PLAYER / PITCHER OF THE WEEK #23

·         Sugar Land Skeeters @ Manhattan Gas Hornets

Series Preview

Book end teams in the NLE – Sugar Land comes to Manhattan – how “sweet it is”!

Game #1:

Les Straker somehow scatters 8 hits and 5 walks over 7.2 innings and keeps Sugar Land scoreless – and his offense musters up 9 runs on 17 hits as Manhattan takes game 1. WP Straker (5-6), LP Blyleven (10-15)

Game #2:

Same score in game 2 – Manhattan 9-0 winners with 14 hits included HRs from Joyner (20), Dawson (43) and Jody Davis (21). Terry Leach (CG WP 6-3) gives up only 2 hits and 1 walk to keep the Skeeters scoreless through 2 games. Don Carman (7-10) takes the loss.

Game #3:

Well, the Skeeters can score, and they did first in this one as they plate a run in the 2nd for the 1-0 lead. That lasted until the bottom half when the Gas Hornets tie it up – and then a 5 run 8th put this close game to bed as Manhattan wins 7-2. Orosco took the loss (1-5), but L.Andersen was the weakest part of the bullpen giving up 5 hits to the 7 batters he faced in the 8th. Clancy went 8 to get the win (12-6).

Game #4:

Skeeters are on a roll – they score 2 again including a first inning HR from Roenicke (5) off Jimmy Key. However the Gas Hornets powered back including a 3 run HR from Jacoby in the 1st and a solo shot from him in the 5 (38, 39). In fact when Jacoby hit the 2nd HR it spoiled his bid for the cycle, he homered in the 1st, tripled his next time up, then homered again. Final score was 5-2 and with the win Jimmy Key becomes a 20 game winner (20-5). Burke gets the save pitching the 8th and 9th (31). Roenicke later injured on the field and will miss 12 days. Blyleven takes his 2nd loss of the series (10-16)

Game #5:

OKAY – ALL CAPS TIME!! Sugar Land has something to cheer about – and its PRETTY BIG.
Joe Magrane tosses a NO-HITTER. Faces 29 batters as he gave up 2 walks. And the offense put 5 runs across the board including a Lloyd McClendon homer (1). A 4 run 3rd was wall that Joe needed as he coasted all the way home. Zane Smith (12-4) took the loss and pounding.

Game #6:

The NO-NO in game 5 must have sparked the Skeeters as their winning ways continued in game 6. Curt Young gave up a solo HR to Mike Stanley in the 2nd (for a 1-0 deficit), but his team rallied for 2 in the 4th and 2 in the 5th propelled by Alvin Davis’s 2 run HR (27). Young stayed stingy – he gave up another solo shot in the 6th (Robin Yount) but that was all he would yield – 3 hits total (including a single by Stanley). Jones and Andersen (S 11) did the rest and Sugar Land wins this one 4-2. Alexander seems to pick the days the team won’t score much and he takes the loss (12-5).

Series Summary *

So – Manhattan ends up winning 5 of 7 and lowering their magic # to 10 (pending out of town scores this week). Sugar Land however gets some pride in MaGranes no-no and the win game 6 (and maybe the near miss in game 7).

·         California Quakes @ Cedar Park Bears

Series Preview

The Rangers could feel the Quaking in Cedar Park as the AL East leaders come to town. California has already won over 100 games. Cedar Park just 57.

Game #1:

California starts quickly scoring 4 runs in the first 2 innings, Garth Iorg(3d) hits a 3-run HR. Cedar Park eventually catches up closing the gap to one run as Leonard and Royster HR. CP had as many hits (10) as the visitors but 4 errors handed them the game. Bannister (20-4, 3.36) wins it, Dotson (10-11, 4.19) took the loss.
Final: California 9 Cedar Park 7

Game #2:

California dominated the series from here on. Evans(28), Moseby(24) and Fisk(17) HRd for the Quakes. Moseby drove in 4 runs. Reuschel won his 20th (20-6, 2.99). Pasqua HRd for CP, Witt took the loss (6-10, 6.88) Cedar Park scored only one run over the final 3 games.
Final: California 9 Cedar Park 3

Game #3:

Brett (22) Hrd and drove in 3, Evans (29) HRd & drove in 2. The Quakes pound out 20 hits. Nolan Ryan (17-5, 3.12) the winner, Honeycutt (4-9, 6.11) did not last two innings, gave up 10 runs on 9 hits. Its was 13-0 after 2 innings.
Final: California 17 Cedar Park 1

Game #4:

Mike Scott (18-8, 3.33) with help from Dave Smith (SV-37) and Carlton Fisk’s 17th HR, the Quake rolls on. (I was there after one, I think 1991, the Quakes do roll on!) Mike Moore (5-14, 5.33) loses again despite a good outing. Pagliarulo (23) had a solo HR for CP.
Final: California 2 Cedar Park 1

Game #5:

Dave Stieb (10-8, 4.34) had a solid 8 inning outing. Tracy Jones (2) had a solo HR, but it was 4-RBIs by Carlton Fisk that was the difference. Greg Swindell (2-7, 6.85) took the loss.
Final: California 6 Cedar Park 1.

Series Summary *

California sweeps Cedar Park. The home towners were not even competitive in this series. Cedar Park is rebuilding, California is peeking.

·         Winnipeg Goldeyes @ Long Beach Titans

Game #1:

Incaviglia hits 2 HRs and 5 RBI in the Winnipeg 6-1 win. Power throws a 6 hit CG.

Game #2:

Dixon threw a 5 hit CG as Winnipeg won 3-2.

Game #3:

Calderon and Willson went back to back in the 8th to give Winnipeg a 5-2 lead. In the bottom of the inning C. James hit a PH 3 run HR to tie the game. In the 9th Backman singled in Lee to give the Goldeyes a 6-5 win.

Game #4:

Long Beach got HRs from Guerrero & Teufel and Viola gave up 4 hits over 8 innings as the Titans won 6-1.

Game #5:

Long Beach took a 4-1 lead into the 9th but Winnipeg cut it to 4-3 and loaded the bases with 1 out. Robinson came in and struck out Perry and got Lee to fly out to end the game.

Game #6:

Winnipeg led 1-0 until the 7th when D. James doubled in C. James. In the 9th Wilson homered to give the Goldeyes a 2-1 win.

Game #7:

Law & Mattingly HR’d in the 2nd to key the Titans 8-1 win. Rhoden improved to 13-7.

Series Summary *

Winnipeg took 4 of the 7 games

·         Clovis Cougars @ Germantown Grays

Series Preview

Two teams that are playing out the season

Series Summary *

Clovis storms into Germantown taking the first three and then disappear as they drop the last four.

·         Valdosta Bombers @ Michigan Marauders

Series Preview

Battle for 2nd place in the N.L. East – Valdosta and Michigan are in a virtual tie.

Game #1:

Candiotti vs. Higuera
Valdosta is hot in the first inning and scores 2 off of Higuera. Michigan gets 1 back in the bottom of the inning. Gary Redus pounds a 2 run homer for Valdosta in the 2nd.
The score stays 4-2 until the bottom of the 7th when Mel Hall singles in a run. Later, in the inning, Juan Samuel launches a 3 run homer and Michigan takes the lead.
The Marauders bullpen takes care of the rest and Michigan takes game 1.
Michigan 5 Valdosta 4

Game #2:

2 leftys go – Dave Dravecky vs. Jim Deshaies
The Bombers get on the board first with a run in the first. Marty Barrett hits a homer in the second, and the Bombers lead 2-0. Valdosta adds a 3rd run in the 3rd. In the 5th, Michigan scores their first run of the game.
John Franco pitches good relief for Valdosta. Valdosta wins game 2.
Valdosta 3 Michigan 1

Game #3:

Bob Forsch vs. Mark Langston
In this game, Michigan is on the board first as Gary Gaetti connects on a 3 run homer. Valdosta gets one back in the 3rd inning. In the 7th, Mitch Webster triples in a run and Michigan leads 4-1. Henneman records his 38th save and Michigan takes game 3.
Michigan 4 Valdosta 1

Game #4:

Hough vs. Terrell
Bombers get a passed ball in the 1st inning to take the lead. Michigan gets 2 back in the first to take the lead. Bombers tie it up in the 4th inning. Tim Wallach hits a 2 run homer and Valdosta takes the lead. In the 8th, Nokes doubles in Juan Samuel and Valdosta leads 4-3. Valdosta gets an insurance run in the 9th. Franco records his 31st save and Valdosta evens up the series.
Valdosta 5 Michigan 3

Game #5:

Bryn Smith vs. Frank Tanana
Michigan scores first in the 1st inning. Valdosta takes the lead with 2 runs in the 3rd inning. The Bombers get hot and score 3 in the 6th. Matt Nokes hits his 29th homer (2 run), and Valdosta maintains a 5-3 lead. Quisinberry puts out the fire in the 9th and Valdosta the lead in the series.
Valdosta 5 Michigan 3

Game #6:

Candiotti vs. Higuera
Bombers put 4 on the board in the 1st. Michigan ties the game in the 6th. In the 7th, Bo Diaz hits a solo homer and the Bombers takes the lead. In the 8th, Cory Snyder hits a 3 run bomb off of Frank Williams. Valdosta takes the game and wins the series.
Valdosta 8 Michigan 4

Game #7:

Dravecky vs. Deshaies
Valdosta gets a run in the 2nd. In the 6th inning, Michigan ties the game. In the 11th inning, Jack Clark hits a solo homer and Valdosta scores an extra insurance run and wins the game.
Valdosta 3 Michigan 1 (11)

Series Summary *

Valdosta wins a big series for second place by winning 5 of 7. Michigan’s offense went south and never could seem to get a homer or a big hit. Valdosta hitting and stealing couldn’t be beat. Also, the Bombers bullpen did well.

·         Mexico City Chihuahuas @ Old Mill Legends

Series Preview

Mexico travels to Old Mill for a 7 game series.

Series Summary *

Mexico wins the series 5 games to 2.

·         Stockton Wings @ Chicago Demolition

Series Preview

Chicago vs. Stockton for 7 games

Game #1:

CHI 15 – STO 7 (11 inn.)
WP: Mohorcic LP: Eichhorn
HR: R. J. Reynolds, C. Martinez, Scioscia
Chicago jumps out to a 6-0 lead by the 4th, but can’t hold it. Stockton chips away and ties it in the 9th. Chicago blows up Stockton’s bullpne for 8 runs in the 11th inning. Von Hayes and Mike Scioscia are the big hitters for Chicago.
Boggs out for 3 days

Game #2:

CHI 24 – STO 1
WP: Drabek LP: Cox
HR: Lemon (GS), Guillen, C. Martinez
Chicago scores (a lot) in every inning but the 6th and 9th. Lemon hits a Grand Slam, Hrbek has 3 RBI, Hayes continues his torrid hitting.
Reynolds out for 6 days, Knight out for 1 day

Game #3:

STO 5 – CHI 3
WP: Eichhorn LP: Mohorcic
HR: C. Martinez
Lavalliere and Martinez had 2 RBI each, and Eichhorn held off Chicago in relief.

Game #4:

CHI 4 – STO 3
WP: Clemens LP: Hurst SV: Murphy
HR: Hayes, Lemon, Upshaw
Clemens took a no hitter into the 6th, but lost it and the shutout before the inning was over. He did hold on for the win.

Game #5:

CHI 5 – STO 3
WP: Eckersley LP: Dunne SV: J. Davis
HR: Canseco
All the scoring was done by the 2nd inning, with Chicago getting 4 in the 1st and holding on.

Game #6:

CHI 5 – STO 0
WP: Stewart LP: Sanderson
HR: none
Stewart dominates as Chicago again scores early and cruises to the win.

Game #7:

CHI 9 – STO 4
WP: Drabek LP: Cox
HR: Canseco, Marzano, Hrbek (2), Doran
Stockton was up 4-1 early but couldn’t stop Chicago’s offense. Hrbek’s two bombs and 4 RBI paced the Chicago attack.

Series Summary *

Chicago takes the series 6 games to 1.
Demolition’s offense lived up to their name as they destroyed Stockton’s pitching staff. Stockton was outscored 65-23.
Drabek had 2 wins for Chicago.

·         Fort Worth Panthers @ Montana Cutthroats

Series Preview

Divisional battle between two teams looking to future.

Game #1:

Willie McGee and Stan Jefferson each get 3 hits to lead 15 hit Panther attack. Joe Niekro throws a strong 7 innings for the win. FINAL – FWP 6 MCT 1

Game #2:

Steve Carlton throws complete game 5-hit shutout. Fred McGriff goes deep with solo HR. Mike Krukow hard luck loser with quality start for Montana. FINAL – FWP 2 MCT 0

Game #3:

Pitchers duel between Shane Rawley and Bill Wegman. Both go at least 9 innings but neither gets a decision. Curt Ford breaks 1-1 tie in 11th inning with pitch hit RBI double. FINAL – FWP 2 MCT 1

Game #4:

Fort Worth jumps out to 9-0 lead and cruises the rest of the way. Al Nipper throws 6 shutout innings for Panthers. Keith Hernandez gets 3 doubles and drives home three to lead offense. FINAL – FWP 9 MCT 4

Game #5:

Down 2-1, the Panthers get back to back HRs from Lance Parrish and Fred McGriff to score 4 times in the 6th and turn game around. Fernando Valenzuela gets win with relief support from Mike Jackson. FINAL – FWP 7 MCT 3

Game #6:

Montana finally gets offense going thanks to long ball. Darryl Strawberry hits 3-run HR and Carmen Castillo gets 2-run HR for the home team. Mark Grant and bullpen trio hold Panther bats at bay as Montana gets first win of series. FINAL – MCT 8 FWP 3

Game #7:

Montana takes series finale as they continue offensive roll they started in previous game. Ellis Burks is the offensive leader with a 4 for 5 day. He drives home 4 with the aid of a double and homerun. Floyd Youmans and Pete Smith combine to limit Panther offense. FINAL – MCT 9 FWP 3

Series Summary *

Fort Worth takes the series 5 games to 2.

·         East Pointe Marlins @ Detroit Stars

Series Summary *

No News out of Detroit.

·         Missouri Black Bears @ Steel City Sluggers

Series Summary *

No News out of Steel City.