GAME # 1 –  Cliff Lee vs. Matt Cain

After an uneventful first inning.  Sacramento took its first shot at Cain in the top of the 2nd with a double by Yadier Molina with two outs in the 2nd, which Tempe quickly shut down with an intentional walk to Torii Hunter and a quick and predictable strikeout of Cliff Lee to escape the inning.  In return, Tempe wasted no time getting it started in the bottom of the 2nd.

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Before getting started, the National League wishes to recognize some very successful owners and re-builders, each of whom have helped to create very competitive seasons–season after season.  Over the years, the National League has benefited from diversity of ownership and moderate parity between some very talented owners.  Camarillo, West Coast (newly departed), Long Beach, Iron City, and the newly departed Owensboro–just to name a few.  Not only is the NL the best league in MWBL (as the NL’s 11-4 World Series record proves), but it is incredibly fun to play against such fierce competitors with impeccable sportsmanship.  As a side note, reviewing the AL-NL World Series record revealed a shocking statistic–of the NL’s 10 World Series Championships, Tempe won 7, Kentucky 2, Sacramento 1, and MWBL’s very first champion, Merrick; so, while competition has been intense among a wide variety of teams, greater parity can only make the NL better! Continue reading →

Game 2: –  Alexi Ogando vs Jered Weaver.  After Clayton Kershaw gets roughed up a little, Hollywood sends the winningest pitcher to the mound in game 2.  Weaver hopes to slow the Tijuana bats some after getting rocked in game 1.  With 2-outs in the first, Ryan Braun steps in and hammers a double into deep left, however he gets Prince Fielder on a come backer to end the threat.  Ogando throws a 1-2-3 first.  Weaver heads out for the 2nd and gives up a single to Carlos Beltran to start the 2nd.  Hollywood employs David Ross behind the plate to help slow down the runners who went 4-0 in base steals during game 1 against Kurt Suzuki.  Weaver settles in and then gets the next 3 batters in succession.    Ogando throws his second perfect inning in a row.  Weaver heads into the 3rd  and gives up a leadoff single to Hanley Ramirez.  With Ross behind the plate, Ramirez takes his lead….it’s a strike….the throw….OUT!  Ross does his job in cutting down the runner!  Ogando sets Hollywood down 1-2-3 for the 3rd perfect inning in a row!  Hollywood’s faithful is getting worried.  With 1-out in the 4th, Prince Fielder rips a double into right.  This brings up Carlos Beltran.  Weaver sets…..the offering…there’s a drive to right center…it might be…it could be Continue reading →

It was a balmy 86 degrees in Hollywood, CA as Tijuana makes their way up north, from the border.  The Bottle Rockets arrived close to game time as they seemed to be conveniently slowed at the border patrol just north of San Diego.  As Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun and Billy Butler de-board the bus, they can be heard making comments that Hollywood Werewolves owner Steve Cutler was responsible for the hold up.  Here they are, arriving 1 hour before game time with little time to warm up.  Hollywood just got done playing the best offense in the AL in Severn and now it plays the 2nd best in the AL, Tijuana.

Game 1: – Ian Kennedy vs Clayton Kershaw.  Kennedy won 19 games during the season, while Kershaw posted the 2nd highest win total in the AL (#1 is Jered Weaver with 28) with 22, but posted the lowest ERA in 1.71.  With these records and efficiency, it looks like we’re in for a tight game.  With 2-outs in the 3rd, Hanley Ramirez reaches 1st base on an infield single to the right side.  With Kurt Suzuki behind the plate, Ramirez steals 2nd for Ben Zobrist.    The pitch to Zobrist…. Continue reading →