Alltime Baseball League

[G-Force]

Trade Deadline Deals
A summary of the significant August trades in the ABL

Louisville trades 1B Lance Berkman (.284-14-49) to Portland for 3B David Wright (.262-7-16)

Louisville wasn't satisfied with its third base situation as Robin Ventura (.225) and Jack Howell (.226) have both struggled. Wright hasn't lived up to his potential, but the Thoroughbreds believe that the clubhouse leader, still only 25, can be a big help down the stretch and into the postseason. The contract is a wash with Berkman for this year, but Berkman - who posted a 110 OPS+ last season and a 140 mark this season in part-time duty, is a free agent at the end of the season, making the deal more about shedding future payroll for Portland than the now. Wright is signed through 2023.

Portland trades Tom Seaver (8-10, 4.07) to Orlando for minor league RF Bernie Carbo.

Portland continues to try to rebuild for 2022, freeing money from Wright and here dealing pending free agent Seaver for Carbo, a minor league all-star this season viewed as having a significant upside - though he is 26 already. For Orlando this is a no-brainer. While Seaver hasn't lived up to his billing, he also has a higher ceiling than anyone on Orlando's staff as they try to make a run at the Eastern League South, where they enter September 3 1/2 games out. If it doesn't work, Carbo was an expendable part as Orlando's outfield depth - particularly with last year's drafting of both Barry Bonds and Kenny Lofton - is a strong suit.

Orlando trades minor league shortstop Eddie Joost to Los Angeles for P Dock Ellis (8-8, 4.50)

The same logic here as the Seaver deal, though on a lesser scale. Ellis is a free agent at the end of the season and Joost, now 28, is seen as a role player at best at this point. Ellis was a solid relief cog for Los Angeles the past two years (3.48 and 2.52 ERAs, respectively) before being slid back into the rotation this season with mixed results. He's actually gotten worse as the season has gone on, going 5-2, 3.74 over the first two months and 3-6, 5.12 since. That said, Ellis will slide in behind Seaver to give Orlando a new 1-2 for the stretch drive.

[G-Force]

So as usual I've simmed until the final round of divisional games kicks off to begin the Pennant Chase writeups. Right now, only one division, the Eastern League South, is within 5 games (the Western League South is at 5 1/2 so it may get covered if that closes). Both North divisions are double-digit leads at this point. And so, we'll pick up on September 14th, as the 2021 ABL Pennant Chase begins!

GH

[G-Force]

September 13, 2021

Orlando 7, Charlotte 4: The Orcas get two-run homers from Barry Bonds (21) and Mike Tiernan (6) to close to within a half game of division-leading Memphis. Chipper Jones broke a 4-4 tie in the seventh with an RBI single off loser Joel Pineiro (6-8). Jeff Samardzjia improved to 7-2 with the win, allowing four runs over 6 1/3. Ken Williams had 3 RBIs for Charlotte, who now stand 2 1/2 games out.

• Ty Cobb tied the ABL record with a 30-game hitting streak, which was halted on September 7. The Denver centerfielder now shares the mark with Ryan Braun, with Braun holding the Eastern League record (doing his streak with Orlando) and Cobb holding the Western League record. Cobb is now batting .376 on the campaign.

[G-Force]

September 14, 2021

Memphis 9, Alabama 4. The Sounds scored four in the 7th and two in the 8th to come back from a 4-3 deficit. Buddy Myer hit a two-run triple off Jack Morris (4-13, 6.57), whose disastrous season hasn't gotten any better in the bullpen. Bill Terry (6), Bobby Brown (5) and Andre Dawson (16) homered for Memphis, which clings to its division lead. Takashi Saito notched his eighth win in relief. Every Memphis starter had a hit.

Orlando 9, Charlotte 2. The Orcas staked Doc Ellis to a 7-0 lead after two innings, battering Frank Viola (8-7, 4.57) to drop the Cougars to .500 and keep the heat on Memphis. Elis (2-0, 2.28 since coming over at the trade deadline) threw a complete game, with only one earned run, striking out four and walking none. Barry Bonds went 2-for-4 with a walk, scoring three runs and driving in three as well.

• The Denver Pilots clinched the Western League North with a 3-2 win over Omaha. John Tudor (8-8, 4.34) allowed two runs over eight innings despite allowing 12 hits. Matt Cain saved his sixth.
• Louisville Dave Henderson hit his 32nd homer, but Chicago's Lou Gehrig has caught him in the home run battle and hit his 32nd as well. Gehrig is batting .458 this month. The homer was his fifth in September.

[G-Force]

September 15, 2021

Memphis 7, Alabama 3. Mike Hampton (13-5, 3.45) went eight innings and the Sounds got homers from Ed Bailey (3), Josh Hamilton (18), Andre Dawson (16) and George Brett (3) to knock off the Slammers and stay atop the Eastern League South. Mel Parnell (5-6, 5.08) matched Hampton with eight innings of three-run ball. But Troy Percival and Jack Morris allowed four runs in the top of the ninth on Brett's three-run shot and Bailey's solo blast. Albert Pujols hit his 20th in the loss for Alabama.



Charlotte 16, Orlando 5. The Cougars mauled Tom Seaver (11-13, 4.72), smacking four homers including a pair by Oscar Gamble (21, 22) and Schoolboy Rowe (11-5, 4.16) went 6 2/3 for the win. Trea Turner (11) and Ken Williams (17) also homered for Charlotte. Seaver is now 3-3 with a 6.86 ERA since coming to Orlando in August - not exactly what the Orcas were hoping for.

• The home-run chase stays hot and heavy, as Dave Henderson and Lou Gehrig each hit their 33rd of the season.

[G-Force]

September 16, 2021

Alabama 7, Memphis 2. Vinegar Bend Mizell, in the midst of a horrendous campaign like much of the Alabama squad, threw a complete game backed by home runs from Addison Russell (11), Harry Steinfeldt (3) and Matt Holliday (7). Tom Underwood fell to 3-10 with the loss. Tony Armas hit his sixth for Memphis.

[G-Force]

September 17, 2021

Orlando 9, Memphis 8. When Orlando drafted Barry Bonds #1 overall in the November draft, the hope was that he, Jeff Bagwell and Chipper Jones would become the league's most formidable heart of the order. They aren't there yet, but don't tell Memphis. All three homered as the Orcas took the opener of a pivotal three-game set, pulling even in the Eastern League South. Jones (9), Bagwell (23) and Bonds (22) helped Charlie Ferguson win his 14th despite a lackluster five innings of work. A Dick Bartell error in the top of the third opened the floodgates to a six-run inning and an 8-2 Memphis lead. But Orlando struck for two in the bottom half and five in the fourth and the bullpen matched Memphis' from there on en route to the victory. Kevin Tapani left with a sore shoulder after one inning of work and Joe Benz allowed six runs in two innings of relief for the Sounds.


Charlotte 7, Alabama 2. Al Hollingsworth (10-11, 5.00) threw 6 1/3 of scoreless ball and Charlie Robertson threw 2 2/3 in relief as Charlotte knocked off the Slammers and Greg Maddux (10-8, 4.39). Adolfo Phillips (21) and Jim Gentile (22) homered for the Cougars.

• Louisville clinched the Eastern League North with a 7-3 win over Chicago. Dave Henderson hit his league-leading 34th homer. Rookie Manny Ramirez hit his 12th. Mickey Mantle hit his 17th for Chicago.

• Denver's Cole Hamels won his 22nd of the season, established a new ABL record. Coincidentally, Hamels topped Jesse Tannehill, who held the previous mark of 21 set in 2018 with Memphis, in the Pilots' 4-0 win over Sacramento. Hamels threw a complete-game four-hitter to improve to 22-4 with a 3.04 ERA. Tannehill went the distance as well, falling to 6-10 with a 3.69 ERA.

[G-Force]

September 18, 2021


EASTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

Orlando 7, Memphis 6. The Sounds scored four runs in the top of the 9th to come back from a 5-2 deficit against Ken Forsch and Dennis Eckersley, who is now 4-0 with 41 saves and an 0.91 ERA. But Jose Valverde blew the save - his fifth - in the bottom of the ninth, allowing a game-tying single to Grady Hatton before Chipper Jones singled home the walk-off game winner to put Orlando into first place in the division.



Charlotte 3, Alabama 1. Noodles Hahn (13-8, 3.60) allowed one run over 6 1/3 for the Cougars and Gregg Olson and Bryan Harvey gave 2 2/3 innings of one-hit relief as the Cougars topped the Slammers. Oscar Gamble had two more hits and has batted .375 since August 1st. Kirk McCaskill lost his 15th for Alabama despite a decent (7 1/3 IP, 3 R) outing. Matt Holliday had three hits for Alabama.

WESTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

San Antonio 7, Phoenix 6. The Stallions have won the first two games of this three-game set to move within four games of Phoenix for the division lead. Jim Bunning (13-11, 3.58) allowed four runs (three earned) over seven innings and got a four-hit performance from Jackie Robinson to back him as San Antonio held off a Phoenix ninth-inning rally. Mike Moore (12-10, 4.52) took the loss for Phoenix, which got homers from Jesse Barfield (18) and Todd Helton (13). George Springer hit his 8th for the Stallions.

• Louisville's Dave Henderson homered again, belting his league-leading 35th in a 7-5 loss to Chicago.
  

[G-Force]

September 19, 2021


EASTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

Memphis 10, Orlando 2. The Sounds battered Dock Ellis (10-9, 4.42) for nine runs (seven earned) over 5 2/3, getting four hits from Ed Delahanty - quietly having yet another outstanding season (.328-14-62). Mark McLemore also had four hits for Memphis, including a two-run shot in the first, his third of the season. Van Mungo (11-10, 4.10) allowed two runs over 7 2/3 for the win to tie the division once again.


Charlotte 6, Alabama 2. Charlotte completed its sweep of Alabama, winning its fourth straight overall to close within a game of Memphis and Orlando. Jim Gentile had three hits and three RBI, including a two-run shot (23) off Hoyt Wilhelm in the 8th to break it open. Hank Thompson hit his 13th and Al Kaline had three hits for Alabama in the loss.

WESTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

San Antonio 6, Phoenix 4 (11 innings). When San Antonio made Elmer Flick the highest-paid player in the ABL this offseason, moments like this are what they had in mind. Flick hit a walk-off, two-run shot off Billy O'Dell in the bottom of the 11th inning to give San Antonio a three-game sweep of division-leading Phoenix and pull the Stallions to three games back. It was the ninth homer of the season for Flick, second in the league in batting to Ty Cobb at .337. Jackie Robinson drove in three for San Antonio. Despite a down season (.262-15-45), Robinson came through here, going 6-for-14 (.429) with six runs scored in the series. Phoenix ace Stephen Strasburg (13-8, 3.79) allowed four runs over 6 1/3 in the no-decision. Todd Helton hit his 14th.

• Louisville battered Chicago, 20-2, for the season's biggest blowout. Norm Siebern had five hits and drove in four, while Manny Ramirez homered and drove in five. Honus Wagner went 3-for-5, scoring four runs and driving in a pair. Wagner is now batting .334 as he tries to chase down New York's Chief Wilson (.341) for the batting title. Home run leader Dave Henderson, however, didn't homer in the onslaught, going 1-for-6 with a single.
  

[G-Force]

It's funny. I control nothing and just sim the games out and write my stories. But I'm finding myself pulling for San Antonio given how bad they were and how it seemed they did everything wrong for three years. Will be interesting how it shakes out.

GH

[Snider&Hodges]

Originally Posted by G-Force

It's funny. I control nothing and just sim the games out and write my stories. But I'm finding myself pulling for San Antonio given how bad they were and how it seemed they did everything wrong for three years. Will be interesting how it shakes out.

GH

I will admit I've only done a partial read - eventually, I plan on reading all the posts because this is well done. However, I must say I have my eyes on the other division, and are pulling for the Orcas, as Chipper was my favorite player growing up. San Antonio sure seems like they've turned everything around though.

[G-Force]

Originally Posted by Snider&Hodges

I will admit I've only done a partial read - eventually, I plan on reading all the posts because this is well done. However, I must say I have my eyes on the other division, and are pulling for the Orcas, as Chipper was my favorite player growing up. San Antonio sure seems like they've turned everything around though.

Thanks for swinging by! Chipper was an island unto himself in Orlando for the first couple years. Neither Jeff Bagwell nor Ryan Braun - hit streak record aside - developed as expected. They come off their worst season last year and this would be their first .500 season, but they have a higher goal now. Drafting Barry Bonds in last November's amateur draft has certainly had an immediate impact, even if he hasn't been Bonds-like yet.


GH

[G-Force]

September 20, 2021


EASTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

Memphis 5, Charlotte 2. Mike Hampton (14-5, 3.35) threw seven innings of two-run ball and Jose Valverde earned his 25th save of the season with a six-out effort as the Sounds reclaimed first place in the South. Ken Griffey Sr. continued his excellent season, picking up three more hits to raise his average to .305. George Brett added two hits to raise his average to .322, and scored twice. Schoolboy Rowe (11-6, 4.26) took the loss for Charlotte.

WESTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

New Orleans 10, Phoenix 1. Luke Appling had three hits including a three-run homer - his third - and Eppa Rixey allowed one run on five hits over 7 1/3 as the Knights were spoiler for a day, knocking off the first place Scorpions. John Thomson (11-9, 4.20) was battered for nine runs over 6 1/3 and Phoenix - losers of four straight - could never get it going against Rixey, who won his ninth of the season.

[G-Force]

September 21, 2021


EASTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

Memphis 4, Charlotte 1. Tom Underwood (4-10, 4.59) stepped up, allowing a run on three hits over seven innings and the Sounds scored a pair in the fourth and again in the fifth against loser Frank Viola (8-8, 4.69) to win their third in a row despite leaving 11 men on base. Mark McLemore and Bobby Brown each had a pair of hits for Memphis.



Orlando 10, Alabama 2. The struggling Tom Seaver bent but didn't break this time, allowing two runs over six innings and the Orcas' bats were on fire. Every starter reached base, led by Elmer Smith's 4-for-4 day and Jonathan Villar's three-run homer, his first of the season. Ryan Braun hit his fourth. Seaver improved to 4-3 since being acquired from Portland in August, but with a ghastly 6.47 ERA. Mel Parnell (5-7) took the loss for Alabama, which got solo shots from Albert Pujols (21) and Duke Snider (16) but little else.

WESTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

New Orleans 6, Phoenix 4. Make it five losses in a row for the Scorpions! Rookie Luis Tiant (12-12, 4.67) allowed three runs (one earned) over five innings and Tim Wakefield and Tug McGraw kept Phoenix at bay except for Boog Powell's 10th homer of the season in the ninth in a failed comeback attempt. Lance Lynn (3-3, 4.37) allowed four runs over 7 1/3 in the loss, as Luke Appling and Ralph Kiner each picked up three hits and Jason Thompson hit his ninth homer of the year.


Los Angeles 6, San Antonio 5. The Stallions miss out on a chance to get within a game and a half of Phoenix in frustrating fashion. Trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the eighth, Bob Robertson hit a pinch-hit two-run shot (16) off Koji Uehara to give the Stallions the lead. But Greg Holland blew his sixth save of the season, allowing a game-tying homer to Hack Wilson (10) and an RBI single to Danny Litwhiler that gave the Idols the victory. Andy Pafko drove in three for Los Angeles and Jason Giambi did the same for San Antonio.

• In good news for Louisville, Bob Feller seems to be back on track. Feller threw a complete game shutout, striking out nine as the Thoroughbreds topped Boston 6-0. Feller (12-7, 3.98) started hot, struggled in June and July and showed signs of righting the ship in August. He now has a 2.40 ERA over four starts in September as Louisville prepares for the postseason.

• Herb Score put Denver's quest to become the first ABL team to win 100 games on hold for a night. Score (11-14, 3.69) threw seven shutout innings of two-hit ball as Portland won a pitcher's duel against Steve Carlton (18-9, 2.36) and Pilots, 2-1. Score walked only two, and when he does that he's one of the ABL's best. Carlton, the Western League ERA leader, allowed two runs (one earned) over eight in the loss, but should get two more starts to try and get to 20 wins.

[G-Force]

September 22, 2021


EASTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

Memphis 6, Charlotte 5. Kevin Tapani won his 16th as the Sounds dealt the Cougars another blow, getting homers from Mark McLemore (4) and Andre Dawson (17) against loser Al Hollingsworth (10-12, 5.23). Oscar Gamble hit his 23rd homer of the season and drove in three for Charlotte in the loss. Bill Nicholson hit his 16th.



Orlando 3, Alabama 2. Jamie Moyer (9-7, 4.65) allowed two runs over eight innings despite striking out no one and Dennis Eckersley picked up his 42nd save as the Orcas keep pace with Memphis. Art Devlin's first homer of the season, a 2-run shot, broke a scoreless tie in the fifth. Vinegar Bend Mizell, in the midst of a horrible season, was solid - allowing three runs over 7 1/3. He's gone 2-2 with a 3.38 ERA in September in a season that's seen him post as ERA over 5.50.

WESTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

Phoenix 10, New Orleans 4. The Scorpions jumped all over Erik Bedard (10-15, 4.67) for six runs in the first and every player ended up with a hit on the day. Sid Gordon hit his first homer of the season, a 3-run shot in that big first inning. Red Faber (11-9, 3.49) picked up the win, allowing three runs over six innings. Sam Crawford had two hits for New Orleans in the loss as the lifetime .327 hitter counts the days to free agency.


San Antonio 1, Los Angeles 0. Jack Harshman (11-11, 4.50) threw 7 1/3 shutout innings and Dick Radatz and Greg Holland got the final five outs as the Stallions shut down the Idols in San Antonio to keep the pressure on Phoenix. The Stallions turned four double plays on the day and the only run came when Jackie Robinson scored on a wild pitch in the third.

• The Denver Pilots became the first ABL team to win 100 games in a season, improving to 100-49 with a 6-0 win over Portland. David Palmer, whose surprising season is a big reason for Denver's record-setting performance, went the distance with a four-hitter to improve to 12-4 with a 3.19 ERA. A Bill Madlock error led to three unearned runs against loser Jose Deleon (12-11, 3.90).

• When Willie McCovey, the 2019 Western League home run champion, didn't sign anywhere last offseason, feeling he was being underpriced, the risk on his part was significant. He ultimately signed a one-year deal with Boston during the season's opening week, and the expected sluggishness has certainly impacted his season. But with a two-homer game today, he now has 18, 10 of those since August 1st. what free agency will bring him this time around only time will tell.

[G-Force]

September 23, 2021


EASTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

Orlando 15, Alabama 10. It was a slugfest in Orlando, but one the Orcas managed to win - without hitting a homer - to tie Memphis for the division lead once again. Barry Bonds, Grady Hatton and Kenny Lofton each drove in three as Orlando banged out 15 hit and drew seven walks. The Orcas won despite a great day for the Slammers' Albert Pujols, who hit a pair of homers (22, 23) and drove in seven, but was unable to keep Alabama from dropping its sixth straight. Pujols' 7 RBIs tied him for the ABL single-game record.

WESTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

San Antonio 3, Los Angeles 2 (10 innings). A big win for San Antonio in extra innings, and one requiring some resilience, coming back from two deficits and overcoming three errors. Down 1-0 in the seventh and with CC Sabathia rolling along, Morgan Ensberg hit a two-out, game-tying homer to even the score. The Lightning plated a run in the top of the 10th on a Willie Mays RBI single off Bill Henry. But with the bases loaded, reliever Bill Campbell walked Kevin Mitchell to force home the tying run, and then proceeded to walk Carlos Gomez for the game winner, sending Los Angeles manager Earl Weaver storming down the dugout tunnel. The Stallions are now only two games behind Phoenix.

• With his fourth straight 3-hit game, Honus Wagner has closed the gap in the Eastern League batting race and now only trails New York's Chief Wilson by two points (.343-.341). Wagner has hit .404 this month, while Wilson has batted only .244.

• Denver's Cole Hamels won his 23rd game of the season, increasing his ABL single-season record total in the Pilots' 6-2 win over Portland.

• Hamels' Denver teammate Ty Cobb stole his 65th base of the season, breaking the ABL record of 64 he set last season. Cobb is the alltime stolen base leader with 213, with his teammate Tim Raines second with 182.

[G-Force]

September 24, 2021


EASTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

Alabama 3, Memphis 1. Hank Thompson hit his 14th homer of the season, a two-run shot off loser Tom Hughes in the fourth, and Kirk McCaskill and three relievers held the Sounds at bay in this closely fought contest. McCaskill allowed one run over 6 1/3 and Jack Morris, Troy Percival and John Franco combined for 2 2/3 of scoreless relief. Ed Delahanty had two hits and drove in the lone Memphis run.


Orlando 7, Charlotte 6 (11 innings). The Orcas reclaim first place in dramatic fashion. With Orlando's Dock Ellis locked in a pitcher's duel with Noodles Hahn, the Orcas led 1-0 heading to the 8th. But Charlotte scored three in the top half of the inning. Orlando answered with two in the bottom half, and the game would go to extras tied 3-3. Charlotte struck for 3 runs in the top of the 11th, but Elmer Smith hit a 3-run shot, his 15th, to tie it, and two batters later Chipper Jones hit a walkoff single for another dramatic Orcas victory!

WESTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

Phoenix 4, Los Angeles 2 (10 innings). Todd Helton hit a two-out, two-run walkoff homer in the bottom of the 10th off Gary Lavelle to give Phoenix a big victory over the Idols, as San Antonio - hot on their heels - was playing a doubleheader. Stephen Strasburg allowed two runs over seven and L.A.'s Ron Guidry allowed a pair over eight as both got no decisions.



San Antonio 3, New Orleans 2. Jim Bunning (14-11, 3.54) allowed two runs over 7 1/3 and Greg Holland picked up his 35th save as the Stallions beat the Knights in the first game of a double dip. Joe Gordon had three hits and drove in a pair for San Antonio. Joe Mauer had a pair of hits for New Orleans.


New Orleans 13, San Antonio 6. Ralph Kiner hit a pair of homers (16, 17) as part of a four-homer attack as the Knights battered Smoky Joe Wood, who has been a huge disappointment after being signed as a free agent following his Outstanding Pitcher earning 2020 season. Jason Giambi (18) and Elmer Flick (10) homered for the Stallions in the loss.

[G-Force]

September 25, 2021


EASTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

Orlando 6, Charlotte 5. Barry Bonds hit a three-run shot for his 23rd homer, Dennis Eckersley earned his 43rd save in as many chances to stay perfect, and Orlando won its fifth in a row to stay atop the South. Both Orlando's Kevin Appier and Charlotte's Bruce Ruffin left with injuries after each allowed a run in 2 1/3 innings. Joe Decker earned his first win of the season, working three scoreless innings before giving way to Eckersley to close it out. Jim Gentile hit his 24th for Charlotte, which fell below .500 with its fifth straight defeat.



Memphis 12, Alabama 4. The Sounds got homers from George Brett, Bobby Brown and Mark McLemore as part of a 15-hit barrage to stay a game behind the Orcas. Brett drove in four on the day and Van Mungo (12-10, 4.05) allowed two runs over seven for the win. Doc Ayers (6-11, 5.05) allowed seven runs over five innings for the loss. Bobby Murcer hit his 23rd and Duke Snider his 17th in the loss.

WESTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

Los Angeles 11, Phoenix 3. A.J. Burnett (8-10, 3.99) gutted through control problems and was given the breathing room to do so as the Idols walloped three homers in a 13-hit attack. Jimmie Hall (24) and Bobby Avila (14) each homered and drove in three and Rick Dempsey hit a two-run shot, his fifth, to pace Los Angeles. Mike Moore (12-11, 4.68) took the loss.



New Orleans 4, San Antonio 2. The Stallions jumped out to a 2-0 first inning lead, but the Knights scored a run in the second and got a three-run shot from Gary Sheffield in the third for a lead they would never relinquish. Eppa Rixey won his 10th, allowing two runs over seven while striking out seven, and Mark Melancon picked up a six-out save, his 18th of the year. Jake Arrieta (16-9, 3.98) took the loss.

[G-Force]

September 26, 2021


EASTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

Orlando 3, Charlotte 2. A huge disappointment since being acquired in August, Tom Seaver (13-13, 4.55) came through here, allowing one earned run over seven innings of work as Orlando held its lead over Memphis going into the teams' big three-game set in Tennessee starting tomorrow. Jonathan Villar drove in a pair for Orlando. Bob Gallia (2-4, 3.05) took the loss in relief for the Cougars, who have lost six straight. The Orcas have won six in a row. Adolfo Phillips hit his 22nd for Charlotte in the loss.


Memphis 9, Alabama 2. The Sounds used an 8-run fifth inning - including a two-run double from Rafael Furcal and a three-run homer from Dustin Pedroia, his first of the season - to top Mel Parnell and the Slammers behind a terrific outing from Mike Hampton (15-5, 3.29). Hampton went 8 1/3, allowing two runs on seven hits and striking out three. Al Kaline hit a two-run shot, his 19th, for Alabama's runs. Memphis remains a game back of Orlando, who they welcome for three games beginning tomorrow night.

WESTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

Los Angeles 7, Phoenix 0. Pat Malone threw 6 1/3 shutout innings for his first win of the season, outlasting the Scorpions' John Thomson (11-10, 4.16), who allowed three runs over eight innings in a game that was scoreless until the seventh. Bobby Avila drove in a pair for Los Angeles. This wasn't how Phoenix was hoping to enter their series with San Antonio, which begins tomorrow in Phoenix.



San Antonio 6, New Orleans 3. The Stallions will ride into that huge 3-game set in Phoenix now just a game and a half back, as Carlos Gomez (19) and Kevin Mitchell (23) took rookie Luis Tiant (12-13, 4.81) deep. Jack Harshman (12-11, 4.40) allowed two runs (one earned) over 6 1/3 for the win.

• Steve Carlton earned win number 19, throwing eight innings of one-run ball in Denver's 2-1 win over Omaha.
• Louisville's Bob Feller threw seven shutout innings, striking out 10, to get him to 194 on the season. He'll have one more start to pick up six K's and become the first ABL pitcher to strike out 200 in a season.
• Honus Wagner picked up three more hits to raise his average to .341, now just two points behind New York's Chief Wilson for the Eastern League batting title. Wagner has finished fourth, second, and fourth in the batting race in the ABL's first three years.
  

[G-Force]

September 27, 2021


EASTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

Memphis 6, Orlando 4. George Brett had three hits and Ed Delahanty (15), Andre Dawson (18) and Dustin Pedroia (2) homered for the Sounds as they pulled even with the Orcas atop the division in the first game of this huge three-game set. Kevin Tapani (17-11, 4.66) always seems to get support, and this was no exception. Jamie Moyer (9-8, 4.65) took the loss for Orlando. Barry Bonds drove in three for the Orcas in the loss.

WESTERN LEAGUE SOUTH

San Antonio 5, Phoenix 4. Kevin Mitchell broke a 4-4 tie in the 8th with an RBI double off Sean Marshall and the Stallions pulled to within a half game of the Scorpions. Carlos Gomez hit his 20th homer for San Antonio, whose improbable run continues. The Stallions led 4-0 after five but Phoenix stormed back on two-run hits from Frank Chance and Todd Helton, who leads the Western League in RBIs with 97. Dick Radatz won his eighth in relief and Greg Holland picked up save number 36.