MLCS Game 5

Tim Rogers vs. Ivan Ross
New York elects to keep Jaret Benser in the bullpen and hands the ball to Tim Rogers. In the first, New York takes the lead on a 2 out 2 run single by Chad White. In the bottom of the 4th, Miguel Tejawa cuts the lead in half with a solo homer. In the 5th, Keith Lee drives home 2 runs with a double to make it 4-1. And thats the way it stayed until the 8th. Tim Rogers leaves with a gem, 7-1-1-1-4-4. Then the 8th inning happened:

TOP OF THE 8th, Cobra 4, B's 1
* C. White facing I. Ross, T 8th, No Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 4-1
He brings it home ... over but low ... and White takes first
* J. Garrison facing I. Ross, T 8th, No Outs, Runner on 1st, Ahead 4-1
Now the delivery ... soft blooper to right ... toward the gap ... and Favre
cuts it off on the bounce ... White's around second
TRY FOR THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*)
but the coach is signaling to stop ... White stops at second ... as the throw comes in
and Jackie is on with a single ... for Jackie Garrison, his 9th hit of the series
* T. Griffin facing I. Ross, T 8th, No Outs, 1st and 2nd, Ahead 4-1
The pitch ... grounder to second ... he's there ... over to Tejawa covering second ... back to first
not in time! ... and White moves to third
And here comes B's manager Troy McCoy ... he's asking Ross for the ball
he's calling for Dick Blackwell ... the right-hander ... so Ross gets his innings
he pitched seven and a third ... his line ... 4 runs ... 2 earned ... on 8 hits ... walked 3
he fans 7 ... he's responsible for the runners ... he can only lose it ... for Blackwell
his 8th appearance in the series ... the right-hander Blackwell has worked seven and a third
he has a 2.45 ERA ... he'll be looking for the double play
Cobra manager Skullgrin looking at his scoresheet
He'll make a change ... James Ray will now hit for Hagan ... bats right
he wheels out with a wagon spoke ... he'll take his time getting to the box
* J. Ray facing D. Blackwell, T 8th, 1 Out, 1st and 3rd, Ahead 4-1
Infielders back ... Blackwell comes home ... Ray drives a liner to deep center
Brown is racing back ... it's off the wall ... Brown corrals the ball ... White scores
Griffin rounds third
TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*)
they're waving him in
THROW HOME? (1-yes, 2-no*)
here comes the throw home
TRY FOR THIRD ON THROW? (1-yes, 2-no*)
Ray's going for third
CUT IT TO THIRD? (1-yes, 2-no*)
Griffin scores ... Conner cuts it to third ... and he's ... SAFE!...slid around the tag
Cobra 6, B's 1
Cobra skipper Skullgrin walking down the bench
Skullgrin is recalling pitcher Rogers ... Bob Zygyk will bat in his place ... bats right
he grabs a bat ... strolls to the box ... so Rogers gets his innings ... he pitched seven
his line ... one earned run ... on one hit ... a homer ... he stands to win it
* B. Zygyk facing D. Blackwell, T 8th, 1 Out, Runner on 3rd, Ahead 6-1
Infield drawn in ... Blackwell brings it ... swung on ... grounded hard toward Tejawa
it's by him into left ... Ray scores ... Zygyk holds first with a single
Cobra 7, B's 1
* R. Buckley facing D. Blackwell, T 8th, 1 Out, Runner on 1st, Ahead 7-1
The offering ... breaking ball ... ball four ... and Buckley trots down to first
* M. Mueller facing D. Blackwell, T 8th, 1 Out, 1st and 2nd, Ahead 7-1
The runners take their lead ... Blackwell comes to him ... and it hit him! ... hold on
that's it! ... Dick Blackwell is gone! ... the plate umpire has turned his back on him
there's no arguing this one unless he wants a fine
that's his 1st time clobbered in the series ... Mueller's in pain ... but he seems to be OK
and he trots down to first ... and the bases are loaded
McCoy has made his decision ... with Blackwell thumbed
Brad Lamont will take the mound for Hollywood ... so Blackwell pitched to 4 batters
the line on him ... one earned run ... so far ... on 2 hits ... one walk
he leaves the game with the bases full ... for Lamont ... his 3rd appearance in the series
the right-hander Lamont has worked an inning and two thirds ... he has a 0.00 ERA
* L. Backman facing B. Lamont, T 8th, 1 Out, Bases Loaded, Ahead 7-1
Infield back at double play depth ... the pitch is on the way ... lined hard to right ... base hit
Favre is after it ... he cuts it off deep in the gap ... Zygyk scores ... Buckley is around third
Mueller is around second
TRY TO SCORE? (1-yes, 2-no*)
they're waving Buckley in
TRY FOR THIRD ALSO? (1-yes, 2-no*)
they're holding Mueller at second
THROW HOME? (1-yes, 2-no*)
here comes the throw home
TRY FOR THIRD ON THROW? (1-yes, 2-no*)
here's the play at the plate ... and he's ... in standing ... and Mueller holds at second
Backman holds at first
Cobra 9, B's 1
And here comes B's manager Skullgrin ... again ... he's asking Lamont for the ball
coming in to relieve Lamont is Mark Pressley ... so Lamont didn't get his man
he pitched to one batter ... the result ... one hit ... he leaves with two runners on
for Pressley ... his 5th appearance in the series
the right-hander Pressley has worked four innings ... he has a 0.00 ERA
* K. Lee facing M. Pressley, T 8th, 1 Out, 1st and 2nd, Ahead 9-1
The pitch ... banged to right ... it's in there ... Favre fields it ... throws it in
and the bases are loaded ... 2nd safety for Lee ... for Keith Lee, his 12th hit of the series
* C. White facing M. Pressley, T 8th, 1 Out, Bases Loaded, Ahead 9-1
Infield deep ... now Pressley comes home with it ... and he tags this one right on the button
deep to straightaway center ... that could be trouble ... Brown racing back ... big trouble
that ball is gone! ... a grand salami
Cobra 13, B's 1
* J. Garrison facing M. Pressley, T 8th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Ahead 13-1
The delivery ... swung on ... hit to Vasbinder in deep left ... he's back ... plenty of room
takes a couple of steps to his left ... and brings it in ... two away ... at last
* T. Griffin facing M. Pressley, T 8th, 2 Outs, Bases Empty, Ahead 13-1
Pressley to the wind ... he swings ... it's a fly ball to the gap in right ... Brown's racing over
so's Favre ... it drops in for a hit ... and he will make second easily
a double for Tim Griffin ... that's his 2nd double of the game ... 14th hit for the Cobra
for Griffin, his 3rd double of the series ... for Tim Griffin, his 13th hit of the series
* J. Ray facing M. Pressley, T 8th, 2 Outs, Runner on 2nd, Ahead 13-1
Pressley brings it ... swung on ... bounced toward the mound ... Pressley knocks it down
now he has it ... he goes to first ... for the third out

New York closes out the game on a Keith Vasbinder fly out to Bob Zygyk.

New York wins the game 13-1, and wins the series 4-1. They head back to the World Series to try to defend their title. They will take on either the Charlotte Hawks, who they beat in 2002 to claim their first World Series Title, or the Utah Utes, who swept them in their first World Series appearance back in 1996.

SLCS Game 6

Utah looks to wrap up the series in front of their home fans. Drothar Hines and Jack McDermott are on the mound. A walk to Mickey Tinsley, single by Jacen Solo, and double by Bowen makes it 2-0 in the first, but McDemott gets out of the inning with no more damage. Utah put together a rally in the second to go up 3-2, but McDemott ran into more trouble in the third. He loads the bases with 1 out, and Battletrap has seen enough. He goes to the bullpen for AJ Biasatti to face Phillips, and gets him to fly out. One run scores to tie the game. Biasatti then walks Kelso to reload the bases.

Utes bring in lefty Tommy Dwyer to face Sergio Perez, and he gets an inning ending groundout. Charlotte breaks the tie with two in the 6th on Tommy Miller's homer and a Jacen Solo RBI single. Utah gets two back in the bottom of the inning. After loading the bases with none out Blaylock strikes out and Frank Lewis pops up. Lou Zamuda then came through with a 2 run single.

In the bottom 7th Utah had a chance to do some damage after a one out single by Eddie Davis. Battletrap then made a big mistake, telling rookie speedster Rafael Vasquez to "get in the game" While Battletrap intended for him to pinch run, next thing he looked up to see Vasquez take the bat from 2B Juan Ordonez. Ordonez, a weak hitter himself, raised no objection and walked back to the dugout. By the time Battletrap realized what was happening, it was too late. Ordonez was out of the game. Vasquez popped up and Utah failed to score.

In the top of the 8th Utah was out of second basemen, so Eddie Davis slid over to second with Doug Dodson coming in to play third. With 2 outs into the 8th, Richie Jefferson pinch hit for Tinsley and knocked a homer to make it 6-5. That was the score to the bottom of the 9th, when Bobby Lewis tied the game with a 2 out RBI single. Blaylock then struck out with the winning run on third. The game goes to extra innings.

In the top of the 10th, Utah brings in Rollins. Sergio Perez grounds to the out-of-position Eddie Davis at 2nd, and Davis bobbles it for an error. Miller grounds out, moving Perez to 2nd, and Santana pops out to left. Michael Johnson then doubles in the go ahead run. Cesar Ganzel relieved Rollins and retired Jacen Solo, so Utah had one more chance in the bottom 10th.

Leading off against Rob Porter, Frank Lewis lines a single to left, bringing up Zamuda.

With strong throwing Tommy Miller behind the plate, Utah has avoided the running game, but here, they try the hit and run. Lewis takes off. Zamuda swings and lofts a flyball to right:

lifted down the right field line ... that could be trouble ... Perez races over

into the corner ... he leaps ... just out of reach ... it's gone! ... it's all over!

a two-run shot ... Zamuda will touch them all ... and he's sure taking his time

he's greeted at the plate

And Utah goes to the world series for the first time since 1998.

MLCS Game 4

Rematch of Game One starters, Pedro Lewis vs. Rene St. Claire
New York strikes fast and furious in the first inning, Buckley HBP, Solo Walk, Keith Lee 3-run homer. White then walks, and scores on a Jackie Garrison triple...4-0 New York. In the 3rd, singles by Brett Solo, Chad White, Jackie Garrison, and Tim Griffin make it 6-0. Hollywood pulls St. Claire after the Garrison single for Mike Dascenzo, a spot starter who took the place of the injured Willis Brusstar in this series. In the 4th, Brett Solo doubles in Manfred Mueller to make it 7-0. In the 7th, a Jackie Garrison sac fly makes it 8-0. With the 8-run lead, New York pulls Pedro Lewis, rationalizing that keeping him available for a potential Game 7 is the best way to use him. He finishes at 6-6-0-0-2-7. In the bottom of the 7th, Rader puts runners on, and is pulled for Bill Wright. Hollywood scores 2 in the inning. In the 8th, New York gets 3 runs back, highlighted by a Mueller 2-run homer. In the bottom of the 8th, Freddie Benitez comes in and gives 2 runs back to Hollywood to make it 11-4. In the 9th, Manfred doubles home Vern Terrell to make it 12-4. Fritz Jones pitches a scoreless 9th to preserve the victory, and give New York a 3 games to 1 lead in the series.

MLCS Game 3

Stuart Coppolla vs. Bill Higgins
Hollywood strikes in the first on a Favre RBI groundout. Paul Hagan gets an RBI single in the 2nd to tie the game for New York. In the 3rd, New York goes ahead 2-1 on a Brett Solo Homer. In the 7th, Miguel Tejawa ties the game with a solo homer of his own. In the 8th, Keith Lee finally connects for his first homer of the post-season, to give New York a 3-2 lead. In the 9th, Cliff Garrison gets New York out 1-2-3 to bring up the top of the Hollywood order in the bottom of the 9th. Since Coppolla has only faced 27 batters and has been dominant, New York elects to keep him in the game:
Elvis Dixon: Fly out to Center
Conner: Ground out to 2B
Favre: Single
New York pulls Coppolla and brings in Jaret Benser to face Tejawa.
Tejawa: Fly out to deep right field.
Final score, New York 3-2. Coppolla 8.2-6-2-2-1-4

SLCS games 4-5

Game 4: The pitching matchup was youngsters Dave DelSavio and Larry Patterson. Both teams scored runs in the first and third. Utah took a 3-2 lead in the 5th on Blaylock's 2nd homerun of the game. DelSavio went 7 innings, striking out 8, and Patterson struck out 10 in 7 2/3 innings. They went to the 9th still 3-2, and once again Battletrap went to the saving Ute:

Kelso leads off with a homer
Phillips flies to center
A Solo doubles
Haley relieves Rollins
Perez singles, Solo to third
Santana singles to left, Hawks win 4-3, series is tied

Game 5:

Back to the game one starters, Bobby Martinez no-hits Utah through 5. Charlotte scores first off Zimmerman, on Michael Johnson's sacrifice fly. In the top 6th, Benedict starts with a triple. One out later, Blaylock walks and Frank Lewis brings in 2 with a double. Lewis later scored on Ballard's single. Brant Bowen made it a 3-2 game with a long homer in the 6th, but neither team scored again. In the 8th, Henry Rollins came in with 2 outs and a runner on second. He got Carlos Phillips to ground out, then pitched a scoreless 9th for his 6th postseason save.

SLCS Games 2-3

Game 2: Drothar Hines starts for Charlotte and Jack McDermott for Utah. Tied 1-1 in the third, Charlotte rocked McDermott for 4 runs, capped by a 3 run homer by Carlos Phillips. Utah could never get anything going, and lost 6-3. Hines pitched 7 innings for Charlotte.

Game 3: This was a matchup of the Langford brothers. Mike, who won four world series for the Utes of the 1990's, was now pitching for Charlotte. Keith, who pitched for the Charlotte team that won the 2005 series is now a Ute. Charlotte struck first with 4 runs in the bottom of the second. Santana singled in the first, and Mickey Tinsley followed with a 2 run double. After Jacen Solo singled in the fourth run of the inning, the worst was yet to come.

Brant Bowen popped up into foul ground, and Frank Lewis collided with catcher Yamil Maduro chasing the ball. The ball dropped, and both players had to leave the game. Maduro's injury was serious enough that he had to be removed from the series roster.

Mike Langford shut his old team out until the 7th, when Zamuda singles. Ballard was hit by a pitch. Carlos Merejo hits a 3 run homer to make it 4-3. Dodson struck out, Ordonez singled, Bobby Lewis popped up, and Jason Blaylock walked. Charlotte finally went to the bullpen for Tom Borgula. Gary Benedict, the backup catcher, was up. Benedict bloops a double down the right field line, and both runners score. Eddie Davis followed with a double to make it 6-4.

The score remained the same to the 9th, with Keith Langford settling down and giving Utah 8 innings. Henry Rollins, the Cy Young saving Ute, comes in:

Jefferson grounds to Zamuda
Miller lines to second
Kelso pinch hits, and strikes out.

MLCS Game Two

Joey Szaza vs. Mazdahonda
Dixon leads off with a triple, then Conner pops out, and Favre lines one to Centerfield that hangs in the air for Chad White to snair, no way Dixon tries to score. Then Tejawa singles and Vasbinder hits a 2 run homer to make it 3-0 Hollywood. It almost looked like New York would get out of the inning. With 2 out in the bottom of the 2nd and runners on 2nd and 3rd, Will Spriggs (playing left field against the LH Szaza) bloops a single to right to make it 3-2. Thats the way it stayed until the 6th, when Hollywood mounted another rally. With 2 outs and a runner on 2nd, Vasbinder draws a walk, Roy Brown singles, and then Moreno doubles down the right field line to clear the bases and give Hollywood a commanding 6-2 lead. Thats the way it stayed until the 8th, when Rudiger Rocker of all people shut down Hollywood 1-2-3. Then in the bottom of the inning, New York mounted a rally:

Buckley: Strike Three
Mueller: Walk
Solo: grounder to third, Dixon throws it away (again!), runners to 2nd and 3rd.
Hollywood pulls Szaza and goes to Mark Pressley
Keith Lee: Sacrifice fly to deep left, 6-3 Hollywood.
Chad White: blast to left center, off the wall, 6-4.
Hollywood pulls Pressley and goes to the closer, Nuke McDougal.
Tim Griffin: Single to left field, White scores, 6-5.
Spriggs: Flys out to center.

In the 9th, New York stays with Rocker and he pitches his 2nd straight scoreless inning. After allowing a 2-out single to lefty Cardonia, McDougal's spot in the lineup comes around and Hollywood elects to keep their closer in the game. He strikes out to end the inning.

Bottom of the 9th, McDougal facing the 8-9 hitters.
Pinch hitter Jackie Garrison for Paul Hagan: Walk
Pinch run Lenny Backman for Garrison, and pinch hit Vern Terrell for Rudiger Rocker: Walk
Buckley: sacrifice bunt, tying run on 3B, winning run on 2B with one out.
Mueller: Grounder to short, weird hop! Tejawa leaps, backhands it, fires to 3B, gets Vern Terrell, but Backman scores the tying run.
Runner on 1B, 2 out, tie score, Brett Solo: Strikeout

To the 10th, New York brings in Jaret Benser to face the top of the Hollywood lineup:
Dixon: Walk
Conner: grounds to pitcher, out at first.
Favre: Strike Three!
Tejawa: Pop out to 2B.

Bottom of the 10th, McDougal to face the New York 4-5-6 hitters:
Lee: Strike Three:
White: C. White facing N. Mcdougal, B 10th, 1 Out, Bases Empty, Tied 6-6
The pitch ... hit deep ... it's going ... it goes! ... over the left field wall ... it's all over
B's 6, Cobra 7
FINAL SCORE : B's 6, Cobra 7

The series is now tied at 1 game apiece as we head to Hollywood.

Major League Championship Series Game 1

Rene St. Clair vs. Pedro Lewis...Top of the 1st, Hollywood takes the lead on a John Conner hit and run single that sends Elvis Dixon to third with no outs, that sets up a Geoff Favre DP as the run scores. In the third, another Conner hit and run, this time a double, scores Dixon to make it 2-0 Hollywood. In the 6th, a Roy Brown singles scores Favre to make it 3-0. After New York goes scoreless in the bottom of the inning, New York elects to pull Pedro Lewis after 6 innings and 25 batters, in favor of Chuck Rader to face some of the Hollywood lefties. The lefty Cardonia then lines one off the wall for the leadoff double. After a St. Claire sacrifice bunt, New York pulls the infield in for Elvis Dixon. Dixon grounds hard to third, but Tim Griffin makes a fine play to retire Dixon and hold the runner. New York then intentionally walks Conner to face the lefty Favre. Favre flies out deep to right to end the inning. Bottom of the 7th:

Garrison leadoff walk
Griffin grounder to Dixon at third, throws wild to first, runners to 2nd and 3rd
St. Claire delivers to Justin Lewis...passed ball, Garrison scores, Griffin to third.
Hollywood pulls St. Claire in favor of Blackwell
Lewis pop up to first
New York pinch hits contact hitter James Ray for Rader...strike three! 2 out
Buckley grounds to second to retire the side, New York squanders at least 1 run here.

New York then retires Hollywood in the 8th with Fritz Jones doing the pitching.
In the bottom of the 8th, Manfred makes an out, then Chad White follows with a single and stolen base. Keith Lee then singles to center to score White to make it 3-2. Brett Solo then flies out deep to left, and Garrison lines out to third base to end the 8th.

To the 9th:
Cardonia single of Jones
Lefty Terence Davis pinch hits for Blackwell...New York relieves Jones for lefty Bill Wright.
Davis grounds to second base, 4-3 out.
Dixon singles to right, runner holds at third.
New York pulls the infield in vs. Conner, grounds to Buckley, checks the runners, gets the out at first.
Runners on 2nd and 3rd, 2 outs, Geoff Favre.
Walk
New York relieves Wright with Jaret Benser.
Benser facing Tejawa with the bases loaded: Strike Three!

Bottom of the 9th, McDougal coming on to face the New York 7-8-9 hitters:
Griffin Strike Three
New York pinch hits for Justin Lewis (.063 Avg) for regular season hero Lenny Backman: Strike Three.
New York pinch hits Vern Terrell for Benser: Looper to second, caught by Cardonia.

Hollywood wins Game One 3-2.

Hollywood New York Prediction

Both teams are strong, and were the clear cut best teams in the league all year. The main difference between this year and last years matchup is Geoff Favre. Favre gives Hollywood a dominant outfielder with a cannon arm. He also happens to be a former New York Cobra who helped them past longtime nemesis Florida a few years ago. Also, Hollywood's team is built to matchup with New York's power right handed pitchers. The righties in Hollywood's lineup will take pitches, get on base, and knock runs in, highlighted by their two jawas, Elvis Dixon and Miguel Tejawa. And then the lefties that have been much discussed will matchup well against all New York's pitchers except Stuart Coppolla, who may only pitch once in the series. Hollywood also has a pretty good pitching staff, highlighted by a better bullpen than New York.

I think the series will come down to the following three factors:

1. How will Hollywood's staff make up for the loss of ace Willis Brusstar. Brusstar is injured for this series, after a fluke injury in Game 6 against Philly.

2. Geoff Favre. If the B's win the series, Favre has to be huge. I think he will do it, making big plays on offense, and throwing out a few runners on defense.

3. Jaret Benser. It is rumored that Benser will not make a start in this series, instead, serving as the "Brett Myers" closer of the much maligned New York bullpen. New York has yet to use Rudiger Rocker in a crucial situation in the playoffs, and Benitez has been lit up when he has been used.

Prediction: I think Hollywood pulls off the upset this year, winning in 7 games.

Philadelphia at Hollywood Game 7

With the season on the line, Philadelphia opts to go with Game 5 loser Charlie Zito on 2 days rest. He is fully rested since he only pitched 1.2 innings in Game 5, and being a lefty, matches up well against Hollywood's heavily left-handed hitting lineup and bench. Hollywood counters with Bill Higgins, a former ace also fully rested. To combat the lefty Zito, Hollywood sits 2B Cardonia in favor of righty Michael Curtis.

In the bottom of the 2nd, Keith Vasbinder (a lefty platoon specialist) connects for a 2 run homer off Zito. Hollywood might have considered replacing Vasbinder, but their only righty OF on the bench is the defensive specialist Jose Santana, a non-option when you think about it. 2 batters later, Michael Curtis connects for a 2 run homer to give Hollywood a 4-0 lead. In the 3rd inning, Rocky Balboni hits a 2 run homer for Philly to cut the lead to 4-2. In the 4th and 5th, Hollywood chases Zito, and extends the lead to 7-2 off the anticipated game 7 starter, Kyle Morrison on in relief. Higgins then continued to mow down the Philly lineup who never mounted a rally. Nuke McDougal got the final 2 outs to win the game 7-2 for Hollywood. Hollywood wins the series 4-3, and faces New York in the LCS for the 2nd straight year.

Philadelphia vs. Hollywood Game 6

Rudy Baker vs. Willis Brusstar, coming off a game 2 shutout.

Hollywood grabs a 2-0 lead in the second, when Brusstar is injured on a freak baserunning play running to first base. By the 6th inning, Philadelphia takes the 3-2 lead with Homers from Rocky Balboni and Paul White. In the bottom of the 6th, Hollywood gets to Rudy Baker, who is relieved by the lefty James Willits. Willits serves as gasoline to the Hollywood offense, and the B's rally for 5 runs, highlighted by a Freddie Justis go-ahead 2 run homer, and a Keith Vasbinder bases 3 run double. That inning broke Philly's spirit, and were the final runs of the game. Hollywood wins 7-3, and ties the series at 3 games apiece.

Detroit at New York Game 7

Charles Cooper vs. Stuart Coppolla

In the bottom of the third, New York runs the bases loaded offense with 2 out for Chad White. White then singles to center, two runs score, Bob Abuee misplays the ball, and White ends up at second with three runs in. In the 5th, Abuee gets 1 run back with a two out RBI double, then scores on a BJ Lewis single. In the 8th, New York goes to "closer" Jaret Benser who retires the side. In the bottom of the 8th, Buckley and Manfred hit back to back doubles to give New York a 4-2 lead.

To the 9th:
Vandenberg....strike three
pinch hitter Dan Thomas (a lefty) for SS Arnoldo Jimenez...single
pinch hitter Joe Brown for closer Don Barkley...strike three
Bob Abuee...ground out to Brett Solo to end the game and the series.

New York wins a close one 4 games to 3.

Detroit at New York Game 6

Gilbert vs. MazdaHonda. Both teams go with a change for this game, Detroit decides Jermaine Moore's wiffing ways can't be accepted in an elimination game, and sacrifice defense by putting Travis Steele in leftfield, Vandenberg in right field, and slugging lefty Joe Brown at 1B. New York does something similar, playing Johnny Ray in leftfield, since Tim Griffin is injured, and they want to replicate his high batting average and low strikeouts.

In the third inning, Detroit goes up 3-1 on a Joe Brown 2 run homer. In the 8th, they go up 5-3 on a Bob Abuee 2 out 2 run double. New York cuts the lead to 1 in the bottom of the 8th. In the 9th, Detroit brings in closer Don Barkley for the first time in the series to face the top of the New York lineup.

Buckley....HBP
Manfred...NY puts on the hit and run, swing and a miss, Buckley caught in a rundown, tagged out.
Manfred...ground out to second.
Chad...ground out to third.

Series tied at 3

Rookie awards

Suzuke Mazdahonda wins the Major League rookie of the year award unanimously. He fulfilled New York's expectations with an 18-6 record and 2.70 ERA. Troy Lewis, who saved 18 games for Hawaii, finished second, and Ricky Buckley finished third. He stole 47 bases and scored 88 runs.

Delmon Jefferson edged Alex Williams for the Superior League award. Jefferson led rookies with 29 homers and 84 RBI, and after a slow start (hitting .182 on July 1st) , brought his average up to .240. Williams hit .242 with 15 homers and drew 70 walks. Flame throwing Justin Zoolander finished third. He was 9-10 with a 3.83 ERA and struck out 205 batters.

Superior League Championship series

Carlos Merejo's 4th hit of the game, a 2 run double in the bottom 7th broke a 3-3 tie, and Frank Lewis also had 3 hits. With a 5-3 lead in the 9th, closing Ute Henry Rollins gave up a solo homer to Tommy Miller but held on to a 5-4 lead to take the first game.

Utah Starter Bob Zimmerman allowed 1 run on 4 hits over 5 2/3 innings, and Charlotte's Bobby Martinez allowed 3 over 5 1/3 innings.

Hollywood at Philadelphia Game 5

Matchup of lefties, Joey Szaza for Hollywood facing Charlie Zito of Philly. Hollywood jumps on Zito in the 1st, getting 4 runs. In the second, they take a 5-1 lead and chase Zito from the game. Philly gets back into the game in the 4th, on a Travis Palmer 2 run homer. In the 7th, Jimmy Taylor's 2 out 2 run single ties the game at 5. The game remains tied in the bottom of the 9th, when Mark Pressley came in for Hollywood and struck out the side...onto extra innings. In the tenth, Geoff Favre singles, and then Miguel Tejawa connects for a 2 run Homer. In the bottom of the 9th with a 2 run lead, Hollywood opts to pull Pressley for closer Nuke McDougal. Heres the inning:

PH for Pitcher, Peter Cooney...Strike Three!
Jimmy Taylor...single to center
Rocky Balboni....grounder to first, Connor knocks it down, no play...infield single.
Paul White....Shot down the line to right, near the foul pole....Gone....Three run Homer.
Philadelphia wins the game 8-7 on the 3 run walk-off homer, and now leads the series 3 games to 2.

Charlotte vs New York game 6

Mike Langford pitched 7 innings, allowing only one run, and Charlotte scored 7 off Doug Lefevre, and 8 total for the game. Charlotte will advance to play Utah. Conan hit his 4th homerun of the series in the loss.

Charlotte vs New York game 5

Elladan Corinvar was much improved in his second start, throwing 6 shutout innings of 1 hit ball, striking out 7. Kermit Holmes, Mike Perry, Mahatma Russell, and Cesar Ramos all homered as New York wins 9-0 to stay alive in the series.

Utah vs Toledo game 5

With game one starters Johnson and Langford on the mound, Toledo and Utah were tied at 4 going into the 8th. Vernon Coles homered to give Toledo a 5-4 lead. In the 9th, Paul Williamson was tired so they started the inning with lefty Eric Hall. Bobby Lewis led off with a single. Toledo then, with their season on the line, brought Williamson in to face Maduro. Maduro executes a hit and run single. With Williamson out of gas, they go to starter Elvis Rodriguez, who throws a wild pitch to tie the game.

He then intentionally walks Frank Lewis to set up the DP. After a Lou Zamuda single, Ryan Ballard gives Utah the lead with a sacrifice fly. Henry Rollins then puts Utah into the second round with a perfect 9th.

Charlotte vs New York game 4

It was never close. The Hawks won 14-1 (and have outscored NY 30-3 the last two games) and take a 3-1 series lead. Larry Patterson pitched 6 innings for the win, and Bob Glenn could not last 3 for the Knights, and again Charlotte worked over the New York bullpen. Brant Bowen had 4 hits and 4 rbi, and Alex Santana had 3 hits, including 2 triples.

Utah vs Toledo game 4

Utah opened up a 7-1 lead against starter John Almaraz, Lou Zamuda and Ryan Ballard each drove in 3. Steve Werden grand slam in the 4th brought Toledo back to within 2 runs, but Brian Young held the Mud Hens to only 1 more run in more than 4 relief innings.

Toledo went to Paul Williamson in the 6th inning, and he pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings to keep the game close, but Toledo could not tie it up as the game went into the 9th.

In the 9th, Utah brought out the saving Ute, and highlighted the contrast in the way these two teams use their relief aces. While Williamson will pitch multiple innings, and come in when the game is tied or even when his team is trailing, Battletrap hold his saving Ute for save situations. But Rollins is very good at the job, and pitched a perfect inning with 2 strikeouts to give Utah a 3-1 series lead.

Charlotte vs New York game 3

The Hawks destroyed the Knights 16-2 in the first playoff game ever played at Knight stadium. Tom Groovine was ineffective in 4 innings, and the bullpen was much worse. Bobby Martinez pitched 6 innings for the win, allowing 1 run on 3 hits. Alex Santana had 5 hits for the Hawks.

Utah vs Toledo game 3

Utah busts out the whoopin sticks, and buries Don Law and Toledo 14-0, pounding out 21 hits. Bob Zimmerman threw a complete game shutout. Bobby Lewis had 4 RBI, and Frank Lewis had 4 hits, 3 doubles and a homer.

Charlotte vs New York game 2

Charlotte scores 4 early runs off Doug Lefevre, while Mike Langford shuts down the New York offense for 6.1 innings, allowing only a Conan homerun.

In the 9th, Charlotte still leads 4-1 as Heathcliff George comes in for the save. Jose Encarnacion singles, and Mahatma Russell follows with a 2 run homer. Back to back doubles by Ramos and Gwosdz tie the game at 4.

The game goes to extra innings, and Conan gives NY a lead with his second homer of the game. Troy Everett sets Charlotte down 1-2-3 for the save. Joe Dirte gets the win, pitching 4 2/3 perfect innings in relief, striking out 5.

Toledo vs Utah g2

Toledo cam out swinging, hitting 3 homers off Jack McDermott in the first 2 innings and taking a 6-0 lead. Utah came back with 4 in the 4rd, with back to back homers by Maduro and Frank Lewis. In the 5th, Maduro's second homerun of the game tied it at 6. Toledo took the lead in the top 6th as Vernon Coles hit a leadoff triple and Lance Dixon followed with a double and later came around to score.

In the bottom of the 8th Ryan Ballard singles to lead off the inning and the Mud Hens go to Williamson again for the six out save. Merejo singles. Davis singles, Ballard scores, Merejo to third. Williamson strikes out the next 2 Utes, but Del Holdsworth hits a bloop single to give Utah the lead.

In the top 9th, Utah goes to the saving Ute, Henry Rollins.

Werden pops to first
Freeman strikes out
Paxton strikes out

And Utah has tied the series.

New York vs Charlotte, game 1

In the first ever playoff appearance in franchise history, Conan puts New York up 2-0 with a first inning homer off Drothar Hines. The lead didn't last, as Charlotte knocks out starter Elladan Corinvar with with 6 runs in the bottom first. New York then knocks out Hines with 3 runs in the top 2nd. Both bullpens are much more effective, and Charlotte takes an 8-5 lead into the 9th, with Heathcliff George on the mound.

The 9th:
Jimenez singles.
Holmes strikes out
Perry strikes out
Fat pops up

And Charlotte takes a 1-0 series lead.

Utah vs Toledo Game 1

Utah sends playoff tested Keith Langford to the mound, and the Mud Hens go with 20 year old rookie Chris Johnson. Toledo scored first, on a Steve Freeman 2 run homer. Johnson pitched well, throwing a shutout through 6 innings. He was pulled after allowing 2 Utes to reach in the 7th, but Jose Guerrero allowed 1 to score and erased the other on a double play.

Toledo added a run in the 8th as Steve Werden stole home on a double steal. In the bottom 8th Utah scored a run but Paul Williamson came in to end the threat, and pitched 1.2 innings for the save. Toledo wins 3-2.

New York at Detroit Game 5

Pedro Lewis vs. Johnny Jackson. Both pitchers are dominant through 7 scorless innings. In addition, Jackson hit NY 3B Tim Griffin in both of his plate appearances, the second one knocking Griffin out for 5 days. In the top of the 8th, a hit and run double by Manfred scores Ricky Buckley to give New York the 1-0 lead. Pedro gets out of an 8th inning jam, by stranding Vandenberg, who led off the inning with a double. Heres the 9th inning:

Garrison: (vs. Lucas) Walk
Justin Lewis: Single

Pedro Lewis stays in the game and lays down a perfect bunt - runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 out.

Buckley grounds to Chavez, throws home...safe...high tag....New York leads 2-0 with runners on 2nd and 3rd and 1 out. Detroit now goes to the bullpen bringing in Ray Swanson.

Mueller: Grounds to 1B, bobbled...error...New York leads 3-0 runners to 1st and 2nd.
White: Line drive single to left, bases loaded
Lee: Grounder to Chavez, throws home...out....throws to first....out....end of inning, 3-0 New York.

Bottom of the 9th, top of the Devils order vs. Pedro Lewis who stays in the game.
Abuee: Strike Three...one out
BJ Lewis: Walk
McNamara: Doubles to right field, Lewis holds at 3B.
Chavez: Long blast to left, drops in front of wall, double, 2 runs score, 3-2 New York.
Steele: Strike one...Chavez taking a good lead to make sure he scores on a single...Justin Lewis throws back to second...picked off!
Steele: Strike three
End of Game, New York wins 3-2 and leads the series 3-2 as we head back to New York for Game 6.

Hollywood at Philadelphia Game 4

For Hollywood, they bring back Rene St. Clair fully rested on 3 days rest to oppose Jong-Soo Tso. In the first, Hollywood takes a 2-0 lead on 2 out RBI hits from Miguel Tejawa and Keith Vasbinder. In the bottom of the first, Philadelphia gets a run back on an RBI single from Travis Palmer. In the second, Jerry Ruiz connects for a 2 run homer to give Philadelphia a 3-2 lead. In the 4th, Paul White hits a solo HR to make it 4-2. In the meantime, Tso settled in and finished with a line of 6.2-8-2-2-2-7. Steve King closed out the game with a scoreless ninth to tie the series at 2 games.

New York at Detroit Game 4

Detroit jumped on Jaret Benser, rocking him for 3 in the bottom of the first. Later in the 3rd, Delos Vanderberg hit a two out 2 run homer to make it 5-0. This looked to be in the bag with Detroit pitching ace Larry Reynolds on short rest...but...with 1 out and 2 on, Chad White connected for a three run homer. Then Keith Lee reached on an infiled single, Brett Solo tripled, and Jackie Garrison tied the game with a sacrifice fly. In the 6th, the Cobra scored 2 more on a Manfred Mueller double, and Brett Solo single. In the bottom of the inning with 2 out, the Devils staged a two out rally scoring 2 times on a BJ Lewis single and Tim Griffin throwing error. In the 8th inning, New York scores three more runs on a Manfred Mueller solo HR, and Brett Solo 2 run homer. Freddie Benitez records the final 4 outs to give New York the 10-7 win , and tie the series at 2 games apiece.

Hollywood at Philadelphia Game 3

This game featured Bill Higgins opposing Kyle Morrison. In the 3rd inning, Hollywood took a 2-0 lead on a two run homer by Elvis Dixon. Later in the inning, Miguel Tejawa kept the rally going by connecting for a single on a pitchout attempt. Favre would have been a dead duck at 2nd, but instead, Hollywood had a 1st and 3rd situation. A few more singles made it 4-0. In the 5th, Hollywood led 5-0 and Bill Higgins was working on a no-hitter. In the bottom of the 5th the no hitter was broken up, and Philadelphia had 1 run in and 2 on 2 out for the pitcher's slot. Pinch hitter Zandar Dukakis then lined a double off the centerfield wall to make it 5-3. In the 6th, Paul White connected on a solo HR to make it 5-4. In the top of the 7th, Roy Brown continued his hot hitting with his 2nd HR of the series to make it 7-4. In the bottom of the 7th, Philadelphia got 2 runs back and had Jimmy Taylor and Rocky Balboni on first and 3rd with 2 out, for Paul White. Hollywood brought in their lefty specialist Cliff Garrison, whose specialty is NOT getting lefties out. Despite their hitting momentum, Taylor and Balboni tried the delayed double steal. On the throw home, Yoda Moreno (strategically in for defense in the late innings by the underrated Troy McCoy) held on to the ball to end the inning. Hollywood added an insurance run in the 9th, and Nuke McDougal shut down the Grays 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 9th to preserve the 8-6 win. Hollywood now leads the series 2-1, and seemingly has retaken control of the series.

New York at Detroit Game 3

Matchup of lefties, Stuart Coppolla for New York and Charles Cooper for Detroit. Cooper making his 1st ever playoff start, Coppolla one of the all-time undisputed big game pitchers. Of course, this game could only end one way. Detroit shocks Coppolla in the 4th, with BJ Lewis hitting a two run homer off Coppolla to give Detroit the 3-1 lead. Detroit then adds 2 more in the 5th, 6th, and 3 in the 8th to win the game 10-1. Coppolla finishes at 5-8-6-4-1-3 and Cooper goes 6-8-1-1-0-6. Carlos Leja goes 3 hitless and scoreless innings to jinx the no-bullpen label.

Story of the series so far? Brett Solo and Keith Lee are a combined 0-21 with just 2 walks. Solo has also made 2 errors in the 3 games. If Detroit pulls this thing out, it will be one of the biggest upsets in playoff history.

Philadelphia vs. Hollywood Game 2

Hollywood evens the series at 1 game apiece, behind a complete game shutout from Willis Brusstar (9-5-0-0-2-5). Roy Brown drove in the first run with a solo HR, and then John Connor hit a solo shot of his own the next inning. Later on in the 7th, Brown drove in Vasbinder for a 3-0 lead with a near inside the park HR. He settled for a triple as he was thrown out on a close play at the plate. Later in the inning, Elvis Dixon's two out triple made the score 5-0, and that was the final.

Detroit at New York Game 2

There will be no sweep. Matt Gilbert was dominant, throwing a complete game, 3 hit shutout, walking none and striking out 8. Mazdahonda for New York was unimpressive, yielding 12 hits and 4 runs in only 5 innings. After an 0-3 with 3 K's in game 1, Detroit benched former New York Cobra RF Jermaine Moore for Dan Thomas. Thomas only went 1-4, but at least he made contact to keep rallys going. Gilbert survived a late score as New York had the bases loaded and 1 out in the bottom of the 8th. He got Brett Solo to pop out, and then Keith Lee hit a near miss game tying grand slam, with Thomas making the running catch at the warning track to retire the side.

Major League Playoffs Games 1

Game 1 Detroit at New York
This game featured a great pitching matchup between Larry Reynolds and Pedro Lewis. It lived up to the pitchers duel for the first 6 innings, until Detroit relieved Reynolds. At the time it was 1-0. Then it was 2-0 and eventually, New York won 3-1. Reynolds pitched well with 5.1-6-2-2-1-5, but Pedro was dominant, going the distance with a 3 hit, 2 walk, 15 strikeout gem.

I think this might be one of the most mis-matched playoff series I have ever seen. New York has dominant starting pitching (especially hard throwing right-handed pitchers), and great offense and defense. Detroit on the other hand has only one good starter and quite possibly, the worst bullpen ever assembled (to make the playoffs). Also, Detroits best hitters seem to be especially vulnerable to New York's dominant right handers. I predict a series sweep.

Game 1 Philadelphia at Hollywood
Philly used ace Charlie Zito while Hollywood gave the nod to new ace Rene St. Claire. Philly jumped out to an early lead, with Rocky Balboni highlighting a 4 run 3rd inning by connecting for a 3 run HR. Balboni also doubled and tripled in the game as well. Zito was excellent (6.2-5-2-2-2-6) and Philly's bulllpen got them out of jams, specifically lefty James Willits getting Freddie Justis to pop out with bases loaded and 2 outs in the 7th. Steve King got the final 4 outs in the 5-2 Philly win.

Despite the loss, I still like Hollywood to take this series in 6 games.