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7/1/2081
The All-Star Game
The 2081 All Star Game was competitive affair in which the National League prevailed 8-6. Denver's Ellis Bolling got things started with a two run single in the 2nd inning, but the American League's lead didn't last long. The following inning, Pittsburgh's Aaron Quijada tied the game up with a two run homer.
The National League would take the lead, and eventually led 6-4 going into the 8th inning. Denver's Lee Chappel smacked a two run homer to tie the game up, but in the ninth, Quijada came through again for the NL, hitting his second home run of the game, a solo shot to give the National League a 7-6 lead. They would add another run to secure the victory.
This is how Denver's representatives fared:
Russell Thomas was 0 for 5.
Lee Chappel was 2 for 4, with a HR, 2 RBI, and 1 R.
Asbel Fuentez was 0 for 1 in a pinch hit appearance.
Ellis Bolling was 1 for 4, with 2 RBI
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Thus concludes the first half of the season. Denver came into the break on a fairly strong note. They got themselves over .500, and are well within striking distance of either first or second place. They will open the second half of the season with 9 games against Charlotte and Atlanta, two of the AL bottom feeders. It will be important to win a strong majority of those 9 games- I would like at least 7 wins- because the rest of the month will be much more difficult. After the first 9 games, they will face pretty much every team in the league with a winning record, except for Tucson, I believe. Beating up on the dregs will give them a bit of cushion if they slump against some of the stronger opponents.
Of course, as July progresses, the looming trading deadline may become a factor. I can't say that there aren't areas of the team that need improvement. The bullpen remains unreliable, and another steady starting pitcher would be very valuable. Problem is, there aren't many such players that are available. I have a few in mind, but they won't be easy to acquire, and right now Denver doesn't really have a lot of trading pieces. I'd also prefer to wait and see where Denver is at the end of the month. If they can move into one of the top two spots in the division, I may feel comfortable standing pat. If not....
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