[batted balls]

August 2, 2007

Bristol, Conn.--We're not defending our All-American Baseball League title. We're after another one.

The above two sentences have been the theme of the 2007 Ivy Eagles. From the look of things lately, manager Bob Seddon's Eagles might just get that next title.

Although its recent 10-game win streak was broken, Ivy has won 19 of its last 23 games. Thus, the Eagles have opened a three-game lead over second-place Miami. The Hurricanes are 7-3 in their last 10 games.

"The king never dies easy," said Miami manager Ron Fraser.

Miami and Ivy will not meet again until mid-September.

"We'll be scoreboard watching as I'm certain they will as well," said Seddon. "But in the meantime, we've got to take care of the games at hand."

East Standings

Team W L PCT GB
Ivy 70 37 .654 --
Miami 67 40 .626 3.0 3
Michigan 58 49 .542 12.0
Mississippi State 58 49 .542 12.0
Louisiana State 54 53 .505 16.0
Florida State 53 54 .495 17.0
Illinois 53 54 .495 17.0
Minnesota 44 63 .411 26.0
Michigan State 39 68 .364 31.0
Notre Dame 39 68 .364 31.0

Player of the Month: Mike Piazza, Miami (shown below)

Pitcher of the Month: Warren Bogle, Miami

Stat of the Week: Minnesota closer Gregg Olson has given up just five earned runs in 53 innings this season.

July Team-By-Team Reports

Ivy: The proper balance of pitching and offense that manager Bob Seddon preaches continues to work. Jim Beattie (14-4, 2.19 ERA) headlines the starting rotation. Ted Olson (12-6, 2.92) and Pete Broberg (12-9, 2.71) have had good second halves. While first baseman Lou Gehrig's average has dipped to .265, the All-Star leads the East in home runs (20) and RBIs (80). Designated hitter Gene Larkin (.279-10-53) gives the Eagles more power from the left side. Sam Mele (.278-5-46) earned Player of the Week honors in late July.
Miami: Catcher Mike Piazza and pitcher Warren Bogle swept the monthly awards for the Hurricanes. Piazza (.305-17-52) hit .424 and slugged .635 in July. Bogle was 5-0 with two shutouts and a no-hitter. Miami also got strong performances out of starters Wade Taylor (7-1, 2.99 ERA), John Fulgham (10-7, 2.58) and Neal Heaton (9-5, 2.64). Backing up Piazza in the lineup are Aubrey Huff (.281-5-50) and F.P. Santangelo (.272-6-56).
Michigan: While left-handed All-Star Geoff Zahn (12-6, 1.88 ERA) anchors the staff, righty Steve Ontiveros (11-8, 2.07) adds a new dimension. Outside of rookie Charlie Gehringer (.327-2-42) and first baseman George Sisler (.294-7-58), offensive support has been lacking. Short stop Barry Larkin (.208-3-47) and third baseman Chris Sabo (.235-0-42) are a combined 6-for-their last 70 (.085).
Mississippi State: A year ago the Bulldogs lacked consistent pitching. This season the arms are there, it's the bats that seem to have disappeared. All-Star starters Dave "Boo" Ferriss (12-7, 1.63) and Jonathan Papelbon (12-5, 1.66) rank 1-2 in ERA. Closer Bobby Thigpen (23 saves, 0.47) had his scoreless streak snapped at 26.2 innings--just .1 inning short of tying Arizona State starter Gary Gentry's record. While Rafael Palmeiro (.272-10-61) and Hughie Critz (.293-4-57) have been offensive threats, Will Clark (.296-4-29) has disappointed.
LSU: The Tigers seem to be building for the future. Starters Mike Sirotka (9-6, 3.23 ERA) and Clay Parker (9-4, 2.54) have pitched well. Even Paul Byrd (1-4 despite a 1.89 ERA) shows signs of success. Offensively, All-Stars Warren Morris (.303-11-42), Joe Adcock (.301-5-56) and Albert Belle (.281-9-51) put fear into opposing pitchers. Minor league star Brad Hawpe (.298-34-84 at Triple-A) may be brought up soon.
Florida State: Starter Bruce Tanner (13-7, 3.18 ERA) was named Player of the Week. Lefty Paul Wilson (7-10, 2.77) has had some bright moments, but stopper Craig Skok (21 saves, 1.34) has stumbled of late. With little else in the lineup, All-Star Mark Gilbert (.306-5-51) and infielder Jody Reed (.271-4-41) haven't seen many pitches to hit since the break.
Illinois: Pitching remains the Illini strength. All-Star Game starter Fred Beebe (13-7, 2.39 ERA) is better than his record indicates. Strikeout leader Jeff Innis (11-6, 1.76, 126 Ks) possesses top-notch stuff. Yet, last year's Golden Arm winner Carl Lundgren (6-10, 3.30) has been hit hard. Short stop Lou Boudreau (.251-4-41) is the best of an ailing offense. Right fielder George Halas (.225-3-35) went on the DL with a hip injury. That means top prospect Darrin Fletcher will make his long-awaited big league debut. Fletcher's Triple-A numbers (.331-10-47) were impressive.
Minnesota: Bryan Hickerson (9-6, 2.47 ERA), Denny Neagle (7-11, 3.88) and Steve Comer (5-14, 3.45) have all pitched inconsistently as starters. Closer Gregg Olson (20 saves, 0.84 ERA) has been nearly unhittable. Paul Molitor (.327-4-44) is in the chase for the batting race. Jerry Kindall (.173), Robb Quinlan (.190) and J.T. Bruett (.194) are not.
Michigan State: Just when the Spartans seemed to be making progress, nine straight losses have them joining Notre Dame in the East cellar. A lackluster offense (19th in team average and runs scored) is largely to blame. Steve Garvey (.310-5-34) and Kirk Gibson (.297-10-56) are being pitched around. Starter Ed Hobaugh's 1.92 ERA does not measure up to his 8-13 record. The same is true for southpaw Mark Mulder (3.14 ERA, 4-12).
Notre Dame: Fighting Irish manager Pat Murphy is fighting for his job. Notre Dame has just six wins in its last 26 games. Ed Reulbach (7-14, 2.57 ERA) and Norwood Gibson (7-15, 2.97) top the team in victories. The low-power offense contains four players batting below .200. All-Star Cap Anson (.337-1-36) leads the East in hitting.