Any Given Sunday - The Sequel

[NYY #23]

Hall of Fame

It's a little too early to see a player inducted into the Hall of Fame, but this year featured the first player on the ballot, RF Anibal Costa. Costa received service time credit for 15 years, although he played in just three seasons, 1900-1902. Costa hit .324 during his career with 13 home runs, and 42 RBI. Costa received 4.6% of the votes and dropped off the ballot.

On the Move

The Thrashers acquired SS Bill Duke and 20 year old starting pitcher prospect Michael Jenkins from the Titans in exchange for 35 year old pitcher Alejandro Lopez.

The Wizards acquired 30 year old 3B Roberto De La Cruz, a career .267 hitting with 22 home runs over 8 years in exchange for pitching prospect Jesus Lopez.

[NYY #23]

Week 1 Recap



The Bombers have a new starting pitcher this year, 19 year old Stan Coveleski, drafted 9th overall in the 1908 draft. Coveleski got the nod over Walter Johnson, who is ranked as the better prospect. Coveleski won his first career game with a complete game, striking out 4 as the Bombers won 3-2. Cipriano Padilla picked up the walk off single in the bottom of the ninth for the Bombers.



David Hazard took the loss for the Hornets, and has taken over as the new starting pitcher for the Hornest. Hazard made three starts last year, going 1-2 with a 2.77 ERA, and it looks like it's his job to lose.

Erik Crawford stuck out 15 batters as the Titans beat the Lions 6-1. Adalberto Doll drove in 2 runs for the Titans.

Top 10

This week we'll take a look at the top 10 prospects in baseball.



3B Josh O'Brien of the Seattle Angels was the first overall pick in the 1907 draft and was named the top prospect in baseball.

1. 3B Josh O'Brien, SEA
2. RHP Rusty Conklin, CLE
3. RHP Jose Escamilla, TAM
4. SS Todd Watson, MIA
5. RHP Walter Johnson, LA
6. CF Brian Franks, KC
7. RHP Ronald van Schaack, MIL
8. 2B Eddie Collins, MIN
9. RHP Vicente Barron, DAL
10. SS Salvador Valentin, CLE

[NYY #23]

Week 2 Recap



Tariyel Tukestanov of the Bisons pitched a complete game five hitter as the Bisons improved to 2-0 on the season with a 2-0 win over the Washington Maroons. Jacob Rowe and Hollis Preston each drove in runs for Milwaukee, who are looking to go back to the playoffs for the first time since 1903.



The Bisons are tied for first place in the NBC North with the Minnesota Muskies, as Jose Lozano held the Blues to 1 run on 5 hits as the Muskies won 4-1. Juan Silva was 3-4 at the plate for the Muskies with an RBI double.



The Liberty won their first game of the year behind a dominant pitching performance by Jose Garcia, who allowed 5 hits in the 2-0 shutout and struck out 16 batters. Garcia added two hits at the plate and scored a run.



Joe Walsh was named Player of the Week in the NBC after going 4-4 at the plate with a home run and 4 RBI as the Wildcats beat the Pirates 8-3 to improve to 2-0 on the year. Walsh is now hitting .750 on the season with 6 RBI.

[NYY #23]

Week 3 Recap



Christian Oliver turned in an impressive performance with a complete game six hitter while striking out 5 as the Saints defeated the Legion 6-1 to remain one of only four unbeaten teams after week 3. Mike Hart and Bruce Wolf each drove in 2 runs for the Saints.



The Wildcats needed a twelfth inning RBI single by Jarod Gillett to squeak past the Generals 7-6 and remain undefeated. It was Gillett's four hit of the game for the Wildcats. Manny Reyes picked up the win with 11 innings, and 11 strikeouts.



Milwaukee got a grand slam by Cesar Romero as they edged out the Lakers 8-7 to improve to 3-0 on the season. Tariyel Turkestanov gave up a season high 5 runs, but improved to 3-0 on the season thanks to the Bisons' offense.



The Muskies kept pace in the NBC North after Jose Lozano allowed 2 runs in the complete game 7-2 win. Juan Silva, Angel Pagan, and Oscar Ramos all homered for the Muskies.

[NYY #23]

Week 4 Recap



Christian Oliver turned in another dominant pitching performance for the Brooklyn Saints this week with a complete game two hit shutout as the Saints beat the Hornets 4-0 to improve to 4-0 this year. The Saints have already opened up a three game lead in the NBC East with the win. Alfredo Molina drove in two runs with a pair of doubles in the win.

For 11 innings Bryan Hayes of the Rivercats and Jose Lozano of the Muskies were locked into a 1-1 pitching duel. That would end after a sloppy top of the twelfth with three singles, two errors, and three unearned runs as the Rivercats scored four runs to win the game 5-1. Hayes would pick up the win after allowing just 1 run on 5 hits in 12 innings as the Rivercats pulled to within one game of the ABC North leading Cleveland Lakers.

After making the playoffs three straight years from 1904-1907 the Blues came up short last year with a 7-9 season, and with a 6-5 loss to the Wolverines the Blues are at rock bottom, falling to 0-4 on the year. During the past three years Niculao Melancia has seen his ERA raise from 2.52 to 4.86 to 5.97 this season. In four games this year the Blues have given up a combined total of 12 runs in the eighth and ninth innings. For a team that has only scored 11 runs all season that's a bad sign.

[NYY #23]

Week 5 Recap



The Bombers moved into first place in the ABC West with their third straight win. 19 year old rookie Stan Coveleski improved to 4-1 on the year after allowing just 2 runs in the complete game win. Coveleski struck out 6 batters and was named Player of the Game. Cipriano Padilla was 3-5 at the plate with a double and RBI in the Bombers win.



Christian Oliver struck out 11 batters in 10 innings as the Saints needed extra innings to defeat the Liberty 4-3. With Oliver at the plate Allen Bentley came home to score the walk off run on a wild pitch. Shortstop Jorge Mendez has never hit over .300 in a season, but the 29 year old was 3-5 at the plate today and raised his batting average to .526 on the year.



Erik Crawford ended the hopes of an undefeated season by the Arizona Wildcats after a dominating complete game two hitter as the Titans beat the Wildcats 7-1. Making his third start of the year Chief Bender struggled against the New York bats giving up 7 runs in 5 innings and seeing his ERA balloon from 2.13 to 4.58. Adalberto Doll and Dan Swanson each homered for the Titans.

In an ABC South battle the Wizards defeated the Longhorns 7-2. The Wizards got four doubles in the win, including two from Roberto De La Cruz. 41 year old Ben Howell improved to 3-1 on the year after striking out 8 Longhorns.

[NYY #23]

Week 6 Recap



Alejandro Ruiz had an uncommon debut this week for the Atlanta Thrashers. At 40 years old Ruiz has pitched just 5 1/3 innings in relief, with his last appearance coming in 1902. The Thrashers gave Ruiz the opportunity to make the first start of his career today after the Thrashers found out that starter Luis Cano would miss the rest of the season with an injury. Ruiz allowed just 3 runs on 6 hits as the Thrashers defeated the Breakers 4-3. Ruiz earned the first win of his career while striking out 7 batters. Pedro Sanchez had three hits, including a triple for the Thrashers.



It was a big week for Stan Coveleski, who held the Texans to 1 run on 6 hits in the Bombers 6-1 win, as Covelski improved to 5-1 on the season. Coveslski also found out that he won both Pitcher of the Month and Rookie of the Month in the ABC after going 4-1 last month with a 2.05 ERA, striking out 21 batters in 44 innings.



It shouldn't be too big of a surprise who won Pitcher of the Month in the NBC, as that honor went to Christian Oliver of the Saints after he was 5-0 with a 1.96 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 46 innings last month. Oliver started this month where he left off, defeating the Blues 2-1 to win his sixth game of the year, striking out 5 batters in his sixth win of the year.



Ed Walsh delivered a dominating complete game shutout to improve to 3-0 on the season as the Wolverines beat the Ravens 1-0. Walsh had one of only four hits for the Wolverines at the plate and drove in the only run of the game.

[NYY #23]

Week 7 Recap



Rex Ray struck out 17 batters in 13 2/3 innings as the Breakers beat the Sailors 3-1 in 14 innings. Ray delivered the go ahead sacrifice fly in the 14th to put the Breakers ahead for good. The Breakers hold a two game lead in the NBC South.

It was a wild 13 innings game in Los Angeles with the Bombers showing a lot of fight, coming from behind four separate times in the game before finally winning in the bottom of the 13th. Victor Luna delivered the walk off two run homer for the Bombers. Bernardo Martines picked up the win in relief for the Bombers, who now hold a two game lead in the ABC West.

By the Numbers

This week I'll do something a little bit different and take a look at the career hits leaders.



At the top of the list is 29 year old Jorge Rojas, who has compiled 188 career hits during his career. Ramos made his debut as a 19 year old, and has led the league in hits just once when he had 33 hits in 1901, but has hit over .400 three times during his career.

1) Jorge Rojas, SEA - 188
2) Cipriano Padilla, LA - 179
3) Francisco Velasquez, DEN - 178
4) Francisco Jimenez, DEN - 177
5) Juan Gonzalez, TAM - 172
6) Morris Fisher, CLE - 170
7) Lilian Miro, CLE - 166
8) Tom Wilson, DAL - 162
9) Johnny Evers, NO - 155
10) Cliff Brewer, SEA - 154
11) Antonio Guzman, DEN - 153
12) Bruce Burns, CHI - 152
13) Dave Ware, CAR - 152
14) Mauro Garcia, NAS - 151
15) Juan Puente, MIC - 151
16) Gavvy Cravath, IND - 150
17) Juan Figeroa, DAL - 150
18) David McDonald, CHI - 150
19) Jarod Gilbert, ARI - 149
20) Ryan Shoemaker, DEN - 147

[NYY #23]

Power Rankings

This week I'll be taking a look at the power rankings, with a brief note about each team.

Teams (Total Points, Tendency)
1) Los Angeles Bombers (169.5, o) - 11-2 win over first place Breakers gives the Bombers sixth straight win
2) Arizona Wildcats (161.3, ++) - Three different pitchers have started a game for the Wildcats, who keep finding ways to win
3) New York Titans (141.0, ++) - Seven run eighth inning gave Titans win in battle of first place teams with Lakers.
4) Cleveland Lakers (138.0, -) - Couldn't hold 1-0 lead after 7 innings, and the Rivercats are right in their rearview mirror.
5) Brooklyn Saints (137.0, -) - Bats went quite in second loss of season this week in 3-1 loss to Liberty.
6) Pittsburgh Rivercats (136.6, ++) - Won ABC North 4 of last 5 years and knocked off first place Wizards 6-4 for fifth straight win.
7) Milwaukee Bisons (133.6, ++) - Team to beat in NBC North after 7-0 win over Muskies.
8) Minnesota Muskies (130.6, --) - Needed a big start for Lozano, but instead got his worst start of the year.
9) Orlando Wizards (130.6, --) - Hoping the 41 year old Howell can hold up over long season to keep their playoff hopes alive.
10) Michigan Wolverines (115.5, ++) - With 4th win in 5th start Walsh is providing stability atop Wolverines rotation.
11) Carolina Breakers (113.5, --) - Ray was battered for 9 runs on 9 hits in 5 innings in blowout loss to Bombers.
12) Kansas City Natives (106.9, -) - First year starter Patrick Jones is 4-3 with 3.59 ERA in 7 starts.
13) Seattle Angels (104.9, +) - After surprising everyone with 11 win season, Angels returned to middle of the pack with inconsistent season by Martin Smith.
14) St Louis Lions (104.9, +) - 18 year old starter Smoky Joe Wood has given up 23 runs in his three losses, but has shown flashes of brilliance.
15) Cincinnati Tigers (102.9, --) - 25 year old Roberto Solis is 2-2 with 4.00 ERA since taking starting pitcher job from Peter Cunningham.
16) San Francisco Legion (75.1, -) - Worst bullpen in the league has ERA of 7.71.
17) San Diego Sailors (74.1, ++) - 40 year old Nuno showing signs of aging, but San Diego has trio of young arms waiting to take over.
18) Denver Bears (73.1, ++) - After 10 wins last year Molina lost starting pitcher job after posting 5.87 ERA in three starts.
19) Indianapolis Ravens (66.5, ++) - Ravens encouraged by Jeffrey Koch (2-2, 2.48), who took over for Duane Newton (1-3, 7.05)
20) Philadelphia Liberty (66.5, ++) - Liberty are 0-4 in one run games this year.
21) Atlanta Thrashers (64.5, --) - 40 year old Alejandro Ruiz is 2-0 with 2.08 ERA filling in for injured Luis Cano
22) Baltimore Atlantics (64.5, --) - 15th ranked defense causing issues for Atlantics.
23) Nashville Hornets (64.5, --) - In 8 games Hornets have managed to score just 29 runs.
24) Dallas Texans (62.5, --) - Davenport has 3.55 FIP and 4.60 ERA, but 13th ranked offense and 16th ranked defense are causing issues
25) Buffalo Blizzard (61.5, --) - Bill Egan has come back to earth after going 4-3 with 2.73 ERA in 8 starts last year with 3-4 record and 5.04 ERA.
26) Massachusetts Generals (50.4, ++) - Generals won second straight game, although wins were over Buffalo and Miami
27) Washington Maroons (49.4, ++) - After 14 loss season first round pick Shoeless Joe Jackson is hitting .444 in first 7 games.
28) Texas Longhorns (45.4, o) - Longhorns sent Christy Mathewson to pen after 2-4 record and 5.72 ERA in first 6 games.
29) New Orleans Crescents (42.0, ++) - 2-0 shutout of Pirates gave Crescents second win of the year.
30) Miami Hurricanes (39.0, --) - Hurricanes are hitting just .198 as a team and have scored 22 runs in 8 games.
31) Tampa Pirates (39.0, --) - 40 year old Leroy Unicome has dropped six of seven games since Opening Day win.
32) Chicago Blues (21.7, -) - Squeaked by Maroons with 4-3 win for first win of season.

[NYY #23]

Week 9 Recap

There's a three way tie in the NBC North after the Blues beat the Bisons 3-1 and Atlantics knocked off the Muskies 7-4. The Muskies and Bisons join the 5-3 Wolverines, who had a bye this week in the three way tie. After three years of dominance by the Blues, and a big year from the Muskies last year it's been a long time since the NBC North has been this competitive. Let's take a look at the starters on all three teams:

Ed Walsh, Michigan (27) - 4-1, 3.35 ERA, 24 K, 45.2 IP
Tariyel Turkestanov (31) - 5-3, 2.66 ERA, 57 K, 71 IP
Jose Lozano (27) - 5-3, 3.75 ERA, 74 K, 72 IP

After winning the ABC North four of the past five years it would be foolish to count the Rivercats out. While some Pittsburgh fans were panicking when their team started 0-2, the Rivercats beat the Hurricanes 9-5 to win their sixth straight game and move into first place. Bryan Hayes struck out 8 and picked up the win despite allowing 5 runs on 10 hits. Pittsburgh got RBI doubles from Shano Collins, Robbie Mitchell, and Alfredo Garcia.



Pedro Rodriguez made his first start of the year for the Wildcats, and struck out 9 batters in the 2-0 shutout over the Legion. While the Wildcats are having trouble making up their mind who will start from week to week, the win moved the Wildcats to 7-1 on the year, so they aren't having trouble winning. Joe Walsh and Leon Mejia drove in runs for the Wildcats.

[NYY #23]

Week 10 Recap



Sometimes a change of scenery can do a lot of good. That was the case for 3B Bryan Wyman, who was hitting just .207 this year. The 27 year old was traded from the New Orleans Crescents to the Atlanta Thrashers this week for a pair of relievers, and Wyman made his debut for the Thrashers. He had his best game of the season going 3-4 at the plate with a stolen base and RBI as the Thrashers beat the Bears 4-2. 40 year old Alejandro Ruiz improved to 3-0 on the year with the win.



Not a lot of good things have been happening for the Massachusetts Generals this year, so fans had to be pleased with the month John Ellis had at the plate, hitting .636 with a home run, 10 RBI, and 2 runs scored, which was enough to earn Ellis Batter of the Month honors in the ABC. While the Generals lost their first game of the month 11-1 to the Lions, Ellis started the month off with a 1-3 night at the plate and an RBI.

In the NBC it was Lee Wall of the Legion who was named Batter of the Month after hitting .533 with 3 home runs, 5 RBI, and 4 runs scored.

Pittsburgh hurler Bryan Hayes was named Pitcher of the Month in the ABC after going 4-0 with a 3.08 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 38 innings. In the NBC it was Dan Reed of the Philadelphia Liberty who was named Pitcher of the Month after going 3-1 with a 1.50 ERA with 24 strikeouts in 36 innings.



Rookie of the Month honors went to Stan Coveleski in the ABC after he went 2-0 with a 1.71 ERA in 3 starts for the Bombers.



Shoeless Joe Jackson was awarded Rookie of the Month in the NBC after hitting .583 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored for the Washington Maroons.

[NYY #23]

Week 11 Recap



Smoky Joe Wood has pitched 40 innings the last 4 games, and allowed just 8 runs. This week Wood struck out 9 batters in 11 innings as the red hot Lions won their fourth game in a row 4-3 over the Wildcats to move within one game of the first place Wildcats.



Shortstop Adalberto Doll has been a fixture in New York since making his debut in 1902 as a 19 year old for the Titans, and hasn't missed a game since, hitting .305 for his career with 12 home runs, 49 RBI, 60 runs scored, 43 stolen bases, and 2.8 WAR. He's won two Silver Slugger Awards, and a Championship with the Titans, but this week Doll left the game after going 1-2 at the plate with an elbow injury in the Titans 2-0 win over the Blizzard. Erik Crawford struck out 14 in the shutout win. After the game the Titans found out that Doll will miss the next five weeks. The Titans are hoping that diagnosis is right and Doll will be back in time for the playoffs.



Atlanta thrashed the Bombers 11-2 today with Pedro Sanchez going 5-6 at the plate with 3 RBI and 3 runs scored in the win. 40 year old rookie Alejandro Ruiz improved to 4-0 on the season with the win as the Thrashers won their second game to keep pace in the NBC West. Meanwhile, the Bombers dropped their second straight game as they try and hold off the surging Sailors who won their third straight game.

[NYY #23]

Week 12 Recap



It was a big week for Jose Lozano as he pitched a complete game four hit shutout as the Muskies defeated the Bisons 3-0 to move into a first place tie in the NBC North with the Michigan Wolverines, who beat the Lions 6-5 this week.



The Wildcats couldn't have asked for much more from Pedro Rodriguez this week who struck out 22 batters in 14 innings. Unfortunately the Wildcats could only muster 3 runs in 14 innings as they fell to the Angels 4-3. Christian Hernandez drove in 2 runs for the Angels.

In the NBC South both the Breakers and Thrashers won their third straight game. The Breakers hold a two game lead and beat the Maroons 5-4 this week. Mike Pittock hit a two run homer for the Breakers. Atlanta got a home run from Millard Bingham as they beat the Natives 4-3.



Christian Oliver struck out 8 batters in 8 innings as he won his 9th game of the year in the Saints 3-2 win over the Atlantics. The Saints reduced their magic number to 2 in the NBC East.



Since winning Rookie of the Month Stan Coveleski has given up 27 runs in his past 19 innings as the Bombers dropped their third straight game in a 12-3 loss to the Bears. With their loss and the Sailors defeating the Wizards 12-4 there is now a tie atop the ABC West.

[NYY #23]

Week 13 Recap



Erik Crawford struck out 11 batters in the Titans 6-1 win over the Massachusetts Generals to improve to 9-3 on the season and reducing their magic number to 1. All the news wasn't good for the Titans though, who lost starting centerfielder Dan Swanson for the next three weeks. After losing shortstop Adalberto Doll the Titans will be without two of their best players, but should get them both back in time for the playoffs.



Christian Oliver struggled today giving up 7 runs, but the Saints offense bailed him out as they beat the Maroons 9-7. Jeff Gibson and Donald Davis each picked up three hits and drove in two runs for the Saints. Brooklyn now leads the NBC East by four games and reduced their magic number to 1.

The Atlanta Thrashers won their fourth straight game with a 6-2 win over the Philadelphia Liberty. Francisco Santos had a big game for the Thrashers going 3-4 with a home run, 2 RBI, and 3 runs scored.

[NYY #23]

Week 14 Recap



The Kansas City Natives gave the starting pitcher job to prospect Francisco Martorell this week and in his first start of his career he went 8 innings, allowed 4 earned runs on 6 hits while walking 5 and striking out 1. It was an unearned run that did him in though as the Natives fell 5-4 to the Lakers.



Erik Crawford and the Titans became the first team to clinch in the ABC, beating the Wizards 3-2 win 10 innings to clinch the ABC East. Crawford would pitch the complete game while allowing 2 runs on 8 hits and striking out 11 batters. Walt Gordon delivered the walk off single in the tenth for the Titans. Crawford also found out before the month that he was named Pitcher of the Month for October after he went 3-0 with 35 strikeouts in 27 innings and a 1.00 ERA.



Will we see an all-New York Championship? Christian Oliver is doing his part for the Brooklyn Saints, picking up the complete game win with a shutout, allowing 4 hits and striking out 11 as the Saints beat the Longhorns 2-0 to clinch the NBC East. Like Crawford in the ABC Oliver also found out he won the Pitcher of the Month for October, going 4-0 with a 2.34 ERA while striking out 25 in 34 2/3 innings.

With losses this week the Maroons, Blizzard, Longhorns, and Crescents were eliminated from playoff contention. After being officially eliminated New Orleans fired both GM Brian Chase and manager Mike Dennis.

Ryan Shoemaker of the Denver Bears was named Batter of the Month in the ABC after hitting .471 with 1 home runs, 4 RBI, and 6 runs scored. In the NBC it was Daniel Silva of the Minnesota Muskies who hit .500 with 2 home runs, 4 RBI, and 7 runs scored to win Batter of the Month.

[NYY #23]

Week 15 Recap



While the Blues were eliminated from the playoffs today with a 4-2 loss to the Ravens 35 year old Bruce Burns had a big day at the plate, going 5-5 in the game. That raised his batting average on the year to .365, and Burns is hitting .316 during his career with 32 home runs and 97 RBI. While Burns won a Championship in 1900 the Blues are heading in the wrong direction. His 32 career home runs are 6th on the all-time list while Burns is 10th on the all-time RBI list. Only six batters have more career WAR than his 7.01. Burns entered the league as a 27 year old and after nine years in the league Burns needs a couple more solid seasons to build his case for the Hall of Fame.



Ed Walsh improved to 9-2 in 11 starts for the Wolverines this year after the Wolverines beat the Tigers 13-2 to clinch the NBC North with their fifth win in a row. Jose Chaves, Jacob Michael, Tucker Miller, and Frank Schulte each drove in 2 runs for the Wolverines who will head to the playoffs for just the second time in their history.



Emmett Carter has been the benefactor of the best run support in the ABC with the Lakers, but today he pitched a big shutout against division rivals the Rivercats, allowing 6 hits and striking out 6 as the Lakers won 8-0. With the win the Lakers have taken a one game lead in the ABC North over the Rivercats, although both Cincinnati and Indianapolis are just 2 games back.

The Bombers look to have righted the ship in the ABC West with their second straight win, beating the Blizzard 10-6. The Bombers host the Sailors next week, and a win will clinch the division. A minor trade two years ago is paying big dividends this year for the Bombers. The Bombers acquired Victor Luna, and this year Luna has become the team's starting center fielder hitting .333 with a home run, 4 RBI, and 8 runs scored. He's leading the team in batting average this year and the Bombers have scored the third highest runs in the league.

[NYY #23]

Week 16 Recap



Ty Cobb was 4-6 at the plate today with 3 RBI and 3 runs scored as the Sailors moved into a first place tie with a 18-6 trouncing of the Bombers. Cobb wasn't the only standout at the plate for the Sailors, with Leonardo Estrada hitting a home run and driving in 4 runs, Miguel Angel Nieves driving in 4 runs, and David Griffin picking up 3 hits. Stan Coveleski allowed 12 runs in 3 innings as his ERA increased from 3.67 to 4.48.



With a 7-2 win this week the Arizona Wildcats clinched the NBC West. Pedro Rodriguez struck out 13 batters in the win.

The Massachusetts Generals, Miami Hurricanes, Indianapolis Ravens, Kansas City Natives, Baltimore Atlantics, Minnesota Muskies, and Milwaukee Bisons have been eliminated from the playoffs.

[NYY #23]

Week 17 Recap



Bryan Hayes picked up the complete game win, allowing just 1 run on 7 hits as the Rivercats beat the Ravens 2-1 to capture the ABC North. Robbie Mitchell tripled home a run in the Rivercats win.



Ty Cobb again had a big game with 3 hits as the Sailors doubled up the Bears 10-5 to capture the ABC West as the Bombers fell to the Natives 13-3. Despite the loss the Bombers haven't been eliminated yet, finishing tied with the Cincinnati Tigers and Cleveland Lakers at 9-7, with two teams advancing to the playoffs as Wild Card teams.

With a 5-4 win the Wizards beat the Texans and clinched the ABC South with an 8-8 record, the worst record by a division record in either league. Manny Nieves won his third game in five starts after replacing 41 year old Ben Howard (4-5, 4.80 ERA) as the starting pitcher.

Ricardo Moreno and Raul Sanchez each homered as the Breakers beat the Thrashers 4-1 to capture the NBC South. Rex Ray struck out 11 batters while winning his 11th game of the year, and 80th game of his career.

Despite finishing in second place in the NBC West the Lions beat the Angels 4-2 and will be heading to the playoffs as a Wild Card game. Despite the loss the 10-6 Angels will also be heading to the playoffs as the second Wild Card team.

[NYY #23]

Los Angeles Bombers (9-7) @ Cleveland Lakers (9-7)



The Cleveland Lakers are heading to the playoffs after an 11-4 win over the Los Angeles Bombers. 1B Charlie Meyer was 4-4 at the plate with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored for the Lakers.

It was another bad start for Stan Coveleski who gave up 10 runs in 3 1/3 innings. Covelski now has six starts in which he's given up 8 runs or more. With Walter Johnson rated as the fifth prospect in baseball, and being called up to pitch out of the bullpen this year are Coveleski's days in the rotation numbered?

While the Bombers lost they'll live to fight another day, taking on the Tigers in the second tie-breaker game.

[NYY #23]

Los Angeles Bombers (9-8) @ Cleveland Lakers (9-7)



Brad Ward was named Player of the Game after a homer, double, two RBI, and two runs scored as the Bombers squeaked by the Tigers 7-6 to advance to the playoffs.

It was another shaky start for Stan Coveleski who allowed 6 runs in 8 innings, yet came away with the win.