DELMARVA Baseball League

[illeracula]

Current Week: 2-4 (79-40 - GB, 1st (+23))
Next Week: 2 @ Milford Clippers, 4 @ Richmond Cardinals
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 75
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Game 114
Dover 3, Norfolk 1
Don Sweetapple (13-5) went 7.1 innings giving up 3 runs on 9 hits, striking out 10, a game he'd usually win, but the offense just didn't have an answer. Jose Rodriquez went 2-4 was the only offensive hightlight going 2-4 with a solo-HR.

Game 115
Dover 1, Norfolk 3
Carlos Mateo (ND) went 8 innings allowing 4 hits on 1 run, before giving the ball to Dalton Whitaker (6-1) who took home the win. The offense was held scoreless till the 9th when they scored the deciding 3, including a walk-off HR (7) by Jesus Rivera. Jacob Chaney added 2-hits, both doubles, and Derek Campbell added 2 hits and the game tying RBI in the 9th.

Game 116
Annapolis 6, Norfolk 3
Jose Matos (ND) went 7.1 innings, allowing 1 run on 4 hits, before turning the game over to the pen. Dalton Whitaker blew only his 4th save of the season (6-2) and took the loss, giving up 5 runs on 3 hits an 2 walks. Pablo Freitasw and Jesus Rivera each had 2 hits, other than that it was a pretty boring game.

Game 117
Annapolis 4, Norfolk 3
Karl Armstrong (13-7) went 7.2 innings, allowing 5 hits and 4 runs, taking the rough loss. He offense could only mange 4 hits, the big one was a 2-run shot (21) by Pablo Freitas. Kent Davis added a double and a RBI.

Game 118
Annapolis 0, Norfolk 11
Javier Uberuaga (11-9) pitched a complete game shut-out, going 9, giving up 3 hits and stirking out 4. He was the benefactor of an offense that woke up for 17 hits. Slumping Kent Davis lead the way with a 4-6 night, scoring 3 times. Roberto Perez added 2hits and 3 RBI, including a HR (20). Pablo Fretias, Mauro Candelaria, Gilberto Ramos and Jacob Chaney each added 2 hits. Chaney drove in 3.

Game 119
Annapolis 4, Norfolk 1
Don Sweetapple's magic has hit the standard rough patch (13-6) throwing another winable game, but one in which the offense didn't help. Don went 8.1 innings, giving up 4 runs (1 ER) on 6 hits. Pablo Fretias and Robeto Perez each had 2 hits, Roberto drove in the only run for the Cavs.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Andy Kohl, Dover Generals, 11-23, 4 HR's, 7 RBI, 4 Runs
MarVa: Angel Romero, Ocean City Tourists, 11-27 5 HRs, 8 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (118.5)
2) Lewes Braves (111.4)
3) Annapolis Admirals (106.9)
4) Wilmington Iron Pigs (99.9)
5) Ocean City Tourists (98.3)

Notable Feats/News:
none

Notable Injuries:
Luis Rodriquez (.305-14-64) the starting LF'er for the Wilmington Iron Pigs will miss the next 4 months with a concussion. His bat will be missed.
Robert Johnson (.255-18-64) the starting 3B for the Milton Brewers will miss 3 weeks with shoulder soreness.
Thomas Cooper (.294-17-48) of the Milford Clippers will miss the rest of the season and won't resume playing baseball for another 10 months will a torn PCL.
Tomas Reyes (.288-2-26), the ex-Cavalier, will miss 5-6 weeks with a fractured finger. The Chesapeake Blue Crabs will need a short-stop.

GM Thoughts/Notes: The pitching staff was great this week, but the offense sh** the bed... A bad week is expected, its keeping them from being a regular occurrence which is the key. Not much lineup tinkering to do, but Jose Escamilla will be back next week, he isn't a superstar, but maybe he helps... Oddly enough we have our worst week in a while but we still gained 2 games on the 2nd place team... The only players who have recorded 30/30's in the Delmarva Baseball League are both going to be close to do doing it this year, Roberto Perez (20 Hr's / 45 SB Pace: 27/61) and Pablo Freitas (21 HR / 23 SB Pace: 29/31).

I really should go back and see what happened to the Senators. They won it all 3 years ago, flopped 2 years ago, were the best team record wise last year and this year is another flop. I didn't think they lost that many people, but I do know they had some key injuries. There roster includes 10 players 4* and up its not like they are hurting for talent.

[illeracula]

Players of the Month:
Delaware Conference:


Batter of the Month: Charles Culligan, Lewes Braves
DDIV's Best Batter Picked: Seasoned by several years of professional experience, 30-year-old Charles Culligan put together a solid offensive month for Lewes and was crowned August's top batter in the Delaware Conference. He batted .298 with 9 home runs, 25 RBIs and 18 runs scored. This season Culligan has banged out 89 hits in 361 at-bats for a .247 average with 23 home runs. He is getting on base at a .346 pace and his totals also include 80 RBIs and 64 runs scored.

Charles knocked Peter Peters from the POM list for the first time this year. Peters. Peters who still has a shot at winning the first triple crown in league history hit only .274 last month.

Pitcher of the Month: Matt Hollis, New Castle Colonials
Hollis Wins DDIV Top Pitcher Honors: Over the past month Matt Hollis has turned quite a few heads. He's young, talented and able to pitch with the established arms in the Delaware Conference. He proved all that and now he's been named August's Pitcher of the Month. The rookie for the New Castle Colonials posted 4-0 mark and a 2.56 ERA. In 5 starts he tossed 38.2 innings, permitted 34 hits and fanned 30 batters. His record this year is 4-0 in 5 starts and Hollis has a 2.50 ERA.

Rookie of the Month: Steven Wilson, New Castle Colonials
DDIV Selects Rookie Star of the Month: Steven Wilson earned August's Rookie of the Month honors in the Delaware Conference for last month's performance. The boyish New Castle first baseman might be wet behind the ears, but he's proving that he has what it takes to play at this level. Wilson hit .422 with 4 home runs, 15 RBIs and 15 runs scored this past month on his way to winning the award. So far this year, Wilson is batting .333 with 6 home runs and 21 RBIs.

MarVa Conference:


Batter of the Month: Virgil White, Richmond Cardinals
Richmond's White Collects August Batting Honor: Free agent-to-be Virgil White has inflated his asking price over the past 30 days by winning the MarVa Conference Batter of the Month. In August, the 28-year-old Richmond first baseman hit .320 with 8 home runs and 21 RBIs. If he keeps putting numbers like that up, he could be hauling in a big wad of cash at this time next year. This year White has hit 20 home runs and posted a .271 batting average.

Pitcher of the Month: Miguel Contreras, Ocean City Tourists
MVDIV #1 Pitcher in August is Ocean City's Contreras: Miguel Contreras of Ocean City had an outstanding August with a 4-1 mark and was chosen the Pitcher of the Month in the MarVa Conference. He topped off the month with a 1.51 ERA in 6 starts, tossed 41.2 innings, fanned 47 and held opposing teams to a .204 average. Currently Contreras has a 16-3 won-lost record in 27 starts with a 2.07 ERA. He also has 203 strikeouts in 191.2 innings.

Rookie of the Month: Antonio Vazquez, Ellicott City Express
MarVa Conference Names Rookie of Month: Youngster António Vázquez emerged as the latest MarVa Conference Rookie of the Month today. The young man from Ellicott City deserved the honor, batting .282 with 3 home runs and 13 RBI. Is the month of August a harbinger of things to come or just a fluke? We'll find out someday, but for now, we'll just let Vázquez enjoy the limelight. So far this season Vázquez has hit .249 with 4 home runs, 23 RBIs and and scored 21 times.

League Leaders (as of September 1st 2016)
Delaware Division:
AVG: Peter Peters (New Castle Colonials) .339
HR: Peter Peters (New Castle Colonials) 45
RBI: Peter Peters (New Castle Colonials) 118
SB: Pedro Galvan (Dover Generals) 29*

W: Four Tied with 14*
ERA: Larry Cooper (Lewes Braves) 2.48*
K: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron P12s) 184
SV: Bill Fox (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 35*

Marva Division:
AVG: Cliff Jones (Washington Senaots) .344*
HR: Alberto Trujillo (Annapolis Admirals) 40
RBI: Francisco Reyes (Annapolis Admirals) 105*
SB: Roberto Perez (Norfolk Cavaliers) 45

W(t): Jorge Moran (Chesapeake Blue Crabs) 16*
W(t): Miguel Contreras (Ocean City Tourists) 16
ERA: Miguel Contreras (Ocean City Tourists) 2.07
K: Miguel Contreras (Ocean City Tourists) 203
SV: Dalton Whitaker (Norfolk Cavaliers) 35
Miguel Contreras won the pitchers triple crown last season and seems to be on his way to doing again this year.

Standings as for September 1st 2016


The Dover Generals are fighting through some injuries, but the Braves will be a tough team to catch. The Braves have one of the best 1 and 2 starters, and with only a month to go they seem to be in the drivers seat... The New Castle Colonials gained a game on the Iron Pigs, but it might be a little bit too late. They have a huge 4 game series coming up, it could swing the race. If I was a betting man, though I'd keep it on the Pigs... The Admirals started to pull away gaining 5 games in August. This isn't saying the Blue Crabs should be counted out, but they are on the edge of falling off the ledge... The Cavaliers gained 6 games and have the divion pretty much wrapped up. The Cav's are the only team with a winning record in their division. A sad state for the Western division.

Norfolk Recap


The Cavaliers start the new month with a magic number of 18 as they attempt to win the Division for the 2nd time in 3 years. The rest of the Division has just fallen part... The Cav's offense went cold in August and we will need them to bounch back if we hope to compete... With AAA Yokohama battling for the AAA Crown, we are going to have to wait and see about call ups. I'd like to get August Rodriquez, Cooper Mananghaya and Yosutke Ine.

April 12-9 .571
May 17-8 .680
June 16-9 .640
July 18-7 .720
August 17-8 .680

Not much to say about this team at this point. As long as the past couple of weeks have just been a bump in the road we should be fine... Time to stay healthy for one more month and prepare for the playoffs...

My Concerns:
Dalton Whitaker, who has been lights out all seasons struggled in August. Pressure of closing? Getting Tired? Hopefully he will bounce back this month.
August: 8 games 1-1 9.00 8 IP 2 HR 5 BB 12 K 3 SV 2 BS (4 BS all season)

Kent Davis, was once hitting .360 then August came and saw him fall apart. He ended the month hitting .274-0-9. He is still on pace to break the all time season hit record (has 182, record 225), but if he doesn't warm up that won't happen.

Roberto Perez, our star offensive acquisition last season hit only .253-2-16 in August. He is a career .315 batter.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 5-1 (84-41 - GB, 1st (+26))
Next Week: 2 vs Lewes Braves, 4 @ Washington Senators
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 75
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Magic #: 12

Game 120
Norfolk 14, Milford 8
Carlos Mateo (13-5) went 6 innings, giving up 4 runs (3 ER) on 6 hits, being touched for 2 HR's. The bullpen gave up 4 runs in 3 innings of work. The offense had 14 hits and 11 walks, which helped contribute to the scoring. Pablo Freitas and Jacob Chaney both had 3-5 days. Freitas and Mauro Candelaria drove in 4, Candelaria hit a 3-run HR (8). Gilberto Ramos added 2 hits after entering the game for Derek Campbell after an injury.

Game 121
Norfolk 0, Milford 3
Jose Matos (14-6) lost for the first time as a Cavalier, going 7 innings, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits. The offense just had no answer, only managing 3 hits, Roberto Perez, Pablo Freitas and Jacob Chaney.

** end of August **

Game 122
Norfolk 6, Richmond 5
Karl Armstrong (14-7) went 8 strong innings, allowing 5 runs on 7 hits, as the Cav's took the lead in the 9th. Dalton Whitaker pitched the bottom of the 9th for the save (36). Kent Davis lead the offense with 4 hits, Pablo Freitas added 3 and Jesus Rivera added 2, including a HR (8) which broke the tie in the 9th.

Game 123
Norfolk 3, Richmond 2
Javier Uberuaga (12-9) has found his grove as he went 8 innings, allowing 5 hits and 2 runs (1 ER). Dalton Whitaker pitched the 9th for the save (37). The offense started off hot scoring 3 in the first 2, but that is all they needed. Lead by Pablo Freitas going 3-4 and Derek Campbell driving in 2 and 6 stolen bases the Cav's were able to hold on.

Game 124
Norfolk 12, Richmond 6
Don Sweetapple (14-6) went 7 strong innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits, before handing the ball over to Will Rose, who struggled through the 9th givingup 3 runs on 4 hits. The offense was lead by Jose Rodrquez who had 3 hits, including 2 HR's (25), Pablo Freitas who went 4-5 with 2 RBI and Roberto Perez who added 3 hits and 2 runs. Mason Foster also added 2 hits and 2 RBI.

Game 125
Norfolk 4, Richmond 3
Carlos Mateo (14-5) went 8 strong innings allowing 2 runs (1 ER) on 4 hits, while striking out 7. Dalton Whitaker pitched the 9th giving up a solo-HR but still closed it out for the save (38). The offense was lead by Roberto Perez who went 3-5 and Jose Rodriquez who hit a team HR (26). Derek Campbell and Mauro Candelaria each added 2 hits.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Billy Moore, Milford Clippers, 9-20 5 HRs, 8 RBI
MarVa: Pablo Freitas, Norfolk Cavaliers, 15-25 0 HRs, 8 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (127.0)
2) Annapolis Admirals (108.6)
3) Lewes Braves (104.7)
4) Dover Generals (101.0)
5) Ocean City Tourists (99.6)

Division Races:
Southern Divsion
Lewes Braves -- (M #32)
Dover Generals -6
This week Lewes hosts Dover in a 4 game series.

Northern Divsion
Wilmington Iron Pigs -- (M# 31)
New Castle Colonials -7
This week New Castle hosts Wilmington in a 4 game series.

Eastern Division
Annapolis Admirals -- (M# 31)
Chesapeake Blue Crabs -7
Ocean City Tourists -9
This week Chesapeake hosts Annapolis in a 4 game series.

Notable Feats/News:
Cristo Cansecon, Chesapeake Blue Crabs, hit streak ended at 20 games.

Notable Injuries:
Roberto Villalobos, Ocean City Tourists, starting catcher will miss 4 weeks with shoulder soreness he sustained in a collision. .300-15-60
Jose Paredes, Ocean City Tourists, staring SS, is out the rest of the season with shoulder inflammation. .299-3-17
Ex-Cavalier Geoffrey Bayles received bad news, he was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff and will miss at least 8 months. Bayles just returned about a month ago after a torn triceps shelved him during spring training.

GM Thoughts/Notes: It was nice to see Dalton Whitaker bounch back hopefully he will continue to throw the ball well, and Roberto Perez raised his average back over .300... Starting pitching has been hot, everyone is throwing well, just a few hiccups in the pen otherwise our pitching is solid. Still #1 in runs against, #1 in Starters ERA and #2 in bullpen ERA... Kent Davis continues to struggle, do I move him out of the leadoff slot or just let him work his way through? With a large lead its not imperative to make rash decisions so maybe I will just let him work his way through... I am hoping we can stay injury free and start a big playoff run. Its an exciting time in Norfolk as fan interest has never been higher. The time to win is now, with the expansion draft coming up next season things will be changing...

[illeracula]

Current Week: 4-2 (84-41 - GB, 1st (+27))
Next Week: 3 vs Ocean City Tourists, 4 @ Baltimore Barons
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 76 (+1)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Magic #: 5

Game 126
Lewes 4, Norfolk 5
Jose Matos (ND) took the Nd as the Cavaliers and the Braves played it tight. Matons went 7.2 innings, giving up 3 runs on 8 hits, while striking out 9 before handing it over to the pen. Ron Harris (4-0) pitched the final out of the 8th, then Dalton Whitaker pitched the 9th for the save (39). The offense was lead by Kent Davis and Gilberto Ramos both with 2 hits. Ramos hit a HR (4) as did Derek Campbell (15).

Game 127
Lewes 8, Norfolk 4
Karl Armstrong (14-8) didn't make it out of the 1st, going 2/3 of an inning, allowing 6 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks. Elmer Hawkins came in and got roughed up as well, giving up 2 runs on 4 hits in 1/2 innings. Joel Davis and Ivan Pineda combined for 6.2 innings of scoreless ball giving up just 3 hits to keep the game respectable. The offense only had 7 singles, lead by Jacob Chaneys 2-2 day. Jesus Rivera also added 2 hits.

Game 128
Norfolk 11, Washington 6
Javier Uberuaga (13-9) went 6.1 innings giving up 6 runs on 7 hits and was the benefactor of an offensive explosion. The offense was lead by Kent Davis with 3 hits and Roberto Perez, Jesus Rivera and Jacob Chaney with 2 hits. Rivera drove in 3 RBI's and Derek Campbell scored 3 times. Chaney (9) and Pablo Freitas (22) added HR's.

Game 129
Norfolk 12, Washington 9
Don Sweetapple (15-6) was helped by the offense as he gave up 7 runs (6 ER) on 7 hits over 7 innings. Ron Harris got roughed up in 1 inning of relief and Dalton Whitaker put the fire out for the save (40). The offense had 17 hits, lead by Mauro Candelaria who went 4-5 with 3 RBI. Jesus Rivera addd 3 hits and 2 RBI. Derek Campbell, Roberto Perez, Julio Romero and Gilberto Ramos each added 2 hits.

Game 130
Norfolk 5, Washington 1
Carlos Mateo (15-5) went 8 innings, giving up 5 hits and 1 run while striking out 7. The offense had another big day with 13 hits. Lead by Kent Davis and Jose Rodriquez who each had 3. Jose Escamilla added 2 hits. Derek Campbell hit a solo-HR (16).

Game 131
Norfolk 1, Washington 2
Jose Matos (ND) was a tough luck pitcher this week taking home to ND's. Today he went 8 innings, giving up 4 hits and one 1. Dalton Whitaker (6-3) threw 6 pitches before giving up the game-winning-walk-off-HR. Roberto Perez lead the offense with 2 hits, other than that it was quiet day.

Injury News: Pablo Freitas was hurting running the bases, his diagnosis is pending. Hopefully its something minor. We need him for the playoffs. Pablo became the 2nd Cavalier to knock in 100 runs, following Jose Rodriquez who did it last week. His.298-22-101 will be missed if he is out for an extended period. In the mean time Patrick Shelton and Gilberto Ramos will get some extra AB's.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Pedro Morin, Dover Generals, 9-17 2 HR's 3 RBI's
MarVa: Angel Romero, Ocean City Tourists, 10-23 4 HR's, 8 RBI's

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (125.0)
2) Dover Generals (101.8)
3) Chesapeake Blue Crabs (100.6)
4) Annapolis Admirals (99.4)
5) Lewes Braves (98.7)

Division Races:
Southern Divsion
Lewes Braves -- (M #27)
Dover Generals -5
Dover took 3 of 4 from Lewes this week gaining a game in the standings.

Northern Divsion
Wilmington Iron Pigs -- (M# 25)
New Castle Colonials -7
Wilmington and New Castle split their 4 game series, as the Iron Pigs held on to their 7 game lead

Eastern Division
Annapolis Admirals -- (M# 27)
Chesapeake Blue Crabs -5
Ocean City Tourists -7
Chesapeake took 3 of 4 from the Admirals and gained 2 games. The Tourists are hanging on, gaining two games as well.

Notable Feats/News:
Angel Romero, Ocean City Tourists, hitting streak reach 20 games and ended at 21.

Notable Injuries:
Rookie of the Year candidate Pedro Galvan went down with a knee contusions and is expected to be out at least 2 weeks. .307-1-25

GM Thoughts/Notes: They say that defense and pitching wins games and this year has been no exception for the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers are holding tight at #1 in Runs against (+30 from the next best) our starters are #1 in ERA, the bullpen is #2 in ERA and our defense is #1 in the league. The defense is posting a .724 defense efficiency, which is our best in the 4 years I have been here... We are coming up on a 7-game week and I am thinking about bringing up Cooper Managahya to start one of the games, go with a 6-man rotation, get the starters some rest. Moving Cooper to the active Roster we know have our top 3-starting prospects in AAA (Luis Deleon, Vaughn Griffith and Arturo Ramirez)... AAA Yokohama is our only minor league team with a playoff shot. Jacksonville and New Orleans are bottom dwellers... Sun Ho will be back in a couple of days. He has been out since May with a torn triceps. He will be sent to AAA to get some innings in.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 6-1 (94-44 - GB, 1st (+29))
Next Week: 2 @ Wilmington Iron Pigs, 4 @ Ellicott City Express
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 76 (+1)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Magic #: CLINCHED

Game 132
Ocean City 3, Norfolk 4
Karl Armstrong (15-8) continued to roll, going 7.1 innings, allowing 5 hits and 3 runs, while striking out 7. Dalton Whitaker pitched the 9th for the save (41). The offense was lead by Mauro Candelaria, Derek Campbell and Jacob Chaney all with 2 hits. Nothing flashy during this game, they just did enough to win.

Game 133
Ocean City 6, Norfolk 2
Javier Uberuaga (13-10) took the loss going 8.1 innings, allowing 5 hits and 5 runs (4 ER). He gave up 5 runs in the final two innings, Turcotte probalby kept him in there a little long. When you rely so much on your starters these mistakes happen. Kent Davis lead the way with a 3-4 day, Roberto Perez hit a solo HR (21) and Jose Rodriquez and Jesus Rivera each added 2 hits.

Injury News: The news came in today and it wasn't good. Pablo Freitas will be out the rest of the season and most likely the first round playoffs with a hamstring strain that will side line for 5 weeks. August Rodriquez will be brought up from AAA to play Shortstop, Jose Escamilla will move from SS to 3B, Roberto Perez will move from 3B to DH and Derek Campbell will move from DH to left-field.

Game 134
Ocean City 2, Norfolk 8
Don Sweetapple (16-6) went 8.1 innings, allowing 2 runs (1 ER) on 3 hits, striking out 7. Don has never won 20 games, which is surprising, and it looks like he will fall short again this year. The offense was lead by Augusto Rodriquez who went 3-4 with a solo-HR (1) and Jacob Chaney went went 2-4 with a 3-run blast (10). Kent Davis and Roberto Perez each added 2 hits.

Game 135
Norfolk 9, Baltimore 6
Carlos Mateo (16-5) went 6 innings giving up 5 hits and 4 runs (3 ER) before handing it over to the bullpen. A combination of 5 relivers kept the Barons at bay, and Dalton Whitaker pitched a perfect 9th for the save (42). The offense had 14 hits, lead by Jacob Chaney who went 4-5 with 2 RBI. Mauro Candelaria added 2 hits and 2 RBI, Derek Campbell added 2 RBI's and Kent Davis and Jose Escamilla had 2 hits a piece.

Game 136
Norfolk 4, Baltimore 1 (CLINCHED DIVISION TITLE)
Jose Matos (15-6) went 8 strong innings, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits before handing the ball over to Dalton Whitaker who shut the door for the save (43). The offense was lead by Derek Campbell with 2 hits and 2-RBI. Mauro Candelaria added 2 hits and Roberto Perez and Kent Davis each had 1 hit and 2 runs scored. This is the 2nd division title in 4 years for the Cavaliers.

Injury News: Sun Ho is no off the DL. He has been sent to AAA to get some starts in, during the playoffs. Mabye even be ready for the Cavaliers playoffs (but I doubt it, our starters are just going to strong).

Game 137
Norfolk 6, Baltimore 3
Cooper Mananghaya (2-4) enjoyed his return to the bigs with a 7.2 innings performance, allowing 3 runs on 9 hits, while striking out 7. Jamie King pitched the 9th for the save (2). The offense was lead by Roberto Perez who went 2-4 with a HR (22) and 2 RBI. Kent Davis, Derek Campbell and Jesus Rivera each added 2 hits. Augusto Rodriquez added 2 RBI.

Game 138
Norfolk 6, Baltimore 0
Karl Armstrong (16-8) threw a complete game shutout, allowing just 4 hits. Jose Escamilla, Mauro Candelaria and Jesus Rivera each had 2 hits. Derek Campbell hit a Solo-HR (17), Jesus rivera hit a 2-run HR (9) and Jose Rodriquez added a 3-run shot (27).

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Jeff Lewis, Newark Millers, 12-28 2 HR's, 9 RBI, 5 Runs
MarVa: Steve Williams, Annapolis Admirals, 14-28 5 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (133.6)
2) Annapolis Admirals (112.0)
3) Chesapeake Blue Crabs (109.1)
4) Wilmington Iron Pigs (99.1)
5) New Castle Colonials (95.6)
-- Dover fell from #2 to #9 after a 2-5 week.

Division Races:
Southern Divsion
Lewes Braves -- (M #19)
Dover Generals -6
Neither team had winning weeks, but the Braves gained a gained a game. Injuries are hurting Dover right now. With 3 starting position players out.

Northern Divsion
Wilmington Iron Pigs -- (M# 20)
New Castle Colonials -5
The Iron Pigs are slumping, and the Colonials are slowly creeping up on them. New Castle hopes they can keep it close as they finish with a 4 game set versus the Iron Pigs. Could go down to the wire.

Eastern Division
Annapolis Admirals -- (M# 19)
Chesapeake Blue Crabs -6
Ocean City fell out of the running with a bad week, and the Blue Crabs gained a gain. Annapolis is playing solid ball so it will be hard for the Blue Crabs to catch them. They do finish with a 4 game series, so if the Blue Crabs can keep it close...

Notable Feats/News:
Jeff Lewis, Newark Millers, hit for hte cycle going 4-6 with 4 RBI and 2 Runs.

Notable Injuries:
Alberto Trujillo, Annapolis Admirals, the power hitter will be out 2 weeks at least with an intercostal strain. He will be missed as the Admirals try to hold off the Blue Crabs. (.291-42-108)

GM Thoughts/Notes: We are going to go with a 6 man rotation the rest of the way, and as soon as the playoffs are over we will bring up a few more guys. But for now Cooper will stay in rotation. Hopefully this will spread out the work and keep the starters rested for the playoffs. our chances full rest on them... Our first week without Pablo Freitas went better than expected, hopefully it won't hurt us too much... Our bullpen ERA is now at 4.02 I'd like to see it under 4 at seasons end, so they have a challenge. We need players like Will Rose and Joe Davis to step it up... Jose Rodriquez and Don Sweetapple are putting up some of the best seasons in Cavaliers history. Its been exciting to see...

[illeracula]

Current Week: 5-1 (99-45 - GB, 1st (+31))
Next Week: 2 vs Georgetown Sixteens, 4 @ Ocean City Tourists
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 76 (+1)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Magic #: CLINCHED

Game 139
Norfolk 9, Wilmington 6
Javier Uberuaga (14-10) took home the win, but it wasn't an easy outing for him. Javier went 6.1 innings, giving up 6 runs on 10 hits, with 5 walks and 5 K's. Dalton Whitaker pitched a perfect 9th for the save (44). Kent Davis lead the offense going 4-6 with 3 runs and 3 rbi's, and Derek Campbell who went 2-5 with 5 RBI, including 2 HR's (19). Mauro Candelaria added 3 hits, and Augusto Rodriquez added 2.

Game 140
Norfolk 4, Wilmington 1
Don Sweetapple (17-6) inched closer to his first 20 win season, going 7 innings, giving up 1 run on 9 hits. 6 pitchers out of the bullpen finished the game off, with Dalton Whitaker pitching a perfect 9th for the save (45). The offense had 12 hits, with 5 players getting 2 each (Kent Davis, Mauro Candelaria, Jacob Chaney, Jose Escamilla, Augusto Rodriquez), and Roberto Perez added a 2-run HR (23).

Game 141
Norfolk 5, Ellicott City 8
Carlos Mateo (ND) pitched well over 6.1 innings, giving up 6 hits and 4 runs (2 ER) and took the ND as the bullpen couldn't hold the lead. Dalton Whitaker (6-4) took the loss giving up a walk-off 3-run shot in the 9th. Augusto Rodriquez lead the offense with 2 hits and 2 runs scored, including a HR (2). Derek Campbell also added a HR (20).

Game 142
Norfolk 10, Ellicott City 3 (13 Innings)
Karl Armstrong (ND) pitched well enough to get the win, going 7 innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs, but took the ND when Dalton Whitaker blew the save (5). Joe Davis (3-0) pitched the final 3 innings, giving up 1 hit, for the win. The offense was held in check till a 7-run outburst in the 13th. Kent Davis lead the way with 3 hits and Derek Campbell, Jesus Rivera and Jacbo Chaney each had 2. Campbell, Escamilla and Chaney each added 2 RBI's. Escamilla hit a HR (6) in the 4th.

Game 143
Norfolk 8, Ellicott City 2
Jose Matos (16-6) took home the win throwing 7.1 innings, allowing 2 runs on 7 hits, while striking out 9. The offense was lead by Derek Campbell who went 1-4 with 2 runs and a 3-run HR (21). Roberto Perez and Gilberto Ramos each had 2-hits, and Cody Johnson had 3. Cody raised his average to .169.

Game 144
Norfolk 8, Ellicott City 0
Cooper Mananghaya (3-4) had his second solid start in a row, going 6.1 innings and allowing just 2 hits. Joe Davis pitched final 2.2. Augusto Rodriquez remains hot since being called up going 3-4, Jose Escamilla added 2 hits and 2 RBI and Derek Campbell finished the week with another HR, going 2-5 with 2 RBI and his 22 HR. Kent Davis stole based #50, giving the Cavaliers to players with 50+ stolen bases this season.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Andy Kohl, Dover Generals, 13-25 4 HR's, 8 RBI, 8 Runs.
MarVa: Derek Campbell, Norfolk Cavaliers, 8-31 5 HR's, 13 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (134.8)
2) Annapolis Admirals (110.5)
3) Chesapeake Blue Crabs (105.0)
4) New Castle Colonials (104.0)
5) Lewes Braves (97.0)

Division Races:
Southern Division
Lewes Braves -- (M #14)
Dover Generals -5
The Generals gained a game, but it might be too little too late. They do finish the season with 4 in Lewes. Lewes is hoping those 4 games are meaningless. Lewes is trying to repeat as the division winner.

Northern Division
Wilmington Iron Pigs -- (M# 17)
New Castle Colonials -2
The Iron Pigs stumbled a little bit and the Colonials took advantage, gaining 3 games. They finish with a four game series against each other, so this one might come down to the wire. New Castle is waiting to hear a diagnosis on Andy Nelson their #3 starter (13-4 3.63) which may end up playing a big role in the final weeks.

Eastern Division
Annapolis Admirals -- (M# 13)
Chesapeake Blue Crabs -6
Annapolis held strong as both teams are hot. This could go down to which teams hits a cold spell. We will see. Annapolis has a little harder schedule the rest of the way, but they control their own destiny.

Notable Feats/News:
none

Notable Injuries:
none

GM Thoughts/Notes: Our bullpen has stepped it up a notch and are now rocking a 3.94 ERA, hopefully they can keep it up for 3 more weeks... Our offense is #1 in runs scored with 784 and our pitching is #1 in runs against with 543. Not too shabby. The 241 run differential is pretty impressive... Shifting Derek Campbell to LF seemed to be the right move. He just crushed the ball this week... I think the bullpen is a little weak still, but with a 3.94 2nd best ERA I guess I can't complain too much... after never having a .300 hitter we have a shot at 3 this season.

Our AAA team the Yokohama Baystars will be facing the Hillsboro Hops in the AAA Championship Series. Sun Ho will be getting the game 1 start.

[illeracula]

Players of the Month:
Delaware Conference:


Batter of the Month: Peter Peters, New Castle Colonials
September's Premier Batter Announced: When Peter Peters stepped up to the plate in September, he did it with confidence and today he was honored with the Delaware Conference Batter of the Month award. The young New Castle right fielder posted a .302 batting average with 9 home runs, 22 RBIs and scored 22 runs. Peters also worked pitchers for 31 walks to post a .492 on-base percentage. This year Peters is hitting .333 with 54 home runs and 140 RBIs to his credit. He has gotten on base at a .469 clip and scored 136 runs.

Pitcher of the Month: George Best, New Castle Colonials
George Best DDIV Starter: Despite the number of years he's been in the league, Ashton George still gets excited when he puts together a quality stretch like he had in September. The 35-year-old starter for New Castle was named Delaware Conference Pitcher of the Month earlier today. He collected 5 wins and 1 loss with 26 strikeouts in his 6 starts, putting up a fine 2.06 ERA in 43.2 innings of work. This year George has compiled a 15-9 record with a 3.00 ERA.

Rookie of the Month: Leonard Davis, Wilmington Iron Pigs
Delaware Conference Names Rookie of Month: Leonard Davis earned September's Rookie of the Month honors in the Delaware Conference for last month's performance. The boyish Wilmington center fielder might be wet behind the ears, but he's proving that he has what it takes to play at this level. Davis hit .301 with 8 home runs, 17 RBIs and 19 runs scored this past month on his way to winning the award. This year Davis has batted at a .304 pace with 84 hits, 15 home runs, 42 RBIs and scored 52 times.

MarVa Conference:


Batter of the Month: Steve Williams, Annapolis Admirals
September's MVDIV Batter of Month Award Announced: Seasoned by several years of professional experience, 27-year-old Steve Williams put together a solid offensive month for Annapolis and was crowned September's top batter in the MarVa Conference. He batted .432 with 6 home runs, 29 RBIs and 22 runs scored. So far this season Williams is hitting .356 with 30 home runs.

Pitcher of the Month: Ron Reilly, Annapolis Admrials
Best Starter Chosen by MarVa Conference: Ron Reilly hasn't been around the big leagues long enough to know that youngsters shouldn't be winning MarVa Conference Pitcher of the Month. But when you put up numbers like his, you're going to get some notice. In September the Annapolis starter earned a 6-0 mark in 6 starts. He threw 47 innings, struck out 29 and compiled a solid 3.83 ERA. To this point in the season, Reilly shows a 12-12 record, 28 starts, 196.2 innings, 120 strikeouts and a 4.30 ERA.

Rookie of the Month: Augusto Rodriquez, Norfolk Cavaliers
MVDIV Selects Rookie Star of the Month: Augusto Rodríguez's eyes seem to light up whenever he sees the baseball. The young Norfolk shortstop has been hitting everything in sight for the better part of a month. In September he was voted the Rookie of the Month Award. During the month he hit .380 with 4 doubles, no triples and 2 home runs. Rodríguez also scored 12 times and drove in 8 runs. Rodríguez on the season is batting .380 with 2 home runs. His totals include 8 RBIs and 12 runs scored. He has played in 13 games.

League Leaders (as of October 1st 2016)
Delaware Division:
AVG: Peter Peters (New Castle Colonials) .333
HR: Peter Peters (New Castle Colonials) 54
RBI: Peter Peters (New Castle Colonials) 120
SB: Pedro Galvan (Dover Generals) 35*

Peters is on his way to become the first batter to win the Triple Crown. He currently holds a 2 point lead in batting average over Pete MacCammon. HR's he is up by 12 and RBI's he is up by 20 so he is safe there. He also has scored 136 runs, 28 more than the next best.

W: Three Tied with 17*
ERA: Jerry Copeland (Dover Generals) 2.64*
K: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron P12s) 225
SV: Bill Fox (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 40*

Marva Division:
AVG: Steve Williams (Annapolis Admirals) .356*
HR: Francisco Reyes (Ocean City Tourists) 47*
RBI: Francisco Reyes (Ocean City Tourists) 124*
SB: Roberto Perez (Norfolk Cavaliers) 58

W: Miguel Contreras (Ocean City Tourists) 20
ERA: Miguel Contreras (Ocean City Tourists) 2.18
K: Miguel Contreras (Ocean City Tourists) 240
SV: Dalton Whitaker (Norfolk Cavaliers) 46

It looks like Miguel is goin got win his 2nd pitching triple crown, with a nice lead in ERA and K's and a 2 win lead over the next closest in the win column. He currently is posting a 10.9 WAR.

Records and Record Chasers..
Peter Peters broke the record for runs scored in a season
Kent Davis is 4 hits away for record for most hits in a season.
Peter Peters is 10 HR's away from the season record.
Roberto Perez is 7 steals away from the season record
Miguel Contrers is 2 wins away from the season record
Dalton Whitaker is 5 saves away from the season record
Miguel Contreas is 17 K's away from the season record

Standings as for September 1st 2016


Not much to say about the standings. The Braves seem to be holding off the Generals, but the Generals are still putting a little pressure on them. Don't completely count them out yet... The New Castle Colonials have finally started playing ball they way they were expected and have taken advantage of the Iron Pigs poor play of late. This one may come down to the wire... The Annapolis Admirals have begun to pull away and seem to have control of the Eastern Division... The Norfolk Cavaliers clinched and are now just trying to stay healthy and prepare for the playoffs.

Norfolk Recap


We had a red hot September and I am hoping we can carry that momentum 3 more weeks. Get into the playoffs and let our pitching tak over. The bullpens ERA is back over four (4.02) and I would really like to see it under 4. Not sure if we will be able to do that. With the AAA playoffs just about over, expect to see a couple more call-ups to help out. It will be nice to have some pitching depth and the ability to rest the rotation in preperation for the playoffs.

April 12-9 .571
May 17-8 .680
June 16-9 .640
July 18-7 .720
August 17-8 .680
September 21-6 .778

I never would go guessed our September was that good. And to see Dalton Whitaker pick up 11 saves just blew my mind. He is cold, I think he is starting to tire out, he has been used a lot over the past 4 years. He has had just a phenomenal season and I hope he finishes it out strong. Golden Arm Award?? He should pick up some votes...

With expansion looming next season this is going to be huge season for us. A lot of things are going to change, with the feeling that Don Sweetapple leaving, and not picking up his option our pitching staff will get younger. Protecting the younger guys in the expansion draft is going to be important. It will be interesting to see who doesn't get protected. An idea of salaries that will need to be cut back:
Roberto Perez 10.5 million
Don Sweetapple 9.0 million (player option)
Pablo Fretias 8.1 million (abrbitration estimate)
Carlos Mateo 8.0 million (vesting option / achieved)
Karl Armstrong 6.3 million (abrbitration estimate)
Jose Matos 8.0 million
Jose Rodriquez 6.3 million (abrbitration estimate)

Current estimated salaries are 89.5 million. We are losing Will Rose and Pat Shelton to free-agency. So we will have some changes taking place next season. Basically this is going to be our best chance for a few years to come, I see us going "young" next season and our "young" aren't going to be as good as this group of guys.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 3-3 (102-48 - GB, 1st (+30))
Next Week: 2 vs Chesapeake Blue Crabs, 4 vs Richmond Cardinals
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 77 (+1)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Magic #: CLINCHED

Game 145
Georgetown 3, Norfolk 2 (10 Innings)
Javier Uberuaga (ND) ptched 8.2 innings, giving up 1 urn on 5 hits, leaving the game with the lead. Will Rose (6-4) had awful appearance taking the loss and giving up 2 runs on 3 hits in the 10th. Kent Davis lead the offense with 2 hits and 2 RBI, Pat Shelton added 2 hits. Roberto Perez stole based #57. Boring offensive game.

Game 146
Georgetown 2, Norfolk 5
Don Sweetapple (ND) pitched 8.2 innings giving up 2 runs on 4 hits. Jamie King (3-3) pitched the final 1/3 of an inning, as the Cavaliers scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th for the win. Sweetapple was pulled due to 123 pitches, tough luck ND. Kent Davis and Augusto Rodriquez lead the way with 2 hits a piece and Derek Campbell won the game with a walk-off 3-run shot (23). Roberto Perez stole #58.

Milestone: Billy Moore, who earlier this season became the first player with 500 RBI's, has no become the first player with 200 HR's. He is 30 HR's in front of the #2 man. Billy is the games premiere power hitter.

Game 147
Norfolk 2, Ocean City 3
Carlos Mateo (17-5) pitched 7 innings, allowing just 1 run on 4 hits. Dalton Whitaker pitched the 9th for the save (46). The offense scored all 3-runs in the 8th thanks to a string of hits and walks. Mauro Candelaria ground out, scoring a run, and Jesus Rivera doubled in 2. Roberto Perez and Jose Rodriquez each had 2 hits a piece.

Game 148
Norfolk 4, Ocean City 9
Jose Matos (16-7) got hit around, giving up 10 hits in 4 innings, allowing 6 runs. The offense was quiet with Cody Johnson leading the way going 2-3, raising his average to .180. Jacob Chaney add a hit ans scored 2 times. Derek Campbell had 2 RBI's.

Game 149
Norfolk 3, Ocean City 12
Cooper Mananghaya (3-5) followed 2 solid starts with an awful one. Cooper went 3 innings, giving up 9 runs on 11 hits, being touched for 3 long-balls. The offense had 11 hits, with Julio Romero and Pat Shelton getting 2 each, but couldn't keep up with the socring of the Tourists. Roberto Perez stole base #59.

Game 150
Norfolk , Ocean City
Karl Armstrong (17-8) went 8 innings allowing 5 hits and 1 run, while striking out 7. Dalton Whitaker pitched the 9th for the save (47). The offense was led by Roberto Perez who had 3 hits and Kent Davis and Mauro Candelaria who had 2 each. Jose Escamilla lead the team with 2 RBI's on a 6th inning HR (7).

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Leonard Davis, Wilmington Iron Pigs, 8-17 3 HR's, 7 RBI
MarVa: Steve Williams, Annapolis Admirals, 13-26 4 HR's, 12 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (125.4)
2) Annapolis Admirals (116.2)
3) New Castle Colonials (108.2)
4) Chesapeake Blue Crabs (103.6)
5) Dover Generals (98.8)

Division Races:
Southern Division
Lewes Braves -- (M #9)
Dover Generals -4
The Braves are doing what they can to keep the Generals at bay, but the Generals are slowly creeping closer. With 12 games left, 4 games is going to be tough, but a 4 game series at the end of the year awaits!! The Braves have a tough final stretch, so things are looking good for the Generals.

Northern Division
Wilmington Iron Pigs -- (M# 13)
New Castle Colonials --
The Iron Pigs continue to slump as the Colonials have hit full stride. Their schedule strength is very similar and they end with a 4 game series. Does anyone think this division is NOT coming to down to the final series? If not game?

Eastern Division
Annapolis Admirals -- (M# 5)
Chesapeake Blue Crabs -8
The Admirals pulled away and have this division pretty much locked up barring a complete collapse. The way Steve Williams is hitting lately that collapse isn't going to happen.

Notable Feats/News:
none

Notable Injuries:
none

GM Thoughts/Notes: After the AAA ouster we made a couple of transactions bringing up a 3rd catcher in Bob Barrett, a back up first baseman in Kevin Howse, and 2 pitchers, Sun Ho and Justin Fresi. Nothing special, but at least they will give us a little extra depth over the final few games... Sun Ho will replace Cooper Mananghaya in the rotation. This is really disappointing to me because Cooper was aquired to be part of this rotation in the future. But this little try out doesn't fill me with confidence that is for sure... 12 more games then the playoffs... I see Sweetapple and Matos getting 1 more start, since they will be my 1-2 in the playoffs. Do I go with a 5 man rotation or 4? I am leaning towards a 4 man rotation moving Javier Uberuaga to the pen... The offense needs to pick it up a little bit, I would like to head into the playoffs with some offensive momentum.

After taking a 1-0 series lead, the Baystars dropped the final 4 games to lose the AAA Championships 4 games to 1.

[illeracula]

Baseball has a new all-time single-season hit leader. In a game at Caviliers Ballpark Kent Davis broke the record set previously by Steve Williams. The crowd went wild when he banged out hit number 227. Asked by reporters, if it was tough to break the record, Davis replied, "Yeah, getting hits is tough, but there's no pressure build-up. I figured I would get this hit. This wasn't pressure. Pressure is the playoffs. Breaking this record was just fun... just another day at the ballpark."

Kent Davis walked in the 1st.

To date Davis has chalked up a .345 average with 1 home run, driven in 67 runs and scored 117 times.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 5-1 (107-49 - GB, 1st (+32))
Next Week: 2 vs Ellicott City Express, 4 @ Washington Senators (End of Regular Season)
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 78 (+1)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Magic #: CLINCHED

Game 151
Chesapeake 7, Norfolk 8
Javier Uberuaga (ND) got roughed up going 1.2 innings allowing 6 runs on 6 hits, before giving way to the bullpen. Cooper Mananghaya keep the game close with 4.2 innings of 2 hit ball, only giving up 1 run. Dalton Whitaker (7-4) pitched a perfect 9th. Whitaker was the benefactor of a 2-out 2-run walkoff HR by Derek Campbell (24) his 2nd hit of the day. Jacob Chaney also added 2-hits and 4 RBI, including a HR (11). Yasutoike Ine lead all Cavaliers with 3 hits.

Injury News: Pablo Freitas suffered a set-back and will now be out 4 more weeks, adding about 2 more weeks to his recovery and most likely keeping him off the playoff roster.

Game 152
Chesapeake 2, Norfolk 4
Don Sweetapple (18-6) pitched 7 innings of solid ball, allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits, while striking out 8. Dalton Whitaker took home the save (48) pitching a scoreless 9th. Red hot Derek Campbell went deep again (25) with a solo-shot. Roberto Perez and Jose Escamilla each had 2 hits and Augusto Rodriquez added 2-RBI.

Game 153
Richmond 3, Norfolk 2
Carlos Mateo (17-6) was probably left in a few pitches too long, as he took the loss giving up the go ahead run in the top of the 8th. The offense was lead by Jose Rodriquez who has 2 of the teams 5 hits, including a 2-run HR (28).

Game 154
Richmond 3, Norfolk 4
Jose Matos (17-7) went 8 innings, allowing 6 hits an 3 runs while striking out 10. He turned the ball over to Dalton Whitaker who pitched a perfect 9th for the save (49). Kent Davis, Roberto Perez and Derek Campbell all had 2 hits to lead the offense. Jose Escamilla hit a HR (8) and drove in 2.

Injury News: Adrian Otero was placed on the active roster after a 6 month stay on the DL with shoulder inflammation. He will get in a few innings before the end of the season. Otero was hurt during the first week of the season after throwing 1.2 innings.

Game 155
Richmond 5, Norfolk 8
Sun Ho (3-2) in his first start since May, showed no ill effects of his injury going 8 innings, allowing 5 hits and 5 runs (4 ER). Dalton Whitaker pitched the 9th for the save (50). Julio Romero lead the offense with 2 hits, both doubles, and 3 RBI. Julio, Mauro Candelaria and Kent Davis each scored 2 times. Kevin Howse got his first big league at-bat a PH-single in the 7th.

Game 156
Richmond 2, Norfolk 14
Karl Armstrong (18-8) went 7.2 innings, giving up 5 hits and 2 runs, and was the benefactor of an offensive out-burst. Kent Davis lead the offense with a record tying 5-hit day, he also added 3 runs. Derek Campbell, 2 doubles, and Patrick Shelton, a 2 doubles and a HR (2) , added 3 hits and 3 RBIs a piece. Julio Romero added 2 hits, a HR (4) and 3 RBI. Roberto Perez became the 3rd player ever with 60 stolen bases.

Injury News: As we get closer to the playoffs injury avoidance becomes more and more crucial. Today we couldn't avoid it. Mauro Candelaria was hit by a pitch on his thumb in the first inning of todays game and will miss 3-4 weeks, basically putting him out for the playoffs. Candelaria has been playing first base, and has only missed ONE game all season. Gilberto Ramos and September call up Kevin Howse will get more playing time with Candy is out.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Michael Nelson, Newark Millers, 8-9 1 HR, 3 RBI
MarVa: Grant Wright, Washington Senators, 13-26 2 HR, 6 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (130.5)
2) Dover Generals (112.1)
3) Annapolis Admirals (109.5)
3) New Castle Colonials (103.1)
4) Chesapeake Blue Crabs (93.9)

Division Races:
Southern Division
Dover Generals -- (M #5)
Lewes Braves -2
The Lewes Braves put together a 2-8 week, as the Generals went 8-2 to turn a 4 game deficit into a 2 game lead! The Braves will try to right their ship as they prepare to host the Generals in a 4 game series to close out the season.

Northern Division
New Castle Colonials -- (M# 5)
Wilmington Iron Pigs -2
A late season collaspe by the Iron Pigs threatens to keep them from the playoffs. This week they were 3-7 while the red hot Colonials went 8-2! A 4-game series in New Castle to end the season sure looks to be exciting.

Eastern Division
Annapolis Admirals ** Clinched.

Notable Feats/News:
Charles Culligan, Lewes Braves, hitting streak reached and ended at 20 games.
Jeff Lewis, Newark Millers, hitting streak reached and stopped at 20 games.
Miguel Contreras, Ocean City Tourists, struck out #246 today giving him the strike out record for one season.

Notable Injuries:
none

GM Thoughts/Notes: We try to avoid injuries all season long and now we are out 2 of our top bats for the playoffs. This will just put some more pressure on our current top 4. I think we will see Gilberto Ramos playing first in the playoffs only for his defense, one of the top rated defenders... Mauro Candelaria has been one of our most durable players, playing in 155+ games for 3 of his 4 seasons... The bullpen has become a lot better over the past month with our pen ERA now at 3.86, I told them we needed under 4 and they answered... Runs for and runs against we are #1, which is a good feeling, still concerned missing 183 RBI's with Freitas and Candelaria out... Defense Eff is at .725, which is great, as long as our pitches don't give up the long ball we are in good shape... Don Sweetapple will pitch game 1 this week, Matos game 2, then they are off for the season...

Cavaliers to watch:
Roberto Perez 60 steals, record 62
Dalton Whitaker 50 saves, record 50 (tied)

[illeracula]

We head into the final 4 games with 2 division's still fighting for a winner... in the Delaware Division the Dover Generals lead the Lewes Braves by 2 games, and the New Castle Colonials trying to hold off the Wilmington Iron Pigs, as they hold a 1 game lead... The best part is the Braves are hosting the Generals and the Colonials are hosting the Iron Pigs...

Thursday, October 13th
Dover Generals 2, Lewes Braves 0 (Dover takes a 3 game lead)
A 2-run double by Jon Fiske in the top of the 8th gave the Generals all the needed.

Wilmington Iron Pigs 1, New Castle Colonials 2 (New Castle takes a 2 game lead)
Brian Cline doubled in Patrick King in the 12th inning for a walk-off win!!

Friday, October 14th
Wilmington Iron Pigs 0, New Castle Colonials 13
New Castle exploded for 4 in the 4th and 6 in the 6th for 13-0 pounding for the clinching game! Brian Client went 4-4 with 4 RBI and Emery Cameron went 3-3 with 5 RBI, as the Colonials will be making their post-season debut!

Dover Generals 4, Lewes Braves 2
Dover hit 3 HR's to take the title hopes from the Braves, and clinch the Southern Division.

[illeracula]

There wasn't much to be happy about Ellicott City this year, as they stand 49 games out of first place, but today Gabriel Gonzalez made history. Sadly only 4,041 people were in attendance to see this Gem in Richmond.

No hitter/Pefect Games History:
07/28/2013 - Carlos Mateo, Norfolk Cavaliers
7 K, 4 BB and 9 IP versus Chesapeake while playing for Norfolk
09/19/2014 - Sun Ho, Norfolk Cavaliers
4 K, 1 BB and 9 IP versus Baltimore while playing for Norfolk
05/02/2015 - Gilberto Carrabello, Dover Generals
5 K, 3 BB and 9 IP versus Milford while playing for Dover
05/05/2015 - Carlos Martínez, New Castle Colonails
6 K, 0 BB and 9 IP versus Milton while playing for New Castle
07/30/2015 - Miguel Contreras, Ocean City Tourists
8 K, 0 BB and 9 IP versus Lewes while playing for Ocean City (PERFECT GAME)
10/13/2016 - Gabriel González, Ellicott City Express
6 K, 0 BB and 9 IP versus Richmond while playing for Ellicott City (PERFECT GAME)


Press Release:
González Perfect Against Richmond: Ellicott City starter Gabriel González spun a perfect game against the Richmond Cardinals today. The 32-year-old was outstanding in the 4-0 victory at Ballpark of Richmond, not allowing one baserunner.

"I don't know what to say," he said in a postgame press conference. "I didn't do anything different in this game. Really. I just pitched the ball and everyone did what they had to do to win a ballgame ... and along the way, fate stepped in and took control. I knew I was working on a perfect game from the sixth inning on. But that didn't faze me. I really didn't expect to pitch one. The important thing is to win the ballgame, not pitch a perfect game."

It was like most games, except nobody got on base. González retired 27 in a row, fanning 6 of them.

This season González has compiled a 8-16 mark with a 4.24 ERA in 34 starts.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 5-1 (112-50 - GB, 1st (+35))
Next Week: Playoffs Round 1: 2 vs Annapolis Admirals, 3 @ Annapolis, 2 vs Annapolis
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 78 (+1)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Magic #: CLINCHED

Game 157
Ellicott City 2, Norfolk 7
Javier Uberuaga (15-10) finished the season strong going 8 innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs, bouncing back from his worst start of the seasons. The offense was lead by Derek Campbell who had 2 hits, a HR (26) and 4 RBI. Kent Davis, Jose Rodriquez and Jose Escamilla each added 2 hits.

Game 158
Ellicott City 3, Norfolk 4
Don Sweetapple (19-6) finished the seasons with another solid start going 8 innings, allowing 6 hits and 3 runs, while striking out 8. Dalton Whitaker pitched a perfect 9th for his record breaking 51st save! Derek Campbell hit another HR (27) for one of his 2 hits. Augusto Rodriquez added 2 hits, and Kent Davis added 2 RBI.

Game 159
Norfolk 10, Washington 7 (13 innings)
Adrian Otero (ND) pitched 5.2 innings, giving up 10 hits and 6 runs in his first appearance since his injury (not sure why he started). Dalton Whitaker pitched 2-innings of shutout relief striking out 5. Will Rose (7-4) pitched the final 3 innings getting the win, after he blew the save. Julio Romero (5) hit a game winning 3-run shot in the 13th, finishing 3-7 with 5 RBI. Derek Campbell hit a go-ahead HR in the 11th for his only hit (28). Jesus Rivera and Augusto Rodriquez each added 2 hits. Roberto Perez stole base 61, he is now 1 shy of tying Ron Alders record set last year.

Game 160
Norfolk 9, Washington 5
Javier Uberuaga (16-10) pitching on short rest, won for the 2nd time this week going 6.1 innings, allowing 9 hits and 4 runs, striking out 5. Dalton Whitaker pitched the final 2/3 for the save (52). Derek Campbell did it again, hitting his 29th HR, going 4-5. Roberto Perez added 4 hits, Cody Johnson added 3 hits, Jose Escamilla and Kent Davis each added 2. Derek Campbell and Jose Rodriquez each had 2 RBI's. Roberto Perez stole base #62 to tie the season stolen base record.

Game 161
Norfolk 10, Washington 2
Karl Armstrong (19-8) finished the season on a high note, going 7.1 innings, giving up 9 hits and 2 runs, striking out 8. Jose Rodriquez and Kent Davis lead the offense with 3-hits and 3-RBI's each. Davis added 4 runs. The Cavaliers had 7 doubles.

Game 162
Norfolk 2, Washington 5
Sun Ho (3-3) pitched ok, going 6.2 innings, allowing 5 runs (3 ER) on 9 hits. The Cavs were lead by Kent Davis who went 3-4 and Roberto Perez who added 2 hits. Roberto Perez was thrown out trying to steal, he finishes tied for the stolen base record.

Players of the Week (not selected last week of season):
Delaware: n/a
MarVa: n/a

Power Rankings (final):
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (130.5)
2) Dover Generals (112.1)
3) Annapolis Admirals (109.5)
3) New Castle Colonials (103.1)
4) Chesapeake Blue Crabs (93.9)

Conference Playoffs:
Dover Generals vs New Castle Colonials
New Castle took the season series 9-4

Annapolis Admirals vs Norfolk Cavaliers
Norfolk took the season series 8-5

Notable Feats/News:
Miguel Contreras, Ocean City Tourists, wins his 2nd pitching triple crown (20/259/2.35)
Francisco Durango, Georgetown Sixteens, wins the Delaware Conference Batting title hitting .333. His first title.
Steve Williams, Annapolis Admirls, wins his second MarVa Conference batting title, finishing the season hitting .356.

GM Thoughts/Notes: The season is over and we are ready for the playoffs. It will be interesting to see how this goes, the pitchign staff is on fire, the hitting is on fire, lets just hope this translates to the post season... The rotation is rested and in line... We had a record breaking regular season with 112 wins, the team finished first in runs scored and runs against. Our bullpen lowered their ERA to 3.74 for #2. Its just been great... Kent Davis and Roberto Perez both finished the season hitting over .300, Jose Rodriquez drove in 122 runs, tops for the Cav's. I am ready for the playoffs to begin... how much will we miss Mauro Candelaria and Pablo Freitas...

I will do a playoff preview and then get the games rolling. I am anxious to get this thing started...

[illeracula]

MarVa Conference
Annapolis Admirals vs Norfolk Cavaliers
This is our 2nd playoff appearance, our first one was 2 years ago, when we won the Championship. I am hoping for a repeat performance, but we have some obstacles in our way. The Admirals are making their second playoff appearance, first since their first round exit in 2013. They are hungry to prove they aren't a fluke, we are hungry since we will be going into rebuilding next year, due to our finances.

We will be carrying 12 pitches and 13 position players. That leaves us only 4 players on the bench, but with a DH it shouldn't pose any issues this round. Augusto Rodriquez will be given the starting spot at shortstop and Gilberto Ramos will be our first basemen. We truly are missing Pablo Freitas and Mauro Candelaria. We go in with a very weak bench, Cody Johnson (.184-1-13) Mason Foster, who went 5-10, Julio Romero (.262-5-27) and Pat Shelton (.198-2-18). Not very scary at all... We will be going with a 4 man rotation and we are all set-up with Don Sweetapple getting the nod in Game 1, Carlos Mateo in Game 2, Jose Matos in Game 3, and Karl Armstrong in game 4... I like our chances against Annappolis, as long as we can score. Steve Williams (.356-32-110) and Alberto Trujillo (.279-46-117) are the biggest threats for the Admirals and we will have to be very careful pitching to them.

Delaware Conference:
Dover Generals vs. New Castle Colonials
Pits two teams coming into the playoffs red-hot. I like the New Castle Colonials to take this, but the pitching of the Generals should make it a fun series. The Colonials are a young team that has been on the cusp of greatness for a couple of years, this season it all seemed to come together the final month. Prediction: New Castle in 6

Don't be surprised if both of these Series go 7.

[illeracula]

Pregame Notes: I removed Mason Foster from the postseason roster and replaced him with Yasutoki Ine, mainly for offensive purposes. Neither one is a "feared" hitter, but Ine doesn't strikeout. Plus with a roster full of utility players removing one wasn't going to hurt as much...

Game 1 (Probably to win 53.92% to Cavaliers) :
Ron Reilly (0-3 8.04 vs Norfolk Cavaliers this season)
Don Sweetapple (2-1 2.41 vs Annapolis this season)

We are really missing Candy or Pablo in the #5 hole, we just have no protection for Derek without them. Not sure if batting Augusto should hit #5, but he will get the opportunity...Note I ended up moving Jacob Chaney to #5 and sliding everyone else down.

Inning 1:
Top: A Jorge Gutierrez singled with 2-outs and he was left on.
Bottom: Kent Davis Walks. Steals 2nd. Roberto Perez doubles to left scoring Davis to take the lead. Jose Rodriquez walks. Derek Campbell ground into a FC, moving Perez to 3rd. Jacob Chaney grounds out to first, scoring Perez. Augusto Rodriquez pops out to end the inning.
Cavaliers 2, Admirals 0

Inning 2:
Top: Sweetapple sets down the Admirals 1-2-3.
Bottom: Jesus Rivera grounds out. Jose Escamilla walks. Gilberto Ramos hits a 2-run shot over the left field wall. Kent Davis singles. Perez pops out. Jose Rodriquez doubles to left moving Davis to 3rd. Campbell pops out, stranding two.
Cavaliers 4, Admirals 0

Inning 3:
Top: Shawn Bennett singles to left. Moved to 2nd on a fielders choice. Moved to 3rd on a fielders choice. Scores on a Steve Williams single. Williams stole 2nd, but was left there when Gutierrez struck out.
Bottom: Cavaliers go down 1-2-3, Chaney, Rodriquez, Rivera.
Cavaliers 4, Admirals 1

Inning 4:
Top: Jose Colon had a 2-out single, but that was it.
Bottom: Jose Escamilla grounds out. Gilberto Ramos reaches on a fielding error. Kent Davis singles to left, moving Ramos to 2nd. Perez grounds into a fielders choice, moving Ramos to 3rd. Rodriquez strikes out.
Cavaliers 4, Admirals 1

Inning 5:
Top: Admirals go down 1-2-3
Bottom: Campbell strikes out, Chaney grounds out to first. A. Rodriquez singles to left. Rodriquez steals 2nd. Scores on a Rivera single to right. Escamilla grounds out to 2nd.
Cavaliers 5, Admirals 1

Inning 6:
Top: Williams grounds out, Jorge Gutierrez singles to right. Alberto Trujillo grounds into a 4-6-3.
Bottom: Ramos grounds out. Kent Davis singles to left. Perez grounds into a FC. Rodriquez flies out shallow CF.
Cavaliers 5, Admirals 1

Inning 7:
Top: 1-2-3 inning for Sweetapple
Bottom: Campbell singles to right. Chaney singles to left on a hit-and-run, moving Campbell to 3rd. Augusto Rodriquez grounds into a FC scoring Campbell... Augusto Flores comes into to pitch for Annapolis... Rivera singles to left. Double steal, moving Rodriquez to 3rd, and Rivera to 2nd. Escamilla strikes out. Ramos flies out to CF.
Cavaliers 6, Admirals 1

Inning 8:
Top: Bennet grounds out, Norberto Gonzalez singles to left. Morris grounds out moving Gonzalez to 2nd. Williams goes down swining to end the inning.
Bottom: Kent Davis grounds out. Roberto Perez singles up the middle. J Rodriquez doubles, moving Perez to 3rd. Campbell strikes out. Chaney singles up the middle scoring 2. A. Rodriquez pops out.
Cavaliers 8, Admirals 1

Inning 9:
Top: Annapols goes down 1-2-3.
Cavaliers 8, Admirals 1
Cavaliers lead 1-0

W: Don Sweetapple (1-0)
L: Ron Reilly (0-1)
HR: NFK: Gilberto Ramos (1)
POG: Don Sweetapple

Recap: Don Sweetapple was in control the whole game throwing 99 pitches, and only allowing 1 run to cross the plate. Sweetapple struck out 5 and gave up 6 hits. The offense loves to hit off of Reilly, smashing 14 hits. Kent Davis had 3, Roberto Perez, Jose Rodriquez, Jacob Chaney and Jesus Rivera each had 2. Chaney added 3 RBI.

Delaware Conference:
Dover 12, New Castle 3 (Dover leads 1-0)

[NYY #23]

I'm really hoping that Sweetapple accepts the player option, although it's probably a long shot. It's been fun to follow along with his success, and he seems to come up big time and time again.

[illeracula]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

I'm really hoping that Sweetapple accepts the player option, although it's probably a long shot. It's been fun to follow along with his success, and he seems to come up big time and time again.

I hope so too. He is loyalty and greed ratings are normal, so I guess its possible. The thing is looking at other pitchers salaries they are outrageous and he would be the best one on the market for a few years. In hindsight I should of offered a longer extension, but I am always reluctant to give long-term deals to pitches hitting the age of 30.

He is a beast and has always pitched well when we needed him to. He is probably one of the games top-3 pitchers, as far as consistency and skill go. I grabbed Jose Matos in hopes to lessen the impact of losing Sweetapple, but Matos has an awful contract and will only be here for 1 more year before I am going to have to ship him away for financial reasons.

The fans will not be happy if he walks, that is for sure. My fingers are crossed, and if he does decide to stay I will do what I can to sign him to a longer term deal...

Playoff Stats... can't get much better.

[illeracula]

Pregame Notes: I thought about going with Carlos Mateo in game 2, because of his success vs Annapolis and Jose Matos has struggled, but Matos has better stuff and has pitched so well as a Cavalier. After some thought I decided to stay with Matos.

Game 2 (Probability to Win 53.93% in favor of the Cavaliers):
Edward Adams (0-0 2.61 vs NFK)
vs
Jose Matos (1-2 4.44 vs ANP)

Just a side notes, Edward Adams is a 3* pitcher who went 16-9 on the season, the shocker is that the Admirals signed him to the largest deal of any pitcher so far in league history. Adams has 4 years remaining on a 6 year-$139,200,000 (or $23,200,000/year!)

Inning 1:
Top: After retiring the first 2, Matos gave up singles to Jorge Gutierrez and Alberto Trujillo, before Dave Hughes flew out to deep left-center.
Bottom: Kent Davis, Roberto Perez and Jose Rodriquez went down 1-2-3, 2 pop-outs followed by a ground out.
Admirals 0, Cavaliers 0

Inning 2:
Top: Matos showed his stuff, shutting the Admirals down 1-2-3 with 1 K.
Bottom: Derek Campbell walked to get things going, Jacob Chaney popped out. Campbell stole 2nd. Augusto Rodriquez flew out to left, Jesus Rivera hit an easy pop-up to left, which was dropped by Shawn Bennet. Campbell scored. Jose Escamilla looked at strike 3.
Cavaliers 1, Admirals 0

Inning 3:
Top: Admirals go down 1-2-3, or K, K, 4-3
Bottom: Gilberto Ramos goes down swinging, Kent Davis goes 4-3, Roberto Perez singled. Jose Rodriquez grounds out to 2nd.
Cavaliers 1, Admirals 0

Inning 4:
Top: Diving stop by Gilberto Ramos retires Gutierrez. Matos strikes out Trujillo, then Dave Hughes doubled to left center. Colon grounded out to 3rd to end the inning.
Bottom: Campbell 5-3, Chaney 4-3, Rodriquez 5-3
Cavaliers 1, Admirals 0

Inning 5:
Top: Lead-off strike out was followed by a Shawn Bennett double and a Norberto Gonzalez walk to put runners on 1st and 2nd. Mark Morris went down swinging. The leagues leading hitter then hit into a FC as Rodriquez made the play to end the threat.
Bottom: Jesus Rivera grounds out, Escamilla goes down swining, Ramos grounds out.
Cavaliers 1, Admirals 0

Inning 6:
Top: Gutierrez K's, Trujillo grounds out 4-3. Dave Hughes singles up the middle. Colon grounds into a FC to Rodriquez.
Bottom: Kent Davis grounds out to 3rd. Roberto Perez doubles to right. Jose Rodriquez grounds out to the pitcher. Campbell grounds out to 3rd.
Cavaliers 1, Admirals 0

Inning 7:
Top: Strike out, ground out and shoestring catch put the Admirals down 1-2-3.
Bottom: Chaney gets things started with a single up the middle. Pat Shelton enters the game to run for Chaney. Augusto Rodriquez bunts, Mark Morris throws the ball into the outfield, both runners are safe. Double steal moves the runners to 2nd and 3rd, after a failed sacrifice. Jesus Rivera walks to load the bases. The Admirals bring in (ex-Cav) Scott Smith to pitch. Julio Romero enters the game to hit for Jose Escamilla. Romero hits a fly ball to right, scoring from 3rd is Shelton. Rodriquez moves over to 3rd. Gilberto Ramos goes down swinging. Kent Davis grounds to 3rd, Mark Morris "muffs it" and Rodriquez scores. Roberto singles to left, scoring Rivera, Jose Rodriquez grounds out 2nd.
Cavaliers 4, Admirals 0

With Matos hitting 100 pitches (Stamina 12/20) we start the bullpen, Lefty Will Rose and Righty Joe Davis start to throw.

Fielding Changes: Pat Shelton stays in the game to play 3rd, Julio Romero stays in the game to catch.

Inning 8:
Top: Mark Morris grounds out, Steve Williams pops out. Jorge Gutierrez goes down swinging.
Jose Matos is tired and Dalton Whitaker is now up in the pen
Bottom: Derek Campbell goes down 6-3, Shelton goes down 6-3, Augusto Rodriquez goes down 5-3.
Cavaliers 4, Admirals 0

Inning 9:
Top: Dalton Whitaker is now pitching. Trujillo goes 6-3, Dave Hughes walks. Jose Colon grounds into the game ending 4-6-3.
Cavaliers 4, Admirals 0
Cavaliers lead 2-0

W: Jose Matos (1-0)
L: Edward Adams (0-1)
HR: none
POG: Jose Matos

Recap: Jose Matos was in control today, going 8 innings, allowing 5 hits an 1 walk, while striking out 9. Edward Adams threw the ball great, giving up only 3 hits and 2 walks, but he gave up 4 unearned runs thanks to 3 Admiral errors. Pitching and defense is what wins you games. The Cavaliers had a total of 4 hits, 3 by Roberto Perez. Dave Hughes lead the way for the Admirals going 2-3.

Delaware Conference:
Dover 5, New Castle 4 / 14 Innings (Dover leads 2-0)

[illeracula]

Pregame Notes: Jose Escamilla is given an extra off he didn't hit Abelaira well this season and hasn't hit well yet in the playoffs. We will see what Pat Shelton will do for us... we need new away uniforms.

Game 2 (Probability of Winning 53.92% in favor of Annapolis):
Carlos Mateo (2-0 1.42)
vs
Macario Abelaira (2-0 4.03)

Inning 1:
Top: Kent Davis goes down 6-3. Roberto Perez triples to deep right. Jose Rodriquez singles to center, scoring Perez. Derek Campbell hits into a 6-4 FC. Jacob Chaney grounds out to the pitcher to end the inning.
Bottom: Mark Morris reaches on an infield single. Steve Williams grounds into a FC to the pitcher. Jorge Guiterrez grounds out 5-3 moving Williams to 2nd. Alberto Trujillo goes down swining.
Norfolk 1, Annapolis 0

Inning 2:
Top: Augusto Rodriquez reaches second on a fielding error by SS Gutierrez. Jesus Rivera goes down 6-3. Pat Shelton flies out to RF. Gilberto Ramos grounds out to 2nd.
Bottom: Dave Huges goes down 3Ua. Jose Colon grounds out to 2nd. Bill Giles gets plunked. Shawn Bennet grounds out to 2nd.
Norfolk 1, Annapolis 0

Inning 3:
Top: Kent Davis singles up the middle. Roberto Perez doubles to left scoring Davis. Jose Rodriquez grounds out to 2nd, moving Perez to 3rd. Derek Campbell grounds out to short, Perez scores. Jacob Chaney walks. Augusto Rodriquez flies out to deep left-center. Alberto Trujillo is injurned on the play and will have to be removed from the game.
Bottom: Norberto Gonzalez doubles to left. Morris goes down swinging. Steve Williams singles to right, moving Gonzalez to 3rd. Jorge Guiterrez grounds into the 6-4-3 ending the inning.
Norfolk 3, Annapolis 0

Inning 4:
Top: Jesus Rivera flies out to center. Pat Shelton grounds out 6-3. Gilberto Ramos goes down swinging.
Bottom: Joe Payne (in for Trujillo) walks. Hughes flies out to right. Colon grounds into the 4-6-3.
Norfolk 3, Annapolis 0

Inning 5:
Top: Kent Davis starts it off with a ground rule double to right. Perez singles to left, moving Davis to 3rd. Jose Rodriquez grounds into a 3-6 FC. Davis stays at 3rd. Derek Campbell flies out to the warning track in right, Davis scores. Chaney goes down swining to end the inning.
Bottom: Bill Giles singles up the middle. Bennett flies out to right. Gonzalez goes down swinging. Mark Morris goes down swinging.
Norfolk 4, Annapolis 0

Inning 6:
Top: Augusto grounds out to short. Rivera reaches first on a fielding error by Morris. Rivera gets gunned out at 2nd, as Shelton misses the hit and run. Shelton grounds out to the pitcher.
Bottom: Steve Williams singles up the middle. Jorge Guiterrez grounds into the 5-4-3. Joe Payne flies out to center.
Norfolk 4, Annapolis 0

Inning 7:
Top: Ramos grounds out to short. Davis grounds out to 3rd. Perez walks. Jose Rodriquez pops out short.
Bottom: Dave Hughes strikes out. Colon flies out to left. Bill Giles goes down swinging.
Norfolk 4, Annapolis 0

Inning 8:
Top: Derek Campbell lines out to short on a diving play. Jacob Chaney dboules to left. Augusto flies out to left... Annapolis brings in Cisco Perez to pitch... I bring in Yasutoki Ine to hit for Jesus Rivera... Ine grounds out to short.
Bottom: Bennet singles to left... the bullpen gets moving, Mateo is at 81 pitches, stamina is 9/20... Gonzalez goes down swinging. Morris grounds into a 4-6 FC. Steve Williams fouls out to the catcher.
Norfolk 4, Annapolis 0

(Roberto Perez is up 4th, he is a HR shy of the cycle)

Inning 9:
Top: Annapolis brings in Brent Wagner to pitch... Pat Shelton grounds out to 3rd. Ramos goes down swinging. Kent Davis grounds out 6-3.
Bottom: Guiterrez flies out to center. Payne grounds out to short. Dave Hughes crushes a Mateo fastball for a solo-HR... with 96 pitches thrown, Mateo is removed and I bring in closer Dalton Whitaker... Jose Colon grounds out to 3rd to end the game.
Norfolk 4, Annapolis 0
Norfolk leads 3-0

W: Carlos Mateo (1-0)
L: Macario Abelaira (0-1)
S: Dalton Whitaker (1)
HR: ANP: Dave Hughes (1)

POG: Carlos Mateo

Recap: Carlos Mateo brought his 'A' game going 8.2 innings, throwing 96 pitches, 65 for strikes, walking 1, giving up 7 hits and striking out 7. The offense was lead by the top of the line-up with lead-off man Kent Davis going 2-5 with 2 runs, and Roberto Perez going 3-3 with 2 runs.

Delaware Conference:
New Castle wins their first game, the road team has now won each game of the series.
New Castle 6, Dover 0 (Dover leads 2-1)

[illeracula]

Pregame Notes: Escamilla is back in the lineup... I want to win this game so we can get our rotation back into 1-2-3 order. If we lose, I am thinking that Javier Uberuaga might get the start in game 5, save Sweetapple.

Game 4 (Probablity to win 53.92% in favor of Annapolis)
Karl Armstrong (1-1 3.07)
vs
Ron Reilly (0-3 8.04)

Inning 1:
Top: Kent Davis singles to left-center to start things off. Davis gets gunned out trying to steal. Roberto Perez goes down 4-3. Jose Rodriquez walks. Derek Campbell hits a 430 foot HR to dead center. Jacob Chaney walks. Augusto Rodriquez grounds into a 6-4 FC to end the inning.
Bottom: Joe Payne lines out to center. Steve Williams grounds out 4-3. Jorge Gutierrez grounds out to first.
Norfolk 2, Annapolis 0

Inning 2:
Top: Jesus Rivera flies out to right. Jose Escamilla stikes out looking. Gilberto Ramos grounds out 3-1.
Bottom: Joe Payne swings and misses at strike 3. Dave Hughes reaches on an error by Gilberto Ramos. Jose Colon flies out to right. Bill Giles doubles to left-center. Hughes goes to 3rd. Shawn Bennett goes down swining.
Norfolk 2, Annapolis 0

Inning 3:
Top: Kent Davis singles to right. Perez grounds into a FC 4-3. Jose Rodriquez grounds out to first, moving Perez to 2nd. Derek Campbell is hit by the pitch, and will have to leave the game... Pat Shelton will come in and play left and run for Campbell... a dobule steal moves Perez to 3rd, and Shelton to 2nd. Chaney lines out to 3rd.
Bottom: Norberto Gonzalez flies out to left-center. Morris flies out to right. Williams flies out to left.
Norfolk 2, Annapolis 0

Inning 4:
Top: Augusto Rodriquez goes down swinging. Rivera goes down 4-3. Escamilla flies out to center.
Bottom: Jorge Guitterrez strikes out. Payne goes down 6-3. Dave Hughes swings and misses.
Norfolk 2, Annapolis 0

Inning 5:
Top: Ramos goes down swinging. Kent Davis singles to left. Davis goes to 2nd on an error on the pickoff attempt. Perez lines out to right. Davis moves to 3rd on a wild-pitch. Jose Rodriquez walks (no protection with Campbell out) Shelton goes down 5-3.
Bottom: Jose Colon goes down 6-3. Bill Giles flies out to center. Shawn Bennett walks. Norberto goes down 5-3.
Norfolk 2, Annapolis 0

Inning 6:
Top: Jacob Chaney flies out to left. Augusto Rodriquez adds some insurance with a 385ft HR to right field. Jesus Rivera flies out to the warning track in center. Escamilla flies out to left.
Bottom: Morris walks to lead things off. Steve Williams lines a single to right moving Morris to 3rd... My lefty specialist Elmer Hawkins starts to throw... Jorge Gutierrez goes down swining, and Chaney guns down Steve Williams trying to steal 2nd. Joe Payne walks, putting runners on 1st and 3rd. Dave Hughes grounds into a FC 6 unassisted. (Hawkins sits down)
Norfolk 3, Annapolis 0

Inning 7:
Top: Gilberto Ramos reaches on an infield single past the pitcher. Kent Davis flies out to right. Roberto Perez hits a rocket to first and Dave Hughes turns it into a 3-6-3 inning ending dp.
Bottom: Jose Colon flies out to right. Bill Giles singles to right... Ivan Pineda and Will Rose get working in the pen... Bennett hits a rocket to right, Jose Rodriquez makes the catch. Norberto Gonzalez singles to right, moving Giles to 3rd. Mark Morris pops out to 2nd.
Norfolk 3, Annapolis 0

Inning 8:
Top: Annapolis brings in Arturo Herrera to pitch... Jose Rodriquez goes down swining. Shelton flies out to left. Ramos grounds out 3-1.
Bottom: Steve Williams singles up the middle... Ivan Pineda comes in to pitch, Joe Davis begins to throw in the pen... Gutierrez goes down swining. Payne grounds back to the pitcher. Williams moves to 2nd... Will Rose comes in to pitch... Hughes flies out to left.
Norfolk 3, Annapolis 0

Inning 9:
Top: Augusto grounds out to first. Rivera hits a nubber and goes down 2-1. Escamilla walks. Ramos pops out to the catcher.
Bottom: Dalton Whitaker comes in for the Cavaliers to try to end the series... Jose Colon goes down looking. Bill Giles goes down swinging. Shawn Bennett flies out to center.
Norfolk 3, Annapolis 0
Norfolk wins the series 4-0 and heads into the Championship!!

W: Karl Armstrong (1-0)
L: Ron Reilly (0-2)
S: Dalton Whitaker (2)
HR: NFK: Derek Campbell (1), Augusto Rodriquez (1)

POG: Karl Armstrong

Recap: Karl Armstrong kept the Admirals off the score board giving up 5 hits and 3 walks in 7 innings, before handing it over to the bullpen. The offense jumped on the scoreboard first thanks to a Derek Campbell blast, taking the momentum from the Admirals before they could get started. Kent Davis lead the Cavaliers attack going 3-4 and Bill Giles and Steve Williams each had 2 hits for the Admirals.

Delaware Conference:
New Castle 1, Dover 0 (New Castle ties the series 2-2)
New Castle scored 1 in the 8th in a great pitching duel