PLAYER / PITCHER OF THE WEEK #23

Fred_McGriff88Eric_Show88eddie_murray88teddy_higuera88

 

NAME TEAM AVG SLG G AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI K W IW SB CS HBP
MCGRIFF,Fred FWP  AL .414 .966 7 29 12 1 0 5 8 9 7 5 0 0 0 0
NAME CLUB G W L S ERA IP R ER H K BB IBB WP BK HB HR
SHOW,Eric JJG  AL 1 1 0 0 0.00 9 0 0 3 5 1 0 0 0 0 0
NAME TEAM AVG SLG G AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI K W IW SB CS HBP
MURRAY,Eddie CLC  NL .393 .786 7 28 11 2 0 3 6 9 2 3 2 0 0 0
NAME CLUB G W L S ERA IP R ER H K BB IBB WP BK HB HR
HIGUERA,Teddy MIC  NL 2 2 0 0 0.53 17 1 1 5 15 7 0 0 0 0 0

 


Janesville Juggernauts @
Detroit Stars



Series Summary


*


Detroit wins series over Janseville 5-2; 4 of the 7 games decided by 2 runs or less


Missouri Black Bears @
Steel City Sluggers



Series Summary


*


Very close series & possible playoff matchup sees Steel City drop 3 of 5
to Missouri.


Clovis Cougars @ Germantown Grays



Series Summary


*


Clovis takes series 4-3


Chicago Demolition @
Stockton Wings



Series Preview


Chicago invades Stockton!



Game #1:


11-2 Demolition destroy the Wings 11-2!



Game #2:


Wings bounce back to win 4-3!



Game #3:


Chicago takes it 8-4!



Game #4:


Wings shut down Chicago 1-0!



Game #5:


Chicago 6-3 over Stockton!



Game #6:


Wings even the series 5-2 over Chicago!



Game #7:


Demolition take the series 5-2 in the final!



Series Summary


*


Chicago wins the series 4-3!


Sugar Land Skeeters @
Manhattan Gas Hornets



Series Preview


Sugar Land Skeeters (48-88, 5th in NL East) at Manhattan Gas Hornets
(89-45, 1st NL East) – Hopefully the Gas Hornets are not looking ahead
to the next two series (both on the road at Michigan and then Missouri)
and can keep their head in the game. Skeeters looking to play spoilers
and keeping the NL race active.



Game #1:


Witt tosses 5 hitter and gives up 2 runs, but that was enough for Leary
(18-5) and Reardon (S – 39) as Manhattan takes the opener 2-1. 9 hits
between the teams including an O’Neill solo shot (7).



Game #2:


Sugar Land outhits Manhattan 4-3 in this game, but Manhattan manages to
score 5 times with those 3 hits (no homers) – they also had 5 walks and
there was a Sugar Land error to boot (no pun intended, well maybe) as
Gas Hornets plate 4 in the 7th to win 5-0. Danny Cox (W 5-1) goes 7 4
hit innings and Mirabella finishes it up.



Game #3:


Gas Hornets get 3 in the first and never look book enroute to an 8-1
victory. O’Neill has field day, 3 for 4, HR (8), 4 rbis. Liriano HR (3)
the lone Sugar Land run. McWilliams wins (7-6), Finley (7-13) takes the
loss.



Game #4:


Reuschel pitches 6 innings, 5 hits, 2 runs (although the 2nd run came
when the relief staff couldn’t hold a guy) for his 24th win (24-7) as
the Gas Hornets win 4-2. James (10) homers for Sugar Land. Reardon gets
his 40th save. Blyleven goes to 8-17 with the loss.



Game #5:


Gas Hornets continue their winning ways with Leary (W 19-5) going 8
scoreless innings and Leach closing it out in a 4-0 win. 3 run Manhattan
8th seals the deal! Davis (L 6-15) goes 7 innings, 4 hits and gives up 1
run (unearned), but B.Jones comes in in the 8th faces 4 guys and it a
walk, an error and 2 hits – and 3 runs. Gallagher 2 hits for Sugar Land
(of their 7).



Game #6:

Manhattan scores 2 in the 1st and Pete Smith leaves after 7 clinging to
a 2-1 lead. Mirabella faces 3 in the 8th and turns it over to Reardon in
the 9th – but he blows his 3rd save of the year when Spike Owen leads
off the 9th and reaches on E2 – irony is the Allanson just entered the
game as defensive replacement behind the plate. Madison in to pinch run,
Santovenia sacs him to 2nd. Hubbard singles, moves Madison to 3rd, 1
out. Greg Walker to PH for Anderson (P) and singles in Madison to tie
the game. Then Reardon gets the other 2 outs. Bottom half with 1 out
Schofield reaches on E6 (Jay Bell who came in to run in the 9th for
Hubbard now does the poor defense for the Skeeters). Schofield steals,
Allanson fans, 2 outs and Sax is given the IW to face the pitcher’s
slot. Flannery comes in to PH and he doubles to drive in the winning run
and end the game. Final Manhattan 3, Sugar Land 2. Both teams get 6 hits
and commit 2 errors. Reardon the win (4-2), Crews the loss (0-3).



Game #7:


Final game and McClendon knocks a solo shot (3) in the 2nd for the 1-0
Sugar Land lead. Burns is going strong and inthe 7th the Gas Hornets get
a base runn on a Jacoby walk. Bass comes into run and all the stops are
pulled as he steals 2nd and 3rd and scores on an Allanson single to tie
the game.

Top 8, Marshall hits a 2 out solo shot (13) off Leach which ends up
being enough to win the game as Anderson (the 8th inning) and Jones (the
9th inning – and the Save (9)) hold off any Gas Hornet attempts to tie
it up again. WP Burn 6-7, LP Leach (0-5)



Series Summary


*


Manhattan wins the series 6-1 but not too impressively – weak hitting
from both teams made the games close. (or good pitching – but felt more
like weak hitting).

Manhattan has 21 games left, 14 against Missouri (7 on the road next
week – and 7 at home the final series of the season) and sandwiched
between them are 7 games AT Michigan. So all the teams that need to meet
will be playing the final 3 weeks.


Winnipeg Goldeyes @
Long Beach Titans


·



Series Summary


*


After taking the first 4 games, Long Beach drops the last 3 to Winnipeg.


Fort Worth Panthers @
Montana Cutthroats



Series Preview


An American League East battle as the 4th place Fort Worth Panthers
visit the 5th place Montana Cutthroats for a 7 game set.



Game #1:


Jim Rice goes 3 for 3 and Ken Patterson throws 8 quality innings to lead
Fort Worth past Montana 7-2 in the series opener. Billy Ripken and Fred
McGriff homered for Panthers. Patterson scattered 6 hits over 8 innings
while only allowing 1 run for the win. Ellis Burks homered for Montana.
FINAL – FWP 7 MCT 2



Game #2:


Fort Worth scores twice in the 10th inning to outlast Montana 4-2.
Pitchers ruled as the two teams combined for only 12 hits. Fort Worth
only had 5 but made them count. Keith Hernandez hit a 2-run HR in the
7th for Fort Worth for the only runs against Montana starter Mike
Smithson. Meanwhile, Ellis Burks and Kevin Seitzer hit solo homeruns for
the only runs off Fort Worth starter Ron Darling. Panthers win battle of
bullpens in the late innings. FINAL – FWP 4 MCT 2 (10 innings)



Game #3:


Jim Rice continues hot bat as he goes 4 for 5 with 4 RBI and 2 HRs to
lead Fort Worth to a 10-7 win. Fort Worth jumped out to a 9-1 lead but
Montana actually got the tying run to the plate in the 9th inning with a
late rally that fell short. Darryl Boston got 3 hits and a homerun for
Montana. In addition to Rice, Carney Lansford had a good night with 2
hits, 3 RBI, and a homerun. FINAL – FWP 10 MCT 7



Game #4:


An expected pitchers duel between Allan Anderson and Ramon Martinez
didnt really play out that way as Fort Worth comes from behind to win
7-5. Montana took a 5-3 lead into the 8th but their bullpen couldnt hold
on as Fort Worth scores 4 to win 7-5. Keith Hernandez hit two homeruns
to lead the Panthers at the plate. Pete Stanicek hit a 2-run HR for
Montana. FINAL – FWP 7 MCT 5



Game #5:


Montana avoids the series sweep as Mark Grant throws a complete game gem
to lead Cutthroats. Grant throws a 6-hit shutout for his first win of
the season. At the plate, Montana got a homerun from Steve “Bye Bye”
Balboni who also drove in all the runs scored in the game. FINAL – MCT 3
FWP 0



Game #6:


The Panthers waste Fred McGriff’s 3 homerun performance as Montana wins
a wild one 8-7. Up 6-2 heading into the 8th, Fort Worth scores 1 in the
8th and 3 in the 9th to tie the game. However, Montana scores the
winning run on a wild pitch in the bottom of the 9th. Ricky Jordan and
Ellis Burks get 3 hits a piece for Montana. McGriff was the star though
despite the loss. He went 3 for 5 with 3 homeruns and 5 RBI. FINAL – MCT
8 FWP 7



Game #7:


Another wild game as the Montana bullpen destructs yet again in Fort
Worth win. Fort Worth jumps out to a 6-0 lead behind homeruns from Fred
McGriff, Willie McGee, and Geno Petralli. But Montana fights back to tie
the game at 6-6 thanks in part to homeruns from Buddy Bell and Steve
Balboni. The Panthers then score twice in the 9th against the maligned
Cutthroat pen to win. FINAL – FWP 8 MCT 6



Series Summary


*


Fort Worth takes the series 5 games to 2. Two trends in the series are
Fort Worth’s multi homeruns in a game performances and the poor Montana
bullpen. Games were close and eventful despite lopsided results.


California Quakes @ Cedar Park Bears



Series Preview


The AL East 2d place California Quakes visit the 2d place in the AL
West, Cedar Park Bears. The Bears are attempting to make their 1st
playoff appearance in 4 years while the Quakes, just one season from
winning the league championship with 120 wins, find themselves with
losing record and little chance to make the post season sweep stakes.



Game #1:

The Quakes came out with something to prove, scoring 2 runs in each of
the 1st 3 innings and another in the 4th and 6th innings. Mike Boddicker,
who left his last start with an injury after only 1 inning, may not be
ready to return to full time duty, as he lasted just 2 innings, facing
only 13 batters. Bill Schroeder HRd for the Quakes. The Bears did mount
a comeback, led by Kirby Puckett who belted 3 HRs (22) and drove in 6
runs, but they came up short, after knocking out starter Jack Armstrong
in the 4th, the California staff shut down CP allowing only 1 more run.

Final: California 8 Cedar Park 7

WR: Heaton 3-7. 6.44

LP: Boddicker 10-10, 3.38



Game #2:


Both teams continued to hit, both hitting double digits. Dwight Evans
helped break the game open in the 6th with a 2-run HR topping off a 3
run inning to enable the Bears to even the series. Ron Oester had 2 key
RBIs in the win for CP.

Final: Cedar Park 7 California 3

WP: Moore 15-9, 2.73

LP: Ryan 11-16, 3.94



Game #3:


Dale Murphy smacked two HRs (11,12) and Kevin McReynolds HRd to drive in
two more to enable Jose Bautista to go the distance in a 7-hit shutout
of the Bears.

Final: California 5 Cedar Park 0

WP: Bautista 15-9, 3.02

LP: Witt 9-7, 3.93



Game #4:


After a day off the teams returned to the field. The Bears staff
battered over the 1st 3 games of the series, hoped to settle things down
in final 2 games. John Cerutti yielded an unearned run in the 1st inning
without giving up a hit. He did not give up a hit until a PH single by
Kent Hrbek in the 8th. That was all Cerutti would allow. Andre Thomas
hit his 14th HR in the 8th to give the Bears a 2-run lead and seal the
win and even the series.

Final: Cedar Park 3 California 1

WP: Cerutti 6-5, 2.79

LP: Kilgus 7-10, 3.17



Game #5:

By game 5, apparently the hitters on both teams grew tired from all the
hits early in the series, the teams combined for only 10 in the final
game. The Bears came out ahead again, only slightly, as Greg Swindell
tossed another fine game for Cedar Park. Zane Smith was the hard luck
loser for California. With the game tied at 1-1 in the bottom of the
9th, Will Clark walked, Fitzgerald sac to move Clark into scoring
position. Ron Gant BB, and the Quakes brought in Garrelts. Ron Oester
proved the hero again with a walk off single that scored Clark.

 

Final: Cedar Park 2 California 1

WP: Swindell 18-6, 2.88

LP: Smith 4-11, 5.18



Series Summary


*


Cedar Park’s pitching took over the last two games and enabled the Bears
to take the series 3-2. Kirby Puckett led the way for the Bears with 8
RBIs in the series, a series that had two different outcomes, the 1st
three were wide open offense, followed by two final games that went the
way of the pitchers.

 


Valdosta Bombers @ Michigan Marauders



Series Preview


4th place Valdosta takes on 3rd place Michigan in a rivalry series in
the N.L. East.



Game #1:


Mike Birkbeck gets his 1st win of the year and outduels Mark Langston.
Valdosta gets a nice game from Van Slyke with a homer.

Valdosta 4 Michigan 1



Game #2:


Classic pitching duel between Candiotti and Higuera. Higuera tosses a 1
-hitter. Michigan wins the game in the bottom of the 9th on a walk off
Hubie Brooks homer.

Higuera wins his 17th game.

Michigan 1 Valdosta 0



Game #3:


Michigan erupts in the bottom of the 5th with 4 runs. Hubie Brooks stays
hot with 3 RBI. Jack Clark hits a homer for Valdosta.

Michigan 5 Valdosta 3



Game #4:


Michigan gets it going early. Don August throws a complete game shutout
to lead Michigan to its 3rd consecutive victory. August gets his 10th
win.

Michigan 7 Valdosta 0



Game #5:


Valdosta gets it going and stops the losing streak. They beat up
Michigan pitching. Valdosta gets 3 homers and Tommy John throws a
shutout. Both John and Tanana were throwing the slow ball.

Valdosta 10 Michigan 0



Game #6:


This game is 0-0 until the top of the 10th when Valdosta scores an
unearned run. Franco gets the win and Farr gets the save. Langston
pitches 9 scoreless decision, but gets no decision.

Valdosta 1 Michigan 0 (10)



Game #7:


Its 3-3, Higuera pitches a strong game to lead Michigan to the win.
Higuera wins his 18th game and Henneman picks up his 35th save of the
season.



Series Summary


*


Close series. Valdosta pitches well, but falls just short. Michigan
takes 4 of 7 from Valdosta.


Mexico City Chihuahuas @ Traverse City Tigers



Series Preview


The Tigers come into the series with a two-game division lead over Cedar
Park as they host the 4th place Mexico City Chihuahuas. They know that
M.C. are no push-overs, so they need to be on top of their game, now
that it is crunch-time in the MWWL! T.C has a 83-51 record, while the
Chihuahuas are just keeping their heads over .500 with a 67-66 record
(15.5 games back).



Game #1:

Tigers send Eric King to the mound to start, he has been spending most
of his days in the pen lately, he enters with a 5-3 record, 4.10 ERA
with 7 GS’s this season — while he’ll face Danny Darwin (5-5, 2.61 ERA,
11 GS’s) who also has done his fair share of spot starts & bullpen work.

Top of the 1st

Back-to-back singles by Harold Reynolds & Tony Fernandez has the
visitors in business (runners on 1st & 3rd). Barry Bonds sends this one
deep to center, it’s a tweener, it’s off the wall, Lance Johnson
(playing center) picks the ball up, Reynolds scored easily, Fernandez is
going home, the throw is cut off, as Bonds goes for third, the play at
third & he’s safe.. Bonds just kept running, a two-run triple to kick
things off early for the Chihuahuas. King loses the count with Kevin
Mitchell, free pass — runners on the corners (again), and no outs.
Kelly Gruber steps up to the plate, hits it to short, Ramirez bobbles
for a second throws to second for the force, but the relay to first is
not in time, Bonds scores. Mexico City is up 3-0, with only one out.
Dave Bergman grounds it to Barrett at second, Barrett momentarily
juggles it, only play at first, two down, Gruber moves up to second.
Henry Cotto hits it to right, Joe Carter takes it on the bounce, throws
for home to try to get Gruber, Cotto advances to second, both are safe!
Jim Dwyer flies to shallow outfield, behind second, the shortstop
Ramirez is there to make the final out of a long opening act.

Mexico City 4, Traverse City 0

Bottom of the 1st

Darwin walks the lead-off hitter in Lance Johnson. Tim Raines grounds
out to a diving Harold Reynolds, whose only play was at first, Johnson
moves up to second. Pete O’Brien hits one to deep center, almost clears
the wall, bounces off the wall, Cotto is up with it, Johnson scores
easily, while O’Brien pulls up with a double. Dave Winfield would ground
out, followed by Paul Molitor flying out to left. Traverse City trails
4-1 to the Chihuahuas.

Innings 2-5

Eric King settled down for the Tigers, while the Tigers’ lineup has only
managed three hits through the first five innings. Barry Bonds & Tony
Fernandez has two hits each, while Mexico City holds a 4-1 lead, with 7
hits.

Top of the 6th

With Eric King still in there for the Tigers, the Chihuahuas put up
back-to-back singles to lead off the inning by Dave Bergman & Henry
Cotto. The Tigers go to the pen, and want to give John Candelaria some
work. Candelaria gets Jim Dwyer to bounce into a double-play, Bergman
moves down to third. John Marzano hits a deep liner to right, that is
snared by Joe Carter for the final out.

Bottom of the 6th

Dave Winfield draws a two-out walk, the Tigers go to the bench with
Jesse Barfield pinch-running for Winfield. The Tigers have Barfield
running with the pitch, as Paul Molitor pokes it to left, runners on the
corners. Mexico City goes to the pen, Danny Darwin pitched 5.2 innings,
one earned run so far.. on 4 hits, 2 K’s & 2 walks (responsible for the
runners) — they go with Jeff Pico, a player I believed they picked up
in a deal this season — he’ll face Joe Carter. The Tigers decide to go
with Johnny Ray to give the team an advantage at the plate, the Tigers
have the runners moving, and Ray fails to make contact, and has Barfield
caught in a rundown for the final out — huge break against for Mexico
City.

Mexico City 4, Traverse City 1

Top of the 7th

Tigers take out Candelaria to give Jim Acker some work, hoping he can
keep the Tigers in this one. Acker enters with a generous 7.94 ERA. They
let him pitch 2/3 of an inning & elect to go with a southpaw to face
Barry Bonds, they go with Juan Agosto.

Bottom of the 7th

Ron Hassey hits a one-out single to shallow left, Tigers elect to
pinch-run Ernie Riles for the slow Hassey.

Rafael Ramirez hits into a fielder’s choice, they get the lead runner at
second, two down. Marty Barrett smacks one to left, lands in front of
Jim Dwyer, he bobbles it, Ramirez decides to take advantage of Dwyer’s
weak & aging arm, only to get called out by inches at third —
apparently it was not weak enough. Tigers pay for their aggressiveness.

Top of the 8th

Lead-off walk by Kevin Mitchell, then steals second. Juan Agosto strikes
out Kelly Gruber, but then allows a single to right by Dave Bergman.
Tigers decide to make a change for Agosto with reliever Brian Holton.
Holton enters with a 1.93 ERA in 60 innings of work this season, he has
runners on the corners & will have to face Henry Cotto, with one out.
Cotto hits a single to left-center, Mitchell scores easily, Bergman
holds second.

Bottom of the 8th

One-out single by Tim Raines, Raines then steals second. One strike to
the lefty Pete O’Brien, the pitch comes in, and O’Brien is way out in
front – strike-out for Jeff Pico, two down. Pico delivers to Jesse
Barfield, this one is hit to center, going.. going.. GONE! The Tigers
are now in striking distance. Pico gets Paul Molitor to ground out to
first, with Pico covering first on a throw by Bergman, just in time.

Mexico City 5, Traverse City 3

Top of the 9th

T.C.’s Brian Holton blows right through Mexico City, 1-2-3.

Bottom of the 9th

Mexico City calls on Tim Burke to close things out, Burke enters with
2.06 ERA, no saves. Jeff Pico exits by over-achieving for the most part,
Tigers couldn’t take advantage of him, only with Barfield’s two-run
homer, a total of two hits in 2.1 innings against him. Burke will have
to face Johnny Ray first. Burke up with the pitch, and Ray flies out to
Cotto in center, one down. Bob Boone flies to center as well, for second
out. It’s all up to Rafael Ramirez, the pitch comes in, it’s grounded
weakly to first, Bergman is up with it, runs to first for the easy out &
that’s the game

FINAL SCORE: Mexico City 5, Traverse City 3

Game #2:


Mexico City sends Bill Swift to the mound, he’s 5-6 with a 4.87 ERA —
as he will be countered with the Jose Rijo, 9-5, 2.86 ERA, as Tigers
look to even the series after missed opportunities last night.

Bottom of the 2nd

Lead-off single by Dave Winfield, a gapper to left. A swinging bunt by
Joe Carter, moves Winfield to second, as Gruber gets Carter at first.
Ron Hassey steps up & hits one up the middle, out of reach for
Fernandez, Winfield rounds third, and decides to hold, runners on the
corners. Ernie Riles hits one a fly into the left-center gap, caught by
Bonds, and Winfield decides not to test Bonds’ arm, just not deep
enough. Marty Barrett hits one just over Fernandez’s head, Winfield
scores, runners on 1st & 2nd, two outs. The Chihuahuas get Lance Johnson
to pop out for final out. Traverse City 1, Mexico City 0

Top of the 3rd

Henry Cotto hits a one-out single to deep short, just beats the throw
from Ramirez; Cotto steals second. John Marzano grounds out to deep
short, moving the runner up to third. Harold Reynolds hits a double to
the right-center gap just over Joe Carter’s glove, Cotto scores easily &
ties this one up. Lenny Dykstra grounds it to Riles, Riles to first with
the throw, and that ends the inning. Mexico City 1, Traverse City 1

Top of the 4th

Jose Rijo strikes out the side in Barry Bonds, Kevin Mitchell & Kelly
Gruber.

Top of the 5th

Lead-off single to right for Dave Bergman. Tony Fernandez hits one up
the middle, Ramirez gets to it, tries to flip it to second for the
force, not in time, both runners are safe. A sacrifice bunt by Henry
Cotto moves the runners up, Cotto was nearly safe on a high throw by
third baseman Riles. A big strikeout by Jose Rijo that catches the
corner on John Marzano, two down. Harold Reynolds pops it up to Barrett
at second, to end the threat.

Top of the 6th

One-out double into the right-center gap that drops between Johnson &
Carter for Barry Bonds. With two outs, and Bonds at third, Jose Rijo
strikes out Kelly Gruber. Score remains knotted up at 1-1.

Bottom of the 6th

Lead-off single by Pete O’Brien (his second hit of the game), Paul
Molitor comes in to pinch-run for O’Brien. Dave Winfield fails to make
contact on what appeared to be a hit & run that was in action, and
Molitor gets caught in a run down, trying to make it back to first.
Winfield hits a looper to left for his second hit of the game. One out,
as Joe Carter steps up to the plate against Bill Swift. Swift sets &
delivers, this one is hit hard over third and into the corner, Bonds
comes up with it, they hold Winfield at third, as Carter reaches second
on a double. Ron Hassey strikes out, two outs. Ernest Riles hits one to
deep short, Fernandez dives, he’s up with it, the throw, and Riles just
beats it out! Winfield scores, Carter moves up to third. Runners on the
corners for Marty Barrett, the delivery from Swift, and it’s outside —
ball four, bases loaded, only the second walk issued by Swift. The
Tigers go to the bench, and will have Sam Horn pinch -hit for Lance
Johnson. Swift sets up with the pitch, and Horn comes up with a big
swing of air! Leaving the bases loaded — the damage could have been far
worse for the small dogs.

Traverse City 2, Mexico City 1

Top of the 7th

Tigers make changes Jesse Barfield comes in for pinch-runner Molitor,
plays left, moves Wilson to center. Nick Esasky will replace Pete
O’Brien at first, while Juan Agosto the southpaw comes in for Jose Rijo
who pitched 6 innings with 6 K’s, 5 hits & 1 ER allowed. Agosto faces
Dave Bergman to start the top half, and walks him. Sacrifice bunt for
Tony Fernandez, moving the potential tying-run in Bergman up to second.

Henry Cotto hits hard grounder to third, Riles makes the throw across
the diamond, Bergman has to stay at second, two down. John Marzano makes
contact, but it’s not too deep for Barfield as he pulls it down, three
away.

Bottom of the 7th

Tim Raines comes in to pinch-hit against the right-hander, he’s in for
Rafael Ramirez. Raines grounds out to second on close play. Bill Swift
walks Mookie Wilson. Mookie tries to steal second, but catcher John
Marzano nails him with the throw, two down! Jesse Barfield grounds it to
Reynolds for the third out.

Top of the 8th

Riles moves to short, as Tom O’Malley comes in at third base, Raines is
out who pinch-hit for Ramirez. Tigers also make a move for their setup
man Brian Holton to come in for Agosto. After two quick outs, the Tigers
elected to intentionally walk Barry Bonds to face Kevin Mitchell.
Holton’s pitch is inside, and it plunks Mitchell, runners on 1st & 2nd,
two outs for Kelly Gruber. Holton with the pitch, and Gruber strikes
out, that’s the third time Gruber has struck out in the game.

Bottom of the 8th

Joe Carter hits a one-out solo home run for extra insurance. Ron Hassey
hits his second hit of the game to center field. Johnny Ray comes in to
pinch-run for Hassey. Swift comes with the pitch to Ernest Riles, Riles
muscles one just over the first baseman’s head, the rightfielder Cotto
chases it down, Ray is to third (holds) as Riles makes second. The small
dogs have seen enough of Swift, and bring in reliever Duane Ward to face
Marty Barrett; Ward enters with a 3.95 ERA in 57 innings of work. Ward
with the pitch, and this one is hit to the gap in left, this could be
trouble, Ray scores, Riles scores, Bonds up with the throw as Barrett
slides into second safely — extra insurance never hurts, big hit for
Barrett! Nick Esasky strikes out for the second out. Tom O’Malley got a
hold of this one, deep to right, but it’s caught at the warning track by
Cotto. Traverse City 5, Mexico City 1

Top of the 9th

The Tigers will bring in southpaw Ken Dayley to face lefty Dave Bergman.
Dayley strikes out Bergman, followed by another K of Tony Fernandez.
Tigers bring in Doug Jones who has not been out on the mound for a few
days to face the righty Henry Cotto. Cotto grounds a nubber in front of
the mound, the catcher Boone pounces on it, the throw to first, and
that’s the game!

FINAL SCORE: Traverse City 5, Mexico City 1

 



Game #3:

Greg Maddux takes the mound for the Tigers with a 14-9 record & 3.06 ERA
— he’ll face off against David Cone (16-7, 1.79 ERA).

 

Top of the 4th

In a game that has been the predictable pitcher’s duel between Cone &
Maddux, the Chihuahuas draw first blood, after Lenny Dykstra singled to
right, Mexico City put the hit & run into play with Barry Bonds hitting
one down the line to left, Dykstra would go on to make it all the way
home. Kevin Mitchell hits a single past Ramirez at short, Bonds rounds
third, but holds. Runners on the corners, no outs for Kelly Gruber,
Maddux delivers it’s grounded to the mound, Maddux goes to second for
one out, the throw to first… not in time, as Bonds scores from third.
Cecil Fielder up to the plate, the pitch, this one is going to left,
Winfield gives chase, but he’ll watch this one sail over the wall! Home
Run for Cecil! The Tigers would eventually get out of the inning. Mexico
City 4, Traverse City 0

Top of the 6th

Barry Bonds leads off with a single to left. With one out, Kelly Gruber
hits it Ramirez, Ramirez bobbles it, throws quickly to first & Gruber is
safe, as the ball gets by O’Brien at first, Bonds makes third, while
Gruber has to settle at first. Maddux ends up loading the bases by
walking Cecil Fielder. Tony Fernandez steps up, and hits one to the
mound, as Maddux backhands it, Bonds is coming home, Maddux realizes he
has it in his glove & comes home with it on the throw & gets the force,
two down. Henry Cotto comes to the plate with the bases loaded, Maddux
delivers, Cotto hits this one good, it could be trouble, heading towards
center, Raines is after it, and makes the catch at the track. Nothing,
but loud noise.

Bottom of the 7th

The Tigers pinch-hit Ron Hassey for Joey Meyer. Hassey draws a walk,
Tigers pinch-run Lance Johnson for Hassey. Jesse Barfield hits the ball
into the right corner, Johnson is hustling and wills score, as Barfield
just gets under the tag, and makes it safe to third on a RBI triple.
Paul Molitor comes in to hit for Ernest Riles. Molitor grounds out for
final out.

Top of the 8th

Maddux is taken out for reliever Ken Dayley; Maddux pitched seven
innings, he only has the mess of the 4th Inning on his hands, otherwise
a good pitching performance from Maddux, 4 K’s, while allowing 6 hits &
a walk. With one out, Dayley then allows back-to-back walks to Kevin
Mitchell & Kelly Gruber. Cecil Fielder pops out for out number two.
Dayley then gives up an RBI single to Tony Fernandez. Brian Holton comes
in to help get the Tigers out of the inning. Mexico City 5, Traverse
City 1

Top of the 9th

The Chihuahuas add an insurance run, after Harold Reynolds’ triple,
Lenny Dykstra hits a deep infield single to score in Reynolds. Mexico
City 6, Traverse City 1

Bottom of the 9th

Hipolito Pena comes in to relieve Cone, he would allow a two-out solo
homer to Bob Boone, but it was a too little, too late for T.C., as
Mexico City finishes the Tigers in this one with a strikeout of Nick
Esasky.

FINAL SCORE: Mexico City 6, Traverse City 2

Game #4:

Bob Knepper of the Tigers faced off against Sid Fernandez of Mexico
City. Knepper’s season has been coasting slowly after this season’s hot
start for him.

Top of the 4th

Kevin Mitchell hits a lead-off single to left. Bob Knepper strikes out
Kelly Gruber next. Dave Bergman comes up & bangs a single to center, it
ends up rolling between the center fielder Lance Johnson’s legs,
Mitchell is digging & makes it home — the relay throw from Johnson is
wide by a good ten feet, as Bergman has to hold first, Johnson picks up
an error. Mexico City 1, Traverse City 0

Bottom of the 6th

The Tigers’ Ernest Riles hits a one-out double into the right field
corner. Mookie Wilson hits a hard ball towards Reynolds at second, but
all Reynolds could do was wave at it, Riles trucks around third &
scores, this one is tied! Mexico City 1, Traverse City 1

Bottom of the 9th

Sid Fernandez still in the game for Mexico City. Fernandez would issue a
one-out walk to Paul Molitor, then a single to right to Bob Boone,
putting runners on 1st & 2nd. Pete O’Brien comes up & fails to make
contact as he strikes out, big K for Fernandez. Joe Carter would also
fail by grounding out to second.

Innings 10-13

Bullpens for both teams hold their own, Hipolito Pena (2.1 innings) &
Duane Ward (1.2 innings) allow no scoring for the small dogs, while the
Tigers’ Luis Aquino came in at the start of the bottom of the ninth, and
pitched 5 full innings by end of the 13th inning.

Top of the 14th

The Tigers stick with Aquino. Aquino would get Kelly Gruber to hit a
grounder to Ray at second, for a ground out, one out. Dave Bergman would
hit one to the left of Ray, Ray pegs it to first, that’s two outs.
Aquino faces Phil Bradley and pitches one that he would like to have
back, curving by the left field pole, and it’s gone, big HR by Bradley
in the 14th, and that’s it for Aquino in 5.2 innings of work (only
allowing 3 hits). Ken Dayley comes in to get Howard Johnson to fly to
center for the final out, but not before Bradley makes T.C. pay. Mexico
City 2, Traverse City 1

Bottom of the 14th

Tim Burke closes the door on the Tigers. The Tigers’ Dave Winfield hit a
two-out double, but Rafael Ramirez would come up short at the plate by
grounding it to short.

FINAL SCORE: Mexico City 2, Traverse City 1 (14 Innings)

Game #5:

Old man Charlie Hough takes the mound for the Tigers, he will face off
against the much-younger Jeff Russell of the Chihuahuas.

Bottom of the 3rd

Rafael Ramirez & Tim Raines kick off the inning with back-to-back
singles. Russell would walk Mookie Wilson, loading up the bases, Russell
is visibly upset with himself. Pete O’Brien comes up with no outs, and
he earns an RBI the hard way by getting plunked. Dave Winfield was
swinging hard for the fences, but ends up striking out, threat still
very much alive. One out pitch to Paul Molitor, and he fights this one
off as it was inside, and sails this one just out of reach of the first,
Dykstra fields this one on the right field line, Raines scores, Mookies
around third, the throw comes in and he scores as well — two-run single
for Molitor, as O’Brien holds at second. Ron Hassey hits a single just
past Fernandez at short & has the bases juiced once again. Marty Barrett
hits a fly to center, but it was not far enough to tag up. Lance Johnson
would ground out to second for the final out. Traverse City 3, Mexico
City 0

Top of the 4th

A lead-off walk to Barry Bonds issued by Charlie Hough. Kevin Mitchell
strikes out against Hough. Kelly Gruber hits a sharp ball at Rafael
Ramirez which handcuffs him, only play is at first, Bonds moves up to
second. Cecil Fielder hits a single to left, Bonds trucks around third
and goes for home, the throw & he’s safe, as Mexico City gets on the
board. Traverse City 3, Mexico City 1

Charlie Hough pitches a solid game, goes 7 innings, allowing 5 hits, 1
ER, two walks, with 5 K’s. Juan Agosto would hold down the fort in the
8th, setting things up for the closer Doug Jones who has 32 saves.

Top of the 9th

Doug Jones walks the lead-off man in Barry Bonds. Kevin Mitchell hits a
grounder to deep first at O’Brien, O’Brien throws it to Jones covering
first for the first out, as Bonds advances to second. Jones delivers the
pitch to Kelly Gruber, Gruber lines it to left, it lands in front of
Mookie Wilson, Bonds is rounding third, the throw comes in to Riles
covering third, and Bonds holds. Runners on the corners, with one out as
Jones will have to face the big boy, Cecil Fielder. Fielder gets a pitch
he likes, and lines it down the left field line, Bonds will score,
Gruber is rounding second & holds; Jones not his usual unstoppable self
tonight, and has not made it easy on himself as he now faces Lenny
Dykstra. Dykstra hits a fly to center, Johnson runs in on it, makes the
catch, the runners momentarily look as if they would tag up, but hold.
Two down, and stepping up to the plate for the Chihuahuas is Phil
Bradley, last night’s extra-innings hero — Can he do it again? Jones
comes with the pitch, and big swing & miss by Bradley, that’s a
strikeout & the game for Doug Jones and the Traverse City Tigers.

Ron Hassey has 3 hits for the Tigers, while Cecil Fielder had 3 hits & 2
RBI for Mexico City.

FINAL SCORE: Traverse City 3, Mexico City 2

Game #6:

Dwight Gooden would hold down the Tigers for the most part in this one,
facing off again Dave LaPoint who did his part in this game to keep T.C.
in it.

Bottom of the 1st

Pete O’Brien hits a two-out solo HR to right, for early blood. Traverse
City 1, Mexico City 0

Bottom of the 3rd

Pete O’Brien strikes again for the Tigers, this time hitting a single to
right, moving Tim Raines into scoring position at third, Raines drew a
one-out walk. Paul Molitor would hit a ball right back to the mound,
which would ricochet off Gooden’s glove, Raines scores, Gooden recovers
the ball and throws it to first in time to get Molitor, O’Brien would
move up to second, two outs. Bob Boone fails to do anything more for T.C.
this inning has he flies to right for final out. Traverse City 2, Mexico
City 0

Top of the 6th

Tony Fernandez smokes a liner to center that badly fooled Lance Johnson
in center, and goes over his head, Fernandez makes it all the way to
third, a big lead-off triple to start the inning for Mexico City, who
have had no real luck against Dave LaPoint up to this point of the game.
The Tigers believe they don’t want anything to do with Barry Bonds, so
they intentionally walk him to face Kevin Mitchell. LaPoint gets
Mitchell to pop out behind first to Barrett, one out. Infield at double
play depth, Kelly Gruber hits one hard to Molitor, Molitor will go to
first, and that’s two down, but a run scores as Bonds moves up to
second. Cecil Fielder would line it to left, Raines had himself
positioned perfectly, for the third out.

Traverse City 2, Mexico City 1

Juan Agosto would pitch two scoreless innings for the Tigers in relief,
allowing only one hit, with one K.

Top of the 9th

The Tigers’ bats could not give their pitching any extra insurance —
only 4 hits (2 of them by Pete O’Brien). The Tigers will go with their
closer Doug Jones (33 Saves). Kevin Mitchell leads off by hitting a
dribbler to the left of the mound, Rafael Ramirez runs over, picks it up
and throws all in one motion, but the ball goes only about three feet!
Mitchell is safe, on a error, E-6. Mexico City goes to their bench, and
has the speedy Henry Cotto to pinch-run for Mitchell. Cotto ends up
stealing base #23 for the season, on a strong throw by Bob Boone. No
outs, the pitch to Kelly Gruber, and it’s rocketed down the first base
line, O’Brien knocks it down, Cotto makes it to third, as Gruber pulls
into first safely! Cecil Fielder who continues to be a nuisance for the
Tigers lines it hard to deep center, it’s a tweener, it one-hops the
wall, Barfield is up with it, Cotto scores, tie-game, Gruber is around
third, the Tigers’ O’Brien cuts off the throw and throws it to third &
he’s out. He decided to let the go-ahead run score for the trade of an
out, the first out. This is Jones’ 4th blown save of the season, he
would settle down and get the next two batters.

Mexico City 3, Traverse City 2

Bottom of the 9th

The Chihuahuas stick with Dwight Gooden, he gets the first two outs.
Jesse Barfield steps up to the plate, gives this ball a deep ride to the
right field wall, Dykstra catches it, and that’s it. Mexico City comes
up big in the 9th, and once again plays spoiler! Cedar Park fans
elsewhere have to be really excited about this, as Mexico City enters
the last game of this series up 4 games-to-2.

Gooden records his 9th win, improving his record to 9-8, he had only 4
K’s, but at the same time only allowed 4 hits in this complete-game
victory.

FINAL SCORE: Mexico City 3, Traverse City 2

Game #7:

Neither starting pitcher Bob Walk (Mexico City) or John Candelaria
(Traverse City) would do their jobs in this one, as it’s back & forth
between both teams’ lineups.

Mexico City had a 3-1 lead entering bottom of the 3rd, after a two-run
HR by Harold Reynolds, Tigers would notch one in bottom of 3rd, and
would load the bases & take the lead 5-3 in the 4th with a bunch of
scattered hits.

Mexico City then reclaimed the lead with 4 runs in the top of the 6th
(7-5), Tigers score two in bottom of 6th to tie, with Mexico City once
again countering this time with 2 runs during the top of the 7th. I
would report on a lot of this, but that’s just it, not a game built on
homers, but plenty of offense, the teams by the end of this game would
combine for 26 hits (16 by Traverse City).

Bottom of the 9th

Tim Burke in to close out the game, up 9-7. Dave Winfield steps up &
draws the walk, Burke is standing there as to be expecting a strikeout
call instead. Tigers pinch-run Joe Carter for Winfield. Paul Molitor
grounds out, moves Carter up to second, one away. Burke delivers the
pitch to Mookie Wilson, and the ball is to the screen, it got past John
Marzano behind the plate, Carter reaches third on the passed ball.
Mookie hits one down the right field line, Carter scores easily, and
Wilson will reach second on a double & RBI, down by one, with one out.
Mexico City goes to the pen for Duane Ward (3.71 ERA). The Tigers call
on Johnny Ray to pinch-hit for Ron Hassey, but he strikes out for out
number two. The Tigers decide to yank Marty Barrett out for Ernest Riles
to bat lefty against right Ward. Riles finds his pitch, hits this one
down the right field line, Wilson is around third, their waving him in,
the throw is coming to the plate, and he’s in safe standing! Tie game
for Tigers, 9-9! Rafael Ramirez steps up to the plate, and Ward throws
it over the catcher’s head, Riles is to second on the wild pitch, the
winning run is on second base. Now Mexico City has decided to
intentionally walk Ramirez, to face the weak-hitting Lance Johnson.
Tigers go to the bench for Jesse Barfield instead, comes to the plate,
the pitch by Ward, Barfield turns the ball around, Phil Bradley in
center is giving chase, really stretches to snag this one, with most of
the ball still showing in his glove — he really had to reach over his
shoulder for that one, big athletic display by Bradley, we’ll see that
one in the highlight reels, a good run by Bradley as well. This one is
knotted up & going to extras…

Traverse City 9, Mexico City 9

Top of the 10th

Brian Holton for the Tigers sends the Chihuahuas down 1-2-3 in order,
making it a strong 3.1 innings in relief for T.C.

Bottom of the 10th

Duane Ward still in there for Mexico City, sets up, delivers, it’s a
base hit to right field for Tim Raines — Raines’ second hit of the
game, he has been hit in two times by his teammates. Pete O’Brien hits a
soft liner that lands in the gap, Raines rounds second & slides in ahead
of the throw, no outs. Mexico City goes to the bullpen and calls on Jose
Alvarez — Alvarez enters with a stingy 1.57 ERA. Alvarez will face off
against Joe Carter, the pitch, he draws a walk… no wait, it caught the
outside corner, Carter can’t believe it, one out. Paul Molitor comes to
the plate, Molitor sends a blooper just over Tony Fernandez’s glove,
Carter is well around third, and this will do it! Tigers win in extras,
10-9! Walk-off single by Molitor.

FINAL SCORE: Traverse City 10, Mexico City 9 (10 Innings)



Series Summary


*


SERIES: Mexico City defeats Traverse City, 4-3.

 

 

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