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batted balls · 12-13-2006, 04:46 PM

May 2, 2008

Champaign, Ill.--Despite the loss of hitting star Darren Fletcher, Illinois continues to hold onto first place in the All-American Baseball League East.

"As I said a few days ago, we'll see what we're made of," said Fighting Illini manager Tom Dedin.

Thus far, Illinois has held its own without Fletcher, the top hitter in the East who was sidelined with an April 26 shoulder injury. The Illini are 3-3 since losing their starting catcher.

"This team is more than just one player," said Dedin. "We just need to continue playing sound baseball."

Illinois features the East's third-best pitching staff with a team ERA of 2.58. The Illini are hitting .273 as a club, second best in the division. Yet, that number is expected to dip with Fletcher out of the lineup.

"The guys will fine without me for awhile," said Fletcher. "That being said, I can't wait to get back in the lineup."

Early reports indicate that the Illini catcher will miss at least seven weeks.

In the meantime, the Illini have split time between three catchers. While Jake Stahl (.222-0-8) and Rube Novotney (.308-1-5) have seen most of the action, Mark Delesandro (.280-0-1) has also gotten playing time.

Diamond Notes: Mark Guthrie of LSU was the East Player of the Week. Guthrie won two games, including a four-hit shutout of Michigan, and posted a 1.59 ERA . . .Ivy, 7-3 in its last 10 games, moved into second place behind Illinois. The two-time defending division champion Eagles are just three games behind the Illini . . . Lou Gehrig, twice named East Golden Spikes Award winner, leads the division with seven home runs . . . Bobby Fenwick of Minnesota has driven in 23 runs, tops in the East . . . George Sisler of Michigan is the division leader with a .364 average . . . The pitching category leaders include Miami's John Fulgham (five wins and a 1.12 ERA), Don Pall (eight saves) and Paul Wilson (36 strikeouts) . . . Mississippi State continues to struggle. Despite winning their last two games, the Bulldogs have dropped seven of their last 10. Mississippi State is tied with Notre Dame in the East cellar.

Stat of the Week: LSU batters have already struck out an incredible 172 times this season. That's 6.14 Ks per game.

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

East Pitcher of the Month: Richie Lewis, Florida State

East Standings

Team W L PCT GB
Illinois 19 9 .679 --
Ivy 17 11 .607 2.0
Miami 16 12 .571 3.0
Florida State 15 13 .536 4.0
Louisiana State 14 14 .500 5.0
Michigan 14 14 .500 5.0
Michigan State 13 15 .464 6.0
Minnesota 12 16 .429 7.0
Mississippi State 10 18 .357 9.0
Notre Dame 10 18 .357 9.0

12-13-2006, 04:46 PM	#312 (permalink)
batted balls All Star Starter Join Date: May 2003 Location: White Sox Country Posts: 1,319 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0x in 0 posts	Despite Loss of Fletcher, Illini Retain First Place May 2, 2008 Champaign, Ill.--Despite the loss of hitting star Darren Fletcher, Illinois continues to hold onto first place in the All-American Baseball League East. "As I said a few days ago, we'll see what we're made of," said Fighting Illini manager Tom Dedin. Thus far, Illinois has held its own without Fletcher, the top hitter in the East who was sidelined with an April 26 shoulder injury. The Illini are 3-3 since losing their starting catcher. "This team is more than just one player," said Dedin. "We just need to continue playing sound baseball." Illinois features the East's third-best pitching staff with a team ERA of 2.58. The Illini are hitting .273 as a club, second best in the division. Yet, that number is expected to dip with Fletcher out of the lineup. "The guys will fine without me for awhile," said Fletcher. "That being said, I can't wait to get back in the lineup." Early reports indicate that the Illini catcher will miss at least seven weeks. In the meantime, the Illini have split time between three catchers. While Jake Stahl (.222-0-8) and Rube Novotney (.308-1-5) have seen most of the action, Mark Delesandro (.280-0-1) has also gotten playing time. Diamond Notes: Mark Guthrie of LSU was the East Player of the Week. Guthrie won two games, including a four-hit shutout of Michigan, and posted a 1.59 ERA . . .Ivy, 7-3 in its last 10 games, moved into second place behind Illinois. The two-time defending division champion Eagles are just three games behind the Illini . . . Lou Gehrig, twice named East Golden Spikes Award winner, leads the division with seven home runs . . . Bobby Fenwick of Minnesota has driven in 23 runs, tops in the East . . . George Sisler of Michigan is the division leader with a .364 average . . . The pitching category leaders include Miami's John Fulgham (five wins and a 1.12 ERA), Don Pall (eight saves) and Paul Wilson (36 strikeouts) . . . Mississippi State continues to struggle. Despite winning their last two games, the Bulldogs have dropped seven of their last 10. Mississippi State is tied with Notre Dame in the East cellar. Stat of the Week: LSU batters have already struck out an incredible 172 times this season. That's 6.14 Ks per game. East Player of the Month: Mike Piazza, Miami (shown below) East Pitcher of the Month: Richie Lewis, Florida State East Standings Team W L PCT GB Illinois 19 9 .679 -- Ivy 17 11 .607 2.0 Miami 16 12 .571 3.0 Florida State 15 13 .536 4.0 Louisiana State 14 14 .500 5.0 Michigan 14 14 .500 5.0 Michigan State 13 15 .464 6.0 Minnesota 12 16 .429 7.0 Mississippi State 10 18 .357 9.0 Notre Dame 10 18 .357 9.0 Attached Images __________________ White Sox fan since 1972 Last edited by batted balls; 12-14-2006 at 02:22 PM.