BoS's WEEK 11 Award Winners

NATIONAL LEAGUE 
"K is for Kershaw"

K as in strikeout, K as in Kershaw. Clayton Kershaw recorded a win & loss for the week, for a combined week of only 5 hits & an earned run allowed, walking four, while striking out 16 batters in 17 innings. In his victory against the Carolina Eagles, Kershaw pitched a two-hit shutout, striking out 6 batters. K is also for Kings, the team that Kershaw plays for. Clayton is this week's N.L. Pitcher of the Week.

Not too many players stood out on the offensive side of things for the National League, except for the Holland Hitchhikers' Will Middlebrooks. Middlebrooks' average may not be over .300 (.292 for the week, going 7-for-24), but he clobbered 4 home runs in the process (including a double) while knocking in 7 RBI, scoring 5 runs. Middlebrooks is this week's N.L. Player of the Week.

N.L. Honorable Mention:

• SP-Bronson Arroyo (SEA) - One-hit shutout with 7 K's, no walks.
• SP-Cole Hamels (URB) - L, 8 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 11 K's & 2 BB's.
• SP-Anibal Sanchez (POR) - SHO, 10 K's, 6 hits allowed & 4 walks allowed
• SP-Max Scherzer (SEA) - 9 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 11 K's & BB (No decision, Seattle won in extras).
• OF-Giancarlo Stanton (T.C.) - .381 (8-for-21), HR, 4 RBI & 4 runs.
• OF-Nate McLouth (URB) 2 games: 6/9 (.667), HR, 2 RBI, 3 runs & 4 steals.
• 3B-Mike Moustakas (HOL) - .400 (6-for-15), HR, 5 RBI & 3 runs.
• C-Alex Avila (SAC) - .278 (5-for-18), 2 HR, 5 RBI & 3 runs.
• 1B-Freddie Freeman (POR) - .333 (6-for-18), HR, 2 RBI & 3 runs.
• SP-Tim Hudson (KING) - L, 12 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 8 K/5 BB's.
• 1B-Brandon Belt (T.C.) - .381 (8-for-21), HR, 3 RBI & 6 runs.
• SP-Dan Straily (HOL) - ND, 7.2 IP, 7 H, 0 ER (2 runs), 9 K's & 3 BB's.
• OF-Josh Willingham (SEA) - .300 (6-for-20), 2 HR, 6 RBI & 3 runs.
• SP-Clayton Richard (SAC) - L, 7.2 IP, 4 H, ER, 7 K's & 2 BB's.
• SP-Phil Hughes (SAC) - L, 7.2 IP, 5 H, ER, 7 K's & 2 BB's.
• SP-Mike Minor (HOL) - ND, 6.1 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 8 K's.
• SP-Hiroki Kuroda (URB) - W, 8 IP, 6 H, ER with 4 K's.
• 3B-Edwin Encarnacion (SAC) - .348 (8-for-23), 2 HR, 3 RBI & 3 runs.
• 3B-Chase Headley (KING) - .304 (7-for-23), HR, 4 RBI & 2 runs.
• 3B-Todd Frazier (POR) - .357 (5-for-14), HR, RBI & 6 runs.

AMERICAN LEAGUE
"The Substitute Effect"

The Bronx Bombers' star first baseman Mark Teixeira got injured early in the week, so the Bombers called on their veteran backup Michael Young, who stepped in and did more than his job, he passed the week with flying colors. Late in Young's MLB career, he played wherever his team needed him, the Bombers played him at first.

Young batted 12-for-23 (.522), 2 HR, 8 RBI & 7 runs -- to be named this week's A.L. Player of the Week. He helped the Bronx to a 5-1 record during this stretch as well.

Jeff Samardzija only had one outing, but it was a good enough outing to earn this weeks honors for A.L. Pitcher of the Week -- despite going against another pitcher who won two games, one of those two wins being no hits allowed in 8 innings of work. The Chicago Nine's Samardzija pitched 10 innings in his outing, allowing 6 hits, no ER's (1 run), while striking out 11 batters, walking one.

Samardzija also became the first A.L. pitcher to win the weekly award twice, the N.L.'s David Price was the first pitcher in the entire league to do so.

A.L. Honorable Mention:

• SP-Jordan Zimmermann (BUF) - Leaves game with no-hitter in tact after 8 innings; total stats for the week - 2 wins, 15 IP, 9 hits, 4 ER, 6 K's & 3 BB's for 2.40 ERA.
• SP-Johnny Cueto (BOS) - W/L, 16.1 IP (CG), 12 H, 5 ER, 15 K & 3 BB with 2.76 ERA.
• SP-Justin Verlander (CAR) - 3-hit shutout with 10 K's & BB.
• IF-Jeff Keppinger (S.S.) - .455 (10-for-22), 2 HR, 8 RBI, 4 runs (Grand Slam in 2nd game).
• SP-Zack Greinke (WAS) - No-hitter bid broken up 6.2 innings into his 8 IP, 4 H, 10 K, no run performance against the Panthers -- Jason Bartlett's double broke up bid.
• 3B-Kyle Seager (BRX) - .500 (10-for-20), 5 RBI & 7 runs.
• SP-Mark Buehrle (BRX) - W, 14.2 IP, 14 H, 2 ER (7 runs), 12 K & BB (1.23 ERA for week).
• DH/1B-Nick Swisher (CHI) 8-for-22 (.364), 2 HR, 10 RBI & 5 runs.
• 1B-Miguel Cabrera (BUF) - .375 (9-for-24), 4 HR, 6 RBI, 5 runs, 3 doubles & 2 BB.
• SP-Clay Buchholz (CAR) - 5-hit SHO, 5 K's & BB.
• SP-Mat Latos (FAIR) - L, 7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 8 K's & BB.
• 2B-Robinson Cano (BRX) - .292 (7-for-24), 2 HR, 6 RBI & 4 runs.
• SS-Ruben Tejada (BOS) - 8-for-19 (.421), 4 RBI & 2 runs.
• 1B-Paul Konerko (WAS) - .409 (9-for-22), 3 runs.
• SP-Doug Fister (S.S.) - W, 8.1 IP, 6 H, 0 ER with 4 K's.
• SP-Chris Capuano (BOS) - ND, 9 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 6 K & 2 BB.
• OF-Carlos Gonzalez (CHI) - .385 (10-for-26), RBI, 7 runs, 3 doubles & 2 steals.
• OF-Rajai Davis (BUF) - .563 (9-for-16), 4 RBI, 3 runs, SB.
• OF-Melky Cabrera (S.S.) - .412 (7-for-17), 2 HR, 4 RBI & 3 runs.
• 2B-Dan Uggla (BOS) - .438 (7-for-16), HR, 2 RBI & 6 runs.
• SP-Madison Bumgarner (FAIR) - ND, 6.2 IP, 4 H, ER, 8 K's & BB.
• OF-Alex Gordon (BOS) - .308 (8-for-26), 4 RBI & 3 runs.

MWWL: Down the Stretch (Part I)

Hello Mid-West Winter League fans!

It's been a little bit since I last reported on the season, so let me catch you up. We left off with the Mexico City Chihuahuas winning their regular-season series against the Traverse City Tigers, 4-3. The two teams will not play each other again for the remainder of the regular season. Mexico City is within striking distance of the wildcard hunt, fighting for that last spot with the Detroit Stars.

The Standings as of September 15th, 1988...

	A.L. East	W	L	GB	Magic #
1	CHICAGO DEMOLITION	102	43	0	X
2	CALIFORNIA QUAKES	66	75	34
3	FORT WORTH PANTHERS	61	80	39
	STOCKTON WINGS	61	80	39
4	MONTANA CUTTHROATS	44	99	57
	A.L. West	W	L	GB	Magic #
1	TRAVERSE CITY TIGERS	86	55	0	20
2	CEDAR PARK BEARS	86	57	1
3	DETROIT STARS	77	65	9.5
4	MEXICO CITY CHIHUAHUAS	71	69	14.5
5	JANESVILLE JUGGERNAUTS	56	87	31
	A.L. WILD CARD Race	W	L	GB	Magic #
1	CEDAR PARK BEARS	86	57	0	12
2	DETROIT STARS	77	65	8.5
3	MEXICO CITY CHIHUAHUAS	71	69	13.5
4	CALIFORNIA QUAKES	66	75	19

Late that night the Cedar Park Bears pulled into Traverse City to play them the next day on September 16th. The Tigers currently lead by one game over the Bears. This could be a series, that could determine everything for these two teams.

Game #142 (Game #144 for CPB) at TRAVERSE CITY

Game 1

Mike Boddicker (CPB) faces off against Greg Maddux of the Tigers.

Claudell Washington hits an RBI single for the Bears to draw first blood in the first; Tigers answer back with RBI double by Pete O'Brien in the bottom half of the 3rd Inning, tied 1-1.

Luis Polonia for Cedar Park reaches on a single, then steals second with no outs during the top of the 8th. Lenny Harris hits a ball past a diving Marty Barrett, Polonia would round third & score. The Bears now lead 2-1. During the bottom half of the 8th, the Tigers would once again tie it up -- this one a blast by Pete O'Brien over the center field wall, O'Brien once again comes through. O'Brien was one of the Tigers' in-season acquisitions this season.

This one goes to extras, with Rick Honeycutt on the mound for Cedar Park -- the Tigers' Paul Molitor hits a hot smash towards Lenny Harris, Harris scoops it up, the long throw, Will Clark gets it on one hop, but bobbles it -- he's safe, and they record this one as a single. Pete O'Brien steps up to the plate he's been clutch all game, Molitor bluffs stealing, and O'Brien draws ball four. Runners now on 1st & 2nd. Tim Raines comes up to the plate, and smacks a single off of Honeycutt's leg, everyone is safe, bases loaded! Cedar Park changes pitchers, goes with Chuck Crim, who is sporting a 2.17 ERA through 66 innings of work, this season. Joe Carter who came in as a defensive replacement in right field comes up for his first plate appearance for the night. Crim delivers and it just misses the outside corner, he walks in the winning run, can you believe it?! 

Bears fans got to be sick to their stomachs after this one, as the Tigers make it a two-game division lead now.

FINAL SCORE: Traverse City 3, Cedar Park 2 (10 Innings)

GAME 2

The Cedar Park Bears send Mike Moore up to face Jose Rijo of the Tigers.

Jose Rijo kept the Bears off the board with seven good & effective, scoreless innings, he allowed 7 hits & two walks, striking out only three batters.

Tim Raines would reach on a walk in the bottom of the 1st, Pete O'Brien keeps up the good work this series by hitting a single to right, moving Raines to third. Raines would score off Dave Winfield's deep sacrifice fly.

After a double by Ernie Riles in the bottom of the 2nd, Rafael Ramirez would add to the Tigers' lead with RBI single. 2-0, Tigers after two.

Ramirez would also contribute with a RBI triple later in the game, as Cedar Park just couldn't get their players across home plate.

FINAL SCORE: Traverse City 4, Cedar Park 0

GAME 3

Tigers win on walk-off double by Paul Molitor in extras, scoring in Mookie Wilson off of Chuck Crim (once again). Charlie Hough pitched 10 scoreless innings, allowing only two hits, yet 8 walks! Hough did have 6 K's though.

FINAL SCORE: Traverse City 1, Cedar Park 0 (10 Innings)

Traverse City extends their division lead to 4 games now, can they keep it up, and finish off the Cedar Park now that they are down at the moment? 

To be continued...

BoS's WEEK 10 Award Winners

AMERICAN LEAGUE
"Rollin' Rolen"

Some of the following nominations for American League Player of the Week, would have probably won the award for any other weeks in the past....

• OF/DH-Raul Ibanez (BRX) - The old man went 10-for-26 (.385) with 4 home runs, 7 ribbies, while scoring four times for the Bombers.

• 1B-Albert Pujols (CAR) - Leads Carolina this week to a 6-0 record, while the team outscored their opponents (Traverse City, Holland) 55-16, while allowing only 34 hits. Pujols, batted 10-for-29 (.345), 4 HR, 10 RBI with 8 runs.

• 1B/DH-Paul Konerko (WAS) - 12-for-23 (.522), HR, 5 RBI with 4 runs.

• DH-Adam Dunn (CAR) was one of 4 players this week that had at least 4 HR's during the week -- the only thing Dunn only had a .259 average (7 hits), with 5 RBI & 6 runs -- basically, all coming from his HR production.

• Quite a few hitters that had over 10 hits during the week as well.

So with many players to choose from, this week's A.L. Player of the Week Award goes to the veteran third baseman Scott Rolen, who was playing like Rolen circa late 90's. Scott batted .471 (8-for-17) with... ready for this? 5 HR's, 12 RBI & 5 runs (one of his HR's was a Grand Slam). All pretty remarkable, helping the Chicago Nine to a 5-1 record during this stretch.

This week's A.L. Pitcher of the Week goes to Jered Weaver of the Carolina Eagles. Weaver allowed only two hits, no runs in 8 innings, in their 4-1 victory over Traverse City. Weaver also struck out 12 Panthers, allowing 3 free passes.

A.L. Honorable Mention:

• OF-Matt Holliday (S.S.) - 7-for-18 (.389), HR, 5 RBI & 3 runs.
• SP-Drew Smyly (CHI) - W, 9 IP, 7 H, ER, 11 K's & 2 BB.
• OF-Roger Bernadina (CAR) - 9-for-21 (.429), HR, 11 RBI, 6 runs.
• IF-Jeff Keppinger (S.S.) - 8-for-22 (.364), HR, 7 RBI & 5 runs.
• SP-Kyle Lohse (WAS) - W, 16 IP, 10 H, 3 ER (1.69 ERA), 10 K & 4 BB; improves record to   8-2, with 2.80 ERA.
• SP-Mark Buehrle (BRX) - ND, 10 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 7 K & 3 BB.
• SP-Ryan Vogelsong (FAIR) - W/L, 15 IP, 16 H, 4 ER (2.40 ERA), 10 K & 3 BB; improves record to 7-3, 3.21 ERA.
• SS-Elvis Andrus (FAIR) - 10-for-26 (.385), 5 RBI, 2 runs & a steal.
• SP-Johnny Cueto (BOS) - W, 8 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 5 K & 3 BB.
• C-Carlos Santana (BRX) - 7-for-20 (.350), 3 HR, 3 RBI & 6 runs.
• OF-Rajai Davis (BUF) - 7-for-21 (.333), RBI, 6 runs & 4 SB's (all four steals happened in a single-game against Traverse City).
• SP-Eric Stults (WAS) - W, 8 IP, 5 H, ER, 3 K & BB.
• OF-Juan Pierre (CAR) - 10-for-21 (.476), 2 RBI, 4 runs & 3 steals.
• SP-Tommy Milone (S.S.) - W, 7.1 IP, 4 H, ER, 6 K & 2 BB; improves to 6-3, 2.72 ERA.
• 3B-David Wright (S.S.) - 8-for-19 (.421), HR, 2 RBI & 4 runs.
• SP-Jordan Zimmermann (BUF) - W, 8 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 6 K & 2 BB.
• SP-R.A. Dickey (BOS) - W, 15 IP, 10 H, 6 ER (3.60 ERA), 15 K & 5 BB.
• SP-Ian Kennedy (BUF) - L (loses 1-0 vs T.C.), 8 IP, 7 H, ER, with 7 K's & 2 BB's (falls to 0-6, with a 7.07 ERA for the season).

NATIONAL LEAGUE
"Lead Locomotive"

Carlos "Chooch" Ruiz is "The Little Train That Could" this week for the Urbana Locomotives, as he wins this week's A.L. Player of the Week. He powered Urbana with 3 HR's & 5 RBI, batting 9-for-18 (.500), including 3 runs. His teammate David Price is still having an excellent season, posting a 10-2 record with a 2.12 ERA -- but the Locos have slowed down as of late, losing 4 of their last 6 games, and currently are in a six-game skid. The Hannibal Cavemen have moved up the tracks are have been catching steam in the last few weeks.

Urbana still leads the division by 7.5 games, but not by the once comfortable lead at the 36-game mark.

	N.L. East at 36 Games	W	L	GB
1	URBANA LOCOMOTIVES	25	11	0
2	TRAVERSE CITY PANTHERS	14	21	10.5
3	HOLLAND HITCHHIKERS	13	22	11.5
	HANNIBAL CAVEMEN	13	22	11.5

	N.L. East / Currently	W	L	GB
1	URBANA LOCOMOTIVES	36	21	0
2	HANNIBAL CAVEMEN	28	28	7.5
3	HOLLAND HITCHHIKERS	20	36	15.5
4	TRAVERSE CITY PANTHERS	17	39	18.5

Urbana has gone 11-10 since, but no need to panic, it could be worse, they could be the Traverse City Panthers who have lost 18 of 21, who sparked Hannibal's run. We'll have to see how this race plays out.

For the A.L. Pitcher of the Week, there was not really any pitchers that stood out. This week, the one bright spot for the Traverse City Panthers, Matt Harrison gets the nod for the award. Harrison pitched a four-hit shutout that included 8 strikeouts & a walk against the Buffalo Yankees.

He wasn't the only shutout this week, King Road's James McDonald pitched a two-hit shutout, with 5 K's & 3 BB's against the Boston Bravos.

N.L. Honorable Mention:

• SP-Jame McDonald (KING) - SHO W, 2 H, 5 K's & 3 BB's.
• RP-Sean Doolittle (HOL) - 6.1 IP, 2 H, ER, 9 K's & a walk.
• 3B-Adrian Beltre (URB) - 8-for-23 (.348), 2 HR, 6 RBI & 2 runs.
• OF-Andrew McCutchen (SAC) - 11-for-27 (.407), 2 HR, 4 RBI, 5 runs & 2 steals.
• 3B-Manny Machado (HAN) - 5-for-9 (.556), 2 HR, 3 RBI & 2 runs.
• C-Alex Avila (SAC) - 6-for-20 (.300), 2 HR, 4 RBI & 5 runs.
• 3B-Pedro Alvarez (SAC) - 6-for-13 (.462), 2 HR, 4 RBI & 4 runs.
• SP-Mike Minor (HOL) - ND, 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 8 K's & a walk.
• 3B-Mike Moustakas (HOL) - 8-for-18 (.444), HR, 5 RBI & 5 runs.
• SP-David Price (URB) - W, 7.1, 4 H, 2 ER, 4 K's & a walk.
• SP-Derek Holland (POR) - W/L, 13 IP, 12 H, 5 ER (3.46), 8 K's & 5 BB's.
• SS-Erick Aybar (SAC) - 11-for-28 (.393), RBI, 3 runs.
• SP-Miguel Gonzalez (KING) - ND, 8 IP, 4 H, ER, 7 K's & 2 BB's.
• SP-Anibal Sanchez (POR) - W, 7 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 4 K's & BB -- quietly 6-3 with 2.54 ERA.
• SP-Barry Zito (SAC) - W, 8.1 IP, 6 H, ER, 6 K's & 4 BB's -- improves to 6-4, 3.38 ERA.
• SP-Jonathan Niese (POR) - W, 6.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 3 K & 2 BB; now 6-4 with 1.82 ERA.
• OF-Ryan Braun (SAC) - 7-for-22 (.318), HR, 5 RBI & 3 runs.
• SP-Lance Lynn (HOL) - W, 7 IP, 6 H, ER, 6 K's & 3 BB's.
• SP-David Phelps (KING) - W, 6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 8 K's & no walks.
• SP-Cliff Lee (POR) - L, 8 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 7 K's & 2 BB's.

AMAZING APRIL - CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

I actually finished this tournament two weeks ago, and I did mention the Championship Game's winner on the APBA Facebook Group.

Hoyt had quite the tournament.

The AMAZING APRIL Tournament - CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

The 1993 Philadelphia Phillies visit Old Yankee Stadium to play the 1927 New York Yankees. The Phillies will be sending Terry Mulholland (B-YZ, 1-0 record) against Waite Hoyt (A-YZ, 3-0). The Phillies defeated the 1904 New York Giants (4-2) at the Polo Grounds to get here, while the Yankees defeated the 1942 St. Louis Cardinals (4-1) at home. The Yankees never had to go anywhere else during this tournament, as they are the last #1 ranked team remaining -- Philadelphia was ranked #13 in their bracket.

Bottom of the 1st
The Yankees get started early. With two outs, and Babe Ruth on first (on a fielder's choice), Lou Gehrig would connect on a RBI triple to draw first blood. Mulholland would get Bobby Meusel to ground out for final out of the inning. Yankees 1, Phillies 0

Bottom of the 2nd
Tony Lazzeri kicks off the second with a double. Joe Dugan would follow by striking out, and Pat Collins would then fly out for the second out. The starting pitcher of the Yankees, Waite Hoyt, helps his own cause by hitting a single to right, scoring in Lazzeri. Earle Combs hits a ball into the right field corner as Jim Eisenreich of the Phillies has a hard time collecting it in time at the wall -- Combs makes it to third, an RBI triple. Mulholland comes to the plate, and Mark Koenig smacks a single past a diving Kevin Stocker at short, Combs scores. The Phillies were one out away of getting out of a scoreless inning, and now Mulholland has to face the "Sultan of Swat" in Babe Ruth. The pitch, and Ruth goes down swinging.
Yankees 4, Phillies 0

Top of the 5th
Waite Hoyt allows his first hit, a two-out double to Mariano Duncan of the Phillies. The Phillies decide to pinch-hit for the pitcher Mulholland with Ricky Jordan. Hoyt rings up the K, as Jordan stands there looking.

Bottom of the 5th
Mark Koening leads off the inning with his third hit of the game, a double off new Phillies pitcher Tommy Greene. Babe Ruth finds his pitch, as hits a double to the left-center gap, as Koenig scores easily. Greene loses the count to Lou Gehrig, and walks him. Greene would settle down to get out of the inning by striking out Bobby Meusel, and by getting Tony Lazzeri & Joe Dugan to fly out. Yankees 5, Phillies 0

Top of the 7th
Darren Daulton collects only the third hit of the ballgame for Philadelphia with a single to left, Daulton would catch the pitcher Waite Hoyt napping, as he steals second on the first pitch to Jim Eisenreich. Eisenreich ends up grounding out, moving Daulton over to third base. Pete Incaviglia hits a deep fly to right, advances Daulton in to score on the sacrifice fly. Mariano Duncan ends the inning by flying out to left. Phillies finally score. Yankees 5, Phillies 1

Top of the 8th
Mickey Morandini comes in as a pinch-hitter for the pitcher Greene, to lead off the inning -- and hits a solo Home Run over the right field fence, Morandini has not had much tournament play with the combination of Stocker & Duncan paying dividends for them, but they'll take it! Kevin Stocker, Lenny Dykstra & John Kruk couldn't keep the inning going though, as they go down in order. Yankees 5, Phillies 2

Bottom of the 8th
With a man on first (Dugan, due to a walk), Pat Collins adds some insurance runs for the bombers with a two-run blast over the left field wall. Yankees 7, Phillies 2

Top of the 9th
Waite Hoyt stays in the game to face Dave Hollins, Darren Daulton & Pete Incaviglia. Hollins grounds out to short, and Hoyt gets Daulton swinging for a strikeout. The Yankees are one out away, the Phillies' manager Jim Fregosi will go to his bench and bring in big Wes Chamberlain. Chamberlain early in the tournament hit two HR's in a single-game. Hoyt comes to the plate, Chamberlain takes a big hack, and it's going.. but it's all in his head, as he goes down swinging for the final out. The 1927 New York Yankees win it all, for many critics, was there any doubt? This Yankees team often comes up in the argument for the best team ever, well this year they certainly get to brag about until next April that is.

What a tournament for Waite Hoyt! who earns his fourth win & second complete game -- as he strikes out 6 Phillies, walking two, only allowing 4 hits in the game.

		AMAZING APRIL
		CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
		Game #63	R	H	E
#13	1993	Philadelphia Phillies	2	4	0
#1	1927	New York Yankees	7	10	0	F
	WP	Hoyt (4-0) / CG (2)
	LP	Mulholland (1-1)
	HR	R.Jordan (PHI) - 1
		P.Collins (NYY) - 1

Plenty Happening, More to Come

We have plenty to come up in Boys of Summer....

• The Amazing April Tournament Championship Game results, the game actually has been completed for weeks.
• Updates on the Mid-West Winter League, the Traverse City Tigers recent series with Cedar Park Bears, and now the final series (6 games) of the season against the Janesville Juggernauts. The Chicago Demoliton who has the league's best record host 5 games against Cedar Park. Traverse City clings to a one-game lead in the A.L. West. The Detroit Stars took their series from the Mexico City Chihuahuas to make that final wild card spot in the American League, all that needs to be decided where Traverse City & Cedar Park finish, who will be division champ & who will be the 2nd-place wildcard team from the division. Detroit finished third.
• Boys of Summer APBA Baseball League action, things are heating up while approaching the All-Star Break, and a couple trades suddenly went down.

So hang in there, I know it's been quiet on the site lately. I'm perfectly okay, no abductions or anything.

BoS's WEEK 9 Award Winners

NATIONAL LEAGUE
"Panda-monium!"

The Hannibal Cavemen have recently thawed out of their slumber, and are now rolling. The Cavemen have won 12 of their last 13 games.

So it should come as no surprise that they won both of Week 9's Awards. The A.L. Player of the Week Award goes to Pablo Sandoval ("Kung Fu Panda"). Sandoval batted .563 (9-for-16), with 2 HR's, 7 RBI & 6 runs, with 4 BB's.

Gio Gonzalez wins the A.L. Pitcher of the Week Award this week. Gonzalez pitched two complete games, two victories, one shutout -- allowing 9 hits, no ER's (2 runs), and 2 walks, while striking out 21 batters. Pretty solid performance by the Cavemen overall this week.

Now the question remains, can they catch the Urbana Locomotives?

N.L. Honorable Mention:

• SP-David Price (URB) - W, 8 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 5 K/3 BB. Improves to 9-2 with 2.09 ERA.
• SP-Cliff Lee (POR) - W, one-hit SHO, 5 K's, no walks.
• SP-Cole Hamels (URB) - 2 W, 15 IP, 11 H, 4 ER (2.40 ERA), 11 K & 3 BB's -- 6-4, 3.10 ERA.
• SP-Felix Doubront (HAN) - W, 4-hit SHO, 7 K & 3 BB's.
• 3B-Edwin Encarnacion (SAC) - .409 (9-for-22), 3 HR, 8 RBI & 5 runs.
• SP-Neftali Feliz (HOL) - L/ND, 13 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 12 K's & 3 BB's.
• SP-Matt Harrison (T.C.) - W/L, 13.2 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 16 K/4 BB.
• 3B-Will Middlebrooks (HOL) - .455 (10-for-22), HR, 3 RBI, 3 runs, SB.
• C-Buster Posey (HAN) - .350 (7-for-20), HR, 3 RBI, 4 runs.
• SS-Erick Aybar (SAC) - .360 (9-for-25), HR, 5 RBI & 3 runs.
• SP-Bronson Arroyo (SEA) - SHO W/L, 14 IP, 11 H, 5 ER (3.21), 7 K/5 BB.
• OF-Josh Hamilton (KING) - .318 (7-for-22), 2 HR, 3 RBI & 4 runs.
• 3B-Chase Headley (KING) - .318 (7-for-22), 2 HR, 3 RBI & 3 runs.
• OF-Bryce Harper (HOL) - .316 (6-for-19), 5 RBI, 2 runs & 2 steals.
• SP-Franklin Morales (SEA) - 6.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 7 K & 3 BB.
• SP-Clayton Kershaw (KING) - 2 L, 14 IP, 9 H, 5 ER (3.21 ERA for week), 15 K & 4 BB's.
• SP-Hiroki Kuroda (URB) - W, 6 IP, 4 H, ER, 6 K/1 BB (8-3 with a 3.00 ERA).
• SP-Marco Estrada (HOL) - W, 7 IP, 5 H, ER (2 runs), 6 K/2 BB.

and we have an A-Rod Sighting! -- Alex Rodriguez (SEA) batted .385 (5-for-13), solo HR, 2 runs.

AMERICAN LEAGUE
"Gold Rush!"

Paul Goldschmidt of the Fairgrove Tigers becomes the first player in either leagues to win the weekly award, Urbana's David Price (for the National League) was the first pitcher to do it. Goldschmidt put together a monster week, a week which the Fairgrove Tigers took all 6 games from their two opponents, (Traverse City & Holland - both neighboring Michigan teams) in interleague action.

Goldschmidt batted .391 (9-for-23) with 2 HR's & 9 RBI, while crossing the plate 7 times, collecting 7 doubles, and drawing 6 free passes. He is this week's A.L. Player of the Week.

The pitching was incredibly close this week, but this week's award for A.L. Pitcher of the Week goes to Shaun Marcum of the Bronx Bombers. Marcum pitched a two-hit shutout against the Portland Microbrewers, with 7 strike outs, as the Bombers won the game, 7-0.

A.L. Honorable Mention: 

• 2B/OF-Ben Zobrist (S.S.) - .375 (9-for-24), 3 HR, 7 RBI & 7 runs.
• SP-Kyle Lohse (WAS) - SHO (7-2, 3.01 ERA), 5 H, plus 7 K's.
• SP-Mat Latos (FAIR) - W, 9 IP, 5 H, ER, 9 K's -- Improves to 5-3 with 2.64 ERA.
• SP-Jeff Samardzija (CHI) - W, 8 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 12 K/3 BB's.
• SP-Kris Medlen (CHI) - W, 7 IP, 0 ER, 7 K/2 BB's -- 6-1 record w/league-leading 1.48 ERA.
• OF-Matt Holliday (S.S.) - .292 (7-for-24), 4 HR's, 6 RBI & 7 runs.
• OF-Ben Revere (WAS) - .360 (9-for-25), 2 RBI, 5 runs & 5 stolen bases.
• OF-David Murphy (BRX) - .409 (9-for-22), HR, 6 RBI, run & SB.
• SP-Adam Wainwright (BRX) - SHO, 7 H & BB allowed, plus 9 K's.
• OF-Jason Heyward (FAIR) - .360 (9-for-25), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 5 runs & 2 SB's.
• SP-Jordan Zimmermann (BUF) - W, 9 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 11 K/3 BB -- 2-5 record with 2.59 ERA.
• OF-Andre Ethier (FAIR) - .357 (10-for-28), 6 runs, RBI, SB.
• SP-Edwin Jackson (BOS) - W, 8.1 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 6 K & 2 BB.
• SP-James Shields (BRX) - W, 9 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 13 K/1 BB.
• OF-Corey Hart (BOS) - .263 (5-for-19), 3 HR, 8 RBI & 4 runs.
• SP-Wandy Rodriguez (BUF) - 13.1 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 11 K's with 4 BB's (Loss & No Decision).
• SP-R.A. Dickey (BOS) - L, 8 IP, 6 H, 2 ER with 7 K's -- falls to 3-6, yet has a 2.90 ERA.
• SP-Kevin Correia (S.S.) - W, 8 IP, 6 H, ER, 1 K.
• SP-Wade Miley (BUF) - W, 8.1 IP, 5 H, 0 ER with 4 K's.

BoS's WEEK 8 Award Winners

NATIONAL LEAGUE
"A Win & Save for Mad Max"

Max Scherzer of the Seattle Rainiers wins this week's A.L. Pitcher of the Week Award, collecting a win & a odd save as well. Scherzer pitched 10 innings, allowing 7 hits, 2 ER & 4 walks, while striking out 12 for the week.

This week's A.L. Player of the Week goes to Adrian Beltre of the Urbana Locomotives, Beltre has come close to winning in prior weeks, but finally seals the deal. Beltre batted .409 (9-for-22), 3 HR's, 9 RBI, 3 runs, plus a stolen base.

N.L. Honorable Mention:

• SP-David Price (URB) - SHO + L, 16 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 14 K's & 7 BB's -- 8-2 with a 2.07 ERA.
• OF-Giancarlo Stanton (T.C.) - Batted only 5-for-21, but 4 of those hits were HR's, including 10 RBI & 5 runs for the week.
• SP-Gio Gonzalez (HAN) - W, 11 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 7 K & 1 BB.
• SP-Yu Darvish (T.C.) - Gets injured in extras, pitching a 10.1 performance, that allowed only 2 hits, no earned runs, with 13 K's & 3 BB's -- T.C. would lose to Gonzalez & Hannibal.
• SP-Michael Fiers (URB) - Wins season debut, 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, with 8 K's.
• SP-Cole Hamels (URB) - W, 9 IP, 5 H, ER, with 7 K's & 4 BB's (Improves to 4-4, 3.26 ERA).
• DH/1B-Billy Butler (KING) - .435 (10-for-23), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 4 runs & 5 doubles.
• SS-Derek Jeter (SEA) - .435 (10-for-23), 2 HR, 2 RBI & 2 runs.
• SP-Clayton Richard (SAC) - L, 16.2 IP, 19 H, 6 ER (3.24 ERA), 15 K & 2 BB.
• SP-Miguel Gonzalez (KING) - 8 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 4 K & 2 BB.
• SP-Jonathan Niese (POR) - L, 13.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 11 K's & 5 BB.
• SP-Clayton Kershaw (KING) - W, 6 IP, 1 H, no ER, 8 K's & 2 BB.
• SP-Cliff Lee (POR) - W, 8.1 IP, 4 H, ER, 8 K, BB.
• SP-Anibal Sanchez (POR) - W, 8 IP, 5 H, ER, 8 K, BB.

AMERICAN LEAGUE
"Jake the Snake"

Just like every week, it can be too close to call, but not too many starters pitched twice -- and this one took advantage of both opportunities, Jake Peavy (South Shore) slithers away this week the A.L. Pitcher of the Week Award with 2 victories in 16 innings of work, 4 ER's allowed (2.25 ERA for the week) with 13 strikeouts & 5 walks allowed. Peavy improves to 6-4 with a 3.05 ERA.

The Fairgrove Tigers' Salvador Perez wins the A.L. Player of the Week with his strong performance of 3 home runs, 7 RBI & 4 runs, while batting .435 (10-for-23), doing his best to keep the Tigers in first place.

A.L. Honorable Mention:

• SP-Tommy Milone (S.S.) - SHO, 3 H & BB allowed, 5 K's -- improves to 5-3, 3.09 ERA.
• SP-Johnny Cueto (BOS) - Loss & ND, 14.1 IP, 8 H, 2 ER's (1.26 ERA) with 8 K's & 4 BB's.
• 2B-Robinson Cano (BRX) - .391 (9-for-23), HR, 5 RBI, 3 runs & SB.
• SS-Starlin Castro (BUF) - .367 (11-for-30), HR, 5 RBI & 10 runs.
• OF-Shane Victorino (BOS) - .304 (7-for-23), HR, 4 RBI, 5 runs & 3 SB's.
• 3B-Kyle Seager (BRX) - .368 (7-for-19), 2 HR, 7 RBI & 6 runs.
• SP-Garrett Richards (CHI) - SHO, 4 hits & walk allowed, with 7 K's -- plus one scoreless relief inning with 1 K); total of 10 scoreless innings.
• SP-Kris Medlen (CHI) - W, 9 IP, 6 H, ER, 9 K's/0 BB's.
• SP-James Shields (BRX) - 8 IP, 3 H, ER, 10 K's.
• OF-Rajai Davis (BUF) - .320 (8-for-25), 6 RBI & 2 euns.
• SP-Josh Johnson (BRX) - 8 IP, 5 H, ER, 4 K's/3 BB's.
• SS-Jose Reyes (CAR) - .370 (10-for-27), 4 RBI, 5 runs & 2 steals.
• OF-B.J. Upton (CAR) - .318 (7-for-22), HR, 5 RBI, 6 runs & 2 SB's.
• 1B-Adrian Gonzalez (BUF) - .467 (14-for-30), HR, 6 RBI & 3 runs.

Ray of Hope

Ray makes MLB Debut, clears spot for 2015.

Really happy to catch the MLB debut of the Tigers' Robbie Ray. It's double the excitement for me, I drafted him in the MWBL for my Traverse City Crusaders. He was my 3rd round DP in the MWBL (#74 overall).

You get to draft 12 players who are yet to make their MLB debuts, and you can only have up to 12, and they stay on your roster until they either make their MLB debut within 3 seasons, you trade that draft pick or he does not make his debut in time and you lose him altogether!

Now that he made his MLB debut that clears one of my 12 rookie spots for next season. I'll have two other spots clearing regardless of what they do  this MLB season, the other guys are good as long as they make their debuts by 2014.

My other non-carded rookies I'm waiting to make their debuts, and need to make debuts by...

• SP-Jeff Hoffman (College) - 2014 (End of 2016), Projected to be top 5 2015 MLB Draft Pick
• 2B-Devon Travis (DET) - 2014 (2016)
• SP-Nick Kingham (PIT) - 2014 (2016)
• OF-Mitch Haniger (MIL) - 2014 (2016)
• C/3B-Carson Kelly (STL) - 2014 (2016)
• RP-Jake Barrett (ARZ) - 2014 (2016)
• SP-Luke Weaver (College) - 2014 (2016)
• 3B-Ryan McMahon (COR) - 2014 (2016) - Acquired in trade for Adalberto (Raul) Mondesi, Jr. 2012 (2014) / Part of the deal with Traverse City trading C-Brian McCann away & acquiring another First Round Draft Pick.
• OF-Elier Hernandez (KC) - 2012 (2014)
• 1B-Ronald Guzman (TEX) - 2012 (2014)

I think 3 more guys may clear my board, which would give me, at least 6 spots to draft un-carded players that have yet to make MLB debuts.

Ray will be added to a young mix of starting pitchers in Tyler Skaggs & Trevor Bauer (who the Crusaders acquired from Detroit). The Crusaders are pretty happy how veteran starting pitchers Mark Buehrle (2.47 ERA) & Yovani Gallardo (2.47 ERA) are doing for their MLB teams. Skaggs currently has a 4.54 ERA, but a decent 1.25 WHIP, which is an encouraging sign of improvement. Bauer was excellent in his one MLB start (0-1, 1.50 ERA, 8 K's in 6 IP) against San Diego on April 9th; Currently is 3-0 with 1.40 ERA in Triple-A, and could be pushing Carlos Carrasco out of the Indians' rotation soon. The team's ace Travis Wood is doing well for the Cubs (2-3, 3.35 ERA).

More to come on the future of the Crusaders, meanwhile they just lost their last series 4-2, to the Bethesda Bandicoots, and momentarily moved out of last with a 13-45 record, as the Southbend Lynx lost their 8th straight and dipped to 12-46.

Danny Santana was called up by Minnesota, that knocks another roster slot out of the way for me. Santana was the player that I liked & picked in the 5th round, Jonathan Mayo during the draft gave me props for the pick, and I told him I needed infield depth, I like what I read about him, and I think he'll make it up this season -- and he agreed. It was a really cool moment for me, because I had a lot of respect for Mayo long before I knew he was in this APBA League. The Twins manager' Gardenhire had a lot of good things to say about Santana as well.

Check out all the other MWBL action by clicking on Mid-West Baseball League.

Traverse City Wins Series over Mexico City, 4-3

Game 6

T.C.'s nuisance: Cecil Fielder of Mexico City.

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).

Molitor continues his 1988 heroics for T.C.

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: Mexico City defeats Traverse City, 4-3.

Close Series Continues / MEX vs TCT

Game 3

Mexico City's Harold Reynolds.

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.

Bradley into his HR trot for Mex City.

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)

Big Daddy leaving his mark on series.

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

MEXICO CITY leads 3-2 in series.

Amazing April - Final Four

We enter with the following Final Four contenders:

• 1993 Philadelphia Phillies (#13)
• 1904 New York Giants (#1)
• 1942 St. Louis Cardinals (#1)
• 1927 New York Yankees (#1)

Here is how each team got here....

1993 Philadelphia Phillies (#13)

• Defeated 1995 Indians (#4) at Cleveland, 9-1.
• Defeated 1953 Dodgers (#5) in Brooklyn, 8-7 (10 Innings).
• Defeated 2012 Tigers (#16) in Philadelphia, 5-4.
• Defeated 2007 Rockies (#15) in Philadelphia, 3-2.
• Travels to New York to play 1904 Giants (#1).

1904 New York Giants (#1)

• Defeated 2012 Giants (#16) in New York, 7-4.
• Defeated 1985 Blue Jays (#8) in New York, 5-2.
• Defeated 1986 Mets (#5) in New York, 14-1.
• Defeated 1946 Red Sox (#6) in New York, 2-0.
• Plays 1993 Phillies (#13) at home in New York.

1942 St. Louis Cardinals (#1)

• Defeated 2012 Angels (#16) in St. Louis, 4-1.
• Defeated 1906 White Sox (#9) in St. Louis, 3-1.
• Defeated 1917 White Sox (#4) in St. Louis, 6-5.
• Defeated 1998 Yankees (#3) in St. Louis, 5-4.
• Travels to New York to play 1927 Yankees (#1)

1927 New York Yankees (#1)

• Defeated 2008 Brewers (#16) in New York, 2-0 (6th Inn/Rain)
• Defeated 1940 Tigers (#9) in New York, 4-2.
• Defeated 1914 Braves (#12) in New York, 4-3.
• Defeated 2001 Mariners (#2) in New York, 7-5 (11 Inn).
• Plays 1942 Cardinals (#1) at home in New York.

FINAL FOUR

It all comes down to this, the FINAL FOUR -- who moves on to the Championship Game?!

		Game #61 - Final Four	R	H	E
#1	1942	St. Louis Cardinals	1	4	0
#1	1927	New York Yankees	4	7	0	F
	WP	Hoyt (3-0)					Next:	Plays the winner of
	LP	M.Cooper (1-1) / CG (2)						1993 Phillies (#13) @
	SV	Pennock (1)						1904 Giants (#1) in
								Championship Game.
	HR	Ruth (NYY) - 2 (3)
		Gehrig (NYY) - 1 (2)

Waite Hoyt was on his A-Game, allowing only two hits through 8 innings, Marty Marion collected three of the Cardinals' four hits as the Cardinals' offense did nothing. The Yankees' Babe Ruth went 3-for-4 with two HR's, a double & 3 RBI. The game was close (1-0, N.Y.) entering bottom of 8th when Ruth connected on his 2nd HR, a two-run HR -- which was followed by a solo HR by Lou Gehrig off of Cardinals' starter Mort Cooper.

The 1927 Yankees move on to the Championship Game.

		Game #62 - Final Four	R	H	E
#13	1993	Philadelphia Phillies	4	5	2
#1	1904	New York Giants	2	5	0	F
	WP	D.West (3-0)					Next:	1993 Phillies (#13) @
	LP	McGinnity (2-1)						1927 Yankees (#1) in
								Championship Game.
	HR	Daulton (PHI) - 1
		Hollins (PHI) - 1 (2)

The game was knotted up 2-2 entering the top of the 9th, when Dave Hollins led the inning off with a solo blast to right field. Darren Daulton, who had a HR in the top of the 7th to take a momentarily lead, hit a double following Hollins' HR, he would score off of Milt Thompson's sacrifice fly. Doug West would stay in the game for another inning of relief, instead of going with their closer Mitch Williams.

It appears that Cindarella (the 1993 Phillies) are heading to the ball to play the 1927 Yankees at Old Yankee Stadium -- while the 1904 Giants will empty their lockers and go to their homes tonight. The Giants only pitched two pitchers during the entire tournament in Christy Mathewson (who started the game) and Joe McGinnity, who lost the game in two innings of relief.

Tigers, Small Dogs -- Split First Two

The Tigers enter the series with a first place lead in the A.L. West with a 83-51 record, they will be playing one of their division rivals in the Mexico City Chihuahuas, who are just keeping their heads over .500 with a 67-66 record (15.5 games back) in 4th place.

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

Cotto collected 3 hits against Tigers.

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.

Riles is batting .309 for the season.

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