The Pastime Baseball League

[EMSoccerCoach]

August 25-August 31, 2014

LEADERS

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League

Amateur Draft Preview

This year's November Amateur Draft brings in one of my alltime favorite players, George Brett, and a host of others who debuted between 1973 and 1975.

In no particular order, the top 20 prospects of the draft class.

George Brett
Randy Jones
Bill Madlock
Dave Parker
Steve Rogers
Manny Trillo
Frank White
Dave Winfield
Robin Yount
Gary Carter
Keith Hernandez
Fred Lynn
Jim Rice
John Candelaria
Dennis Eckersley
Mike Flanagan
Ron Guidry
Willie Randolph
Frank Tanana
Doug Decinces

[EMSoccerCoach]

September 1-September 7, 2014

Northern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New York Heroes	84	53	.613	-
Louisville Racers	68	69	.496	16.0
Charlotte Cougars	66	71	.482	18.0
Philadelphia Ringers	64	73	.467	20.0
Boston Riders	63	74	.460	21.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Hitmen	90	47	.657	-
Sacramento Stingers	77	60	.562	13.0
Wichita Brigade	74	63	.540	16.0
Indianapolis Engines	62	75	.453	28.0
Milwaukee Bangers	38	99	.277	52.0

Southern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New Orleans Knights	87	50	.635	-
Memphis Strummers	76	61	.555	11.0
Orlando Orcas	76	61	.555	11.0
Alabama Airmen	74	63	.540	13.0
St. Louis Tides	56	81	.409	31.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Arizona Sandmen	79	58	.577	-
Los Angeles Idols	67	70	.489	12.0
San Antonio Sheriffs	67	70	.489	12.0
Las Vegas Bosses	62	75	.453	17.0
Oklahoma City Scorpions	40	97	.292	39.0

Carl Weilman Hurt, Out of Action
Monday, September 1st, 2014: The Indianapolis Engines have lost starting pitcher Carl Weilman for the rest of the season with a ruptured finger tendon. He's expected to be ready for spring training.

Weilman closes his season 13-9 with a 3.52 ERA in 29 starts.

Morgan Goes 5-8 Against Las Vegas
Monday, September 1st, 2014: Joe Morgan exploded for a barrage of base hits today at The Pit. The New York second baseman had a field day in the 6-5 triumph over the Las Vegas Bosses, finishing with a 5-8 day.

"My hitting philosophy is pretty simple," he said. "I focus on just seeing the ball and I try to get a good pitch."

Well, Morgan must have focused at least 5 times and apparently got some good pitches, too. It was one of his best days ever with the bat.

Morgan singled in the 1st, flied out in the 3rd, hit an RBI single in the 5th, hit a two-run home run off Tommy Bond in the 7th, grounded out in the 9th, struck out in the 12th, singled in the 15th and singled in the 17th.

This season Morgan is batting .287 with 8 home runs and a .412 OBP atop the Heroes lineup.

Red-Hot Kennedy Scorches Bosses
Tuesday, September 2nd, 2014: The New York Heroes got a 5-hit effort for a second straight day as Terry Kennedy sparked his club to a 11-8 victory over the Bosses. The New York catcher went 5 for 5 against Las Vegas in a fine hitting display.

"I got my pitches and I connected. They all found the right holes on the diamond. Some days you hit shots and they're right at somebody... and some days they fall in."

Kennedy flied out in the 1st, hit a two-run home run off Christy Mathewson in the 3rd, singled in the 5th, singled in the 7th, singled in the 9th and singled in the 11th.


On the season, Kennedy is batting .287 with 15 home runs and 68 RBIs. He has played in 115 games.

Alabama's Perry Dominates Bangers
Tuesday, September 2nd, 2014: In an outstanding outing, Gaylord Perry stopped Milwaukee on a 4-hit shutout. The Alabama hurler went the distance, finishing with 6 strikeouts and 1 walk in the 5-0 win.

"He had a lot of first pitch strikes and kept us off balance with a lot of off-speed stuff," according to Milwaukee manager Ken Macha. "We just didn't get too many balls squared up today."

To date this year Perry has compiled a 5-12 mark with a 4.17 ERA in 21 starts.

Hunter Shuts Out Memphis in Debut
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2014: When he was taken in the third round of the 2012 draft, Catfish Hunter dreamt of today. Even in the dream, though, it probably didn't go this well.

Hunter blanked the Strummers 6-0 on a strong 5-hitter while ringing up 4 strikeouts and doling out 3 walks.

"He's only 21," veteran starter Shawn Chacon said of his young staff-mate. "He's going to be a good one."

Brigade's Schmitz Blanks Oklahoma City
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2014: Johnny Schmitz of the Wichita Brigade shut down the Oklahoma City Scorpions 7-0, stopping them on 5 hits and had 7 strikeouts and 4 walks in a strong outing.

After the game his manager said, "He just came out and was on the attack from the first pitch he threw. When Johnny stays ahead in the count, he does well. That's the key."

To this point in the season, Schmitz shows a 15-5 record, 25 starts, 191.1 innings, 98 strikeouts and a 3.25 ERA.

Ford Hurls Alabama to Shutout Win Thursday, September 4th, 2014: Russ Ford had an impressive outing today. He hurled the Alabama Airmen to a 3-0 shutout victory over the Charlotte Cougars, yielding 4 hits with 3 strikeouts and 4 walks. "He threw strikes and he was always around the plate," the Charlotte skipper said. "The ball was doing everything he wanted it to do. We hit some balls hard, but they were all right at the fielders." In 8 starts this season Ford has compiled a 5-2 record and a 5.10 ERA.

Bender Humbles San Antonio Thursday, September 4th, 2014: Chief Bender was dynamite today and just blew San Antonio away in the 6-0 victory. The Boston Riders starter had everything working as he hurled a 4-hit shutout over the Sheriffs, recording 9 strikeouts and 1 walk. "He was pure nasty out there today. I don't think any team in the league would've had a chance against what he was bringing," said the San Antonio skipper during his postgame press conference. Bender improved to 13-10, a modest record despite his strong 2.56 ERA. Runs for the offensively challenged Riders have been a problem all season, particularly in Bender's starts it seems. That has improved recently, though, and Bender has gone 6-1 in his last 10 starts.

Lackey Pitches Gem against St. Louis
Saturday, September 6th, 2014: The Tides can take comfort in knowing that they will not have to face John Lackey again for a while. The 28-year-old hurler pitched a 5-hit shutout to help the Memphis StrummersSt. Louis 1-0. In the process, Lackey struck out 4 and walked 0.

This year in 26 starts, Lackey has recorded 10 wins and absorbed 11 losses. He has pitched 197 innings, allowed 219 hits, struck out 102 and has a 4.16 ERA.

Bond Too Tough, Blanks Arizona
Saturday, September 6th, 2014: In an impressive outing Tommy BondLas Vegas pitcher allowed 3 hits, fanned 4 and walked 2 in blanking Arizona

In 29 starts this year Bond has fashioned a 10-13 record and a 4.82 ERA.

Carty Has 20-Game Hitting Streak
Sunday, September 7th, 2014: Rico Carty's bat has been smoking lately as he went 1-for-4 in today's 1-0 triumph over Charlotte at Liberty Field. The 26-year-old left fielder for the Philadelphia Ringers has now hit safely in 20 consecutive games.

Carty reached the mark in dramatic fashion, stroking a walkoff RBI triple in the 9th to win the game for Philadelphia.

Looking at his stats this year, Carty has compiled a .343 batting average, while hitting 11 home runs and driving in 42 runs. He has played in 63 games and scored 34 runs.

Singer Shackles Orlando
Sunday, September 7th, 2014: San Antonio's Bill Singer brought his "A game" to the park, shutting down and shutting out the Orlando Orcas 5-0. He racked up 5 strikeouts, surrendered 5 hits and issued 1 walk on his way to the victory.

To date this year in 29 starts, Singer has crafted a 16-9 mark with a 3.21 ERA.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Carty Wins NL Honor
Monday, September 8th, 2014: 26-year-old Rico Carty was awarded the Northern League Player of the Week Award.

Carty punished opposing pitchers with a .500 average, 16 hits in 32 at-bats, 3 home runs and 8 runs batted in.

This year Carty is hitting .343 with 84 hits, 11 home runs, 42 RBIs and has scored 34 runs.

Alabama's Delahanty SL's Best
Monday, September 8th, 2014: It's always a thrill when a comeback goes well. Ed Delahanty, the Alabama Airmen 25-year-old left fielder, missed almost 5 months with post-concussion syndrome, returning late last month. This week, he was named Southern League Player of the Week.

He ripped 14 hits in 33 at-bats, compiling a .424 average with 1 home run and 5 RBIs.

In his 2014 season totals, Delahanty has 1 home run, .302 BA, .337 OBP, 8 RBIs and 17 runs scored.

[EMSoccerCoach]

There will be no game-by-game pennant watch in September as I've done in recent years, as there are no pennant races. After three straight years of thrilling conclusions, the PBL seems destined for its first season of all double-digit division gaps since the 2010 season.

[EMSoccerCoach]

September 8-September 14, 2014

Northern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New York Heroes	86	56	.606	-
Louisville Racers	71	71	.500	15.0
Charlotte Cougars	69	73	.486	17.0
Boston Riders	66	76	.465	20.0
Philadelphia Ringers	66	76	.465	20.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Hitmen	93	49	.655	-
Sacramento Stingers	79	63	.556	14.0
Wichita Brigade	76	66	.535	17.0
Indianapolis Engines	66	76	.465	27.0
Milwaukee Bangers	39	103	.275	54.0

Southern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New Orleans Knights	92	50	.648	-
Memphis Strummers	80	62	.563	12.0
Orlando Orcas	78	64	.549	14.0
Alabama Airmen	74	68	.521	18.0
St. Louis Tides	58	84	.408	34.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Arizona Sandmen	83	59	.585	-
San Antonio Sheriffs	70	72	.493	13.0
Los Angeles Idols	67	75	.472	16.0
Las Vegas Bosses	63	79	.444	20.0
Oklahoma City Scorpions	44	98	.310	39.0

Paul Hines Suffers Injury
Tuesday, September 9th, 2014: Charlotte fans will be disappointed to learn that Paul Hines suffered a hamstring strain while making a defensive play in today's game. After the doctor informed the Charlotte Cougars manager that Hines was expected to miss 2 weeks, the manager told the press that the rest of the team would have to step up their play until the center fielder could return. "You can't make excuses in baseball, because there's always a game tomorrow," said the team's skipper.

Hines is hitting .270 this season with 22 home runs, 89 RBIs and 64 runs scored. He has 132 hits in 489 at-bats.

Cardenal Belts Bunch of Base Hits
Tuesday, September 9th, 2014: Jose Cardenal was on quite a roll today as he knocked the ball all over the park, collecting 5 hits and leading the Hitmen to a 8-7 victory over the Charlotte Cougars.

After the first three hits, all eyes in the ballpark were drawn to him each time he stepped into the batter's box. Even a few of the opposing fans were pulling for him, knowing they were watching a little baseball-hitting history unfold.

In the clubhouse, crowded by reporters, the Chicago center fielder said, "I never realized that batting a little ball around could cause so much commotion." When asked what the secret of hitting so well is, he smiled and replied, "The key to hitting for a high average is to relax, concentrate and hit the ball where they ain't."

Nobody was at home today as Cardenal finished the day with 5 hits in 5 at-bats and a line in the record book.

Cardenal singled in the 1st, singled in the 3rd, singled in the 5th, hit an RBI double in the 6th and singled in the 8th.

So far this season Cardenal is batting .283 with 5 home runs, 43 RBIs and 36 runs scored. He has 86 hits in 304 at-bats, 24 walks and a .332 OBP. Cardenal has played in 92 games.

Gibbons Boosts Hit Streak to 20 Games
Wednesday, September 10th, 2014: At Battalion Ballpark today WichitaJay Gibbons stretched his consecutive-game hitting streak to 20 games with 1 hit against the Boston Riders. However, the Brigade came up short on the scoreboard and lost the game 8-2.

Gibbons grounded out in the 1st, hit an RBI single in the 3rd, walked in the 6th and grounded out in the 9th.

Thus far this season Gibbons is hitting .297 with 32 home runs, 134 RBIs and 91 runs scored. He has 156 hits in 526 at-bats and has played in 137 games.

Alexander Holds Idols Scoreless
Wednesday, September 10th, 2014: The Orcas bested the Idols 3-0 behind the 6-hit pitching of Pete Alexander. The Orlando hurler had 6 strikeouts and 1 walk in going the distance.

In 25 starts this season Alexander has rung up a 10-10 record and a 3.80 ERA.

Sacramento Halts Gibbons's Hitting Steak
Friday, September 12th, 2014: Jay Gibbons saw his 20-game hitting streak wither and die today during the Brigade 6-3 victory over Sacramento at Pathfinders Ballpark. The 29-year-old first baseman was held hitless in 1 at-bat by Stingers, but his Wichita teammates produced enough offense to garner the win.

Talking to reporters after the game, Gibbons was upbeat. "Am I disappointed about the hit streak? Maybe, just a little bit. How could you be unhappy after you have hit in 20 straight games? I'm just glad it lasted as long as it did. And I am really happy that we won another ballgame today. Life is good."

For the year Gibbons has hit at a .296 clip with 134 RBIs, 32 home runs and 91 runs scored.

Sandmen Blank Los Angeles, Leonard Winner
Friday, September 12th, 2014: Dutch Leonard effectively shut down the Idols today, blanking them 4-0 on 5 hits, ringing up 9 strikeouts and allowing no walks. The Sandmen pitcher appeared to get stronger as the game went on.

"I don't know if I was getting any stronger," Leonard said after the game, "I feel like my mechanics were getting better. I was able to make some adjustments and get a little more comfortable out there."

The Idols skipper said, "We had some opportunities, but weren't able to execute. We just didn't swing the bats very well today."

To date this season, Leonard has registered 29 starts, 18-6 won-lost mark, 2.80 ERA, 224.2 IP, 154 strikeouts and 71 walks. Opposing teams have hit .219 against him.

Strummers Lackey Blanks Alabama
Saturday, September 13th, 2014: Today at The Air Field John LackeyAlabama batters on 4 hits en route to a 6-0 shutout.

"He was able to keep hitters off balance and got the ball down," said the Strummers skipper about his starter's performance.

Lackey had 4 strikeouts and 1 walk in the game.

Up to now Lackey has compiled an ERA of 3.98 with a 11-11 mark over 27 starts. He has 106 strikeouts in 206 innings and has held opponents to a .276 batting average.

Hits Blitz for Tides Granderson
Saturday, September 13th, 2014: St. Louis center fielder Curtis GrandersonLas Vegas pitchers and hitting for the cycle. He sparked the Tides to a 10-9 triumph over the Bosses by going 4-5 with 2 RBI and scoring 3 runs.

Granderson hit an RBI double in the 2nd, singled in the 3rd, hit a solo-shot off Christy Mathewson in the 5th, tripled in the 7th and struck out in the 9th.

For the season, Granderson is hitting at a .287 clip with 8 home runs, 44 RBIs and has scored 35 runs. He has 78 hits, 15 walks and a .323 on-base percentage.

	Bad News for New York, Drake Injured Sunday, September 14th, 2014: Heroes starting pitcher Bill Drake was hurt throwing a pitch during today's Racers game and suffered a dead arm. He will be laid up about 6 days. To date this year in 17 starts, Drake has crafted a 12-6 mark with a 3.26 ERA.

Carty's Hit Streak Soars to 25 Games
Sunday, September 14th, 2014: Rico Carty, left fielder for the Philadelphia Ringers, ran his consecutive-game hitting streak to 25 games with 2 hits in his club's 2-1 victory today over the Indianapolis Engines at Liberty Field.
R. Carty struck out in the 1st, singled in the 4th, grounded out in the 6th and singled in the 9th.

In 68 games this year Carty has posted a .352 average and put up these numbers: 11 home runs, 43 RBIs and 38 runs scored.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

NL Awards Player of the Week Trophy
Monday, September 15th, 2014: At the age of 27, Heinie Peitz might have some potential he hasn't realized yet -- if his success at the plate last week is any indication. The Louisville catcher put up some exceptional numbers the past seven days with a .556 batting average. For his efforts Peitz collected the Northern League Player of the Week Award.

He racked up 10 hits in 18 at-bats, 2 home runs and 3 RBIs last week in 5 games.

This year Peitz is hitting .239 with 12 home runs and 58 RBIs in 125 games played. He also boasts an OBP of .293 with 32 walks and 57 runs scored.

Beckley Takes This Week's Trophy
Monday, September 15th, 2014: His hard work and hustle paid off this week. The hard-working and hard-playing Jake Beckley was rewarded with the Southern League Player of the Week honors.

The scrappy New Orleans Knights first baseman hit .632 while collecting 12 hits in 19 at-bats, 2 home runs and 8 RBIs.

This season Beckley has hit at a .326 clip and produced 96 RBI, 24 home runs and 87 runs.

[EMSoccerCoach]

September 15-September 21, 2014

Northern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New York Heroes	90	59	.604	-
Louisville Racers	74	75	.497	16.0
Charlotte Cougars	73	76	.490	17.0
Philadelphia Ringers	72	77	.483	18.0
Boston Riders	67	82	.450	23.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Hitmen	97	52	.651	-
Sacramento Stingers	82	67	.550	15.0
Wichita Brigade	79	70	.530	18.0
Indianapolis Engines	72	77	.483	25.0
Milwaukee Bangers	42	107	.282	55.0

Southern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New Orleans Knights	96	53	.644	-
Memphis Strummers	82	67	.550	14.0
Orlando Orcas	79	70	.530	17.0
Alabama Airmen	77	72	.517	19.0
St. Louis Tides	62	87	.416	34.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Arizona Sandmen	86	63	.577	-
San Antonio Sheriffs	74	75	.497	12.0
Los Angeles Idols	73	76	.490	13.0
Las Vegas Bosses	66	83	.443	20.0
Oklahoma City Scorpions	47	102	.315	39.0

Jones Smacks 5 Hits for Sandmen
Tuesday, September 16th, 2014: Nobody can fault Ruppert Jones for the Sandmen 7-6 loss to the Engines at Sounders Ballpark. The Arizona center fielder played a whale of a game against Indianapolis by going 5-for-5.

Jones singled in the 1st, hit an RBI single in the 3rd, doubled in the 5th, singled in the 7th and singled in the 10th.

Presently Jones is hitting .271 with 10 home runs and 62 RBIs. He has played in 137 games and scored 63 times.

Burns Pitches Oklahoma City to Shutout
Tuesday, September 16th, 2014: Oklahoma City rode the magical arm of Britt Burns in a 2-0 shutout win over Wichita. He shackled them on 3 hits and fanned 4. Almost to a man, the Wichita Brigade said he had them guessing wrong all game long.

Burns is 5-16 with a 4.38 ERA.

Las Vegas 3B Allen Done For Season
Tuesday, September 16th, 2014: Another injury blow for Dick Allen today, this time a serious one, as team doctors confirmed he suffered a ruptured medial collateral ligament. Doctors hope Allen will be ready for next season, but it's possible the recovery could linger into early 2015.

This year Allen is batting .297 with 129 hits and 14 home runs. He has scored 55 times and has batted in 70 runs.

Joe Morgan Tears Hammy, Season Over
Tuesday, September 16th, 2014: The New York Heroes were dealt a severe blow when Joe Morgan was hurt running the bases recently in a game against the New Orleans Knights. After the game, the team trainer reported Morgan might have to spend a lengthy time on the disabled list. Today doctors confirmed it, ruling the 21-year-old second baseman out for the rest of the season with a hamstring strain. They indicated it would take Morgan at least 4 weeks to heal.

Morgan said he'll be back during the playoffs, which if the doctors are correct would mean the Heroes would have to be in the PBL Championship Series.

So far this year Morgan is hitting .280 with 8 home runs.

Memphis' Charleston Injured, Out of Lineup
Tuesday, September 16th, 2014: It's been an injury plagued season for Oscar Charleston, who will likely be shelved the final two weeks with a strained oblique. The team did not announce any roster moves today related to this injury. The Memphis skipper told BNN that personnel decisions would be announced as early as tomorrow.

This year Charleston is batting .343 with 15 home runs.

Lawrence Blanks Milwaukee
Wednesday, September 17th, 2014: It was a razor-sharp performance by Brian Lawrence of the Los Angeles Idols against the Milwaukee Bangers. He fashioned a fine 4-hitter in blanking them 5-0 and chalked up 3 strikeouts and 1 walk.

Presently Lawrence has an 11-9 mark in 25 starts with a 4.07 ERA. He has given up 204 hits in 183.1 innings, struck out 70 and issued 38 walks. Opposing clubs have compiled a .283 batting average against him.

Bosses Shut out by Buffinton
Wednesday, September 17th, 2014: The Las Vegas Bosses struggled at the plate today against Engines hurler Charlie Buffinton, who shackled them on 5 hits while hurling a complete game 2-0 shutout.

"What can you say? We didn't hit well," said the Bosses skipper in his postgame comments.

"Hopefully we shake this off and bounce back tomorrow."

Buffinton finished the game with 5 strikeouts and 4 walks in an excellent mound performance.

"He pitched real well," his manager said. "Charlie made pitches when he had to. He hit his spots and did a great job of mixing in his changeup and using his fastball effectively."

This season Buffinton has a 13-10 record with a 4.25 ERA.

Justin Morneau Out For Season
Wednesday, September 17th, 2014: Dealing with injuries is part of the game and now Justin Morneau of the Stingers knows this firsthand. He was injured against the Oklahoma City Scorpions while running the bases. Diagnosed as a sprained ankle, the Sacramento first baseman is expected to be placed on the DL, ending his season. Morneau was a little upset, but understands it comes with the territory. "Baseball can be a contact sport. You try to be careful, but no matter how careful you are, injuries happen."

This season in 143 games Morneau is batting .263 with 19 home runs, 72 RBIs and has scored 73 times.

Cobb Strokes 5 Hits
Thursday, September 18th, 2014: The Idols tripped up the Bangers 14-6 today, led by Ty Cobb, their 19-year-old right fielder. He tagged Milwaukee

Cobb singled in the 1st, singled in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, hit an RBI double in the 4th, grounded out in the 7th and singled in the 9th.

This season Cobb is hitting .365 with 197 hits, 4 home runs, 63 RBIs, scored 85 runs and played in 131 games.

CF Stan Musial Out
Thursday, September 18th, 2014: The Indianapolis Engines will lose the services of center fielder Stan Musial after he sustained a torn meniscus while making a defensive play in today's game against the Las Vegas Bosses. "I'll get through it," Musial said. "The key now is to stay positive."

Musial will need minor surgery, but is expected to be ready to go for spring training.

This season Musial is hitting at a .322 pace with 10 home runs, 50 RBIs and has scored 46 times.

Rollins Socks it to Bosses, Cracks 5 Hits
Sunday, September 21st, 2014: What a day for Jimmy Rollins of the Alabama Airmen! A 5-hit hitting spree! That doesn't happen every day. He ripped Las Vegas pitching apart at The Pit. He wrote his name in the record books, finishing his special day 5 for 8. But the Bosses spoiled his party by winning the game 5-4.

The Alabama shortstop confessed, "I would have much preferred getting a couple of hits and winning the game to this. It's hard to enjoy anything when you lose."

His skipper said, "It's a shame that we couldn't have won the game. A guy gets a once-in-a-lifetime game and can't really enjoy it."

But he was upbeat enough to talk about his basic theory of hitting. "I'm usually a first ball hitter," Rollins told reporters. "I think pitchers think batters are going to let the first one go by. I never do. I've always found that it's better to pull the trigger early in the count. Pitchers get real nasty when they get ahead of you, so I try to avoid that."

Rollins singled in the 2nd, grounded out in the 4th, hit a solo-shot off Juan Cruz in the 6th, singled in the 8th, grounded out in the 10th, grounded out in the 12th, singled in the 15th and singled in the 18th.

So far this year in 128 games Rollins is hitting .232 with 8 home runs, 41 RBIs and 58 runs scored.

suffered the injury running the bases. Although officials from the pitching for 5 hits, making life miserable for them the entire game.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Ringers Jones NL Hitter of the Week
Monday, September 22nd, 2014: Charley Jones is respected by most Philadelphia Ringers fans for his no-frills style of play. The 31-year-old left fielder went about his business with vigor last week to grab the Northern League Player of the Week honors.

He compiled a .480 average (12-25) with 5 home runs, 11 RBIs and 7 runs scored.

For the year Jones is batting .259 with 34 home runs.

SL's #1 Player Named
Monday, September 22nd, 2014: It's always a thrill for fans of the team and students of the game alike when a superstar in the making shows what he's got. Ty Cobb, the Los Angeles Idols 19-year-old right fielder, put himself in the spotlight last week making him the clear-cut choice for Southern League Player of the Week honors.

He ripped 17 hits in 30 at-bats, compiling a .567 average with 1 home run and 6 RBIs.

To date Cobb has chalked up a .369 average with 4 home runs, driven in 67 runs and scored 89 times.

[EMSoccerCoach]

September 22-September 28, 2014

Northern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New York Heroes	93	63	.596	-
Louisville Racers	78	78	.500	15.0
Charlotte Cougars	76	80	.487	17.0
Philadelphia Ringers	76	80	.487	17.0
Boston Riders	70	86	.449	23.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Hitmen	102	54	.654	-
Sacramento Stingers	84	72	.538	18.0
Wichita Brigade	83	73	.532	19.0
Indianapolis Engines	74	82	.474	28.0
Milwaukee Bangers	47	109	.301	55.0

Southern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New Orleans Knights	98	58	.628	-
Memphis Strummers	88	68	.564	10.0
Orlando Orcas	83	73	.532	15.0
Alabama Airmen	80	76	.513	18.0
St. Louis Tides	64	92	.410	34.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Arizona Sandmen	89	67	.571	-
San Antonio Sheriffs	79	77	.506	10.0
Los Angeles Idols	76	80	.487	13.0
Las Vegas Bosses	70	86	.449	19.0
Oklahoma City Scorpions	50	106	.321	39.0

Dwyer Whitewashes Oklahoma City
Monday, September 22nd, 2014: It was a dazzling performance by Frank Dwyer of the Memphis Strummers. He shut out the Oklahoma City Scorpions 5-0 on a well-pitched 4-hitter, ringing up 6 strikeouts and issuing 1 walk.

In 30 starts this season Dwyer has compiled a 15-9 record and a 3.60 ERA.

Lackey Tosses Shutout Against Oklahoma City
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014: Before the game John Lackey liked his chances and his instincts proved to be right. In a superb outing the Strummers pitcher whitewashed the Oklahoma City Scorpions 6-0.

Lackey said in the clubhouse afterward, "I just had a feeling it was going to be my day. My control was awesome. I could throw my curveball even when I was behind in the count."

The Memphis starter held Oklahoma City scoreless, giving up 4 hits while registering 4 strikeouts and issuing no walks.

"We didn't have very many good at-bats," the Scorpions manager said in his postgame interview.

"When that happens, you usually lose."

Lackey has made 29 starts, tossed 223 innings, struck out 115 batters and walked 45. His record is 12-12 with a 3.87 ERA and he has limited other teams to a .270 batting average.

Stingers Chill Carty's Hot Streak
Thursday, September 25th, 2014: The Sacramento Stingers pitching did its job today, holding hot-hitting Rico Carty hitless in 2 at-bats during a 6-0 victory over the Philadelphia Ringers at Pathfinders Ballpark. This disappointing performance ended his 25-game hitting streak.

"I'm a little down right now," Carty said after the game. "I couldn't get anything going when the team needed me, and I hated to see the streak end, too."

In the current season, Carty has put up a .349 batting average with 94 hits, 11 home runs, 43 runs batted in and scored 38 runs.

Marquard Shuts out Ringers Thursday, September 25th, 2014: Rube Marquard made it look easy today. The Stingers pitcher shut down Philadelphia 6-0 on 1 hit. For the game, Marquard recorded 2 strikeouts and 2 walks. This season Marquard has a 8-7 mark in 17 starts with a 2.94 ERA. He has given up 145 hits in 159 innings, struck out 58 and issued 30 walks. Opposing clubs have compiled a .241 batting average against him.

Airmen 1B Jacobs Out
Thursday, September 25th, 2014: The Alabama Airmen lost Mike Jacobs for the season when he was diagnosed with a separated shoulder after a collision at first base.

To date, Jacobs has collected 137 hits for a .259 average. He has posted 18 home runs, scored 73 runs and driven in 85 runs.

Summers Shuts out Arizona Friday, September 26th, 2014: "I had everything working for me out there. I used every one of my pitches, hit both sides of the plate really well and felt like I could do whatever I wanted." With stuff like that, it was easy for Ed Summers of the Orcas to handcuff the Sandmen 5-0 and come away with a complete-game 5-hit shutout. He recorded 2 strikeouts and no walks in an impressive performance. This year Summers has fashioned a 7-3 mark, 3.93 ERA and pitched 87 innings. Opposing clubs are batting .270 against him and he has logged 21 strikeouts.

More Woes For Heroes Fielder Jones
Friday, September 26th, 2014: New York right fielder Fielder Jones has suffered a rehab setback as his ankle continues to hurt. He will see a specialist tomorrow.

For the year Jones is batting .230 with 9 home runs, 41 RBIs and 62 runs scored.

Indianapolis' Dalrymple Tears Elbow Ligament
Friday, September 26th, 2014: Indianapolis fans will be disappointed to learn that Abner Dalrymple suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament and is expected to miss spring training and perhaps the start of next season.

This year Dalrymple has 10 home runs and a .292 batting average.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

NL's #1 Player Named
Monday, September 29th, 2014: Babe Ruth demonstrated his potential to be a star in the game last week and today he took home the Northern League Player of the Week Award.

The Chicago right fielder wreaked havoc on opposing pitchers last week, pounding them for a .400 average (10-25) with 7 home runs and 9 RBIs on his way to claiming the honor.

So far this season Ruth is hitting .272 with 41 home runs, 119 RBIs and 113 runs scored. He has 161 hits in 591 at-bats and a .356 OBP.

St. Louis's Kranepool Gets SL Player of the Week
Monday, September 29th, 2014: It can be difficult for a young player to step out of the shadows and assert himself in the Southern League, but last week Ed Kranepool of the St. Louis Tides reminded everyone just why he's here as he threw up numbers that made him an easy selection for Player of the Week. Kranepool rocked opposing pitching for a .480 average (12-25), 2 home runs and 6 RBIs to come away with the award.

This season-to-date Kranepool has 12 home runs and a .279 batting average.

[EMSoccerCoach]

September 22-September 28, 2014

Tides' Wheat Has Bone Cancer
Rookie's career possibly over

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Tides have lived a rough couple of seasons here in the PBL as an expansion team. But the latest blow far transcends baseball, as the team solemnly announced today that further examination of the injured Zack Wheat has yielded a devastating result.

"It is with great sadness that the St. Louis Tides organization reports that young outfielder Zack Wheat, who has been injured since June with a broken elbow, has been diagnosed with bone cancer and will soon begin chemotherapy," general manager Javier Tapian announced today to a stunned press corps.

"While Zack is in good spirits and doctors are optimistic about his long-term recovery, baseball is obviously a long way from consideration," Tapian said.

Wheat went down with a fractured elbow crashing into New Orleans catcher Fred Carroll on June 14. The collision didn't look severe, but it was thought of at the time as simply a bad break. However, as Wheat's injury has lingered and recovery has been slow, he underwent tests for further evaluation this week. What was thought to be a calcified mass regrettably turned out to be something else.

"This kid has all the promise in the world," manager Joe McCarthy said. "He had a five-hit game his first week in the bigs, was hitting .350 when he went down. To get this news is sad...just very, very sad."

Wheat was taken in the third round of last November's draft and was a quick sparkplug for St. Louis. He did not attend the news conference this afternoon.

As for his future, it's hard to speculate. But one source close to the Tides who didn't want to be named indicated Wheat's career is likely over.

"There's a fragility to the bone, we're told," the source said. "Even if treatment goes as well they hope and the cancer's wiped out, there will still be weakness. To ask him to come back from this is a lot to ask."

Tides management has indicated Wheat will be given all the time he needs to decide his future.

[EMSoccerCoach]

September 29-October 5, 2014
FINAL STANDINGS

Northern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New York Heroes	97	65	.599	-
Louisville Racers	80	82	.494	17.0
Charlotte Cougars	79	83	.488	18.0
Philadelphia Ringers	77	85	.475	20.0
Boston Riders	74	88	.457	23.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Hitmen	106	56	.654	-
Sacramento Stingers	89	73	.549	17.0
Wichita Brigade	86	76	.531	20.0
Indianapolis Engines	75	87	.463	31.0
Milwaukee Bangers	50	112	.309	56.0

Southern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New Orleans Knights	102	60	.630	-
Memphis Strummers	92	70	.568	10.0
Orlando Orcas	86	76	.531	16.0
Alabama Airmen	82	80	.506	20.0
St. Louis Tides	68	94	.420	34.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Arizona Sandmen	92	70	.568	-
San Antonio Sheriffs	82	80	.506	10.0
Los Angeles Idols	78	84	.481	14.0
Las Vegas Bosses	72	90	.444	20.0
Oklahoma City Scorpions	53	109	.327	39.0

Pineiro Twirls Ringers to Shutout Victory
Tuesday, September 30th, 2014: Philadelphia starter Joel Pineiro really did a number on the Stingers today, shutting them out 8-0 on 4 hits in a complete game victory. He issued 2 walks and had 2 strikeouts.

In his postgame comments, the Sacramento manager said, "We didn't have good at-bats. I don't make excuses, but when we were playing the game, our energy didn't show. That comes from either extremely good pitching or extremely lousy hitting... seeing as our team has a bunch of pretty good hitters, I have to tip my cap to Joel... he did an outstanding job today."

This year Pineiro has gone 14-9 with an ERA of 2.78 and has 105 strikeouts in 233 innings.

Sam Thompson Shelved by Injury
Wednesday, October 1st, 2014: Injuries are something every team has to deal with. But with the playoffs set to begin in less than a week, the timing couldn't be worse for New Orleans, which will be without Sam Thompson because of a strained oblique. He's considered doubtful for the first-round matchup against Arizona.

To date this season Thompson is hitting .275 with 19 home runs.

Ford at His Best, Blanks Las Vegas Wednesday, October 1st, 2014: The Las Vegas Bosses had no answer today for Airmen pitcher Russ Ford. They failed to score a single run against him, losing 3-0. Las VegasFord and suffered 6 strikeouts. On the season Ford has 6 wins and 4 losses and a 4.24 ERA.

5 Hits for Orcas Easterly Thursday, October 2nd, 2014: The Orcas tripped up the Sheriffs 20-5 today, led by Ted Easterly, their 25-year-old catcher. He tagged San Antonio pitching for 5 hits, making life miserable for them the entire game. Easterly singled in the 1st, grounded out in the 2nd, walked in the 3rd, hit a two-run single in the 4th, singled in the 6th, hit a two-run double in the 7th and singled in the 9th. For the year Easterly has hit .383 with no home runs, 12 RBIs and scored 9 runs.

Alabama No Match for Bond
Thursday, October 2nd, 2014: In a very sharp performance at The Air Field Tommy Bond of the Las Vegas Bosses blanked the Alabama Airmen 3-0. He permitted 6 hits and finished with 8 strikeouts and 1 walk in the Bosses victory.

Bond has a 13-15 season record so far. In 34 starts, he has fanned 182 batters in 274.2 innings with a 4.52 ERA.

Boston's Bender Shuts Out Engines Thursday, October 2nd, 2014: Chief Bender of the Boston Riders really strutted his stuff on the mound today with a 1-0 victory. He was almost untouchable, bewildering the Indianapolis Engines with a 2-hit shutout in which he struck out 7 and gave up 2 walks. This year Bender has compiled a 16-12 mark with a 2.82 ERA.

Willis Guns Down Arizona
Friday, October 3rd, 2014: Dontrelle Willis of the New Orleans Knights just toyed with the Arizona Sandmen today, blanking them 6-0. He was almost untouchable, baffling them on a 4-hit shutout with 5 strikeouts and 2 walks.

"I'm sweating now because it's hot in here," Willis said in the clubhouse after the game. "But it didn't even feel like I was sweating out there."

One of his teammates said it was easy to play behind him today. "It was like he's just playing with the hitters and doing whatever he wanted to do."

So far this season Willis has a record of 23-7 with 129 strikeouts and 60 walks in 263 innings and a 2.94 ERA.

Rudolph Twirls Sheriffs to Shutout Win
Saturday, October 4th, 2014: Dick Rudolph went the distance at Ballpark of San Antonio today. The San Antonio hurler yielded 6 hits, walked 1 and had 3 strikeouts in the Sheriffs 7-0 triumph over the Los Angeles Idols.

This year Rudolph has posted a 10-14 mark in 28 starts and has a 4.69 ERA.

Mickey Lolich Blanks Arizona
Saturday, October 4th, 2014: The Sandmen were no match for Mickey Lolich of the New Orleans Knights. He totally shut down Arizona at The Dune. In the 1-0 win, Lolich tossed a 6-hitter, struck out 5, and walked 2.

This season Lolich has fanned 103 in 185.1 innings and collected a 12-10 record with a 4.03 ERA.

McLain Toys with St. Louis
Saturday, October 4th, 2014: Denny McLain of the Orlando Orcas blanked St. Louis 3-0 on 5 hits. He rang up 3 strikeouts, keeping batters off balance all day long.

This year McLain has a 12-11 record with a 3.83 ERA.

Gross Tags Engines for 5 Hits
Sunday, October 5th, 2014: It seemed that Sacramento third baseman Wayne Gross could do no wrong as the Stingers kayoed the Engines 8-7 today as he rapped out 5 hits in 5 at-bats. Indianapolis pitchers couldn't get him out as Gross seemed to know which pitches they were throwing.

"I think the Stingers were stealing signs," growled one unhappy Indianapolis

"I just felt good today. I saw the ball well and just wanted to make good contact and put the ball in play," said the jubilant Gross in the postgame press interview.

Gross hit an RBI single in the 1st, singled in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, singled in the 6th and doubled in the 8th.

This season in 117 games, Gross has hit at a .241 clip with 92 hits, 9 home runs, 52 RBIs and 39 runs scored.

[PhillieFever]

I know I haven't been writing much but I have been following. I can not believe New York has done it again, and in dominating fashion. Can't wait to see if the curse continues...

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by PhillieFever

Can't wait to see if the curse continues...

Oh, it's gonna continue!!!

Time to get those brooms out...

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by PhillieFever

I know I haven't been writing much but I have been following. I can not believe New York has done it again, and in dominating fashion. Can't wait to see if the curse continues...

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

Oh, it's gonna continue!!!

Time to get those brooms out...

A tremendous storyline I think here. The team most people thought was the best from the inaugural draft finally gets its first division title and goes up against the team that has won it's division all six seasons of the PBL but can never win the big one.

Reality is, the Northern League East just isn't particularly good. New York went 49-23 against their division (including a baffling 17-1 against Philadelphia)...48-42 against everyone else. They're probably without Joe Morgan until at least a game 6 if it goes that far. I will be shocked if the Heroes don't fall yet again.

Chicago fell 2 wins shy of Wichita's PBL record 108, set in the inaugural season of 2009. Babe Ruth hit 12 homers in September to take the PBL homer crown. They are firing on all cylinders right now.

[EMSoccerCoach]

AWARDS
PLAYERS OF THE MONTH FOR SEPTEMBER

Ruth Snags NL Batting Honor in September
Wednesday, October 1st, 2014: When Babe Ruth stepped up to the plate in September, he did it with confidence and today he was honored with the Northern League Batter of the Month award.

The young Chicago right fielder posted a .283 batting average with 12 home runs, 21 RBIs and scored 20 runs. Ruth also worked pitchers for 15 walks to post a .377 on-base percentage.

Ruth is currently batting .274 with 41 home runs, 120 RBIs and 114 runs scored. He has 163 hits in 595 at-bats.

Sanders Nets NL #1 Pitcher Award
Wednesday, October 1st, 2014: Veteran Ben Sanders put together quite a successful stretch in September for the Chicago Hitmen, earning himself the Northern League Pitcher of the Month award.

Sanders racked up a 5-1 record in 6 starts, posting a 1.66 ERA over 48.2 innings and striking out 35.

On the year Sanders has compiled a 22-6 mark with a 3.19 ERA.

Northern League Names Rookie of Month Wednesday, October 1st, 2014: Youngster Joe JacksonLouisville deserved the honor, batting .359 with 2 home runs and 15 RBI. Is the month of September a harbinger of things to come or just a fluke? We'll find out someday, but for now, we'll just let Jackson Jackson is hitting at a .307 mark this season. His stats show 4 home runs, 58 RBIs and 83 runs scored. He has played 151 games for the Racers. emerged as the latest Northern League Rookie of the Month today. The young man from enjoy the limelight.

Beckley Picks Up Best SL Batter Honors for September
Wednesday, October 1st, 2014: Jake Beckley battered Southern League pitchers all September and wound up taking home the Batter of the Month Award.

"I've been around Pastime Baseball League long enough to know you really have to work hard day in and day out to be able to put up this kind of consistency," the 26-year-old Beckley told reporters. "I put in a lot of work, even on the days I may not take the field and it's always nice when everything comes together for me like it did this last month."

In 26 games, Beckley hit .371 with 8 home runs, 27 RBIs and scored 22 runs.

Beckley is hitting .326 for the season with 28 home runs, 110 RBIs and 97 runs scored. He has 205 hits in 628 at-bats and played in 154 games.

SL Premier Pitcher is Memphis's Dwyer
Wednesday, October 1st, 2014: Frank Dwyer hasn't been around the big leagues long enough to know that youngsters shouldn't be winning Southern League Pitcher of the Month. But when you put up numbers like his, you're going to get some notice.

In September the Memphis starter earned a 4-1 mark in 5 starts. He threw 39.2 innings, struck out 20 and compiled a solid 1.82 ERA.

This season Dwyer has a 16-9 record with a 3.47 ERA in 31 starts.

SL Selects Rookie Star of the Month
Wednesday, October 1st, 2014: Luke Easter's eyes seem to light up whenever he sees the baseball. The young Los Angeles first baseman 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 .354 with 6 doubles, 3 triples and 6 home runs. Easter also scored 12 times and drove in 31 runs.

In 138 games Easter is hitting .334 this season with 175 hits, 21 home runs, 109 RBIs, 30 walks, .373 OBP and has scored 73 runs.

[EMSoccerCoach]

FINAL LEADERS

[EMSoccerCoach]

FINAL LEADERS

[EMSoccerCoach]

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES PREVIEW



vs.
97-65 106-56

NEW YORK HEROES LEADERS

Team Leaders AVG T. Kennedy .301 J. Morgan .280 R. Connor .275 I. Meusel .255 D. Wright .242	Team Leaders HR R. Connor 31 T. Kennedy 15 J. Cassidy 13 D. Wright 13 W. Horton 12	Team Leaders RBI R. Connor 104 T. Kennedy 82 D. Wright 61 I. Meusel 60 J. Cassidy 48
Team Leaders W B. Byrd 16 D. Darwin 13 B. Drake 12 F. Killen 12 2 tied with 8	Team Leaders ERA B. Byrd 2.79 F. Killen 3.41 B. Drake 3.55	Team Leaders K B. Byrd 165 F. Killen 123 B. Drake 105 J. Coleman 84 D. Darwin 78

CHICAGO HITMEN LEADERS

Team Leaders AVG F. Baker .346 P. Dougherty .311 B. Ruth .272 P. Hill .250	Team Leaders HR B. Ruth 41 M. Bradley 12 P. Putnam 12 P. Hill 11 2 tied with 7	Team Leaders RBI B. Ruth 122 F. Baker 99 B. Mackey 61 P. Dougherty 59 M. Bradley 58
Team Leaders W B. Sanders 22 J. Santana 19 H. Pollet 17 J. Bush 10 2 tied with 9	Team Leaders ERA H. Pollet 2.71 J. Santana 3.03 B. Sanders 3.19 L. Barker 3.45	Team Leaders K J. Santana 161 B. Sanders 160 H. Pollet 137 L. Barker 116 J. Bush 90

SEASON SERIES: Chicago won 7 of 10

Can the Northern League's 8th ranked offense overcome the loss of leadoff man and sparkplug Joe Morgan against the league's Chicago juggernaut?

Beyond Roger Connor and Terry Kennedy, the Heroes offense is sputtering. David Wright seems to have settled in as a mediocre player rather than the star New York expected when drafting him, and that's a lot of a load to ask Connor to carry for a whole postseason. Irish Meusel and Fielder Jones each posted negative VORP for the season, and the pitching staff, while solid, wasn't dominant. Losing Jonathan Papelbon for the year in April had something to do with that.

Still, all of that leads to the conclusion the Heroes have benefited most from playing in the PBL's worst division.

Their story is well known. This is the PBL's sixth season. The Heroes have won the NL East each season. They've never won the PBL Championship.

Can they do it against a juggernaut that scored the most runs in the league and allowed the fewest, posting the second-best record in league history?

No. Cinderella stories are nice, but fairy tales are fun because of their unbelievability. When reality sets in, the Hitmen are baseball's best team. They can be beaten, but not by the Heroes.

Prediction: Chicago in 5.

[EMSoccerCoach]

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES PREVIEW



92-70 102-60
ARIZONA SANDMEN LEADERS

Team Leaders AVG H. Zimmerman .315 J. Hamilton .282 R. Jones .265 A. Pujols .254 H. Gowdy .220	Team Leaders HR J. Hamilton 18 A. Pujols 15 R. Jones 13 W. Wells 11 H. Gowdy 10	Team Leaders RBI J. Hamilton 85 H. Gowdy 73 A. Pujols 71 W. Wells 69 R. Jones 68
Team Leaders W D. Leonard 19 J. Verlander 17 D. Casey 15 S. Paige 13 A. Sanchez 12	Team Leaders ERA D. Leonard 2.87 D. Casey 3.23 A. Sanchez 3.50 J. Verlander 3.89 S. Paige 4.18	Team Leaders K J. Verlander 185 D. Leonard 178 S. Paige 158 A. Sanchez 148 D. Casey 133

NEW ORLEANS KNIGHTS LEADERS

Team Leaders AVG P. Rose .329 D. Murphy .311 S. Thompson .275 R. Barnes .272 B. Horner .256	Team Leaders HR B. Horner 30 D. Murphy 21 S. Thompson 19 C. Tracy 16 2 tied with 13	Team Leaders RBI D. Murphy 105 B. Horner 100 S. Thompson 90 F. Carroll 60 R. Barnes 59
Team Leaders W D. Willis 23 H. Vaughn 17 M. LaCoss 14 M. Lolich 12 R. Harden 9	Team Leaders ERA D. Willis 2.94 E. Bedard 2.95 H. Vaughn 3.76 M. LaCoss 3.96 M. Lolich 4.03	Team Leaders K E. Bedard 134 D. Willis 129 M. Lolich 103 R. Harden 94 H. Vaughn 88

SEASON SERIES: New Orleans won 8 of 10

Their ace Mark Prior went down for the year with elbow surgery after posting an 0.65 ERA over his first six starts. So Dontrelle Willis stepped up from very good to great and replaced him.

Relief stalwart Bruce Sutter went down for the season, too, after an 0.25 ERA over 25 appearances. Ricky Nolasco was plugged in as setup man, and while not Sutter, won four games in 10 appearances with a 2.61 ERA.

Now the PBL's alltime RBI leader, Sam Thompson, will likely miss the first round of the playoffs with an oblique strain. The assumption is that whoever the Knights plug in will get the job done.

"Everyone they plug in gets it done," Arizona manager Dick Howser said of the New Orleans Knights. "That speaks to what Walter [Alston] has done there these past few years."

The Knights' attempt to win their third PBL Championship Series crown starts with the Southern League Championship Series against Arizona, a staff boasting five starters who won at least 12 games and the #2 alltime closer in Jose Valverde (only Brendan Donnelly has saved more).

New Orleans ranked second in both offense and pitching. Arizona's staff ranks at the top, but their offense ranks only 7th. But it features two very motivated players.

Albert Pujols (.254-15-71) and Josh Hamilton (.282-18-85) each had down seasons. But now they have a chance to carry their team into the PBL Championship Series where they will likely face the team that discarded them - the Chicago Hitmen - just as it was reaching its goal of success.

"They made a decision," Pujols said of the Hitmen's pair of trades last season. "We hope to make them deal with the repercussions."

Prediction: Arizona makes the best storyline, and the loss of Thompson will hurt New Orleans. But Arizona's sub-.500 September doesn't inspire confidence they will flip the switch. Good series, but New Orleans wins in 6.

[EMSoccerCoach]

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES REVIEW



vs.
97-65 106-56

Game One: Bill Byrd (16-7, 2.79) settled down after allowing two runs in the second, including a Babe Ruth homer, letting New York tie it at 2 in the top of the 7th. But the Hitmen scored four in the 7th, all charged to Byrd, to take a 6-2 lead and hold on for a 6-4 victory behind Howie Pollet (17-8, 2.71).

Terry Kennedy, Jim Viox, David Wright and John Cassidy drove in the New York runs.

Ruth and Pat Putnam each drove in a pair for Chicago. Brandon Lyon, who saved 34 during the regular season, closed it out for Chicago.

Chicago leads series 1-0.

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES REVIEW



92-70 102-60

Game One: Anibal Sanchez (12-12, 3.50) had posted a 1.80 ERA over his last 10 starts. Then he met Jake Beckley.

Beckley slammed three homers, two off Sanchez, as the Knights rolled to a 10-2 series-opening victory. Sanchez was knocked out in the third, and Dontrelle Willis (23-7, 2.94) coasted after being spotted a 6-0 lead after three.

Beckley, a free agent at season's end, went 5-for-5 with three homers and five RBI, and Fred Carroll drove in three as well for the Knights.

New Orleans leads series 1-0.

[NYY #23]

Go Hitmen!

[EMSoccerCoach]

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES REVIEW



vs.
97-65 106-56

Game Two: Johan Santana (19-8, 3.03) allowed a second-inning solo homer to John Cassidy and little else as the Hitmen scored five unanswered runs against Frank Killen (12-11, 3.41) and rolled to a 5-1 victory to take a 2-0 series lead.

Troy Tulowitzski homered for Chicago. Santana allowed one run on four hits over 7 innings, striking out four and walking two.

Chicago leads series 2-0.

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES REVIEW



92-70 102-60

Game Two: Dutch Leonard (19-9, 2.87) was more or less matched by Mike LaCoss (14-6, 3.96), who was hurt by a Pete Rose error that allowed a pair of third inning runs but buckled down until the 8th, when Arizona got a pair on big two-out hits from Albert Pujols and Willie Wells, enabling the Sandmen to even the series with a 4-3 victory.

Jose Valverde, who saved 31 during the regular season, closed it out for Arizona.

Series tied 1-1.