Hughson sharp in Gossamer 4-1 win; Game 7 tomorrow night

Game 6 (3 vs 6)
Gold Country Gossamers @ Clover Bottom Barnstormers

Behind a great start from Tex Hughson the Gold Country Gossamers sent the series to a 7th game tonight.  Hughson last 7 innings, giving up just 4 hits and run on the night.  He gave way to BJ Ryan, who struck out 4 in two innings and nailed down a quiet save.

The offense banged out 12 hits against the Barnstormers David Cone.  Cone wasn't at is best, but his gutsy effort yielded only 2 earned runs and he kept the game close.

Starting Pitchers
Hughson - 7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Cone - - 8.1 IP, 12 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

Hollacher 13th inning single spoils Storm comeback, Carnies win 3-2

Game 6 (2 vs 7)
Bertrand Island Carnies @ Stoughton Storm

For the third time in the series, the Bertrand Island Carnies and Stoughton Storm need extra frames to declare a winner.  Game 1 required 10 innings, Game 4 required 12, and tonight's game 6 lasted 13.  We're not sure the hearts of the Carnie and Storm faithful can handle much more of this.

Despite blowing a 2-run lead in the 7th, Carnie starter Curt Schilling had amazing stuff, striking out 9 in 6 2/3 innings.  Storm starter Roger Clemens was almost as good, striking out 7 over 8 innings.

The Carnies scored in the first, setup by an Orator Shaffer lead off triple.  Two innings later Shaffer struck again, singling home Ben Zobrist for a 2-0 Carnie lead.

Clemens settled down and cruised the rest of the way, keeping it close and affording his team a chance to comeback.  They did just that in the 7th, when Ken Caminiti led off with a single.  A walk and one out later Swish Nicholson doubled home two runs to tie the game at 2's.

From here the bullpen's took over and they were awesome.  Four Carnie relievers combined to 2-hit the Storm over the next six innings.

For their part, the Storm pen had an easy go of it until the 12th.  Back to back 1-out singles put runners at the corners for Johnny Mize.  The big first basemen tapped one back to the mound and Fred Carroll tried to score from first.  He was tagged out easily, spoiling a golden opportunity.

An inning later however, the Carnie's scored anyway, however improbably.  The Plodding DH Frank Thomas managed an infield single to lead off the inning, and advanced to second when George Gore grounded out softly to third for the first out.  This brought Charlie Hollacher to the plate, in the game after the starting second basemen Ben Zobrist was lifted for a pinch hitter.  Behind 1-2 in the count, Hollacher hit a soft liner to center, scoring Thomas and forcing Game 7.

Jason Schmidt will take the hill for the Carnies tomorro night.  He was very good in Game 3, going 8 strong innings, striking out 7 and giving up 5 hits and two runs.

The Storm counter will Bill Foster who started Games 1 and 3.  His results have been somewhat mixed.  The lefty has only given up 5 runs in almost 14 innings (3.29 ERA) but the Carnie's have managed 17 hits and 2 walks in the process (1.39 WHIP).

Starting Pitchers
Schilling - 6.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 9 K
Clemens - - 8.0 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 K

Boyle Gem, Williams HR ends the series with 4-1 Brawler Win

Game 5 (4 vs 5)
Borsichtown Brawlers @ Otherton Fishbiscuits

Behind a strong start by Henry Boyle, the Borischtown Brawlers advance to round 2 with a 4-1 win.  Tris Speaker double home 2 in the 4th and Matt Williams 2-run homer an inning later capped all the scoring the Brawlers would need.

Boyle gave up just 1 run through 8 innings before turning the game over to Grant Balfour  for an easy save.

Series MVP is Willie Stargell.  He batted .318 / .375 / .818 with 2 2B, 3 HR, 7 R, and 7 RBI in 5 games.

Starting Pitchers
Boyle - 8.0 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Hahn -- 3.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Ward struggles in Loss; Haren bends but doesn't break in 10-7 Carnie Win

Game 5 (2 vs 7)
Stoughton Storm @ Bertrand Island Carnies

Thanks to 8 runs in the middle innings and a unexpected weak start by Storm starter Montgomery Ward, the Bertand Island Canies win 10-7, forcing a game 7.

This game was about the Carnie offense which belted out 12 hits and 10 runs with only 3 extra base hits, all doubles.  Orater Shaffer collected 4 hits on the night, while Fred Carroll and Ben Zobrist added 3 each of their own.

The 6th inning was particularly frustrating for the the Storm as Bill Henry and Jim Bunning combined to give up 2 hits, 2 walks, and allow runners to score on a third walk and a hit by pitch.

The Storm almost came back, leaving the bases loaded in the 8th after already having plated 2.  Clay Buchholz entered in relief and induced an inning ending 4-6-3 bases loaded double play off the bat of Rickey Henderson.

The series moves back to Stoughton tomorrow night, where Curt Schilling is expected to face off against Roger Clemens.

Starting Pitchers
Ward -- 3.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Haren - 6.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

Robinson Pinch Hit HR Helps Gossamers Erase 5 Run Deficit, Win 8-7

Game 5 (3 vs 6)
Clover Bottom Barnstormers vs Gold Country Gossamers

Despite an awful start from Carl Hubbell, the Gold Country Gossamers came back from a 5 run deficiti, winning 8-7 and forcing a unexpected game 6 out of the Clover Bottom Barnstormers.

The Barnstormers scored 4 in the first two innings, knocking out Hubbell without giving up an out in the 2nd. Three innings later they scored three more, with the big blow a 2-run double from Albert Pujols.

Losing 7-2, the Gossamers chipped away scoring a run in the 6th.  In the 7th, three consecutive singles from the top of the order (John McGraw, Tris Speaker, Bobby Murcer) chased starter Fergie Jenkins from the game.  Norm Charlton relieved him, but coughed up a single to Roger Connor to bring Gould Country to within 3.

With lefty Ross Youngs due up, the manager chose to pinch hit bringing in Frank Robinson.  The Judge smashed a home run to left, tying the game at 7.

Clover Bottom loaded the bases in the top of 9th but couldn't get a 2-out hit.  In the bottom half of the inning Speaker doubled and Murcer was intentionally walked.  The next batter Connor did his job, advancing Speaker to third on a long fly ball putting the bat back in Robinson's hand.  It wasn't pretty, but it was effective - a slow roller to short scored the winning run.

The series heads back to Clover Bottom tomorrow where Tex Hughson and David Cone will face off in game 6.

Starting Pitchers
Jenkins - 6.1 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Hubbell - 1.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 0 K

Ellsworth sharp in win; Santop and bottom of order lead Red Roses in Sweep

Game 4 (1 vs 8)

Lancaster Red Roses @ Sparta Hoplites

The Lancaster Red Roses were simply too much for the Sparta Hoplites all series long.  Tonight, behind a Dick Ellsworth complete game shutout, they sent the foe’s packing with a 4-game sweep.

Mort Cooper pitched well in the loss, but the pen couldn’t keep the game close.  Perhaps it didn’t matter though, it’s hard to win when you don’t score any runs.

Luis Santop homered in the win while Chase Utley singled home 2 runners; Cristobal Torriente and Willie McCovey added two hits each to the cause.

Series MVP was Oscar Charleston. He recorded 1.133 OPS with 2 HR, 4 R and 7 RBI.


Starting Pitchers

Ellsworth - 9.0 IP, 9 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Coooper - - 6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 5 K

Speaker's 3 hits and 3 RBI lead Gossamers in 16 hit attack, win 10-3

Game 4 (3 vs 6)

Clover Bottom Barnstormers @ Gold Country Gossamers

Another ATB team avoids a sweep.  The Gold Country Gossamers, powered by Tris Speaker’s 3 RBI and a fine start from Fergie Jenkins, won going away 10-3.  They banged out 16 hits in all, chasing Barnstormer starter Johnny Podres from the game after coughing up 6 runs in 5 2/3 innings of work.

All the damage came between the 4th and 7th innings where Podres tired and Dave Robertson was ineffective in relief.

Starting Pitchers

Podres -- 5.2 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Jenkins - 6.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K

Carnie's bid to tie series falls short, lose in 12 on Henderson Home Run

Game 4 (2 vs 7)

Stoughton Storm at Bertrand Island Carnies

Rockay Colavito hit home runs in the 1st and 6th innings, aiding his Stoughton Storm to a well fought 5-4 victory.  The Storm now lead the series 3 games to 1 and look to eliminate the Bertrand Island Carnies tomorrow night.


The Carnies erased a 4-0 deficit with a Frank Thomas grand slam in the 7th but couldn’t capitalize on the Storm bullpen thereafter.

Tim Burke and Huston Street combined for over 5 innings of 2 hit, shutout ball, giving the Storm a chance to win.  In the top of the12th Rickey Henderson took a 2-2 offering from Jeff Zimmerman over the fence for the game winning home run.

Starting Pitchers

Foster - 6.2 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Reuss -- 5.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

Critical Brouthers Misshap in 12th leads to Otherton 2-1 win

Game 4 (4 vs 5)
Borischtown Brawlers @ Otherton Fishbiscuit

Behind a good start from Addie Joss and great pen work, the Otherton Fishbiscuits steal game 4 from the Borischtown Brawlers, avoiding the sweep.  Joss gave up 5 hits and a run over 6 innings before the bullpen took over, yielding 1 run over the next 6 innings.

It seems commonplace for extra inning games in this Tournament, and this affair was only settled in 12th when Dan Brouthers booted a ball to first, loading the bases for Honus Wagner.  The shortstop hit a seeing eye single between short and third scoring the winning run.

Mike Scott was sharp in the no decision, striking out 8 against two walks in 9 innings.  

Starting Pitchers
Scott - 9.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Joss -- 6.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Fear Not ATB'ers, the Deck Was Inadvertently Stacked Against Us

Frustrated with ATB's poor performance in the Tournament of Champions I felt the need to investigate why we had won only 1 of 12 contests to date.

Heading into the tournament, three things were stacked against us:

1. We had 24 teams, while LOB  had 20.  This dilutes the ATB squads in relation to LOB
2. LOB has a entire player set of Negro Leaguers while we had 3-5
3. ATB has much stricter eligibility requirements for AB/IP.  This allows even more players into LOB.

Given this, the deck was stacked against us.  But winning just 1 of 12!!!  Something wasn't sitting right with me so I did what I always do in times of crisis - sim!

I dumped all teams from both LOB and ATB into one brand new league, created a balanced schedule, and assigned all squads to a neutral park.  The results were striking.

I compared only players (of the same year) that appeared on rosters in both leagues and found the LOB'ers to have a major advantage in both OPS and ERA.  Meaning, the 1994 Jeff Bagwell's, 1912 Home Run Baker's, 1985 John Tudors, etc all simply were better when placed on an LOB team instead of an ATB team.

Of these players, the average LOB OPS was .732 versus only a .706 OPS for ATB.  The average LOB ERA was 3.49 vs 3.72 for ATB.

After a bit of discussion with LOB Commissioner Tom Austin we realized that the ATB method of entering players is different than our method.  In LOB, DMB published disks are used whenever possible.  When they aren't available, players are created using 10-year ballpark averages (I am not sure on the era they use).

Since DMB mainly publishes post 1927 disks, I used this as a cut-off in refining the study.  I found the differences even more pronounced.

Batters

Post 1927- .721 OPS vs .707 OPS

Pre 1927 - .752 OPS vs .702 OPS

That is incredible.  LOB Pre 1927 batters have a 50 point advantage over ATB while the post 1927 players fared similarly.

Pitchers

Post 1927- 3.45 ERA vs 3.65 ERA

Pre 1927 - 3.74 ERA vs 4.17 ERA

Again, the 1927 cut-off makes a marked difference. And basically it is not possible for ATB to defeat LOB in the tournament.  

Not that this matters, I am having a blast getting to know some of the LOB'ers and the main purpose was to give each of our league's a chance at growing and getting better.  We'll work on amended rules for the next tournament, and in the meantime hope for a 2004 Dave Roberts type moment to keep our hopes alive.

Red Roses 5-run Outburst in 7th Leads to 7-6 win

Game 3 (1 vs 8)

Lancaster Red Roses @ Sparta Hoplites

The Lancaster Red Roses win Game Three 7-6, thanks in large part due to a 5-run 7th inning.  Aaron Fultz and Kevin Saucier couldn’t hold down the lead for Sparta, blowing a solid start by John Denny.

The Hoplites pounded out 15 hits but scored only 6 times while the Red Roses made the most of their opportunities, scoring 7 runs on 8 hits.
In that critical 7th inning, Fultz quickly gave up 2-runs on a hit by pitch, double, and a run scoring single to Luis Santop.  That was all for Fultz who was relieved by Saucier gave up 3 runs on three singles, a hit batter, and a fielders choice.

Sparta had their chance in the 8th to tie the game but Arky Vuaghan grounded to second with the tying run on second.

Game 4 will feature Dick Ellsworth for Lancaster against Mort Cooper for Sparta.


Starting Pitchers

Bernhard - 5.1 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Denny - -- 6.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 2 K

Cicotte Outduels Roe 2-1 in Classic Pitchers Duel

Game 3 (3 vs 6)

Clover Bottom Barnstormers @ Gold Country Gossamers

What a game to watch.  In Game 3 between the Clover Bottom Barnstormers and Gold Country Gossamers, Eddie Cicotte and Preacher Roe faced off in the best pitchers duel in the tournament to date.  

Cicotte was the better of the two, giving up 3 hits and one run in 8 innings, striking out 4.  Roe was great in his own right, lasting 8 innings as well but giving up 2 runs on 4 hits in the loss.

After a quiet first three innings, Joe Jackson of the Barnstormers led off the 4th with a single, and one out later scored on a Duke Snider massive home run to deep center.

The Gossamers forced a minor 2-out rally in the 7th, scraping in a run thanks to a Roger Connor single setup by walks to John McGraw and Bobby Murcer.  Gold Country threatened only once more, advancing a runner to second in the 8th, but Cicotte got his revenge, this time retiring Connor to end the threat.

Johnny Podres (12-7, 3.12) goes for the sweep in Game 4, while Fergie Jenkins (11-11, 3.98) will play for pride.

Starting Pitchers
Cicotte - 8.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
Roe - - - 8.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

Carnie's Show Life, 6 run eighth captures ATB 1st win

Game 3 (2 vs 7)

Stoughton Storm at Bertrand Island Carnies

It looked to be like any other game in this Tournament of Champions.  Heading into late innings, the Stoughton Storm edged out to a narrow 2-0 lead thanks to some timely hitting and a solid performance from their starter, Roger Clemens.

If previous games were any indication, the Carnie’s would have a late rally fall short and ultimately get tagged with yet another loss.  On this night however, the Carnie’s caught a few breaks and their bats came alive, scoring 6 runs in the eighth to give an ATB team their first win in the series.

The Carnie’s hit four consecutive singles to start the eighth, and a few outs and a hit by pitch later, had their first lead of the game.  Orator Shaffer and Fred Carroll added a few more hits giving the Carnies a 6-2 lead they would not relinquish.

Both starters were effective, but Clemens was in trouble off an on throughout the night.  Jason Schmidt on the other hand scattered 5 hits over 8 innings, striking out 7.

Game 4 is tomorrow night, where Jerry Ruess (13-9, 3.06) tries to even the series against Game 1 starter Bill Foster.

Starting Pitchers

Clemens - 7.0 IP, 11 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Schmidt - 8.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K

Borischtown 9-0 Blowout leaves Otherton on the Brink

Game 3 (4 vs 5)
Borischtown Brawlers @ Otherton Fishbiscuit

Borischtown takes a virtually insurmountable 3-0 series lead thanks to a 9-0 thrashing of the Fishbiscuits.  This game was over in the first inning after Larry Doyle 3-run home run gave his squad a 5-0 lead.

After a lone run in the third, the Brawlers added three more in the 7th thanks in part to another Willie Stargell home run, his second of the series.

Kevin Appier was superb in the win, pitching a complete game shutout, striking out 6 and yielding just 4 hits.

Starting Pitchers
Appier - -- 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Alexander - 0.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Ward, Gibson power Storm to 7-3 win; lead series 2-0

Game 2 (2 vs 7)

Bertrand Island Carnies at Stoughton Storm

In Game 2 between Bertrand Island and Stoughton, Curt Schilling struggled while Montgomery Ward performed as expected, leading to another Legends Of Baseball win.  Schilling coughed up 4 runs in less than 5 innings while Ward scattered 7 hits and 2 runs over six.

The Storm featured a well balanced attack with five different players recording at least one RBI.  Josh Gibson had the best game, going 3-5 with a double, home run and 2 runs batted in.

'83 Riverfront Stadium will host the next three games where Carnie starters Jason Schmidt and Jerry Reuss will try to right a seemingly sinking ship.

Starting Pitchers
Schilling - 4.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Ward - -- - 6.0 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K

Fishbiscuit pen fails again; Stargell HR gives Brawlers 7-2 win

Game 2 (4 vs 5)

Otherton Fishbiscuits @ Borischtown Brawlers

Even us ATB Owners, not typically known for our math skills, can discern the trend in this tournament.  6 games.  6 losses.  If something doesn't change soon we'll have nothing but a second LOB post season on our hands.

For six and half innings the Game 2 matchup between the Fishbiscuits and Brawlers was superb.  With the game knotted up at 2 apiece heading to the bottom of the inning, the Biscuits were again the first to blink.  Game 1 goat Joakim Soria entered the game in the top of 7th and walked catcher Billy Dickey on four straight pitches.  After going up 0-2 on the next batterm Tip O'neill, he threw another 4 straight balls and was removed the game in favor of Al Grabowski.

After retiring Tris Speaker, Grabowski gave up a run scoring single to Harry Stovey and soon thereafter, a 3-run home run bomb by Willie Stargell.

Ron Guidry was very good in the complete game win, giving up 9 hits and 2 runs.

Game 3 will be played at Otherton, where the Biscuits season rests with Pete Alexander (3-1, 2.37).  He'll face Kevin Appier (10-6, 4.21).

Starting Pitchers
Hahn - - 6.0 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Guidry - 9.0 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K

Cone 4 hits Gold Country; Barnstormers hit 3 HR on way to 7-2 win

Game 2 (3 vs 6)

Gold Country Gossamers @ Clover Bottom Barnstormers

The Clover Bottom offense was simply too much for Tex Hughson and the Gold Country Gossamers.  Hughson allowed 10 hits in 7 1/3 innings, including 2 doubles, 2 triples, and 3 home runs.  Barnstomers outfielder Joe Jackson doubled home King Kelly in the first and his team never looked back.  Kelly, along with Duke Snider and Don Mattingly, would later hit home runs in the 6-0 Clover Bottom blowout.

David Cone was masterful, scattering 4 hits in his complete game, shutout win.

After a simulated day off, the series heads to Gold Country for games three, four, and five. Preacher Roe (11-12, 3.33) takes the hill for the Gossamers in a must win game.  He'll square off against Eddie Cicotte (18-5, 3.41).

Frankly, given his history, there is little doubt Gold Country will send an "emissary" offering greenbacks to Cicotte in a dark back corner of the local brew house prior to Game 3.

Starting Pitchers
Hughson - 7.1 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Cone  - - 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 2 K

Monroe 11th inning triple spoils Hoplite 9th inning comeback; Roses win 7-6

Game 2 (1 vs 8)
Sparta Hoplites @ Lancaster Red Roses

At least some of the games are close?  After having swept all Game 1's, the LOB crew is at it again, sweeping all game 2's.  This contest between the Hoplites and Red Roses was particularly close, but ultimately Lancaster won it in the 11th on a John McGraw single and Bill Monroe triple.

It appeared the story of the game was going to be another LOB blowout, however, the Hoplites caught a spark late scoring 4 runs in the 7th to take a 5-3 lead.  It didn't last long though.  Lancaster scored two in the bottom half of the 7th and plated the go ahead run in the 8th on a Willie McCovery pinch hit home run.

Fighting for their lives, Sparta tied it up in the top of the 9th in wild inning.  Bruce Sutter came in for the save but soon loaded the bases with nobody out.  Arky Vaughn sacrificed home the tying run and Sutter walked Big Ed Delahanty to load the bases again.  Alas, Babe Herman and Derek Lee couldn't drive anyone in and the contest headed to extra innings.

There, things remained tied until McGraw and Monroe teamed up for the winning run in the bottom of the 11th.

The series moves to Sparta for game three.  Bill Bernhard (15-6, 3.47) will try and give the Red Roses a commanding 3-0 lead while John Denny (7-7, 3.41) will have the weight of ATB on his shoulders.

Starting Pitchers
Shantz - 6.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
Faber -- 6.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 2 K

Pujols 3 Run homer in 8th gives Clovertown come from behind win 7-4

Game 1 (3 vs 6)

Gold Country Gossamers @ Clovertown Bottom Barnstormers

Sergio Romo couldn't protect a hard fought 1 run lead, giving up 3 singles, a homer, and 4 total 8th inning runs in route to a Gossamer 7-4 defeat.  With two-outs and runners on the corners, Cap Anson singled in the tying run.  The Gossamers had relievers warming in the pen, but stuck with Soria only to see Albert Pujols knock a 2-2 pitch out of the park for a three run home run.

Gold Country uses 16 position players in the loss.

Starting Pitchers
Hubbell - 6.0 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Jenkins - 6.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K

Gardner walk off 11th in triple gives Brawlers 5-4 victory

Game 1 (4 vs 5)

Otherton Fishbiscuits @ Borischtown Brawlers

Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good.  Borischtown starter Henry Boyle walked 2 and yielded a whopping 10 hits in 8 innings of work, but most importantly allowed just two base runners to en route to his team's 5-4, 11 inning win.

Down by two heading into the top of the 9th, Otherton's Hank Aaron lofted a 2 run homer over the center field wall to tie the game and send it to extra innings. The blow came off of reliever Grant Balfour who started the 8th (interestingly, after Boyle had retired 7 in a row).

Balfour settled down, recording strikeouts for the final 5 outs.  In the 11th, Larry Gardner made Joakim Soria pay for giving up a lead off single to Bill Dickey.  The back up infielder tripled in the winning run, giving his team the 5-4 win.

Starting Pitchers
Joss -- 7.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Boyle - 8.0 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

Foster outduels Haren 2-1 in extra inning pitchers duel; Storm win 2-1

Game 1 (2 vs 7)

Bertrand Island Carnies at Stoughton Storm

In one of the better games of the tournament opening night , the Storm edged the Carnies 2-1 in extra innings.  The Carnies struck first when Frank Thomas led off the 2nd with solo shot down the right field line.  The lone run stood until the 6th where Josh Gibson singled home Arky Vaughan, who earlier led off the inning with a triple.

Neither team had scoring opportunities until the bottom of the 10th.  Star Carnie closer Jeff Zimmerman came in to relieve Steve Howe but Rick Wilkins took his first pitch offering over the right field fence to win the game.

Starting Pitchers
Haren -- 8.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Foster - 7.0 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K

Red Roses pummel Hoplites 11-2; Charleston drives in 4.

Game 1 (1 vs 8)
Sparta Hoplites @ Lancaster Red Roses

The heart of the Red Roses order doubled, tripled, and homer twice while driving in 10 of the 12 Lancaster runs.  Oscar Charleston was at his best with 2 hits and a 4 RBI, including a 3rd inning home run and two stolen bases in the 7th. Hoplite starter Kevin Brown was bounced from the game in the third after giving up  runs in 2+ innings of work.

Johan Santana was solid for Lancaster, pitching well into the 8th giving up just 6 hits and 2 runs.  Arky Vaughan's 2-run homer in the 6th was the Hoplite line bright spot.

Starting Pitchers
KBrown -- 2.0 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Santana - 7.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K

Otherton Fishbiscuits and Borischtown Brawlers Announce Playoff Rotations

In our 4 vs 5 matchup, the Otherton Fishbiscuits send Addie Joss and his 24 regular season wins to the mound to face off against the Brawlers Henry Boyle.  Despite having half as many wins as Joss, Boyle sported a fine 3.03 regular season ERA and was his team's best starter.  Joss tied a the all time ATB record for wins and posted a 2.60 ERA.

The Biscuits play their home games in 1913 Fenway park, which suppresses home runs by about 80%.  This undoubtedly helped his team ERA and it will be interesting to see how the Brawler's sluggers respond.

The rest of the starting pitching matchups are as follows:

Gm 2 - Noodles Hahn (15-11, 3.18) vs Ron Guidry (11-14, 4.18)

Gm 3 - Kevin Appier (10-6, 4.21) vs Pete Alexander (3-1, 2.37)

Gm 4 - Mike Scott (9-7, 4.16) vs Dizzy Dean (5-8, 3.39)

Gm 5 - Henry Boyle vs Addie Joss

Gm 6 - Noodles Hahn vs Ron Guidry

Gm 7 - Pete Alexander vs Kevin Appier

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

Clover Bottom Barnstormers and Gold Country Gossamers Announce Playoff Rotations

The LOB World Series runner up Barnstormers face off against the ATB Gossamers in the 3 vs 6 match-up in our tournament of champions.  Clover Bottom elects to send Fergie Jenkins (13-11, 3.84 ERA) to the mound in game 1.  Facing Jenkins will by the ATB Cy Young Award Winner Carl Hubbell (17-6, 2.80).  Both teams plan on employing a four man rotation for the balance of the playoffs.  Interestingly enough, the Gossamers themselves have Fergie Jenkins as their 4^th starter.  The probable starters:

Gm 1:  Carl Hubbell @ Fergie Jenkins

Gm 2: Tex Hughson (17-10, 2.90) @ David Cone (9-7, 2.94)

Gm 3: Eddie Cicotte (18-5, 3.41) @ Preacher Roe (11-12, 3.33)

Gm 4: Johnny Podres (12-7, 3.12) @ Fergie Jenkins (11-11, 3.98)

Gm 5: Fergie Jenkins @ Carl Hubbell

Gm 6: Tex Hughson @ David Cone

Gm 7:  Preacher Roe @ Eddie Ciccotte

At the end of each ATB season, a series of extra simulations are run and compiled.  The results are published and shared, the Gossamers ended up this year’s Resim Champions and are likely the best team in ATB.  With 93 regular season wins, the Barnstormers won the Adell Division and then ultimately the Doubleday Pennant.

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

Bertrand Island Carnies and Stoughton Storm Announce Tournament Rotations

If run differential has any meaning in the world of DMB, the 2 vs 7 contest between the ATB Carnies and the LOB Storm will be the premier match-up of the first round.   The Carnies were ATB’s best regular season team, winning 104 games and outscoring their opponents by 147 runs.  The Storm were swept in the LOB League Championship Series, but not before solidifying themselves as an LOB powerhouse in their own right.  They also led the league in both wins (96) and Run Differential (+143).

In Game 1, the Carnies will send their ace Danny Haren (13-6, 2.60) to face Bill Foster (20-11, 2.41) in what promises to be a marquee pitcher’s duel.  After that, the Carnies will employ a 4 man rotation with Curt Schilling (19-9, 3.34), Jason Schmidt (13-9, 3.06) , and Jerry Reuss (15-6, 3.45) rounding out the rotation.  The Storm have announced their intention to use just three starters, and will send Montgomery Ward (17-8, 3.23) and Roger Clemens (6-5, 4.40) in games 2 and 3.

The Probable Starters for the Series:

Haren @ Foster

Schilling @ Ward

Clemens @ Schmidt

Foster @ Reuss

Ward @ Haren

Schilling @ Clemens

Schmidt @ Foster

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