The New England Baseball League

[Papi]

June 4,5,6,7 at Orono Riot (18-30)

June 4-Sergio Hernandez homered and drove in two, and Alberto Flores added three hits and two RBI as Newmarket snuck past Orono, 4-3. Quint Kobes had a hit and two runs scored in his Newmarket debut in support of Jesus Guardado, who allowed 11 hits and three runs with two walks and four strikeouts. (29-21)
W-Jesus Guardado (7-5) L-Luis Hernandez (3-5) S-John Coury (13) HR-NMKT Sergio Hernandez (10)

June 5-Sergio Hernandez homered for a second straight day, and Quint Kobes added two hits and an RBI as the Mules beat up on the Riot, 7-1. Alex Herman, making his first start in over a month, went seven scoreless innings, giving up just two hits and one walk with six strikeouts, picking up his first career win. (30-21)
W-Alex Herman (1-3) L-Mark Ellis (1-3) HR-NMKT Sergio Hernandez (11)

June 6-Scott Fullerton went 3-5 with a pair of homeruns and five RBI, and Sergio Hernandez homered for a third straight game as the Mules beat up on the Riot 11-3. Alex Alba went 2-4 with two doubles and two RBI in the win, while Jesus Flores went the first seven innings, giving up five hits and two runs with two walks and three strikeouts earning his 8th win of the year. (31-21)
W-Jesus Flores (8-2) L-Charles Penn (3-5) HR-NMKT Scott Fullerton 2(4), Sergio Hernandez (12)

June 7-Masanori Oshima hit his first career HR, a two run shot, and Richard Rice added two hits and two runs scored as Orono avoided the sweep, sneaking past the Mules 5-4. Brad Ford went 3-4 with a double, homerun and three RBI for Newmarket in the loss. (31-22)
W-Bob Behr (3-4) L-Wallace Harrison (2-7) S-Harry Dykstra (10) HR-NMKT Brad Ford (2), ORO Masanori Oshima (1)

June 8,9,10,11 at Portland Bulldogs (25-28)

June 8-Mario Saenz hit a three run homerun, and Albert Grimes added a homerun and three RBI as Portland doubled up Newmarket 10-5. Alex Alba hit his first homerun of the year, and Quint Kobes added his first homerun as a member of the Mules in the loss. Roberto Rodriguez added three htis and two RBI as well. (31-23)
W-Dave Phillips (4-6) L-Chester Griffin (6-3) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (1), Alex Alba (1), POR Mario Saenz (9), Albert Grimes (2), Adrian Hall (4)

June 9-Quint Kobes drove in Alex Alba with an RBI double in the top of the 10th inning as Newmarket beat Portland 6-5. Roberto Rodriguez had three RBI while Scott Fullerton added two hits and two runs scored in the victory for the Mules. Fernando Garcia pitched two scoreless innings, striking out three, earning the win. (32-23)
W-Fernando Garcia (2-1) L-Alfredo Guzman (2-3) S-John Coury (14), HR-POR Jack Muirhead (14), Steve Davis (10)

June 10-Scott Fullerton continued to improve, as he had two hits and two RBI, and Allan Fox added two hits with an RBI double as Newmarket squeaked past Portland 4-3. Alex Herman pitched his second straight solid game, going seven innings, allowing six hits and two runs with one walk and six strikeouts, earning the win. (33-23)
W-Alex Herman (2-3) L-Hirotada Mizuno (3-5) S-John Coury (15)

June 11-Jesus Flores pitched a complete game, five hit shutout, walking one and striking out nine and Sergio Hernandez hit a solo HR accounting for all the runs that would be scored as Newmarket took three of four from Portland, winning 1-0. Manny Sandoval picked up the loss despite allowing just four hits and one run with one walk and five strikeouts in seven innings. (34-23)
W-Jesus Flores (9-2) L-Manny Sandoval (6-3) HR-Sergio Hernandez (13)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Jon Benson (Portland) .417 (10-24) 3 HR 5 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Jesus Rodriguez (Manchester) .407 (11-24) 3 HR 11 RBI

-Harry Behan of the Durham Bobcats has signed a contract extention that will take him through the end of the 2010 season, for $333,000. The 30 year old closer is 4-3 with a 3.42 ERA and 16 saves on the year. He has appeared in 24 games, pitching 23 2/3 innings, giving up 18 hits and just three walks with 24 strikeouts. Last year, he was 2-0 with a 2.36 ERA and 8 saves for Manchester.

-Josh Price and the Exeter Blue Hawks have agreed on a new three year contract that will pay the firstbaseman just over $5.2 million dollars. On the year, his first with Exeter, Price is hitting .331 with 15 homeruns and 41 RBI in 163 AB's. He hit .272 with 15 HR and 55 RBI a year ago for the Augusta Moose.

-Big trade bewteen Dover and Durham this week as the Bobcats send former closer Steve MacFadden to the Green Wave in exchange for last year's homerun champ and Gold Glove winner Patrick Gilbert. Gilbert had lost his starting job to newcomer Marcos Diaz, and was hitting a robust .369 with 6 homeruns, 4 doubles, 2 triples and 22 RBI in just 84 AB's, mostly as a pinch hitter, while MacFadden had lost his closers job to Harry Behan and had gone 4-1 with a 2.39 ERA and 2 saves for Durham. He had pitched in 16 games, covering 26 1/3 innings, giving up 17 hits and 11 walks to go along with 30 strikeouts on the year.

-The disparity in offense between the two leagues is pretty severe. The Northern League is hitting .244 with 401 homeruns, while the Southern League is hitting .269 with 519 homeruns.

-The opposite is true for the pitching as the NL has posted a composite 3.56 ERA while the SL pitching staffs have put up a 4.61 ERA.

Next on tap for the Mules is the end of their roadtrip that sees three games in Portsmouth against the Clippers followed by a trip back to Newmarket to play host to the Durham Bobcats for two games!

[Papi]

June 12,13,14 at Portsmouth Clippers (32-24)

June 12-Quint Kobes and Roberto Rodriguez each had two hits and an RBI and Alberto Flores added two runs batted in as Newmarket snuck past Portsmouth 4-3. Wallace Harrison pitched seven innings, giving up seven hits and three runs with two walks and six strikeouts, earning the win. (35-23)
W-Wallace Harrison (3-7) L-Kevin Norris (2-1) S-John Coury (16) HR-POR Cris Feliciano (8), Felix Ortiz (6)

June 13-Bobby Hancock hit for the cycle, picking up five hits and two RBI total and Diego Moran also added five hits and two RBI, while Juan Munoz homered and drov ein five runs as the Clippers destroyed the Mules 20-3. Seven different Portsmouth batters had at least two hits and eight different players drove in runs. Chester Griffin was charged with the loss, giving up 10 hits and 10 runs in 2 2/3 innings. (35-24)
W-Gabriel Espinoza (9-2) L-Chester Griffin (6-4) HR-NMKT Roberto Rodriguez (8), Alex Alba (2), POR Juan Munoz (5), Bobby Hancock (2), Domingo Garcia (10), Rob Gibson (6), Luis Beaza (2)

June 14-A throwing error by Fernando Garcia allowed the winning run to score as Portsmouth took two of three from Newmarket, winning a nailbiter 3-2. Jerry Ward pitched two scoreless innings, striking out two, earning the win. Jesus Guardado pitched eight innings, giving up five hits and one run with two walks and striking out six, earning a no decision. (35-25)
W-Jerry Ward (4-1) L-Fernando Garcia (2-2)

June 16,17 v Durham Bobcats (34-26)

June 16-Fernando Peralta, playing his first game in a month, hit a two out, two run homerun in the bottom of the 16th inning as the Mules beat the Bobcats 6-4. Alberto Flores hit a two run HR in the win, while the Mules bullpen pitched 7 2/3 innings, giving up seven hits and one run with three walks and six strikeouts, with Pablo Contreras pitching the final two innings, earning the win. (36-25)
W-Pablo Contreras (3-0) L-Lex Geels (1-4) HR-NMKT Fernando Peralta (3), Alberto Flores (11), OYS Patrick Gilbert (7)

June 17-Patrick Gilbert had two hits and two RBI, and Rodrigo Sanchez pitched eight innings, giving up five hits and two runs, walking none and striking out six as Durham split the two game series, beating Newmarket 4-2. Roberto Rodriguez hit a solo HR, his 9th of the year, in the loss for the Mules. (36-26)
W-Rodrigo Sanchez (5-6) L-Wallace Harrison (3-8) S-Harry Behan (17) HR-NMKT Roberto Rodriguez (9)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Jose Salinas (Augusta) .565 (12-23) 3 HR 11 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Carlos Perea (Gloucester) .450 (9-20) 4 HR 8 RBI

-Manchester and P Lazzaro Cavatta have agreed on a three year contract extention worth $2.538 million dollars. On the year, Cavatta is 10-2 with a 3.79 ERA. He has started 16 games, throwing 102 innings, giving up 111 hits and 16 walks, while striking out 83.

-Antonio Torres of the AA Honolulu Monkeys, the AA affiliate of the Newmarket Mules, pitched the first no-hitter in professional baseball this year, as he walked two and struck out eight, while throwing 105 pitches in the Mules 5-0 win over the Mesa Whirlwinds. Brent Benson homered twice, driving in four, providing most of the offense for the Monkeys. (I would post the boxscore, but my copy/paste still isn't working, and I'm afraid if I can't figure it out, I am done at the end of this month, since I can't post stats or anything)

Next on tap for the Mules is the beginning of a homestand, with the first four games against the Bangor Crusaders, followed by three games playing host to the Portsmouth Clippers. The 2009 Amateur Draft recap is next though!

[Papi]

2009 Amateur Draft

1) Portland Bulldogs--LF Ed Brown (7/5/7/7/7-57/36/54/69/54)
2) Danvers Falcons--P Rodney "Punchy" Kalman (6/11/7-47/65/54)
3) Exeter Blue Hawks--P Robert Davis (23/41/25-39/67/56)
4) Peabody Tanners--LF Kanzaburo Chouda (17/19/9/17/25-59/56/31/51/77)
5) Orono Riot--P Cristo Molina (8/31/10-26/84/34)
6) Newmarket Mules--P Stephen Murphy (6/7/5-63/69/61)
7) Portsmouth Clippers--3B Bennie Wood (15/15/10/13/11-57/47/36/52/73)
8) Augusta Moose--RF Seung-kab Hwang (8/7/5/5/5-40/38/28/29/27)
9) Manchester Lancers--CF Valentin Gonzalez (22/29/14/21/23-43/52/31/46/47)
10) Exeter Blue Hawks--C Barrett Gordon (17/18/15/12/28-50/49/41/41/81)
11) Salem Witches--CF Steve Lewis (7/7/2/5/7-56/51/16/43/53)
12) Salem Witches--3B Javier Rodriguez (6/8/6/6/6-39/46/45/48/35)
13) Manchester Lancers--1B Jim Blackburn (17/14/12/14/12-45/36/41/46/34)
14) Exeter Blue Hawks--RP Cipriano "Dash" Rodriguez (18/37/19-100/100/100)
15) Gloucester Fisherman--P Alex Rosario (23/46/31-51/82/69)
16) Portland Bulldogs--SS Raul Rios (7/5/2/6/6-35/31/7/33/39)

Other Mules Picks:

2nd round 22nd overall--P Manuelo "Megaphone" Sanchez (16/35/16-51/93/55)
2nd round 28th overall--CF Carlos Beltran (6/6/3/6/5-71/58/34/65/65)
3rd round 38th overall--LF Peter Lynch (16/14/12/12/10-64/56/59/63/43)
4th round 54th overall--P Cole Edwards (19/39/22-42/74/57)
5th round 60th overall--P Ken Edwards (13/34/20-39/77/64)

Overall I am pleased with our draft. We didn't get a superstar, but I don't think there were any superstars in this draft. We added some much needed pitching depth, picking up 10 new pitchers total, as well as some bats that may be starters down the road.

[Papi]

June 18,19,20,21 v Bangor Crusaders (42-19)

Before we get into the game recaps, I wanted to post some photos of each city we encounter here. Below are a couple pictures of Newmarket, New Hampshire:





June 18-Fernando Peralta went 4-5 with 3 doubles and four RBI, Sergio Hernandez homered and drove in two and Scott Fullerton added three hits and two runs scored as Newmarket hammered Bangor 11-3. Chester Griffin rebounded nicely from his horiffic start last week, going seven innings, and giving up just one earned run, while striking out six. (37-26)
W-Chester Griffin (7-4) L-Jeremiah Hebert (8-1) HR-NMKT Sergio Hernandez (14)

June 19-Aurelio Barron, Jesus Rodriguez, and Tracy Osborne each had RBI doubles in the 14th inning as Bangor beat Newmarket 4-1 in a marathon game. Jesus Guardado was the star of the game, despite the Mules losing as he went 11 innings, giving up just six hits and one runs with no walks and five strikeouts, while reliever Sandy Martin pitched three scoreless innings, striking out four for the Crusaders, earning the win. (37-27)
W-Sandy Martin (1-3) L-Fernando Garcia (2-3) HR-BAN Aurelio Barron (13)

June 20-Alex Herman continued his rookie reformation, winning his third straight start, going seven innings, allowing five hits and one run, while walking just one and striking out four, and Fernando Peralta, Brad Ford and Alberto Flores each had two hits as the Mules beat the Crusaders 3-1. (38-27)
W-Alex Herman (3-3) L-Fransisco Rodriguez (4-6) S-John Coury (17) HR-BAN Frank Rockwell (8)

June 21-Ricardo Naut hit an RBI double off Pable Contreras in the top of the 11th inning as Bangor managed a split of the four game series with the Mules, winning 4-3. The Cursader bullpen pitched five innings, allowing just one hit and no runs, with 2 walks and seven strikeouts in the victory, (38-28)
W-Hyeok Park (3-1) L-Pable Contreras (3-1) S-Fransisco Galiendo (3)

June 22,23,24 v Portsmouth Clippers (37-27)

June 22-Luis Ortiz hit a three run homerun and drove in four runs for the game, and Wallace Harrison pitched a complete game, giving his rundown bullpen a rest, allowing six hits and three runs with two walks and five strikeouts as Newmarket beat Portsmouth 7-3. Bobby Harris and Alex Alba each had two hits and an RBI in the win. (39-28)
W-Wallace Harrison (4-8) L-Carlos Cardenas (0-1) HR-NMKT Luis Ortiz (9)

June 23-Roberto Rodriguez hit a two run double and two batters later, Luis Ortiz drove him in with a two run HR to cap a four run 1st inning, and Chester Griffin would make it hold up, pitching eight innings, allowing five hits and one run walking one and striking out seven as the Mules got past the Clippers 4-2. The win made Griffin 6-0 with a 1.48 ERA at home and just 2-4 with a 6.75 ERA on the road. (40-28)
W-Chester Griffin (8-4) L-Gabriel Espinoza (9-3) S-John Coury (18) HR-NMKT Luis Ortiz (10)

June 24-Newmarket completed the sweep of Portsmouth as Jesus Guardado pitched eight more solid innings, giving up two runs and six hits with no walks and eight strikeouts, and got offensive support from Roberto Rodriguez and Alberto Flores, who each hit two run homeruns as the Mules beat the Clippers 4-2. (41-28)
W-Jesus Guardado (8-5) L-Vincent Masson (4-8) S-John Coury (19) HR-NMKT Alberto Flores (12) Roberto Rodriguez (10)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Juan Escobedo (Orono) .440 (11-25) 3 HR 6 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Andre Normandin (Manchester) .550 (11-20) 4 HR 10 RBI

-Minor deal this week that saw the Dover Green Wave send OF Bernardo Ochoa to the Portsmouth Clippers for OF Victor Moreno. On the year, Moreno is hitting .285 with 5 homeruns and 17 RBI after hitting .319 with 3 HR and 30 RBI a year ago for the Clippers, while Ochoa hit .274 with one homerun and 10 RBI for Dover, and hit .298 with three homeruns and 37 RBI in a full time role for the Green Wave a year ago.

-Looking at Chester Griffin's home/road splits on the year got me interested. Below are some other neat splits for Mules players on the year:

-Jesus Guardado has walked just two hitters in 58 IP at home, while walking 18 in 66 IP away from Newmarket.
-Wallace Harrison is 2-4 with a 4.15 ERA at home and 2-4 with a 4.15 ERA on the road.
-Alex Herman, in three June starts has allowed just 14 hits in 22 innings, after giving up 37 hits in just 24 IP previously.
-Luis Ortiz is batting .750 (3-4) with three homeruns and six RBI with a runner on third base.
-Alex Alba his hitting just .074 (5-68) from the 7th inning on this year, and is hitting just .151 (11-75) with runners in scoring position.
-First pitch swinging, Roberto Rodriguez is hitting .449 (22-49) with two homeruns and 12 RBI.
-Kent Rogers is hitting .343 (12-35) at home, and just .159 (10-63) on the road.
-Bobby Harris is hitting .318 (21-66) with two outs, but just .171 (18-105) with either one out or no outs.


Up next for Newmarket as we finish up June and head into July is a four game series against the Augusta Moose, followed by three games in Dover against the Green Wave.

[Papi]

Complete Team Stats Through June 30-

[Papi]

June 25,26,27,28 v Augusta Moose (32-35)

June 25-Bobby Harris hit a two out triple in the bottom of the ninth inning, scoring Brad Ford and giving the Mules a 3-2 win over the Moose. Harris had two hits and two RBI on the game, and Alex Herman pitched another fine game. Despite picking up a no-decision, he went seven innings, giving up just four hits and two runs, both in the first inning, walking one and striking out six, lowering his ERA to 3.91, after starting the month with a 0-3 6.75. (42-28)
W-Fernando Garcia (3-3) L-Raul Gabriel (0-2)

June 26-Scott Fullerton went 2-4 with two RBI and two stolen bases, and Roberto Rodriguez hit a solo HR as Newmarket snuck past Augusta 4-2. Jesus Flores won his 10th game of the year, allowing four hits and two runs (zero earned), while walking two and striking out seven, throwing 108 pitches. John Coury pitched a perfect ninth for his league leading 20th save of the year. (43-28)
W-Jesus Flores (10-3) L-Jorge Garcia (7-4) S-John Coury (20) HR-NMKT Roberto Rodriguez (11)

June 27-Wallace Harrison followed up his complete game with another solid effort, going seven innings, allowing just three hits and one run while walking one and striking out eight, moving to 5-8 on the year as the Mules beat the Moose, 4-1. Scott Fullerton went 3-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base to lead the offense for Newmarket. (44-28)
W-Wallace Harrison (5-8) L-Rod Bright (7-9) S-John Coury (21)

June 28-Augusta avoided the sweep, as Fred Lewis and Jose Munoz each hit two run homeruns, and Andy Taylor added two hits and two RBI as the Moose nudged Newmarket 7-6. Sergio Hernandez went 3-5 with a homerun and three RBI in the loss for the Mules. (44-29)
W-Marcos Castro (3-0) L-Ray Allen (0-1) S-Lou Dennis (14) HR-NMKT Sergio Hernandez (15), AUG Jose Munoz (7), Fred Lewis (5)

June 29,20, July 1 at Dover Green Wave (25-47)

June 29-Allan Fox hit a one out homerun in the first inning and Dan Zimmerman, making his first start since last August, pitched seven shutout innings as Newmarket blanked the Green Wave 1-0. Zimmerman struggled with his control, walking seven, but he allowed just three hits while striking out four in the win. Jerry McCauley picked up the loss despite allowing just six hits over eight innings, striking out six. (45-29)
W-Dan Zimmerman (1-0) L-Jerry McCauley (9-4) S-John Coury (21) HR-NMKT Allan Fox (3)

June 30-Manny Flores drove in John Jones with a two out single in the bottom of the 11th inning as Dover beat Newmarket 2-1. Ruben Arevalo pitched three shutout innings for the Green Wave picking up the win, while Jesus Guardado picked up a hardluck no decision, going eight innings, and surrendering four hits and one run with three walks and seven strikeouts. (45-30)
W-Ruben Arevalo (3-4) L-John Coury (2-2) HR-NMKT Alberto Flores (13)

July 1-Monty Frank pitched seven shutout innings, allowing just five hits and one walk with three strikeouts, and Don Behan had two hits and two RBI as Dover took two of three from Newmarket, blanking the Mules 3-0. Jesus Flores picked up his 3rd loss of the year, giving up two runs over seven innings, striking out eight. (45-31)
W-Monty Frank (3-6) L-Jesus Flores (10-3) S-Clay Browne (8)

News and Notes:

NL Batter of the Month: Aurelio Barron (Bangor) .344 6 HR 20 RBI
SL Batter of the Month: Alfonso Munoz (Salem) .324 14 HR 37 RBI

NL Pitcher of the Month: Manny Sandoval (Portland) 4-1 1.22 ERA 44 1/3 IP 39 K
SL Pitcher of the Month: Arnold Dawson (Salem) 6-0 2.10 ERA 55 2/3 IP 48 K

NL Rookie of the Month: Jesus Rodriguez (Bangor) .360 2 HR 18 RBI
SL Rookie of the Month: Sherman Morgan (Manchester) .297 4 HR 15 RBI

Not much else to report, although I will post league leaders next!

Leading up to the All-Star Break for Newmarket is 3 games at home against the Portland Bulldogs, followed by six on the road, the first three in Augusta against the Moose followed by a trip to Durham to square off against the Bobcats!

[Papi]

Complete League Leaders Through July 1-

[Papi]

July 3,4,5 v Portland Bulldogs (33-39)

July 3-Luis Ortiz and Roberto Rodriguez each hit solo HR's and Kent Rogers drove in two runs despite not picking up a hit as Newmarket doubled up Portland, winning 4-2. Alex Herman pitched two innings of perfect relief, striking out three, earning the victory. Steve Davis had two hits and both RBI for the Bulldogs in the loss. (46-31)
W-Alex Herman (4-3) L-Hirotada Mizuno (3-9) S-John Coury (22) HR-NMKT Roberto Rodriguez (12), Luis Ortiz (11)

July 4-Dan Zimmerman celebrated the country's independance in stylt, pitching eight innings of three hit ball as the Mules beat the Bulldogs 2-1. Zimmerman gave up just the one run while walking two and striking out eight. Through two starts, he has allowed just one run, while winning both starts. Alex Alba and Fernando Peralta each drove in runs in the win for Newmarket. (47-31)
W-Dan Zimmerman (2-0) L-Manny Sandoval (9-4) S-Fernando Garcia (6)

July 5-Adrian Hall hit a two run homerun and Jose Robles added a solo shot as Portland avoided the sweep, sneaking past Newmarket, 3-2. Dave Phillips pitched eight innings, giving up six hits and two runs, walking just one and striking out 11, earning the win. Luis Ortiz hit a solo HR and Jesus Guardado pitched a complete game, allowing three runs and just four hits with one walk and 10 strikeouts, falling to 8-5 on the year. (47-32)
W-Dave Phillips (6-8) L-Jesus Guardado (8-6) S-Jeremiah Arnold (5) HR-NMKT Luis Ortiz (12), POR Adrian Hall (7), Jose Robles (3)

July 6,7,8 at Augusta Moose (37-41)

July 6-Donald Warner pitched a complete game, allowing just five hits and one run with one walk and seven strikeouts as Augusta beat Newmarket 4-1. Jose Salinas went 2-4 with an RBI and Phil Webb went 3-3 to pace the attack. Jose Flores pitched hits 6th complete game of the year, allowing 11 hits and four runs with no walks and nine strikeouts in the loss. (47-33)
W-Donald Warner (11-6) L-Jose Flores (10-4)

July 7-Andy Taylor went 2-4 with a homerun and four RBI, leading the Moose to a 6-5 victory over the Mules. Fernando Peralta had a homerun, double, two RBI and two runs scored for Newmarket in a losing effort, and Carlos Lorenzo pitched eight innings, surviving five runs scored against his, improving to 3-10 on the year. (47-34)
W-Carlos Lorenzo (3-10) L-Alex Herman (4-4) S-Lou Dennis (17) HR-NMKT Fernando Peralta (4), Alberto Flores (14), AUG Andy Taylor (12), Jose Munnoz (8)

July 8-Andy Taylor homered for a 2nd straight day and four different Moose drove in runs as Augusta completed the sweep of Newmarket, winning 4-1. Jorge Garcia allowed just three hits and one run over eight innings, walking noone and striking out six, earning the win, while Wallace Harrison fell to 5-9 on the year, allowing 10 hits and four runs with nine strikeouts in the loss. (47-35)
W-Jorge Garcia (9-5) L-Wallace Harrison (5-9) S-Lou Dennis (18) HR-AUG Andy Taylor (13)

July 10,11,12 at Durham Bobcats (46-35)

July 10-Luis Ortiz hit a bases clearing triple, giving Newmarket a 5-0 lead, and after pinch hitter Bernardo Mejia hit a three run homerun, the Mules escaped with a 5-4 victory over the Bobcats. Dan Zimmerman won his third straight game, allowing 10 hits and four runs (three earned), walking none and striking out six, moving to 3-0 on the year. Alberto Flores hit a solo HR for the Mules in the win. (48-35)
W-Dan Zimmerman (3-0) L-Rodrigo Sanchez (6-8) S-John Coury (23) HR-NMKT Alberto Flores (15), OYS Bernardo Mejia (2)

July 11-Pete Gilbert hit a two run HR, capping a four run 4th inning as the Bobcats beat the Mules 5-4. Ronald Combs went 3-4 with two runs scored, and Jim Dunbar drove in a pair with a single in the victory, while Quint Kobes hit a two run double in the loss for Newmarket. Jesus Guardado fell to 8-7 on the year, allowing five runs and eight hits over six innings, while Leon Garcia picked up his 8th win of the year, despite allowing four runs over eight innings. (48-36)
W-Leon Garcia (8-4) L-Jesus Guardado (8-7) S-Lex Geels (4) HR-OYS Pete Gilbert (11)

July 12-Pete Gilbert homered again, and Carlos Arellano pitched eight solid innings, allowing five hits and one run, walking six and striking out three as the Bobcats moved into first place, beating the Mules 4-3. Fernando Peralta went 3-4 with a homerun, two RBI and two runs scored in the loss for Newmarket. Jesus Flores picked up the loss, allowing seven hits and three earned runs, falling to 10-5 on the year. (48-37)
W-Carlos Arellano (2-1) L-Jesus Flores (10-5) S-Lex Geels (5) HR_NMKT Fernando Peralta (5) OYS Pete Gilbert (12)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Denis Sullivan (Bangor) .500 (12-24) 3 HR 7 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Rob Kinneir (Nashua) .560 (14-25) 3 HR 8 RBI

-SL HR and RBI leader Alfonso Munoz of the Salem Witches saw a fantastic season come to a premature end as he dislocated his shoulder running into a wall last week. On the year, Munoz was hitting .296 with 35 homeruns and 107 RBI in just 82 games. A year ago, Munoz hit .277 with 44 homruns and 122 RBI, leading the league in both.

Up next will be All-Star Game Rosters and the Game recap!

[Papi]

2009 All-Star Break

Below are the rosters for the Northern and Southern League 2009 All-Stars along with stats:

Northern League

P-Manny Sandoval (Portland) 9-4 1.87
P-Dong-joon Yi (Durham) 12-4 2.55
P-Pedro Rangel (Bangor) 14-3 3.24
P-Jesus Flores (Newmarket) 10-5 2.48
P-Gabriel Espinoza (Portsmouth) 12-3 3.28
P-John Coury (Newmarket) 2-2 1.58 23 saves
P-Hyeok Park (Bangor) 4-1 1.31 15 saves
P-Jerry Ward (Portsmouth) 5-2 2.63 14 saves
P-Harry Behan (Durham) 5-3 3.97 18 saves
P-Fernando Garcia (Newmarket) 3-3 1.03 6 saves
P-Lou Dennis (Augusta) 0-2 1.86 18 saves
P-Jeremiah Arnold (Portland) 4-1 2.25 6 saves

C-Jon Benson (Portland) .250 14-29
C-Luis Ortiz (Newmarket) .267 12-44
1B-Pete Gilbert (Durham) .309 12-41
2B-Cris Feliciano (Portsmouth) .299 10-31 11 steals
2B-Jose Salinas (Augusta) .280 11-40
2B-Bryan Scharf (Bangor) .267 11-54
SS-Jose Velazquez (Durham) .289 10-34
SS-Quint Kobes (Newmarket) .276 10-38
OF-Aurelio Barron (Bangor) .313 17-59
OF-Clinton Larkin (Dover) .291 10-38
OF-Jose Munoz (Augusta) .288 9-27
OF-Rob Gibson (Portsmouth) .340 13-46 12 steals
OF-Juan Escobedo (Orono) .274 6-29 15 steals
OF-Ronald Combs (Durham) .325 12-44

Southern League

P-Chris Briggs (Gloucester) 17-4 2.58
P-Felipe Garcia (Nashua) 13-3 2.34
P-Chong-seop So (Manchester) 16-2 3.46
P-Tom Bell (Nashua) 14-4 3.22
P-Lazzaro Cavatta (Manchester) 13-3 3.24
P-Inejiro Takahashi (Gloucester) 5-3 2.88 22 saves
P-Ki-heung Song (Marblehead) 2-1 1.53 20 saves
P-Steve Williams (Manchester) 1-0 1.42 21 saves
P-Herb Daunt (Nashua) 3-1 0.83 4 saves
P-Scott Hill (Marblehead) 8-1 2.15 4 saves
P-Francis Williams (Nashua) 2-4 3.96 18 saves


C-Rob Kinneir (Nashua) .346 14-61
C-Tony Miranda (Exeter) .275 22-60
1B-Bob Clark (Peabody) .395 12-56
1B-Jorge Lemus (Marblehead) .340 19-65
1B-Jim Phipps (Nashua) .313 16-39
1B-Norman Vickers (Salem) .315 18-55
1B-Josh Price (Exeter) .315 20-52
2B-Miguel Pineda (Exeter) .284 8-27
SS-Jacob Davis (Marblehead) .288 7-38
3B-Felix Rivera (Nashua) .303 8-38
OF-Ivan Aguilar (Exeter) .349 24-63 22 steals
OF-Jesus Rodriguez (Manchester) .300 14-55
OF-Martin Howard (Peabody) .352 11-53
OF-Sherman Morgan (Manchester) .329 13-39
OF-Ray Odom (Peabody) .349 17-74
OF-Roberto Gonzalez (Gloucester) .316 19-48

2009 All-Star Game

Bangor's Bryan Scharf hit a one out, walk off grand slam homerun off Steve Williams of Manchester in the bottom of the 10th inning, as the Northern League beat the Southern League 5-1. The Southern League lost the game despite not allowing a hit until Juan Escobedo hit a leadoff double off Scott Hill. Boxscore below:

[Papi]

July 16,17,18,19 at Orono Riot (30-55)

I know it's huge, but I don't know how to shrink it down!


July 16-Scott Fullerton hit a three run homerun in the second inning, and Jesus Guardado pitched eight shutout innings, allowing seven hits and no walks with five strikeouts as Newmarket beat Orono 3-0. John Coury pitched a perfect ninth for his 24th save of the year. (49-37)
W-Jesus Guardado (9-7) L-Mark Ellis (1-7) S-John Coury (24) HR-NMKT Scott Fullerton (5)

July 17-Alberto Flores went 2-2 with a homerun, two RBI and two runs scored, and Dan Zimmerman improved to 4-0 in four starts as Newmarket snuck past Orono 7-6. Scott Fullerton and Fernando Peralta each had two hits and an RBI for the Mules. Zimmerman helped his own cause with two hits and an RBI as well. (50-37)
W-Dan Zimmerman (4-0) L-Charles Penn (5-11) S-John Coury (25) HR-NMKT Alberto Flores (16), ORO Juan Escobedo (7), Miguel Lopez (5)

July 18-Jesus Flores improved to 11-5 on the year, pitching 7 2/3 innings, allowing just four hits and one unearned run, walking two and striking out eight as Newmarket beat Orono again, today 3-1. Fernando Peralta and Luis Ortiz lead the offense, going 2-4 with a double and an RBI each. (51-37)
W-Jesus Flores (11-5) L-Bob Behr (3-9) S-Fernando Garcia (7)

July 19-Trailing 5-0 entering the top of the sixth inning, the Newmarket offense exploded for 14 runs over the final four frames as the Mules completed the sweep, hammering the Riot, 14-5. Sergio Hernandez spearheaded the offense, going 3-5 with a homerun, double and season high seven RBI, while relief pitcher Alex Herman, batting just .059 (1-17), hit a three run HR in the top of the ninth to seal the victory for the Mules. (52-37)
W-Pablo Contreras (4-1) L-Luis Hernandez (5-8) S-Alex Herman (1) HR-NMKT Sergio Hernandez (16), Alex Herman (1), ORO Jorge Gutierrez (12)

July 20,21,22 v Dover Green Wave (33-56)

July 20-Luis Ortiz hit a solo HR, his 13th homerun of the year, and Scott Fullerton added two hits, two runs scored and two stolen bases as Newmarket beat Dover 4-3. Pablo Contreras pitched a scoreless inning to pick up his 2nd win in as many days for the Mules. (53-37)
W-Pablo Contreras (5-1) L-Miguel Rodriguez (1-6) S-John Coury (26) HR-NMKT Luis Ortiz (13)

July 21-An overworked Mules bullpen allowed three runs over the final three innings, allowing Dover overcome a 2-0 deficit to beat the Mules 3-2. The loss spoiled another fine outing from Jesus Guardado, who pitched seven more scoreless innings, allowing just five hits and two walks with five strikeouts, extending his scoreless innings streak to 16 innings in the loss. Pablo Lucero drove in Clinton Larkin who had singled and advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch by John Coury in the bottom of the 10th inning to help the Green Wave to victory. (53-38)
W-Clay Browne (3-3) L-John Coury (2-3) HR-NMKT Fernando Peralta (6)

July 22-Roberto Rodriguez hit a solo homerun, and scored three times, as Newmarket beat Dover 8-3. Sergio Hernandez hit a two run double and Dan Zimmerman won his 5th straight start, helping his own cause with two hits and an RBI in the win. Zimmerman pitched eight innings, allowing five hits and three runs with seven strikeouts for the Mules. (54-38)
W-Dan Zimmerman (5-0) L-Ryushi Oda (3-9) HR-NMKT Roberto Rodriguez (13), Alberto Flores (17) DOV Marcos Diaz (21), Ronaldo Rios (1)

News and Notes:

-The Durham Bobcats have announced that starting next season, they have changed their name to the Oyster River Bobcats. The Durham GM said, "We felt that since we are right on the Oyster River, and we have a fan base the goes outside the Durham city limits, that we should respect that."

NL Player of the Week: Rob Gibson (Portsmouth) .400 (8-20) 2 HR 4 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Sherman Morgan (Manchester) .600 (12-20) 7 RBI

-Matt Thomas of the Portsmouth Clippers pitched a no-hitter this week, the NEBL's third in the leagues history. He walked just one while striking out 11 Augusta Moose as Portsmouth beat Augusta 3-0. Thomas, who threw 113 pitches, is 10-6 with a 2.82 ERA in 23 starts on the year for Portsmouth.

-Bob Clark of the Peabody Tanners is hitting .560 (14-25) since the All-Star break with one homerun and five RBI, raising his average back over .400 at .405.

-Jeremiah Hebert of the Bangor Crusaders has allowed just one homerun in 104 1/3 innings after allowing just three bombs in 128 2/3 innings a year ago.

Next on tap for the Mules are four tough games at home against the Bangor Crusaders followed by three games in Newmarket against the Portland Bulldogs.

[Papi]

July 23,24,25,26 v Bangor Crusaders (63-29)


River Little is tagged out at the plate by Crusaders P Pedro Rangel in a game earlier this year against the Durham Bobcats.

July 23-Mule killer Bryan Scharf went 2-4 with a double and two RBI, and Jeremiah Hebert improved to 11-2 on the year as Bangor beat Newmarket 5-2. Hebert pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowing just five hits and two runs, while Jesus Flores lost his 6th game of the year, allowing eight hits and five runs over seven innings of work. Bobby Harris and Alberto Flores each had two hits in the loss for the Mules. (54-39)
W-Jeremiah Hebert (11-2) Jesus Flores (11-6) S-Sandy Martin (4)

July 24-Luis Ortiz hit a one out, walk off grand slam off All-Star Hyeok Park in the bottom of the ninth inning, breaking a 3-3 tie and giving the Mules a 7-3 win over the Crusaders. Ortiz and Quint Kobes each had three hits for Newmarket, while former Mule Mario Decos hit a two run shot, his 18th of the year in the loss for Bangor. (55-39)
W-Pablo Contreras (6-1) L-Al Foster (2-1) HR-NMKT Luis Ortiz (14), BAN Mario Decos (18)

July 25-A 6-5 tight Bangor lead turned into a 13-5 Crusader blowout after Bangor scored 7 times in the top of the 9th inning, an inning capped by a three run bomb by Mario Decos off Alex Herman. Decos drove in three runs for the game and Denis Sullivan went 4-5 with two runs batted in for the Crusaders. Sergio Hernandez lead the Newmarket attack, going 3-5 with two RBI in the loss. (55-40)
W-Tony Aguirre (9-3) L-Chester Griffin (8-5) HR-Luis Ortiz (15), BAN Mario Decos (19), Tracy Osborne (7)

July 26-Jesus Rodriguez hit an RBI double off Fernando Garcia in the top of the 10th inning as Bangor took three of four from Newmarket, beating the Mules 5-4 in extra innings. Mario Decos homered for a third straight day for Bangor while Bryan Scharf added his 12th HR, a solo shot in the win. Luis Ortiz continued his fine rookie year, driving in a pair for the Mules. (55-41)
W-Hyeok Park (6-1) L-Fernando Garcia (3-4) HR-BAN Mario Decos (20), Bryan Scharf (12)

July 28,29,30 v Portland Bulldogs (43-52)


Hadlock Field, where the Bulldogs play their home games

July 28-Quint Kobes went 3-5 with an RBI and Sergio Hernandez added two hits and two RBI as Newmarket snuck past Portland 4-3. Adrian Hall accounted for all the Bulldog offense with a three run homerun off Dan Zimmerman, who pitched eight innings, giving up six hits and three runs with three walks and four strikeouts, improving to 6-0 on the year. (56-41)
W-Dan Zimmerman (6-1) L-Antonio Teodoro (0-3) S-John Coury (27) HR-POR Adiran Hall (8)

July 29-Alberto Flores doubled and drove in two runs, and Jesus Flores struck out 11 over seven innings as Newmarket got past Portland again, today 5-4. Flores allowed just five hits and two runs over the seven frames, before John Coury made it interesting in the ninth, allowing two runs, before finally striking out Adrian Hall to end the game and pick up league leading save number 28. (57-41)
W-Jesus Flores (12-6) L-Manny Sandoval (11-5) S-John Coury (28) HR-POR Jack Muirhead (17)

July 30-Sergio Hernandez hit a grand slam and Fernando Peralta went 4-5 with a homerun, double and three runs scored as the Mules completed the sweep of the Bulldogs, winning 9-4. Wallace Harrison improved to 6-9 on the year, allowing three runs and six hits over seven innings, while walking four and striking out five. Allan Fox broke out of a month long slump, going 2-4 with his 4th HR of the year for the Mules in the win. (58-41)
W-Wallace Harrison (6-9) L-Alfredo Guzman (3-4) HR-NMKT Fernando Peralta (7), Sergio Hernandez (17), Allan Fox (4)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Jim Dunbar (Durham) .481 (13-27) 4 HR 7 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Norman Vickers (Salem) .435 (10-23) 4 HR 10 RBI

-The Dover Green Wave made a move for the future this week, sending RP Ruben Arevalo to the Exeter Blue Hawks in exchange for 18 year old SS prospect Yoshimasa Miyazaki. On the year, Arevalo was 3-5 with a 3.74 ERA. He had pitched in 35 games, covering 43 1/3 innings where he had allowed 46 hits and 23 walks with 30 strikeouts for the Green Wave. Miyazaki was hitting just .180 with 2 homeruns and eight RBI as single A for the Blue Hawks after hitting .197 a year ago in Rookie Ball for Exeter.

-The Nashua Titans send 25 year old OF Leslie Dixon to the Portland Bulldogs for P John Miller and minor league SS Ernesto Medina. Dixon was hitting a robust .320 with 9 homeruns and 41 RBI for Nashua on the year, after hitting .305 with 11 HR and 43 RBI with 30 steals a year ago for the Titans. Miller was 7-11 with a 5.23 ERA on the year for Portland. He had started 23 games pitching 151 1/3 innings, giving up 173 hits and 76 walks, while striking out 148 and allowing 19 homeruns.

-Immediately after trading for Ruben Arevalo, the Exeter Blue Hawks signed the 25 year old to a two year contract extension worth $780,000.

Ending July and headed into the final month of the season, the Mules will start out with three games at home against the Portsmouth Clippers, following that, they head back on the road for three games in Augusta, against the Moose! Stats and Standings are next!

[Papi]

Complete Team Stats Through July 31-

[Papi]

July 31, August 1,2 v Portsmouth Clippers (54-44)


Clippers P Matt Thomas throws a pitch earlier this year

July 31-Luis Ortiz went 3-4 with two doubles, a grand slam and seven total RBI as Newmarket beat up Portsmouth 14-2. Quint Kobes homered and Roberto Rodriguez scored four runs in support of Jesus Guardado, who won his 10th game of the year, pitching seven innings, allowing seven hits and two runs, with two walks and four strikeouts. (59-41)
W-Jesus Guardado (10-7) L-Vincent Masson (5-13) HR-NMKT Luis Ortiz (16), Quint Kobes (2)

August 1-Juan Munoz homered twice, driving in all three Portsmouth runs, and five Clippers pitchers limited Newmarket to two runs and six hits as Portsmouth beat Newmarket 3-2. Roberto Rodriguez hit a solo HR, his 14th of the year in the loss. (59-42)
W-Jesus Contreras (3-2) L-Fernando Garcia (3-5) S-Jerry Ward (16), HR-NMKT Roberto Rodriguez (14), Juan Munoz 2(11)

August 2-Gabriel Espinoza improved to 16-3 on the year, pitching a complete game three hitter as Portsmouth beat Newmarket 4-1. Espinoza, struck out 10 and walked one in the win, and Felix Ortiz went 2-4 with an RBI to lead the offense. Dan ZImmerman allowed four runs over six innings, picking up his first loss of the year. (59-43)
W-Gabriel Espinoza (16-3) L-Dan Zimmerman (6-1)

August 3,4,5 at Augusta Moose (47-54)


Rod Bright throws one of his 113 pitches in a 3-2 win over the Mules, in a game that took 16 innings to resolve.

August 3-Phil Webb hit a two out, RBI single off Ray Allen in the bottom of the 16th inning as Augusta beat Newmarket 3-2. The Mules bullpen pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing seven hits and two runs with one walk and eight strikeouts, but they were bested by the Clippers pen, that went 7 2/3 innings, giving up two hits and one walk, with six strikeouts. Marcos Castro pitched the final four scoreless, earning the win. (59-44)
W-Marcos Castro (4-1) L-Ray Allen (0-2)

August 4-Sergio Hernandez went 3-5 with two doubles and three RBI and Alberto Flores added three hits, a HR and three RBI as Newmarket beat up on Augusta, winning 12-1. Wallace Harrison needed just 77 pitched to go seven strong innings, allowing five hits and no walks with seven strikeouts, improving to 7-9 on the year. Fernando Peralta added three hits and two RBI out of the leadoff spot for the Mules. (60-44)
W-Wallace Harrison (7-9) L-Donald Warner (13-9) HR-NMKY Alberto Flores (18)

August 5-Allan Fox hit a pair of solo homeruns and Newmarket scored four times in the top of the ninth inning, to turn a 5-4 deficit into an 8-5 Mules victory. The inning was capped by Roberto Rodriguez, who hit a two run single off Mike Martinez giving Newmarket the lead. Fernando Garcia pitched a scoreless inning to earn the win, his 4th of the year. (61-44)
W-Fernando Garcia (4-5) L-Mike Martinez (3-2) S-John Coury (29) HR-NMKT Allan Fox 2(6)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Clinton Larkin (Dover) .423 (11-26) 2 HR 3 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Richard Kinneir (Nashua) .522 (12-23) 3 HR 6 RBI

-The Newmarket Mules have signed SS Quint Kobes to a three year contract extension that will pay the 32 year old Kobes $2.85 million dollars per year. On the year, between Newmarket and Danvers, Quint is hitting .273 with 11 homeruns and 45 RBI. For the Mules he is hitting .248 with 2 homeruns and 14 RBI to go along with 12 doubles. He also spent a month on the DL with minor knee surgery.

-Bob Clark of the Peabody Tanners in his quest to hit .400 is currently sitting at .408 with 16 games left. In his last 10 ballgames, Clark is hitting .428 (15-35) with two homeruns and five RBI.

-Alfonso Munoz of the Salem Witches still leads the league in homeruns (35) and RBI (107) despite not playing for a month now. He leads the RBI race by 20 over the next closest player, Tony Miranda of the Exeter Blue Hawks.

-Pitchers Chris Briggs of Gloucester and Chong-seop So of the Manchester Lancers became the first pitchers in NEBL history to win 20 games, as they both earn number 20 this week. Briggs is 20-6 with a 2.44 ERA in 28 starts for the Fisherman, while So is an amazing 20-2 with a 3.30 ERA in 26 starts for the Lancers. The two pitchers are number 1 and 2 in the short history of the NEBL in career wins, as So leads with 38 and Briggs right behind him with 37.

Next on tap for the Mules as they battle with Durham and Portsmouth for the right to play the Bangor Crusaders in the NLCS are three games at home against the Orono Riot, followed by a trip to Bangor to face the NEBL's top team this year, the Bangor Crusaders!

[Papi]

August 7,8,9 v Orono Riot (36-68)


Scott Fullerton makes good contact

August 7-Trailing 4-3 entering the bottom of the 9th inning, Sergio Hernandez tied the game with an RBI single and Alberto Flores drove him in with a double, giving the Mules a 5-4 win over Orono. Roberto Rodriguez went 3-5 with a triple and an RBI and Dan Zimmerman continued to be a force at the plate, going 2-4, and upping his average to .350 on the year with an RBI while earning a no decision. He struggled through 7 1/3 innings, giving up seven hits and four runs with seven walks and eight strikeouts, while throwing a Newmarket season high 152 pitches. (62-44)
W-Fernando Garcia (5-5) L-Marcos Rios (1-3) HR-ORO Victor Boyd (6)

August 8-Fernando Peralta went 3-3 with a solo HR, and Jesus Flores picked up his 13th win of the year, going eight innings, allowing five hits and two runs with two walks and 13 strikeouts as Newmarket snuck past Orono, 3-2. Mark Ellis fell to 3-10 on the year despite pitching a complete game, allowing just six hits and three runs with five strikeouts. (63-44)
W-Jesus Flores (13-6) L-Mark Ellis (3-10) S-John Coury (30) HR-NMKT Fernando Peralta (8)

August 9-Luis Ortiz hit a two run double in the 2nd inning, and Wallace Harrison made it stand up, allowing just one run and four hits with one walk and five strikeouts over eight innings and John Coury earned his 31st save of the year with a perfect 9th as the Mules completed the sweep of the Riot, winning 2-1. (64-44)
W-Wallace Harrison (8-9) L-Charles Penn (8-13) S-John Coury (31)

August 11,12,13 at Bangor Crusaders (76-32)


The Crusaders celebrate their 2nd straight Maine Division Title

August 11-Four different Mules had two hits and Bobby Harris lead the offense with a two run double as the Mules jumped out to a 4-0 lead and held on to beat the Crusaders 5-4. Jesus Guardado picked up his 11th win of the year, goign eight innings, giving up seven hits and four runs with three walks and eight strikeouts, throwing 127 pitches in the win. John Coury pitched a perfect ninth, earning his 3rd save in as many games for the Mules. (65-44)
W-Jesus Guardado (11-7) L-Jeremiah Hebert (14-3) S-John Coury (32)

August 12-A Kent Rogers error in the bottom of the 6th inning allowed an unearned run score and that run would be the difference as the Crusaders beat the Mules in a 2-1 pitchers duel. Chester Griffin was the hardluck loser, going seven strong, allowing two runs, one earned, with no walks and five strikeouts. However, Pedro Rangel was better, pitching eight innings of three hit one run ball, walking none and striking out seven, moving to 17-3 on the year. (65-45)
W-Pedro Rangel (17-3) L-Chester Griffin (8-6) S-Hyeok Park (21) HR-NMKT Roberto Rodriguez (15)

August 13-Ricardo Naut hit his first homerun of the year, a two run shot, and drove in three for the game as Bangor took two of three in a battle of division leaders, beating the Mules 7-4. Frank Rockwell added a two run single for the Crusaders, while Alberto Flores and Luis Ortiz homered in the loss for Newmarket. (65-46)
W-Tony Aguirre (12-4) L-Dan Zimmerman (6-2) HR-NMKT Alberto Flores (19), Luis Ortiz (17) BAN Ricardo Naut (1)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Pablo Lucero (Dover) .450 (9-20) 3 HR 9 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Bob Clark (Peabody) .478 (11-23) 2 HR 6 RBI

-Bob Clark of the Peabody Tanners is currently hitting .403 (159-395) with 9 games remaining in his chase for .400

-We have three Division races that are still up for grabs, below are the state of the Pennant Races:

New Hampshire Division

Newmarket Mules 65-46
Portsmouth Clippers 63-48 2.0 GB

Central Division

Manchester Lancers 65-46
Nashua Titans 64-47

Massachusetts Division

Marblehead Magicians 58-53
Peabody Tanners 58-53

-The Salem Witches, hitting .250 as a team, which is good for last in the Southern League, would put them 2nd in the Northern League. On the flipside, the Portland Bulldogs, last with a team ERA of 4.19 would place them 4th in the Southern League.

Next on tap for the Mules are their final six home games of the season. The first three see the Dover Green Wave come to town, followed by the Durham Bobcats making their way to Newmarket, and the season ends with a possible, winner take all, three game series in Portsmouth against the Clippers!

[Papi]

August 14,15,16 v Dover Green Wave (44-67)


Closer Clay Browne strikes out Roberto Rodriguez to end the game

August 14-Pablo Lucero had three hits, including a homerun, three RBI and two runs scored, and Ryushi Oda helped his own cause with a two run single as the Green Wave beat Newmarket, 7-5. Jesus Flores struggled, going six innings, allowing 10 hits and six runs, five earned with one walk and six strikeouts, falling to 13-7 on the year. (65-47)
W-Ryushi Oda (4-11) L-Jesus Flores (13-7) S-Clay Browne (16) HR-DOV Pablo Lucero (20)

August 15-Roberto Rodriguez went 3-5 with a homerun, two RBI and three runs scored, and Fernando Peralta added a two run shot as Newmarket beat Dover 10-6. Backup C Brad Ford went 3-4 with three doubles and a pair of runs batted in in the win for the Mules, while Wallace Harrison evened his record at 9-9, going six innings, giving up three runs. (66-47)
W-Wallace Harrison (9-9) L-Cameron Hooper (7-12) S-John Coury (33) HR-NMKT Roberto Rodriguez (16), Fernando Peralta (9)

August 16-Jesus Guardado pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and one unearned run, walking two and striking out nine as Newmarket beat Dover 3-1. The offense was lead by Allan Fox and Sergio Hernandez, who each drove in single runs for the Mules. (67-47)
W-Jesus Guardado (12-7) L-Jerry McCauley (12-9) S-John Coury (34)

August 17,18,19 v Durham Bobcats (60-54)


Richard Batterham going back to the bag to tag up

August 17-Newmarket hit six homeruns by six different players as the Mules hammered the Bobcats 15-3. Fernando Peralta and Allan Fox each had three hits and three RBI to lead the Mules offensive attack. Chester Griffin was the beneficiary of the offensive explosion, going seven innings, striking out eight and improving to 9-6 on the year. (68-47)
W-Chester Griffin (9-6) L-Ernesto Garcia (11-7) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (3), Luis Ortiz (18), Roberto Rodriguez (17), Fernando Peralta (10), Sergio Hernandez (18), Allan Fox (7) OYS Richard Batterham (12)

August 18-Allan Fox continued to take advantage of playing time due to a season ending injury to Scott Fullerton, by going 3-4 with a double and three RBI as Newmarket beat Durham 5-3. Luis Ortiz added three hits and two runs scored as well, in support of Dan Zimmerman, who pitched seven innings scattering eight hits and giving up just three runs, two earned with five walks and strikeouts, moving to 7-2. (69-47)
W-Dan Zimmerman (7-2) L-Felipe Aguilar (1-2) S-John Coury (35) HR-OYS Alex Klein (12)

August 19-Luis Ortiz hit a two out, two run double in the bottom of the 11th inning, giving the Miules the 4-3 win and sweep of the Durham Bobcats. Bobby Harris went 3-4 with a double and two RBI in the win for the Mules. The win dropped Newmarket's magic number to 1 as they head to Portsmouth to end the season with three games against the 2nd place Clippers. (70-47)
W-Pablo Contreras (7-1) L-Lex Geels (2-7) HR-OYS Jim Dunbar (17), Bernardo Mejia (3)

August 21,22,23 at Portsmouth Clippers (67-50)


The scene of the Newmarkt/Portsmouth showdown

August 21-A four run top of the ninth inning, capped by a two run homerun off the bat of Quint Kobes off closer Jerry Ward, helped Newmarket beat Portsmouth and clinch the New Hampshire Division Championship, winning 6-5. Bobby Harris went 3-3 with an RBI and two runs scored in the win for the Mules, and John Coury picked up his 36th save of the year, despite allowing three hits and two runs in the win. (71-47)
W-Fernando Garcia (6-5) L-Jerry Ward (8-3) S-John Coury (36) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (4), PMT Anibal Wells (5)

The Newmarket Mules are the 2009 New Hampshire Division Champions!!

August 22-Kent Rogers took advantage of the playing time, by going 5-5 with a homerun, three doubles and five RBI, and Alex Alba added two doubles and three RBI as Newmarket ran all over a dejected Portsmouth team, 11-3. Wallace Harrison won his 5th straight decision, going seven innings, allowing seven hits and two runs with three walks and six strikeouts, moving to 10-9 on the year. (72-47)
W-Wallace Harrison (10-9) L-Vincent Masson (6-16) HR-NMKT Sergio Hernandez (19), Roberto Rodriguez (18), Kent Rogers (2)

August 23-Quint Kobes ended the year in style for the Mules, going 4-5 with a homerun, double and four RBI, and Alberto Flores and Sergio Hernandez each hit their 20th homeruns of the season as Newmarket hammered Portsmouth for a 2nd straight day, today 12-2. Dan Zimmerman allowed four hits and two runs over seven innings, to end the season 8-2, striking out six and walking three. (73-47)
W-Dan Zimmerman (8-2) L-Jessie Church (12-12) HR-NMKT Sergio Hernandez (20), Alberto Flores (20), Quint Kobes (5)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Victor Moreno (Dover) .464 (13-28) 5 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Adrian Fernandez (Marblehead) .500 (13-26) 4 HR 9 RBI

-Bob Clark of Peabody's chase for .400 fell just short as he finished the season hitting .250 (6-24) in his last 6 games, as his average fell to .393 to end the season.

The League Championships have been set, as in the Northern League, the Newmarket Mules (73-47) will square off against the Bangor Crusaders (85-35), while in the Southern League, the Marblehead Magicians (63-57) will battle the Nashua Titans (70-50). Below are the final League Standings for 2009:


End of the year League Leaders are next, followed by League Championship Previews!

[Papi]

2009 Final League Leaders

[Papi]

2009 Final Team Stats

[Papi]

Northern League Championship Series
Newmarket Mules (73-47) V Bangor Crusaders (85-35)

Newmarket Team Batting Stats-


Bangor Team Batting Stats-


Newmarket Team Pitching Stats-


Bangor Team Pitching Stats-

[Papi]

Southern League Championship Series
Marblehead Magicians (63-57) V Nashua Titans (70-50)

Marblehead Team Batting Stats-


Nashua Team Batting Stats-


Marblehead Team Pitching Stats-


Nashua Team Pitching Stats-


Championship Series Results next!

[Papi]

Northern League Championship Series
Newmarket Mules at Bangor Crusaders

Game One- Bangor took a 3-0 lead off Jesus Guardado in the bottom of the third inning as Aurelio Barron hit an RBI single and Jesus Rodriguez completed the inning with a two run double. Newmarket would get one back in the 5th as Allan Fox drove in Bobby Harris with a double, but the Crusaders would get it back in the bottom of the 6th as Rodriguez would hit a solo shot. That would be all the scoring as Bangor took a 1-0 Series lead, beating the Mules 4-1.



Game Two- Jesus Rodriguez, Mario Decos and Frank Rockwell each drove in runs in the first inning, giving the Crusaders a 3-0 lead after one inning. Bangor would extend the lead to 4-0 after Tracy Osborne's RBI single. An inning later, they would score twice more on a two run HR by Jesus Rodriguez, and in the 8th, the Crusaders would tag two more on a double by Denis Sullivan. Roberto Rodriguez would hit a two run HR in the top of the 9th to avoid the sweep, but Bangor moved within one game of the World Series, hammering Newmarket 8-2. Starting P Pedro Rangel was dominant, pitching six perfect innings before Fernando Peralta lead off the 7th with a single.



Game Three- Sergio Hernandez hit a two run HR in the bottom of the first inning, and Dan Zimmerman would make it stand up as the Mules stayed alive with a 2-1 win over Bangor. Zimmerman was just what the Mules needed, going eight innings, allowing just two hits and one unearned run striking out five.



Game Four- Bangor would take a 1-0 lead after one inning on two Newmarket errors. In the bottom of the 3rd, Newmarket would tie the game at one as Quint Kobes would drive in Allan Fox with an RBI double. The top of the 4th inning though, would see Bangor score five times, capped by a three run double by Denis Sullivan and a two run blast off the bat of Series MVP Jesus Rodriguez, giving Bangor a 6-1 lead. Bangor would score again in the 5th as Frank Rockwell would drive home Bryan Scharf. Newmarket wouldn't threaten again as the Crusaders completed their domination of the Newmarket and the Northern League, beating the Mules 7-1, and advancing to the World Series!



Up next will be the Southern League Championship Results!