D.C.'s 5-1 win over Sardine City yesterday was their 6th straight, vaulting the team back into contention. The O-Bombers sit just 3 games under the .500 mark, but still 7 1/2 games behind the final wild card spot. The Morris Division has become quite a logjam, with Philly at 52-52, Arkansas 1/2 game behind them, followed by D.C. The only team that looks out of it at this point, is Blue Ridge, who lost their 7th straight yesterday, a 3-2 defeat at the hands of the Sugar Bears.
Vancouver took a 3-1 victory over Marietta yesterday, winning 2 of 3 against the Mighty Men. The Iron Fist are now tied for 2nd place in the Morris Division, just one game behind the slumping Mudcats. Vancouver, with 59 victories, actually has the most wins in the division, but with 47 losses, they are statistically in third place.
In the Hanover Division, the Sugar Bears hold a more comfy lead, now up to 3 1/2 games over second place Las Vegas. The Sugar Bears have now won 4 in a row and 7 of their last 9. Vegas has been keeping pace, winning 7 of 10 and have actually moved into 2nd place, but have to wait for the Sugar Bears to come back down to earth. With their loss, the Mighty Men have dropped to third. The rest of the Hanover Division should already be thinking about next season.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Quentin making up for lost time
Remember when Carlos Quentin was struggling for the Sardine City Straphangers, barely hitting over the Mendoza line? Yeah, the same Carlos Quentin who missed several weeks with a seemingly minor injury. Well since returning from the disabled list, Quentin has been a top contributor in the mostly anemic Sardine City lineup. He's raised his average to a respectable .265 with an .883 OPS, 18 HRs, and 46 RBIs. This week, Quentin may have had his hottest week yet - hitting .448 with a 1.416 OPS, 4 HRs, 7 R, and 12 RBIs. Needless to say, Quentin is this week's JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week.
His competition: Arkansas' David Wright (.565/.600/1.087, 3 HR, 6 RBI), Hoboken's Miguel Cabrera (.400/.464/.920, 4 HR, 6 R, 7 RBI), Las Vegas' Carlos Pena (.444/.565/.722), Marietta's Josh Hamilton (.452/.485/.677, 10 RBI), Philly's Alex Rios (.484, 6 R), and New Jersey's Elijah Dukes (.438/.591/.563).
This week, the two best pitchers were on the same team. The Newark Sugar Bears were 5-2 this week and 3 of their wins came from these two pitchers. Chien-Ming Wang has had a great season for Newark so far. He's leading the league in wins with 15 (against only 2 losses) and has a nice 3.13 ERA and solid 1.22 WHIP. This week, Wang was 2-0, with a 1.80 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 15 IP. His teammate, Justin Duchscherer, recently acquired from Blue Ridge, has been a solid contributer in the Newark rotation. This week, Duch was 1-1 with a 1.72 ERA and 0.83 WHIP and 11 strikeouts in 15.2 innings. Being teammates, we're sure that they won't mind sharing this week's Flip Flop Fly Ball Pitcher(s) of the Week Award.
Other notables: New Jersey's Andy Pettite (2-0, 0.61), Hoboken's Jeremy Guthrie (1-0, 1.93, 1.07 WHIP), D.C.'s Erik Bedard (0-0, 0.00 in 11.1 innings, 1.06 WHIP), and reliever Frank Francisco (1-0, 1 save, 0.00 ERA in 4 appearances).
His competition: Arkansas' David Wright (.565/.600/1.087, 3 HR, 6 RBI), Hoboken's Miguel Cabrera (.400/.464/.920, 4 HR, 6 R, 7 RBI), Las Vegas' Carlos Pena (.444/.565/.722), Marietta's Josh Hamilton (.452/.485/.677, 10 RBI), Philly's Alex Rios (.484, 6 R), and New Jersey's Elijah Dukes (.438/.591/.563).
This week, the two best pitchers were on the same team. The Newark Sugar Bears were 5-2 this week and 3 of their wins came from these two pitchers. Chien-Ming Wang has had a great season for Newark so far. He's leading the league in wins with 15 (against only 2 losses) and has a nice 3.13 ERA and solid 1.22 WHIP. This week, Wang was 2-0, with a 1.80 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 15 IP. His teammate, Justin Duchscherer, recently acquired from Blue Ridge, has been a solid contributer in the Newark rotation. This week, Duch was 1-1 with a 1.72 ERA and 0.83 WHIP and 11 strikeouts in 15.2 innings. Being teammates, we're sure that they won't mind sharing this week's Flip Flop Fly Ball Pitcher(s) of the Week Award.
Other notables: New Jersey's Andy Pettite (2-0, 0.61), Hoboken's Jeremy Guthrie (1-0, 1.93, 1.07 WHIP), D.C.'s Erik Bedard (0-0, 0.00 in 11.1 innings, 1.06 WHIP), and reliever Frank Francisco (1-0, 1 save, 0.00 ERA in 4 appearances).
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Litsch trying to forget about dreadful start
Arkansas continued their mastery over division rival Hillsborough, sweeping the Hitmen after a 3-2 final. The Falcons got on the board early in the first inning on a sac fly by Rick Ankiel, but the Hitmen tied it up in the 6th on a Billy Butler single. Carlos Lee gave them the lead the next inning with a solo home run, but the Falcons tied it up in the bottom half on a sac fly. In the 8th inning, David Wright hit a double that scored Jody Gerut, giving the Falcons the 3-2 lead. Joakim Soria pitched the 9th for his 15th save. The win was Arkansas' 6th straight and the Falcons now stand only one game below the .500 mark and 6 games behind idle Vancouver for the 6th playoff spot.
Ben McDonald favorite Tim Lincecum pitched a complete game victory over the Sardine City Straphangers to improve to 14-1 on the season. Lincecum held the Sardines to 2 runs on 3 hits and 4 walks. Carlos Quentin drove in both runs for the Straphangers and had 2 of the 3 hits.
Lincecum is now tied with Newark's Chien-Ming Wang for the league lead in victories after Wang picked up his 14th in a 10-4 drubbing of D.C. Wang's outing (6 IP, 3 ER, 9 H, 3 BB, 5 K) was far less impressive however. Newark spread out the offense as all 9 starters got at least one hit in the game.
New Jersey's Jesse Litsch picked up his 5th victory, improving to 5-10 after an 8-3 win over the Ant Slayers. Listch, as you may recall, got off to a disastrous start. After a 7-4 loss to Newark back in May, Listch's stat line read 1 win, 10 losses, 8.11 ERA. With a schedule looming ahead that included games against Vancouver, Las Vegas and Hillsborough, things didn't look like they'd change any time soon. But Team Buddah stood by him faithfully and are now being rewarded. After two solid starts against Vancouver (and 1 win to show for it), Litsch's confidence appeared to be returning. He got roughed up against the Rat Pack, but bounced back with another W against Hillsborough. Since that forgetable day in Newark, Litsch has gone 4-0 with a 3.12 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 8 starts. He's averaged more than 7 innings per start, giving the bullpen a much-needed break.
Ben McDonald favorite Tim Lincecum pitched a complete game victory over the Sardine City Straphangers to improve to 14-1 on the season. Lincecum held the Sardines to 2 runs on 3 hits and 4 walks. Carlos Quentin drove in both runs for the Straphangers and had 2 of the 3 hits.
Lincecum is now tied with Newark's Chien-Ming Wang for the league lead in victories after Wang picked up his 14th in a 10-4 drubbing of D.C. Wang's outing (6 IP, 3 ER, 9 H, 3 BB, 5 K) was far less impressive however. Newark spread out the offense as all 9 starters got at least one hit in the game.
New Jersey's Jesse Litsch picked up his 5th victory, improving to 5-10 after an 8-3 win over the Ant Slayers. Listch, as you may recall, got off to a disastrous start. After a 7-4 loss to Newark back in May, Listch's stat line read 1 win, 10 losses, 8.11 ERA. With a schedule looming ahead that included games against Vancouver, Las Vegas and Hillsborough, things didn't look like they'd change any time soon. But Team Buddah stood by him faithfully and are now being rewarded. After two solid starts against Vancouver (and 1 win to show for it), Litsch's confidence appeared to be returning. He got roughed up against the Rat Pack, but bounced back with another W against Hillsborough. Since that forgetable day in Newark, Litsch has gone 4-0 with a 3.12 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 8 starts. He's averaged more than 7 innings per start, giving the bullpen a much-needed break.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Kazmir flirts with no-no
Scott Kazmir held the Blue Ridge Bombers hitless for 8 innings in yesterday's 3-1 victory. After retiring the side in order in the 8th, Kazmir looked like he would cruise into the history books. But an errant fastball was crushed in the 9th inning as Jed Lowrie launched one into the stands, breaking the no-hitter and the shutout in one swing. Frank Francisco came in to relieve Kazmir and Blue Ridge did manage one more hit, but that was all they would get. Kazmir did walk three batters, but also struck out 6 and improved to 8-5 on the season.
Vancouver and Carolina were scoreless after nine, so the two headed into extra innings in a 0-0 tie. With one out in the 10th, Troy Tulowitzki grounded one by pitcher Billy Wagner, reaching on an infield hit. Wagner stretched to get the ball, but ended up pulling a muscle, forcing him out of the game. Bengie Molina, the next batter, took Matt Capps deep, breaking the tie, and giving the Cats a 2-0 lead. But the damage caused by Capps was not finished yet. Capps gave up a hit to Vernon Wells, then plunked Dustin Pedroia. That was enough for Capps. But Russ Springer didn't improve the situation, instead bobbling an easy ground ball and scoring Wells. Magglio Ordonez sac flied in another run to make it 4-0. The Fist didn't put up much of a fight in the bottom of the 10th, as the Cats completed the shutout. For the Cats, Tim Hudson pitched 6.1 innings of shutout ball, giving up 5 hits and 4 walks, while Jake Peavy pitched 8 shutout innings, yielding 6 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 5.
Arkansas won their 5th straight, a 9-3 rout of Hillsborough. David Wright was 3-5 as the Falcons tallied 15 hits. All but Yadier Molina collected at least one hit, with 6 batters having at least 2. Cliff Lee earned the win, despite walking 5 batters in 6.1 innings.
Vancouver and Carolina were scoreless after nine, so the two headed into extra innings in a 0-0 tie. With one out in the 10th, Troy Tulowitzki grounded one by pitcher Billy Wagner, reaching on an infield hit. Wagner stretched to get the ball, but ended up pulling a muscle, forcing him out of the game. Bengie Molina, the next batter, took Matt Capps deep, breaking the tie, and giving the Cats a 2-0 lead. But the damage caused by Capps was not finished yet. Capps gave up a hit to Vernon Wells, then plunked Dustin Pedroia. That was enough for Capps. But Russ Springer didn't improve the situation, instead bobbling an easy ground ball and scoring Wells. Magglio Ordonez sac flied in another run to make it 4-0. The Fist didn't put up much of a fight in the bottom of the 10th, as the Cats completed the shutout. For the Cats, Tim Hudson pitched 6.1 innings of shutout ball, giving up 5 hits and 4 walks, while Jake Peavy pitched 8 shutout innings, yielding 6 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 5.
Arkansas won their 5th straight, a 9-3 rout of Hillsborough. David Wright was 3-5 as the Falcons tallied 15 hits. All but Yadier Molina collected at least one hit, with 6 batters having at least 2. Cliff Lee earned the win, despite walking 5 batters in 6.1 innings.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Playoff picture shuffles into focus
Philadelphia dropped their 6th straight yesterday, a 4-3 extra-inning heartbreaker to Blue Ridge. Edwin Encarnacion hit a solo walkoff homer in the 10th to win the game for the Bombers. The loss puts the Endzone Animals 5 games under .500 and 8 1/2 games out of a playoff spot. Meanwhile, Vancouver won their 5th straight, a 5-1 victory over first-place Carolina. The Fist are now 1 1/2 games out of first, but still sit in the 6th overall spot. The good news for Fist fans is that they appear to be distancing themselves from the rest of the herd. Looks like the only playoff races will be for positioning and division titles. The Falcons beat Hillsborough 6-5, keeping the Hitmen in a tie with the Mudcats. The Falcons remain 7 1/2 games out of 6th place.
In the Hanover Division, all three top teams lost their matchups. Marietta was pounded by Hoboken 11-3 as Mike Napoli hit his 29th and 30th home runs of the season. Sardine City beat Las Vegas by an 8-3 final. The Sardines scored 5 runs in the final two innings to put the game out of reach. D.C. 4-hit the Sugar Bears despite starter Erik Bedard's mysterious exit from the game in the 4th inning. D.C.'s bullpen allowed only 1 hit over the final 5 2/3 innings.
In the Hanover Division, all three top teams lost their matchups. Marietta was pounded by Hoboken 11-3 as Mike Napoli hit his 29th and 30th home runs of the season. Sardine City beat Las Vegas by an 8-3 final. The Sardines scored 5 runs in the final two innings to put the game out of reach. D.C. 4-hit the Sugar Bears despite starter Erik Bedard's mysterious exit from the game in the 4th inning. D.C.'s bullpen allowed only 1 hit over the final 5 2/3 innings.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Berkman, Sheets take honors
This week's top batters were all clustered around a few teams - Las Vegas, Carolina, and New Jersey in particular, but it was a Falcon that took the prize. This week's JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week is Lance Berkman, who batted .500 (12-24) this week, with a .600 OBP and 1.000 slugging, plus 8 runs. Berkman's teammate Skip Schumaker (.500/.542/.773) also had a good week. Las Vegas really mad eout well in their recent trades - John Baker (.524/.621/.762, 9 R, 8 RBI) and Dan Uggla (.478/.586/.957, 3 HR, 6 R, 8 RBI) both had tremendous weeks.
Other top hitters: Carolina's Mike Aviles (.429/.429/.714) and Magglio Ordonez (.417/.444/.708), New Jersey's Fernando Tatis (.545/.615/.909, 8 R), Jhonny Peralta (.458/.440/708, 9 RBI), and Elijah Dukes (.412/.500/.647), and Newark's Ramon Vazquez (.526/.591/.789).
This week's Josh Womack Pitcher of the Week Award goes to Vancouver's Ben Sheets. Sheets was one of only two pitchers to go 2-0 this week (Las Vegas' Rich Harden was the other), while posting a 1.13 ERA in 16 innings, and striking out 11. Sheets, who has yet to live up to his potential, is enjoying perhaps his finest DMBL season yet. Speaking of Harden, our runner up posted a 1.80 ERA, while striking out 13 in 15 innings.
Other top hurlers: Hoboken's Mark Buehrle (1-0, 2.57), Marietta's Mike Mussina (1-1, 1.93) and Jon Danks (1-1, 2.53, 14 K), Newark's James Shields (1-0, 2.25), and Hillsborough's Jose Arredondo (1-0, 0.00, 6 K, in 6.1 IP).
Other top hitters: Carolina's Mike Aviles (.429/.429/.714) and Magglio Ordonez (.417/.444/.708), New Jersey's Fernando Tatis (.545/.615/.909, 8 R), Jhonny Peralta (.458/.440/708, 9 RBI), and Elijah Dukes (.412/.500/.647), and Newark's Ramon Vazquez (.526/.591/.789).
This week's Josh Womack Pitcher of the Week Award goes to Vancouver's Ben Sheets. Sheets was one of only two pitchers to go 2-0 this week (Las Vegas' Rich Harden was the other), while posting a 1.13 ERA in 16 innings, and striking out 11. Sheets, who has yet to live up to his potential, is enjoying perhaps his finest DMBL season yet. Speaking of Harden, our runner up posted a 1.80 ERA, while striking out 13 in 15 innings.
Other top hurlers: Hoboken's Mark Buehrle (1-0, 2.57), Marietta's Mike Mussina (1-1, 1.93) and Jon Danks (1-1, 2.53, 14 K), Newark's James Shields (1-0, 2.25), and Hillsborough's Jose Arredondo (1-0, 0.00, 6 K, in 6.1 IP).
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Mussina now 6th all-time in wins
Mike Mussina notched his 11th win of the year on Sunday in a 7-4 win over Blue Ridge. With the victory, Mussina moved past John Smoltz into 6th all-time in wins with 172, and now only trails the five pitchers who have won 200 games (Schilling, Pedro, Clemens, Johnson, Maddux).
Though he didn't factor in the decision, Hillsborough's C.C. Sabathia struck out 9 Sugar Bears in a 4-3 loss on Sunday to become the 31st pitcher in DMBL history to reach 1,000 strikeouts. The eight-year veteran, now with his third team, had career highs of 192 strikeouts and 205 2/3 innings pitched last season and is on pace to set new career marks this season. He has 138 2/3 IP and 129 strikeouts in 20 starts.
Though he didn't factor in the decision, Hillsborough's C.C. Sabathia struck out 9 Sugar Bears in a 4-3 loss on Sunday to become the 31st pitcher in DMBL history to reach 1,000 strikeouts. The eight-year veteran, now with his third team, had career highs of 192 strikeouts and 205 2/3 innings pitched last season and is on pace to set new career marks this season. He has 138 2/3 IP and 129 strikeouts in 20 starts.
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