 4th with a
solo homer and the Ducks had a 1-0 lead. In the 6th, a Mark Ellis single, a sacrafice bunt
by Ryan Hanigan and an error on Hamels gave the Ducks a 2-0 lead. Cueto gave up his 6th hit,
a solo homer by Kelly Johnson, to lead off the 8th but relievers Jeremy Horst and Luis Ayala
combined to retire the remaining Freeport batters and Long Island took the opener 2-1.
R H E
FRE 1 6 2
LI 2 3 0
WP: Cueto (1-0), S: Ayala (1)
LP: Hamels (0-1)
HR: FRE, Johnson (1) LI, Andrus (1)
Game 2 - Jake Peavy (13-5) for Freeport vs. Jeremy Hellickson (14-10) for Long Island
Freeport got leadoff homers in both the 1st and 2nd innings from David Murphy and Paul Konerko
to take a quick 2-0 lead. The Bandits kept the pressure on Hellickon and Konerko laced a 2 run
single in the 3rd for a 4-0 Bandits lead. Meanwhile, Peavy was firing a masterpiece for Freeport.
He allowed his first hit in the 5th when Ike davis doubled but was then stranded. Freeport
added single runs in the 5th, 7th and 8th and Peavy allowed only a harmless 9th inning douvle
to Shin-soo Choo and the Bandits evened the series at a game apiece with an easy 7-0 win.
WP: Peavy (1-0)
LP: Hellickson (0-1)
HR: FRE, Murphy (1), Kemp (1), Konerko (1)
GAME THREE
Jonathan Niese vs Kris Medlen.
Matt Kemp hit a pair of homers and Kris Medlen allowed just one earned run over 7.2 innings as
the Bandits picked up a 6-2 win in game three. Matt Wieters and Chipper Jones had two hits each
for Freeport. Shin-Soo Choo had two hits for the Ducks.
L 2 6 1
F 6 6 1
W- Medlen (1-0)
L- Niese (0-1)
S- Chapman (1)
HR- L- C. Ross (1)
F- Kemp 2 (2,3)
GAME FOUR
Johnny Cueto vs Eric Stults
Johnny Cueto tossed a 4 hit shutout and Cody Ross provided all the offense with a two run shot in
the 6th that broke a scoreless tie and gave the Ducks a 2-0 win to even the series at 2 games each.
L 2 5 0
F 0 4 0
W- Cueto (2-0)
L- Stults (0-1)
HR- L- C. Ross (2)
GAME FIVE
Jeremy Hellickson vs Cole Hamels
Mark Ellis bases loaded single plated two runs and that was all that Jeremy Hellickson and Luis
Ayala would need as they held the Bandits to just one run on six hits.
L 2 5 1
F 1 6 0
W- Hellickson (1-1)
L- Hamels (0-2)
S- Ayala (2)
The Ducks come home with a 3-2 series lead and facing a Bandits team who will have to play
the final two games without Kemp. Ortiz and Chipper as all are now burned out.
Game 6 - Jake Peavy for Freeport vs. Ian Kennedy for Long Island
Long Island got on the board quickly on a 1st inning homer by Cody Ross as they took a
1-0 lead after 1. In the 4th, a Scott Moore RBI single and a Mike Napoli sac fly made
it a 3-0 Ducks lead. Ross made it 4-0 in the 5th with an RBI double. Meanwhile, Ducks
starter Ian Kennedy was magnificent, The Bandits got 2 runners on in both the 5th and 6th
innings but both times Kennedy escaped without allowing a run. The Ducks addd a run in the
8th on a David Murphy error and Kennedy completed his shutout as Long Island won the game
5-0 and took the series 4 games to 2. Kennedy finished with a 5 hitter, walking just 1
and fanning 12.
Coney Island vs Greensboro
The Grasshoppers and Cyclones like to meet in the playoffs and again this year they square off both
with hopes of going all the way. The opening salvo come in the Big Apple as the defending NL Champions
seek to repeat and finally take it all. But Greensboro definitely has other intentions and a team
to back that up.
Games 1 and 2 feature stellar pitching matchups. The opener has Max Scherzer (14-8, 3.21 era) going
against Kyle Lohse (21-5, 1.76 era). Scherzer started twice against the Cyclones this year losing
the 1st one and then tossing a 6 hitter to win the 2nd game. He's looking for that kind of game. Lohse
also started twice against the Grasshoppers, winning both, both complete games, the 1st a 3 hits shutout,
the 2nd a 4 hitter yielding 1 run. He like the 'Hoppers and was seen licking his lips.
Game 2 - the 'Hoppers Neftali Feliz had limited action in the regular season as a late season call-up.
He went 4-2 with 4.17 era in 7 starts but has a lively fastball. This is his first time going up
against the Cyclones and it will be a pressure filled game. Hiroki Kuroda has a stellar year going
24-4 with a 2.66 era. He faced down the 'Hoppers twice, winning both but only one would be considered
a good performance. His 1st outing against them was a CG 3 hitter, but the 2nd lasted only 6 innings,
and he gave up 6 runs - but he did get the win in a 15-11 game.
OK - the banners are out, the anthem has played, everyone was on their feet singing. Record number of
Nathan's have been prepared, let's see some mustard ....
Game1 - Cyclones strike quickly as Pierre opens the bottom of the 1st with a single, he moves to
2nd on Sandoval groundout. 2 out AGON single plates him for the 1st LDS run and 1-0 Coney Island
lead. But then Cuddyer steps in and smokes one to RF that clears the fences for a 2 run dinger (1)
and a 3-0 lead. Lohse looks real good, but with 2 outs in the 4th, Hayward blasts one to right center
that rattles the wall and ends up a double for Greensboro's 1st hit. Prince then singles scoring
Heyward to make it 3-1. Stanton follows with one that flies over Pierre's head in LF - and WAY out
of the park for 2 run homer (1) and ties the game.
Things settle down, each pitcher maintaining a sharp edge, Scherzer getting better every inning.
7th inning stretch, "God Bless America" fans getting real lively, home team coming to the plate
Rollins leads off with a single, Uggla up and he grounds to hole at 3rd, Alvarez fields it, no
play at 2nd and fires it 1st, in the dirt, Fielder can't handle it and everyone is safe and
Rollins is on 3rd. Nieves then PHits for Lohse and lines out, runners back to the bags, 1 out.
Pierre up, and he fans, 2 outs. Kung Fu Panda (often coveted by the Grasshoppers) comes to the
plate and he loops one to RF that Heyward can't reach and Rollins scores the go ahead run. That
was it for Scherzer and that was it for the scoring in
the 7th but Coney Island takes the lead 4-3. Pestano and Holland then pitch the 8th giving up 1
hit and no runs. Mijares and Lopez pitch the 9th striking out 3 to preserve the win.
GRE 3-5-2 LP Scherzer (0-1)
CIC 4-9-0 WP Lohse (1-0) S Lopez (1)
HRs: Stanton (1), Cuddyer (1)
Game 2 - Scoring starts quickly in game 2 as well, but quicker than game 1. Trout smacks a 1 out
double and Fielder drives him home with a 2 out single for a 1-0 Greensboro lead. Trout looking to
be a one man wrecking crew then homers (1) in the 3rd to make it 2-0. Feliz is grinning (and throwing
darts!). Cyclones scratching the heads, look for something, anything. In the 5th Uggla walks with
1 down and Kuroda moves him to 2nd on SAC. Pierre up with 2 outs and Uggla at 2nd hits one to LF
for a single. Stanton fields it and the 3rd base coach is telling Uggla to get his motor going, your
heading home. Stanton fields it cleaning and launches his throw to the plate, the slide, the call,
safe (oh it was close). Pierre
moves to 2nd, but he's stranded there and it's 2-1 after 5. Meanwhile Kuroda has settled down, But
in the 6th the Cyclones are trying for more and get the 1st two batters on and after Feliz fans
Cuddyer, he's lifted for Holland. Holland does his job and gets the two batters he faces to end
the 6th with the 'Hoppers still up 2-1. Nieves opens the 7th with a PH double, but Marshall (now
pitching) gets the next 3 to end that threat. Bottom 8th, AGon opens with a walk, Cuddyer pops out.
Pence grounds AGon to 2nd, 2 outs. Rollins smacks a base hit to LF to Stanton toward the gap and
AGON never stops and he slides
around the tag to tie the game, Rollins takes 2nd. Janssen is lifted for Storen who then get the
final out. 2-2 at the end of 8. Meanwhile Boggs came in to pitch the 8th and he faces 6 batters
in the 8th and 9th and gets them all. Bottom 9th Kubel gets a PH leadoff walk off Doolittle and
then he's lifted for PR (Santiago). Doolittle then gets Kung Fu Panda, Ruiz and AGon to end the
inning and send it to extras!
Top 10 - Mijares in and he fans Alvarez (his 4th K of the day). LeCure comes in and get Perez to
fly out. Then Pagan doubles and LeCure is out and Pestano comes in to face .... TROUT. Wrecking
crew Trout, he smack a hard line, but Uggla snares it to end the threat. Bottom half, Ziegler in,
Cuddyer leads off and doubles to get the fans out of their seats. Pence then hits a comebacker
that Ziegler knocks down but only play is at 1st and Cuddyer moves to 3rd. Rollins up and they
give him the IW to face Uggla. 'Hoppers bring the infield in and Uggla responds by bouncing one
toward first but it's past the drawn in Fielder and Phillips for a single and Cuddyer scores the
winning run as Coney Island takes game 2 3-2
in 10 innings.
GRE 2-5-1 LP Ziegler (0-1) 10 innings
CIC 3-7-0 WP Pestano (1-0)
HR - Trout (1)
Coney Island will travel south to face Greensboro on their turf with a 2-0 lead in the series.
Greensboro hosts game 3 of the LCS against the onrushing Cyclones who've already jumped out to a
2 game lead.
October 9 - The Coneys start lefty Tommy Milone against Hopper southpaw Chris Capuano. Coney takes
the contest 8-4, but it wasn't as close as the score might suggest as the visitors quickly jumped
all over Cappy for an early 7-0 lead. Pence, Gonzalez, and Cuddyer go long for the Cyclones.
October 10 - Hoping to avoid the sweep, Greensboro starts vet Mark Buehrle against Coney ace Kyle Lohse
who is already making his second start of this series. The Coneys again jump out, and easily beat the
Hoppers, this time by a 9-2 score, as Lohse goes the distance, and the Cyclones sweep.
Congratulations to Coney on their win. It's hard to see how they won't go all the way. Well done
to Bill for taking a strong team that he inherited and making it even stronger.
Week of October 2
Turtle Beach vs Green Bay
G1
J.V. tosses a 1 hitter over 5 innings for his 21st win as the Bums win 4-1.
G2
Held to 1 hit over 10 innings the Gamblers still win this one 3-2 in 15 innings.
Axford gets the win (2-5)
G3
Four Gambler homers set the stage for 9-6 win.
G4
Three more Gambler long balls make for another easy win, 8-2. Homer Bailey wins
his 13th against 11 losses.
G5
Justin Turner wins 7 games this year as he pitches the Bums to a 5-2 win.
Stamford vs Columbus
The Stamford Jays close disappointing season with 4 wins against the Columbus Redbirds.
Game 1
Jays 2
Redbirds 0
WP A Sanchez 10-10 LP C Volstad 3-8
Jays score 2 in the first and behind 5 hit 8 innings pitching of Sanchez the Jays take
first game.
Game 2
Jays 5
Redbirds 0
WP F Dourbront 3-8 LP G Floyd 15-7
Dourbront goes 7 innings for win. Jays are led by homers form Morneau, Braun and Hill.
Game 3 ( 10 innings)
Jays 7
Redbirds 6
WP F Rodriguez 1-1 LP J Hoover 3-4
The Jays tie game on a RBI single in bottom of the 9th. The Redbirds take lead by scoring 3
in the top of the 10th. The Jays win game in bottom of the 10th on 2 run homers form Hill
and Morneau.
Game 4
Redbirds 4
Jays 2
WP P Humber 3-10 LP B Arroyo 7-13
Homers form Ramirez and Ibanez lead Redbirds to win behind the 5 K 7 inning pitching of Humber.
Game 5
Jays 6
Redbirds 3
WP T Wilhelmsen 5-0 LP J Veras 2-5
A 3 run homer from Parra in the 8th gives the Jays margin of victory. Jones and Ibanez homer
for the Redbirds.
Mokena vs Coney Island
Game 1:
=======
Coney Island 8-16-0
Mokena 9-13-0
Lincecum vs Francis
A wild game which sees Harper go 3-4 with 2 HR, McCutchen knock in 4 for Mokena. Cuddyer goes 3-5 with
a HR and 3 RBI for Coney Island. Neither starter went past 6 innings but both get decisions- Lincecum
falls to 0-2 and Francis improves to an improbable 10-10. Rodney tried to cough the game up in the 9th
but Uehara saves it for Mokena after Coney Island plates 3 ER on 6 hits!
Game 2:
=======
Coney Island 5-19-1 (16 innings)
Mokena 6-16-2
Milone vs Quintana
A 16 inning affair with the playoffs around the corner is not what the managers wanted. The stars were
Gonzalez for Coney Island going 3-7 with a HR and Rollins 4-7. Mokena saw McCutchen go 4-8 with
a HR and Castro go 3-6 with 3 doubles. Both teams combined to use 13 relievers.
Game 3:
=======
Coney Island 6-10-0
Mokena 4-9-1
Volquez vs Hernandez
Coney Island scores 3 in the 1st and 5th for all of their runs. Gonzalez homers and knocks in 3 while
Berry goes 3-4 for Coney Island. McCutchen homers and goes 2-4 for the Roozys and Harper goes 4-4 in
the loss. Volquez moves to 10-11 and Hernandez (aka Carmona) drops to 1-2.
Game 4:
=======
Coney Island 0-5-2
Mokena 3-7-0
Hughes vs Cain
Cain (15-7) goes all 9 for the win. Belt homers for Mokena while Nieves goes 2-3 for Coney Island.
Hughes (7-14) goes 6 and yields just 2 ER but gets the loss.
Game 5:
=======
Coney Island 5-8-0
Mokena 8-12-1
Hefner vs Chen
Coney Island scores 3 in the 1st and another in the 2nd and cruise into the 7th with a 4-1 lead.
However Hefner and Boggs fall apart and allow Mokena to score 7 times. The big hit in the 7th
was a 3 run pinch hit homer by Colvin off of Mijares. Rodney earns his 38th save for Mokena.
Mokena takes 4 of 5
Chappaqua vs Greensboro
2013 wraps up with the division rival Comets in town to face the Hoppers.
September 28 - Chappaqua opens the final season of the year with Big Game James Shields on the
hill against the young untested rookie Martin Perez. The kid takes one for the home team, giving
up 12 runs (9 earned) in 5 innings as the Comets clobber the Hoppers by a 13-2 score.
September 29 - Ryan Cook (who never started in real-life) gets the nod for Chappaqua to face Chris
Capuano. The strategy pays off for Chappaqua as Cook holds on for the 6-2 win.
September 30 - Jaime Garcia against Neftali Feliz in game 3. The Hoppers take this one 10-2 as
Prince finally hits #20.
October 1 - Mike Leake faces Jon Lester in this one. The Hoppers make a desperate run but fall
short, as Chappaqua wins 9-7. Greensboro leaves the tying run at bat in the bottom of the 9th.
Posey hits #35 for the Comets, and Trout hits 22nd for Greensboro.
October 2- Chappaqua winds up the '13 season by starting Shields again. Greensboro employs
the Chappaqua game two strategy by starting Drew Storen. The strategy works again as Greensboro
holds on for a 3-2 win. Chappaqua takes 3 of the final 5 thanks to some creative management.
Westchester vs Jonesboro
Jonesboro comes up to Westchester on a series that will (maybe) decide the AL West. Wombats magic
number is 3 and they will be scoreboard watching during the game seeing if East Coast can help out
against Gettysburg.
Game 1: Westchester 3, Jonesboro 2
Crackers draw first blood as Anderson has rocky first inning giving up 3 hits and hits a batter,
but escapes with a DP and is only down 1-0.Single by Wright and double by Gomez tie it up. Anderson
looks rusty and solo shot by Thole prooves it, 2-1 Crackers. In the 6th Gomez singles, steals
second and is thrown out trying to steal 3rd, bad move as Votto launches one on the next pitch.
Miller leaves McAllister in to start the 8th and Wright nails his 22nd dinger of the season and
is now the franchise all time home run leader and gives the Wombats a 3-2 lead.Atchison has a 1-2-3
9th and Wombats' magic number is 2.
W-Anderson (3-2), S-Atchison (30); L-Atchison (7-13); HR-Jonesboro, Thole (3); Westchester, Wright
(22), Votto (14), this is sort of a shock, but he may have used his quota up last year.
Game 2: Westchester 8, Jonesboro 4
Wombats face old teammate Freddy Garcia and as good will gesture for old times sake, give him
the early lead. Ichiro triples and Rios singles him home.and it goes on from there. When the
dust has cleared, Peralta has faced 8 batters and given up three runs. Garcia waddles out to
the mound and gives up a hit and a walk, but like the Garcia of old, wiggles out of the inning.
In the fourth, Freddy looks like the Garcia of not so old giving up homers to Scott and Cozart
and 4 runs. Next inning Scott singles, Wise triples and Martin singles him in to make it 6-3.
Thole keeps hitting, but noone else does and solo blasts by Russ Martin and Zach Cozart put the
frosting on the cake. However, Burnett comes in and
gives up three straight hits and a run before kelly can put out the fire. Grilli pitches an
uneventful 9th an the magic number is down to 1.
W-Peralta (2-1); L-Garcia (1-4); HR-Jonesboro none; Westchester-Martin (20), Cozart 2 (14), Scott
(11)
Game 3 Westchester 6, Jonesboro 1
Again Crackers strike first on single by Izturis and triple by Ichiro. Wombats get Ichiro in
rundown between home and third, but high throw by Martin lets him escape to third. Crackers now
have runners on second and third with none out, but they die there. Bottom of the first, Oswalt
looks sharp striking out the side. the proverbial seeing eye single by Duda drives home Gomez.,...
but I don't remember any proverbs (Biblical or from Aesop) talking about baseball. Victorino
singles in the second steals second and Wright doubles him home. Oswalt does look so sharp in
the third and when the dust clears, it's 5-1 Wombats. Duda drives in Gomez again in the 6th.
Looks like Miller is letting Oswalt take one
for the team, or maybe he's just impressed with his 10 strikeouts in five innings? Webb and
Valverde shut out the Crackers and Wombats clinch the AL East....champagne, dancing girls,
ceegars, etc.
W-Gonzalez (16-1); L-Oswalt (0-4); HR none
Game 4: Westchester 9, Jonesboro 1
Hester playing to give Martin a rest and doubles, Martin doubles him in to give Wombats a
1-0 lead. HOmer with two men on by Moises Sierra makes it 4-1.Cano's 35th homer makes it 5-0.
This a personal WIBL high for Robby. Hester homers to make it 7-0 and is having his game of
the year.Ex-Wombat Aaron Laffey comes in for Jonesboro and gives up a couple of runs to make
it 8-0. Wilson gets wild and Hester allows a passed ball and Crackers get one back in the 8th.
JOnesboro can't mount anything and the score stands.
W-Wilson (17-12); L-Feldman (6-14) HR-Jonesboro- none; Westchester, Cano (35); Hester (3),
Sierra (2)
Game 5: Westchester 5, Jonesboro 0
Nelson doubles and Gomez drives him in to give Wombats 1-0 lead. In the fifth Victorino
singles, steals second and goes home on Cano single. david Wright then homers to put
Dickey in a 4-0 hole.
Westbrook goes on to pitch a 7 hit shutout.
W-Westbrook (15-12); L-Dickey (13-14) HR-Jonesboro none; Westchester , Wright (23)
So Wombats Clinch the AL west and watches the scoreboard to see if Gettysburg or Jonesboro
takes the wild card spot in the AL. congratulatons to Gettysburg for an incredible turnaround
from 2012 and the best pennant race that I can remember being in.
Arundel vs Long Island
Arundel takes 3 of 5 from Long Island as the regular season ends. Game 1 saw 3 Arundel
pitchers combine to 1 hit the Ducks in a 7-0 Wildcats win. The highlight of the series for
Long Island came in the 8th inning of game 4 when Peter Bourjos, Justin Ruggiano and Chris
Carter went back-to-back-to-back with homeruns.
Week of September 26
Westchester vs East Coast
Westchester sweeps the 5-game series against East Coast.
Game 1: Westchester 9 East Coast 6
Miguel Cabrera hits HR 42 and 43 but that is not enough to overcome the Wombat offense.
Game 2: Westchester 7 East Coast 3
Westchester post 5 runs in the top of the first and never surrenders the lead.
Game 3: Westchester 7 East Coast 0
Westchester’s starter M.Gonzalez improves to 15-1.
Game 4: Westchester 7 East Coast 2
Miguel Cabrera’s 44th HR of the season is not enough to power East Coast in its loss to Westchester.
Game 5: Westchester 12 East Coast 0
L.Scott hits two HRs and drives in 4 leading Westchester to the 12-0 win.
Tidewater vs Turtle Beach
Tidewater was 1 run away from getting a sweep. Turtle Beach took the first game by
a score of 1-0 and TID took all the rest.
Gm.1 TBB 1-0 TBB's J.Verlander pitched a CG 3-hitter and K'd 9. TID's C.Lee pitched a
CG 2-hitter and K'd 6. The difference was T.Snider's 3rd HR of the year as the 2nd batter
of the game.
Gm.2 TID 9-1 F.Freeman led the way with 2 homers and 4 RBI. TID used 6 relievers in
the game who, for some unknown reason, were 10-14 games itchy and needed to throw.
Gm.3 TID 5-4 B.Zito picked up win #15 and R.Zimmerman and C.Quentin had 2 RBI each
(Quentin's on a 2-run homer).
Gm.4 TID 3-2 I.Nova went 9 innings and gave up 4 hits in a no-decision. Behind 2-1,
TID's E.Encarnacion tied it with an RBI hit in the 8th and TID won in the 10th on a bases
loaded walk to R. Zimmerman.
Gm.5 TID 1-0 F.Freeman singled in W.Venable in the 6th for the only run of the
game. W.LeBlanc got the win as he allowed 5 hits in 9 inns. K'd 6 and walked 0. TBB's
C.Sale gave up 4 hits over 7 innings and K'd 7 while walking 1.
With the exception of game 2, it was a tight series.
Louisiana vs Gulf Breeze
Cajuns and Rebels renew acquaintances with the usual result- a Cajun series win.
Gm 1: Lou 8-14-2 GB 7-12-2 One of those wild ones where no one apparently wanted to win the game.
Breeze tied things at 4 on a 2R Florimon single which is of course, impossible, but happened none
the less. Right back came the Cajuns on a Teixiera double and Kinsler following double to make it
7-4, but back came the beloved yet again with a 3 spot in the 8th yet it should have been worse.
Corporan's boot plated the first run, then with the bases loaded, Beckhma stroked an rbi 2 bagger,
yet for whatever reason someone (not naming any names here) passed Saunders on the base paths and
was declared out. Saunders got his act together and scored, but Beckham was gunnded down at 2nd
trying to stretch it. Let's see-
a 8-5-2-6-8-4-3-7 oh whatever double play. Regardless good guys tied it up at 7 and into the 8th
we went when PH Nix rattled a rbi 2 bagger for the eventual winner. Come on- Nix as a PH for
Lillibridge? Man,Medon is the best manager in the world even when he's not here! Romo came on
and the home team went out meekly for a 8-7 loss. Robertson blew the save and gave up 3 runs, but
backed into the win (4-2) while Romo captured his 30th save. Both Gordon and Beltran had a trio of
Cajun safeties. Beckham was 3 for 4 for the losers.
Gm 2: Lou 3-8-0 GB 13-17-0 Take that! Breeze teed off on Bud Norris (11-15) and plated 6 in
the 2nd to pretty much ice things. Morrow finally had a decent outing (8-9) and he was supported
by 2 LaRoche bombs (23), the 1B driving in 7 on a 5 for 5 day. Dunn (30) and Hanley Ramirez (23)
also went yard- where the heck has this been all year long? Gentry was also 3 for 5 for the victors.
Adrian Bel7-2 win. Hernandeztre had 3 Cajun base knocks.
Gm 3: Lou 9-12-0 GB 1-8-2 So happy with their game 3 win, the Breeze collapsed accordingly in
a game #3 Cajun blow out. Halladay pitched as the Halladay of old and is now a remarkable 14-8.
Saltalamacchia left the building twice (23) and Gordon rattled his 55th 2 bagger. Gentry was 3
for 4 for the good guys who played th first inning this way- lead off double. Single, runner
thrown out at home. Runner picked off 1st. Well- you get the picture.
Gm 4: Lou 2-5-0 GB 7-11-0 Breakup the Rebs! Felix was money yet again with a 7.2 IP
performance and Dunn stroked #31 in the easy Breeze victory. Hernandez whiffed 7 and walked
just one and is now 18-7 on the campaign. Florimon launched a triple to extend his hit streak
to one, and Nathan tossed the ninth in a non-save situation. Worley (7-14) was the loser.
Gm 5: Lou 7-10-0 GB 4-6-1 Cajun playoff hopes remain a possibility as they take the finale
and the series from the Breeze. The home finale for the good guys started Harrison and Pettitte
and the Rebs plated 3 in the 1st on big hits by Boesch, LaRoche, and Dunn. But that would be
close to it as Lou got off the deck in the 5th thanks to a Kinsler 3R HR (16) to make it 4-3,
then a large Teixiera rbi base knock in the 6th to extend the lead. Parnell and Romo (31st
save) closed it out and Harrison hung on after surviving the first, now 21-7.
So as Loomis would say in "Bad News Bears"- just wait 'til next year, Cajuns (and Bandits).
Seems we've been saying that a lot....
Chappaqua vs Stamford
COMETS TAKE FOUR OF FIVE FROM STAMFORD BUT ARE ELIMINATED NEVERTHELESS….AS GREENSBORO
TAKES THE NL EAST TITLE AND MOKENA CLINCHES THE WILD CARD
THE GREENSBORO GRASSHOPPERS WIN THE DIVISION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR HISTORY AS THE
COMETS, LAST YEAR’S DIVISION WINNER GOES HOME
Game 1
CHA 2 STA 1 10 innings
Jeff Francouer drove in Alex Rodriguez in the bottom of the 10th to give Chappaqua a 2-1
victory and keep the Comets slim playoff hopes alive. After Ryan Braun’s 41st HR of the year
put Stamford ahead 1-0, the Comets tied it in the 4th on a single by Desmond Jennings, who
stole second and scored on a single by Melky Cabrera. The game remained tied until the 10th
when A-Rod singled, stole second and scored on Francouer’s game winner.
Steve Cishek (4-4,2.33) won it in relief over K-Rod, Frankie Rodriguez (0-1). Comets starter
James Shields pitched 8 innings and struck out 8 but did not figure in the decision.
Game 2
CHA 11 STA 10
The Comets live for another day as they make an incredible comeback with 5 in the bottom
of the 9th to win it. It was a wild game with the Jays taking an early 3-0 lead as both
Tyler Moore (10) and Ben Zobrist (15) hit solo HRs off Ross Detwiler. Down 3-0, the Comets
rallied with 2 in the 5th and 4 in the 6th to take the lead against Felix Doubront. Melky
Cabrera’s double tied the game and Buster Posey put them ahead. In the 7th the Jays exploded
for 5 runs against Detwiler and ace reliever Ryan Cook who could not stop the rally. Aaron
Hill doubled to make it 8-6 and Justin Morneau added a 2 run HR (14) to make it 10-6. The
game went to the 9th with the Jays leading 10-6 and it looked like it was all
over for the Comets. But Chappaqua rallied big time as Ruben Tejada singled with the
bases loaded to make it 10-7. Nolan Reimold pinch hit a single to make it 10-8. Daniel
Murphy doubled to make it 10-10 and Buster Posey then got the game winner against Rex
Brothers (1-3…..2/3 IP 6 H 4R, 6.38). Ryan Mattheus (3-4) got the win after Cook had
his 5th blown save of the year
Game 3
STA 4 CHA 0
The Comets hopes ended in Stamford as Adam Wainwright (7-13) who has struggled much
of the season went 7 2/3 (7Ks) and three pitchers combined on a shutout for Stamford.
Jaime Garcia (8-7) took the loss. Zobrist and Ty Moore each had 2 hits to pace the Jays,
who also had three stolen bases. The loss eliminated the Comets and gave the division
title to Greensboro and the Wild Card to Mokena
Game 4
CHA 8 STA 3
The Comets came back from a 3-0 deficit and won easily. Justin Morneau’s 2 run HR put
the Jays ahead early, his 15th of the year. But the Comets got single runs in the 2d and
3rd and then scored 3 in the 5th and 3 in the 6th to take the lead for good. Pitcher Mike
Leake helped his own cause with a solo HR (1) in the 5th to tie it. Melky Cabrera then hit
a 2 run HR (11) to break the tie. Ruben Tejada (2) added a 2 run HR for insurance runs. Leake
(6-7) got the complete game victory, allowing 7 hits and striking out 4. Branson Arroyo
(7-12) took the loss
Game 5
CHA 3 STA 2
Nolan Reimold pinch hit a double in the bottom of the 9th to give the Comets a 3-2 win.
Trailing 2-0 in the 6th, the Comets tied it on another clutch hit – a double – by Jeff
Francouer. Starter Brad Lincoln left after 2 innings with an injury and will miss the
rest of the season. Mariano Rivera (2-0) got the win in relief as he pitched 2 hitless
innings. Rex Brothers (1-4) took the loss for the second time in the series. The Jays’
Juan Nicasio started and fanned 12 in 7 1/3.
Ben Zobrist had a double and triple for Stamford, the double was his 43rd of the season.
Stamford’s Ben Revere had his 43rd stolen base.
Comets are now 83-74. They trail Greensboro by 6 games in the NL East with the two
teams meeting next week in Greensboro in what is now a meaningless series. Stamford
is a disappointing 73-82, third in the NL East.
Coney Island vs Tampa
Coney Island takes 4 of 5 from Tampa
G1: 7-6 CI Coney Island scores 3 in the 9th to pull ahead for the win
G2: 8-7 TM Tampa wins it with a walk off hit in the bottom of the 11th by Lee
G3: 3-1 CI Milone moves to 14-3 on the season
G4:10-1 CI Rollins homers twice and Lohse wins his 21st game
G5: 2-0 CI Kuroda moves to 24-4 on the season. Nice pitching!!!
Greensboro vs Columbus
Sep't 22 - In the season's penultimate series, the Redbirds arrive in town to face the Hoppers.
Chris Volstad opens against Greensboro's Max Scherzer. The lead see-saws until the visitors plate
the go-ahead run in the top of the 9th, and hold on for the 9-8 victory. Wade Davis blows the Save
opp.
Sep't 23 - Chris Capuano faces Gavin Floyd in this one. Floyd is near-perfect as he tosses a 1-hit
4-zip shutout.
Sep't 24. Two southpaws in this one - Mike Minor faces Derek Holland. This one takes 11 innings
before Greensboro prevails 6-4. Holland tossed a shutout through 8, but manager Berger blows it
by leaving him in in the 9th after he'd given up 2 runs. He then promptly gives up another 2 to
blow the lead and almost the game. Reyes' 9th homer finally wins the game for Greensboro. Stanton
hits his 41st, Sal Perez hits his 14th, and Eduardo Nunez gets his 1st. Jones goes long for
Columbus, his 32nd.
Sep't 25 - Game 4 sees Phil Humber against Jon Lester. Lester gives a preview of next season as
he tosses a neat 6-1 6-hit complete game. Stanton hits his 42nd.
Sep't 26 - In the finale, it's Dan Haren against Clay Buchholz. It's a tough-fought game,
but Greensboro holds on and takes the 4-3 win. Prince hits only his 19th, but he drives in his
105th run as Stanton drives in his 112th.
The Hoppers take the final 3 of the 5, and now await the season finale with arch-rival Chappaqua.
Columbus heads to Stamford to close out the season.
Week of September 20
Gettysburg vs East Coast
Gettysburg wins 4 of 6 from East Coast.
Game 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Gettysburg 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 5 1
East Coast 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 X 3 6 1
W A.Burnett (10-6)
L S.Diamond (11-7)
Sv None
HR GET:. C.Kotchman (18)
ECR: P.Goldschmidt (17)
Game 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Gettysburg 0 7 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 10 13 0
East Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 7 1
W R.Dempster (18-9)
L D.Gee (6-7)
Sv None
HR GET:. D.Jeter (16), D,Freese (16)
ECR: None
Game 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Gettysburg 1 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 3 10 17 1
East Coast 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 4 1
W J.Vargas (15-9)
L E.Jackson (9-13)
Sv None
HR GET:. D.Jeter (17)
ECR: P.Goldschmidt (18)
Game 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Gettysburg 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 4 8 0
East Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
W J. Hughes (3-2)
L R.Porcello (2-7)
Sv None
HR GET:. J.Reddick (20)
ECR: None
Game 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Gettysburg 4 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 6 9 1
East Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 7 0
W R.Vogelsong (14-8)
L H.Alvarez (6-11)
Sv None
HR GET:. D.Jeter 2(19) J.Reddick (21)
ECR:
Game 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Gettysburg 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 7 0
East Coast 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 12 0
W J.Cruz (0-1)
L T.Hanson (9-13)
Sv None
HR GET:. T.Wigginton (6)
ECR: C.Snyder (2)
Chappaqua vs Columbus
a very ugly week of baseball as the comets came to columbus to take on the
redbirds. the 2 teams split in 1 run games but the remaining 3 games were not close
as the comets took 4 out of 5 from the birds. pitching continues to be the
acchiles heel of the birds.
Greensboro vs Stamford
The Stamford Jays disappointing season continues as they lose 4 of 5 to first place
Greensboro Grasshoppers.
Game 1
Grasshoppers 6
Jays 1
WP M Scherzer 14-8 LP F Doubront 2-8
Scherzer fans 8 for the win. Stanton has 3 RBI’s for Grasshoppers.
Game 2
Grasshoppers 6
Jays 4
WP C Capuano 13-6 LP A Wainwright 6-12
Although the Jays outhit the Grasshoppers they still lose. Phillips has a 3 run homer for
the Grasshoppers.
Game 3
Jays 2
Grasshoppers 1
WP R Brothers 1-2 LP S Doolittle 1-4
A pinch hit homer in bottom of the 10th by Youklis gives Jays their only win in the series.
Game 4
Grasshoppers 8
Jays 4
WP J Lester 3-5 LP U Jimenez 0-1
Grasshoppers’ starter Buerle is hurt in the 1st but 7 more Grasshopper pitchers hold jays in
check as they coast to win. Trout and Stanton have 2 RBI’s for the winners.
Game 5
Grasshoppers 5
Jays 2
WP D Holland 11-7 LP J Nicasio 2-2
Trout belts 3 run homer in the first as Fielder adds 2 RBI’s in the win.
Mokena vs Coney Island
NL West 1st (Coney Island) and 2nd (Mokena) place teams meeting in an interesting series,
with a 3-2 split for Coney Island BOTH teams can clinch postseason spots ... let's see how
they play out.
Game 1 - Mokena got off to a 4-0 lead after scoring 3 in the 3rd including a 2 run bloop
single by Belt. Cyclones come back with 3 in the 3rd (paced by Sandoval 2 run jack (7)).
Cyclones tie it in 6th on Pena PH HR (6). And then in the 14th, Berry leads off the bottom
half with a deep fly to the wall, it bounces out of Harper's glove and Berry scores the
winning run on a 4 base error.
WP LeCure (5-1), LP Gaudin (3-3).
Game 2 - Another extra inning game. Mokena up 3-1 after 3 run HR by Johnson (4) in the 4th.
Cyclones get 1 back in the 4th and then tie it in the bottom of the 9th on Uggla's 3rd hit
and 3rd rbi. Previously he drove in single runs on doubles. Bottom of the 10th, with Santiago
on 2nd and Sandoval on 1st, Pence flies out to RF, Santiago (10 runner) tags on Harper's 36 -
and just beats the throw. Next pitch - PB by Quintero (his 2nd of the game) and it's all over,
4-3 Coney Island.
WP - Lecure (6-1) (again), LP Jones (3-2) - Coney Island Magic # = 1.
Game 3 - For the 3rd straight game we go to extra innings. This time it is Mokena fighting
back from early deficits and tying the game in the 9th. Lots of baserunning magic to manufacture
runs - 4 SBs from Mokena and 2 sacrifices, but in the end, Santiago scores the winning run
in the 10th for the Cyclones when Romine comes through with the infield hit with the infield
drawn in. Another 4-3 Coney Island win - and the CHAMPAGNE is flowing (watch out for hangovers).
WP Holland (7-1) - came in with runner on 3rd and 1 out and got two Ks in the 10th. LP Jones
(3-3)
Game 4 - For the 1st time in the series we don't go to extra innings - but Coney Island did
not get to rest their starter. Kyle Lohse gave up 2 walks, including 1 in the first inning,
a Romine error allowed another runner, but that was it. He tosses a NO-HITTER and the offense
came through with 9 runs including a 2 run HR (14) from Cuddyer in the 1st. Cuddyer went on
to collect 4 rbis in the game. Mokena's hopes to clinch a wild card will go on hold this week.
WP Lohse (20-5) LP Marcum (10-2)
Game 5 - Roberts HR (15) in 2nd and McCutchen blast (29) in 4th gets Mokena up 2-0 off Kuroda.
They add another run in the 6th on Quintero single. Meanwhile Coney Island gets single runs in
the 4th, 5th and 6th to tie it at 3-3. Big Sandoval double in 7th plates 2 and the Cyclones go
on to win 5-3 for the series sweep.
WP Kuroda (23-4), S Lopez (24) LP Jones (3-4). Jones took the loss in 3 of the games in the
series.
Freeport vs Louisiana
GAME ONE
A pitching duel turned ugly at the end as the Cajuns broke open a 1-0 game
with 4 in the top of the 9th and then held off a furious Bandit rally to pick
up a 5-3 win in game 1. James McDonald and Chris Archer combined to allow just
2 hits and no runs over 7. Archer picked up the win as McDonald was tossed for hitting
Chris Heisey after Freeport Starter Cole Hamels had earlier plunked a pair of Cajuns.
L 5 9 2
F 3 5 1
W- Archer (1-0)
L- Hamels (15-9)
S- Parnell (5)
HR-F- Middlebrooks (17), Heisey (5)
GAME TWO
Louisiana jumped out to a 3-0 lead after 3, but Freeport picked up the offense from
there and fought their way to a 7-5 win.
Chris Heisey drove in three and Paul Konerko a pair to lead Freeport. Alfonso Soriano
had two hits and two RBI for the Cajuns
L 5 10 2
F 7 8 1
W- H. Santiago (3-2)
L- Robertson (3-2)
S- Chapman (27)
HR- L- Soriano (24), Beltran (29), Gordon (17)
F- Konerko (15)
GAME THREE
Cajuns scored 8 runs in the last four innings using a 15 hit attack to win game three
9-5. Alex Gordon went 4-5 and Beltran hit his 30th to pace the LOU attack. Konerko
drove in 3 for Freeport.
L 9 15 1
F 5 7 1
W- Crosby (1-0)
L- Stults (5-4)
S- Romo (29)
HR- L- Beltre (37), Soriano (25), Beltran (30), Teixeira (22)
F- Middlebrooks (18)
GAME FOUR
In a game diominated by the bullpens, Jayson Nix singled home Anthony Gose with the
walk off run in the 12th as the Bandits picked up the 5-4 win. Brett Wallace and Paul
Konerko had three hits each for Freeport. Erick Aybar had three hits for the Cajuns.
L 4 10 1
F 5 16 1
W- Chapman (5-8)
L- Hagadone (0-1)
HR-F- Wallace (7), Konerko (16)
GAME FIVE
Kris Medlen continued his amazing season, out dueling Cajuns 20 game winner Matt
Harrison as Freeport picked up the win in the rubber game of the series 2-1. Medlen
threw a 4 hit complete game, fanning 10 and lowering his ERA to 1.26. Freeport's 8-9
hitters, Parades and Maybin had four of the teams 5 hits. Josh Hamilton hit his 44th
homer to give Louisiana their only run.
L 1 4 1
F 2 5 1
W- Medlen (16-3)
L- Harrison (20-7)
HR- L- Hamilton (44)
Long Island vs Elmjack
Long Island clinches their 2nd straight AL East title as they take 5 of 6 from Elmjack.
Week of September 15
Jonesboro vs East Coast
Jonesboro takes 3 of 5 from East Coast.
Game1: R H E
Jon 2 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 8 0
ECR 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0
WP: R. Dickey (13-13)
LP: D. Phelps (4-5)
Game2: R H E
Jon 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 9 2
ECR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
WP: B. Colon (15-6)
LP: G. Richards (1-3)
Game3: R H E
Jon 1 0 0 0 2 2 1 0 2 8 18 0
ECR 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 7 0
WP: F. Garcia (1-2)
LP: H. Alvarez (6-10)
Save: J, Blevins (3)
Game4: R H E
Jon 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
ECR 2 0 1 0 1 0 2 1 X 7 16 0
WP: T. Hanson (8-13)
LP: R. Oswalt (0-2)
Game5: R H E
Jon 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 2 0 7 11 0
ECR 0 0 3 0 5 3 0 0 X 11 15 0
WP: J. Santana (5-2)
LP: S. Feldman (5-12)
Turtle Beach vs Tidewater
G1
J. V. outduels Cliff Lee and improves to 18-9 as the Bums win 3-1.
G2
CC improves to 10-8 as the Drillers win 3-2.
G3
Travis Snider doubles, triples, scores 2 and bats in 2 as the Bums win 7-2.
G4
Three long balls propel Nova and the Drillers to a 6-4 win to tie the series.
G5
Chris Sale improves to 14-11 as the Bums win 2-0 in spite of being out hit 5 to 2.
Arundel vs Long Island
Game 1 - Long Island wins 3-2 in 12. Descalso has 3 hits and a RBI.
Game 2 - Arundel wins 9-3 as Eovaldi gets the victory. Stubbs leads the way with
a HR and 3 RBIs.
Game 3 - LI wins 5-2 as Kennedy gets the win and Lopez the save.
Game 4 - Arundel wins 2-1. Bumgarners gets the win and McGee the save. Recker
has a Hr and 2 RBIs.
Game 5 - Arundel wins 7-1 as Price throws a complete game.
Chappaqua vs Stamford
The Stamford Jays host divisional rival Chappaqua Comets
Game 1
Comets 6
Jays 4
WP J Shields 17-11 LP F Doubront 2-7
Three Jay’s errors give Comets extra outs and as they take advantage pounding out 13 hits
but leave 13 runners on. Catcher Shoppach leads attack with 4 hits including a homer.
Braun adds 2 homers to his totals.
Game 2
Jays 4
Comets 1
WP A Wainwright 6-12 LP G Gonzalez 13-9
Jays bounce back behind complete game pitching of Wainwright. He yields 5 hits and fans
10. Jay’s catcher Suzuki belts 2 run homer.
Game 3
Comets 10
Jays 3
WP C Lewis 5-8 LP B Arroyo 7-11
Comets jump on Jays Arroyo early for 5 runs as they coast to easy win pounding 17 hits.
Homers come off the bats of Francoeur, Jennings and 2 by Posey.
Game 4 ( 11 innings)
Jays 7
Comets 2
WP J Nicosia 2-1 LP R Detweiler 7-8
Jays Nicosia pitches 7 effective innings yielding 6 hits. Hill and Zobrist have 2 RBI’s
each for the Jays.
Game 5
Comets 7
Jays 4
WP J Garcia 7-6 LP A Sanchez 7-10
Comets score early and are really in no trouble in game. Garcia fans 9 going 6 plus innings
for win. Jennings has 3 RBI’s and Posey adds a 2 run homer.
Posey has 3 homers and 6 RBI’s in the series.
Mokena vs Tampa
Game 1:
=======
Tampa 0-8-0
Mokena 2-7-0
Hudson vs Hernandez
Roerto Hernandez/Fausto Carmona (1-0) makes his 1st appearance of the year and goes 8 shutout innings for the
win. Harper goes 3-4 with a run to lead Mokena. AJ goes 2-4 for Tampa.
Game 2:
=======
Tampa 1-9-0
Mokena 4-10-0
Richard vs Noesi
Somehow Noesi (5-10) wins. This time he goes 6.1 giving up 9 hits but just 1 ER. McCutchen goes 3-4
with a homer 2 rbi and 2 runs scored for Mokena. AJ goes 2-4 again for Tampa. Richard drops to 11-14.
Game 3:
=======
Tampa 2-7-2
Mokena 3-7-0
Miley vs Quintana
Mokena plates 2 in the 8th to eek out the win. Quintana and Miley both pitch well but don't factor in
the decision. Hart homers for Tampa while McCutchen goes 2-4 for Mokena.
Game 4:
=======
Tampa 5-10-2
Mokena 6-14-1
Chen vs Teaford
Down 5-1 entering the 6th, Mokena scores 5 unanswered runs including a walkoff single in the 9th to win.
McCutchen goes 4-5 with 2 doubles, a homer, 3 rbi and 3 runs to lead Mokena. AJ goes 1-5 with a homer
and 2 knocked in for Tampa.
Game 5:
=======
Tampa 6-8-2
Mokena 7-8-0
Iwaiuma vs Francis
WOW! Mokena comes back for the 3rd straight game scoring 2 in the 9th to win this one after coughing
up 5 in the 8th. Doumit homers and drives in 2 for Mokena while Rutledge hits a grand slam for Tampa.
Brantley goes 3-5 for Tampa.
Mokena takes 5 of 5
Columbus vs Greensboro
the division leading grass hoppers came to columbus this week hoping (not hopping)
to improve their position with home field advantage in the up-coming playoffs. maybe
that was the distraction that worked to the redbirds advantage because they JUMPED
all over the grasshoppers in the first 2 games. it ended up getting the birds a little
cocky looking to sweep the hoppers but alas... the weak-spot (pitching) of the
redbirds this year became evident as it reared it`s ugly head in the remaining 3
games. they did, however manage to take 1 of the 3 last games and salvaged a 3-2 series
with greensboro, and possibly a measure of respect.
Week of September 9
Coney Island vs Tampa
Tampa came north to Coney Island and came to play ...
G1 - Ageless Tim Hudson (W 12-7) tosses a 4 hitter (1 ER) over 6.1 innings and the bullpen gives
up 1 more hit as the Stingrays take the series opener 3-1. Strop picked up his 24th save. Hart
provided 2 rbis on a single and SF. Hughes takes the loss (6-13).
G2 - Tampa was a little more dominant in this one, OK maybe a LOT more dominant, winning 10-3.
The 12 hit attack included a Schierholtz HR (10) and 3 hits each from Pierzynski and Lee. Richard
(W 11-13) was just a bear on the mound giving up 7 hits and 3 run (2 ER) in 8 innings and fanning
7. Sandoval did hit a 2 run HR (6) in the 4th (to cut the lead to 6-3). but with 3 3-run innings
the Stingrays stayed way out in front. Volquez took the loss (9-11).
G3 - Once again the Cyclones called on Tommy Milone (W 12-3) to right the ship and that he did.
Going 7 innings he gives up 7 hits, 1 run (a solo Hart HR [26]). When he left the game he had a
3-1 lead which Boogs and Mijares held, but Lopez comes in for the 9th and gives up run and
finally gets the final out with runners on 2nd and 3rd to secure his 20th save (whew - we
thought Boggs had problems). AGon (19th a 2 run blast) and Uggla (15 a solo shot) provided
the offense for Coney Island. Miley took the loss (7-10). Final score, 3-2 CIC.
G4 - Quick report here - Lohse pitches CG shutout for 3-0 Coney Island win (18-5). Rollins
gets 3 hits, Tampa gets 4. Chen (9-7) takes a tough loss.
G5 - The final score of 4-3 looks closer than it was - but actually at the end it WAS close -
as closer duties on the Cyclones has been a season long adventure. Coney Island took a 4-1 lead
into the 9th thanks to 2 rbis from Pence and Uggla's 3 runs (his line for the game: 0 for 0, 3
walks, 3 runs!. Kuroda (W 21-4) goes 7 inings, 6 hits, 1 run. Holland pitches the 8th fine, but
gives up a lead-off walk in the 9th. Pestano comes in and gives up 2 run HR (4) to Lombardozzi
(who had all 3 rbis for Tampa) to make it 4-3. After getting a couple of outs, Mijares gets the
last batter to seal down the win (S 4) and give Coney Island a 3-2 series win.
Tidewater vs Green Bay
Green Bay takes the first and last, Tidewater takes the middle 3.
Gm.1 GBG 5-4 H.Bailey picks up the win in relief to even his record at 10-10. N.Cruz crushes
a 9th inning homer that makes the difference. Encarnacion swats 2 long balls for TID.
Gm.2 TID 3-2 Tied in the 9th, M.Aviles walks, steals 2nd, goes to 3rd on a single and scores
on a PB for the game winner.
Gm.3 TID 6-3 6 runs on 6 hits. GBG commits 3 errors. 3 of the 6 hits were dingers, Zimmerman,
Encarnacion, and Aviles. Carrea, Cruz and Norris get 2 hits each for GBG.
Gm.4 TID 13-1 Drillers drill 7 homers among its 15 hits. Encarnacion gets 2 of them as
does BJ Upton.
Gm.5 GBG 4-0 H.Bailey did so well in the first game he picked up another win in the
last. A CG shutout with 7 K's. McDonald and Norris left the yard and accounted for 2 RBI each.
Gettysburg vs Jonesboro
1-Gettysburg takes game one, 1-0. Willingham hits number 29. Diamond(10-6) is the winner.
Dickey(12-13) the loser
2-Jonesboro wins 3-0. Colon(14-6) is the winner. O’Flaherty(31) gets the save. Ludwick(19)
and Rio(20) homer for the Crackers. Dempster(17-8) is the loser
3-Raiders win 5-4.Hughes(2-2) is the winner, Papelbon(31) gets the save. Freese(13) goes
deep for the Raiders. Ludwick(20) for the Crackers
4-Raiders win 6-4 in 11 innings. Smith(1-2) is the winner, Affeldt(1) gets the save. Brach
(1-5) is the loser. Freese(14) and Riddick(17) homer for the Raiders. Thole(1), Chavez(9) and Rivera(7) for the Crackers
5-Raiders win 6-2. Vogelsong(12-8) is the winner, Laffey(0-1) the loser. Willingham(30),
Kotchman(16) homer for the Raiders
Chappaqua vs Columbus
COMETS DROP THREE OF FIVE TO COLUMBUS PRETTY MUCH ENDING ANY PLAYOFF CHANCE
Game 1
CHA 2 COL 0
James Shields (16-11, 2.54) pitched a 3 hit complete game shutout, striking out and walking
none as the Comets took the first game of the series. The Comets offense consisted of solo HRs
in the second inning by Jeff Francouer (13) and Jack Hannahan (4). Chris Volstad (2-6) was the
hard luck loser.
Game 2
COL 3 CHA 1
Another pitcher’s duel but this one goes to the Redbirds. Gavin Floyd (13-6, 3.68) goes
7 innings, allowing only 7 hits and 1 run to get the win. Floyd struck out 7 and walked only
one. Garrett Jones pinch hit a 2 run HR (26) in the 8th , off Tazawa (2-4) to break a 1-1 tie
and even the series at a game apiece.
Game 3
COL 2 CHA 1 11 innings
Another great pitcher’s duel as Mike Minor (7 1/3 IP 6 H 1 R 0 W 10 Ks) and Colby Lewis
(8 IP, 2 H 1 W 9 K) battle it out into extra innings. Columbus took a 1-0 lead in the 4th
when Garrett Jones hit his 27th HR of the season and his second in two days. The Comets
tied it in the 8th on a Desmond Jennings double and an RBI single by Daniel Murphy. The
Redbirds loaded the bases with 2 out in the 10th but Ryan Cook fanned PH Eric Hosmer to
end the threat. In the top of the 11th, Garret Jones did it again- this time driving in
what proved to be the game winning run with his 19th double of the season. In the bottom
of the 11th, the Comets had a man on second with one out when Jeff Francouer flied to
right –pinch runner Justin Maxwell tried to go to third on the play and was nailed by RF
Michael Bourn to end the game. Luke Gregerson (2-2) got the win in relief. Steve Cishek
(3-4) took the loss.
Game 4
CHA 4 COL 1
The Comets even the series as Gio Gonzalez has another strong outing (7 IP, 5 H, 1 R ,
0 ER, 0W, 9 K) but leaves after 7 trailing 1-0. The Comets rally in the 9th against
starter and loser Beavan (11-12) and reliever Chad Durbin, scoring four runs. Hannahan
doubled in Posey to tie the game. Jose Tabata’s single put the Comets up 2-1 and Omar
Infante added two big insurance runs with his 9th HR of the year. The winner in relief
was MARIANO RIVERA (1 2/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0W, 2K) who made his first appearance of the
year. Mike Gonzalez got his second save.
Game 5
COL 4 CHA 3
A tough loss for the Comets who rallied from a 3-0 deficit to tie it before losing it.
Columbus took a 3-0 lead on a Brendan Ryan double and a 2 run HR by Aramis Ramirez, his
20th of the year. Chappaqua came back in the bottom of the 3rd when Jennings tripled
(his 10th), scored on a grounder to make it 3-1. Hannahan then doubled in a run to make
it 3-2. In the 5th, Chappaqua tied it. Jennings singled and then stole second – his
THIRTY FOURTH STRAIGHT stolen base. He scored on a double by Buster Posey who now has
103 RBIs.
In the 6th, Aoki singled in a run with two out and that proved to be the game winner.
Dan Haren got the win (9-11) (6 IP) as Gregerson got his 20th save. Mike Leake (4-7)
was the starter and loser.
Comets are now 72-70, second in the NL East but 8 games behind Greensboro with only 20
games to go. Chappaqua trails Mokena for the wild card by 10 games. Columbus is last in
the NL East with a 60-82 record. Next up: The Comets long home stand comes to an end as
they travel to Stamford to play division rival Jays. Columbus will host Greensboro and the
Comets will be rooting for the Redbirds in the hopes of keeping their very faint playoff
hopes alive.
Westchester vs East Coast
Game 1: Westchester 12, East Coast 2
Williams gets off to his usual start giving up two in the first, but Phelps doesn't look
much better as Scott laces a bases loaded triple to put 'bats up 3-2. Bottom second,
Cozart walks and Duda parks one, putting the homies up 5-2. Now the question is, how
much of a lead does Williams need not to self destruct and lose the game? Well, Martin
doubles and Wright jacks one to see what Williams really needs. At 7-2 Phelps is yanked
and in a strange move, A.J. Burnett who is not starting in this series, trots in from the
bullpen. Cooper gets a three run homer in the 7th and Williams actually looks like he's
coasting!
W-Williams (8-10); L-Phelps (4-4); HR- East Coast - none, Westchester Wright (19), Cooper (6),
Duda (14)
Game 2: Westchester 6, East Coast 2
Richards doesn't get out of the first inning as Wombats continue to pound out some hits
with 3 runs and 6 hits in 1/3 of an inning. Rockies bring in another starter and Porcello
gets out of the jam. Gonzalez loses control in the 2nd, but bad Rockies base running lets
him get out of it with only one run. little ball gets two more for Westchester, but East
Coast starts to claw back, but cautious baserunning limits them to one run. From here
both bullpens toss goose eggs and Rockies can't dig themselves out of their original hole.
Wi-Gonzalez (12-1); L-Richards (1-2); HR-none
Game 3: East Coast 8, Westchester 4
In the second inning, Mores throws out a runner at second as he tries to stretch a single
into a double, only interesting in that I can't remember the last time I saw this verbiage
end up in anything but a double and Morse also throws out castillo at the plate for two
assists in the same inning. Wise gets the Wombats first hit in the bottom of the second with
a solo blast into the bleachers. This seems to unsettle Alvarez as Martin walks and Cozart
homers to make it 3-0. Morse, he of the golden arm, fans and is ejected for arguing balls
and strikes. In the third Moustakas and Kipnis single and De Aza launches a Baltimore
Special to tie it at 3-3. Wombats take the lead again on fielder's choice. Rockies
tie it up in like fashion. Homers dominate in this game after being absent last time.
Goldschmidt puts the Rockies in front with a two run shot in the 8th. Cabrera puts it out
of reach with another two run homer in the top of the 9th.
W-Oliver (3-2), S-Patton (4); L-Grilli (4-1) HR-East Coast, De Aza (8), Cabrera (39);
Goldschmidt (14); Westchester - Wise (7), Cozart (12)
Game 4: Westchester 6, East Coast 2
Cano's 30th homer of the season gets 'Bats off to slim early lead. Westbrook can't take
advantage of the lead and loads the bases and then hits Span. that forces in a run, but
some deft fielding let's him escape with only one run. Westbrook loads them up again in
the third, but wiggles out of it, Manager Raizes thinking back to the days when Don Stanhouse
pitched relief for the Orioles and Earl Weaver used to call him "Full Pack" as he would go
through a pack of cigarettes during the inning that Stanhouse was on the mound, but I
digress....Martin comes to the plate, fully fed up with his pitcher and launches one to
get him back the lead. In the fifth Cano singles and Morse hits his first homer in umteen
games to pad the lead.In the 6th Kipnis singles and DeAza drives him home. Westbrook loads
them up again and Gonzalez steps in and whales one.....to the warning track and Gomez makes
a great catch to preserve the lead at 5-2. Nelson adds to the homer parade with a solo shot
in the 7th. Rockies put two on in the 9th, but ATchison comes in to shut them down.
W-Westbrook (12-11); L-Hanson (7-13); HR-East Coast - None, Westchester -Nelson (11), Cano
(30), Morse (8), Martin (17)
Game 5 East Coast 5, Westchester 1
Passed ball and a blooper give Rockies 1-0 lead in the second. runs are traded on little
ball and Young double coupled with sloppy wombat fielding make it 4-1 in the 4th. Wombats
load them up, but Victorino lines into a double play in the bottom of the 4th. Goldschmidt
launches one as the game begins to slide away. Santana pitches well into the 7th and then
puts runners on second and third and is lifted for Oliver; Wombats have no better luck
with him and go down 1-2-3. In the 9th, Wright singles and that is all.
W-Santana (4-2); L-Wilson (14-12); HR-East Coast Goldschmidt (15); Westchester -none
So Wombats take series 3-2 and go scoreboard watching the Gettysburg-Jonesboro series.
Next East Coast hosts Jonesboro and Westchester travels to Gettysburg for what could be
the season defining series for those two teams.
San Diego vs Mokena
Game 1:
=======
San Diego 2-5-3
Mokena 3-8-1
Kelly vs Noesi
Noesi (4-10) and Kelly both pitch good games but sloppy defense from San Diego allows Mokena to escape in
game 1. Ramirez goes 2-3 with 2 rbi for San Diego.
Game 2:
=======
San Diego 1-6-0
Mokena 2-6-1
Harang vs Quintana
Another strong game from both starting pitchers. Quintana (12-3) goes all 9 for Mokena while Harang (5-9)
goes 6.2 strong. Castro goes 2-4 with 2 rbi and Elliott Johnson 2-4 with 2 runs scored for Mokena.
Game 3:
=======
San Diego 2-7-0
Mokena 7-13-0
Guthrie vs Teaford
Teaford (4-4 with a 5.05 era) somehows wins again. Guthrie (5-10) was jacked for 12 hits and 7 ER over 5.1 innings.
McCutchen hits his 24th homer while going 3-4 wiht 4 rbi and 2 runs scored for Mokena.
Game 4:
=======
San Diego 5-10-1
Mokena 7-9-1
Strasburg vs Cain
A marquis matchup goes Cain's (14-7) way as Strasburg (6-11) goes just 5.2 IP allowing 5 ER. McCutchen
hits his 25th but Belt gets the headline as he goes 3-4 with 3 rbi and 2 runs scored. Viciedo hits
his 29th for San Diego. Ethier goes 3-5 in the losing cause.
Game 5:
=======
San Diego 0-7-2
Mokena 9-13-0
Bass vs Chen
Bass (0-6) goes just 2 for San Diego in the loss. Chen (13-8) goes 7 yielding no runs for Mokena. McCutchen
homers in the 3rd straight game and went 4-4 with 4 rbi and 2 runs scored. Dobbs knocks in 4 and homers
to help Mokena as well.
Game 6:
=======
San Diego 4-11-0
Mokena 0-4-1
Samardzija vs Francis
Samardzija (7-12) throws a shutout in the getaway game for San Diego. Moreland hits his 12th homer while
Fowler goes 3-4.
Mokena takes 5 of 6
Freeport vs Gulf Breeze
The Frito Bandits came to town and stole almost everything that wasn't nailed down in a 4-1
series success. Luckily the Gulf Breeze cheerleaders were all locked up after their 3 weeks in
Westchester so at least part of the franchise was saved. Freeport took the first 3 games by a
combined 20-3 count before Felix got a win and then the clubs played a tight one.
Gm 1: Fre 3-7-1 GB 1-5-0 Heisey and Kemp solo blasts were all that Hamels (14-8) would need
in a 3-1 opening win for the Bandits. Moorow (6-8) pitched well in defeat but the Breeze could
muster just an rbi (not a rbi) double by Dunn in the 4th. Chapman was called upon to get the
final out which he did for his 24th save.
Gm 2: Fre 9-8-1 GB 1-9-1 Rebels outhit the visitors 9-8, but Freeport took it where it
counts 9-1. Kemp (19), Wieters (18), and Peralta (13) all left the building in support of
Peavy (11-5). Once again, Rebs could tally just once on Saunders' rbi single.
Gm 3: Fre 8-14-0 GB 1-7-0 Apathy has set in as Bandits clobber the good guys again by a 8-1
count this time. Stults (5-3) got the win while Greinke (8-10) lost yet again. More HR action
for the road team as Maybin (!0), Wieters (19), and Peralta (14) all went yard. Cashner will
miss the next 10 days with an elbow.
Gm 4: Fre 6-5-1 GB 10-9-1 It was King Felix again for the Breeze. You may remember his no
hitter of last week,and this week he was perfect through 5 before Heisey broke it up. Herandez
(17-5, 1.96) allowed 3 runs in the frame but an earlier snowman in the 4th was all the Breeze
would need. Adam Kennedy (you remember him?) had his 3rd long ball of the campaign and LaRoche
punched #17. Bad guys equaled us in HR with Kelly Johnson (18) and Wallace (5) doing the
honors. Josh Johnson (9-13) took th eloss.
Gm 5: Fre 4-11-0 GB 3-10-1 Best game of the lot as both teams score early and often before
things got tight after the 3rd. Jayson Nix finished 4 for 5 (now at .195) and for some unknown
reason, Freeport did not homer. But Lowrie (17) and Dunn (26) did so for the good guys.
Freeport pen was perfect over the final 3 frames, Chapman getting his 25th save in support
of Matt Harvey (6-2), Maholm (8-10) lost it,
So the Breeze checks in with the 2nd worst batting average in the league (.231), yet has
walked more than any team with 538. Of course they've whiffed an incredible 1260 times to
offset that. Freeport returns home to square off against Beantown this week while Gulf Breeze
heads to the Evil Empire.
Long Island vs Glab
Long Island drops the opener to Glab and then wins the next 4 games. Game 5 was
rained out. The Ducks got back to back shouts in games 4 and 5 by Jeremy Helickson
and Johnny Cueto.
Greensboro vs Stamford
Stamford Faces the Hoppers in Hoppertown
September 5 - The stumbling and very tired Hoppers host the Stamford Jays. Stamford opens
with Felix Doubront against wily vet Mark Buehrle. It's a real see-saw battle with the lead
changing hands 3 times before the Hoppers plate the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 8th to
take the game, 4-3. Trout and Stanton go long for the Good Guys as Jansen blows the Save
opportunity for the Jays.
September 6 - Juan Nicasio faces spot starter Neftali Feliz in game 2. Greensboro takes
this one, 8-2, as Dylan Bundy makes his BBW debut, pitching the 8th and 9th and getting his
first BBW hit (he's not batting .1000). Stanton hits 2 more (33rd and 34th), Pedro hits his
23rd, and Heyward hits his 16th. Morneau hits #13 for the Jays.
September 7 - 2013 ace Adam Wainwright starts game 3 for Stamford, facing struggling Jon
Lester. Stamford returns the favor from game 2, taking this one by the identical 8-2 score
despite 2 more homers by Giancarlo (he now has 36). Zobrist, Hill, and Moore go yard for
the Jays.
September 8 - Anibel Sanchez takes the hill for Stamford, trying to even the series.
He's opposed by the other Hopper spot starter, Kyle McPherson. BBW's engine is stuck as
this one almost duplicates the prior 2 games - this time the Hoppers come out on the long
end of the stick, winning by an 8-3 score, thanks to excellent relief work and Prince's 17th
(he will wind up far short of his actual homers) and Castro's 5th. Stamford gets long balls
from Hill (#27), Jaso, and Chisenhall (#17).
September 9 - The finale gets Bronson Arroyo against the tired Clay Buchholz. Stamford
takes it 10-5, as Buchholz is hit hard. Jaso hits his 10th.
Greensboro takes the series 3 games to 2 and now heads to Columbus as the Jays head home
to host the Comets.
Turtle Beach vs Tidewater
Game 1
J.V tosses a 2 hitter as the Bums win 3-1.
Game 2
Walker, Montero, and Seager go yard as Pike City wins 5-3.
Game 3
CG one hitter for Yovani Gallardo as the Bums win 7-0. Grandy and Longo hit a pair of homers, each.
Game 4
Young Justin Turner goes 8 innings as the Bums win 10-1.
Game 5
Chris Sale goes to 13-11 as the Bums win 4-1.
Week of September 3
Tidewater vs Pike City
Tidewater takes series 4-1 over Pike City.
Gm.1 TID 9-2 W-C.Lee (6-9) Z.Britton (2-5) A 4-RBI day by R.Zimmerman helps propel TID
to victory.
Gm.2 TID 9-6 W-T.Clippard (3-0) L-G.Perkins (3-8) Homers by A.Jones and A.Craig helped
PIK stay even with TID and force extra innings. But R.Zimmerman blasted a walk-off 3-run homer
in the 10th to give TID the win.
Gm.3 TID 3-2 W-J.Lindblom (4-3) L-M.Melancon (2-5) 2-run double by E.Encarnacion in
the 1st gave B.Zito a lead he kept till J.Bruce lofted one over the wall in the 8th to bring
PIK even at 2-all. Encarnacion then crushed his 36th homer in the bottom of the 8th and TID
held on to win.
Gm.4 PIK 12-3 W-A.Cobb (8-12) L-I.Nova (8-15) Pioneers riddle TID pitchers for 15 hits.
K.Nieuwenhuis is 2-4, leaves the yard and collects 4 RBI. N.Hundley goes 3-4 goes deep and
picks up 5 RBI. Kotsay, Bruce and Jones all get 2 hits each.
Gm.5 TID 4-3 W-Skaggs (3-3) L-T.Chatwood (5-13) PIK strikes first on a Hundley long
ball that nets 2 and they tack on one more in the 3rd to take a 3-0 lead. But 5 BB in 4.2
innings give TID too many chances and they take advantage of them. And when C.Quentin triples
in 2 more in the 5th to make it 4-3, it's all over.
Good series for Zimmerman 7-22 .318 9 RBI HR
AND Encarnacion 8-22 .364 8 RBI 3 HR and 3 SB
Gulf Breeze vs Beantown
Division rivals Beantown and Gulf Breeze matched up this week for a 5-pack. Buoyed
by the return of their not so faithful cheerleaders who had been on loan to Westchester,
the Breeze picked up 4 victories including a Felix Hernandez no hitter.
Gm 1: Bea 4-7-2 GB 3-6-1 Cole De Vries (2-4) pitched well for the visitors and
Trumbo enjoyed a 3 for 4 day in the opening Bomber victory. De Vries notched 7 innings
allowing just a 3R Saunders clout (7) accounting for all the damage. Gorzelany came
on for the final 2 frames and saved his 5th of the season. Morrow (6-7) took the
loss in what has been a very disappointing season for him. Adam Dunn got his average
back over .180 with a 2 for 3 day and Charlie Blackmon contributed 2 hits, a run, and
a rbi (or is it an rbi?) for the victors.
Gm 2: Bea 2-6-2 GB 6-10-1 Breeze pounds out 10 hits and 2 costly Beantown miscues
led to a 3 R home third which basically ended the game. In the frame, Florimon poked
a single to left to score one, but Kalish kicked it around allowing another one. So
frustrated was C.Young on the hill that he booted the next soft grounder right back
to him and it was a 3-2 GB lead. M.Rogers won for the 6th time against 4 defeats and
a quintet of relievers allowed just 1 hit the rest of the way. Saunders has decided
to show up here in the final month with 3 hits, raising his average to .209. IN a
weird "Only the game engine knows for sure" Hanley Ramirez had his 25th error for GB.
Read on.
Gm 3: Bea 2-7-1 GB 6-11-2 It was de ja vu all over again as the Breeze took another
6-2 victory. Greinke tossed a CG and is now 8-9, while Villaueva took the loss (7-11).
Down 2-0, Breeze scored the next 6 with LaRoche having a pair of 2 out rbi singles and
Boesch smoking a solo blast (10). Dunn (23) also left the building. From your game
#2 notes and speaking of de ja vu, Ramirez made his 25th error (again). Maybe the
official scorer changed something overnight?
Gm 4: Bea 0-0-0 GB 9-12-0 Felix Hernandez was perfect into the 9th when he hit the
lead off man (Alex Gonzalez) who will now miss the rest of the season or 26 days,
whichever comes first. But afte the HBP, Felix was dominant still and ended it with
9 whiffs, no hits, and no walks. He's now 16-5 with a 1.94 ERA, a fantastic season
where there hasn't been that much to cheer about. Saunders (8), Dunn (24), and
Boesch (11) all left the building.
Gm 5: Bea 1-6-0 GB 9-15-0 Breeze mounts their best hit attack in many moons and
Maholm (8-9) had another fine start in the finale. Joe Saunders was knocked around a
little (8-15) for Beantown and the visitor offense was ineffective again except for
E.Escobar (2 for 2 with a triple and a run). Dunn (25) smoked a gran slam off "just
into the game" Gorzelany and that ended things in the 7th, GB scoring 3 more in the
8th for the final margin. Hanley Ramirez did not make his 25th error again in this
one.
This week, division leading Freeport comes to town as the Breeze lineup is full of Ws
and Bs (know what I mean- i.e. "can anyone here play in this game?"). Beantown returns
home to take on Louisiana.
Westchester vs Gettysburg
Raiders charge up to Westchester for crucial, dare I say critical or at least somewhat
important, series as both teams claw for Western Division lead. Gulf Breeze and Louisiana
are scoreboard watching during the entire series.
Game 1: Westchester 10, Gettysburg 8
Wombats start the always unreliable Jerome Williams to see if they can get 5 decent
innings. He doesn't disappoint (the raider fans) giving up a solo blast to Wilingham
in the first. more hits in the second, but some bad baserunning and the Raiders only
are up 2-0. Wombats get one back in the third on Wright double. Wright gets picked off,
Duda singles and Cooper drives him in to tie it.Pennington comes in off the bench to
rest Cozart and drives in a run to give the Wombats a temporary lead. all that work
at Reddick ties it up with one swing of the bat. Molina triple then makes it 6-3.
Jeter throwing error gets Wombats back in at 6-5 Arrendondo walks in a run to make
it 7-5. Molina drives in another and the game starts slipping away from the homies.
Timely hitting by Cano and Nelson and 3 raider errors let Wombats sneak back in with
5 in the 8th. A strange 9th inning as the usually reliable atchison puts runners on
first and third with no one out. Miller III pinch hits and then pinch hits for the
pinch hitter (has anyone seen this before?). Next batter flies out to Morse and the
runner on third is held. Next batter hits into a DP and Wombats escape with bizarre win.
W-Arrendondo (2-1), S-Atchison (24); L-Fien (0-2); HR: Gettysburg-Willingham (27),
Reddick (16); Westchester-none.
Game 2: Westchester 4, Gettysburg 0
Gonzalez does his Jerome Williams impression, loading them up in the first, but pitches
out the jam, thanks to hesitant baserunning by Raiders. In the third Gomez singles,
Victorino triples and Wright doubles to make it 2-0. in the 4th Votto walks and Martin
homers to put bat's up 4-0. In the sixth Raiders start a rallye with two on and no one
out, but Theriot his a DP ball to Cano and DeJesus fans. Kelly and Burnett pitch 1-2-3
in the 8th and 9th.
W-Gonzalez (11-1); L-Dempster (17-7) HR-Gettysburg none, Westchester -Martin (16)
Game 3: Westchester 3, Gettysburg 2
Again Raiders draw first blood with Jeter single and Willingham homer. Wombats get it
back with Willigham error and it's 2-2 after 3. Bottom 6, Wrigth walks and works his
way to third and scores on Gomez' single. Not dramatic, but we'll take it. Fister
settles down after a rock first and pitches 7 shutout innings. Atchison has a 1-2-3
9th to nail it down.
W-Fister (14-4), S-Atchison (25); L-Rodriguez (17-8); HR-Gettysburg Willingham (28);
Westchester -none
Game 4: Gettysburg 9, Westchester 5
Raiders score first (again) as Jeter singles, Freese is hit by a pitch and Willngham
(becoming a real thorn in the wombat hide), singles.Westbrook loads them up gets two out
and then Kotchman doubles to make it 4-0 in the first. Wombats cut the lead in half as
Wright singles and Cano connects. However, Molina homers and a whole bunch of guys wearing
Gettysburg uniforms single and doulbe and single and suddenly it's 7-2. Bottom 5, Nelson
singles and Gomez homers and it's a ballgame again at 7-4. Top of the 6th, Willingham
(again), Theriot and Molina get the runs back and it's 9-4 Wombats get one back, but
Raiders are not going to let this one get away and bullpen shuts down the home boys.
W-Vargas (13-9); L-Westbrook (11-11); HR-Gettysburg -Molina (12); Westchester - Cano (29),
Gomez (14), Duda (13)
Game 5: Gettysburg 6, Westchester 1
Vogelsong loads them up in the second with no one out, but pitches out the jam thanks to
some bad Wombat base running and escapes with just one run. Wilson gets wild and loads them
up and Jeter singles in the tying run. in the fifth Wilson loads them up again, but this
time, no rescue as Jeter connects for a grand slam. Jeter is now officially the biggest
pain for the Wombats in the series. That sort of does in the home team and Affeldt et al
cruise for the rest of the game.
W-Vogelsong (11-8); L-Wilson (14-11); HR-Gettysburg Jeter (15); Westchester - none
So although Wombats start out fast winning first three, Raiders rally to take last two and
Wombats can extend their division lead by only one game. Next, Gettysburg travels to Jonesboro
and Wombats host East Coast. Gulf Breeze takes on fearsome Freeport, but should have their
cheerleaders back by then (we bought them first class tickets on the Greyhound) and Louisiana
travels to Beantown.
Chappaqua vs Greensboro
COMETS TAKE FOUR OF SIX FROM HOPPERS IN A HUGE DIVISION SERIES AS COMETS KEEP
THEIR VERY SLIM PLAYOFF HOPES ALIVE
Incredible pitching in this series….. and check out Gio Gonzalez with TWO one hitters!
And check out the TRIPLE PLAY BY GRE in Game 6.
Game 1
CHA 3 GRE 0
Gio Gonzalez (12-8,2.27) pitched a complete game one hitter as the Comets won the opening
game over Mark Buehrle (9-9) and Greensboro. For the Comets lefty ace, it was the second
spectacular outing in a row, having pitched 6 one hit innings in his last start. So Gio
has now allowed only 2 hits and 1 run in his last 15 innings. The Comets offense came on
three solo HRs, by Alex Rodriguez (18), Jeff Francouer (11) and Melky Cabrera (9). A Rod
and Francouer homered back to back.
Game 2
GRE 4 CHA 2 13 innings
Another great pitchers duel..this time between Kyle McPherson and 6 GRE relievers on the
one hand and Chris Tillman on the other. The Hoppers McPherson went 6 innings allowing only
2 runs. Tillman went 8 2/3 allowing only 4 this and 2 runs. The Hoppers won the marathon on
a 13th inning 2 run HR by Giacarlo Stanton (31). Wade Davis (5-1) got the win in relief.
Sean Marshall got the save, his 4th. Ryan Cook (5-4) took the loss. Jason Heyward hasd a
HR (15) for the Hoppers. The Comets got dingers from A-Rod (19) and Francouer (12), both
hitting HRs for the second day in a row. Desmond Jennings of the Comets stole his 33rd
base of the year, all consecutively!
Game 3
CHA 1 GRE 0
A great pitcher’s duel as the game goes to the 9th at 0-0. Clay Bucholz (7-11) pitched a
complete game for the Hoppers but lost it in the bottom of the 9th when Daniel Murphy got an
RBI single with one out to drive in pinch runner Dee Gordon with the winning run. Comets James
Shields (15-11, 2.65) pitched a 3 hit complete game shutout, walking one and striking out 10.
Game 4—1st Game DH
CHA 2 GRE 1 12 innings
The great pitching continued as once again the teams went to the 9th at 0-0 – and this time
stayed that way through 10. Each team scored in the 11th and the Comets then won it in the
bottom of the 12th on a pinch hit single by Marwin Gonzalez scoring pinch runner Jose Tabata.
Omar Infante’s lead off triple (Tabata ran for him) was the big hit.
The starters in this one were Chris Capuano for Greensboro (9 IP, 2 H, 2 W, 6 K) and Ross
Detwiler for Chappaqua (3 IP 1 H ). Detwiler left the game with an injury in the 4th and
is expected to miss at least two starts. Brad Lincoln, Tazawa, Cook and Steve Cishek (3-3)
excelled in relief, allowing only 5 hits and 1 run over 9 innings.
The victory was costly for the Comets. Not only did they lose Detwiler (3.42 ERA) but Alex
Rodriguez was also injured. A-Rod who is hitting .302 with 19 HRs is expected to miss up to
two weeks.
Game 5 -2G DH
GRE 4 CHA 1
The Hoppers win the nightcap as Max Scherzer goes 6 solid innings, allowing only 3 hits
and 1 run, while striking out 7. Casey Janssen got his 12th save. Colby Lewis (4-8) started
for the Comets and was battered around in the 1st inning as Greensboro scored three times on
a Prince Fielder RBI single and a 2 run HR (22) by Pedro Alvarez. Lewis settled down after
that and did not allow another run, while striking out 9 in 7 innings. Greensboro made four
errors but it did not cost them as Scherzer and three relievers shut down the Comets
Game 6
CHA 1 GRE 0
Desperately needing a win, the Comets got their third shutout victory of the series and
their second 1-0 win. And once again, they won it in the bottom of the 9th – this time on a
bases loaded two out single by pinch hitter Eric Young. More incredibly, Gio Gonzalez pitched
his second consecutive one hitter. Gonzalez walked three and struck out 8 in shutting down
the Hoppers for the second time in the series. Gio has now allowed only 3 hits and 1 run
over his last 24 innings! Perhaps the most incredible pitching streak in WIBL history.
Derek Holland (10-6)pitched a complete game for GRE and was the hard luck loser.
The game featured an incredible TRIPLE PLAY by Greensboro. In the 7th inning, the Comets
had runners on first and second and none out. On a line drive to centerfield, Mike Trout
made a spectacular diving catch coming in on the ball in CF, got up and threw to 2B Phillips
for the double play. The relay to first tripled the runner off first. TRIPLE PLAY FOR
GREENSBORO!
The triple play was the first in WIBL this season.
Gio Gonzalez’s two one hitters made it 20 one hitters in WIBL this season. It was the third
one hitter of the year for the Comets, with Chris Tillman having accomplished the feat
against Mokena on July 28. There have been 6 no hitters in WIBL this season, with Tidewater’s
Barry Zito pitching the most recent one on August 27. The others: Wandy Rodriguez (GET),
Jake Peavy (FRE), Rodriguez AGAIN!, Jered Weaver (TBB).
With the 4-2 series win, the Comets are now 70-67, 7 games behind division leading Greensboro
(77-60). CHA also trails Mokena by 9 games in the wild card race, awaiting the results of Mokena’s
series this week against Tampa. With 25 games to go, the Comets chances of catching Greensboro
are slim- but with 5 season ending contests against them in Greensboro, there is still hope.
Next week: Greensboro hosts third place Stamford while Chappaqua hosts last place Columbus.
The season will finish out with all division games: Chappaqua at Stamford, at Columbus,
home against Stamford and then at Greensboro. Greensboro will be home against Stamford and
then go to Columbus and Stamford before finishing at home against Columbus and Chappaqua.
Coney Island vs San Diego
Wacky series - shaky bullpens (San Diego is notorius for that but it seemed that it was
contagious this week), injuries ...
Game 1 - This one was a tight game, 3-2 Coney Island as Cyclones score winning run in the bottom
of the 8th when Sandoval reached on an error, Pierre pinch running worked his way to 3rd and scores
on a AGon double (AGon earlier HR (18) in a 2 run 4th. Keppinger goes 3 for 4 with rbi. Hammel
goes 7.2 and takes the loss (8-6) giving up all 3 run (2 ER) and fanning 13 - yes 13. Boggs (8-1)
picks up the win in relief, Lopez gets another save (19)
Game 2 - San Diego wins this one 8-4, but it never seemed that close. A 14 hit attack (pounding
Hughes [L 6-12) and Lincecum) was led by Altuve, Viciedo, and Keppinger - each having 3 hits.
Viciedo (19) add a HR to his mix. Conger got 3 rbis - but also was carried off the field on a
stretcher after a collision at home when Ruiz scored. Guthrie pitched 7, giving up 10 hits a 3
runs, fanning 6 for the win (5-9). He gave up 2 HRs (Uggla -14, Kubel - 15).
Game 3 - OK, if San Diego was going to score a bunch, the Cyclones needed to follow suit - and
they did in this one scoring 7 runs in the 7th to break open a 5-1 game (okay, that's not really
a tight score, but after the 7th it was no contest), on route to a 12-3 win. 3 injuries occurred
in this one. In the 1st AGon was decked and left the game. When he was hit it out 2 runners on
and Cuddyer not happy with Bass for sending AGon home, slammed one over the wall for a 3 run shot,
a 3 run lead and his 13th dinger of the year. In the 4th, Viciedo was looking for a highlight
real on a fly ball hit by Laird - he caught the ball and the wall and missed the next 2 days.
Seth Smith goes in to play for him. In the 7th he duplicated Viciedo's attempt, but when he
smacks the wall, the ball rolls away - and so does Smith for 7 days (ouch). Odd event, Milone
hits 2 Armadillos - neither one injured - both after AGon got hit - and no ejection (lots of
warnings going on however).
Great managerial decision of the game - in the 7th Pence is given an intentional walk (to put 2 on) to face Pena (in for AGon - already with 2 hits in the game) and he goes over the wall for 3 of the 7 runs in the inning and his 5th homer of the year. Keppinger goes deep off Holland in the 8th for HR #12 (and continues his hot hitting in the series).
WP - Milone (11-3), 7 hits in 7 innings (1 R, 0 ER). LP Bass (0-5)
Game 4 - OK enough of the run scoring, let's see a pitchers' duel. Strasburg vs. Lohse. Both
guys go 7 innings, Strasburg gives up 5 hits, 2 runs - both earned - fans 8. Lohse gives up 2
hits (including a solo HR to, YEP, Keppinger (13) in the 2nd). Coney Island scored 1 in the 1st
on AGon double and got the go ahead run in the 4th on a Holt rbi single. However, in the 9th,
Pestano gives up a lead off HR to Grandal (5) which ties the game (and Blown Save #2). Another
hit and he's out of the game, but Lopez cools things down - and maintains that cool through the
10th. Hendriks comes on for the 9th for San Diego and he too gets the side down in order. Brings
up to the bottom of the 10th, Hendriks still on the mound, Navarro batting and he singles. Berry
brought in to PR - he steals 2nd. Inge then bats one sloooowly up the middle that clears the
infield, Berry streaks around 3rd and beats the throw home for a 3-2 Coney Island win.
WP Lopez (2-2), LP Hendriks (1-2)
Game 5 - OK - pitchers' duel out of the way. We have Samardzija vs Kuroda - wait - again it's
a pitchers duel. Both guys leave after 7 with the score tied 1-1 and each guy has given up 4
hits. So how come the final score is 8-5 (with 12 more hits and 5 walks over the last two innings).
And if Yu Darvish (coming in from the bullpen) hadn't struck out Navarro to end the game - with 2
runners on - the game might still be going on. San Diego scored 4 in the 8th when LeCure looked
like an Armadillo out of the pen and 3 more in the 9th! With an 8-1 lead going into the bottom
of the 9th it looked dismal at best, but Coney Island plated 4 before Darvish faced his one batter.
By the way, for Darvish that was his 2nd relief appear of the year and his 2nd save. Samardzija
got the win (6-12), LeCure the loss (4-1).
HR Fowler (8). Keppinger only went 1 for 4 but got 2 rbis.
Columbus vs Stamford
an inter divisional contest between the jays and the red birds took place in columbus
this week. neither team is going on to the playoffs but team pride was at stake. two games
were decided by 1 run with both teams splitting but in the end ,stamford had the upper
hand winning 2 of the last 3 games handily and taking the series 3 games to 2.
Week of August 29
Coney Island vs Stamford
The Jays hopes for the season goes down as they lose 4 of 5 to the first place Cyclones
Game 1
Cyclones 3
Jays 0
Four Cyclone pitchers shut out Jays bats
Game 2
Cyclones 9
Jays 2
Cyclone bats easily handle the Jays pitchers led by Ruiz - 3 hits, Rollins - 3 hits and
Gonzalez 4 hits
Game 3
Cyclones 4
Jays 1
T Milone goes the distance for the win.
Game 4
Cyclones 8
Jays 7
Back and forth game with several lead changes. A costly Jays error gives Cyclones 2 unearned
runs for the win.
Game 5
Jays 10
Cyclones 5
Jays beat up a weary Kuroda hitting three homers.
Westchester vs Glab
It's very depressing after taking 4 of 5 on the road and having the delectable Gulf Breeze Rebel
cheerleaders defect to your side only to return home and find that you have actually lost a game
in your bid for the devision championship as Raiders went 5-0. Such is life in the big leagues.
Wombats buckle down (not that wombats have much to buckle with, perhaps I should say Wombats dig
in to take on the Glab Owls who swoop in for a series. Then realize it's the week of the
grandson's first birthday and wife's 65th birthday, so after first game, writeups are truncated
with my apologies.
Game 1: Westchester 6, Glab 3
Doubles by Upton and Reynolds give Owls quick lead off Williams (everyone gets a quick
lead off Williams). Bottom of the 4th Cano walks and Luke Scott homers (a thrill for
all except Masterson). Russel Martin gets a single shot against Masterson. He seems
distracted by the purloined Gulf Breeze cheerleaders and gives up lots of hits and three
more runs in the 5th. Williams is cruising in the top of the 7th, but Loney brings him back
to earth with a 2 run shot and suddenly it's 6-3. Williams settles down and Atchison comes
in for the save.
W-Williams (7-10), S-Atchison (23); L-Masterson (3-16)
HR-Glab: Loney (6); Westchester: Scott (7), Martin (14)
Game 2: Glab 4, Westchester 2
Davis starts out with leadoff homer to give Owls another early lead. Solo shot by Wright
ties it up. Three run error by Duda lets Owls get the lead again at 4-1. Happ gives up 8
hits over 6 innings, but Wombats are inefficient generating only 2 runs on 9 hits and can't
do much of anything.
W-Happ (6-7), S-Kimbrell (30); L-Fister (13-4)
HR-Glab: R. Davis (6); Westchester: Wright (17)
Game 3: Westchester 13, Glab 2
Lannan, having observed the 'bats somnalent performance in yesterday's game, calls for an
early curfew and enforced bed checks and promises a really nice lunch if the locals will do
better for him that they did for Fister. Wombats pay attention jumping all over Bauer for 13
hits and 6 walks in 4 1/3 innings. Wright and Cano have 3 hits each and 3 other Wombats
have multihit games.
W-Lannan (2-5); L-Bauer (1-2)
HR-Glab: 0; Westchester: Victorino (8); Wright (18)
Game 4: Westchester 8, Glab 1
Westbrook takes the same approach as Lannan and Wombats continue their assault. He neatly gives
each of the Owls one hit, except Espinosa who strkes out three times. Victorino goes 3 for 5
and Cano drives in 4.
W-Westbrook (11-10); L-Lyles (1-8)
HR-Glab-0; Westchester: Cano (28); Flores (4)
Game 5: Westchester 9, Glab 3
Wombats strike early and often as Wilson scatters 7 hits and strikes out 10. it's 5-1 after 4
and Wilson allows threats, but no real damage. Wright continues his hot streak going 4 fo 4 and
Upton has two dingers for the Owls.
W-Wilson (14-10); L-Parker (10-9)
HR-Glab- J. Upton 2 (13); Westchester: Votto (11, how odd is that); Martin (15)
So Wombats take four of five and get ready for crucial (critical, must win, reaallly important)
series against Gettysburg while Owls wing off to Arundel.
Chappaqua vs San Diego
CHAPPAQUA TAKES FOUR OF FIVE FROM SAN DIEGO
Game 1 CHA 6 SDA 5
Gio Gonzalez pitches 6 one hit innings and leaves with 4-1 lead. Comets reliever Brad Lincoln
blows the save in the 7th, allowing 4 runs as San Diego takes a 5-4 lead. Comets come back with
2 in the bottom of the 7th off Resop (5-5, BS 5) to win it. Lincoln (2-6) gets the win. Ryan Cook
gets his 21st save with 2 shutout innings. Daniel Murphy was the offensive star for CHA going 3-4
with a HR (5) and 3 RBIs. Buster Posey also homered, his 29th. Posey now batting .298 with 99
RBIs. Andre Ethier hit his 20th of the year for SDA
Game 2
CHA 1 SDA 0 10 innings
An old fashioned pitchers duel between Taylor Cloyd and James Shields. Cloyd goes 9 innings,
allowing only 3 hits while striking out 10. The Comets Shields goes 8 innings, allowing only 2
hits, no walks and fanning 7. Comets break the scoreless tie in the 10th on Brayan Pena’s pinch
hit single off Hendriks (1-1). Steve Cishek (2-2) gets the win in relief. Comets steal four
bases.
Game 3
CHA 5 SDA 4
Comets jump out to a 4-0 lead in the second against Steven Strasburg. San Diego chips away at the
lead, scoring 2 in gthe 5th off Comets starter Ross Detwiler, 1 in the 8th off reliever Cishek and
tie the game against Ryan Cook in the 9th, as Cook blows his 4th save of the year. Comets win it in
the bottom of the 9th against Resop (5-6) who loses his second game of the series. Jose Altuve (10)
and Mitch Moreland (10) homer for SDA. Omar Infante has a big day for the Comets going 2-4 with 3
RBIs including the game winning hit in the bottom of the 9th. Dee Gordon stole 2 more bases and
now has 13 for the season.
Game 4
CHA 4 SDA 3
Comets get their fourth straight one run victory as Resop (5-7) loses it in relief for the third time
in four days. Chappaqua takes 2-0 lead in 3rd. Armadillos with 3 in the 4th take the lead. Comets tie
it 3-3 in the 5th and win it in the 8th against Resop on a Jeff Francouer home run, his 10th.
Ryan Mattheus (2-4) gets the win in relief of Garcia, as Cook gets his 22nd save. Posey has 3 RBIs
to give him 102 on the season.
Game 5
SDA 5 CHA 4
San Diego avoids the sweep as they win the final game, the fifth straight one run contest. San Diego
breaks a 2-2 tie with 3 in the 8th against Cishek (2-3) and then hold on despite Comets 2 run rally
in 8th. Yu Darvish (7-11) goes 7 2/3 to get the win, as he walks none and strikes out 11.
Colby Lewis pitches 6 strong innings for CHA in his second start for the Comets. Nolan Reimold pinch
hits a 2 run HR (3) in the 8th to bring CHA within one run but it is not enough. Dee Gordon steals his
15th base. Mitch Moreland is the hitting star for SDA going 3-4 with a 2B, HR (11) and 3 RBIs.
Comets are back over .500, at 66-65 and may end up tied with or pass STA for second place in the NL
East, pending the result of the Jays series against the Cyclones. The biggest series of the year for
the Comets is next week as they play division leader Greensboro in a six game series—the Comets last
chance to get back into the division race with 35 games to go in the season.
San Diego drops to 51-79, last in the NL West.
Turtle Beach vs Tampa
Turtle Beach takes 3 of 5 from Tampa
G1: 4-1 TAM Hudson wins his 11th, Lee goes 3/3
G2: 2-0 TAM Richard tosses the shutout
G3: 8-3 TBB Longoria hits 14th HR
G4:12-0 TBB Turtle Beach pounds out 17 hits.
G5: 8-2 TBB Verlander strikes out 15, gets the CG win
Columbus vs Tidewater
tidewater tangled with the redbirds this week and lived up to their billing as the drillers because that`s
exactly what they did to columbus.the first 3 games weren`t really even close due to the lack of offense
on the redbirds part and it was looking very much like a sweep.then in the 4th game, blake beavan
pitched a masterful game and got just enough support for the win.(4-1) then in game 5 columbus
promptly forgot about game 4 as they were out-scored 8-6 in the closer. tidewater gets back
on the bus to head home with a series won 4 games to 1.
Week of August 23
San Diego vs Turtle Beach
Game 1
Three homers by the Bums give TB the 7-5 win.
Game 2
Gallardo leads TB to the 3-1 win.
Game 3
Bums rally for 7 in the 6th to win 8-4.
Game 4
Classic duel between Strasberg and Sale that Sale wins by a score of 1-0. Only
5 hits in the game.
Game 5
Grandy hits #31 as the Bums win 5-1.
Arundel vs East Coast
The highlight of the series for East Coast was in the 4th game and in the 2nd inning the Rockies
score 9 runs and in that 9 runs was a back-to-back-to-back HRs by Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Gonzalez
and Welington Castillo. Cabrera’s HR was a Grand Slam.
In this game, East Coast scores 15 runs on 13 hits. 6 of those hits were HRs and 3 of those
HRs come from the bat of Cabrera.
Arundel takes the series 3-2.
Chappaqua vs Tidewater
COMETS TAKE THREE OF FIVE FROM TIDEWATER AS THEY WIN THREE STRAIGHT AFTER DROPPING
THE FIRST TWO GAMES
Game 1
TID 2 CHA 1
A great pitcher’s duel as the Drillers Wade LeBlanc (2-4, 4.46) outpitched Comets ace Gio Gonzalez
(11-8,2.40) to win 2-1. Comets took a 1-0 lead into the 7th but the Drillers scored twice in the
frame against Gio, with Andy Dirks coming through with a 2 RBI pinch hit double that proved tobe
the game winner. Alex Rodriguez was injured in the game and may miss next weeks series.
Game 2
TID 11 CHA 4
Tidewater broke open a 4-4 game with a 7 run 7th inning to win easily. James Shields (14-11,
2.90) had a rare poor outing for the Comets, allowing 9 runs in 6 2/3. Three of the runs were
unearned as Omar Infante made two costly errors. Tidewater used the long ball to win it in the
7th as Edwin Encarnarcion (32) and BJ Upton (15) each hit 3 run HRs in the frame. Freddie Freeman
(22) and Forsythe (1) also homered for Tidewater. Christian Friedrich (6-11, 6.59) went 6 innings
to get the win.
Game 3
CHA 7 TID 4
The tide began to turn (pun intended) as the Comets banged out 14 hits for their first win
of the series. Tidewater took an early 3-1 lead as Ryan Zimmerman (23) and Mike Aviles (6) hit
solo HRs. Trailing 3-2 in the 6th, the Comets rallied with 3 runs to take the lead for good.
Mike Adams replaced Barry Zito to start the 6th and took the loss (0-2, BS2). Omar Infante
had the big hit , a 2 RBI single to make it 4-3. Infante added an RBI double in the Comets 2
run 8th,as Omar went 4-5 with 4 RBIs. Chris Tillman (6-5, 4.10) started and got the win for
the Comets.
Game 4
CHA 6 TID 0
Jaimie Garcia (6-6, 4.23) pitched a complete game 2 hit shutout as Chappaqua won for the
second straight day. The Comets banged out 12 hits as they chased CC Sabathia (8-8, 2.57)
after 5. Jeff Francouer drove in 4 runs. Infante scored 3 and had 3 hits. Daniel Murphy also
had 3 hits.
Game 5
CHA 6 TID 2
Colby Lewis (4-7,3.46) made his Comets debut and made it a good one with a complete game
6 hitter with 7 Ks. Lewis, acquired last week in a trade as the Comets try to chase a wild
card slot, was sharp. Ivan Nova (8-13, 4.12) struck out 7 in 5 2/3 but gave up 9 hits and 4
runs and took the loss. Buster Posey got things started with a 2 run HR in the first, his 28th.
Posey was 3-3 on the day. Wil Venable’s 2 run HR (7) tied it in the second, but the Comets
scored single runs in the 5th and 6th and added 2 more in the 7th to win it. Dee Gordon stole
2 bases and drove in a run for the Comets.
Westchester vs Gulf Breeze
The long awaited Westchester visit came upon us this week and so thoroughly did they outplay the beloved
home team that as they left they took everything with them- the hot dogs, beer, cheerleaders, you name it.
It was a complete massacre and to the victors belong the spoils. All I can envision is that Armour All
commercial with the viking looking guy driving off with the guy's car and girl- come on, you know the
commercial I mean.
Wombats, schwombats- no matter as they outscored the Breeze 38-17 and outhit 'em 54-30. The teams tied in
injuries at 1, and we outerred them 6-2.
Gm 1: Wes 12-13-1 GB 1-2-1 Opener was a great way to get started 12-1 Wombat win as they smashed Paulino
(an 18) for 8 ER over 7 frames and J.Williams as a 4 totally dominated. Breeze got their first hit in the
5th on a Boesch solo (8) but that was all the good stuff in the box score for the home team. Meanwhile,
Wright (16), Scott (6), and Hester (2) all left the building for the 'bats. Duda was 1 for 1 with 4 BB.
Scott scored 3 and drove in 3. Williams is now 6-10 5.43, Paulino 2-4 5.16. Where is justice? Not David
of course. Outhit 13-2 when you have an 18 against a 4. Hey Pappas- fix that darned files, will ya?
Gm 2: Wes 6-12-0 GB 3-8-0 Okay- so the first game is in the books, fine. We'll get 'em in the 2nd,
right? Oh brother.... 'bats score the game;'s first 6 tallies and a late 2 spot by the Breeze in the
8th made it look respectable, but that was it. Ex-Wombat Pettitte was knocked around as he lost for
the 4th time against 4 wins and C.J.Wilson was sharp for 6 frames but had to leave in the 7th with an
injury. Webb came on long enough to blow the shutout and S.Burnett notched his 7th save. C.Nelson had
a 3R bomb in the 4th followed by a 2R shot in the 6th to account for most of the scoring. He also
doubled and enjoyed a 3 for 5 day raising his average to .330 and tallied his 21st and 22nd HR. The
good guys got a blast from Lowrie but that was about it. The cheerleaders were starting to wander a
bit after the game but were effectively lassoed back into the yard.
Gm 3: Wes 11-14-1 GB 2-4-0 Aw come on Raizes. I mean really- is this all necessary? Check it
out- 5 long balls for the visitors Victorino (7), Cano 2 (27), Cozart (11), and Gomez (13) all went
deep with Greinke (7-8) taking the brunt of it. Michael Saunders (4) accounted for the massive GB
onslaught. Gentry was injured for the Breeze and will miss the next 10, giving me a solid line up
of one (count 'em, 1) every day player batting over .236. Yeah- read that again and understand what
I just said. The Breeze offense is folding up like a wet taco and probably couldn't beat a 1W right
now. Hey cheerleaders- get back here!
Gm 4: GB 11-13-3 Wes 5-6-0 Well, the planets are in alignment and the world is a safer place
now as the Breeze scored more runs than the last 6 games combined in an 11-5 win. Wombats scored
3 in the 1st and it was deja vu all over again with Hanley booting 2 in the 1st and another in the
third, but somehow, inexplicably, they got off the deck with Michael Saunders (5) and Crawford (3)
going back to back in the 5 run 3rd and a later 3R Dunn bomb (21) closing it out. Boesch and Saunders
both had 3 hits and King Felix shook off a sluggish start for his 15th win against 4 defeats. The
fans returned in droves saying, "I was there for that game!". Too bad that haven't been to any
others this year.
Gm 5: Wes 4-9-0 GB 0-3-2 Well, that's that. M.Gonzalez (10-1) was just about untouchable
and 3 of the 4 Wombat runs were unearned in a 4-0 finale. Westchester management just was
not thinking very well as their annihilation of the home team could spell the end of the Gulf
Breeze franchise. The hot dogs- take 'em, beer- take it, cheerleaders- who cares... while
you're at it, feel free to take the bats. Yes, the Wombats took it all except a stray game
4 and now are in the driver's seat holding Gettysburg at bay. Meanwhile, the Breeze has slipped
almost completely out of the playoff picture.
So the Breeze heads to Long Island for a battle with the Quack attack while the 'bats
return home to square off with Glab.
Hey Raizes- at least give me the cheerleaders back, will ya?
Coney Island vs Green Bay
G1 - Green Bay gets all over Coney Island in a 5-1 victory. 3 run 2nd (including Cruz HR - 19) are
enough. Cruz gets 4 rbis in the game with 3 run triple in 2nd in 2nd and solo HR in the 9th. Mathis
collects 3 hits. WP Latos (11-9) CG, 9 Ks. LP, Hughes (5-11) was actually sharp except for the 2nd.
G2 - Green Bay says they mean business as they take game 2. 3 run 1st including 2 run triple by Gomes.
Cyclones tie it by the 4th, but Green Bay gets solo runs in 8th and 9th and hold off rally by Coney
Island in 9th to win 5-4. Lawrie (9) and Cruz (20) both hit solo shots off Pestano late to seal the
deal. WP Belisle (1-1), S Ross (20), LP Pestano (6-1). Cuddyer HRs (12) for Coney Island.
G3 - Milone (WP 9-3) gets Coney Island a win, but needs help in 8th after allowing a 2 run HR from
Blanco (7). Otherwise he gave up 5 hits in 7 innings. Lopez gets the save (16). 12 hit Coney Island
attack to much for Lowe (3-6). Falu gets 4 rbis!
G4 - Lohse (WP 17-5) goes 7 3 hit scoreless innings in a 7-0 Coney Island win. Pena, making a rare
start at 1b hits a 3 run HR (4) to key the offense. Hutchinson takes the loss (3-10).
G5 - Kuroda WP 20-3) rounds out the comeback pitching 8 innings of 3 hit ball to become a 20 game
winner. He gives up 2 runs (1 earned) and a 2 run HR to Duncan (10) in the 5th which cut the score
to 3-2. Cyclones plated 3 in 2nd (which turned out to be enough). Rollns (22) and Uggla (13) homered
for Coney Island. Holland pitched the 9th for the save (6).
Coney Island takes series 3-2.
Greensboro vs Tampa
Tampa Arrives in Greensboro...
August 19 - The Rays open with Tim Hudson against Kyle McPherson who is making only his second
start of the season. The contest goes 13 before the Rays plate the winning runs as they take
the hard-fought opener 5-3. Hart's 3-run blast in the 13th is the difference-maker.
August 20 - The Hoppers bounce back and take game 2, 11-4, as the shaken-up Hopper lineup (Nunez
and Plouffe) comes through big-time.
August 21 - Greensboro returns the favor from game 1, taking this second extra-inning (12) affair,
3-2, as the Hopper fleet-foots run amok.
August 22 - Lefties battle in game 4, Chen versus Holland, but it's the pen that comes through for
the visitors, but not for the home team, as the Rays win, 5-2. Utley and Rutledge are injured, but
Hart and AJ homer for the win.
August 23 - In the finale, the slumping Hoppers turn the sphere over to Max Scherzer who opposes
Iwakuma. Greensboro comes through in the bottom of the 9th, thanks to a game-winner by Eduardo
Nunez, and takes this one, 3-2 despite Iwakuma's no-hit ball into the 6th.
The Hoppers take the closely fought tough series 3 games to 2 and now head to Green Bay while
Tampa heads home to host Turtle Beach.
Mokena vs Stamford
Game 1:
=======
Stamford 4-5-0
Mokena 2-4-2
Billingsley vs Cain
Cain drops to 11-7 after going 8 and giving up 2 ER. Billingsley (12-8) goes 7.2 giving up just 3 hits. Braun
homers for Stamford.
Game 2:
=======
Stamford 0-3-0
Mokena 1-3-1
Doubront vs Chen
Chen (11-7) throws 8 strong giving up 3 hits and 0 ER. Rodney gets his 26th save. Doubront (2-5) goes the
distance in the loss, giving up a solo homer to Harper in the 8th.
Game 3:
=======
Stamford 3-7-1
Mokena 8-12-3
Wainwright vs Francis
Wainwright drops to 4-10 after giving up 5 ER in 5 innings. Morneau homers for Stamford and knocks in 2.
Belt goes 3-4 with 2 runs scored for Mokena.
Game 4:
=======
Stamford 10-13-1
Mokena 5-10-0
Sanchez vs Noesi
Noesi (3-10) throws a typical Noesi game giving up 6 ER in just 5 IP. Hill and Morneau homer for Stamford. Hill
goes 3-5 with 3 rbi and 3 runs scored. McCutchen homers and goes 2-4 in the Roozy loss.
Game 5:
=======
Stamford 2-6-3
Mokena 3-8-1
Arroyo vs Quintana
Quintana (11-3) throws a very good game going 7 IP yielding 5 hits and 2 ER. Braun hits 2 HR for Stamford and was
all of the Stamfort offense. Harper homers for Mokena.
Mokena takes 3 of 5
Pike City vs Columbus
Pike City 3, Columbus 0
Columbus 7, Pike City 6
Pike City 8, Columbus 5
Pike City 4, Columbus 1
Columbus 6, Pike City 5
Kyle Drabek pitches a whole 3 innings in his first WIBL start this year (came up to replace the
DLed Travis Wood) and then Drabek goes down for 26 days. The good news out of that game
(the 3-0 victory) was that Joe Savery, Tanner Scheppers and Glen Perkins combined for 6 shutout
relief innings to obtain the game 1 victory.
Scheppers has put up some great numbers for a grade 4 pitcher (2.59 ERA). I can't wait to
see him in next year's WIBL (and that goes double for Melancon)...not bad for an 11th round pick
in the last draft. (And thanks to Greensboro for Melancon back in 2010).
Week of August 17
Jonesboro vs Arundel
Arundel takes 4 of 5 from Jonesboro
Game 1- Took 13 innings but Arundel takes game 1, 2-1. McGee(4-0) is the winner, Hensley(0-1)
the loser. Scutaro(10) homers for the Crackers
Game 2-Jonesboro wins 4-1. Colon(12-6) is the winner, Herrman(1) gets the save. Evoldai(1-5)
is the loser
Game 3- Arundel wins 7-6 in 10 innings. Johnson(3-1) is the winner, Swarzak (0-1) the loser.
Scutaro(11) and Rios(18) homer for the Crackers. Pedroia(8) for the Wildcats
Game 4-Arundel wins 5-1. Liriano(9-10) gets the win. Feldman(5-9) the loser. Chavez(8) homers for
the Crackers.
Game 5-Arundel wins 10-0. McAllister(5-11) is the loser, Bumgarner(9-13) the winner. Prado(8),
Pedroia(9) Young(14) homer for the Cats
Freeport vs Gettysburg
The Raiders and Bandits engaged in a back and forth series that went down to the final inning.
G1 - Bandits used the longball in game one with all 6 of their runs coming via 5 homers.
Hamels allowed 2 ER over 7 and the Freeport Bullpen went 9 up nine down the rest of the way as
the Bandits picked up a 6-4 win in the opener.
W- Hamels (11-8) S- Chapman (20)
L- Diamond (8-6)
HR- F- Murphy (14), MIddlebrooks (13), C Jones (24), Konerko (14), Maybin 8
INJ- G- Denorfia (5 days)
G2-
Ryan Dempster tossed a five hitter and the Raiders used a 13 hit attack to pick up the 5-1 win
in game 2. Former Bandit Ryan Theriot had three hits for Gettysburgh. PUD user Jhinny Peralta had
a pair of hits for Freeport.
W- Dempster (15-6)
L- Peavy (9-4)
INJ- G- Willingham (4 days)
G3
Tony Cruz' pinch hit 2 run double broke open a 2-2 tie and Freeport went on to a 4-2 Win in game
3. Kyle Kendrick allowed 2 runs over 7 IP to pick up his 10th win. Jeter and Yady Molina had two
hits each for the Raiders.
W- Kendrick (10-5) L- W Rodriguez (16-6)
S- Chapman (21)
G4- An amazing pitching performance by Jason Vargas tossing a 2 hit shutout with 9 K's to even
the series at 2. AJ Ellis' 3 run bomb in the 6th broke open a scoreless game. Freese and DeJesus
had two hits each for the Raiders. Konerko had the only bright spor for Freeport, a double in the
9th.
W- Vargas (11-9)
L- J. Johnson (9-9)
HR- G- AJ Ellis #6
G5 - A great pitchers duel was thrown away by the closers in this one. Ryan Vogelsong allowed
just 4 hits and a run over 7.1 IP, and Kris Medlen gave up 3 hits and a run with 11 K's over 8.
In the top 9, Medlen gave up a leadoff double to Molina and was lifted for Chapman who after
getting Freese gave up a long one to Reddick to give the raiders a 2-1 lead. Papelbon came on
for Gettysburg and gave up a one out walk to Ortiz. After retiring Konerko, Papebon served one
up to Wieters who doinked it off the foul pole to give the Bandits a game and series winning walk
off homer.
W- Chapman (3-8) (BS 7)
L- Papelbon (2-3) (BS 10)
HR- G- Reddick (13)
F- Wieters (16)
Bandits win the series 3-2 and host the East leading LI Ducks next week while Gettysburg
hosts Beantown.
Mokena vs Green Bay
Game 1:
=======
Green Bay 2-7-3
Mokena 4-8-1
Fiers vs Chen
Blanco and Gomes homer for Green Bay but it isn't enough as Mokena gets a good start
from Chen (10-7). Fiers (3-5) did well but 2 unearned runs sealed his fate.
Game 2:
=======
Green Bay 3-11-0
Mokena 6-10-0
Lowe vs Francis
Lots of singles by both sides but Mokena prevails behind a rare good start from Francis
(6-9). Lowe (3-5) suffers from more sloppy play but this time it was 2 passed balls by Mathis.
Game 3:
=======
Green Bay 2-9-0
Mokena 0-3-0
Bailey vs Noesi
Bailey (9-10) was stellar going the distance while whiffing 9 and giving up just 3
hits. Noesi (3-9) is tough luck loser for Mokena. Blanco and Duncan homer for the Green Bay runs.
Game 4:
=======
Green Bay 2-3-1
Mokena 17-20-1
Hutchison vs Quintana
Hutchison (3-9) goes just .2 innings giving up 7 ER. McCutchen hits a grand slam and
knocks in 5 for Mokena. RyanRoberts goes 3-4 and Elliott Johnson homers and knocks in
3 to help Quintana (10-3).
Game 5:
=======
Green Bay 7-12-0
Mokena 4-11-0
Nolasco vs Teaford
Green Bay scores all 7 runs in the 1st two innings and holds on for the win. Ransom and Cruz
go yard to help Nolasco (8-11) get the win. Teaford (1-4) gets drubbed lasting only 1.2 innings
while serving up all 7 runs.
Mokena takes 3 of 5
Long Island vs East Coast
Long Island takes 3 of 5 from East Coast. The final game was a real barn-burner. Long
Island led 6-5 going into the 7th. East Coast got one in the top of the 7th to tie the game
and then Long Island got one back in the bottom of the inning for a 7-6 lead. East Coast fired
back with 2 runs in the 8th to take an 8-7 lead. Then in the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs,
Chris Carter hit a pinch hit solo homer to tie things up at 8. East Coast got a run in the
11th for a 9-8 lead but Long Island answered back with a run in the bottom of the 11th to tie
it up again. Then finally in the bottom of the 12th, Shin-Choo Soo's 2 out RBI double drove
in the winning run and gave the Ducks a 10-9 win and a 3 games to 2 series win.
San Diego vs Greensboro
August 13 - The Armadillos open with Jeremy Guthrie against Wily Vet (Mark) Buehrle, and it's
an easy 10-2 victory for the 'Dillos as they jump all over Buehrle early-on, plating 5 in the
first 3 innings. Moreland, Keppinger, and Rizzo homer for the visitors.
August 14 - Yu Darvish faces Chris Capuano in game 2. This one's much closer, but the Hoppers
fall short as they leave the tying run at 2nd in the bottom of the 10th, going down by a 7-6 score.
Alvarez hits his 21st and Stanton hits his 25th, but the Armadillos counter with blasts from
Moreland and Rizzo, just like in the opener.
August 15 - Ace Steve Strasburg faces Derek Holland in game 3. Greensboro hangs on to win 6-5
in a close contest as Heyward hits 2 and Stanton hits another. Keppinger goes yard for the visitors.
August 16 - Liam Hendricks faces Clay Buchholz in this one. Again the visitors prevail, this
time by a 6-2 score as Altuve and Rosario homer. Heyward hits another one for Greensboro.
August 17 - In the finale Samardzija faces Max Scherzer, butr Max is injured early on and the
Hopper pen takes over. Greensboro hangs on the the 7-2 win. Stanton hits yet another, his 27th.
San Diego takes 3 of the 5 and now head to Turtle Beach while the wounded Hoppers await the
arrival of Tampa.
Coney Island vs Stamford
Jays want a ride on the roller coaster - seemed like that was more important than baseball ...
G1 - Jays let a 3-1 lead (in 3rd) get away from them and suffer a 5-4 loss. Single runs in the
7th and 8th lift Cyclones to the win.
WP - Pestano (6-0), S Lopez (14)
LP - Kontos (6-1) BS - Brothers (1)
HRs- Jaso (8), Pence (23)
Billingsley strong 6 ip (6 hits, 3 rusn, 5 Ks)
G2 - Why oh why has Doubront not been pitching much this year? Goes 7.1 innings, 6 hits, 1 run
and 10 Ks for the win in a 4-1 Stamford victory. Hill goes 2 for 5 with a double and triple and
3 rbis, Youkalis goes yard (18) as Jays break a 0-0 game open in the 4th (2 runs), 5th and 6th
(single runs each).
WP Doubront (2-4), S - Jansen (9)
LP Volquez (8-10)
G3 - Coney Island smashes 13 hits - no homers - and wins going away 9-3. They scored 1 in 1st,
2nd and 2 in 3rd to set the pace, but the 5 run 8th sealed the deal.
WP Milone (8-3) S Holland (5)
LP Wainwright (4-9)
HRs: Morneau (10), Moore (6)
G4 - As lopsided a score in game 3 was - this one was tight and tense. Each team scored in the
4th, but Coney Island put one across in the 5th for 2-1 lead and it held up as Pestano, Mijares,
and Lopez sealed the deal and win for Lohse.
WP Lohse (16-5), S Lopez (15)
LP Sanchez (7-8)
G5 - Score as 0-0 going into bottom of 4th when the Cyclones began there act - plating 3 in the
4th and 5th and 2 more in the 6th (matched by Stamford in the 6th) and that was it, 8-2 Coney
Island. Kuroda had the 6th inning hiccup, but other than that he was sharp - 5 hits, 2 runs, 6
Ks in 6 innings. Arroyo was tossing batting practice by the 4th - although he racked up 8 Ks
in 5.1 innings, he also gave up 11 hits, 8 runs (7 ER) in that span (and 2 dingers).
WP - Kuroda (19-3)
LP Arroyo (5-9)
HRs: Ruiz (10), Cuddyer (11)
Cyclones take the series 4 games to one and remain home next week against San Diego. Stamford
stays on the road and moves to Mokena for a battle with potential wild-card implications.
Westchester vs Louisiana
The times they are a changing, used to be that Westchester and Louisiana would usually knock each
other out in the playoffs, often in the ALCS series. Now the meetings are important, but for
different reasons as the two teams are now scrambling for a wild card spot.
Game 1:Westchester 7, Louisiana 0
Bottom first Wright singles, singles second, Victorino pops up, Votto fans and Cano doubles him
home. Wise singles him in to give 'bats early 2-0 lead. Wombats tack on another in the third,
but fail to capitalize on a bases loaded one out setup. Wright singles in another in the 4th
and that's all for McDonald. Wild pitch puts runners on second and third with one out and Votto
gets a squib single for another run.Marquis doesn't fare much better than McDonald capping it
off with a two run shot by Cano.
W-Gonzalez (9-1); L-McDonald (8-10); HR-Louisiana-none; Westchester , Cano (24)
Game 2: Westchester 2, Louisiana 1
Delgado walks the bases loaded in the first, but wiggles out of it unscathed. In the bottom
of the first, Victorino singles steals second and is driven home by Votto. Delgado loads them
up again in the third, but again escapes. Aybar ties it up with a solo shot in the 4th. At the
end of 5 1/2 it's a one one tie being tossed by two pitchers with a combined grade of 9! Cano
breaks it with a solo blast in the bottom of the 6th. No more runs to the 9th. Bottom of the
9th the usually reliable Atchison puts two on, but gets out of it with a popup to hold on for
the save.
W-DelGado (2-2), S-Atchison (22); L-Norris (9-11); HR-Louisiana-Aybar (9); Westchester-Cano (25)
Game 3: Louisiana 10, Westchester 6
Cajuns finally get their power game going with homers by Hamilton and Beltre to grab quick 3-0
lead in the first. Soto launches one next inning and suddenly it's 5-0. Wombats load them up in
the 4th, but Halliday strikes out Morse to end the threat. Eventually Morse has a chance to
redeem himself with a Baltimore special, but by then it's 8-3. Wombats eke out three more in
the 7th and it's suddenly a ballgame again. Doubles by Hamilton and Beltre give the Cajuns the
cushion they need at 10-6.
W-Halladay (10-7); L-Wilson (12-10); HR-Louisiana-Hamilton (38), Beltre (29), Soto (4); Westchester -
Morse (7)
Game 4: Westchester 5, Louisiana 4
Cajuns again try to strike first as Gordon doubles with one out, but Fister picks him off to
escape the first. Wombats do score on Wright single and Votto double. Morse gets on in the 4th
on a single, moves to second and goes home on Cozart base hit. Bottom five, Wright singles,
Victorino sends him to second, but gets picked off. Votto squibs one in and Wright scores. All
that work for the wombats and Hamilton sends Cajuns into the lead in the 6th with one swing of
the bat....arrrhgh! However, all is not over for the homies as Gomez walks, steals second and
scores on Cozart homer to go back up 5-4. Grilli has a 1-2-3 8th and Burnett comes in to get
Hamilton in the 9th and stays on for the save.
W-Fister (13-3), S-Burnett (6); L-Worley (5-13); HR-Louisiana - Hamilton (39), Westchester .
Cozaart (10)
Game 5: Louisiana 4, Westchester 3
Harrison and Westbrook trade goose eggs for three. Gordon, who doubled in the first, homers
in the 4th to give Cajuns 1-0 lead. Then Hamilton singles and Beltre homers and now it's 3-0.
Looks like the Cajun bats are starting to wake up. In the 6th Hamilton comes out with a sore
arm and Robertson keeps on mowing down Wombats.In the 7th Marquis comes in giving up a homer
to Nelson and two more singles and is yanked without getting an out.Parnell comes in and gets
an out, but Flores drives in two with his first hit of the series (?of the month) to make it
4-2, but he settles down and pops up Sierra and Wright. In the 9th Romo comes in and gets
Scott, but gives up solo shot to Duda and it's 4-3.Cozaart lines out, Flores singles and
Sierra pops up for a shaky save.
W-Harrison (17-4), Romo (21); L-Westbrook (10-9); HR-Louisiana Gordon (14), Beltre (30),
Westchester - Nelson (8), Duda (12).
So in a series with three one run games, Wombats escape, taking it 3-2. Next Cajuns return home
to host Glab and Wombats travel to Gulf Breeze in a series that will have scoreboard watchers from
Louisiana and Gettysburg as well.
Chappaqua vs Pike City
CHAPPAQUA COMETS SWEEP PIKE CITY AND EXTEND WINNING STREAK TO SEVEN AS THEY TRY TO GET
BACK INTO THE WILD CARD RACE
Game 1
CHA 7 PIK 4
Gio Gonzalez (11-7) pitched 7 strong innings to get the win over Tyler Chatwood (5-11) who is
rocked for 6 runs in 3 innings. A-Rod goes 3-4 with a double and 4 RBIs. Buster Posey goes 3-4
with a HR (27) and 2 RBIs.
Game 2
CHA 3 PIK 2
James Shields (14-10) strikes out 8 in 7 innings as Ryan Cook gets his 20th save. Melky Cabrera
drives in 2 runs for the Comets. CHA took a 3-0 lead in the 3rd off starter and loser Jake Arrieta
(1-1) and held on for the win.
Game 3
CHA 10 PIK 3
Comets break open a close 4-3 game with 2 in the 7th and 4 in the 8th as the Pioneers tired
bullpen is battered around. Eric Young (5), Omar Infante (8) and Brayan Pena (1) all homer for
the Comets. Pena drives in 4 runs and Infante 3. Jaime Garcia (5-6) is the beneficiary of the
run support as he defeats Zach Britton (2-3), who gives up 4 runs in 4 innings.
Game 4
CHA 5 PIK 4 10 innings
Trailing 4-2, Comets tie it in the 8th and win it in the 10th on a pinch hit walk off double by
Lyle Overbay. Brayan Pena homers for the second straight day. Marwin Gonzalez had 2 hits. Ryan
Cook (4-3) wins it in relief with 2 perfect innings. Glen Perkins blows the save in the 8th (BS,6)
and takes the loss (3-6).
Game 5
CHA 5 PIK 0
Comets complete the sweep as Ross Detwiler (7-7) allows only 1 hit over 7 innings (a single
to Kyle Seager. Comets blast four HRs: Jennings (14), Tabata (1), A Rod (17) and Marwin Gonzalez
(1). Tabata, in a rare start, also triples. Pike City starter Travis Wood (8-11) not only takes
the loss but leaves with a sore forearm. He is expected to miss three weeks.
Comets are now 59-62, as they struggle to get back to .500. Their home record this season is now
26-29. The Comets trail Greensboro by 10.5 in the NL East but are now only 4 behind Stamford –
with the Jays playing league best Coney Island this week. Mokena leads the wild card race and
their lead over the Comets is 8 ˝ games, pending the outcome of their series against Green Bay.
Pike City is now 48-74, last in the NL Central.
Next up: The Comets host Tidewater as they try to extend their winning streak. Pike City hosts
Columbus. Mokena and Stamford will square off next week in Mokena. The Jays could really tighten
up the wild card race with a good performance then.
Week of August 11
Tidewater vs Mokena
TID takes series 3-2. 4 of the 5 games are 1-run games.
Gm.1 MOK 4-3 MOK takes a 4-0 lead after 6 due to long balls by McCutchen and B.Roberts but has to
call on the pen after M.Aviles hits a 3-run jack in the 6th.
Gm.2 TID 5-4 C.Friedrich scattered 8 hits over 7.1 inns., but, more importantly, went 2-3 with
2 RBI at the plate to help TID to a 5-3 lead. After a Helton homer in the 9th made it a 1 run game at
5-4, Motte stepped in to close the door.
Gm.3 TID 4-3 Early in the game, F.Freeman put TID ahead with a solo dinger. After S.Castro tied
it for MOK, Harper 's RBI gave MOK a 3-2 lead. In the bottom of the inning, Encarnacion blasted a
2-run homer and TID's bullpen did the rest.
Gm.4 MOK 12-4 MOK busted out with 12 runs on 17 hits and simply crushed the Drillers. Harper,
3-6 with 3 RBI, went deep. B.Roberts hit a 2-run shot. Castro was 2-5 with 2 runs and 2 RBI. McCutchen
was 2-4 with 2 RBI. It was ugly for TID.
Gm.5 TID 2-1 A pitcher's duel. MOK's M.Cain -7 inn.-2 hits-1 R-7 K's. Sabathia -9 inns.-4
hits-1 run-10 K's. Neither figured in the decision. MOK got it's run on a SF from Castro. TID on
an RBI single from Zimmerman. In the 10th L.Marson singled for his 2nd hit of the game. Venable PR
and stole 2nd. PH'er A.Dirks was walked and BJ Upton hit a walk-off single.
Beantown vs East Coast
Beantown takes 3 of 5 games from East Coast
Game 1: East Coast 6 Beantown 1
Lorenzo Cain was 4 for 5 with 1RBI and Wilson Ramos was 1 for 3 with a HR and 3 RBIs.
Game 2: Beantown 5 East Coast 3
Erwin Santana goes 6.2 innings and Alex Presley goes 2 for 3 with a HR to push past East Coast.
Game 3: East Coast 3 Beantown 2
Tommy Hanson goes 8 strong innings and Welington Castillo and Paul Goldschmidt both collect
two hits in the East Coast win.
Game 4: Beantown 4 East Coast 3
Tom Gorzelanny goes a strong 4 plus innings out of the bullpen to get the win and C. Blackmon
goes 2 for 5 with 3 RBIs.
Game 5: Beantown 9 East Coast 8 (11)
B. Badenhop picks up the win out of the pen pitching 3.2 innings as the Beantown lineup
banged out 14 hits.
Freeport vs Jonesboro
The Freeport Bandits visited Jonesboro and swept the Crackers in 5 games.
Game 1-Bandits win 6-3 as Murphy(13) homers for the Bandits. Hamels(10-8) is the winner, Chapman(18)
gets the save. Dickey(9-12) is the loser
Game 2- Bandits win 7-3. League(3-2) is the winner, Blevins(4-6) the loser. Jones(22) and Ortiz(3)16
homer for the Bandits.Ludwick(16) for the Crackers.
Game 3- Bandits win 8-3 as Kendrick(9-5) is the winner. Ludwick(17) homers for the Crackers. Too
many to name for the Bandits.Blackley(7-9) is the loser
Game 4-Freeport wins 4-1. Johnson(9-8) is the winner. Chapman(19) gets the save. McAllister(5-10)
is the loser. Ortiz hits number 17
Game 5-Freeport wins 4-2. Harvey(5-2) is the winner, Soriano(9) gets the save. Hunter(0-2) is
the loser. Ludwick(18) homers for the Crackers
Pike City vs Stamford
The Stamford Jays lose 3 of 5 to the Pike City Pioneers and their playoff drive takes hit.
Game 1
Pike City 8-13-0
Jays 6-12-0
WP J Arrieta 1-0 LP C Billingsley 11-8
Pike City score 4 runs in the 6th to take lead. Walker leads Pike City with 3 hits and 3 RBI;s
and Seager homers for the winners. In total both teams leave 24 men on base.
Game 2
Pike City 7-10-0
Jays 1-3-0
WP Z Britton 2-2 LP F Dourbront 1-4
Britton is the story of the game yielding 3 hits over 8 innings with 10 K’s. He also has 3 hits
and 2 RBI’s.
Game 3
Jays 8-12-0
Pike City 7-14-1
WP K Jansen 3-2 LP G Perkins 3-5
Jays battle back scoring 4 in the 6th to take the lead. Reliever Jansen blows lead but Jays regain
it in the 8th scoring 2. Braun has 5 hits and 6 RBI’s for the game.
Game 4 ( 11 innings)
Pike City 4-7-0
Jays 3-10-0
WP A Sanchez 7-7 LP I Nova 7-11
Jays closer Wilhemsen gives up 2 runs in the 8th to lose lead and Pike City score lead run on a
Walker double in the 11th. Zobrist and Braun homer for Jays. Their pitchers strike out 14 Pike
City batters.
Game 5 ( 13 innings)
Jays 5-16-0
Pike City 4-10-1
WP K Jansen 4-2 LP T Schneppers 1-3
Both teams score 3 runs in the first but the bats go silent for rest of the game. Jays scoring
winning run
on a Zobrist single. Morneau has 4 hits for Jays
Coney Island vs Columbus
coney island`s visit played out with mixed reviews. the redbirds are never happy losing a series, at home
especially. but when you play the best in the league and manage to win 2 out of 5 games, it aint all bad.
coney island takes the series 3 games to 2.
Tampa vs Greensboro
Greensboro takes 3 of 5 from Tampa
Game 1: 5-3 TAM Hart hits his 19th HR
Game 2: 6-5 GRN Heyward goes 4/5, Fielder drives in 4 runs
Game 3: 5-1 TAM Miley wins his 6th game of the season
Game 4: 9-3 GRN Heyward and Stanton homer for Greensboro
Game 5: 4-3 GRN Scherzer strikes out 8 and wins his 11th of the season