[ayaghmour2]

September 23rd, 1903: On to the home stretch, just three serieses left! Although it'd be more of a "road" stretch as all three are away from home...

The first is a road series in New Orleans against the Cajuns. Josh Fisher (4-1, 4.20 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) took on former Charger Jesse Salvetti (9-6, 5.80 ERA, 1.53 WHIP) in the opener. Salvetti was as annoying as ever, and we lost the opener 5-3.

Fisher went the distance, 8 innings with 13 hits, 5 runs, a walk, and 6 strikeouts.

Jesus Camargo was 3-for-5 with a double and run scored. Jim Raines was 1-for-4 with a solo shot. Kab-shik Min was 2-for-4 with a run scored.

September 24th, 1903: We needed to even the series back up with D.J. Ruhnke (16-9, 3.60 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) facing Bill Rivera (2-2, 4.35 ERA, 1.39 WHIP). Tied at three in the 9th, Bill Espinoza hit a walk-off single, and the Cajuns set themselves up for a sweep...

Ruhnke went 7 with 5 hits, 3 runs, and 12 strikeouts. Ellingson allowed 2 hits and the run without getting an out in the 9th.

Ruhnke was the best offensive producer, 2-for-3 with a run scored and RBI. Justin Arrington was 1-for-4 with a two run homer, giving him an even 50 on the season. Omar Atillio was 1-for-2 with a walk and run scored.

September 25th, 1903: Half a game behind the Rebels and looking to avoid the sweep, Jason Campbell (12-13, 3.86 ERA, 1.14 WHIP) looked to even his record against fellow southpaw Steve Hudson (8-11, 5.52 ERA, 1.48 WHIP). Josh Stevens came through clutch with a two run homer in the 9th, and we escaped New Orleans with a 5-4 win.

Campbell went 8 with 7 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), and 10 strikeouts. Ellingson was much better today, walking 1 in a hitless 9th for his 27th save.

Damian Salcido was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Kab-shik Min was 2-for-4 with a double an run scored as his average is just 2 ticks below .200 for the first time all season. Justin Arrington was 1-for-3 with a solo homer, hit by pitch, and his 29th steal. One more steal, and it'll be his 5th straight 30/30 season and possibly 4th 40/30 season in 5 years. Josh Stevens was 1-for-4 with the big two run homer. Jim Raines was 1-for-4 with a solo shot.

Off to Cinncy for a three game set with the Red Hawks. We'd see Nam-shik Kim (2-5, 4.42 ERA), Mike Gardenhire (10-12, 4.44 ERA), and Matt Puckett (12-11, 4.21 ERA) as we try to erase the half game deficit.

September 26th, 1903: We opened the Red Hawks series with Cody Hall (11-8, 3.85 ERA, 1.28 WHIP) facing Nab-shik Kim (2-5, 4.42 ERA, 1.30 WHIP). Late scoring sent the game to extras, as Giobbe Capuana tied the game at two with a solo shot off Paul Monroe. They foolishly left him in for the 10th, and Rich Bennett hit a two run shot as we finished them off with a 4-2 win.

Damian Salcido left with back tightness, and will be day-to-day. With every win important, I may have to force him through this injury...

Hall went 6 with 6 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks, and 7 strikeouts. Tyler Bienvenu got the win, 2 perfect frames with 3 strikeouts.

Bennett was 2-for-5 with his homer and Capuana was 1-for-4 with a walk and his 41st homer. Josh Stevens was 2-for-5 with 2 doubles. Jesus Camargo was 2-for-6 with a double and steal. Danny Sanchez was 1-for-3 with a walk and RBI.

New York was shut out by Marcos Hernandez, so we moved a half game ahead of them. Hernandez struck out 6 in a 2-hit shutout as the Wildcats dominated the Rebels 10-0.

September 27th, 1903: We looked to keep on rolling with Nate McCue (17-12, 4.44 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) facing Mike Gardenhire (10-12, 4.44 ERA, 1.22 WHIP). Despite a 2 run 1st, McCue was rather dominate, and we walked away with a 5-2 win.

He went the distance with 6 hits, 3 walks, 9 strikeouts, and just the 2 runs.

Salicdo seamed to do fine, 3-for-4 with a double, homer, walk, and 3 RBI's. Brett Olsen was 2-for-4 with a hit by pitch and three runs scored. Jesus Camargo was 2-for-5 with a solo shot. Giobbe Capuana was 1-for-4 with a walk and RBI. McCue was 1-for-2 with a pair of sac-bunts.

New York lost again!

September 28th, 1903: Red Hawks 2B Carlos Ruiz and Patriots CF Chris Shifley were Players of the Week.

We remained 3rd inthe Power Rankings. At 89-69, we have a nice 1.5 game lead over the Rebels for the final playoff spot in the AL.

We looked to finish off the sweep with Josh Fisher (4-2, 4.42 ERA, 1.38 WHIP) battling Matt Puckett (12-11, 4.21 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) in likely Fisher's last start of the season. It was a scary game, but we escaped with a 3-2 win.

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!

And 90 wins!!!

Brett Olsen left with a bruised thumb (not from a HBP...), but with the off day tomorrow, he may not miss any time. He was 2-for-4 with a double.

Fisher looked solid, 7.1 innings with 7 hits, 2 runs, a walk, and 8 strikeouts for the former #6 overall pick. Bievenu picked up a hold, striking out the final two batters in the 8th. Ben Follmar got the save, a perfect frame with a strikeout and 2 fly outs.

Scary fly-outs, albeit, but still fly-outs...

Rich Bennett was 2-for-4 with a double and run scored. Jorge Rancier was 1-for-3 with a sac-fly and 2 RBI's. Capuana was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored. Salcido was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored.

Like I said, off day tomorrow before heading to Washington to finish the season. They're fresh off a sweep of the Rebels. The Rebels have a four game series here in Cincinnati, with our magic number down to 2.

Interesting enough, based off run differential, they should be 89-69 (-2) and we should be 83-76 (+7). I was actually a little surprised, considering we have basically the best offense in the AL and our pitching isn't too terrible anymore.