September 8, 2082 to September 14, 2082
Denver @ Nashville (4-5 Defeat)
Denver @ Nashville (10-8 Victory)
Denver @ Nashville (20-4 Victory)
Denver @ Grand Rapids (6-2 Victory)
Denver @ Grand Rapids (4-2 Victory)
Denver @ Grand Rapids (7-5 Victory)
Denver @ Grand Rapids (9-3 Victory)
Though the Broncos shook off the late season lethargy that had plagued them from the end of August and into September, by winning 2 of 3 at Nashville and sweeping a 4 game series at Grand Rapids, the week came with a difficult price to pay. Denver had been lucky thus far this season to have not had to deal with any injuries of note. Aside from fifth starter
George Buentello's injury earlier this season, the Broncos have been amazingly healthy. But that came to an end in the second game of the Grand Rapids series.
Ellis Bolling ripped a first inning double in that game, but came up clutching his wrist in pain. His wrist is broken, and he is not expected to be back until maybe the last game or two of the regular season. This is a tough blow for a couple of reasons. From the standpoint of the playoff race, the loss of Bolling will certainly not help Denver in its quest to hold off Tucson in the Central Division. And from the standpoint of personal achievements, it is especially tough. The double that Bolling hit was his 69th of the season, leaving him just one shy of the single season record of 70. Though he could still potentially break it if he returns for the final two games, he did lose the chance to absolutely shatter the record. With about three weeks left in the season, Bolling could have reached 80, perhaps. Additionally, Bolling also had a decent chance to break the single season RBI record for the AL of 178. That chance is almost surely lost now.
With the Broncos winning 6 games this week, it's no surprise that several players had strong performances. Bolling, before the injury, was 5 for 12, with 4 doubles, 1 homer, 4 RBI, and 5 runs scored.
Russell Thomas went 13 for 29, with 2 doubles, 6 RBI, 6 runs scored, and 5 stolen bases.
Joseph Swayze was 9 for 23, with a 1 double, 4 homeruns, and 14 RBI.
Tomas Sato was 11 for 25, with 3 doubles, 7 runs scored, and 4 stolen bases.
Patrick Chason was 5 for 11, with 2 doubles, 6 RBI, and a surprising 6 walks.
Michael Phillips, seeing increased action with Bolling injured, went 5 for 16, with a double, a homer, and 6 RBI.
I don't often mention relief pitchers, but
James Virgen earned himself a mention, notching 3 saves in 3 appearances, and going unscored upon in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out 5 batters. Two of the saves were with multiple innings pitched.
Milestone Watch:
Hits:
Code:
# Career Hits H
1 S. Serrato* 3871
2 F. Mira 3826
3 S. Piche 3770
4 P. Sanchez 3447
5 R. Vega* 3426
6 C. Romeo 3383
7 D. Homan 3360
8 F. Cobos 3343
9 F. Garza* 3332
10 T. Guerrero 3301
HR:
Code:
# Career HRs HR
1 D. Murillo 691
2 C. Bohanon 670
3 R. Vega* 655
4 J. Paras 645
5 H. Abad 641
6 W. Byrd 639
RBI:
Code:
# Career RBIs RBI
1 R. Vega* 2297
2 D. Homan 2255
3 F. Mira 2218
4 E. Quon 2214