League News Roundup 25 SEP 2017

Tomo Ohka Formally Charged with Murder of MMD Coach
Investigators announced yesterday that former Zachrian pitcher Tomo Ohka will formally be charged with the murder of former MMD coach Checko Checko Taklamente. Alyxian Darkpaw Bench Coach Harlan Ellision, who was being also arrested as a suspect, has now been cleared of any suspicion. It should be noted that former Bobian Lance Berkman, who was also a primary suspect, was exonerated several weeks ago. Ohka was arrested trying to flee the country shortly after the murder and was apprehended at Cape Koresh International Airport. Since then, no motive has been pinned to a possible Ohka involvement in the killing except for some speculation about Ohka, a native Japanese, taking offense to Taklamente's well documented anti-Japanese rhetoric. The authorities went on to say that Ohka offered a confession and was now cooperating with police to uncover more details of the crime.

New Z-Slayer Park Open for Business After Slight Delay
Repairs and upgrades to Z-Slayer Park were completed this week, just behind schedule to miss the Z-Slayers latest game against Division Rivals Meow Meow Dui. The stadium, which was damaged by an unexploded bomb several months ago, has received a complete face lift thanks to millions and millions of dollars poured into renovations by new owner and GM Lord Sinister. The stadium will now seat a massive 66,000 spectators making it the biggest field in the league. Other amenities include no less than thirty new restaurants, a Z-Slayers hall of fame, a clubhouse for local patrons, as well as a Duplo Dunking Booth. There was some controversy last week when journalist John Kruk was barred from entering after a bizarre incident in which he was accused of attempting to break in. The stadium will make its debut next week when the Spartans of Bobia come to town in a key divisional matchup.

The Playoff Picture: Division 1 More or Less Settled, the Pee Wee League a Complete Mess
The Division 1 teams have already been set in stone, but the order has yet to be decided. The Spartans of Bobia need to win only 1 of their remaining 3 games to clinch first place and a first round bye. The Z-Slayers will finish in second unless the Bobians lose this week against the JELLY QUEEN and then are swept by the Z-Slayers themselves. Meow Meow Dui can inch up into second place if they win their final two games and the Z-Slayers lose their final two. Things get much more complicated for Division 2, with every team alive except for the Marauders. What's more, there is a scenario for each and every team to still win the Division.

Series 11: Three Late Season Upsets!

MEL - 11   RED - 0   F
W - Garcia (1-3)   L - Ortiz (1-2)
MEL: Garcia: CG (1), 0 ER, QS (1)
RED: Ortiz: 2/3 IP, 8 ER
MEL: Kennedy: 3-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI (11)
MEL: Olivo: 4-4, RBI (5), 2 SB (6)
RED: Myers: 4 IP, 0 ER

The showdown world was stunned to see Dr. Vindaloo's last place Marauders just absolutely manhandle the first place Aces. Red Clay starter Ramon Ortiz didn't even survive the first inning, and was booed off the field after fans witnessed him surrender eight runs. The Marauders walked and singled up and down the lineup until second baseman / coach Adam Kennedy stepped to the plate and whacked a bases loaded double off of Aces reliever Travis Harper. Harper was able to eat up another four innings, but surrendered another three runs in the form of a Scott Rolen single, a Fred McGriff solo shot, and another Adam Kennedy double. After him, Aces reliever Mike Myers was admirably able to do another four innings without giving up a run and allowing the rest of the already beleaguered bullpen to get some much needed rest. As for the other side of things, the Marauders had their most dominant pitching performance of the year as well; in his first quality start of the year, Freddy Garcia went the full distance, completing the game without surrendering a single run against the normally powerful Aces offense. In the bottom of the ninth, the Aces were able to load the bases, but Garcia worked out of that jam too. "We f******* sucked," Ishmael Von Corrin said in a press conference after the game. "I'm sorry to use that kind of language, but this is just a disaster. I've never been so embarrassed as a GM. This is a game that we really needed to have as a win." Should the Bombers beat the Cardinals, that will set up an incredible season finale for both teams next week. The Marauders will try to play spoiler again against the Green Sox.
-------------------------------------
MMD - 8   ZSY - 6   F
W - Gregg (1-0)   L - Myers (0-1)   S - Foulke (4)
MMD: Ortiz: 6 IP, 5 ER
ZSY: D'Amico, 6 IP, 4 ER
MMD: Chavez: 3-4, HR (8), GS (1), 4 RBI (18)
MMD: Williams: 2-4, 2 RBI (5)
ZSY: Pujols: 1-3, HR (9), 3 RBI (25)

The Z-Slayers attacked early in this one, with Albert Pujols smacking a three run shot in the bottom of the first. By the end of the second inning, the score was 5-0 Z-Slayers. But credit must be given to the MMD offense that did not roll over and die; on the contrary they diligently chipped away at the lead with a run here and another there. Big hits came from Bernie Williams (2 RBI singles), Ryan Freel (RBI triple) and Miguel Tejada (RBI double). MMD starter Russ Ortiz also settled down after the shaky early innings and managed to pitch decently through six. Both teams went to the bullpen in the seventh, but that backfired big time for the Z-Slayers. Mike Myers quickly got two outs, but then loaded the bases. This brought big bat Eric Chavez to the plate, who creamed his eighth homer of the year and his first career grandslam. Chavez, who is definitely All-Star material, now finds himself tied for second in the league in homeruns and tied for third in RBIs. The Z-Slayers fought back, managing to manufacture a run off of MMD reliever Kevin Gregg thanks to good baserunning from Juan Pierre and a clutch single from Jack Wilson. Gregg ran into trouble again in the eighth but closer Keith Foulke pitched 1 and 1/3 innings to get the save and secure the win. With this result, the JELLY QUEEN DREAM TEAM are officially eliminated from playoff contention. If the Spartans win their next game, they will clinch the Division Championship and complete the Division 1 Playoff picture.
------------------------------
AXN - 5   QEY - 4   F
W - Kolb (1-2)   L - Wickman (2-1)   Blown Save - Kolb (1)
AXN: Maroth: 6 IP, ER, QS (3)
QEY: Haynes: 6 IP, 3 ER, QS (2)
AXN: Griffey Jr.: 3-4, 2 2B, HR (3), RBI (9)
QEY: Barrett: 3-3, 2 RBI (6)
AXN: Rivas: 2-3, BB, RBI (4), 2 SB (3)

With both teams out of the playoffs, this is our first more or less meaningless game of the year. The Darkpaws kicked things off with a three run rally in the third inning, with clutch hits coming from Luis Rivas, Hank Blalock, and Omar Vizquel, who tripled. In his third start of the year, Mike Maroth was solid and actually only gave up one hit through four innings. He worked his way out of a bases loaded jam in the fifth, and then surrendered a run in the sixth when Queynos catcher Michael Barrett smacked an RBI double in the sixth to put the Warriors on the board. While the Darkpaws added another run in the top of the eighth, the Warriors went to work in the bottom of the inning by putting the two leadoff men on. This prompted the Darkpaws to turn to closer Danny Kolb, the league leader in saves. However this one was not meant to be, as he couldn't prevent the bottom of the Queynos order kicking off a three run rally to tie the game at 4-4. Both teams then geared up for extra innings, but that very quickly did not become necessary. In the top of the ninth, former MVP Ken Griffey Jr. awoke from his slumber and hit a solo homerun to give the Darkpaws the lead and eventually the win. Although Griffey has had 14 homeruns each of the last two seasons, this is only his third so far this year. The Darkpaws have now won four of their last five games and move into a tie with the Warriors for fifth place. I suppose all these teams have left to play for is not ending up in last place. The Warriors play their last series against the JELLY QUEEN while the Darkpaws finish things up against playoff bound Meow Meow Dui.

The Kruk Bucket Episode Nine: Platinum Level Sports Journalism

Good evening folks, and welcome to Episode Nine of the Kruk Bucket; I'm your host John Kruk, and I'm mad as hell. I would like to clear the record with regards to events this past week. I did not, and I repeat DID NOT attempt to break in to Z-Slayers Park. Trust me, I'm just as excited as the next guy to try out the new Cheeseburger Apocalypse concession stands, but that was not the purpose of my going there. Sinister himself invited me to interview Coach Sith since he lost his bet to the Maxion Bombers. When I showed up, the security people were already there, ready for me. I never even caught a whiff of Death by Angus Beef Sandwich! So here is what I am thinking, folks. I'm thinking that this whole thing was just a way for Sinister to welch out of a bet that he lost. And why might he do that, you ask? Well, I personally believe that it's because Lord Sith isn't actually alive! That's right folks, you are hearing it first here, I think that Lord Sith is nothing more than a corpse! Or...um...whatever it is you call a dead cyborg. Why else would he be so adamant about shielding the guy from the press? And by the way, Mr. Sinister,  don't appreciate that comment about not being professional. Take a look at this fancy suit I'm wearing. It doesn't get more professional than this. Well folks, I think that's enough platinum level journalism for the day. Let's finish off some more of these hotdogs and then get to the rankings.

1. BOB (0) Really, folks? Is there anyone out there that can stop this team? After the Z-Slayers taking a nasty fall and getting swept by the Bombers, I'm not so sure anymore. Luis Aparicio definitely should be considered for MVP, and anyone in the rotation could get the Cy Young. There always seems to be a hot hand in the offense, and Mike Lowell is really pouring it on now. With a win and a Z-Slayer loss next week, they can clinch the division championship.

2. ZSY (0) This is another team that is completely in a class of its own, despite having a dead manager and a conniving GM. But semmingly still not in the Spartans class just yet. We will definitely see what this team is made of in these last three games, as they basically will do a playoff simulation: one game against Meow Meow Dui and two against the Spartans themselves.

3. MMD (+1) I think they are gonna win that third spot in Division 1, but it will certainly be an upset if they can get past round 1. While the pitching remains solid, their big guns on offense are just not consistent enough. If Eric Chavez and Aaron Rowand go silent at the wrong time, they really don't stand a chance. Curious to see how much of this team gets converted into a Jerusalem Falcons team?

4. RED (-1) A four game losing streak really can't be a nice way to head towards the playoffs. But I guess Ishmael von Corrin took solace in the fact that his team performed better against the Bobians than many of his peers. I have to say though, this is a very dangerous offense with the likes of SS Miguel Tejada on an absolute tear right now. Paul Konerko is having one of the worst years of his career, but if he can somehow come alive in the playoffs, he's a deadly combo with Alfonso Soriano batting behind him.

5. TEN (0) A split series against the Darkpaws wasn't exactly what they were looking for, but they'll take it. At this point they are one of the few teams in Division 2 whose fate rests squarely in their own hands; all they need to do is win to get in. Edgar Martinez Jr. has been the perfect fit for this team, to the point that I think this team is still in the running to win Division 2.

6. STL (+1) Again, talk about inconsistencies, but at this point this team has the biggest opportunity the grab that final playoff spot. I personally think that the Bombers miracle stretch ends here, but then again, the Cardinals have a tendency to split series, and they aready won Game 1 way back in Series 2.

7. TYC (+1) This team definitely has opportunity with their final three games against the Green Sox and Cardinals, but will they do anything with it? Does't seem likely to me, since nearly every player on the offense is having their worst season of their career, notably reigning MVP Jeremy Giambi. In fact, if it weren't for Fred McGriff punching way above his weight, there wouldn't be much run support left over.

8. MAX (+3) Listen folks, I'm really impressed just as much as the next guy with this four game win streak that this team has managed to put together against Division 1 powerhouses. But is this really sustainable? Even if they do win their final three games against the Cardinals and Aces, they still would need the Tycoons and Green Sox to take losses for them to get in. Richie Ashburn and Edgar Martinez have been really tearing things up, but this really would be the comeback of the century if they could work their way in.

9. LIN (0) Although technically still alive, I see no reason for this team to pull off the miracle to advance in Division 1. While they have played admirable .500 baseball the entire season, the team just hasn't shown any vertiable 'oomph' to make it contender. In order to capture the third playoff spot, they will need to win their remaining three games while Meow Meow Dui will need to lose their last three. The Spartans will most likely have their revenge by delivering the knockout blow next week.

10. QEY (-4) This team doesn't deserved to be ranked this low, but I guess that's what happens once you get officially knocked out of the playoff hunt. A real shame, as we've documented here many times before. In any case, there were things to be proud of from this team this season and certainly not a bad outlook for this team next year.

11. AXN (-1) The Darkpaws unfortunately are playing their best baseball of the season now that the games don't matter. But looking ahead to next season, where else to go than up? Ken Griffey Jr. will be the most glad to get this nightmare season behind him; the question will be what moves will re-signed GM A_M do to support the cast around him?

12. MEL (0) Just another bit of bad news for Marauders fans this week. Doctor Vindaloo is currently in the hospital with a case of acute yam shock. Word has it that he overdosed on curry following his team's sweep at the hands of MMD, as well as his decision to keep with the 2003 card theme for next season.

Well that's all for this episode, folks. There will be no Kruk Bucket after Series 11, so consider this the last power rankings of the year. We will see you at the end of the regular season for the All Star Team announcement and post season preview! Until then, eat up!

Series 10: Part 4: Another One Bites the Dust

QEY - 0   STL - 1   F/11
W - Isringhausen 04 (2-0)   L - Lopez (0-2)
QEY: Morris: 6 IP, 0 ER, QS (4)
STL: Morris: 6 IP, 0 ER, QS (3)
STL: Lankford: 1-3, 2 BB, GW 2B, RBI (7)
QEY: Spooneybarger, 3 IP, 0 ER
STL: Isringhausen 04: 3 IP, 0 ER

With the Warriors facing playoff elimination, they certainly did not bring their A-game in this one. Both teams sent Matt Morris to the mound and both had more or less the same result: six innings of each team's offense shooting itself in the foot and stranding an untold number of runners in scoring position. Twice in the middle innings did the Warriors have runners on second and third with nobody out, and both times they failed to score a single run. The Cardinals were not much better, and consistently ran out of gas just when opportunities arose. They also were snakebit several times from double plays. After six innings, both teams went to the bullpen. Coach Kalaby Jaby went with his best reliever, Tim Spooneybarger, who went three solid innings to finish off regulation. The Cardinals brought in the usually reliable Dave Veres, who in his eighth appearance of the year pitched two scoreless innings. Closer Jason Isringhausen then entered the game and went three innings to bring the game to the 11th. That's when Warriors reliever Javier Lopez made the fatal step that ended his team's season, surrendering an RBI double to Cardinal Ray Lankford. After the game, Queynos GM had the following to say: "We definitely deserved to lose this game, I won't argue that. But it's just a real shame that this team of ours isn't going to the playoffs. We played very well this season, we just didn't seem to get the lucky breaks that we needed. It's just heartbreaking that we're going to be at home while three Pee Wee League teams are going to have a shot at the championship." Next week the Warriors play a mostly meaningless game against the Darkpaws while the stakes are very high for the Cardinals as they take on the determined Maxion Bombers.
------------------------------------------------------
TYC - 1   LIN - 0   F
W - Hoffman (1-0)   L - Karsay (2-4)   S - Kolb (4)
TYC: Penny: 7 IP, 0 ER, QS (4)
LIN: Loaiza: 7 IP, 0 ER, QS (5)
TYC: McGriff: 1-5, 2B, RBI (15)
TYC: Kolb: IP, H, S (4)
LIN: Roberts: 2-4, SB (3)

Once again, we have two teams in the midst of a playoff push and neither looking particularly good. Not to take away from the performance of either starter in this one, but both got big boosts from the incompetency of their opponents. That being said, Brad Penny had one of his better starts of the year, which is certainly encouraging for the Tycoons. Lindsyan Esteban Loaiza finishes the year with his fifth consecutive quality start, but miraculously sports a record of 0-0. Heading into the eighth with a tie game, the JELLY QUEEN opted for reliever Steve Karsay, who leads the league in relief appearances and relief innings pitched. He started off the season amazing, but he's been shakier and shakier as the season went on. Well the shakes continued in this one, as he surrendered the only run of the game in the top of the eighth, when Tycoon Fred McGriff ripped an RBI double. The Tycoons bullpen took over from there, with one run being more than enough: Trevor Hoffman and Danny Kolb pitched the next two innings to complete the game and earn the Tycoon's ninth win of the year. A good result for the Tycoons as they push to keep place in Division 2. As for the JELLY QUEEN, this loss puts them right at the edge of elimination. They will be eliminated next week either if they lose to the Bobians or if Meow Meow Dui beats the Z-Slayers.
-------------------------------------------------------
TEN - 11   AXN - 5
W - Foulke (1-2)   L - Komiyama (0-2)
TEN: Morris: 6 IP, 5 ER
AXN: Wood 02: 6 IP, 5 ER
TEN: Martinez Jr.: 2-3, BB, HR (2), GS (1), 4 RBI (9)
TEN: Vizquel: 2-4, 3B (5), 3 RBI (8)
TEN: Ortiz: 2-4, HR (9), 2 RBI (21)

This game got ugly right away, with the Darkpaws taking their former teammate Matt Morris to task, rocking him for five runs in the first inning thanks to a seemingly endless series of singles and walks. Morris however seemed to settle down after that, and despite certainly not looking good, did not give up another run through six. In what was likely to be his last start as a Darkpaw, Kerry Wood 02 got off to a good start but gave back most of the lead after a wretched third inning in which the Green Sox rallied for four runs, thanks largely to a bases loaded triple from Omar Vizquel. The tying run came in the top of the fifth thanks to a solo homerun from catcher Jorge Posada. The late innings were quiet, with both bullpens being effective, Satoru Komiyama for the Darkpaws and Paul Shuey for the Green Sox. But a storm was brewing in the top of the ninth. After Komiyama walked the leadoff batter, the Alyxians opted for another call to the bullpen and brought in Rich Garces. But things spiraled out of control from there. With only one out, the Green Sox loaded the bases and brought on base fifteen Edgar Martinez Jr. to the place. With not very good speed on the base pads, the infield was set up for the double play ball. The call from John Kruk "Garces deals...swung on and hit high and far to left center field...this one's back, it's got a chance...to the wall...SEEYA! A grandslam for Edgar Martinez Jr.!" To add a little more salt in the wound, two batters later David Ortiz crushed his ninth homer of the year to extend the lead to six. That was more than enough for former Darkpaw Keith Foulke to close out the game and secure the win. While this win officially eliminated the Marauders from playoff contention, this sets the stage next week for a dramatic showdown between the Green Sox and Mao's Tycoons.

League News Roundup 6 SEP 2017

John Kruk "Banned" From New Z-Slayers Park After Alleged Break-In

A dazed John Kruk was seen late last evening being escorted by security off of the grounds of the new Z-Slayer Park after allegedly trying to "break-in" to the stadium before it opens next week. Mr. Kruk appeared to be in yam shock at that time and wasn't able to give any coherent comment besides "I need a chalupa." Security authorities later announced that no charges would be filed against Mister Kruk but that he would be banned for life from entering the grounds. Later, after getting his strength back by a few rounds of Taco Bell, Kruk went on to say that he had been "setup." "I can show you the texts, for buffet's sake! Sinister himself invited me here so I could interview his mute coach! You might have heard that the Z-Slayers lost a bet...well I guess this is his way of welching out on it!" Sinister responded with subdued comments of its own, saying that he was very sorry that the broadcasting great wouldn't be able to announce any of their games in the future. Players around the league expressed disapproval with the way that the Z-Slayers organization handled the incident, with Maxion Bomber Richie Ashburn going even so far as to label this as a conspiracy.

Alyxian Darkpaws Officially Eliminated from Playoffs; AM Will Stay On

Although the Darkpaws were officially eliminated from playoff contention when Meow Meow Dui triumphed over the Melmegetian Marauders this week, the organization has decided that ALLIED_MASTERCOMPUTER is the guy that they want at the helm of the team for next season. A disappointing showing for the team this year, but the team has shown some promise in the second half of the year by winning several tough games. "It was too little, too late," AM was quoted as saying, "but it's something we can build on for next year." He went on to say that the team will definitely be making moves in the off season, but did not elaborate exactly how. While the starting pitching was solid for most of the year, both the bullpen and offense struggled horrendously for long stretches. No longer in playoff contention, the Darkpaws will play their final three games against the Queynos Warriors and Meow Meow Dui in the hopes of not finishing dead last in the league.

Shock Poll: Most Bobians Don't Read News Articles; New Literacy Outreach Program Announced

There was a bit of an awkward moment earlier this week when Bobian GM Ronde Barber was caught during an interview not exactly understanding that his team had already clinched the playoffs. An honest mistake, for sure, but this prompted a group of researchers to initiate a study that looked at fans likelihood to read news articles about their own teams. Their results were shocking and found that most attendees at Dulcolax Stadium had never even heard of the League News Roundup service. In response, the researchers came up with a novel idea to promote literacy among fans at the ballpark. Instead of printing the game's program on paper, they would now be printed on crispy bacon. Sales immediately rose through the roof last series against the Red Clay Aces, but researchers have yet to determine how much reading this actually promoted. Concerns about ink on the bacon were dismissed by the researchers, as a parallel study from the University of Kinshasa clearly showed that there were no ill effects from mixing the two. 

Series 10: Part 3: Results Guided by God?

ZSY - 0   MAX - 2   F

W - Franklin (2-2)   L - Day (1-1)   S - Rivera (4)

MAX: Franklin: 7 1/3 IP, 0 ER, QS (2)

ZSY: Day: 7 2/3 IP, 2 ER, QS (5)

MAX: Martinez: 1-5, 2B, RBI (16)

MAX: Ashburn: 2-4, BB, 2 SB (15), R

MAX: Rivera, IP, H, 3 K

Ryan Franklin didn't exactly dominate the Z-Slayers; in fact, you could say that in some regards he was out pitched by his rival, control 2 phenom Zach Day. Nevertheless, Franklin managed to get himself out of a few jams without giving up any runs. In characteristic Z-Slayer fashion, the offensive pressure was ratcheted up each and every inning, but Franklin made it so that they fell short of scoring each and every time. On the flip side, Zach Day was somewhat dominant and had a few 1-2-3 innings throughout the night. Nevertheless, excellent base running was absolutely crucial for the Bombers to pull ahead in this one. Richie Ashburn stole second in the third inning, and then was brought home two batters later by and Edgar Martinez double. Martinez has been one of the hottest and consistent hitters in the league right now, with five RBIs over the last four games. Mind you that none of those RBIs are the result of home runs and instead have all come from clutch hitting with runners in scoring position. A similar circumstance followed in the sixth inning when Delino "Delicious" Deshields stole both second and third with two outs. The very gutsy call paid off, as Bengie "Don't Make Fun of My Speed" Molina brought him home next at bat with an RBI single. The Maxion bullpen was as sharp as ever, with Ugueth Urbina making his team leading seventh appearance of the year to earn a hold in the eighth innings. Maxion closer Mariano Rivera made his second consecutive appearance and earned his second save in as many games with a strong close to the game. Incredibly, the Bombers have completed the sweep of the mighty Z-Slayers and have strung together their fourth straight win. With only three games left in the season, the Bombers face a crucial match up next week in a one game series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

--------------------------------

MMD - 5   MEL - 0   F
W - Rodgers (3-1)   L - Redman (1-3)
MMD: Rodgers: 7 IP, 0 ER, QS (5)
MEL: Redman: 7 2/3 IP, 5 ER
MMD: Chavez: 2-4, HR (7), 3 RBI (14)
MMD: Rowand: 3-3, BB, 2 2B, 2 RBI (10)
MEL: Kennedy: 4-4, 2 2B

This game was perhaps not as lopsided at MMD's previous 5-0 victory in Game 1. This game saw a lot of wasted opportunities and bad rolls for both sides, however Doctor Vindaloo's Marauders clearly got the worst of it. Melmegetian starter Mark Redman just doesn't seem to be the pitcher that he was at the beginning of the season, not earning a quality start in his last three appearances. He actually started off strong in this one but got burned when MMD left fielder Eric Chavez belted his team leading seventh home run of the year, which was good for three scores. Next inning, Redman loaded the bases but was kept in the game since he is an overwhelming ground ball pitcher. However MMD centerfielder Aaron Rowand then belted his second double of the game and brought home an additional two runs. On the other side of things, the Marauders offense certainly had their chances, loading the bases in both the sixth and eighth innings, but walking away in both cases with no runs scored. Neither general manager Doctor Vindaloo nor manager/second baseman responded to comments after the game. Although not technically eliminated from playoff contention, the Marauders will need a lot of help in order to make it. They can't be excited against their one game showdown next week against the Aces; a loss there would make the elimination official. As for Meow Meow Dui, this sweep was exactly what this team needed to get back on track in their own playoff race. They do control their own destiny for the rest of the season, but they might need some help with a difficult next game against the Z-Slayers.
-------------------------------------------
RED - 3   BOB - 4   F/12
W - Plesac (1-0)   L - Wagner (2-2)   Blown Save - Koch (1) 
BOB: Glavine SS: 7 IP, ER, QS (4) 
RED: Sheets: 6 IP, 3 ER, QS (5) 
BOB: Ichiro: 3-5, BB, 2B, GW RBI (13)
BOB: Lowell: 1-4, BB, HR (4), 2 RBI (12)
RED: Tejada: 2-5, HR (5), RBI (15) 

The Bobians jumped out to an early lead in this one, thanks to Mike Lowell continuing his absolutely red hot hitting streak, hitting a two run shot. That makes ten RBI's for Lowell in the last five games, good enough for second most among the Spartans. The Bobians would later rally for another run, but could not stop Red Clay starter Ben Sheets from achieving his fifth quality start of the year. On the other side of things, Tom Glavine SS put up yet another impressive performance but was not quite as dominant as he has been in games past. For the first time this year, he failed to achieve a single 1-2-3 inning. Nevertheless, the Bobians had to be proud of the Cy Young contender in his last start of the season, as he went seven strong innings giving up only one run off the bat of a Paul Konerko solo shot. After the end of seven, the Spartans went to the bullpen and brought in Buddy Groom, who struggled in the top of the eighth and was lucky to escape with only one run given up after he walked in A.J. Pierzinscki with the bases loaded. After Groom, Billy Koch made his very first appearance of the year. Unfortunately for him, he looked a bit rusty and earned a blown save after the tying run was allowed to score in the form of a Miguel Tejada homerun. Tejada was one of the best Red Clay hitters in this series and indeed has been quite good down the stretch. At this point followed the rain delay, which put the gap of a few days between this and the conclusion of the game. Billy Koch somewhat redeemed himself by pitching another two quality innings before handing the game over to Dan Plesac, who also made his first appearance of the year. But in the bottom of the twelfth, the Bobian run manufacturing machine known as Luis Aparicio kicked into high gear; he hit a leadoff double against Aces closer Billy Wagner and then proceeded to steal third. That lead the always reliable Ichiro Suzuki to knock in the game winning run, and secure the Spartans sixth straight victory. A win next week against the Lindsyans will clinch the Division 1 Championship and a first round bye in the playoffs. As for Division 2, there is no longer any team in the Division with a record at or above .500. With four teams breathing down their necks, they absolutely need to pick up an easy win next week against the Melmegetian Marauders.