2024 PLAYER / PITCHER OF THE WEEK #6

The game picked up in the bottom of the 2nd when the Werewolves scored their first run. Adam Velazquez sealed the deal with a home run in the bottom of the 2nd, leading the Werewolves to a 3-0 lead. However, the Swamp Things retaliated in the top of the 4th with a two-run homer from Luis Robert, closing the gap to 3-2.

The Werewolves maintained their lead, adding another run in the bottom of the 4th. Despite the Swamp Things’ efforts to catch up, they fell short, with the Werewolves clinching a narrow victory, 5-4. The game showcased impressive performances from both teams’ pitchers and hitters, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final out. Hollywood wins, up 1-0 in the series

Clayton Kershaw goes to 6-0
David Bednar picks up Save #9

Tommy Kahnle blew the hold, but got the win going 4-1

Mike Clevenger improves to 2-3
David Bednar picks up Save #10

The Swamp Things attempted to rally in the later innings but were unable to overcome the Werewolves’ defense. Despite some tense moments, including a pitching change and a potential tying run in the eighth inning, the Werewolves held on to their lead. In the end, relief pitcher David Bednar secured the victory for the Werewolves, with the final score standing at 2-1 in their favor. Hollywood wins, up 4-0 in the series

Kyle Hendrick goes to 2-1
David Bednar picks up Save #11

In the top of the fourth, the Swamp Things stage a comeback, tying the game at 2-2 with a double by Jeffers. The momentum continues in the fifth inning as Steer’s home run puts the Swamp Things in the lead at 3-2.

The Werewolves respond fiercely in the bottom of the sixth, scoring three runs and reclaiming the lead at 6-4. Despite efforts from the Swamp Things in the later innings, including a double by Chavis, they are unable to close the gap.

The game ends with the Werewolves victorious at 6-4, securing the win with strong pitching from Bednar in the ninth inning. The Swamp Things fought hard, but ultimately fell short in their comeback bid. Hollywood wins, up 5-0 in the series.

Charlie (don’t call me Craig) Morton improves to 2-3
David Bednar picks up Save #12

Juan Soto, the top player for the Southbend Lynx, has been a force at the plate, showcasing his keen eye and power hitting. His presence in the lineup will undoubtedly be a key factor for the Lynx as they face the Mobsters’ pitching staff.

On the other side, Yordan Alvarez has been a standout for the Chicago Mobsters, living up to his reputation as a “Monster” with his impressive slugging percentage and ability to drive in runs. His performance could be a game-changer in the series.

As for the odds, considering the records and the star players on each side, the series could be quite evenly matched. However, with the Lynx having a slightly better record and home-field advantage, they might be the slight favorites. The odds could be set at Southbend Lynx (-130) and Chicago Mobsters (+110), indicating a close series where any team could come out on top.

Final Score: Southbend 8 – Chicago 2

Win: Kirby Yates 1-0 (4.12)
Loss Julio Urias 3-2 (4.45)

Final Score: Southbend 8 – Chicago 4

Win: Nick Pivetta 5-1 (3.46)
Loss: J.P. Sears 2-5 (4.63)

Chicago attempted a comeback in the bottom of the sixth when Willy Adames hit a two-run homer off reliever Kirby Yates, cutting the deficit to 5-2. However, Southbend’s bullpen, anchored by Tyler Holton, held the Mobsters scoreless for the remainder of the game. Holton secured the save, his sixth of the season, by inducing a pop-up from Alex Bregman with two runners in scoring position in the bottom of the ninth. The Lynx emerged victorious with a final score reflecting their dominant performance.

Final Score: Southbend 5 – Chicago 2

Win: Johan Oviedo 4-2 (3.31)
Loss: Jesus Luzardo 3-4 (2.79)
Save: Tyler Holton 6

The Lynx, undeterred, fought back in the top of the 6th, with Travis d’Arnaud‘s RBI double and Stuart Fairchild‘s single, regaining the lead. Kirby Yates, taking over in the 4th, pitched a solid relief for the Lynx, keeping the Mobsters at bay. The game concluded with Tyler Holton securing the save despite a tense final inning where the Mobsters threatened but ultimately fell short. The Lynx demonstrated resilience and timely hitting to clinch the victory.

Final Score: Southbend 7 – Chicago 5

Win: Kirby Yates 2-0 (3.80)
Loss: Brennan Bernardino 0-2 (3.71)
Save: Tyler Holton 7

The game continued with back-and-forth action until the Lynx pulled ahead in the fourth inning, thanks to a series of hits and a fielding error by the Mobsters, making it 5-3. The Lynx further extended their lead in the seventh inning with a two-run homer from Kyle Tucker and additional runs batted in by Jake Cave. Despite the Mobsters’ efforts to close the gap, the Lynx maintained their lead, with Cave sealing the deal with a two-run homer in the ninth inning.

The Lynx’s pitching was solid, with starter Tanner Houck earning the win and Tyler Holton providing effective relief. The Mobsters’ Zack Thompson took the loss after a challenging six innings on the mound. The game concluded with a final score that reflected the Lynx’s offensive prowess and strategic play.

Final Score: Southbend 11 – Chicago 4

Win: Tanner Houck 2-2 (4.25)
Loss: Zack Thompson 0-2 (4.05)

Final Score: Chicago 5 – Southbend 4

Win: Julio Urias 4-2 (3.82)
Loss: Tommy Henry 0-1 (6.75)

The Lynx’s record now gleams at 23-15, boasting a .605 winning percentage, a testament to their tenacity and skill on the diamond. At the heart of their success was Juan Soto, a veritable thorn in the side of the Mobsters. His prowess at the plate and in the field made him an omnipresent threat, one that Chicago will not miss as they wave goodbye to the Lynx team departing the Windy City.

Chicago, now standing at a precarious 19-21 and under a .500 record, must regroup and refocus. The Mobsters are set to face the Fremont Cannons, the formidable leaders of the American League East. It’s a daunting task, as playing in Fremont has lately not been an easy feat for any team. The Mobsters, however, are no strangers to adversity. They hope to find their stride and get back on track after a home stand that can only be described as devastating.

Meanwhile, the Southbend Lynx pack their bags, their spirits high after taking the series in such a commanding fashion. They head to Dallas, where the last-place team in the American League East awaits them. It’s a prime opportunity for the Lynx to continue their winning ways and further cement their position as one of the top contenders in the league.

As the Lynx leave Chicago behind, the Mobsters are left to lick their wounds and prepare for the battles ahead. The Lynx, on the other hand, march forward with confidence, their eyes set on the next challenge. The series may be over, but the season is still in full swing, and both teams know that every game, every inning, every pitch counts. The Lynx have roared mightily, but the Mobsters are down, not out, and the rest of the season awaits with the promise of redemption and the thrill of a comeback in the Mid-West Baseball League.

Fremont gets it going first with a 2-run HR from Josh Donaldson in the 2nd. In the top of the 3rd, Cincinnati answers back with a solo shot from Cal Raleigh. Another solo homer comes from Jurickson Profar in the 6th to tie the game at 2-2.

No one else scores in regulation, so we go to extra innings. Neither team musters much of a threat until we get to the 14th, when Elias Diaz doubles with one out, and is followed by a Carlos Correa walk. The next two batters strike out, and we go to the 15th. Cincinnati gets on the board with a Mitch Garver double and a Cal Raleigh RBI single. Shohei Ohtani singles in the bottom of the inning but is thrown out on a missed hit-and-run by Luke Maile. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. then grounds out to give the Skyliners the opening win 3-2 (15).

No one had a great day at the plate, but Tyler O’Neill’s 0-7 is a performance he’ll want to forget.
W: Will Smith (2-0)
L: Carmen Mlodzinski (1-2)

HR: CIN- Jurickson Profar (3), Cal Raleigh (3); FRE- Josh Donaldson (1)

An all-Japan matchup. Cincinnati gets the scoring going in the 3rd, as a Tommy Edman two-out double is the first hit of the game for the Skyliners. Jurickson Profar follows with an RBI single. Michael A. Taylor gets on board with an infield single, then Cal Raleigh brings everyone home with a 3-run HR. Cinci threatens again in the 6th with runners on 2nd and 3rd, but Austin Hays nails Cal Raleigh at home on a flyout. It’s the same situation in the 7th; this time it is Byron Buxton throwing out Eddie Rosario at home. All of this would seem to allow Fremont a chance to get back into it, but they can’t muster anything against Kikuchi. Cincinnati picks up the 4-0 victory with the three-hit, 10-strikeout CGSO from Yusei Kikuchi.

W: Yusei Kikuchi (1-4)
L: Kodai Senga (3-2)

HR: CIN- Cal Raleigh (4); FRE- none

Cincinnati gets the first run on the board in the 3rd, with a Tommy Edman two-out double and a Jurickson Profar single leading to the 1-0 lead. Fremont answers right back as a leadoff walk by Austin Hays is followed by a Shohei Ohtani two-run HR, and the Cannons lead 2-1. In the 4th, a Byron Buxton single is followed by two walks to load the bases, then Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singles in two to pad the Fremont lead to 4-1. Doubles from Elias Diaz and Carlos Correa give the Cannons their 5th run.

After a two-out single in the 6th from Cal Raleigh, Christian Walker follows with another single, but Raleigh is thrown out by Teoscar Hernandez trying for third. Fremont looks dangerous with runners at 2nd and 3rd and no outs in the bottom of the inning, but Christian Walker throws out Austin Hays at home on a grounder, and the next two Cannons make outs. Christopher Morel finally gets the Skyliners a run back with a solo HR in the 7th. That’s all they would get though, and Fremont wins 5-2.

Ohtani finally shows some signs of life for the home crowd, going 3-4 with a 2B, HR, and 2 RBI. Cincinnati commits 3 errors but none lead to runs. Kyler Framer is HBP and lost for 5 days. Fremont leaves 12 on base but still gets the win.

W: Sandy Alcantara (4-1)
L: Steven Matz (0-3)
S: Shelby Miller (11)

HR: CIN- Christopher Morel (2); FRE- Shohei Ohtani (4)

Fremont gets runners on 2nd and 3rd in the opening frame, but a popout and flyout end the threat. An Elly de la Cruz error puts Jurickson Profar on 1st in the fourth inning. Brandon Drury follows with a double that Profar tries to score on, but Austin Hays guns him down. Cincinnati takes the first lead in the 5th with an Eddie Rosario triple and Ramon Urias single. Cal Raleigh leads off the 7th with a double but is stranded.

In the 7th, a Mike Yastrzemski double and infield single from Teoscar Hernandez puts runners on the corners. Yoan Moncada flies out, then Fremont trades Hernandez for Yastrzemski on the sac fly to tie it. Jurickson Profar gets on via a Bo Naylor error in the 8th, but then is picked off by Naylor. Joshua Rojas leads off the 8th with a double, and Manuel Margot gets the rare intentional walk. PH Elias Diaz grounds out but moves the runners to 2nd and 3rd, then Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is intentionally walked as well. Facing the lefty (Cincinnati seems to have plenty of them), Mike Yastrzemski is pulled in favor of Nolan Gorman, who delivers a two-run single to put Fremont up 3-1. Shelby Miller gets three straight outs in the ninth and Fremont wins 3-1.

Ohtani strikes out 9 in the win, and Civale is solid with an 11 K performance. Two errors don’t cost Fremont in this one.

W: Shohei Ohtani (4-0)
L: Will Smith (2-1)
S: Shelby Miller (12)

HR- none

Cinci threatens early with runners at 2nd and 3rd in the first, but an opportune lineout-throwout double play keeps them off the board. Austin Hays sends one over the fence in the 2nd to put the Cannons up 1-0. A two-out walk to Bo Naylor in the 3rd comes back to bite the Skyliners as a Shohei Ohtani 2-run HR puts the Cannons up 3-0. Naylor then doubles in Joshu Rojas in the 5th for a 4-0 lead.

The Skyliners get on the board in the 6th when a Christian Walker single is followed by a Cal Raleigh HR. Cincinnati strikes again in the 7th when a Michael A. Taylor single is followed by a LaMonte Wade HR, and all of the sudden it’s tied 4-4. Christian Walker nearly puts the Skyliners on top but Teoscar Hernandez robs him of a homerun. Neither side scores again in regulation so we got to extra innings for the second time in the series.

A bloop double by Brandon Drury leads off the 10th. Chistian Walker sends one off the wall scoring Drury, as Teoscar Hernandez crashes into the wall and goes down. Attempting to stretch it to 3rd, Manuel Margot is able to throw him out, but Herrnandez is lost for the rest of the game. Tim Mayza is then able to close out the Cannons 1-2-3 for the 5-4 win in 10. Cincinnati definitely deserved this win, outhitting the Cannons 13-3.

W: Tim Mayza (1-0)
L: Carmen Mlodzinski (1-3)

HR: CIN- LaMonte Wade (4), Cal Raleigh (5); FRE- Shohei Ohtani (5), Austin Hays (1)

Cincinnati threatens a big inning in the 1st with loading the bases, but a sac fly brings in one and Cristopher Morel is picked off to limit the threat. The Skyliners threaten again in the 2nd with runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs. An Eddie Rosario single looks to score a run but Teoscar Hernandez guns down Cal Raleigh at home, and a double play ends the inning. Teoscar Hernandez leads off the 2nd with a hoe run to tie it 1-1. Christopher Morel then sends one over the fence in the 3rd to put the Skyliners on top again.

Byron Buxton come to the plate in the fifth and ties it up again at 2-2 with the dinger. Fremont goes on top in the 6th as a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. walk is followed by a Nolan Gorman HR. Byron Buxton singles and steal in the 7th, then Austin Hays drives him in to put the Cannons on top 5-2. Cinci puts two on in the 8th but can’t bring them in. Shelby Miller sets them down in the ninth and Fremont ties the series with the 5-2 win.

Byron Buxton raises his average to .143 with a 2-3 effort. Shohei Ohtani is lost in the 1st inning after a HBP, but thankfully is only out for the day.

W: Tarik Skubal (4-0)
L: Patrick Sandoval (1-4)
S: Shelby Miller (13)

HR: CIN- Christopher Morel (2); FRE- Nolan Gorman (11), Teoscar Hernandez (8), Byron Buxton (2)

Rubber match! Nolan Gorman leads off the 2nd with a double, but is stranded. Cal Raleigh’s 4th HR of the series comes in the 4th inning and puts the Skyliners on top 1-0. A double by Michael A. Taylor and a groundout puts him a third, and a wild pitch brings in Taylor to make it 2-0 Cincinnati. A single and walk in the 6th gives Tommy Edman the chance for a run-scoring single, and Cincinnati goes up 3-0.

Teoscar Hernandez leads off the 7th with a walk but is thrown out at third by Eddie Rosario on Elias Diaz’s double. The Cannons fail to bring in Diaz. Eddie Rosario then puts the exclamation pint on the series with a HR in the 8th. Braxton Garrett stays in to complete the CGSO and Cincinnati wins 4-0. Fremont only musters 2 hits against Garrett, who walked 5 but struck out 8.

W: Braxton Garrett (4-2)
L: Kodai Senga (3-3)

HR: CIN- Cal Raleigh (6), Eddie Rosario (5); FRE- none

Next week: Cincinnati stays in the division hosting Motor City, and Fremont hosts the Mobsters from Chicago.

AR 4 TCP 3

W: Clase (2-4)
L: Jimenez (1-2)
S: Alvarado (4)

AR 4 TCP 1

W: Cortes (6-1)
L: Kremer (2-2)
S: Uribe (4)

AR 4 TCP 1

W: Cole (5-0)
L: Gausman (5-1)
S: Alvarado (5)

AR 1 TCP 2

W: Williamson (2-1)
L: Sheehan (2-5)
S: Wilson (6)

AR 1 TCP 9

W: Scherzer (4-2)
L: Walker (4-3)

AR 3 TCP 7

W: Strahm (1-1)
L: Houser (2-2)

AR 3 TCP 2

W: Clase (3-4)
L: Kremer (2-3)
S: Alvarado (6)