Sweep! Stewart strong in Otherton's 7th win in a row

NLCS Game 4
Otherton Fishbiscuits @ Ee-Yah Orators

In what might be the best playoff run in ATB history, the Otherton Fishbiscuits win their 7th consecutive contest and sweep the Ee-Yah Orators 6-2 in game 4 of the NLCS.  Starter Lefty Stewart went 7 strong innings and five different Fishbiscuit batters drove in a run in the win.

Clinging to a 3-2 lead, Otherton put the game out of reach in the 9th.  Greg Holland opened the inning for the Orators but after recording the first out, gave up 3 consecutive singles and a stolen base, letting in two runs.  He was relieved by Bruce Ruffin who gave up another single, another run, and ultimately the season.

Starting Pitchers Results
Stewart (OFB): 7.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Martinez(EYO): 7.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K

Carnie's use 5 pitchers to shutout Gossamers 2-0

ALCS Game 4
Bertrand Island Carnies @ Gold Country Gossamers

A second inning rain delay erased both managers starting pitcher plans, resulting in an epic battle of the bullpens that remains a draw to this moment.  The only runs scored by either team, were two off of Gossamer starter Carl Hubbell early in the first inning.  A Ty Cobb triple and Frank Thomas run scoring ground-out held for 8+ innings.

In a surprise move, the Gossamers sent a fully rested Carl Hubbell to the mound in place of 4th starter Fergie Jenkins.  We'll never know who Hubbell would have fared in a full game, but the starter didn't have his best stuff, walking two and giving up two hits in the first inning alone.  After the rain delay in the 2nd, the Carnies managed just three hits in the remaining 7 innings.

Trying not to be outdone, the Carnie's used four relievers over their last 7 1/3 innings, giving up 6 hits and striking out 4.  

Once the starters were out of the game, only one runner on either team reached second base the rest of the night.

With a commanding 3-1 series lead, the Carnie's hope to close out the series with Danny Haren (13-6, 2.60) tomorrow night. Game 2 winner Tex Hughson (17-10, 2.90) is the probable starter for Gold Country

Starting Pitchers Results
Reuss (BIC) : 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Hubbell(GCG): 2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

American League Cy Young Award

Carl Hubbell of the Gold Country Gossamers wins the AL Cy Young Award.  With 17 wins and a 2.80 ERA, Hubbell beat Carnies teammates Curt Schilling and Danny Haren who came in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Hubbell received 8 of 15 possible first place votes, but was oddly left off 4 ballots completely.  Perhaps more surprisingly, Danny Haren who led the league in ERA, WHIP, RCERA, and CERA receive 5 first place votes but no others, having been left off of 10 ballots in all.  This allowed Curt Schilling with just two first place votes, to sneak into second.

Tex Hughson finished fourth giving the ALCS contenders a clean sweep of the first four places.

(# Ballots) Total Points (1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Votes)
(11)47 - Carl Hubbell, GCG (8, 2, 0)
(10)26 - Curt Schilling, BIC (2, 4, 1)
(5) 25 - Danny Haren, BIC (5, 0, 0)
(7) 15 - Tex Hughson, GCG (0, 4, 3)
(3) 9 - Babe Adams, SPB (0, 3, 0)
(3) 7 - Johnny Podres, DCC (0, 2, 1)
(3) 3 - Jerry Reuss, BIC (0, 0, 3)
(1) 1 - Garland Braxton, WPM (0, 0, 1)
(1) 1 - Bob Ojeda, DCC (0, 0, 1)
(1) 1 - Kevin Brown, SH (0, 0, 1)

20 Resims: #24 - Downsouth Brews

At the end of each season owners may submit a new lineup that is used in the 20 Resim competition.  This competition is purely for speculation and is used as a gauge to determine who had the best draft.  The true ATB champion remains the World Series winner.


20 seasons are automatically simulated and compiled.  No lineup changes are allowed and injuries are turned off.  Through a formula that considers Win-Loss record, Playoff Appearances, and Pythagorean Record the teams are ranked in order from worst to first. 

With the worst record in the regular season and the worst average wins in the resims, the Downsouth Brews have the unfortunate task of being ranked last of the 24 teams in the league.  20th in runs scored and last in runs prevented, the Brews struggled to field a competitive teams year in and year out.

Their best season was in sim 20 when they won 77 games and were outscored by 92 runs; their worst was a 113 loss campaign when they were drubbed by 279 runs.

Still, there were aspects of the team to enjoy following, if not necessarily a part of winning.  On offense Ichiro Suzuki batted .316 with an average of 227 hits per season, Dick Allen averaged 32 home runs, and Bill Dickey was well a well above average backstop enjoying a .770 OPS.
 
If there was a single source of pain it was the rotation which averaged a 5.65 ERA and 1.65 WHIP and offering quality starts just 41% of the time.

The best pitcher on the team was Steve Bedrosian, a reliever appearing in 74 games with a 3.96 ERA and 1.39 WHIP.

800 OPS Batters: 
Jimmie Foxx: .807 OPS, .263 / .336  / .470, 39 HR, 89 R, 103 RBI

Sub 4.00 ERA Starters
None

Sub 3.25 ERA Relievers
None

Best Value Draft Pick
Rd 24: Steve Bedrosian

Bust Draft Pick
Rd 4: Bert Blyleven (8-15, 1.68 WHIP)

Battery combo Schmidt and Carroll lead Carnies in 4-3 win

ALCS Game 3
Bertrand Island Carnies @ Gold Country Gossamers

Catcher Fred Carroll and starting pitcher Jason Schmidt paired up for a strong outing, including solid pitching, timely hitting, and eradicating two key Gossamer stolen base attempts.

Schmidt, after a somewhat shaky start, settled down and pitched his best game of the post season, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits and striking out 3.  Carroll was involved in seemingly every key Carnie rally.  Down by two in the  fourth, Carroll led off with a single and soon scored on a Ned Williamson single, cutting the Gossamer lead in half.  In the 5th, Ozzie Smith singled up the middle, stole second and third, and scored on a Carroll ground ball to the right side.  Later in the 7th, the catcher knocked in what proved to be the decisive run, singled home Orator Shaffer who led off the inning with a triple.

Carroll showed a surprisingly strong arm as well, throwing out Roger Conner in the third attempting to steal second with runners on the corners, as well as Mugsy McGraw in the 8th, again with runners on the corners.

For the Gossamers Tris Speaker collected 3 hits and 2 RBI in 4 trips to the plate.  Starter Preacher Roe retired the first 9 Bertrand Island Batters before struggling in the 4th and 5th innings.  He ultimately lasted deep into the 7th before parting for Sergio Romo and BJ Ryan.

The Carnies took a 2-1 series lead and will play at Redland field again tomorrow night, where the #4 starters will take the mound.  Jerry Ruess (15-6, 3.45) gets the nod for the visiting Carnies while Fergie Jenkins (11-11, 3.98) tries to tie it up for Gold Country.

Starting Pitchers Results
Schmidt(BIC) : 8.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Roe (GCG) :::: 6.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

Terry 5-hits has Otherton on cusp of first World Series bid

NLCS Game 3
Otherton Fishbiscuits @ Ee-Yah Orators

In an exiting game that saw eight different lead changes or lead ties, the Otherton Fishbiscuits took a commanding 3 games to 0 lead over the Ee-Yah Orators.  First Basemen Bill Terry paved the way with 5 hits, a walk, a key stolen base, and the ultimate game winning single in the 10th.

Ken Tekulve was brought in to protect a 1-run lead in the bottom of the 9th but blew the save on a Josh Hamiilton double that scored King Kelly.  The Orators had a chance to win it, but left runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs, letting Tekulve off the hook, and sending the game into extra innings. 

Neither starting pitcher performed particularly well, each giving up 3 runs on 10 hits.  Fred Clarke, Max Carey, and Placid Polanco had two hits each for Otherton; King Kelly and Cap Anson went 3-6 in the loss for Ee-Yah.

The Orators try to avoid the sweep tomorrow, sending Pedro Martinez to the mound on short rest.  He'll face Lefty Stewart.

Starting Pitchers Results
Joss(OFB): 5.0 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Cone(OFB): 5.0 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

National League Cy Young Award

The Otherton Fishbiscuits' Addie Joss is the National League Cy Young Award winner.  Joss outpaced Pedro Martinez by receiving 8 of 15 first place votes and only missing a vote on 1 ballot.  Joss not only had a stellar W-L record at 23-14 and a superb ERA of 2.60, he led both leagues in innings pitched at 294.  Voters took that into consideration when comparing to Martinez, who may have had slightly better rate stats but threw 40 less innings.

Cy Blanton came in third and was on more ballots than Martinez.

(# Ballots) Total Points (1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Votes)
(14)56 - Addie Joss, OFB (8, 5, 1)
(13)37 - Pedro Martinez, EYO (4, 4, 5)
(14)30 - Cy Blanton, HT (2, 4, 8)
(2) 8 - Walter Johnson, HH (1,1,0)
(2) 4 - Jesse Tannehill, NPB (0, 1, 1)

Robinson HR, 3 RBI lift Gossamers in 11-3 rout

ALCS Game 2
Gold Country Gossamers @ Bertrand Island Carnies

The Gold Country Gossamers knotted the ALCS at one's with a blowout victory over the Bertrand Island Carnies.  Led by Frank Robinson who homered and drove in 3, the Gossamers pounded out 16 hits and 11 runs on the night.  The big blow came in the 6th the visitors recorded 6 runs on 6 hits and walk, taking a 5-3 close game and turning into a rout.

Carnie starter and Cy Young hopeful Curt Schilling was knocked out of the game after just 1+ innings while relievers Arnie Stone and Mike Jackson were of no help, giving up 12 hits and 7 runs in the next 8 innings.

Game 3 will feature the Carnies Jason Schmidt (13-9, 3.06) vs the Gossamers Preacher Roe (11-12, 3.38)

Starting Pitchers Results
Hughson (GCG) : 8.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Schilling(BIC): 1.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K

Top of the order solves Phillippe, Fisbiscuits win 6-2

NLCS Game 2
Ee-Yah Orators @ Otherton Fishbiscuits

The Otherton Fishbiscuits take a commanding 2-0 series lead after a relatively easy 6-2 win against the Ee-Yah Orators.  Bill Terry and Honus Wagner, batting 1st and 2nd for Otherton, banged out 8 hits with 3 runs and 3 RBI.  Ken Griffey Jr. added a 3-run home run and the Fishbiscuits never looked back.

Deacon Phillippe, the Orator starter, wasn't sharp and couldn't get an out in the third inning.  The pen was of little help, giving up 10 hits and 3 runs in 6 innings.

With ace Addie Joss (23-14, 2.60) facing David Cone (15-13, 4.05) tomorrow (after a simulated off day) the Fishbiscuits are in the drivers seat to be awarded NL representatives in the World Series.

Starting Pitchers Results
Phillippe(EYO): 2.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Hahn (OFB) :::: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K

American League Reliever of the Year

In one of the closest votes in league history, Dennis Eckersley narrowly defeats Robb Nen for the AL Reliever of the Year Award.  Eckersley had few saves (17) but was a crucial part of the DC Chip bullpen throwing 149 innings with a 1.99 ERA and 0.98 WHIP. Nen was used in a classic closer role, amassing 34 saves in 58 innings and holding down a 2.33 ERA and 0.95 WHIP.

Billy Wagner finished a close 3rd and had just as many 1st place votes as Nen.

(# Ballots) Total Points (1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Votes)
(11)41 - Dennis Eckersley, DCC (5, 5, 1)
(12)38 - Robb Nen, BS (4, 5, 3)
(12)34 - Billy Wagner, PRL (4, 3, 5)
(4) 14 - Tim Burke, URB (2, 1, 1)
(2) 4 - Buddy Groom, GCG (0, 1, 1)
(2) 2 - Steve Howe, BIC (0, 0, 2)
(1) 1 - Rafael Soriano, SH (0, 0, 1)
(1) 1 - Takashi Saito, IBS (0, 0, 1)

National League Reliever of the Year

The NL Reliever of the Year is Jonathan Papelbon of the Haven Tommyknockers.  Papelbon had one of the best years in ATB history with a 1.23 ERA and 0.95 WHIP and 41 saves.  Papelbon received 8 of 15 votes for first place and was left off one ballot.

Cla Meredith, Mariano Rivera, and Kent Tekulve also received 1st place votes.

(# Ballots) Total Points (1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Votes)
(14)56 - Jonathan Papelbon, HT (8, 3, 1)
(9) 33 - Cla Meredith, JMF (4, 4, 1)
(6) 20 - Mariano Rivera, NOT (2, 3, 1)
(8) 12 - JJ Putz, RKA (0, 2, 6)
(2) 6 - Kent Tekulve, OFB (1, 0, 0)
(1) 3 - Dick Hall, JMF (0, 1, 0)
(2) 2 - Mike Myers, EYO (0, 0, 2)
(1) 1 - Joakim Soria, OFB (0, 0, 1)
(1) 1 - Rafael Betancourt, EYO (0, 0, 1)
(1) 1 - Joe Neale, NOT (0, 0, 1)

Pedro dominant, but Otherton scraps out 4-3 extra inning win

NLCS Game 1
Gold Country Gossamers @ Bertrand Island Carnies

Despite a 9 inning, 10 strike out performance from Pedro Martinez, the Ee-Yah Orators cough up a slim lead late, and ultimately lose to the Otherton Fishbiscuits in extra innings.  Starter for the Biscuits Pete Alexander battled control issues but had excellent stuff, keeping his team in the game and ultimately left with the score tied 3-3.

In the bottom of the 8th star shortstop led of the inning with a triple and and two batters later scored on a Hank Aaron liner to center.  Later in the 10th Wagner also started the game winning rally with a 1-out single off of Mike Myers.  Ken Griffey Jr. then singled, forcing injured player/coach Hughie Jennings to make a pitching change.  In came an inconsistent Ted Niedenfuer who gave up a long fly to Aaron, allowing Wagner to tag up to third.  Fred Clarke won it on a roped single between first and second, scoring Wagner.

Earlier in the 5th, the Biscuits managed two pick off two Orator runners.  Mike Moynahan, playing shortstop in place of Jennings, walked to lead off the inning.  Jimmy Williams singled to put runners on second and third and setting up an improbable end to the inning.  Alexander fired a first pitch fastball for a ball, and catcher Johnny Kling noticed Moynahan taking his time getting back to second between pitches.  He fired, Moynahan never saw the throw, and was picked off standing up.  After a strikeout of Larry Doby for the second out, Alexander took things into his own hands and picked Williams off of first before the first pitch to the next batter.  It was an ugly inning to say the least.

With Martinez losing to the Fishbiscuits #4 starter, the Orators are seemingly in serious trouble.  The Fishbiscuits, yet to name a Game 2 starter, will likely turn to Noodles Hahn on full rest rather than Addie Joss on short rest.  Both are arguably better than the Orator #2 and #3 starters Larry Dierker and Deacon Phillippe.

Starting Pitchers Results
Martinez (EYO): 9.0 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 10 K
Alexander(OFB): 8.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 6 K

Mize Walk Off Pinch Hit Home Run Wins it for Carnies

ALCS Game 1
Gold Country Gossamers @ Bertrand Island Carnies

The Bertrand Island Carnies come away with a nail biter victory in Game 1 of the ALCS.  In a classic pitchers duel, Carl Hubbell and Danny Haren went to to toe, each lasting into the 7th inning and each giving up just 1 run. 

First base power hitter Johnny Mize was the hero.  Hitting 33 home runs in 343 at bats against right handed pitching during the regular season, Mize was brought in to face Sergio Romo with a runner on in the bottom of the 9th.  On Romo's first pitch Mize ended the game with a blast over the right field fence.

If not for the walk-off home run, the wrap-up story might have surrounded a timely triple play in the third.  Scoreless, Ozzie Smith led off the inning with a hit by pitch, on a ball that frankly, he could have easily avoided but chose not too.  Fred Carroll followed with a single and Ben Zobrist presently drilled a ball to towards second basemen Cupid Childs.  Childs lunged and caught the liner running towards second, stepped on the bag, and tossed the ball to first for the triple play.

The Gossamers had a few chances as well, and outhit the Carnies 10-8.  They left 8 runners on base and grounded into three double plays to end several threats.  In the 7th Haren was knocked out of the game after yielding three hits, the last of which was a 2-bagger by pinch hitter Mike Epstein.  With runners at the corners and one out, with one run already it, it was a great scoring opportunity for the visitors but new reliever Steve Howe induced Bill Dahlen to hit a grounder to first.  Triple play hero Childs unadvisedly tried for home, but Dale Alexander easily threw him out at the plate.

Tex Hughson (17-10, 2.90) will face Curt Schilling (19-9, 3.34) Tuesday night in another great pitching match-up.  There will be no games tomorrow as I am not available to run them.

Starting Pitchers Results
Hubbel (GCG): 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Haren (BIC) : 6.1 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

LDS Most Valuable Players

Gold Country over Sparta 4-3
Preacher Roe (GCG):  3 GS, 23 IP, 21 H, 3 BB, 6 K, 1.17 ERA, 3 QS

Bertrand Island over Brighton 4-0
Ty Cobb (BIC): .588 / .632 / 1.118, 2 2B, 2 3B, HR

Otherton over Rusty Kuntz 4-3
Hank Aaron (OFB): .444 / .467 / .815, 2B, 3 HR, 9 RBI

Ee-Yah over North Podunk (4-0)
King Kelly (NPB): .500 / .556 / .625, 3B, 6 R

LCS Page Up

http://www.alltimebaseballsim.net/lcs_series_ATBXIV.htm

And linked to the right

Series Preview: Ee-Yah vs Otherton

The National League Championship Series match up between the Ee-Yah Orators and Otherton Fishbiscuits may be more one-sided than anticipated. One one hand, owner Mike S has been an ATB faithful since day one and owns one of the best managerial records in our history.  On the other hand, Brian B, a relatively new owner, is enjoying his first post season birth in five tries.

Rotation

Pedro vs Addie.  The top two contenders for the NL Cy Young award face off, leading their respective teams in every meaningful pitching category.  Joss won an ATB high 23 times this year, and Martinez owns an ATB best 0.97 WHIP (among starting pitchers).

For arguments sake, lets call these two pitchers about equal, at least for this season.  Looking at the back end of the rotation, Larry Dierker and David Cone are about as good as Lefty Stewart and Pete Alexander.  That leaves the difference in quality between #2 starters Noodles Hahn and Deacon Phillippe.  Hahn, as the stats show, is simply the better pitcher.

Edge:  Otherton

Bullpen

Both teams win games, 91 for Otherton vs 86 for Ee-Yah, thanks in part to quality bullpens.  The Orators have two studs in Mike Myers and Rafael Betancourt, and similarly the Fishbiscuits counter with Kent Tekulve and Joakim Soria.  The back ends of the pen are equally solid as well.

Edge:  Equal.

Lineups

Otherton batted .274 / .317 / .375 with 659 runs scored.  Ee-Yah batted .283 / .346 / .360 with 673 runs scored.  Thus on paper at least, it is clear the Orators have the better lineup.  However, please remember that arguably their best player, Hughie Jennings, is shelved for entire post season after getting injured on a hit-by pitch.  This exposes an otherwise very good lineup.

Otherton's lack of ability to get on base is countered by their ability to hit the long ball, and hold a 111 to 49 edge on Ee-Yah.  Hank Aaron led both teams in home runs with 45.

Edge:  Otherton, but only because Hughie Jennings does not factor into it.

Series Edge:  It's Otherton's series to lose.  Typically the team that features Pedro Martinez automatically has a large edge in starting rotation, but Joss is having a phenomenal season and has the ability to match Pedro pitch for pitch.  With Jennings out, the edge goes to Otherton.

Series Preview - Gold Country vs. Bertrand Island

The two best teams in the American League square off in the Championship Series begging tonight.  Gold Country, 94-68 on the season and with a +114 run differential, rely on small ball offense and arguably the best pitching staff in baseball.  Bertrand Island is perhaps a more well rounded team, but lack a true star player that can carry a series.  In the regular season Bertrand Island won 104 against 58 losses and outscored their opponents by 149 runs.

Starting Pitching

Gold Country never quite found a #5 starter that suited them during the regular season.  That hardly matters now, and with the shortened playoff rotation, their top 4 starters are arguably the best in the league.  The only question mark might be Ferguson Jenkins and with the days off during the series would likely have to pitch just once.

Bertrand Island counters a solid 4-man rotation that matches Gold Country in saber-minded stats like RCERA, if not the traditional stats such as ERA.   Danny Haren is their #1 starter but spent a few weeks on the DL this year.  Finally, keep in mind the park factors.  The Carnie's played in a park that suppresses home runs and singles by about 10% each, while the Gossamers enjoyed a major home run reduction (factor of 20) and increased offense every where else.

Edge:  Tied.

Bullpen 

The top five relievers for Gold Country each have ERA's under 3.00, with only failed starter Fred Hutchinson as a question mark, and he'll not see any playing time.  Lefty specialist Buddy Groom had the best season of the bunch, recording a 2.09 ERA in 56 innings.

Bertrand Island also features a very strong bullpen and rely heavily on a trio of pitchers, Steve Howe, Arnie Stone, and Jeff Zimmeran, each of which reached the 90 innings pitched mark.  They also employ a platoon closer rotation between the lefty Howe and righty Zimmerman.

Edge:  Gold Country

Lineup

Bertrand Island average slash rate line was .277 / .340 / .393 and they were second in the American League in runs scored at 767.  Gold Country hit for less power, but made up for that with a higher on base percentage and batting average:  .284 / .349 / .348 with 713 runs scored, tied for 4th in American League.

When grouping the top 9 batters on each team, measured by ATB Value, each group average a .333 score, with Bertand Island more top heavy and Gold Country more balanced.  Both teams have strong defenses as well.

Edge:  With five players scoring an Slugging Percentage over .400, the Carnies hold the edge in lineups.

Series Edge:  Too close to call.  Will the slightly better Gossamer pen over match the slightly better Carnie offense?  Flip a coin.

Roe completes series comeback, Gossamers win 4-1

ALDS Game 7
Sparta Hoplites @ Gold Country Gossamers

The series that should have been a sweep in favor of the Sparta Hoplites turned sour as Preacher Roe out dueled John Denny in the seventh game of the ALCS.  Roe tossed 8 innings of 1 run ball and the Gossamer offense provide 4 runs on 10 hits in the 4-1 victory.

Denny struggled in the second, allowing 3 consecutive singles to Ross Youngs, Cupid Childs, and Harry Walker.  Youngs scored and one out later Childs was thrown out at home after a 4th single.  An inning later the Gossamer struck twice more on 2 additional singles, a HBP, and 5-pitch walk.

The Hoplites lone run was thanks to a Babe Herman solo shot in the 6th, but the team did have a few chances throughout the game.  Joe Jackson doubled in the third and tried for home when the next batter Ed Delahanty roped a single to center, but Tris Speaker gunned him down at the plate.

In the fourth Derek Lee led off and singled but was thrown out at second trying to steal a few minutes later.  The loss of the runner was crucial as the next to batters reached base on a walk and a single.  This threat ended quickly too when Cy Seymour grounded into a double play.

Gold Country moves on to play their intra-division rival Bertrand Island Carnies tomorrow night.

Starter Lines:

Denny(SH) : 4.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 2 BB, 0 K
Roe (GCG) : 8.0 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Joss excels on short rest, Biscuits win 5-1

NLDS Game 7
Otherton Fishbiscuits @ Rusty Kuntz Traveling All Stars

Addie Joss showed why he is the odds-on favorite to win the NL Young Award.   Pitching for the third time this series, and finishing an incredible 312 innings on the year, the right hander shut down the Rusty Kuntz Traveling All Stars for 7 innings in the decisive game 7 of the NLDS. Joss walked 1 and gave up 5 hits, allowing just a single run to cross the plate in the 4th.  The win was the third in a row for Otherton, and completes an unlikey comeback from down 3 games to 1.

Offensively, the Biscuits came out swinging banging 7 hits in the first two innings, but two untimely double plays erased runners and the visitors scored just twice.  Clinging to a 2-1 lead, Otherton added insurance runs in the 5th and 8th.

Stud shortstop Honus Wagner singled and stole second, enabling him to move to third on a grounder and later score on a sacrifice fly by Ken Griffey Jr. In the eighth and setup by a Joe Tinker error, Terry Pendleton knocked in two on a liner to shallow center.

Kent Tekulve and Hong Chi Kuo closed out the game without giving up a run.

Shotgun S finishes a great season running his All Star club, and owner Brian B goes on to face the Orators in the National League Championship Series commencing Sunday night.

Starter Lines:

Joss (OFB) : 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Hunter(RKA): 2.1 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hughson outduels Shantz 3-1; Game 7 Tomorrow Night

ALDS Game 6 
Sparta Hoplites @ Gold Country Gossamers

A string of 7 singles in 11 batters sank an otherwise good performance from Bobby Shantz, enabling the Gossamers to come back from a 3-1 series deficit to force a Game 7 tomorrow night.  Tex Hughson was on cruise control, tossing 8 innings of 5 hit, 1 run ball.

The Hoplites lone run came in the 6th off an Arky Vaughan 2-out single.  The entire Hoplite offense managed just five hits and two walks all game.  Aside from the 6th, runners reached second twice.

The Hoplites Game 7 will be John Denny (7-7, 3.41).  He'll face either Preacher Roe (11-12, 3.33) or Ferguson Jenkins (11-11, 3.98)

Starter Lines:

Shantz (SH) : 8.0 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Hughson(GCG): 8.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K

Aaron homers twice, force Game 7 in wild Biscuit win

NLDS Game 6 
Otherton Fishbiscuits @ Rusty Kuntz Traveling All Stars

The ALDS and NLDS Game 6's prove why baseball is such a wonderful sport.  Two teams, each down 3-1 and assumed out of the playoffs, fight back to two wins in a row to force Game 7's.  In this game Hank Aaron, Ken Griffey Jr, and Jose Canseco combined for 4 home runs and 5 RBI to give the Fishbiscuits the 8-6 win.

Noodles Hahn didn't have his best stuff, but still managed to pitch into the 6th and give his team a chance at the victory.  Leaving with a 3-2 the bullpen almost coughed up the lead, but were ultimately saved by back to back bombs in the 9th from Canseco and Griffey Jr.

In the bottom of the 9th the All Stars scored three times but it just wasn't enough.

Game 7 is tomorrow when Cy Young hopeful Addie Joss (23-14, 2.60), again on short rest, will face Catfish Hunter (11-10, 3.42)

Starter Lines:

Hahn (OFB) : 5.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Haddix(RKA): 7.0 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 0 BB, 5 K

Gossamers bust out for 12; series moves to the Country

ALDS Game 5 
Gold Country Gossamers @ Sparta Hoplites

On the brink of elimination the Gold Country Gossamers showed why they were a 94 win team during the regular season, winning when they had and erupting for 12 runs and 13 hits.  Edgar Martinez went 3-4 with a double and 3 RBI while Bill Dahlen had 2 triples and added 5 RBI of his own.

For the Hoplites, Starter Kevin Brown was rocked for 4 runs and 2 hits, and most of the pen fared little better with Joel Pieneiro, Stan Coveleski, and Mort Cooper combined to give up 8 runs in 4 innings.

The series heads back to Gold Country for game 6.  The Hoplites will try to close it out with Bobby Shantz (10-9, 4.40) while the Gossamers counter with Tex Hughson (17-10, 2.90).

With an unfavorable matchup, the Hoplites are undoubtedly regretting the blown save in game Game 2.

Starter Lines:

Hubbell(GCG): 6.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Brown (OFB):: 2.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Orth Chased in 2nd; Otherton wins 6-3

NLDS Game 5 
Rusty Kuntz Traveling All Stars @ Otherton Fishbiscuits

On a crisp night in Fenway Park, Al Orth pitched his worse game of the year failing to record an out in the second inning and leaving his team in a 5-0 hole.  The All Stars never recovered and the Fishbiscuits live on for another day, heading back to Rusty Kuntz for Game 6.

The Biscuits erupted for 5 runs in the second, on all singles and batting through the lineup .  Their starter Lefty Stwart was only adequate but the pen pitched 4 innings of no run, 2 hit ball to secure the win.

Noodles Hahn (15-11, 3.18 ERA) pitches for Otherton tomorrow; he'll face Harvey Haddix (15-12, 3.84).

Starter Lines:

Orth (RKA):::: 1.0 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Stewart(OFB):: 5.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Martinez and Doby send Ee-Yah to the NLCS

NLDS Game 4 
North Podunk Banana Bears @ Ee-Yah Orators

All season long the Ee-Yah Orators took a back seat to the first place North Podunk Banana Bears.  In the playoffs however, it has been the exact opposite and the underdog Orators completed the 4 game sweep tonight.

The Orators scored early and often, compiling 10 hits and 4 walks in the first four innings, breaking the game open in the third on a Josh Hamilton 2-run double.

The Bears got to Pedro Martinez in the 6th, knocking him from the game after scoring 1 runs on 2  hits and a walk.  The Orator relief corps allowed two more runs to score, one in 6th and another in the 7th, but ultimately kept the Bears at bay.

Similar to the Brighton Shadows, Mike G is another new owner, and piloted his team to the second best record in ATB.  Great job.

Starter Lines:

Gomez (NPB):::: 2.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Martinez(OFB):: 5.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Orth shelled on short rest; Boggs leads All Stars to 6-5 win

NLDS Game 4 
Rusty Kuntz Traveling All Stars @ Otherton Fishbiscuits

In a surprise move the Otherton Fishbiscuits bypassed the scheduled start of Lefty Stewart and sent ace Addie Joss to the mound in his stead.  The last minute change backfired with Joss lasting only into the fourth inning, leaving after giving up 5 runs on 8 hits and a walk.

Now down 3 games to 1, ownership will undoubtedly questions themselves since All Star starter Ben Sheets didn't have his best stuff either.  A mediocre start from Stewart may have resulted in a win.

Still, it was a great game that headed to the 9th tied at five each until Rocky Colavito, pinch hitting for Jimmy Sheckard, took a 0-1 fastball deep over the right center field wall for a lead the All Stars would maintain.  Wade Boggs had 2 hits and 3 RBI in the win.

Tomorrow's starters are Tommy Glavine for Otherton (5-2, 3.59) and Al Orth for Rusty Kuntz (16-9, 3.31)

Starter Lines:

Sheets(RKA): 2.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 2 K
Joss (OFB):: 3.1 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Lefty Higuera stymies Gossamer lefty laden lineup

ALDS Game 4
Gold Country Gossamers @ Sparta Hoplites

One thing is abundantly clear - these two teams are evenly matched.  In four games the Hoplites have outscored the Gossamers by a measly 4 runs in all, and after a strong  performance by Teddy Higuera, take a commanding 3-1 series lead.  Higuera, along with Gossamer starter Preacher Roe, did their jobs effectively combining for 15 innings and 2 runs given up.

The game came down to timely hitting, the difference being a poor performance by Gossamer reliever Tom Henke.  Henke pitched to 3 batters to open the 8th and couldn't record an out.  Leaving with the bases loaded,
Henke was ultimately tagged with the loss when left handed specialist Buddy Groom allowed a two-run single off the bat of Cy Seymor.

After a surprise start by Roe this afternoon, the Gossamers turn to Carl Hubbell (17-6, 2.80) to keep their season alive.  The Hoplites counter with their ace Kevin Brown (15-9, 3.28) in what promises to be another nail biter.

Starter Lines:
Roe(GCG)::::: 7.0 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Higuera (SH): 8.0 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K

Ruess 5 hit shutout leads Carnies in sweep of Shadows

ALDS Game 4 
Bertrand Island Carnies @ Brighton Shadows

The Bertrand Island Carnies advance to the American League Championship series thanks to a great pitching performance from Jerry Reuss.  The 31 year old was a great surprise for Bertrand Island this year, winning 15 games with a 3.45 ERA.  Johnny Mize provided the power with 7th inning 2-run home run.  The platooning first baseman also had a surprisingly great year, hitting 33 home runs in 343 at bats versus right handed pitching.

Overall, the Carnie's outsourced the Shadows 24-11 and batted .333 / .403 / .543, so far leading all teams in doubles, triples, and home runs.

The Shadows under the leadership of 1st year owner David K, had solid season.  Few ATB owners have made the playoffs in their first campaign.

The Carnies now await the winner of the Gold Country/Sparta series.

Starter Lines:

Reuss (BIC): 9.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Walsh (BS):: 2.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 2 K

Clarke error allows All Stars to score winning run in 12th

NLDS Game 3
Rusty Kuntz Traveling All Stars @ Otherton Fishbiscuits

The National League continues to shine in the LDS game 3's.  Tonight's contest between the Rusty Kuntz Traveling All Stars and Otherton Fishbiscuits utilized an incredible 39 players and 12 innings to complete.  When the dust settled, after 6 innings to stellar relief work, the All Stars took a 2-1 series lead thanks to a Fred Clarke error in handling a ground ball single to left field.

At the end of five innings the game was tied at 4's, highlighted by home runs off the bats of Ted Williams and Hank Aaron. With the starters chased from the game, the bullpens rose to the occasion, especially the Biscuits Kent Tekulve, who kept the All Stars at bay for 5 innings giving up just two hits.

The All Stars had a great chance to end it in the 9th, but Elston Howard grounded out to second with the bases loaded to end the threat.

The Fishbiscuits had an opportunity too.  Ken Griffey Jr opened the bottom of the 12th with an infield single squibbler up the first base line, but was soon picked off first base before JJ Putz through another pitch.  It could have mattered a great deal, the next batter Aaron managed singled to left center which may have put runners on the corners with 1-out.  It wasn't to be however, Putz struck out Clarke and Roberto Clemente to end the game.

In game 4 tomorrow the Fishbiscuits attempt to tie the series riding the strong arm of Lefty Stewart (12-14, 3.80).  The All Stars counter with Ben Sheets, whose struggled most of the year with a 9-15 record and 4.73 ERA.

Starter Lines:
Hunter (RKA): 3.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Hahn(OFB):::: 4.2 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Hamilton walk-off caps and incredible 8-7 Orator win

NLDS Game 3
Ee-Yah Orators @ North Podunk Banana Bears

Words cannot describe the emotions felt when watching this contest.  Yes, it's a computer game, but this was one wild affair.

A Great pitchers duel turned blowout, turned 9th inning comeback, turned 9th inning heartbreak.

The Orators broke open the game by scoring five in the 6th, capped by the second of Tommy Holmes' three doubles.  They slowly coughed the lead up, letting in 7 runs cross the plate in the last 3 innings, blowing through an incredible 7 pitchers in the process.  The Banana Bears ultimately tied the game at 7 when Jonathan Broxton walked Joe Morgan with the bases loaded.  Broxton redeemed himself by further getting out of the jam by striking out Sam Wise and retiring Lenny Dykstra on a pop-out to center, but the damage had been done.

In the bottom of the 9th, after seeing the lead evaporate, Josh Hamilton had enough.  He took the first pitch offering from Mike Jackson deep into the night over the right field fence, ending the game, and effectively ending the Banana Bear's season.

North Podunk will rely on Lefty Gomez (12-8, 3.81) to keep hopes alive, but the southpaw faces the best pitcher in ATB history, Pedro Martinez (18-9, 2.64)  in game 4 tomorrow night

Starter Lines:
Tannehill (NPB): 5.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Cone(EYO)::::::: 6.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 4 BB, 3 K

Denny outduels Hughson; 3 run 5th gives Sparta 2-1 lead

ALDS Game 3
Gold Country Gossamers @ Sparta Hopllites

The underdog Sparta Hoplites took a 2-1 series lead tonight, behind the strong arm of John Denny and the timely hitting of the top of the order.

Denny lasted 6 innings giving up just two runs and striking out four before giving way to the bullpen, which shut down the Gossamers late.

For Gold Country, Hughson pitched brilliantly except for the 6th inning when he tired, walking two and coughing up two singles.  BJ Ryan relieved him, but gave up another hit before getting out of the jam with runners on 1st and 2nd.  In all, three runs scored, and the Hoplites with two more games at home, are in the drivers seat.

Tomorrow Fergie Jenkins (11-11, 3.98) takes the mound for Gold Country.  He'll face Teddy Higuera (4-1, 2.75 with Sparta after the trade).

Starter Lines:
Hughson(GCG): 5.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 3 K
Denny (SH)::: 6.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 K

Gore leads 14 hit Carnie attack; 1 win from advancing

ALDS Game 3
Bertrand Island Carnies @ Brighton Shadows

With a team batting line of .356 / .412 / .606 the Bertrand Island offense is proving too much for the Shadows pitching staff to handle.  In Game 3 left fielder George Gore and Ty Cobb led the way with 4 and 3 hits respectively. Danny Haren was solid in the win and the Carnies have a 3-0 series lead.

The bright spot for Brighton continues to be Barry Bonds.  He added another double and a home run, and is now slugging .786 in the series.

The Brighton season will rest in the hands of Ed Walsh (11-11, 4.43) who'll face Carnie upstart Jerry Ruess (15-6, 3.45) in game 4 tomorrow.

Starter Lines:
Haren(BIC): 6.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 2 K
Vance (BS): 4.2 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 4 K