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batted balls · 08-31-2006, 05:30 PM

August 23, 2007

Los Angeles--While Southern California is threatening to run away with the All-American Baseball League West, two sluggers are fighting for the RBI crown.

Bob Hamelin of UCLA and Mark McGwire of USC both reached the 100-RBI plateau this week. At a time when many players are worn out by the long season, each All-Star appears to have plenty of RBIs left in his bat.

"We're both having good years at the plate," said McGwire, who won last year's West Golden Spikes Award. "Bob has really kicked up his game a notch."

Hamelin appears to be the leading candidate to win Golden Spikes honors this season. The UCLA first baseman leads the AABL with 48 home runs, two better than his total from a year ago. Hamelin also leads the West in runs scored (104) and walks (112). He is sixth in doubles (23) and batting average (.300).

"Bob has been the man this year," said UCLA teammate Troy Glaus. "He's as dangerous as anyone in the league."

Hamelin, who won the MVP of this year's All-Star Game, has a strong chance of breaking McGwire's single-season home run record (54) set last year.

"If that comes it will be great," said Hamelin. "But, I can't go to the plate thinking about that."

McGwire, meanwhile, has seen his production slip a bit. His 31 home runs place him fourth among West leaders. McGwire is fifth in runs scored (81), seventh in walks (83) and 13th in doubles (20).

"My numbers may not look as good this year, but I'm playing on a first-place team," said McGwire.

Diamond Notes: For the second time this month, Oklahoma State outfielder Pete Incaviglia has been named West Player of the Week. Incaviglia hit .450 and drove home eight runs during the span . . . USC's Ray Lamb has saved 11 straight games and 34 of 36 chances this season . . . Reggie Jackson of Arizona State and Jeffrey Hammonds of Stanford have each been stuck on 22 stolen bases for the last three weeks . . . Jim Barr of USC goes for his 22nd win of the season Thursday against Cal . . . Texas third baseman Grady Hatton is batting .406 for the month and has raised his average to .315. Hatton (shown below) ranks third among West hitters.

Stat of the Week: A season ago Arizona State reliever Sean Lowe posted a 13-2 record with a 2.66 ERA. This year Lowe is just 2-4 with a 4.89 ERA.

West Standings

Team W L PCT GB
Southern California 93 35 .727 --
Arizona State 85 43 .664 8.0
UCLA 74 54 .578 19.0
California 68 60 .531 25.0
Stanford 65 63 .508 28.0
Texas 62 66 .484 31.0
Arizona 56 72 .438 37.0
Cal State Fullerton 47 81 .367 46.0
San Diego State 47 81 .367 46.0
Oklahoma State 43 85 .336 50.0

08-31-2006, 05:30 PM	#243 (permalink)
batted balls All Star Starter Join Date: May 2003 Location: White Sox Country Posts: 1,319 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0x in 0 posts	Hamelin, McGwire Reach 100-RBI Mark August 23, 2007 Los Angeles--While Southern California is threatening to run away with the All-American Baseball League West, two sluggers are fighting for the RBI crown. Bob Hamelin of UCLA and Mark McGwire of USC both reached the 100-RBI plateau this week. At a time when many players are worn out by the long season, each All-Star appears to have plenty of RBIs left in his bat. "We're both having good years at the plate," said McGwire, who won last year's West Golden Spikes Award. "Bob has really kicked up his game a notch." Hamelin appears to be the leading candidate to win Golden Spikes honors this season. The UCLA first baseman leads the AABL with 48 home runs, two better than his total from a year ago. Hamelin also leads the West in runs scored (104) and walks (112). He is sixth in doubles (23) and batting average (.300). "Bob has been the man this year," said UCLA teammate Troy Glaus. "He's as dangerous as anyone in the league." Hamelin, who won the MVP of this year's All-Star Game, has a strong chance of breaking McGwire's single-season home run record (54) set last year. "If that comes it will be great," said Hamelin. "But, I can't go to the plate thinking about that." McGwire, meanwhile, has seen his production slip a bit. His 31 home runs place him fourth among West leaders. McGwire is fifth in runs scored (81), seventh in walks (83) and 13th in doubles (20). "My numbers may not look as good this year, but I'm playing on a first-place team," said McGwire. Diamond Notes: For the second time this month, Oklahoma State outfielder Pete Incaviglia has been named West Player of the Week. Incaviglia hit .450 and drove home eight runs during the span . . . USC's Ray Lamb has saved 11 straight games and 34 of 36 chances this season . . . Reggie Jackson of Arizona State and Jeffrey Hammonds of Stanford have each been stuck on 22 stolen bases for the last three weeks . . . Jim Barr of USC goes for his 22nd win of the season Thursday against Cal . . . Texas third baseman Grady Hatton is batting .406 for the month and has raised his average to .315. Hatton (shown below) ranks third among West hitters. Stat of the Week: A season ago Arizona State reliever Sean Lowe posted a 13-2 record with a 2.66 ERA. This year Lowe is just 2-4 with a 4.89 ERA. West Standings Team W L PCT GB Southern California 93 35 .727 -- Arizona State 85 43 .664 8.0 UCLA 74 54 .578 19.0 California 68 60 .531 25.0 Stanford 65 63 .508 28.0 Texas 62 66 .484 31.0 Arizona 56 72 .438 37.0 Cal State Fullerton 47 81 .367 46.0 San Diego State 47 81 .367 46.0 Oklahoma State 43 85 .336 50.0 Attached Images __________________ White Sox fan since 1972 Last edited by batted balls; 08-31-2006 at 05:35 PM.