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batted balls · 12-13-2006, 09:52 PM

May 2, 2008

Fullerton, Cal.--Don't look now, but the Southern California Trojans are making their move.

After a lackluster first five weeks of the All-American Baseball League season, the defending champion Trojans have broken out of their funk. USC has won six of its last eight games, trimming first-place UCLA's lead to four games in the West.

"You knew it was a matter of time," said Cal State Fullerton manager Augie Garrido who watched his Titans lose three of four to the Trojans. "USC has too much talent to keep play .500 ball."

The Trojans recent surge was headlined by pitchers Randy Johnson (5-0, 1.52 ERA) and Tom Seaver (4-0, 2.01).

"These are two guys we've been waiting for to really take off," said USC manager Rod Dedeaux. "They finally have."

Two-time batting champion Fred Lynn has also finally hit his stride. Lynn, off to a miserable start since Opening Day, is 10-for-his last 22.

"I'm not where I want to be yet, but I'm getting there," said Lynn, who raised his average to .226.

Meanwhile, fellow outfielder Steve Kemp has been even hotter. Kemp is 10-for-his last 20, upping his average to .340.

"That's one dangerous team right now," said Garrido. "They just might go right on by (second-place Arizona State and first-place UCLA) and never look back."

Diamond Notes: Arizona State infielder Bump Wills won the West Player of the Week Award . . . Mark Grace of San Diego State continues to lead the division in hitting with a .384 average . . . UCLA first baseman Bob Hamelin is the West leader with 14 homers and 31 RBIs . . . Bruce Ruffin of Texas tops the West pitchers with a 1.15 ERA . . . Randy Johnson of USC, Bill Bonham of UCLA and Roger Clemens of Texas all have won five games, best among West starting pitchers . . . USC's Mark Prior is the strikeout leader with 50 Ks while Trevor Hoffman of Arizona has a division-topping nine saves. Hoffman has tied Florida State's Craig Skok on the all-time saves list with 82.

Stat of the Week: San Diego State starter Don Shaw lasted just 1.1 innings in a 9-1 loss to Cal. Shaw is now 0-19 in his three-year career.

West Player of the Month: Bob Hamelin, UCLA

West Pitcher of the Month: Randy Johnson, Southern California (shown below)

West Standings

Team W L PCT GB
UCLA 21 8 .724 --
Arizona State 18 11 .621 3.0
Southern California 17 12 .586 4.0
Oklahoma State 15 14 .517 6.0
Arizona 14 15 .483 7.0
Cal State Fullerton 14 15 .483 7.0
Texas 14 15 .483 7.0
Stanford 12 17 .414 9.0
California 11 18 .379 10.0
San Diego State 9 20 .310 12.0

12-13-2006, 09:52 PM	#313 (permalink)
batted balls All Star Starter Join Date: May 2003 Location: White Sox Country Posts: 1,319 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0x in 0 posts	Southern California Hits Stride, Climbs Back into West Race May 2, 2008 Fullerton, Cal.--Don't look now, but the Southern California Trojans are making their move. After a lackluster first five weeks of the All-American Baseball League season, the defending champion Trojans have broken out of their funk. USC has won six of its last eight games, trimming first-place UCLA's lead to four games in the West. "You knew it was a matter of time," said Cal State Fullerton manager Augie Garrido who watched his Titans lose three of four to the Trojans. "USC has too much talent to keep play .500 ball." The Trojans recent surge was headlined by pitchers Randy Johnson (5-0, 1.52 ERA) and Tom Seaver (4-0, 2.01). "These are two guys we've been waiting for to really take off," said USC manager Rod Dedeaux. "They finally have." Two-time batting champion Fred Lynn has also finally hit his stride. Lynn, off to a miserable start since Opening Day, is 10-for-his last 22. "I'm not where I want to be yet, but I'm getting there," said Lynn, who raised his average to .226. Meanwhile, fellow outfielder Steve Kemp has been even hotter. Kemp is 10-for-his last 20, upping his average to .340. "That's one dangerous team right now," said Garrido. "They just might go right on by (second-place Arizona State and first-place UCLA) and never look back." Diamond Notes: Arizona State infielder Bump Wills won the West Player of the Week Award . . . Mark Grace of San Diego State continues to lead the division in hitting with a .384 average . . . UCLA first baseman Bob Hamelin is the West leader with 14 homers and 31 RBIs . . . Bruce Ruffin of Texas tops the West pitchers with a 1.15 ERA . . . Randy Johnson of USC, Bill Bonham of UCLA and Roger Clemens of Texas all have won five games, best among West starting pitchers . . . USC's Mark Prior is the strikeout leader with 50 Ks while Trevor Hoffman of Arizona has a division-topping nine saves. Hoffman has tied Florida State's Craig Skok on the all-time saves list with 82. Stat of the Week: San Diego State starter Don Shaw lasted just 1.1 innings in a 9-1 loss to Cal. Shaw is now 0-19 in his three-year career. West Player of the Month: Bob Hamelin, UCLA West Pitcher of the Month: Randy Johnson, Southern California (shown below) West Standings Team W L PCT GB UCLA 21 8 .724 -- Arizona State 18 11 .621 3.0 Southern California 17 12 .586 4.0 Oklahoma State 15 14 .517 6.0 Arizona 14 15 .483 7.0 Cal State Fullerton 14 15 .483 7.0 Texas 14 15 .483 7.0 Stanford 12 17 .414 9.0 California 11 18 .379 10.0 San Diego State 9 20 .310 12.0 Attached Images __________________ White Sox fan since 1972 Last edited by batted balls; 12-14-2006 at 02:25 PM.