Meet the Rookies

Five young guns will join the CBL fraternity. The first round draft picks from the draft after season one are in the big leagues, and ready to play. Here are their bios.

Brenden Irons- Austin Roughnecks
From: Arlington, TX
W: 205 H: 6'3"
Hand: L
A big hitter in college ball, Brenden is slated to fill the shoes of Sean Casey. A power hitter in college, Irons was highly scouted for the CBL. The first base position had aged players, so being the first rookie first baseman to play in the CBL will put the 'Necks at an advantage.

Akifumi Koike(昭文小池)- Omaha Cyclones
From: Shizuoka, JPN
W: 180 H: 5'11"
Hand: R
The best pitcher in the draft class after the scouting combine, Koiki is comparable to a Daisuke Matsuzaka type pitcher. He has a strong curveball, and change up. With the Cyclones having just one star pitcher, he will add a lot to the line up.

Jaime Simms- Orlando Majestics
From: Los Gatos, CA
W: 194 H: 6'1"
Hand: R
Brought in to replace Nomar Garciaparra, Simms is finally able to show why he was the 3rd pick in the draft. Built with speed, and a bat that can hit for average, the short stop will be a boost to the season 2 champions. Similar to Troy Tulowitzki. He will bat in the 3 hole, in the heart of one of the strongest lineups in the CBL.

Ricky Bracket- Portland Trappers
From: Valdosta, GA
W: 173 H: 6'3"
Hand: L
A player with swag, Bracket's bat and speed can fill a leadoff spot. Similar to BJ Upton, if he gets a hold of a ball, he can launch it. His speed rounding bases, and getting to fly balls. With Jermaine Dye retiring, the Trappers have a great outfield with their new rookie.

Robert Ware- Virginia Beach Bums
From: Anderson, IN
W: 215 H: 6'8"
Hand: R
He has the size of Randy Johnson, and the identity to Brian Wilson. The "Heartland Hurler" will have a presence on the mound for seasons to come. He was added to help the Bums get younger on the mound. With a fastball over 100 miles an hour, when he's in the strike zone, he is deadly. But he does have control issuses if he doesn't get off to a good start.

So those are the rookies!

All-Star Game

Notes
The final Taylor-Lommel game ever, Taylor took game one last season, and Lommel got even with this game. With the first pick of the snake draft, Lommel drafted Abernathy and Everett. Lommel's team opened up the scoring when Pena hit a 3 run homer off of Zambrano in the first. After Burroughs walked, Abernathy homered off Mulder making it 5-0. The game was pretty much over, but Taylor's team didn't quit. Encarnacion homered off of Chacon. But Freeman's double off Wells that scored Blalock put them back up 5. That would be it as the closers held them scoreless. Poor Matt Anderson didn't get in the game.

Batters
Taylor
Dukes 1-2 1B, BB
Mathews, Jr. 0-3
Encarnacion 1-3 HR, 1R, 1RBI
Casey 1-3 1B
Grieve 2-2 2 1B, BB
Crede 0-2 BB
Greene 1-3 1B
Vidro 1-2 1B, K, BB
Valentin 1-3 1B, K

VIR
Everett 0-2 BB
Burroughs 1-2 2B, K, BB
Abernathy 2-3 HR, 1B, 1R, 2 RBI
Pena 2-3 HR, 2B, 1R, 3RBI
Mientkiewicz 1-3 2B, K
Blalock 1-3 2B, 1R
Hall 2-2 2 1B
Baldelli 0-2
Freeman 1-2 2B, 1RBI

Pitchers
Taylor
Zambrano- 1 IP, 15 ERA, 0 Ks, 3 ER, 1 BB L
Mulder- 1 IP, 10 ERA, 0 Ks, 2 ER, 1 BB
Wells- 1 IP, 5 ERA, 1 Ks, 1 ER, 0 BB
Gagne- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 1 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB

Lommel
Looper- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 0 Ks, 0 ER, 1 BB W
Prior- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 1 Ks, 0 ER, 1 BB
Chacon- 1 IP, 5 ERA, 0 Ks, 1 ER, 1 BB
Bradford- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 1 Ks, 0 ER, 1 BB
Bonser- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 0 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB

Player of the Game- Willy Mo Pena

All-Star Logos Released

Here is the logo, and jersey for the upcoming All-Star game. The game will feature the best players in the league showcased in one game. Austin is hosting the game. The game will be held sometime this week, and the home run derby will be held today.

Season 2 Awards

Champion
Orlando Majestics
17-11 Regular Season, 3-2 Post Season

MVP
Adam Everett
34-82, .415 Batting Average, 18 RBI, 19 Runs, 7 Home runs, 7 Strike Outs

Griffey Jr. Award, Best Batter
Adam Everett
34-82, .415 Batting Average, 18 RBI, 19 Runs, 7 Home runs, 7 Strike Outs

Randy Johnson Award, Best Pitcher
Victor Zambrano
33 innings, 5-1 Record, 1.81 ERA, 12 Ks, 8 Walks

Reliever of the Year Award
Eric Gagne
7 Innings, 0-0 Record, 0 ERA, 4 Ks, 2 Walks, 4 saves

10th Man Award, Best non starter
Dmitri Young
11-32, .344 Batting Average, 7 RBI, 6 Runs, 2 Home runs, 5 Strike Outs

MVP results

Here are the results of the MVP voting

1st Adam Everett 12 points
2nd Sean Casey 8 points
3rd Brent Abernathy 4 points
4th Juan Encarnacion 3 points
5th Victor Zambrano 1 point

Adam Everett is the Season 2 MVP. He joins Sean Burroughs as the only MVPs in league history.

Taylor Cup

Orlando 3-2 Virginia

Virginia Uniforms - Orlando Uniforms

Notes
The first game in a Taylor Cup featuring rival teams, a pitchers duel came into full effect. Mulder has the best regular season record in CBL history, at 10-1. But last season he was 0-2 in the playoffs. James came up huge in his first playoff start. The game had 11 hits total, all the runs were scored on just 3. All solo home runs, all in the second. Doug Mienkiewicz led off the second with a solo home run. Mulder gave that lead up fast. Back to back solo home runs by Crede and Laforest. Both pitchers rolled the rest of the game, neither offense could get a rally going. James didn't give up a hit the last 3 innings of work, since the first 3 batters in the 2nd got hits. Bonser came in for the 5th, he got 2 batters on, but promptly ousted Byrnes and Mientkiewicz for the first win.

Batters
VIR
Everett 0-3
Hall 1-2 1B, BB
Byrnes 0-3 2K
Mientkiewicz 1-2 HR, BB, 1R, 1RBI
Blalock 1-2 1B, K
Bigbie 0-1 2B
Crosby 0-2
Young 0-2
Holliman 0-1 BB

ORL
Freeman 1-3 1B
Stewart 1-3 2B
Abernathy 0-2
Grieve 1-2 2B
Hillenbrand 0-2
Crede 1-2 HR, K, 1R, 1RBI
LaForest 1-1 HR, BB, 1R, 1RBI
Francia 2-2 2 1B
Robels 0-2

Pitchers
VIR
Mulder- 4 IP, 2.5 ERA, 1 Ks, 2 ER, 1 BB L

ORL
James- 4 IP, 1.25 ERA, 4 Ks, 1 ER, 2 BB W
Bonser- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 0 Ks, 0 ER, 1 BB SV

Player of the Game- Chuck James




Virginia Uniforms - Orlando Uniforms

Notes
Braden Looper and Kip Wells had a match up, that was even on paper. But in the end, Looper prevailed. Looper started off terrible. The first two Orlando batters hit a home run. 2-0 and the M's had the upper hand going into the 2nd. But the Bums came storming back, two 2 run home runs by Bigbie and Everett. Then the next inning, doubles by Byrnes and Bigbie made it 5-2. The following inning, with runners on 1st and 2nd, Hall doubled, scoring one, then Byrnes singled in Everett. Wells came out of the game after that, with the loss assured. Both teams played a 5 point pitcher to save the best relievers for the upcoming games. Brazelton gave up a home run to Crosby making it 8-2. The M's rallied with a Grieve 2 run home run. Spooneybarger got the final 3 outs to end the game. 6 home runs were hit during the game, which could be a record.

Batters
VIR
Everett 1-2 HR, BB, 2R, 2RBI
Hall 1-3 2B, 1RBI
Byrnes 3-3 2 1B, 2B, 1R, 1RBI
Mientkiewicz 0-3
Blalock 1-3 1B, 1R
Bigbie 2-3 HR, 2B, 1R, 3RBI
Crosby 1-3 HR, 1R, 1RBI
Greenberg 0-3 K
Holliman 1-2 2B, BB, 2R

ORL
Freeman 1-3 HR, 1R, 1RBI
Stewart 2-3 HR, 1B, 1R, 1RBI
Abernathy 1-2 1B, BB, 1R
Grieve 1-3 HR, 1R, 2RBI
Hillenbrand 1-1 2B, 2BB
Crede 0-3 2K
LaForest 1-3 1B
Francia 0-3
Roneberg 0-1 BB

Pitchers
VIR
Looper- 4 IP, 2.5 ERA, 2 Ks, 2 ER, 4 BB W
Spooneybarger- 1 IP, 10 ERA, 0 Ks, 2 ER, 0 BB SV

ORL
Wells- 4 IP, 8.75 ERA, 1 Ks, 7 ER, 2 BB L
Brazelton- 1 IP, 5 ERA, 1 Ks, 1 ER, 0 BB

Player of the Game- Larry Bigbie



Orlando Uniforms - Virginia Uniforms

Notes
With an even series, both teams had an even shot to win the championship. Both pitchers are trending opposite ways. Chacon had an amazing season, while Milton is on his way out of Virginia. This would be hist last start. Both pitchers came out strong, only Chacon giving up a single to Crosby. Then the 3 hits by Orlando won them the game. Francia tripled, and Robels doubled. Stewart came up with Robels on second, and doubled him in. That would be the difference, but Virgina loaded the bases in the 4th, to have Blalock get out. One win away from the championship is Orlando.

Batters
ORL
Freeman 0-2 K, BB
Stewart 1-2 2B, K, 1RBI
Abernathy 0-2
Grieve 0-2
Hillenbrand 0-2 K
Crede 0-2 K
LaForest 0-2
Francia 1-2 3B, 1R
Robels 1-2 2B, 1R, 1RBI

VIR
Everett 2-3 2B, 1B, K
Hall 0-3 K
Byrnes 1-3 1B
Mientkiewicz 1-1 1B, BB
Blalock 0-2
Bigbie 0-2 2K
Crosby 1-2 1B
Young 0-2 K
Holliman 0-2

Pitchers
ORL
Chacon- 4 IP, 0 ERA, 4 Ks, 0 ER, 1 BB W
Ryan- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 1 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB SV

VIR
Milton- 5 IP, 2 ERA, 4 Ks, 2 ER, 1 BB L

Player of the Game- Shawn Chacon


Orlando Uniforms - Virginia Uniforms

Notes
One of the best Taylor Cup games so far. With Virginia facing a second 4 game elimnation, Fernando Nieve came out hurling. In the first for the Bums, Everett, and Byrnes got on board, then Blalock singled in Everett for the early 1-0 lead. And that would be enough for Nieve. Other than a walk to Freeman, the first batter of the game, he was perfect. From innings 2-4, he faced a total of 9 batters. He had a no hitter going into the 5th of a championship game. Hillenbrand came up, and struck out. That was 3 strait strike outs. Then Joe Crede comes up, and singles into the gap, saving the M's from embarrassment. Nieve quickly got LaForest, and Francia out. The series is now tied, and heading back to Orlando for game 5.

Batters
ORL
Freeman 0-1 BB
Stewart 0-2
Abernathy 0-2 K
Grieve 0-2 K
Hillenbrand 0-2 K
Crede 1-2
LaForest 0-2
Francia 0-2
Robels 0-1

VIR
Everett 2-3 2 1B, 1R
Hall 0-2 K
Byrnes 1-2 2B
Mientkiewicz 0-1 BB
Blalock 1-2 1B, 1RBI
Bigbie 0-2
Crosby 0-2
Greenberg 0-1 BB
Holliman 1-2 1B

Pitchers
ORL
Jennings- 4 IP, 1.25 ERA, 1 Ks, 1 ER, 2 BB L

VIR
Nieve- 5 IP, 0 ERA, 3 Ks, 0 ER, 1 BB W

Player of the Game- Fernando Nieve



Virginia Uniforms - Orlando Uniforms

Notes
No team wanted to lose this game. It showed int he pitching game. Mulder didn't want to be 0-4 in the playoffs, and James didn't want to soil his fantastic season. Both pitchers were firing on full cylinders. Through, 3, both teams had one hit, and 5 strike outs were recorded. In the bottom of the 4th, Abernathy walked, and Grieve doubled. With Crede up, the regular season RBI leader, he shot one to the corner for a double, scoring 2 runs. Bonser came in for the save, and got Adam Everett, the MVP, out for the final out of the season> The Orlando Majestics are the season 2 Champions.

Batters
VIR
Everett 0-3
Hall 0-2
Byrnes 0-1 BB
Mientkiewicz 2-2 2B, 1B
Blalock 0-2
Bigbie 0-2 K
Crosby 0-1 BB
Greenberg 0-2
Holliman 0-2

ORL
Freeman 1-1 1B, BB
Stewart 0-2 K
Abernathy 0-1 K, BB, 1R
Grieve 1-2 2B, 1R
Hillenbrand 0-2 K
Crede 1-2 2B, 2RBI
LaForest 0-2
Francia 0-2 K
Roneberg 0-1

Pitchers
VIR
Mulder- 4 IP, 2.5 ERA, 4 Ks, 2 ER, 2 BB L

ORL
James- 4 IP, 0 ERA, 1 Ks, 0 ER, 1 BB W
Bonser- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 0 Ks, 0 ER, 1 BB SV

Player of the Game- Chuck James

Taylor Cup MVP- Chuck James 8 innings, 2-0, 5 Ks, .62 ERA

All-Star Voting

Voting for the All-Star game is open. Anyone can vote on the side bar, it is open for a week. The starters will be decided by you, and I will decide the reserves, and pitchers. Please select 2 per position. Here are the stats.

Catchers
Eric Munson- Austin Roughnecks
18-71, .253 Batting Average, 10 RBI, 8 Runs, 1 Home runs, 8 Strike Outs
Javier Valentin - Omaha Cyclones
23-68, .338 Batting Average, 11 RBI, 7 Runs, 2 Home runs, 4 Strike Outs
Pete Laforest - Orlando Majestics
16-61, .262 Batting Average, 7 RBI, 8 Runs, 2 Home runs, 13 Strike Outs
Jeremy Brown- Portland Trappers
15-50, .300 Batting Average, 8 RBI, 12 Runs, 4 Home runs, 7 Strike Outs
Toby Hall- Virginia Beach Bums
28-73, .384 Batting Average, 8 RBI, 13 Runs, 4 Home runs, 7 Strike Outs

1st Basemen
Sean Casey- Austin Roughnecks
29-65, .446 Batting Average, 16 RBI, 15 Runs, 4 Home runs, 10 Strike Outs
Garrett Atkins - Omaha Cyclones
21-68, .309 Batting Average, 10 RBI, 9 Runs, 2 Home runs, 10 Strike Outs
Shea Hillenbrand - Orlando Majestics
18-72, .250 Batting Average, 7 RBI, 10 Runs, 1 Home runs, 5 Strike Outs
Richie Sexson- Portland Trappers
17-64, .266 Batting Average, 9 RBI, 9 Runs, 2 Home runs, 6 Strike Outs
Doug Mientkiewicz- Virginia Beach Bums
26-72, .369 Batting Average, 13 RBI, 15 Runs, 2 Home runs, 11 Strike Outs

2nd Basemen
Junior Spivey- Austin Roughnecks
19-67, .284 Batting Average, 9 RBI, 11 Runs, 4 Home runs, 5 Strike Outs
Jose Vidro - Omaha Cyclones
23-72, .319 Batting Average, 14 RBI, 18 Runs, 6 Home runs, 11 Strike Outs
Brent Abernathy - Orlando Majestics
28-65, .431 Batting Average, 16 RBI, 15 Runs, 7 Home runs, 9 Strike Outs
Marcus Giles- Portland Trappers
17-60, .283 Batting Average, 12 RBI, 6 Runs, 1 Home runs, 5 Strike Outs
Michael Holliman- Virginia Beach Bums
5-30, .167 Batting Average, 2 RBI, 2 Runs, 0 Home runs, 4 Strike Outs

3rd Basemen
Damian Rolls- Austin Roughnecks
15-60, .250 Batting Average, 8 RBI, 10 Runs, 5 Home runs, 5 Strike Outs
Morgan Ensberg - Omaha Cyclones
13-60, .216 Batting Average, 7 RBI, 6 Runs, 3 Home runs, 3 Strike Outs
Joe Crede - Orlando Majestics
23-62, .371 Batting Average, 22 RBI, 13 Runs, 5 Home runs, 6 Strike Outs
Sean Burroughs- Portland Trappers
26-72, .358 Batting Average, 12 RBI, 19 Runs, 6 Home runs, 3 Strike Outs
Hank Blalock- Virginia Beach Bums
29-75, .387 Batting Average, 12 RBI, 14 Runs, 3 Home runs, 7 Strike Outs

Shortstops
Khalil Greene- Austin Roughnecks
24-77, .312 Batting Average, 9 RBI, 16 Runs, 4 Home runs, 10 Strike Outs
Bobby Crosby - Omaha Cyclones
4-28, .143 Batting Average, 1 RBI, 0 Runs, 0 Home runs, 6 Strike Outs
Juan Francia - Orlando Majestics
14-52, .269 Batting Average, 1 RBI, 9 Runs, 3 Home runs, 5 Strike Outs
Angel Berroa- Portland Trappers
11-65, .169 Batting Average, 8 RBI, 12 Runs, 4 Home runs, 7 Strike Outs
Adam Everett- Virginia Beach Bums
34-82, .415 Batting Average, 18 RBI, 19 Runs, 7 Home runs, 7 Strike Outs

Outfielders
Rocco Baldelli- Austin Roughnecks
22-76, .289 Batting Average, 15 RBI, 12 Runs, 4 Home runs, 9 Strike Outs
Elijah Dukes- Austin Roughnecks
28-80, .350 Batting Average, 8 RBI, 13 Runs, 3 Home runs, 10 Strike Outs
Preston Wilson- Austin Roughnecks
14-49, .286 Batting Average, 6 RBI, 4 Runs, 1 Home runs, 6 Strike Outs
Craig Monroe - Omaha Cyclones
20-66, .303 Batting Average, 16 RBI, 9 Runs, 3 Home runs, 10 Strike Outs
Gary Mathews, Jr. - Omaha Cyclones
29-60, .483 Batting Average, 12 RBI, 10 Runs, 5 Home runs, 9 Strike Outs
Jeremy Hermida - Omaha Cyclones
23-69, .333 Batting Average, 7 RBI, 8 Runs, 1 Home runs, 8 Strike Outs
Choo Freeman - Orlando Majestics
25-76, .329 Batting Average, 8 RBI, 17 Runs, 6 Home runs, 6 Strike Outs
Ben Grieve - Orlando Majestics
24-72, .333 Batting Average, 17 RBI, 14 Runs, 6 Home runs, 4 Strike Outs
Shannon Stewart - Orlando Majestics
21-72, .292 Batting Average, 14 RBI, 13 Runs, 5 Home runs, 10 Strike Outs
Willy Mo Pena- Portland Trappers
26-65, .400 Batting Average, 10 RBI, 12 Runs, 2 Home runs, 7 Strike Outs
Jermaine Dye- Portland Trappers
18-76, .237 Batting Average, 8 RBI, 13 Runs, 2 Home runs, 12 Strike Outs
Juan Encarnacion- Portland Trappers
29-67, .433 Batting Average, 20 RBI, 16 Runs, 5 Home runs, 7 Strike Outs
Bubba Crosby- Virginia Beach Bums
14-66, .212 Batting Average, 9 RBI, 10 Runs, 4 Home runs, 11 Strike Outs
Eric Byrnes - Virginia Beach Bums
22-69, .319 Batting Average, 9 RBI, 9 Runs, 3 Home runs, 8 Strike Outs
Larry Bigbie- Virginia Beach Bums
21-64, .328 Batting Average, 13 RBI, 8 Runs, 2 Home runs, 5 Strike Outs

Season 2 Wrap-Up

So thats 70 games down, and one Taylor Cup to go. Congrats to the M's on winning the regular season title, when I predicted them to finish last. They will play the Bums in a best of 5 series starting this week.

Changes for next season include the introduction of the first rookies. Montreal will join the league, making the league split into 2 divisions. Austin, Omaha, and Porland will make up the Lommel Division. Montreal, Orlando, and Virginia will make up the Taylor Division.

Montral's roster is still being set, and some players are actual free agents from other team's reserves list, in an attempt to free space. I'm also thinking about keeping the rosters, even though players like Prior and Crede were signed.

I have an all-star voting scheduled, open to everyone.

Game 38

Portland Uniforms - Virginia Uniforms

Notes
The last regular season, which was kind of a useless game. Portland went out to beat the Bums one last time. Tadano turned it on and shut the Bums down. Sexson singled in Dye with bases loaded to get the lead in the first. The streaking Jeremy Brown hit a 2 run home run in the 2nd to add to that lead. In the 4th, Nieve walked Berroa and Simon to start. Then Brown doubled, scoring one. Sean Burroughs came in and got a 3 run home run. A 7-0 lead would be enough by far. Calero loaded the bases for Eric Byrnes, but Byrnes couldn't get a hit, making the season now complete.

Batters
POR
Dye 1-4 1B, 2K, 1R
Burroughs 1-3 HR, 1R, 3RBI
Encarnacion 2-3 2B, 1B
Pena 1-2 1B, BB
Sexson 1-3 1B, K, 1RBI
Giles 0-3
Berroa 0-2 BB, 1R
Simon 1-2 1B, BB, K, 2R
Brown 2-2 HR, 2B, BB, 1R, 3RBI

VIR
Everett 0-3
Hall 1-2 2B, BB
Byrnes 0-3 K
Mientkiewicz 0-2
Blalock 1-2 1B
Bigbie 0-2
Crosby 1-2 2B, K
Young 1-2 2B
Holliman 0-1 BB


Pitchers
POR
Tadano- 4 IP, 0 ERA, 2 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB W
Calero- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 0 Ks, 0 ER, 1 BB SV

VIR
Nieve- 4 IP, 8.75 ERA, 2 Ks, 7 ER, 3 BB L
Spooneybarger- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 0 Ks, 2 ER, 0 BB

Player of the Game- Jeremy Brown

Game 37

Portland Uniforms - Virginia Uniforms

Notes
With the playoffs settled, The only thing left to play for was seeding. If Portland could manage to take one from the Bums, and the Majestics would sweep the Cyclones, Virginia would be the 2 seed. It was Portland's best shot to do this. Aomsworth gave up a lead off home run to Everett. After loading the bases, and getting nothing for it in the first, Portland finally got on the board in the 2nd. Brown homered with Simon on base, then Burroughs has a solo homer to make it 3-1. That would be enough. Both starters pitched good, but when Windsor came into the game in the 5th, he would pay. Dye, Burroughs got singles. Encarnacion got his 20th RBI of the season making it 4-1. Then Richie Sexson homered for a 7-1 lead, which would hold for the untouchable Eric Gagne.

Batters
POR
Dye 1-2 1B, BB, 1R
Burroughs 2-2 HR, 1B, BB, 2R, 1RBI
Encarnacion 1-2 2B, 1R, 1RBI
Pena 1-3 1B, K
Sexson 1-3 HR
Giles 0-3
Berroa 0-3 K
Simon 1-2 2B, 1R
Brown 1-2 HR, 1R, 2RBI

VIR
Everett 2-3 HR, 1B, 1R, 1RBI
Hall 0-3
Byrnes 0-2
Mientkiewicz 0-1 BB
Blalock 0-2
Bigbie 1-2 1B
Crosby 0-2
Greenberg 0-2 K
Holliman 1-2 1B, K


Pitchers
POR
Ainsworth- 4 IP, 1.25 ERA, 2 Ks, 1 ER, 1 BB W
Gagne- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 0 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB SV

VIR
Milton- 4 IP, 3.75 ERA, 2 Ks, 3 ER, 2 BB L
Windsor- 1 IP, 20 ERA, 0 Ks, 4 ER, 0 BB

Player of the Game- Kurt Ainsworth



Orlando Uniforms - Omaha Uniforms

Notes
Knowing first place was up for grabs, Orlando wanted to win this game. But the Cyclones made it hard, with the arm of Brandon Backe going. Kip Wells pitched pretty good, however. Only giving up 2 hits in 4 innings of work. 0s through 3 full innings. In the 4th, Crede doubled, then was followed up by Pete LaForest's second hit of the day, this one left the park. Choo Freeman added one more insurance run with a home run of his own. Hillenbrand doubled Abernathy in for a 4th run in the 5th. The 'Clones tried to come back. Mathews doubled, then was moved over by a Vidro single. However, they couldn't push either across, and the M's became the regular season champions.

Batters
ORL
Freeman 1-3 HR, K, 2R, 2RBI
Stewart 1-3 2B
Abernathy 2-3 2B, 3B, K, 1R
Grieve 0-2 BB, K
Hillenbrand 1-3 2B
Crede 2-3 1B, 2B
LaForest 3-3 2 1B, HR, 1R, 2RBI
Francia 0-2 BB
Robels 0-3

OMA
Mathews Jr. 1-2 2B, BB
Vidro 1-3 1B
Valentin 1-3 2B
Monroe 0-3
Hermida 0-1 BB
Atkins 1-2 1B, K
Ensberg 0-1 BB
Bo. Crosby 0-2 K
Buscher 0-2

Pitchers
ORL
Wells- 4 IP, 0 ERA, 2 Ks, 0 ER, 3 BB W
Ryan- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 0 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB SV

OMA
Backe- 5 IP, 4 ERA, 3 Ks, 4 ER, 2 BB L

Player of the Game- Pete Laforest

Game 36

Portland Uniforms - Virginia Uniforms

Notes
The Bums had to win one game to clinch a playoff spot. It would be hard against the Trappers, especially with 2 6 pitchers on the mound. They got the first strike in by a Hank Blalock home run in the 2nd. Both pitchers were going at it, giving no room for the other team. Doug Minekiewicz led off the 4th, and hit a home run. That inning, Adam Greenberg singles in Blalock making it 3-0, which would be the final, and clinch a playoff spot at home for the Beach Bums.

Batters
POR
Dye 0-3 K
Burroughs 0-2
Encarnacion 0-2 2K
Pena 1-2 1B
Sexson 0-2
Giles 1-2 3B
Berroa 1-2 1B
Horwitz 0-2
Brown 0-1

VIR
Everett 0-2 BB
Hall 0-1 BB
Byrnes 0-2
Mientkiewicz 1-2 HR, 1R, 1RBI
Blalock 2-2 HR, 1B, 1R, 1RBI
Bigbie 1-2 2B, K
Crosby 0-2
Greenberg 1-2 1B
Holliman 0-2


Pitchers
POR
Waechter- 4 IP, 375. ERA, 1 Ks, 3 ER, 2 BB L

VIR
Looper- 4 IP, 0 ERA, 3 Ks, 0 ER, 1 BB W
Anderson- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 0 Ks, 0 ER, 1 BB SV

Player of the Game- Hank Blalock




Orlando Uniforms - Omaha Uniforms

Notes
With the Trappers lost in Virginia, Orlando got the word just before gametime that a win and in was in effect. And in one inning, they settled it. In the 2nd, 4 runs were pushed across. Shannon Stewart tripled scoring Robels and Freeman. Chacon was rolling, no more than 1 base runner reached in an inning. 2 hits for Omaha. But other than the 4 run inning, Odalis Perez pitched good. Brazelton game out, loaded the bases, and got Valetin to ground out for the clincher, and kept the dream alive.

Batters
ORL
Freeman 1-3 1B, 1R, 1RBI
Stewart 2-3 3B, 2B, 2RBI
Abernathy 1-3 2B
Grieve 0-3 K
Hillenbrand 1-2 1B, BB, 1R
Crede 0-1 2BB
LaForest 0-2
Francia 0-2
Robels 1-2 2B

OMA
Mathews Jr. 0-2 BB
Vidro 1-3 1B, 2K
Valentin 0-3
Monroe 0-1 BB
Hermida 0-2
Atkins 1-2 1B
Ensberg 0-2
Bo. Crosby 1-2 2B
Buscher 1-2 1B

Pitchers
ORL
Chacon- 4 IP, 0 ERA, 1 Ks, 0 ER, 1 BB W
Brazelton- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 1 Ks, 0 ER, 1 BB SV

OMA
Perez- 5 IP, 4 ERA, 1 Ks, 4 ER, 3 BB L

Player of the Game- Shawn Chacon

Game 35

Portland Uniforms - Austin Uniforms

Notes
If Austin won, Portland would be eliminated. Portland loaded the bases in the first, and Giles got a single to take the advantage. Sean Casey would be playing in his last game, and he went out with a bang. Greene got on base, and set up a Casey home run. How fitting, as one of the best power hitters in the league. Willis rolled from there on out, not allowing another run. Pappelbon did. In the 4th, two doubles accounted for 2 runs. Bradford came in and had one of the worst outings in his career. He could not get an out, and gave up 3 runs in the 5th. That basically set the Roughnecks back, and didn't give them a chance to come back in the 5th. Portland has life!

Batters
POR
Dye 0-4
Burroughs 1-3 2B, BB, 1R
Encarnacion 1-3 K, 1B
Pena 1-3 K, 1B
Sexson 0-0 3BB, 1R
Giles 1-2 1B, BB, 1R, 1RBI
Berroa 1-2 2B, BB, 2R, 1RBI
Horwitz 1-3 2B, K, 1R
Brown 2-3 2 2B, 4RBI

AUS
Dukes 0-3 K
Greene 1-3 1B, 1R
Baldelli 0-2
Casey 1-1 HR, BB, 1R, 2RBI
Spivey 1-2 1B
Munson 0-2
Rolls 0-2 K
Wilson 0-2
LeCroy 0-1 BB

Pitchers
POR
Willis- 5 IP, 2 ERA, 1 Ks, 2 ER, 2 BB W

AUS
Pappelbon- 4 IP, 3.75 ERA, 2 Ks, 3 ER, 4 BB L
Bradford- 1 IP, 15 ERA, 1 Ks, 3 ER, 2 BB

Player of the Game- Jeremy Brown



Orlando Uniforms - Omaha Uniforms

Notes
A stretch run, a M's win means no playoffs for the Roughnecks. It started well with a lead off homer for Freeman off Gabbard. The 'Clones got to Jennings in the second after a triple by Buscher and double by Mathews. But that tie was short lived. Freemand homered again, then Crede hit 2 in on a triple. One last effort, Mathews homered in the 4th. But once Bonser came in in the 5th, the game was over and the M's are closer to the playoffs.

Batters
ORL
Freeman 2-3 2 HR, 2R, 2RBI
Stewart 0-3 2K
Abernathy 1-3 1B, 2K, 1R
Grieve 0-3 K
Hillenbrand 1-1 1B, BB, 1R
Crede 2-2 1B, 3B, 2RBI
LaForest 0-2
Francia 0-2
Roneberg 0-2 K

OMA
Mathews Jr. 3-3 HR, 2B, 1B, 1R, 2RBI
Vidro 0-3
Valentin 1-2 2B, BB
Monroe 1-3 1B
Hermida 1-3 1B
Atkins 0-3
Ensberg 0-1 BB
Bo. Crosby 0-2
Buscher 1-2 2B, 1R

Pitchers
ORL
Jennings- 4 IP, 2.5 ERA, 0 Ks, 2 ER, 2 BB W
Bonser- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 0 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB SV

OMA
Gabbard- 5 IP, 4 ERA, 56 Ks, 4 ER, 1 BB

Player of the Game- Choo Freeman

Game 34

Virginia Uniforms - Orlando Uniforms

Notes
The final game of the series turned out to be a good one. Mark Mulder and Chuck James were matched up, two dynamic pitchers. It was a pitching match up from the start. In 2 innings, no hits, and 4 strike outs. In the 3rd, Adam Everett hit a solo home run, for the first run of the game. Then in the next inning, Larry Bigbie doubled, allowing Doug Mientkiewicz to score. Going into the 5th, Mulder still had a perfect game. 12 up, 12 down. Ben Grieve was the first batter, and he hit a ball up the middle for the first Orlando hit of the game. After a Joe Crede double, Mulder got the final 2 batters out and his 6th win on the season.

Batters
VIR
Everett 1-3 HR, 1R, 1RBI
Hall 0-3
Byrnes 0-1 BB
Mientkiewicz 1-2 2B, K, 1R
Blalock 1-2 1B
Bigbie 1-2 2B, 1RBI
Crosby 0-2
Young 0-2 K
Holliman 0-2

ORL
Freeman 0-2 K
Stewart 0-2
Abernathy 0-2
Grieve 0-1 1B
Hillenbrand 0-2
Crede 1-2 2B
LaForest 0-2 K
Francia 0-2
Robels 0-1 K

Pitchers
VIR
Mulder- 5 IP, 0 ERA, 3 Ks, 5 ER, 0 BB W

ORL
James- 5 IP, 2 ERA, 5 Ks, 2 ER, 1 BB L

Player of the Game- Mark Mulder



Portland Uniforms - Austin Uniforms

Notes
Austin is pretty much one loss away from being fully eliminated, but they wouldn't love anything more than knocking out their rivals. A run each in the second after a Sexson home run, and doubles by Munson and Wilson. The flood gates were opened in the 3rd. The bases were loaded on a single, and walks. Munson singled, and Rolls walked. 2 runs were in, but they weren't done. Matt LeCroy hit a blast, grand slam, making it 7-1. Sanchez came in for the easy save, but it wasn't smooth. Bases were loaded for Jermain Dye, who hit a grand slam of his own. That cut into the lead, but it was not enough as Portland falls to 4th place after 2 losses.

Batters
POR
Dye 1-3 HR, 1R, 4RBI
Burroughs 0-3
Encarnacion 0-2
Pena 0-2
Sexson 1-1 HR, 2R, 1RBI
Giles 1-2 2B, 1R
Berroa 0-1 K, BB, 1R
Simon 0-2 K
Brown 0-2

AUS
Dukes 0-2 BB
Greene 0-3 2K
Baldelli 2-3 2 1B, 1R
Casey 1-2 1B, K, BB, 1R
Spivey 0-2 BB, 1R
Munson 2-2 2B, 1B, 2R, 1RBI
Rolls 0-1 BB, 1R
Wilson 1-2 2B, K, 1RBI
LeCroy 1-2 HR, 1R, 4RBI

Pitchers
POR
Tadano- 3 IP, 11.60 ERA, 3 Ks, 7 ER, 4 BB L
Kalero- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 1 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB

AUS
Bradley- 4 IP, 1.25 ERA, 2 Ks, 1 ER, 0 BB W
Sanchez- 1 IP, 20 ERA, 2 Ks, 4 ER, 2 BB SV

Player of the Game- Matt Lecroy

Game 33

Virginia Uniforms - Orlando Uniforms

Notes
Orlando had a chance to extend their lead on the field and all but secure a spot in the Taylor Cup. With Kip Wells on the mound, it seemed that if the M's can score some runs, they can win. Well, they did, but things were different. In the first, the M's hot a homer from Freeman, and an rbi by a Grieve single with runners on second and third. The Bums had a big break. Bases loaded for Adam Everett, and he smashes one for a grand slam. 4-2 going into the bottom of 2, and with a bases loaded walk, triple, and homer, the M's took the lead, 8-4. Then, the following inning, an Abernathy singles scored Freeman, 9-4. The Bums did not give up. Young and Hall hit 2 run homers, then Crosby singled in Byrnes. A 5 run inning made Wells exit the game. Then in the last inning, Everett hit a home run off of BJ Ryan for game winning run.

Batters
VIR
Everett 2-3 2 HR, BB, 3R, 6RBI
Hall 2-4 HR, 2B, 1R, 1RBI
Byrnes 1-4 1B
Mientkiewicz 0-4
Blalock 2-3 3B, 2B
Bigbie 1-2 3B, BB
Crosby 2-2 2 1B, BB, 2R, 1RBI
Young 1-2 HR, BB, 2R, 2RBI
Holliman 1-3 1B, 1R

ORL
Freeman 3-5 HR, 1B, 3B, 2R, 1R3BI
Stewart 2-3 2 1B, BB, 2R,
Abernathy 4-4 2B, 3B, 3B, 1R, 4RBI
Grieve 2-2 HR, 1B, 1R, 2RBI
Hillenbrand 1-3 2B
Crede 1-3 1B, K
LaForest 0-2 BB
Francia 0-2 BB, K, 1R
Robels 1-3 1B, K, 1R

Pitchers
VIR
Nieve- 2 IP, 15 ERA, 1 Ks, 5 ER, 2 BB
Anderson- 2 IP, 2.5 ERA, 1 Ks, 1 ER, 1 BB
Spooneybarger- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 0 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB W

ORL
Wells- 4 IP, 11.20 ERA, 2 Ks, 9 ER, 4 BB
Ryan- 1 IP, 10 ERA, 1 Ks, 2 ER, 0 BB L

Player of the Game- Adam Everett, Brent Abernathy



Portland Uniforms - Austin Uniforms

Notes
The biggest rivalry in the CBL always has big games. This game could have eliminated the Roughnecks, but they kept fighting and pulled it out. After a Burroughs double, and Pena single, Sexson doubled in Burroughs for a 1-0 lead. Baldelli helped their cause with his triple scoring Dukes. In the 3rd, the next runs were scored. Marcus Giles hit a bases loaded double scoring Dye and Pena. But bouncing back the same inning, Rocco Baldelli came up big with a solo home run. Then following a Junior Spivey walk, Munson, who has been hot lately, hit the go ahead home run. Chad Bradford saved the game, and the 13th win on the season.

Batters
POR
Dye 1-3 1B, 1R
Burroughs 1-3 1B, 1R
Encarnacion 0-3
Pena 1-2 1B, BB, 1R
Sexson 2-3 2B, 1B, 1BI
Giles 1-2 2B, 2RBI
Berroa 0-2
Horwitz 0-1 BB
Brown 0-2

AUS
Dukes 2-3 2 1B, 1R
Greene 0-3 3K
Baldelli 1-3 HR, 2B, 1R, 2RBI
Casey 0-2 K
Spivey 0-1 BB, 1R
Munson 1-1 HR, BB, 1R, 2RBI
Rolls 0-2
Wilson 1-2 1B
LeCroy 0-1

Pitchers
POR
Ainsworth- 4 IP, 5 ERA, 4 Ks, 4 ER, 3 BB L

AUS
Zambrano- 4 IP, 3.75 ERA, 0 Ks, 3 ER, 2 BB W
Bradford- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 0 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB SV

Player of the Game- Rocco Baldelli

Game 32

Virginia Uniforms - Orlando Uniforms

Notes
A battle for first place heading down the stretch run of Season 2. Orlando jumped up early as Brent Abernathy hit a solo home run in the first. Then in the 3rd, the M's opened it up scoring 4 in one inning. Oscar Robels homered, then Ben Grieve hit a 3 run home run, ousting Eric Milton from the game. They weren't done there, off of Windsor, Orlando pushed across 3 runs. And for a sympathy run, Everett and Hall doubled making the final 8-1

Batters
VIR
Everett 2-3 2 2B, 1R
Hall 1-2 2B, 1RBI
Byrnes 0-2 BB
Mientkiewicz 1-3 1B
Blalock 1-3 2B, K
Bigbie 0-2
Crosby 0-1 BB, K
Greenberg 0-2
Holliman 0-2

ORL
Freeman 1-3 3B, 1R
Stewart 1-2 2B, BB, K, 2R, 1RBI
Abernathy 1-2 HR, BB, 2R, 1RBI
Grieve 3-3 HR,2B, 1B, 1R, 4RBI
Hillenbrand 0-2 BB
Crede 0-2
LaForest 0-2 2K
Francia 1-2 HR, 1R, 1RBI
Robels 1-2 HR, 1R, 1RBI

Pitchers
VIR
Milton- 3 IP, 8.33 ERA, 3 Ks, 5 ER, 3 BB L
Windsor- 1 IP, 15 ERA, 0 Ks, 3 ER, 0 BB

ORL
Chacon- 4 IP, 0 ERA, 2 Ks, 0 ER, 2 BB W
Bonser- 1 IP, 5 ERA, 0 Ks, 3 ER, 1 BB SV

Player of the Game- Ben Grieve



Portland Uniforms - Austin Uniforms

Notes
Maybe with a sweep of Portland, the Roughnecks could sneak into the playoffs. Portland's buzz saw at the top of the order combined for 2 doubles, and 2 singles scoring 2 runs. In the second, with 2 one runs by Burroughs and Encarnacion, the Trappers scored 4 all but putting the game away. Rolls homered to make the score a little closer, but Willy Mo Pena rbi'd home Dye for a 7-1 lead. As a last attempt effort, Baldelli, Casey, and Dukes scored 2 runs in the 5th, but it wasn't enough.

Batters
POR
Dye 2-2 2 2B, BB, 3R, 1RBI
Burroughs 2-3 HR, 1B, 2B, 2RBI
Encarnacion 3-3 HR, 2 2B, 1R, 3RBI
Pena 2-3 2 1B, 1RBI
Sexson 0-3
Giles 0-3 K
Berroa 0-2 BB
Horwitz 1-3 2B, 1R
Brown 0-3

AUS
Dukes 2-3 2B, 1B
Greene 0-3
Baldelli 1-3 HR, K, 1R, 1RBI
Casey 3-3 2 1B, 3B, 1R
Spivey 1-3 2B, K, 1RBI
Munson 0-3 2K
Rolls 1-2 H3, 1R, 1RBI
Wilson 1-2 1B
LeCroy 0-2

Pitchers
POR
Waechter- 4 IP, 1.25 ERA, 4 Ks, 1 ER, 0 BB W
Calero- 1 IP, 10 ERA, 0 Ks, 2 ER, 0 BB SV

AUS
Ponson- 4 IP, 8.75 ERA, 1 Ks, 7 ER, 2 BB L
Yan- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 0 Ks, 0 ER, 1 BB

Player of the Game- Juan Encarnacion

Game 31

Austin Uniforms - Virginia Uniforms

Notes
With the Roughnecks fading fast, the Bums looked to take another step towards the Taylor Cup and be tied for first. But Elijah Dukes came up big early with another lead off home run. The one run lead didn't last. With 2 doubles, and 2 singles, the Bums scored 3 in one inning. With their backs against the wall, doubles by Rolls and Dukes tied up the game 3-3. With a missed opportunity in the 5th, the 4-5-6 hitters came up for Virginia. A single, double, and a walk set up a situation for Bubba Crosby. He hit a shot off of Sanchez for a walk off home run.

Batters
AUS
Dukes 3-3 HR, 2 2B, 1R, 3RBI
Greene 0-2 BB, K
Baldelli 0-2 BB, K
Casey 1-3 2B, K
Spivey 1-3 1B
Munson 1-3 1B, 1R
Rolls 1-2 2B, 1R
Valent 0-2
LeCroy 0-2

VIR
Everett 2-3 2B, 1B, 1RBI
Hall 2-3 2B, 1B, 1RBI
Byrnes 0-3
Mientkiewicz 1-2 1B, BB, 1R
Blalock 1-3 2B, 1R
Bigbie 0-2 BB, K, 1R
Crosby 2-3 HR, 2B, 2R, 3RBI
Greenberg 1-1 1B, BB, 1R, 1RBI
Holliman 0-2

Pitchers
AUS
Pappelbon- 4 IP, 3.75 ERA, 0 Ks, 3 ER, 3 BB
Sanchez- 1/3 IP, 15 ERA, 1 Ks, 3 ER, 0 BB L

VIR
Looper- 5 IP, 3 ERA, 3 Ks, 3 ER, 2 BB W

Player of the Game- Bubba Crosby

Game 30

Austin Uniforms - Virginia Uniforms

Notes
Coming off the longest CBL game in history, both teams were hungry for a win. The last CBL game was a no hitter, and we almost had one again. Mulder got the first 12 batters out. He had a perfect game going into the 5th when Sean Casey hit a triple. The Virginia offense was explosive, Adam Everett hit a lead off home run, then loaded the bases, which one run scored making it 2-0. The next 3 innings, 1 run was scored in each. Hall hit a homer, then the bases were loaded again, and a walk. Finally to cap it, Toby Hall hit his second home run of the night.

Batters
AUS
Dukes 0-2 K
Greene 0-2
Baldelli 0-2 K
Casey 1-2 3B
Spivey 0-2
Munson 0-2 K
Rolls 0-2
Valent 0-2
LeCroy 0-2

VIR
Everett 1-3 HR, 1R, 1RBI
Hall 2-2 2HR, BB, 3R, 2RBI
Byrnes 0-3
Mientkiewicz 1-3 1B, 2K
Blalock 2-3 2 1B, 1R
Bigbie 1-1 1B, BB
Crosby 1-2 1B
Young 0-2
Holliman 0-2 K, BB

Pitchers
AUS
Bradley- 4 IP, 6.25 ERA, 3 Ks, 0 ER, 3 BB L

VIR
Mulder- 5 IP, 0 ERA, 3 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB W

Player of the Game- Mark Mulder



Omaha Uniforms - Portland Uniforms

Notes
A match up between 2 aces, with Dontrelle Willis and Mark Prior going mano y mano. 0 runs over 4 innings, but each team had their chances. singles all over. the first 9 hits were singles. Then in the top of the 5th, Brian Buscher hits a solo homer off of Willis. The Trappers couldn't give up, they needed a win. Jeremy Brown drew a walk, putting a runner on first for Sean Burroughs. The season 1 MVP got a nice putch that he drove into right field for the 2-1 walk off win.

Batters
OMA
Mathews Jr. 2-3 1B, 2B, K
Vidro 0-3
Valentin 1-3 1B, K
Monroe 0-3
Hermida 0-2 K
Atkins 2-2 2 1B
Ensberg 0-1 BB
Bo. Crosby 0-2
Buscher 1-2 HR, 1R, 1RBI

POR
Dye 1-3 2B
Burroughs 2-3 1R, 2RBI
Encarnacion 1-2 1B
Pena 0-2
Sexson 1-2 1B
Giles 0-2
Berroa 0-2
Horwitz 1-2 1B
Brown 0-1 BB

Pitchers
OMA
Prior- 5 IP, 2 ERA, 0 Ks, 2 ER, 1 BB L

POR
Willis- 5 IP, 1 ERA, 4 Ks, 1 ER, 1 BB W

Player of the Game- Sean Burroughs

Game 29

Austin Uniforms - Virginia Uniforms

Notes
The longest game in CBL history was recently played between Austin and Orlando. That game was 7 innings. This one takes the cake! 8 innings of great pitching. On top of that, Austin needed a win badly. Both pitchers rolled, 6 innings, 0 runs, and combined 9 hits. Zambrano and Nieve were pulled in the 6th for Bradford and Winsdor. Bradford loaded the bases in the 7th, then striking out Eric Byrnes. Elijah Dukes got the winning run, in the form of a solo homer off of Windsor. Then, Bradford loaded the bases AGAIN, then got Michael Holliman to get out, for the big win

Batters
AUS
Dukes 1-4 HR, K, 1R, 1RBI
Greene 1-4 2B, 2K
Baldelli 0-2 BB
Casey 0-3
Spivey 0-3 2K
Munson 1-3 1B, K
Rolls 1-3 1B
Valent 0-3
LeCroy 0-3

VIR
Everett 3-4 3 1B
Hall 1-3 1B, BB
Byrnes 1-4 2B, K
Mientkiewicz 2-4 2 1B, K
Blalock 2-5 2 1B, K
Bigbie 0-4
Crosby 0-4 K
Young 1-3 1B, BB
Holliman 0-4

Pitchers
AUS
Zambrano- 6 IP, 0 ERA, 1 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB
Bradford- 2 IP, 0 ERA, 2 Ks, 0 ER, 2 BB W

VIR
Nieve- 6 IP, 0 ERA, 3 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB
Windsor- 2 IP, 2.5 ERA, 3 Ks, 1 ER, 0 BB L

Player of the Game- Adam Everett



Omaha Uniforms - Portland Uniforms

Notes
So you thought that the 8 inning game was crazy, I have one better. A no hitter. In Brandon Backe had an ERA over 8, struggling, and up against a hot Portland offense. The Cyclones were eliminated in their last loss, but they fought hard to troll Portland. It started with a bang, Gary Mathews Jr led off with a home run. In the 3rd, the Clones broke it open. Mathews hit another home run, Vidro was tripled in by Monroe, then Hermida hit a 2 run homer for a 5-0 lead. Meanwhile, Backe was throwing hard. only batter to reach base was a walk in the second batter of the game. He faced 10 batters in 3 innings. Mathews hit another home run off of Burgos for a 6-0 lead. Then Backe had 6 more outs, 1-2-3, striking out Pena in the 4th. Sexson, out. Giles, out. Then Angel Berroa comes up. On a 1-2 count, history was made. Strike 3, and the Cyclones mob Backe on the mound infront of a bitter Portland crowd.

Batters
OMA
Mathews Jr. 3-3 3HR, 3R, 3R
Vidro 1-3 1B, 1R
Valentin 0-3
Monroe 1-3 EB, K, 1R, 1RBI
Hermida 1-3 HR, 1R, 2RBI
Atkins 1-3 1B, K
Ensberg 1-2 1B, BB
Bo. Crosby 1-3 1B
Ellison 0-2

POR
Dye 0-2 K
Burroughs 0-1 BB
Encarnacion 0-2
Pena 0-2 K
Sexson 0-2
Giles 0-2
Berroa 0-2 K
Simon 0-1
Brown 0-1

Pitchers
OMA
Backe- 5 IP, 0 ERA, 3 Ks, 0 ER, 1 BB W NO HITTER

POR
Tadano- 3 IP, 8.33 ERA, 2 Ks, 5 ER, 1 BB L
Burgos- 2 IP, 2.5 ERA, 0 Ks, 1 ER, 0 BB

Player of the Game- Gary Mathews Jr, Brandon Backe

Game 28

Austin Uniforms - Virginia Uniforms

Notes
Huge series that will most likely decide the wild card team in Season 2. Virginia and Austin were tied with this game next. Ausin had Ponson on the mound, up against Eric Milton, with Ponson having the upper hand. In the 2nd, Elijah Dukes hit a double scoring in Munson. Then, in the 3rd, 2 doubles and 2 singles accounted for 3 runs. Austin was up 4-0, looking good. Sidney Ponson had a no hitter entering the 3rd. But, after that, the game changed. First batter of the 3rd, Greenberg hit a solo shot for the first run for Virginia. After Holliman got out, 4 batters reached, and Bigbie tripled in Mientkiewicz for a 5 run inning. Virginia had a chance to extend the lead, and Byrnes provided it with a single. Spooneybarger came in for the save, and a huge W for the Bums

Batters
AUS
Dukes 2-3 2 2B, 1 RBI
Greene 1-3 1B
Baldelli 1-3 1B, K, 1R
Casey 0-3 K
Spivey 1-3 1B, 1R
Munson 1-2 2B, BB, K, 2R, 2RBI
Rolls 2-2 2B, 1B, 2RBI
Wilson 0-2
LeCroy 0-2

VIR
Everett 2-3 1B, 2B, 1R
Hall 1-3 1B, 1R
Byrnes 2-3 2B, 1B, 1R, 2RBI
Mientkiewicz 1-3 3B, K, 1R, 2RBI
Blalock 0-1 BB
Bigbie 1-2 3B, RBI
Crosby 0-2
Young 1-2 HR, 1R, 1RBI
Holliman 1-2 1R

Pitchers
AUS
Ponson- 4 IP, 7.5 ERA, 1 Ks, 6 ER, 1 BB L

VIR
Milton- 4 IP, 5 ERA, 1 Ks, 4 ER, 1 BB W
Spooneybarger- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 1 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB SV

Player of the Game- Eric Byrnes



Omaha Uniforms - Portland Uniforms

Notes
This was the game Portland needed. A big hitting performance. As the game went on, they just got better. Encarnacion tripled in Burroughs. Then, Simon hit a 3 run homer off of Perez for a 3-0 advantage. Omaha came back though, with a Valentin double that scored Ellison. Then Porland broke the game open. Giles tripled in 2 runs, then scored himself on a Berroa single. They didn't stop there, up 6-1 Burroughs hits a needed Homer, then Giles triples in 2 again, in his huge game. A 9-1 final helps the team a lot.

Batters
OMA
Mathews Jr. 1-3 1B
Vidro 0-3 K
Valentin 2-3 2B 1B
Monroe 0-2 BB
Hermida 1-2 2B
Atkins 0-2
Ensberg 0-2 K
Bo. Crosby 0-2
Ellison 2-2 2 1B

POR
Dye 0-3
Burroughs 2-3 HR, 1B, 2R, 1RBI
Encarnacion 2-2 3B, 2B, 2R, 1RBI
Pena 1-2 1B, BB, 2R
Sexson 0-3 K
Giles 3-3 2 3B, 2B, 2R, 4RBI
Berroa 1-3 2B, K, 1RBI
Simon 1-3 HR, 1R, 2RBI
Brown 0-0 2BB

Pitchers
OMA
Perez- 3 IP, 10 ERA, 2 Ks, 6 ER, 3 BB L
Reitsma- 1 IP, 15 ERA, 1 Ks, 3 ER, 1 BB

POR
Ainsworth- 4 IP, 1.25 ERA, 2 Ks, 1 ER, 12 BB W
Gagne- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 0 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB SV

Player of the Game- Damien Rolls

Game 27

Virginia Uniforms - Omaha Uniforms

Notes
A sweep in Omaha would help the Bums a lot in the long run. They had the chance to be tied with the M's, but instead are 1 game back. It started nice, Adam Everett hit a lead off home run. DH Jason Ellison doubled in Jeremy Hermida, to tie it up at 1 in the 2nd. The tie didn't last long as Eric Byrnes doubled in Everett. The Clones answered back fast with a walk, and two doubles bye Valentin, and Monroe. Both starters stymied the offenses, but the Cyclones got off one more, for the 7th win on the year.

Batters
VIR
Everett 2-3 HR, 2B, 2R, 1R
Hall 0-3
Byrnes 1-2 2B, 1RBI
Mientkiewicz 0-2
Blalock 1-2 1B, K
Bigbie 1-2 2B
Crosby 0-2 2K
Young 0-2
Holliman 0-2 K

OMA
Mathews Jr. 1-3 2B, K
Vidro 0-1 2BB, 1R
Valentin 1-2 2B, 1R
Monroe 1-2 2B, 2RBI
Hermida 1-2 1B
Atkins 0-2 K
Ensberg 0-2
Bo. Crosby 0-1 BB
Ellison 1-2 2B, 1RBI

Pitchers
VIR
Looper- 4 IP, 3.75 ERA, 2 Ks, 3 ER, 3 BB L

OMA
Gabbard- 5 IP, 2 ERA, 4 Ks, 2 ER, 0 BB W

Player of the Game- Kason Gabbard