[batted balls]

August 1, 2006

Los Angeles--Southern California manager Rod Dedeaux is hopeful that the Trojans' 9-3 trouncing of Arizona State is a sign of good things to come.

"It's a great way to start our series," said Dedeaux of the USC victory. "We'd love to take all three games in this series."

The win cut Arizona State's lead to seven games in the All-American Baseball League West.

USC outfielders Steve Kemp and Fred Lynn combined for five hits and three RBIs to lead the Trojan attack. USC left-hander Barry Zito, who improved to 14-5, has won six straight decisions.

"Zito was tough today," said Arizona State manager Bobby Winkles. "In fact, Zito has been every bit as good as (Mark) Prior the last month or so."

USC broke out to a quick 5-0 lead after just three innings and coasted from there. All-Star selection Paul Moskau (9-4) took the loss for the Sun Devils.

Game two will pit USC's Tom Seaver (8-9, 3.48 ERA) against Gary Gentry (9-7, 3.98) for Arizona State.

West Standings
Arizona State 74-32 --
Southern California 67-39 -7
Oklahoma State 57-49 -17
UCLA 57-49 -17
Cal 52-54 -22
Stanford 52-54 -22
Texas 51-55 -25
Cal State Fullerton 47-59 -27
Arizona 45-61 -29
San Diego State 28-78 -46

Player of the Month: Bob Horner, Arizona State (shown below)
Pitcher of the Month: Eddie Bane, Arizona State
Stat of the Week: Arizona State has a winning record against every West team except Southern California. The Sun Devils are 4-7 against USC.

Team-by-Team July Review
Arizona State: Manager Bobby Winkles' Sun Devils offense has carried the load of late. Arizona State ranks first in stolen bases, second in runs scored and home runs and is third is team average. West Player of the Month Bob Horner powers the Sun Devils (.297-30-93). Outfielders Reggie Jackson (.264-20-61-11 steals) and Oddibe McDowell (.260-26-67) are also offensive keys. Left-hander Eddie Bane (8-2, 1.60 ERA) has won six consecutive decisions and two straight Pitcher of the Month awards. Fellow lefty Floyd Bannister (11-5, 2.62 ERA) remains solid.
Southern California: The potent Trojan offense continues to click on all cylinders. MVP candidate Mark McGwire (.330-40-102) anchors a potent lineup that includes Fred Lynn (.377-16-75), Dave Kingman (.238-27-79) and Steve Kemp (.269-22-85). USC's pitching has really rounded into shape with a solid trio of starters that includes Mark Prior (16-6, 2.46 ERA), Barry Zito (14-5, 2.44) and Jim Barr (11-3, 2.76).
Oklahoma State: Manager Gary Ward has his Cowboys riding high. All-Star Pete Incaviglia (.265-29-70) leads the charge. Short stop Gary Green (.273-12-47) has been a solid contributor. Joe Horlen (10-7, 2.76) has emerged as the team's top starter.
UCLA: The Bruins are the most improved team in the AABL. UCLA sports the league's best fielding team (.985 with a league-low 67 errors). All-star Bob Hamelin (.276-31-93) remains an offensive force. Teammates Troy Glaus (.252-26-76), Jackie Robinson (.294-6-52-6 steals) and Chris Chambliss (.319-7-33) have chipped in as well. Right-hander Bill Bonham (9-4, 3.27 ERA) has rounded into form.
Cal: The Golden Bears are perhaps the league's most overlooked team. All-Star Orval Overall (12-8, 2.99 ERA) is a dependable, innings-eating starter. Relievers Mike Cather (14 saves), Chuck Cary (nine saves, 2.93) and Monte Pearson (two saves, 2.32) form a strong bullpen. Jeff Kent, the All-Star Game starter at second base for the West, leads the offense with a .273 average, 21 home runs and 63 RBIs.
Stanford: Offensive woes have lead to the Cardinal slide down the standings. All-Star Bob Boone (.277-6-39), Steve Buechele (.233-19-54) and Chuck Essegian (.245-10-35) are the best of this popgun offense. Starters Jim Lonborg (8-7, 2.28 ERA) and Mike Mussina (9-9, 2.30) remain among the West leaders in ERA but struggle for wins due to lack of support. Closer Steve Chitren (28 saves, 1.69) has struck out 40 batters in 42.2 innings.
Texas: The eyes of Texas may be upon this team but Longhorn eyes apparently aren't on the ball. Texas is just 16th in league batting (.226). All-Star Grady Hatton (.272-20-60) remains the best of the bunch. Left-hander Bruce Ruffin (8-10, 3.13 ERA) tops the Longhorn staff in wins. Greg Swindell (6-2, 2.88) has shown promise since moving into the starting rotation. Closer Hutson Street (20 saves, 2.23) is likely a future star.
Cal State Fullerton: Like Stanford, offense has hurt the Titans. Catcher Dan Whitmer (.258-10-37) and outfielder Dante Powell (.272-5-35) are the top Titans. Right-hander Jeff Robinson (2.76 ERA) leads CSF with 10 wins. Stopper Mike Schooler (19 saves, 1.21) has fanned 43 batters in just 37.1 innings.
Arizona: Poor pitching has plagued the Wildcats. Scott Erickson (9-7, 4.26 ERA) and Don Lee (5-1, 4.13) are the only starters with winning records. Lefty Joe Magrane (6-15, 4.27) has struggled mightily. Trevor Hoffman (25 saves, 4.14) remains the closer. Second baseman Jason Bates (.290-9-48) tops the offense.
San Diego State: The Aztecs are dead last in every major pitching category. With Don Shaw (0-8, 5.11 ERA) and Erik Plantenberg (3-3, 7.52) injured, things don't look any better. Starter Aaron Harang (6-9, 3.69) would greatly benefit from pitching for a better team. Despite the presence of All-Star snub Mark Grace (.330-5-33) and power man Travis Lee (.239-24-56), San Diego State is batting just .221 as a team.