2025 PLAYER / PITCHER OF THE WEEK #1

The Mobsters seem to have a good mix of veteran players, and players that have a lot of potential. That can provide a nice balance in the team.
It appears that they have a fairly well rounded roster, with players that fill many positions.
Based on the roster, they appear to have a good mix of offensive and defensive players.

The Detroit Crime roster, it’s clear they’ve assembled a squad with a focus on powerful offensive capabilities.
Like the Mobsters, they also seem to have a fairly well rounded roster. The crime also has a good mix of veteran and newer players.

Pitching depth won’t be a question mark for many teams at the start of the season.

This seven-game marathon will be a true test of endurance and strategy.
Will the Mobsters’ balanced approach prevail, or will the Crime’s offensive firepower dictate the series?
Only time will tell. Get ready for a week of hard-nosed MWBL baseball!

The Mobsters extended their lead in the sixth inning, scoring three more runs, highlighted by a two-run double from G. Moreno. J. Chourio added a three-run homer later in the inning, pushing the score to 7-0. The Mobsters continued to pile on the runs, with A. Bregman hitting a two-run homer in the seventh inning, making it 9-0.

Detroit managed to score their only run in the eighth inning, breaking the shutout. However, the Mobsters added another run in the top of the eighth, sealing their commanding victory.

River Ryan earned the win with a stellar performance, allowing just one hit over five innings. Zack Wheeler took the loss, giving up four runs in five and two-thirds innings.

Final Score: Chicago 11 – Detroit 1

Win: River Ryan 1-0 (0.00)
Loss: Zack Wheeler 0-1 (7.94)

Both teams showcased strong pitching, with Seth Lugo striking out nine for Detroit and Skenes fanning nine for Chicago. The Mobsters tied the game in the eighth inning when Riley Greene hit a triple, scoring Matt Wallner. The decisive moment came in the top of the ninth when Yordan Alvarez hit a solo home run, giving Chicago the lead.

Brany Hurter closed the game for Chicago, securing the win with a perfect ninth inning, including a strikeout to end the game. Bryan Hudson took the loss for Detroit, allowing the game-winning homer in the ninth.

Final Score: Chicago 3 – Detroit 2

Win: Brant Hurter 1-0 (0.00)
Loss: Bryan Hudson 0-1 (18.00)

Detroit mounted a comeback in the bottom of the 9th. Bryce Harper and Tommy Pham set the stage with hits, and Manny Machado’s grounder brought in two runs due to an error. Andy Ibanez then hit a two-run homer, narrowing the gap to 5-4. However, Devin Williams came in to close the game for the Mobsters, securing the win.

Final Score: Chicago 5 – Detroit 4

Win: Logan Gilbert 1-0 (0.00)
Loss: Jesus Tinoco 0-1 (9.00)
Save: Devin Williams #1

Detroit’s Manny Machado put the Crime on the board with a solo home run in the fourth inning, making it 4-1. The Crime rallied in the seventh inning, narrowing the gap to 4-2 with a double from Bryce Harper. In the eighth inning, Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run homer to tie the game at 4-4, bringing excitement to the home crowd.

However, the Mobsters responded in the ninth inning with back-to-back home runs from Andrew McCutchen and Gabriel Moreno, regaining the lead at 6-4. Yordan Alvarez added an insurance run with a double, bringing the final score to 7-4.

Hunter Gaddis secured the win for the Mobsters, while Bryan Hudson took the loss for the Crime. Jhoan Duran earned his first save of the season, closing out the game with a solid performance.

Final Score: Chicago 7 – Detroit 4

Win: Hunter Gaddis 1-0 (5.40)
Loss: Bryan Hudson 0-2 (36.00)
Save: Jhoan Duran #1

In the fifth inning, Yandy Diaz extended the lead with a two-run homer, making it 6-0. Despite a brief response from the Crime in the bottom of the fifth, scoring their only run, the Mobsters maintained control. Alvarez struck again in the seventh with another home run, bringing the score to 8-1.

Bowden Francis pitched effectively for the Mobsters, allowing only one run over seven innings, while Aaron Nola struggled for the Crime, giving up six runs in six innings. The Mobsters’ bullpen held strong, preventing any further scoring from the Crime.

Final Score: Chicago 8 – Detroit 1

Win: Bowden Francis 1-0 (1.29)
Loss: Aaron Nola 0-1 (9.00)

Chicago’s offense came alive in the fifth inning. After a series of strategic plays and hits, including a crucial triple by J. Chourio, the Mobsters managed to score five runs, turning the game in their favor. Despite Detroit’s efforts to close the gap, Chicago’s pitching staff, led by River Ryan and supported by relievers like Ryan Yarbrough and Hunter Gaddis, held firm.

River Ryan secured the win with a solid performance, while Zack Wheeler took the loss for Detroit. Hunter Gaddis earned his first save of the season by closing out the game in the ninth inning, despite a late single by Donovan Solano. The Mobsters’ strategic plays and strong pitching ultimately sealed their victory.

Final Score: Chicago 5 – Detroit 3

Win: River Ryan 2-0 (2.70)
Loss: Zack Wheeler 0-2 (8.71)
Save: Hunter Gaddis #1

Offensively, Tommy Pham contributed significantly with two hits, including a home run. Bobby Witt Jr. was exceptional, going 4 for 4 with an RBI and a double. Jesus Azocar also added two hits to the tally. Andy Ibanez had a strong showing, with two hits, including a double, and scored two runs in his three trips to the plate.

Despite the Mobsters’ offense going quiet in game #7, Detroit’s Skenes’ stellar pitching led them to a well-deserved victory.

Final Score: Detroit 3 – Chicago 1

Win: Paul Skenes 1-0 (0.64)
Loss: Seth Lugo 0-1 (3.29)
Save: Dylan Lee #1

The Mobsters maintained their winning streak with a 5-4 victory in game three, where late-inning heroics from Alex Bregman and Luis Arraez secured the win despite a valiant Detroit comeback. Game four saw Chicago triumph 7-4, with Andrew McCutchen and Gabriel Moreno delivering back-to-back homers in the ninth inning to seal the deal.

In game five, the Mobsters dominated with an 8-1 win, propelled by Yordan Alvarez’s grand slam and Bowden Francis’s effective pitching. The series took a turn in game six, as Detroit finally broke through with a 3-1 victory, led by Paul Skenes’ outstanding performance on the mound and Tommy Pham’s offensive contributions.

Despite Detroit’s efforts, the Mobsters clinched the series with a 5-3 win in the final game. Chicago’s offense came alive in the fifth inning, turning the tide with strategic plays and key hits, including a crucial triple by J. Chourio. River Ryan’s solid pitching, supported by a strong bullpen, ensured the Mobsters’ victory.

Throughout the series, Chicago’s balanced roster and strategic depth proved decisive against Detroit’s powerful offense. The Mobsters’ ability to capitalize on key moments and maintain composure under pressure ultimately led them to a well-deserved series win, setting the tone for an exciting MWBL season ahead.

TEM 7-8-0 LP Stripling (0-1)
COL 8-9-1 WP Garcia (1-0) S Herrin (1) BS Honeywell (1)
HRs: TEM – Abreu (1), J.D. Ramírez (1), J.T. Realmuto (1); COL – Ezekiel Duran (1)

TEM 2-6-2 LP Gray (0-1)
COL 5-7-0 WP Myers (1-0)
HRs: TEM – J.D. Ramirez (2); COL – Brendan Donovan (1); Arias (1)

TEM 4-9-1 LP Munoz (0-1) BS (1)
COL 5-9-0 WP Herrin (1)
HRs: TEM – Ramirez (3); COL – Sosa (1)

TEM 3-3-2 LP Yu Darvish (0-1) 4 unearned runs!!!
COL 4-6-1 WP Marsh (1-0) S Edwin Diaz (1)
HRs: TEM – Ramirez 2 (4, 5), Abreu (3) [only 3 Tempers hits]

TEM 6-10-1 WP Peralta (1-0)
COL 2- 7-0 LP Mitchell Parker (0-1)

TEM 2- 7-0 LP Gray (0-2)
COL 13-14-0 WP Sears (1-0)

TEM 7-10-0 WP Cole (1-0) S Munoz (1)
COL 4-10-1 LP Myers (1-1)

CAPITALS 3 / 6 / 0
COMETS 2 / 4 / 2
WP – Sale (1-0)
LP – Soriano (0-1)

CAPITALS 3 / 9 / 0
COMETS 2 / 6 / 0
WP – Imanaga (1-0)
LP – Stone (0-1)
S – Megill (1)

CAPITALS 16 / 18 / 0
COMETS 3 / 8 / 4
WP – Glasnow (1-0)
LP – Herz (0-1)
S – Scott (1)

CAPITALS 18 / 20 / 0
COMETS 5 / 10 / 2
WP – Lynn (1-0)
LP – Cannon (0-1)

CAPITALS 6 / 6 / 1
COMETS 1 / 5 / 2
WP – Wesneski (1-0)
LP – Montas (0-1)

CAPITALS 4 / 7 / 1
COMETS 2 / 6 / 0
WP – Sale (2-0)
LP – Soriano (0-2)
S – Estevez (1)

On another note, the landscape of the AL West has undergone a dramatic transformation, with three teams departing and three new teams stepping in to reshape the division. Hollywood will waste no time facing one of these fresh contenders, as they kick off the season against Harsens Island, a team eager to make its mark.

Meanwhile, one of the biggest storylines heading into the season revolves around Future MWBL Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw. The veteran left-hander, a mainstay in Hollywood’s rotation for years, received surprising news before Opening Day—he will not only be bypassed for the season opener but will begin the year in the bullpen as he continues to recover from injuries. The decision adds another wrinkle to Kershaw’s historic career, as he sits just three wins shy of tying Justin Verlander for the most victories in MWBL history (282).

With the score deadlocked deep into extra innings, it was Jacob Young who played the role of hero. In the top of the 11th, Young stepped up with the game on the line and delivered a clutch two-run double, breaking the tie and putting Harsens Island in command. Hollywood managed to scrape across a run in the bottom half of the inning, but it wasn’t enough to stave off defeat.

When the final out was recorded, Harsens Island secured a thrilling 3-2 victory, spoiling Hollywood’s home opener and making a strong first impression in their AL West debut.

However, that lead wouldn’t hold for long, as Harsens Island’s potent lineup proved relentless. Hollywood’s Pedro Sandoval took the mound looking to protect the advantage, but he quickly found himself in trouble against the top of the Walleyes’ order. The heart of Harsens Island’s lineup erupted, driving in all seven of the team’s runs and flipping the momentum in their favor.

Despite Hollywood’s attempts to claw back into the game, the damage had been done. Harsens Island’s offense stayed relentless, manufacturing key hits at the right moments to secure the 7-5 victory. With back-to-back wins to open the season, the Walleyes made a loud statement in their AL West debut, while Hollywood was left searching for answers after another tough loss.

Judge wasted no time making an impact, launching the very first pitch he saw in the bottom of the first deep into the seats for his first home run of the year. The solo shot sent an early statement, energizing the home crowd and giving Hollywood an immediate 1-0 lead. The offense added a pair of insurance runs later in the game, but the night belonged to Mason Black.

The 3-grade right-hander was nothing short of masterful, delivering a complete-game shutout in which he scattered just four hits, struck out five, and never allowed Harsens Island to mount any real scoring threat. Black worked efficiently, mixing his pitches and keeping the Walleyes’ lineup guessing all night. His ability to induce weak contact and attack the strike zone with confidence made for a smooth, dominant performance.

With the 3-0 win, Hollywood not only avoided a serious 0-3 start but also secured its first victory of the season, showing flashes of the championship-caliber team fans have come to expect.

In the third inning, Ketel Marte added to the fireworks, launching a two-run homer to extend Hollywood’s lead. Marte’s blast gave the home team some breathing room and kept the momentum squarely on their side.

The decisive blow, however, came in the fifth inning when Wil Brennan stepped up with two runners aboard and delivered a game-breaking three-run homer. The towering shot effectively put the game out of reach, sealing a much-needed win for Hollywood.

On the mound, newly drafted Seth Johnson made his first start and did just enough to secure the victory. While he wasn’t overpowering, he battled through innings, limited damage, and handed the ball over to the bullpen with a comfortable lead.

With the 7-3 victory, Hollywood evened the series at two games apiece, clawing back from an early hole and showing resilience as they continued their fight to establish momentum early in the season.

From there, the game turned into a tense battle of pitching and timely hitting. Luis Severino and Buck Farmer did their part to keep Hollywood within striking distance, holding the Walleyes scoreless through the middle innings. Their efforts paid off in the eighth, when Aaron Schunk came through in the clutch, delivering a game-tying RBI single to knot the score at 3-3 and set the stage for a dramatic finish.

With the game deadlocked, Hollywood turned to one of its all-time greats—Clayton Kershaw. The future Hall of Famer, now working out of the bullpen as he recovers from injuries, delivered a vintage performance, tossing three scoreless innings and keeping the Walleyes off the board in extras. His brilliance gave Hollywood the chance it needed, and in the bottom of the 11th, James McCann played the hero. Called upon as a pinch-hitter, McCann delivered a walk-off single, sending the Hollywood dugout into celebration as they secured a thrilling 4-3 victory.

The win marked a significant milestone for Kershaw, as he earned career victory No. 280, inching closer to history. It also, albeit briefly, put Hollywood over the .500 mark—an achievement that may not come often this season given their early struggles. More importantly, the victory gave them a 3-2 series lead, proving that despite their challenges, Hollywood still has plenty of fight left.

Harsens Island struck first in the second inning when Jacob Young delivered a clutch two-run single, giving the Walleyes an early lead. They added to their advantage in the fourth when Nicky Lopez lined an RBI single, extending the lead to 3-0. With Woo dealing on the mound, those runs proved to be all Harsens Island needed.

Woo was in complete control for most of the night, carving through the Hollywood lineup with efficiency and command. He carried a shutout into the ninth inning, just one out away from a complete game, before Joey Loperfido finally broke through. The Hollywood slugger launched a two-run homer, cutting the deficit to 3-2 and suddenly bringing the home crowd to life.

With the game on the line, Harsens Island wasted no time turning to closer Bryan King. Called upon for a one-out save, King needed just a few pitches to shut the door, picking up his third save of the season and securing the victory for the Walleyes. With the 3-2 win, Harsens Island evened the series at three games apiece, setting the stage for a dramatic Game 7 showdown.

Harsens Island chipped away in the fourth, with Derek Hill delivering a game-tying hit to erase Hollywood’s advantage. The back-and-forth battle continued in the fifth as both teams traded runs, as Aaron Judge hammers his third homer of the series, setting up a tense final stretch with everything on the line.

Looking to protect the slim lead, Hollywood turned to veteran Clayton Kershaw in the sixth, hoping the future Hall of Famer could shut the door. However, the Walleyes’ relentless offense had other plans. Back-to-back doubles from Jacob Stallings and Gavin Lux flipped the game in Harsens Island’s favor, giving them a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

The Walleyes added an insurance run in the ninth, extending their lead to 5-3 and putting the game out of reach. Hollywood was unable to mount a comeback in the bottom half, and when the final out was recorded, Harsens Island had secured both the victory and the series, taking the decisive Game 7.

The loss marked a tough ending for Hollywood, as Kershaw was saddled with the defeat despite his efforts out of the bullpen. Meanwhile, Harsens Island walked away with a hard-fought 4-3 series win, making a strong statement in their first matchup as division rivals.

Coming into the series, Hollywood faced significant doubts, particularly with their injury-riddled pitching staff and a lineup still finding its rhythm. Yet, they proved to be far more competitive than expected, pushing Harsens Island to the limit and demonstrating resilience throughout the seven-game set.

Hollywood showcased its trademark power early in the series, with Aaron Judge setting the tone with multiple leadoff home runs, while veterans like Paul Goldschmidt and Matt Chapman provided key contributions. Young players also stepped up, including Aaron Schunk and Wil Brennan, who delivered clutch hits to keep Hollywood in the fight.

On the pitching side, Mason Black delivered a brilliant complete-game shutout, and Clayton Kershaw, despite his new role in the bullpen, gave the team valuable innings. Though he took the loss in Game 7, his presence on the mound showed he could still be a factor as the season progresses.

In the end, while Harsens Island secured the series win, Hollywood walked away with plenty of positives. If they can build on this performance and get their pitching staff healthy, they may yet prove to be a legitimate contender in the AL West.

Alamo comes from behind and scores 3 in the 7th inning. Avila with the win in relief. Holton earns the save. Luke Raley with 2 hits.

The Bandicoots get 4 homers. DeJong hits 2 and O’Hearn and Castellanos adds the others. Moniak with 3 hits.

Ward hits a 2 run homer. Junis gets the win in relief for Alamo.

Crawford with the win.

The Bandicoots tie up the series. Castellanos and McNeil with 2 RBI.

Castellanos spoils the game for Alamo with a 2 run homer in the 9th. Pivetta with a tough loss. Bailey with the only hit for Alamo.

Cobb with 6 innings for the win. Castellanos hits his 3rd homer of the series.

Lopez gives up 1 unearned run over 7 innings. Devers with 3 RBIs.

WP: C. Morton
LP: Assad
SV: Uceta
HR: FRE–V. Guerrero

WP: R. Suarez
LP: Cleavinger

WP: Skubal (CG)
LP: K. Montero
HR: FRE–T. Hernandez; MCM–O. Cruz

Tarik Skubal had a no-hitter for 8 2/3 innings, but O’Neill Cruz broke it up with a solo shot in the 8
9th.

WP: Blackburn
LP: Ober
SV: D. Hernandez
HR: MCM–Candelario

WP: Whitlock
LP: Mize
SV: R. Suarez
HR: MCM–Cowser

WP: Brieske
LP: C. Morton
SV: Chargois
HR: FRE–B. Naylor, Ohtani (2); MCM–Rafaela

WP: Rodon
LP: D. Festa
HR: FRE–V. Guerrero, T. Hernandez; MCM–Candelario, Hoskins

Tarik Skubal took a no-hitter into the 9th inning of Game 3, but lost it on a two-out O’Neill Cruz solo shot

Elly De MCMLa Cruz wreaked havoc at the top of the order for FRE

MCM showed that it might be another long season, with young, inconsistent offense, and a not-ready-for-prime-time starting rotation.