2025 PLAYER / PITCHER OF THE WEEK #26

Looking forward to the exciting offseason with the contraction draft followed by the pilfering of the rich in the Rule 5 draft and then prepping for the Feb draft….we don’t have to worry about any more files or usage this year…Good Luck to all the Playoff contenders and pretenders…

Detroit Crime (100-56) put together an impressive season of their own, finishing 2nd in the division and locking in the #4 seed. Despite their strong record, they struggled against Chicago in head-to-head matchups, which could be a factor in the playoffs.

Both teams are playoff-bound; Chicago is poised to face a yet-to-be-determined opponent as the top seed. Detroit is set to take on the Tijuana Bottle Rockets in the Wild Card Round.

Given Chicago’s dominant regular season and their 6-1 advantage in the first season series, they enter as clear favorites. However, Detroit’s 100-win campaign shows they’re no pushover and could steal a couple of games if their pitching and bats get hot.

Predicted Outcome: Chicago Mobsters: 4–5 wins / Detroit Crime: 1–2 wins

Expect Chicago to control the series, but Detroit has enough talent to make things interesting and potentially push it to a 4-2 finish. If Chicago’s pitching holds, a 5-1 result is possible, but don’t count Detroit out for a couple of close wins.

Detroit wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. In the top of the second inning, a single from Donovan Solano set the stage. Two batters later, shortstop Brandon Crawford delivered a clutch RBI single, sending Solano home and giving the Crime an early 1-0 lead.

The Crime added to their advantage in the fourth inning, though it came with a bit of drama and a costly Chicago error. After a single by Michael Siani, Crawford once again came through with a base hit. Siani was gunned down at the plate trying to score, but Crawford alertly took third base on the throw. The very next batter, Andy Ibanez, hit a grounder that was misplayed by second baseman Luis Arraez, allowing Crawford to score an unearned run and push Detroit’s lead to 2-0.

Chicago’s offense was kept in check for most of the night by the dazzling Carrasco, but first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. finally broke the silence in the bottom of the sixth. Wade Jr. launched a towering solo home run, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and breathing new life into the Mobsters’ dugout.

However, Detroit quickly answered back in the top of the eighth inning to regain their two-run cushion. A one-out walk to Corey Julks was followed by a critical RBI single from Donovan Solano, his second hit of the night, making the score 3-1.

That was all the support Carrasco would need. He finished his dominant outing after eight innings, allowing just one run on seven hits while striking out three. Jason Adam came on in the ninth to slam the door, navigating a leadoff walk to secure the win and earn his 15th save of the season. Chicago’s starter, Seth Lugo, was saddled with the tough-luck loss despite a decent performance.

Final Score: Detroit Crime 3 – Chicago Mobsters 1

Win: Carlos Carrasco 1-1 (4.55)
Loss: Seth Lugo 18-10 (2.43)
Save: Jason Adam #15

Detroit’s starter, Sean Manaea, was nothing short of brilliant. He carved through the Mobsters’ lineup, allowing just two hits over seven strong innings of work. On the other side, Chicago’s Bryce Miller matched him pitch for pitch, stifling the Crime’s offense by scattering six hits over six and two-thirds scoreless innings. Neither team could find a way to break the deadlock through the early and middle frames, leaving fans on the edge of their seats with every pitch.

The stalemate was finally broken in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Mobsters ignited their offense when Alex Bregman led off with a sharp double down the right-field line. After Manaea issued back-to-back walks to Willy Adames and Jackson Chourio to load the bases, the pressure was immense. Julio Rodriguez stepped up to the plate and hit a chopper that was just enough to bring Bregman home, providing the one and only run the Mobsters would need.

The Crime had their chances, putting runners in scoring position multiple times, but the Mobsters’ defense and pitching were simply impenetrable. The Chicago bullpen was lights out, shutting the door completely. Reliever Brant Hurter picked up the win after recording the final out of the seventh inning. Devin Williams followed with a dominant performance, striking out four batters in an inning and two-thirds. Finally, flamethrower Aroldis Chapman came in to get the final out, sealing the victory and earning his 36th save of the season in spectacular fashion. It was a heartbreaker for Manaea, who took the tough loss despite his stellar outing.

Final Score: Chicago Mobsters 1 – Detroit Crime 0

Win: Brant Hurter 4-1 (4.22)
Loss: Sean Manaea 13-8 (3.19)
Save: Aroldis Chapman #36

The game was a tight affair from the start, with Detroit striking first in the top of the second inning. Andy Ibanez kicked things off with a booming double and was promptly driven in by a sharp single from Michael Siani to give the Crime a 1-0 lead. Chicago’s offense, however, roared to life in the bottom of the third. After a leadoff single from the ever-consistent Luis Arraez, who finished the day with three hits, the Mobsters manufactured two runs, thanks in part to a sacrifice fly by Alex Bregman and an RBI single from Gabriel Moreno, seizing a 2-1 advantage.

The Mobsters’ star, Julio Rodriguez, decided to join the party in the fifth inning, launching a towering solo home run to extend the lead. He wasn’t done there, finishing his incredible night with three hits, three stolen bases, and two runs scored in a truly MVP-caliber effort. Chicago tacked on another crucial insurance run in the sixth, which would prove vital as Detroit refused to go away quietly.

Detroit clawed back a run in the seventh when Andy Ibanez recorded his second double of the game and came around to score, cutting the deficit to 4-2. The real drama unfolded in the top of the ninth. Facing Chicago’s flame-throwing closer Aroldis Chapman, Detroit’s Manny Machado crushed a 103.7 MPH fastball for a solo home run, making it a one-run game. In a moment of great sportsmanship, both Machado and Chapman were seen smiling as Machado rounded the bases, a friendly tip of the cap in a hard-fought battle. Chapman then settled down to secure his 37th save of the season.

Chicago starter Logan Gilbert was masterful, earning his 24th win with 6.2 strong innings, allowing just two runs while striking out seven. Following his exit, the Mobsters showcased their bullpen depth, using six different relievers to close out the final innings in a clear strategy to get their arms ready for the playoffs. Austin Gomber took the tough loss for Detroit, battling for six innings against the potent Mobsters lineup.

Final Score: Chicago Mobsters 4 – Detroit Crime 3

Win: Logan Gilbert 24-7 (2.44)
Loss: Austin Gomber 0-1 (6.00)
Save: Aroldis Chapman #37

Detroit wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. In the top of the first, Zach Remillard kicked things off with a roaring triple and was promptly driven in by a sharp single from Brett Wisely, giving the Crime a quick 1-0 advantage.

That lead, however, was short-lived. In the bottom of the second inning, the Mobsters’ bats erupted with a spectacular display of power. Willy Adames led off the frame by launching a solo home run to tie the game. Not to be outdone, the very next batter, Matt Wallner, sent another ball sailing over the fence for back-to-back jacks, electrifying the home crowd and putting Chicago ahead 2-1.

The Crime punched right back in the top of the third when Brett Wisely struck again, this time with a massive two-run homer that put Detroit back on top, 3-2. But the Mobsters had a decisive answer in the bottom half of the inning. Willy Adames came through again with a clutch, game-tying RBI double. The inning was marred by an injury to Matt Wallner, who was hit by a pitch and had to leave the game. Despite the setback, Gabriel Moreno stepped up and delivered a go-ahead two-run single, capping a three-run inning and giving Chicago a 5-3 lead they would not relinquish.

The Mobsters added an insurance run in the fourth when Riley Greene drew a bases-loaded walk. From there, Chicago’s pitching took over. Starter Jesus Luzardo battled through seven innings to earn his fourth win of the season, weathering Detroit’s early storm. While the Crime managed to plate a run in the ninth against closer Aroldis Chapman, a costly baserunning error by Mike Siani, who was thrown out trying to stretch a double into a triple, stifled their comeback hopes. Chapman then induced a game-ending groundout to secure his 38th save of the year. Detroit’s Ronel Blanco was saddled with the loss after a tough outing.

Final Score: Chicago Mobsters 6 – Detroit Crime 4

Win: Jesus Luzardo 4-1 (4.64)
Loss: Ronel Blanco 11-11 (2.79)
Save: Aroldis Chapman #38

The scoring began early with solo home runs from Yandy Diaz in the first inning and Jackson Chourio in the second. However, the game truly broke open in the third inning when the Mobsters exploded for five runs, highlighted by Diaz’s second homer of the night—a two-run blast that pushed the lead to 4-1.

The onslaught continued in the fourth when shortstop Willy Adames delivered the decisive blow, a towering grand slam that extended the lead to 11-1 and put the game far out of reach. Detroit starter Zack Thompson was battered, surrendering 12 runs (9 earned) on 13 hits over five innings.

Chicago’s starter, Hunter Brown, was effective through five innings, allowing just one run to earn his eighth win. Detroit managed a two-run homer from Christian Bethancourt in the sixth, but it was a minor consolation in a dominant Mobsters performance. The game was marred by a sixth-inning collision that resulted in injuries to Mobsters players Yandy Diaz and Gabriel Moreno.

Final Score: Chicago 13 – Detroit 3

Win: H. Brown 8-7 (3.63)
Loss: Z. Thompson 0-1 (16.20)
Save: E. Henriquez #11

Detroit built a 3-0 lead through six innings, starting with a two-run third inning highlighted by an RBI triple from Zach Remillard. They added another run in the sixth on an RBI single by Yasmani Grandal. Crime starter Aaron Nola was brilliant, holding the Mobsters to just one run over seven masterful innings while striking out eight.

However, the lead evaporated against the Detroit bullpen. In the eighth, reliever Jason Adam surrendered back-to-back doubles to Jackson Chourio and Yordan Alvarez, tying the game at 3-3. An infield single by Riley Greene later in the inning brought home the go-ahead run, capping the Mobsters’ rally.

The Chicago bullpen shut the door, with Aroldis Chapman striking out pinch-hitter Manny Machado to end the game and record his 39th save of the season. The loss was charged to Adam, who blew the save opportunity.

Final Score: Chicago 4 – Detroit 3

Win: Griffin Jax 2-4 (2.72)
Loss: Jason Adam 4-3 (2.15)
Save: Aroldis Chapman #39

Chicago proceeded to win the next five contests, showcasing their depth through both nail-biting victories and offensive clinics. The Mobsters demonstrated their resilience by winning a classic 1-0 pitchers’ duel and securing a dramatic 4-3 comeback in the finale with a two-run rally in the bottom of the eighth inning. Series highlights included an offensive performance from Julio Rodriguez, who tallied three hits, a home run, and three stolen bases in one victory, and an offensive onslaught in a 13-3 rout that featured a grand slam from Willy Adames. Aroldis Chapman was a force out of the bullpen, collecting four saves across the six games.

The victories came at a cost, however, as Chicago sustained key injuries that could impact their postseason run. Catcher Gabriel Moreno and outfielder Matt Wallner both exited games during the series, creating uncertainty for their availability in the Wild Card Round. Wallner’s status, in particular, could also be a concern for the Division Series should the team advance. With the regular season concluded, the Mobsters head into the playoffs as the team to beat, though questions surrounding their health will follow them into October.

Senga goes 6.2 IP scoreless, striking out 10 in his first and only action this season. An overthrow leads to Fremont scoring in the first. An Elly de la Cruz HR in the fifth makes it 2-0. Motor City gets runners on 2nd and 3rd in the ninth, and a groundout brings in one and puts the tying run on 3rd. A HBP makes it even more dicey, but Edwin Uceta strikes out Xavier Edwards to end it 2-1 in favor of Fremont.

W: Kodai Senga (1-0)
L: David Festa (4-9)
S: Edwin Uceta (19)

HR: MCM- none; FRE- Elly de la Cruz (25)

A Mike Yastrzemski RBI single gives Fremont another first inning lead. Motor City gets in back when Jackson Holliday homers in the third. The Cannons go back on top 2-1 when Shohei Ohtani blasts his 49th HR in the fifth. Fremont hits the ball around in the eighth to add on 3 for insurance and wins 5-1.

W: Carlos Rodon (16-8)
L: Michael Grove (1-2)

HR: MCM- Jackson Holliday (12); FRE- Shohei Ohtani (49)

The Muscle strike first in this one, with an RBI single from Oneil Cruz in the second. Fremont gets base runners on but fail to get anything early. Skubal departs after 7 in line for the loss, but the Cannons rally in the eighth with a 2-run HR from Dairon Blanco. Motor City goes 1-2-3 in the ninth and Fremont comes from behind for the 2-1 win. Skubal allows just two hits, striking out 10.

W: Yimi Garcia (3-2)
L: Mackenzie Gore (5-14)
S: Will Vest (6)

HR: MCM- none; FRE- Dairon Blanco (6)

Mize leaves after one inning due to injury. Fremont celebrates by putting up 5 on the Muscle in the second. A Tyrone Taylor 2-run HR in the third puts Motor City within striking distance. Fremont gets 3 more in the sixth with a bases-loaded triple from Dairon Blanco. Motor City gets one in the ninth, but are too far behind as Fremont wins 8-3.

W: Bailey Ober (12-9)
L: Kyle Freeland (1-7)

HR: MCM- Tyrone Taylor (7); FRE- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (22)

Shohei Ohtani steals 2nd and 3rd in the first inning and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singles him in for a Fremont 1-0 lead. MCM gets two in the top of the second, with a walk, error on a bunt, and a successful sacrifice putting runners on 2nd and 3rd. Ceddanne Rafaela comes through with a 2-run single to put Motor City in the lead.

A Mike Yastrzemski triple is followed by a base-knock from Dairon Blanco to tie it in the bottom of the second 2-2. Fremont gets two more in the third to go up 2-2. A Blanco error leads to a Muscle run in the seventh to cut the lead to 4-3, but he atones in the bottom of the inning with a solo HR to put Fremont up 5-3. The Muscle don’t threaten after that, and Fremont wins 5-3.

W: Charlie Morton (16-9)
L: Paul Blackburn (6-14)
S: Edwin Uceta (20)

HR: MCM- none; FRE- Dairon Blanco (7)

Motor City gets one in the third off a fielder’s choice to take the early lead. Fremont knocks Rogers around for 4 runs in the bottom of the frame to go on top. The Cannons put up four more in the fifth to complete the rout, 8-1. Shohei Ohtani steals his 40h base.

W: Carmen Mlodzinksi (4-1)
L: Trevor Rogers (0-10)

HR: none

BOTTOM OF THE 9th, DIRT BAGS 4, PATRIOTS 3

L. Nootbaar facing J. Butto, B 9th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Behind 3-4 Here’s the pitch … breaking ball … ball four … and Nootbaar trots down to first and Butto barked something toward home … he was looking for that call and Butto has walked the tying run

C. Yelich facing J. Butto, B 9th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Behind 3-4 Big hole on the right side … Nootbaar takes a good lead … the pitch … swung on … strike! Nootbaar breaks hard for second base … great jump MAKE THROW? (1-yes*, 2-no) Driscoll throws … the play at second … and he has it stolen that’s his 5th steal of the season … so the LONG BEACH defenses have been breached the tying run is now at second base

C. Yelich facing J. Butto, B 9th, No Outs, Runner on 2nd, Behind 3-4 Nootbaar now with an aggressive lead … Butto spins and fires to second … the tag Nootbaar’s back safely … now Butto’s set again … now the pitch … it’s a shot down the line to right … into the corner … Nootbaar scores … tie game! … Yelich’s digging he’s heading for third … here comes Waters’s throw … and he’s … SAFE!…ahead of the throw stand-up triple … and he claps his hands DIRT BAGS 4, PATRIOTS 4

J. Miranda facing J. Butto, B 9th, No Outs, Runner on 3rd, Tied 4-4 Infield drawn in … speedy Yelich edging down the line … Butto steps off the rubber he fakes the throw … now the pitcher’s back on the rubber … Butto comes home hit in the air to right … not deep … Waters drifts over … taps the glove and Miranda’s gone … Yelich tags TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*) but they’re holding him at third

C. Seager facing J. Butto, B 9th, 1 Out, Runner on 3rd, Tied 4-4 Right-hander Butto ready … and they’re putting Seager on … intentional walk and he trots down to first … they elect to face the .240 hitter … rather than Seager at .245 they take away extra base hits … but Butto will still be facing a left-handed hitter

C. Bellinger facing J. Butto, B 9th, 1 Out, 1st and 3rd, Tied 4-4 They’re playing him in … the runners take their lead … the pitch comes in Bellinger belts this pitch to right center … not deep … Cameron is in hot pursuit and he makes a circus catch! … now he quickly turns … Yelich is tagging TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*) Yelich’s headed home THROW HOME? (1-yes, 2-no*) here’s the throw home … and he’s … safe easily

LBD 4 TCP 5

W: Knack (8-2) L: Butto (4-7)

LBD 5 TCP 8

W: Gausman (13-10)
L: Cecconi (3-21)

LBD 3 TCP 11

W: Quintana (16-7)
L: Vasquez (7-17)

LBD 5 TCP 7

W: Tailon (14-7)
L: Harrison (8-19)
S: Strahm (35)

LBD 1 TCP 0

W: Feltner (7-21)
L: Kremer (9-6)
S: Butto (20)

LBD 2 TCP 6

W: Knack (9-2)
L: Irvin (11-16)