2024 PLAYER / PITCHER OF THE WEEK #8

NAME	TEAM	AVG	SLG	G	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	R	RBI	K	W	IW	SB	CS	HBP
RODRIGUEZ,Julio	CHI AL	.375	.792	6	24	9	1	0	3	6	12	5	3	1	0	0	1

NAME	CLUB	G	W	L	S	ERA	IP	R	ER	H	K	BB	IBB	WP	BK	HB	HR
DUNNING,Dane	VIR AL	2	2	0	0	0.51	17	1	1	#	11	4	0	0	0	0	0

NAME	TEAM	AVG	SLG	G	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	R	RBI	K	W	IW	SB	CS	HBP
SANCHEZ,Gary	PRA NL	.333	.704	6	27	9	1	0	3	8	11	7	1	0	0	0	0

NAME	CLUB	G	W	L	S	ERA	IP	R	ER	H	K	BB	IBB	WP	BK	HB	HR
FRIED,Max	SEL NL	2	2	0	0	0.00	16	0	0	6	14	4	0	2	0	0	0

Dallas Cougars @ Chicago Mobsters
Preview:	The upcoming series between the Chicago Mobsters (22-24) and the Dallas Cougars (18-29) is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for both teams. The Mobsters, with a sluggish start on offense, are anticipated to break out of their slump and showcase the firepower they’re known for. Despite their record, the Chicago lineup is due for a resurgence, and facing the Cougars might just be the catalyst they need. On the other hand, the Dallas Cougars will be looking to capitalize on their underdog status and cause an upset. They’ll aim to leverage their pitching and defense to keep the Mobsters’ hitters in check. As for the odds, considering the records and the potential for Chicago’s offense to ignite, the series could be leaning in favor of the Mobsters. A reasonable line might be Chicago -150, reflecting their slight edge and the expectation that their bats will come alive. Dallas, as the underdog, could be sitting at +130, offering value for bettors who believe they can stifle the Chicago offense and pull off a surprise. Keep an eye on this series as the Chicago Mobsters look to turn their season around and the Dallas Cougars aim to prove they’re no easy out.
Game #1:	In a commanding performance, the Chicago Mobsters took down the Dallas Cougars with a final score of Chicago 9 – Dallas 3. Jesus Luzardo was the star on the mound for Chicago, racking up an impressive 10 strikeouts across 6 innings of work, contributing to his season record of 5-4 and an ERA of 2.47. Lucas Giolito, on the other hand, struggled against the Mobsters’ lineup, taking the loss with a record of 3-6 and a bloated ERA of 6.84. Willy Adames shined as the player of the game, delivering 3 hits in 5 at-bats, including a crucial triple that drove in 3 runs, solidifying the Mobsters’ lead. His performance at the plate was a key factor in Chicago’s offensive onslaught. The game began with Luzardo setting the tone, striking out the side in the top of the first. The Mobsters then capitalized on their opportunities in the bottom half, with Luis Arraez hitting a double and later scoring the first run. Adames’ aforementioned triple in the 5th inning was a highlight, breaking the game wide open and giving Chicago a comfortable lead. Dallas attempted a comeback in the 6th inning, scoring all three of their runs, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit. Chicago’s bullpen held strong, with Yennier Cano and Alek Manoah closing out the game, ensuring the Mobsters walked away with a decisive victory. Final Score: Chicago 9 – Dallas 3 Win: Jesus Luzardo 5-4 (2.47) Loss: Lucas Giolito 3-6 (6.84)
Game #2:	In a thrilling matchup, the Chicago Mobsters took on the Dallas Cougars in a game that showcased strong pitching and strategic plays. The game began with an early lead for the Cougars as Jarren Duran doubled and later scored, putting them ahead 1-0. However, the Mobsters responded in the 4th inning, tying the game when Leody Taveras scored on a groundout by J. Rodriguez. The 5th inning proved pivotal for the Mobsters, with Gabriel Moreno and E. Sosa contributing to a three-run rally, extending their lead to 3-1. The Mobsters continued to capitalize on their opportunities, with Andrew McCutchen driving in another run, bringing the score to 5-1. The Cougars struggled to catch up, and despite a pitching change to Devin Williams, they couldn’t close the gap. The Mobsters’ bullpen held strong, with Aroldis Chapman and Alek Manoah shutting down the Cougars’ offense. The game concluded with a final strikeout by Manoah, sealing the victory for the Mobsters. Final Score: Chicago 5 – Dallas 1 Win: Bryce Miller 2-2 (3.71) Loss: Chase Anderson 0-4 (6.25)
Game #3:	In an electrifying extra-innings showdown, the Chicago Mobsters clinched a walk-off victory against the Dallas Cougars with a final score of Chicago 11 – Dallas 10 (10 Innings). The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the Mobsters making a dramatic comeback from an 8-0 deficit in the 4th inning. The Mobsters’ resilience was on full display as they chipped away at the lead, culminating in a game-tying home run by R. Greene in the 8th inning. The tension peaked in the 10th inning when J. Rodriguez delivered a deep smash to left-center, driving in the winning run and sealing the Mobsters’ triumphant victory. The crowd erupted as the Mobsters celebrated their hard-fought win, a testament to their never-say-die attitude. Final Score: Chicago 11 – Dallas 10 (10 Innings) Win: Josh Hader 1-0 (4.00) Loss: Justin Topa 1-2 (5.94)
Game #4:	In another thrilling extra-innings contest, the Dallas Cougars emerged victorious over the Chicago Mobsters with a final score of Dallas 5 – Chicago 3. The game was a pitching duel through the first seven innings, with the Mobsters initially taking the lead in the second inning. The Cougars responded in the eighth with a two-run homer by Jarren Duran, but the Mobsters tied it up again in the bottom half. The decisive moment came in the eleventh inning when Jose Abreu hit a three-run homer, sealing the win for the Cougars. Chris Martin (1-2, 5.00 ERA) took the win, while Jhoan Duran (0-1, 3.48 ERA) was handed the loss. Tristan Beck earned his first save of the season. The game also saw injuries to Jace Jung and Sandy Leon, with Jung out for five days and Leon for two. Final Score: Dallas 5 – Chicago 3 Win: Chris Martin 1-2 (5.00) Loss: Jhoan Duran 0-1 (3.48) Save: Tristan Beck #1
Game #5:	The Chicago Mobsters overcame an early deficit to defeat the Dallas Cougars with a final Chicago 12 – Dallas 4. Alek Manoah pitched six strong innings for Chicago, striking out eight and earning the win, improving his record to 2-0 with a 4.08 ERA. Dallas’ Ron Marinaccio took the loss, dropping to 0-1 with a 7.45 ERA after giving up a pivotal two-run homer to Chicago’s C. Bethancourt in the 6th inning. The game started tense, with both teams scoreless until the top of the 3rd when S. Brown’s double for Dallas cleared the bases, putting the Cougars up 3-0. Chicago quickly responded in the bottom of the 3rd, with J. Rodriguez’s single driving in two runs, followed by A. Bregman’s RBI to tie the game. The Mobsters then took the lead in the 6th and never looked back, extending their lead with a series of hits including a two-run homer by Rodriguez in the 8th. Unfortunately for Chicago, Yandy Diaz was hit by a pitch and had to leave the game due to injury. He was later placed on the Disabled List. The Mobsters capitalized on their opportunities and closed the game with strong pitching from their bullpen, sealing a decisive victory. Final Score: Chicago 12 – Dallas 4 Win: Alek Manoah 2-0 (4.08) Loss: Ron Marinaccio 0-1 (7.45)
Game #6:	In a dominant display, the Chicago Mobsters secured a resounding victory over the Dallas Cougars with a final score of Chicago 10 – Dallas 1. The game was marked by outstanding performances from Yordan Alvarez and Riley Greene, who both crushed a home run and contributed 4 RBIs each, showcasing their offensive prowess. Bryce Miller (3-2) pitched a stellar game, ending with a 3.21 ERA, and was credited with the win. On the other side, Lucas Giolito (3-7) struggled on the mound, finishing with a 7.28 ERA and taking the loss. The Mobsters took an early lead in the bottom of the 1st inning and never looked back. Greene’s two-run homer in the 5th inning extended their lead, and Alvarez’s three-run blast in the 8th inning sealed the deal for Chicago. The Cougars managed to get on the board in the 8th inning, but it was too little too late. The Mobsters’ pitchers kept the Cougars’ hitters in check throughout the game, with Miller delivering a commanding performance before handing over to the bullpen, which maintained the lead until the end. The Mobsters’ victory was a team effort, but Alvarez and Greene’s significant contributions were undoubtedly the highlight of the contest. Final Score: Chicago 10 – Dallas 1 Win: Bryce Miller 3-2 (3.21) Loss: Lucas Giolito 3-7 (7.28)
Summary:	Chicago takes the series 5 games to 1. Chicago’s offense broke out against Dallas. Dallas head down south down Mexico way for a visit to the Bottle Rocket zone of Tijuana. Chicago stays at home to face the Mighty-Mighty Werewolves of Hollywood.

Yucaipa Road Runners @ Tempe Tempers
Preview:	One of the best offenses in the NL hosts one of the worst for six games. Will the trend change?
Game #1:	Battenfield vs. DeGrom Tempe got on the board in the 1st with an Ozuna rbi single in the first. Both starters were dealing and that was the only run of the game until Freeman added a RBI double in the 8th off Battenfield. In the 9th, Yucaipa finally broke the shutout as Tatis singled and Westburg doubled. Cooper walked to put the go ahead run on 1st and the tieing run on 2nd with no outs. Degrom bared down and got a double play and then a line out for the complete game win. Tempe 2-1 W – DeGrom (2-0), L – Battenfield (0-4)
Game #2:	Falter vs. Darvish Westburg doubled and Turang singled to put runners on corners with no outs in the 1st but Darvish got Tatis swinging and Arozarena to hit into a double play. In the 4th, Tempe broke through the shoutout with a Baltimore special from JD Martinez. Westburg and Turang singled in the 6th of Darvish. Braiser came in and allowed both runners to score, but got out of the inning with the 1 run lead. In the 7th, Freeman hit the second Baltimore special of the game to put Tempe up 6-2. They added four more runs before the inning was over. Syndergaard made his first appearance of the year and pitched a shaky final two innings to wrap up things for Tempe. Tempe 11-5 W – Darvish (2-0), L – Falter (0-1)
Game #3:	Laurer vs. Verlander Ozuna gunned Tatis at home in the 1st to limit the damage after two reached and Cron crushed a double. Realmuto rbi double in the 2nd tied it up. Tempe loaded the bases in the 4th, but Lauer somehow gets out of it without a run. Tatis solo shot in the 9th off Verlander was the game winner. Castro got Freeman with a runner on 2nd in the 9th for the save. Yucaipa 2-1 W – Maton (1-2), L – Verlander (6-3), S – Castro (6)
Game #4:	Greinke vs. Perez Tatis two run homer in the 1st gave the Road Runners the early lead. Doubles from Bogaerts, Albies, and Kwan tied it after two innings. Ramirez rbi double chased Greinke in the 5th. Kwan rbi single and Freeman homer made it 6-2 in the 6th. Little pitched the last four innings for the save. He only allowed a solo homer to Cooper on a 100 MPH pitch. Tempe 6-3 W – Braiser (4-1), L – Greinke (2-8), S – Little (1)
Game #5:	Bradish vs. Darvish Cron rbi double in 1st and a Lawlar sac fly in 5th were the only runs allowed by Darvish over six innings. Bradish had shutout until the bottom 6th. Tempe loaded the bases with two outs and Bogaerts singled to tie it up 2-2. Ablies then walked to load them up again and Realmuto singled to add two more runs. Bradish finally got Kwan for the 3rd out. Braiser pitched a scoreless 7th and 8th and Munoz closed out the 9th for Tempe. Darvish got the win with 9 SO. Bradish pitched a solid 7.1 innings in the loss. Tempe 4-2 W – Darvish (3-0), Bradish (1-3), S – Munoz (12)
Game #6:	Battenfield vs. DeGrom Freeman solo homerun and Bogaerts rbi double put Tempe up 2-0 in the 1st. Freeman solo-ed again in the 3rd. In the 5th, Tempe loaded the bases and Bogaerts singled in two more runs. Bogaerts added an rbi single in the 7th. Degrom tossed eight scoreless innings but had to leave the game in the 9th after he felt a twinge and his velocity dropped. He’ll get an MRI tomorrow, but its probably nothing. Tempe 6-0 W – DeGrom (3-0), L – Battenfield (0-5)
Summary:	The Road Runners pitching was solid in 5 of 6 games, but their offense let them down again. Tempe grabbed 5 of 6 games, but missed out on the sweep due to Laurer (3WM) stranding 9 Tempe runners and out dueling Verlander in game 3. DeGrom was the pitcher of the series giving up only one run in 17 Innings to go 2-0 with 22 SO. Tempe is on the road next week against Arboga while Yucaipa goes home to host Bethesda.

Bethesda Bandicoots @ Selkirk Steelers
Preview:	Series 8 first place Bethesda comes to 2nd place Selkirk. Selkirk calls up hidden ace Max Fried to try to take the series.
Game #1:	Max Fried was amazing 9 innings 2 hits 1 walk 8 strikeouts no runs as Selkirk eaks out a 1-0 win as Sal POerez drives in Sanchez’s triple. Selkirk 1 Bethesda 0
Game #2:	Crazy stupid game, 17 innings! Matt Mclain hits his second homer in the 17th to walk it off. Selkirk 5 Bethesda 4
Game #3:	Chang homered and Kelly goes 7 shutout int he easy Bethesda win. Bet 8 Sel 1
Game #4:	Bethesda wins 7-3 as Siri and Langeleries homer in the 7-3 win.
Game #5:	Bethesda win 6-2 as Freidl homers.
Game #6:	Max Fried back again trying to tie the series. Was great 7.2 innings as Betts homers and Kimbrel saves it. Selkirk 1 Bethesda 0
Summary:	A series split as Selkirk won 3 1 run games, Bethesda wins the 4+ run games. Pitcher of the week Max Fried 2-0 0.00 era 16.2 innings no runs 6 hits 4 walks 14 strikeouts.

Motor City Muscle @ Virginia Sluggers
Preview:	Two teams at the lower end of their Divisions get together as Motor City (East Division) goes East to visit Virginia (West Division).
Game #1:	VIR 5-3 Whitt Merryfield went 2-3 with a homer and 4 RBI as VIR collected 12 hits in taking the opener. S.Murphy added support for VIR by going 2-4 with a 2-run blast. R,Castro and R.McGuire went deep for MCM in the losing cause. N.Lodolo (2-5) picked up the win while P.Blackburn (1-5) got the loss.
Game #2:	VIR 10-0 D.Dunning held MCM to 3 hits in a CG shutout to improve to (5-2) for VIR. C,Biggio went 2-5 with a homer and 4 RBI to lead the offense. M.Gore (2-6) was stuck with the loss for MCM.
Game #3:	VIR 4-0 Another shutout for VIR as J.Ryan (2-5) threw a CG 2-hit shutout while striking out 11. G.Springer picked up 3 hits for VIR and L.Rengifo added a solo shot. J.Adon (0-1) took the loss for MCM.
Game #4:	MCM 12-1 MCM went 4 more innings without scoring a run making it 22 innings without a run. Then they went ballistic. They pounded out 14 hits (everybody except R.Castro) with L.Butler going 2-5 with a homer and 3 RBI. N.Maton was 2-3 with 2 RBI along with X.Edwards 2-3 with 2 RBI and J.Candelario 2-5 with 2 RBI. Meanwhile M.Grove (1-3) went 7 IP allowing just 4 hits to get his first win of the season. Y.Chirinos (2-5) took the loss.
Game #5:	VIR 6-5 27 hits in a 13 inning contest. VIR had 15 hits and MCM 12. K.Carpenter and J.Candelario went deep for MCM as they both had 2 hits while W.Merrifield and S.Murphy also left the yard and both had 3 hits. However, After Ruiz singled in the 13th and stole 2nd, Merrifield brought him in with the winning run on a sharp single. K.Finnegan (2-1) got the win for VIR, O,White (0-1) the loss for MCM.
Game #6:	VIR 4-3 W.Merrifield and B.Reynolds helped VIR get the win by launching homers in a 12 hit attack. But it was 3 innings of 1-hit ball from the bullpen that secured the win for VIR starter N.Lodolo (3-5). R.Stripling (0-5) gave up 10 hits for MCM and garnered the loss. O.Arcia was 2-5 with a homer for MCM.
Game #7:	VIR 2-1 Another great performance from D.Dunning (6-2). Dunning went 8.2 IP scattering 7 hits while striking out 5. The bottom of the VIR lineup was the offense. E.Jimenez singled twice, A.Rizzo moved him up each time with a single and L.Rengio knocked Jimenez in both times to account for VIR’s 2 runs. J.Herrera went 3-4 and had MCM’s only RBI. P.Blackburn (1-6) pitched well for MCM but got saddled with the loss.
Summary:	VIR took the hard fought series 6-1. The last three games were decided by 1 run each. Pitching was the difference as VIR’s bullpen did a good job of keeping MCM from scoring. Dane Dunning had another good series winning both games , one a shutout, totaling 17.2 IP, 10 hits (one a 3-hitter), 1 run, 4 BB and 11 K’s. Whitt Merrifield was 7-22 .318 BA with 7 RBI and 3 HR.

Triple Creek Patriots @ Harsens Island Walleye
Summary:	The Patriots dominate 5 games to 2.

Valdosta Snappers @ Corktown Cycle
Game #1:	Valdosta gets 2 in the 7th to end a back and fourth battle. Valdosta 7-5 W. Tyler Alexander 2-1 L. Robbie Ray 0-1 S. Tanner Scott (10)
Game #2:	Corktown gets a 2 run homerun from James Outman in the 6th to give the Cycle a 2-1 lead. They would hold on. Corktown 2-1 W. Slade Cecconi 1-0 L. Touki Toussaint 2-3 S. Emilio Pagan (9)
Game #3:	The Snappers run wild. Brent Rooker goes 3/5, and Taj Bradley lights it up going 8 strong with 7 k’s and 1 BB. Valdosta 7-0 W. Taj Bradley 2-5 L. Brayan Bello 3-4
Game #4:	Corktown gets their turn lighting up the scoreboard to tie the series at 2. James Outman continues to have a series with 2 hits (1HR) 2 BB and 4 RBI. Corktown 11-1 W. Jose Berrios 7-2 L. Allan Winans 4-4
Game #5:	The ping pong battle continues. Valdosta 11-3 W. Jackson Wolf 3-3 L. Josiah Gray 2-3
Game #6:	In spite of a late Corktown rally, the Snappers end the back and fourth drama and win the series. Valdosta 7-5 W. Drew Smyly 4-4 L. Matthew Liberatore 1-1 S. Tanner Scott (11)
Summary:	Valdosta wins the series 4-2.

Cincinnati Skyliners @ Detroit Crime
Summary:	Cincinnati takes series over Detroit 5 games to 1.

Southbend Lynx @ Coconut Creek Crushers
Preview:	Battle for Second in the Division.
Game #1:	Crawford is dominant and Santander provides all the offense to back him up. CCC wins 3-0.
Game #2:	Both starters pitch ok and are tied 3-3 after six. SBL immediately blows up the CCC bullpen. CCC returns the favor and it goes extras tied 6-6. SBL pushes across a run and make it hold up. SBL 7-6.
Game #3:	Houck and Webb combine for 15 IP allowing one run each. SBL again gets to the CCC bullpen and win 3-1.
Game #4:	Pivetta takes a no-hitter into the 8th as SBL wins easily. 5-1.
Game #5:	With CCC’s offense scuffling the past couple games, we rely on our stars. Olsen hits a 2-run HR in the first and Snell makes it hold up. CCC wins 2-1.
Game #6:	The damn finally breaks and the CCC bats explode in a 10-4 win.
Game #7:	SBL jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead. CCC bats then take over and pull away for a 13-9 win.
Summary:	Both teams had 3 game win streaks in this series. CCC fortunate to take it 4-3. Tucker, Nimmo and Olsen had good offensive production. Crawford goes 2-0 as well.

Southwest Detroit Fighting Chihuahuas @ Tijuana Bottle Rockets
Preview:	Tijuana hosts Southwest Detroit.
Summary:	Southwest Detroit takes 4 of 7 from the home team.

Fremont Cannons @ Hollywood Werewolves
Summary:	Fremont and Hollywood Split. Had Ohtani made the trip and not on load management, Fremont likely would have swept.

Gainsville Swamp Things @ Mesa Solar Sox
Preview:	1st place Gainsville visit the bottom dwelling Mesa Solar Sox.
Summary:	Gainsvillle has a surprisingly tough time getting a series split with the Solar Sox.

Columbus Explorers @ Sacramento Capitals
Summary:	The absolutely terrible Columbus Explorers face the absolutely awesome Sacramento Capitals, and the Capitals take 5 of 7, as expected. This will be a very long season for the very bad Columbus Explorers. The Sacramento Capitals, on the other hand, are riding high.

Long Beach Dirt Bags @ Prairie Falcons
Preview:	Prairie in a dogfight division as all teams are battling for the top spot – mind you I said division top spot not the conference or the league by any stretch.
Game #1:	Falcons in a laugher 12-0 Conforto Baez and Casas all go yard – Yoshido 4 hits including 3 doubles…good start for Birds not so good start for Joe Dirt and his Dusty Bags…
Game #2:	Cory Bradford was en fuego….12 strikeouts – gave up a lone unearned run in the 9th…2-1 CG win for Dirt Bags…
Game #3:	Boyd gets his 5th win of the season with solid pitching…he was helped by dingers from Benintendi and Moniak and 6 of the 9 Falcon hitters had 2 or more hits the other 3 guys were hitless. 10-1 Falcons
Game #4:	f I were Joe Dirt I would pack my shit and go home…It wasnt the fact Long Beach couldnt pitch – it was the fact they couldnt hit – Fujinami…7 shutout innings 14 K’s – yeah 2 per inning…it was U-G-L-Y,,,,then the Falcons offense just unleashed the Kraken – 2 homers 7 ribbies and 16-1 was the final score…
Game #5:	Falcons hit the double digit run production for the 4th time in 5 games as the Kraken and Moniak went yard and the Duel Cessna and Graham Aircraft piloted enough pitching for the win…13-7 Falcons
Game #6:	Falcons throw this game away as Garcia and Fleming cant hit their target in the 2nd inning – Dirt Bags score 3 times and that was all they needed as the Falcons offense was nowhere to be seen… 4-2 Long Beach
Summary:	Falcons win series 4-2 to try and stay int he race after 51 games but we know we are headed for a tough stretch of games and this team may not be built for the challenge – we thought maybe next year but we keep losing folks to the IL so who knows if we can live off Trout and his 8 dingers and Where in the World is Oswaldo Cabrera‘s hot start but we shall see gentlemen – we shall see…

Baltimore Comets @ Arboga Rats
Game #1:	Alvarado get his ninth save Final score Arboga 6 Baltimore 4
Game #2:	G Cole gets his 8 win with no losses Final Score Arboga 4 Baltimore 1
Game #3:	Arboga 12 inn victory.. Vierling goes 3 X 5 Final score Arboga 1 Baltimore 0
Game #4:	J Taillon goes 8.1 for the win Final score Baltimore 5 Arboga 1
Game #5:	D Hudson throws 7.1 of shutout baseball Final score Baltimore 3 Arboga 0
Game #6:	J Lowe hits 2 HR.s Final score Arboga 4 Baltimore 1
Game #7:	G Cole gets his ninth win Final score Arboga 7 Baltimore 0
Summary:	Arboga 34-19 Baltimore 23-29