[jamus23]

4/27/2081 to 4/29/2081

The Grand Rapids Tigers (12-10)



AT

The Denver Broncos (9-13)




Expected Pitching Matchups:

RH Aaron Williams (1-4, 3.67 ERA) VS. RH Kenny Pillsbury (1-3, 5.66 ERA)
RH Dennis Kenzo (3-1, 5.11 ERA) VS. RH Arden Hawthorn (0-2, 8.20 ERA)
LH Norman Dale (2-1, 9.45 ERA) VS. LH Robert McNett (1-1, 5.79 ERA)



Chappel Comes Through In Denver Victory
4/28/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer


Catcher Lee Chappel delivered a game winning, 2 run homer with one out in the bottom of the ninth yesterday to give the Broncos an 8-7 win over the Tigers. The Broncos jumped on Grand Rapids early, leading 5-1 after just two innings, but Kenny Pillsbury couldn't hold onto the lead. Pillsbury gave up a run in the third, three runs in the 4th, and runs in the 6th and 7th innings to turn a 5-1 lead into a 7-5 deficit. The Broncos picked up a run in the 8th, and then Chappel, who had a total of 3 hits, 4 RBI, a double and a homer in the game, hit the game winning blast in the ninth.

Manager John Wilkerson was uncharacteristically critical of Pillsbury's performance. "We feel Kenny is our ace. He has the ability to be that guy for us. But right now, he just isn't doing that. He is not getting the job done. When you get handed a 4 run lead, there are no excuses for blowing it. None. But this has been a year long pattern for Pillsbury and it needs to stop," Wilkerson said after the game.


Hawthorn Hammered Again
4/29/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

Arden Hawthorn continues to struggle, getting blasted for 5 runs in the first inning of yesterday's game and 9 runs in 5 1/3 innings, as the Broncos were pounded by the Tigers 10-2. Hawthorn also coughed up 14 hits and 3 HR in the game. Providing little help was the Denver lineup, which whiffed 10 times. Hawthorn seemed mentally tired in addition to being physically tired after the game. "I've been feeling good, but everything I'm throwing right now is just getting pounded. You hate to think that you might be at the point in your career when you just don't have anything left. Am I at that point? I just don't know. I hope I'm not, but I feel like when you start wondering about it.... it probably means that you are...."



Broncos Blow Huge Lead
4/30/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

In a season filled with blown leads, this may have been the worst. Starter Robert McNett gave up a 2 run homer in the first inning, but was quickly and emphatically bailed out by the Denver hitters(perhaps embarrassed by the previous game's showing), who built an 8-2 lead after two innings, and led 10-2 after the 5th inning. Grand Rapids starting pitcher Norman Dale was chased in the first inning, giving up 4 hits, 2 walks, and 6 runs, while retiring only two batters.

In the 7th inning, McNett began the implosion, giving up 2 homers and a total of 4 runs. Relievers James Virgen and Ramon Gomez continued the collapse, as they combined to give up a run in the 8th and 4 runs in the ninth inning to give the Tigers an 11-10 victory. Succumbing to the frustration of the game was manager John Wilkerson, who was ejected in the ninth inning arguing a strikeout call. After the game, Wilkerson criticized the pitching staff. "Absolutely inexcusable! An 8 run lead! How the [bleep] do you blow a [bleeping] 8 run lead?! One of these [bleeping] pitchers needs to stand up and pitch like [bleeping] man! You get a [bleeping] lead, you finish the [bleeping] game off! I'm sick of this [bleep]! If it doesn't stop soon, there will be changes made."

Among the Denver hitters who came through in the ultimately futile cause, were Mark Bakke, with 3 hits, 2 RBI, and a homer; Ellis Bolling, with 2 hits and a homer; and Lee Chappel, who had 3 hits and 2 RBI.

[jamus23]

4/30/2081 to 5/2/2081

The Denver Broncos (10-15)



AT

The Kansas City Royals (12-13)




Expected Pitching Matchups:

RH Christopher Kirk (2-3, 6.05 ERA) VS. RH Eduardo Ruiz (0-0, 0.00)
RH Tony Rivera (1-1, 5.19 ERA) VS. LH Ross Otis (4-2, 3.27 ERA)
RH Kenny Pillsbury (1-3, 6.00 ERA) VS. RH Steffen Snow (2-2, 2.87 ERA)




Extra Inning Victory Eases Another Blown Lead
5/1/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

The Broncos blew yet another lead in the late innings, but managed to pull out an 8-5 victory in 10 innings against the Royals yesterday.

Asbel Fuentez opened the game by hitting an inside-the-park homer, but starter Christopher Kirk was unable to hold the early lead, giving up 2 runs in the bottom of the first. Through three innings, the Royals led 3-1. The Broncos tied it up in the 4th inning, but again, Kirk couldn't hold the lead, and the Royals led 4-3 after 4 innings. The Broncos tied it up once more in the 6th inning, and then took a 5-4 lead in the eighth inning. In the ninth inning, reliever Leo Salguero blew the lead, allowing the Royals to tie it up. He was saved from losing the game by RF Zankuro Maresuke, who, in addition to collecting 2 hits and 4 RBI, threw out the winning run at the plate.

Then, in the 10th inning, the Broncos got help from the most unlikely of sources. Light-hitting shortstop Javier Cordero hit a 3 run homer with 2 outs to give the Broncos an 8-5 lead. This lead, they managed to hold onto.





Royal Rout
5/2/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

The Royals cruised to a 10-1 thumping of the Broncos yesterday, scoring at least 1 run in every inning except the second. Denver starter Tony Rivera lasted only 5 innings, giving up 6 runs. Reliever Fred Lemire wasn't much better, giving up 4 runs and 2 HR in just 3 innings.






Denver Offense Lost in a White-Out
5/3/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

Kansas City starter Steffen Snow kept the Broncos lineup in check, allowing just 2 runs 7 1/3 innings yesterday, and the Royals beat the Broncos 4-3. A 1-1 game through 5 innings, Kenny Pillsbury tired, giving up 2 runs in the 6th, and another run in the 7th. Eric Fudge tripled, homered, and drove in two runs in the losing effort.

[jamus23]

5/3/2081 to 5/5/2081

The Denver Broncos (11-17)




AT

The Washington Senators (16-12)





Expected Pitching Matchups:

RH Arden Hawthorn (0-3, 9.38 ERA) VS. RH Juan Fuentes (3-3, 3.45 ERA)
LH Robert McNett (1-1, 6.13 ERA) VS. RH Robert Penney (2-3, 6.94 ERA)
RH Christopher Kirk (2-3, 5.72 ERA) VS. RH Andrew Barnes (5-1, 5.10 ERA)





End of the Line for Hawthorn?
5/4/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

After yet another awful start, Denver pitcher Arden Hawthorn may lose his spot in the starting rotation. Hawthorn was handed a 3-0 lead after the top of the first inning, and proceeded to fall apart, giving up 4 runs in the bottom of the first, 2 more in the second inning, and finally, a seventh run in the 4th inning, as the Broncos fell to the Senators 7-3. Hawthorn lasted only 5 1/3 innings, surrendering 10 hits in addition to the 7 runs. When asked about whether Hawthorn losing his rotation spot was a possibility, manager John Wilkerson said that he was prepared to consider every option, as long as it resulted in more wins. Hawthorn said that as far as he knew, he was still considered a member of the rotation.





Solid Start From McNett Wasted In Near No-No
5/5/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

The Senators shut down the Broncos 3-1 yesterday, as starter Robert Penney pitched no-hit ball into the 7th inning. Denver starting pitcher Robert McNett gave up two runs in the first inning, but settled down after that. He finished with 8 innings pitched, 3 runs allowed, and 6 strikeouts in the Broncos' 4th straight loss.






Fuentez and Sato Provide the Offense;, Kirk and Gomez Do the Rest in Denver Victory
5/6/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer


Asbel Fuentez delivered 5 hits, including a double and a triple, and Tomas Sato ripped a 3 run double to give the Broncos 5-3 win over the Senators yesterday. Starting pitcher Christopher Kirk couldn't hold a 1-0 lead in the first, giving up 2 runs. But after allowing a third run in the fourth inning, Kirk settled down and finished with a line of: 7 IP, 3 R, and 5 K. Meanwhile, Sato's 3 run double in the 5th inning was a main factor in a 4 run rally to give the Broncos a 5-3 lead. Reliever Ramon Gomez pitched 2 scoreless innings for the save.

[jamus23]

Since it is a little over a month into the season, I thought some stats might be in order. First, the standings:

National League Standings 
 
West Division 
 
Team         W  L  PCT  GB   
San Jose    20 11 .645   -     
San Diego   18 13 .581   2   
Portland    17 14 .548   3   
Sacramento  17 14 .548   3   
Los Angeles 16 15 .516   4   
Phoenix      8 23 .258  12 
 
Northeast Division 
 
Team         W  L  PCT  GB    
Rochester   21 10 .677   -      
Pittsburgh  20 11 .645   1    
Harrisburg  16 15 .516   5    
New Jersey  14 17 .452   7    
Buffalo     10 21 .323  11   
Hartford     9 22 .290  12   
 
American League Standings 
 
Southeast Division 
 
Team           W  L  PCT  GB    
Miami         25  6 .806   -      
Washington    18 13 .581   7    
Knoxville     16 15 .516   9    
Charlotte     15 16 .484  10   
Nashville     12 19 .387  13   
Atlanta       11 20 .355  14   
 
Central Division 
 
Team           W  L  PCT  GB   
Tucson        19 12 .613   -     
Grand Rapids  16 15 .516   3   
Kansas City   16 15 .516   3   
Memphis       16 15 .516   3   
Denver        12 19 .387   7   
Green Bay     10 21 .323   9

[jamus23]

Denver's Batting Stats:

 
 
Name          G  AB  H  2B  3B  HR  RBI  R  BB  K  AVG  OBP  SLG 
A. Fuentez   30 126 47   9   3   2   10 24   6  5 .373 .396 .540 
E. Fudge     20  54 17   3   2   4   12 13  12  8 .315 .439 .667 
L. Chappel   28 121 38  14   4   4   25 17  10  9 .314 .371 .595 
T. Sato      30 119 35   9   0   4   19 16   7  4 .294 .333 .471 
J. Swayze    29 119 34   7   0   5   22 16   5 18 .286 .312 .471 
P. Chason    12  21  6   1   0   0    1  2   3  3 .286 .375 .333 
R. Thomas    30 125 34   5   1   1   12 20  14 15 .272 .343 .352 
J. Mcquillen  6  12  3   1   0   0    2  4   4  1 .250 .438 .333 
M. Bakke     22  80 19   4   0   4   13  9   0  3 .237 .244 .438 
E. Bolling   30 120 28  11   2   4   22 22  14 24 .233 .313 .458 
A. Vasquez   31 115 26   3   0   0    9 11  10 19 .226 .289 .252 
J. Cordero   23  66 12   4   0   1    6  6   3 18 .182 .239 .288 
Z. Maresuke  13  26  3   2   0   0    5  2   3  6 .115 .207 .192 
M. Stennis    4  10  0   0   0   0    0  0   1  3 .000 .091 .000

[jamus23]

And, Denver's Pitching Stats:

 
Name          G  GS  W  L  SV   ERA    IP  HA   R ER  BB   K 
C. Kirk       7   7  3  3   0  5.47  52.2  61  35 32  13  23 
J. Virgen     9   0  3  0   0  5.50  18.0  22  13 11   5  11 
R. Mcnett     7   7  1  2   0  5.66  47.2  56  33 30  10  33 
R. Torre      4   0  1  1   0  3.38   8.0   5   3  3   7   5 
F. Lemire     6   0  1  1   0  9.53  11.1  16  15 12   5  12 
T. Rivera     6   3  1  2   0  6.45  22.1  28  17 16   6  10 
L. Salguero   7   0  1  0   0  5.40  10.0  13   6  6   4  14 
K. Pillsbury  7   7  1  4   0  5.66  49.1  62  34 31  12  33 
F. Blanco     2   0  0  0   0  3.00   6.0   5   2  2   2   2 
R. Gomez     12   0  0  2   3  5.54  13.0  17   9  8   2  15 
A. Hawthorn   7   7  0  4   0  9.73  37.0  74  42 40  13  14

[jaykno14]

You're going to need to find some hurlers to make it interesting here the rest of the season.

[jamus23]

Originally Posted by jaykno14

You're going to need to find some hurlers to make it interesting here the rest of the season.

You got that right. Pillsbury, Kirk, and McNett should be okay, I think (It is a pretty high offense league), but I'm pretty worried about Hawthorn. I think this may be the end of the line for him. He's gotten bombed in nearly every outing so far. Rivera will probably take his spot as the 4th starter, which will mean fewer starts for Hawthorn, but Rivera really isn't much better. Unfortunately, there aren't really any great options in the minors right now. Perhaps a trade is in the works....

The bullpen hasn't been great either. I think practically every game has taken one of two forms: Either the starters get bombed, or the bullpen coughs up a late lead. Of course, part of the problem is that the bullpen has gotten overworked due to the poor starting.


Still, the lineup is good enough keep the team in most games, and it looks like Bolling is waking up a bit. That will be a big help, I hope.

[jamus23]

5/7/2081 to 5/10/2081

The Nashville Predators (12-19)



AT

The Denver Broncos (12-19)




Expected Pitching Matchups:

RH Mose Urick (4-0, 1.01 ERA) VS. RH Kenny Pillsbury (1-4, 5.66 ERA)
RH Ray Lockridge (1-3, 3.80 ERA) VS. RH Tony Rivera (1-2, 6.45 ERA)
RH Steven Withrow (1-2, 4.17 ERA) VS. LH Robert McNett (1-2, 5.66 ERA)
RH Douglas Malone (1-2, 6.10 ERA) VS. RH Christopher Kirk (3-3, 5.47 ERA)





Pillsbury Runs Out of Gas, Broncos Lose
5/8/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

Kenny Pillsbury took a shutout into the ninth inning yesterday, but couldn't hold onto it in Denver's 5-3 loss to the Predators. With the Broncos leading 3-0, Pillsbury tired, gave up two runs, and left the game with two runners on base. Reliever Ramon Gomez was unable to pitch out of the jam, as he came in and immediately surrendered a 3 run homer to give Nashville the lead.

Tomas Sato and Ellis Bolling had strong games in the losing effort. Sato collected 3 hits, while Bolling tripled, homered, and scored two runs.






Stunning Comeback for Naught, Broncos Lose Again
5/9/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

The Broncos erased an 11 run deficit in the final three innings yesterday, but lost to Nashville 15-13 in 11 innings.

Through the top of the 5th inning, the Broncos trailed 8-0, and by the top of 7th, the score was 13-2. In the bottom of the inning, Denver began their rally, scoring 5 runs. The Broncos added a run in the 8th inning to make the score 13-8 heading into the ninth. Denver scratched out 3 runs, and then, with 2 outs and a runner aboard, veteran DH Mark Bakke stepped to the plate. Bakke, who has been showing signs of his age this season, promptly blasted one into the bleachers to tie the game. The tie score lasted only until the 11th inning, when the Predators retook the lead for good.

Tomas Sato delivered 3 hits, and drove in 4 runs, while Alexis Vazquez woke up from his slump, collecting 3 hits, including his first homer of the year, and scored 4 runs.






Homerun Barrage Carries Denver To Victory
5/10/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

The Broncos blasted six homers in yesterday's 8-4 victory over the Predators. With the Broncos trailing 3-1 after the top of third, Patrick Chason led off the bottom of the inning with a home run. Several batters later, Ellis Bolling and Tomas Sato homered back to back to give the Broncos a 4-3 lead. The Predators tied the game at 4 in the top of 5th, but Chason hit another homerun to lead off the bottom of the fifth, and Asbel Fuentez followed with one of his own. Joseph Swayze provided Denver's 6th homer in the 8th inning to give the Broncos an 8-4 lead.

Robert McNett provided 7 solid innings of work in the victory, striking out 7 batters.





Broncos Blowout
5/11/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

Denver earned a series split with Nashville yesterday, pummeling the Predators 13-0. Ellis Bolling got the fun started with a 2 run homer in the first inning, and the Broncos broke the game wide open with an 8 run fourth inning, capped by a 2 out grand slam from Alexis Vazquez. Vazquez and Mark Bakke each had three hits, while Asbel Fuentez, Russell Thomas, Tomas Sato, and Patrick Chason picked up two hits apiece.

Christopher Kirk threw 5 1/3 scoreless innings before giving way after a lengthy rain delay

[jamus23]

5/11/2081 to 5/13/2081


The Green Bay Packers (11-24)




AT

The Denver Broncos (14-21)






Expected Pitching Matchups:

LH Brandon Haugen (1-4, 5.61 ERA) VS. RH Arden Hawthorn (0-4, 10.38 ERA)
LH Keven Landon (1-2, 5.17 ERA) VS. RH Kenny Pillsbury (1-5, 5.43 ERA)
RH Lester Faulk (1-4, 8.29 ERA) VS. RH Tony Rivera (1-2, 7.90 ERA)





Bronco Bludgeoning; Bolling Named Player of the Week
5/12/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

The Denvers bats continued to be swung well, as the Broncos banged out 20 hits in a 13-7 victory over the Packers yesterday. Ellis Bolling's 2 run double in the first inning contributed to an early 6-0 lead, and after two innings, the score was 8-0. Bolling pushed it to 9-0 with a third inning home run. By the time game was over, Bolling had finished with 4 hits (including 2 doubles and 1 homer), 3 RBI, and 4 runs scored. Outfielder Michael Stennis added 3 doubles and 3 RBI of his own.

On the pitching side of things, the embattled Arden Hawthorn tossed 7 scoreless innings before giving way to the bullpen, which surrendered all 7 of the Packers' runs.

Following yesterday's games, Ellis Bolling was named the American League Player of the Week. Bolling went 10 for 22 in the past week, with 4 doubles, 1 triple, and 4 home runs. He had 10 runs batted in, as well. "I just feel great right now. Every at bat... the ball looks enormous. I'm seeing it really well," Bolling said.






Pillsbury Goes Poof...
5/13/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer


Given an early lead, Denver starter Kenny Pillsbury collapsed, giving up 7 runs in 8 innings pitched, in the Broncos' 8-5 loss to the Packers yesterday. In the first inning, Ellis Bolling homered in his fourth straight game to give the Broncos a quick 1-0 lead. But Pillsbury gave up a run in the second inning, 4 runs in the third inning, and another 2 runs in the fourth inning.

Mark Bakke and Lee Chappel did their best to keep the Broncos in the game. Bakke hit a 2 run double in the 4th inning, and Chappel led off the 6th inning with a homer. It wasn't enough, however.






No Rain Could Put Out This Barnburner
5/14/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

Nearly constant rain did little to prevent either the Broncos or the Packers from plating runs repeatedly yesterday in Denver's 14-10 victory. Tomas Sato's three run triple in the first got things started, and the Broncos led 4-0 after one inning. After two innings, the score was 5-2. It was 8-3 after the third inning, and 11-4 after the 4th inning. After five innings, the Broncos led 13-4. In the 6th inning, both teams put the finishing touches on the score to give Denver the 14-10 lead. Sato finished with 2 hits and 4 RBI, while Patrick Chason hit a bases loaded double in the 3rd inning and a 2 run double in the 4th, giving him 5 RBI in the game.

Tony Rivera got knocked around, giving up 10 runs in 6 innings, but reliever James Virgen locked down the remainder of the game, throwing 3 scoreless innings to pick up the save.

[jamus23]

5/14/2081 to 5/17/2081


The Charlotte Panthers (19-19)




AT


The Denver Broncos (16-22)






Expected Pitching Matchups:

RH Kenneth Olivera (2-3, 5.17 ERA) VS. LH Robert McNett (2-2, 5.60 ERA)
RH Roberto Rodrigues (0-1, 11.81) VS. RH Christopher Kirk (4-3, 4.97 ERA)
LH Burl Nease (6-3, 4.20 ERA) VS. RH Arden Hawthorn (1-4, 8.80 ERA)
LH Jacob Barros (4-2, 4.71 ERA) VS. RH Kenny Pillsbury (1-6, 5.73 ERA)




Bats Quieted In Defeat
5/15/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

After Ellis Bolling's RBI triple in third inning, the Denver bats went cold, while the Panthers' bats heated up in the late innings producing a 6-1 victory for Charlotte. The Broncos led 1-0 until the 6th inning, when starter Robert McNett lost it, giving up 2 runs in the sixth and another run in the 7th inning. The Panthers added another run in the 8th, and two more in the ninth, against the Denver bullpen.



Denver Dealing
5/15/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

Denver GM John Mounts used up a couple of telephones today in making several trades. When the dust had settled, the Broncos had acquired AAA SS Booker Romero from Portland, fourth outfielder Armando Navarro from Knoxville, a couple of minor league infielders, and a pitching prospect. Leaving Denver are relief pitcher Florian Blanco, posting a 2.16 ERA so far this season, outfielder Zankuro Maresuke, hitting just .114 this year, and a couple of prospects.

Heading from Knoxville to Portland, via Denver, was centerfielder Carlos Ruano, batting .310 this season. Mounts said that the teams were amenable to the deal because Knoxville was looking to open up a spot in their lineup for the 24 year old Eduardo Braza, a highly touted prospect, and happened to need relief pitching help, while Portland was desperate for a CF, as their current starter, Michael Eller, is hitting .145.

Mounts had been rumored to be coveting the slick fielding Romero for the past month as a potential upgrade to current SS Javier Cordero, hitting .164 this season. Romero has hit .306 this year at AAA, and is expected to provide a better bat than Cordero, while providing a nearly equal glove. Cordero has been demoted, and Romero has been installed as the starting SS. Romero was excited about joining a new team. "Obviously, I wasn't getting the opportunity that I would have liked in Portland. They are a great organization, but I just want a chance to play. I'm going to get that here in Denver, and I hope I can make the most of it," he said.

The outfielder Navarro is a versatile fielder with a strong arm, and is an excellent baserunner. He will replace Maresuke as a reserve outfielder, though his bat isn't expected to be significantly better. Replacing Blanco will be Larry Waltz. Waltz had a 4.04 ERA as a starter at AAA this year, but will likely pitch in relief for the time being, though manager John Wilkerson acknowledged that Waltz moving into the rotation and veteran Arden Hawthorn moving to the bullpen wasn't out of the realm of possibility: "Really, it all comes down to Arden's performance. We've given him a long leash so far, but if he can't get things figured out, changes have to be made. Larry is guy who has shown flashes of his ability at times, and I'm looking forward to having him on the pitching staff, no matter what role he ultimately ends up at."




Triple Threat Thomas
5/16/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer


Russell Thomas set an American League single game record by hitting three triples in yesterday's 8-4 victory over the Panthers. With one out in the first inning, Thomas hit his first triple, and was knocked in by Lee Chappel. In the third inning, Thomas led off with a triple, and one out later, Ellis Bolling hit a triple of his own, scoring Thomas. Later in the third, Alexis Vazquez hit a 2 out, 2 run homer to add to the Broncos' lead. Finally, Thomas hit a 2 out triple in the 4th inning, and was followed by a Chappel home run. After 4 innings of play, the Broncos led 7-0.

Christopher Kirk, who finished with 8 IP and 6 K's, ran into a little trouble in the 6th, giving up 3 runs. Aside from that, however, Kirk mowed down the Charlotte hitters.

Adding to the lead in the 8th inning was newcomer Booker Romero, who hit his first major league home run. Romero had this to say: "Man, it's a great feeling! To come to a new team and be able to contribute right away. You want to make a good first impression, and I feel like I've done that."




Hawthorn Bailed Out
5/17/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

Arden Hawthorn put the Broncos in an early 4-0 hole, but the Denver hitters bailed him out in a 10-5 thumping of the Panthers yesterday. Maurice Lalli jacked a 2 run homer off of Hawthorn in the third inning, and added a two run single in the 4th, to give Charlotte a 4-0 lead. In the bottom of the 4th, however, the Broncos struck for 3 runs, and then broke things open with a 6 run 5th inning. Mark Bakke hit a 2 run homer in the 5th, while Lee Chappel hit a run-scoring triple. Another run was added in the sixth inning to cap the scoring.

Bakke finished with 3 hits, while Chappel had 2 hits, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored. Tomas Sato added 3 hits and 2 RBI. Aside from his trouble with Lalli, Hawthorn pitched solidly, throwing 6 innings and striking out 7.




Bakke Blasts And A Fudge Triple Provide Victory
5/18/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer


Mark Bakke hit a pair of home runs to give Denver an early lead, and Eric Fudge bailed out starter Kenny Pillsbury with an RBI triple in the Broncos 5-4 victory over Charlotte yesterday.

Bakke hit a 2 run homer in the first inning and a solo shot in the third to give the Broncos a 3-0 lead. The Panthers rallied with 2 runs in the 5th inning and a run in the 6th. But Fudge hit an RBI triple in the bottom of the 6th, and Alexis Vazquez added a sacrifice fly.

Pillsbury finished with 7 IP, 3 R, and 5 K's, picking up just his second win of the season.

[jamus23]

5/18/2081 to 5/21/2081


The Denver Broncos (19-23)




AT


The Knoxville 79ers (25-17)





Expected Pitching Matchups:

RH Tony Rivera (2-2, 8.91 ERA) VS. RH Pablo Esparza (1-3, 7.08 ERA)
LH Robert McNett (2-3, 5.40 ERA) VS. RH George Dunn (2-0, 1.65 ERA)
RH Christopher Kirk (5-3, 4.77 ERA) VS. RH Raul Vilardebo (6-2, 2.71 ERA)
RH Arden Hawthorn (2-4, 8.48 ERA) VS. LH Iemaru Noriyuki (3-3, 7.30 ERA)





The S Connection!
5/19/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

Joseph Swayze and Michael Stennis each jacked two run homers in the second inning to lead the Broncos to a 9-1 victory over the 79ers yesterday.

After Swayze and Stennis grabbed the early lead, the Broncos broke the game open with a 5 run sixth inning, keyed by a 2 run double by Mark Bakke. Also leading the attack was Asbel Fuentez, who raised his AL leading batting average to .393 with a 4 hit performance.

On the pitching side of things, Tony Rivera was superb, throwing 7 innings, striking out 5, and allowing just the 1 run.







Shutout For McNett
5/20/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer


Robert McNett threw a complete game, four hit shutout over Knoxville yesterday, as the Broncos won 3-0. Matched up against one of Knoxville's best starters, George Dunn, McNett came through with little difficulty.

Providing the offense was Mark Bakke with an RBI triple in the 3rd inning, Asbel Fuentez with a run scoring single, and Joseph Swayze with a solo homer in the ninth inning.







Six In A Row!
5/21/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

Christopher Kirk took a shutout into the 8th inning as the Broncos won their 6th consecutive game, and moved to a game below .500, 11-4 over the 79ers. Kirk finished with 7 2/3 IP, 2 runs allowed, and 8 strikeouts.

The Broncos jumped all over Knoxville's Raul Vilardebo, who came into the game with 6 wins and a sub-3.00 ERA, scoring 4 runs in the first inning. Ellis Bolling drove in two of the runs with a triple and Tomas Sato drove in one with a double.

The Broncos added two runs in the 3rd inning, and then Alexis Vazquez capped a 5 run fourth inning by hitting a 3 run homer.

Bolling, Sato, Vazquez, and Lee Chappel all finished with a 2 hits. Bolling and Chappel each scored three runs in the game.





.500 Will Have To Wait
5/22/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

The Broncos failed in their attempt to reach .500, and had their 6 game winning streak snapped yesterday in a 3-2 loss to the 79ers.

Despite entering the game with an ERA over 7.00, Knoxville's Iemaru Noriyuki was practically untouchable, limiting the Broncos to just 5 hits. Still, Arden Hawthorn was nearly as masterful, and the Broncos trailed just 1-0 heading into the 7th inning.

In the 7th, the Broncos managed to take the lead at 2-1, but Hawthorn was unable to hold the lead due to an error by new SS Booker Romero, and Knoxville tied the game at 2 apiece.

Then in 8th inning, left-handed reliever Ramon Gomez served up a homer to the left-handed hitting Allen Costner to give Knoxville the lead for good.

[jamus23]

5/22/2081 to 5/24/2081

The Denver Broncos (22-24)




AT


The Green Bay Packers (16-30)






Pitching Matchups:

RH Kenny Pillsbury (2-6, 5.30 ERA) VS. LH Keven Landon (2-3, 5.64 ERA)
RH Tony Rivera (3-2, 7.59 ERA) VS. RH Lester Faulk (1-5, 9.46 ERA)
LH Robert McNett (3-3, 4.71 ERA) VS. RH Daniel Jackson (2-2, 6.66 ERA)






Pillsbury's Poise Leads To Victory... Oh Yeah, The Eight Runs Helped, Too
5/23/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

After allowing a first inning run, Kenny Pillsbury shut down Green Bay the rest of the way, finishing with 8 innings pitched and 6 strikeouts in the Broncos 8-1 victory yesterday.

The Broncos quickly tied the game in the second inning, and Ellis Bolling hit a two run homer in the third, to give them a 3-1 lead. In the 7th inning, a 2 run double from Eric Fudge and a solo homer from Michael Stennis contributed to a 4 run inning. Alexis Vazquez capped the scoring with a solo homer in the 9th inning. Vazquez finished with 3 hits, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored.






Gomez And .500 Just Don't Mix
5/24/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

Once more, Denver reliever Ramon Gomez blew Denver's chance to get back to .500, as the Broncos lost to the Packers 2-1 yesterday. After Tony Rivera and Lester Faulk unexpectedly found themselves locked in a pitcher's duel- it was 1-1 until the 9th inning- Gomez allowed a run scoring single to Estanis Jimenez to lose the game in the ninth. Gomez dropped to 0-4 on the year. Green Bay scored its first run on an Arthur Stice sacrifice fly in the 4th inning. Patrick Chason tied the game in the 5th with an RBI double.

Rivera finished with 7 IP, 1 R, and 5 K's, while Green Bay's Faulk threw a complete game.






Quick Start Leads To Victory
5/25/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

The Broncos jumped on the Packers early and cruised to a 6-2 victory yesterday, once more moving to a game under .500. Lee Chappel and Ellis Bolling each hit RBI doubles in the first inning, and the Broncos added 2 more runs in the second, one run in the 4th, and one run in the 6th inning. Chappel finished with 3 RBI in the game, while Russell Thomas collected 3 hits, and Alexis Vazquez delivered 2 hits, 2 walks, and 3 runs scored.

Robert McNett pitched 6 innings, allowing 2 runs, and striking out 4. James Virgen finished up the game, throwing 3 scoreless innings of relief.

[jamus23]

5/26/2081 to 5/28/2081

The Denver Broncos (24-25)





AT

The Miami Dolphins (35-14)






Pitching Matchups:

RH Christopher Kirk (6-3, 4.52 ERA) VS. RH Kevin Phipps (3-2, 4.95 ERA)
RH Kenny Pillsbury (3-6, 4.89 ERA) VS. RH Christian Hokusai (7-0, 1.77 ERA)
RH Tony Rivera (3-2, 6.46 ERA) VS. LH Jim Miller (6-3, 3.65 ERA)







Kirk Hammered, Broncos Lose
5/27/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

For the third time in the last five games, the Broncos entered with a chance to reach .500. For the third time, they failed to do so. This time, the culprit was Christopher Kirk, who got battered by the Miami lineup for 17 hits and 7 runs in 7 1/3 innings, and the Broncos fell 7-6 to the Dolphins.

Miami jumped on Kirk early, scoring 3 runs in the first inning. The Broncos battled back, scoring one run in the third inning, and briefly took the lead, with a 3 run 5th inning. A Tomas Sato home run in the top of the 6th pushed the Broncos' lead to 5-3. But in the bottom of the 6th, the Dolphins rallied and scored 4 runs to retake the lead. Asbel Fuentez, who finished with 2 hits and 3 RBI, hit a solo homer in the 9th to make things interesting, but it was not enough.

Russell Thomas, Patrick Chason, and Booker Romero all had 2 hits apiece in the losing effort.






Unproductive Heart
5/28/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer


When the middle of the order goes silent, not much will get accomplished. The Broncos learned that the hard way, as Lee Chappel and Ellis Bolling went a combined 0 for 8, with 4 strikeouts, in the Broncos 6-1 loss to the Dolphins yesterday.

Russell Thomas hit a solo homer in the first inning, but the Broncos never scored again on Miami's Christian Hokusai. The Dolphins wasted no time in taking away the lead, scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the first. Thomas Fuentes, Jr. homered in the third to make it 3-1, and a Roy Springs homer contributed to a 3 run 8th inning, effectively putting the game out of reach.






Professor Miller Still Doling Out Lessons; Miami Completes Sweep
5/29/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

Tony Rivera had his second straight excellent start, pitching 5 2/3 innings of no-hit ball, and finished with an 8 inning, 2 hit, 1 R performance. Unfortunately, he was matched and surpassed by the 39 year old Jim Miller. Miller threw a complete game, 2 hit shutout, and the Dolphins defeated the Broncos 1-0.

With two outs in the 6th inning, and Rivera pitching a no-hitter, Miami SS Berny Morales stepped to the plate and broke up the no-no with a base hit. The next batter, Albert Chichester, broke up the shutout with a run scoring double.

This was the second time this season that Miller shut down the Denver hitters. Back on April 14th, Miller surrendered just 2 runs in 8 innings against the Broncos.

Manager John Wilkerson stated matter of factly after the game: "We aren't going to go very far if we can't at least occasionally beat the best pitchers in the league. We have to do much better than what we've shown in the last two games."

[jamus23]

5/30/2081 to 6/1/2081

The Atlanta Braves (18-34)




AT


The Denver Broncos (24-28)





Pitching Matchups:

RH Thomas Sanchez (3-5, 6.37 ERA) VS. LH Robert McNett (4-3, 4.58 ERA)
RH Tony Testa (1-4, 5.10 ERA) VS. RH Christopher Kirk (6-4, 4.89 ERA)
RH Jack Patrick (0-7, 6.44 ERa) VS. RH Kenny Pillsbury (3-7, 5.08 ERA)






Bats Wake Up, Broncos Stop Bleeding
5/31/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

The Denver lineup woke up after mustering just 1 run in the last two games, and knocked off Atlanta 9-5, snapping a three game losing streak.

Alexis Vazquez got things started, with a solo homer in the second inning, and the Broncos added four more runs in the third. Atlanta got into the game with a 3 run fourth inning, but Denver pushed their lead to 6-3 in the bottom of the 4th. The Braves picked up runs in the 5th and 6th innings, to inch within a run. Lee Chappel led off the 8th inning with a homer, however, and the Broncos added a second run in that inning to take an 8-5 lead. One more run in the 9th finished the scoring at 9-5.

Robert McNett had a mediocre performance, pitching 7 IP, allowing 5 runs, and striking out 5. James Virgen picked up his 4th save, throwing two scoreless innings of relief.

Leading the offensive attack were Chappel, Vazquez, and Russell Thomas. Chappel finished with 2 hits, 3 walks, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored. Vazquez had 3 hits and 2 RBI, while Thomas had 3 hits, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored.







Broncos Jump On Braves For Easy Victory
6/1/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

Denver jumped all over Atlanta's pitching and cruised to an 8-4 victory. The Broncos scored 2 runs in the first, 2 more in the second, and 3 runs in the fifth inning. Christopher Kirk pitched a complete game, striking out 8 batters. He did allow three homeruns, however.

Asbel Fuentez delivered 3 hits, 2 stolen bases, and scored 3 runs. Booker Romero had 3 hits, 2 steals, and scored 2 runs. Lee Chappel drew 4 walks in the game. Ellis Bolling and John McQuillen each drove in 2 runs.







Pillsbury Masterful In Denver Laugher
6/2/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

Kenny Pillsbury threw only 82 pitches, 62 of them for strikes, in a complete game against Atlanta yesterday, as the Broncos pounded the Braves 13-2.

The Broncos grabbed an early lead with a 4 run second inning, aided by a solo homer from Booker Romero. The lead was added to with 3 runs in the 4th, 2 in the 5th, 2 in the 6th from an Alexis Vazquez home run, and finally, two more runs in 7th inning.

Russell Thomas and Eric Fudge both had 3 hits and 2 runs scored; Thomas also drove in two runs. Ellis Bolling and Vazquez each had 2 hits and 3 RBI. Lee Chappel had 2 hits and 2 RBI.

By completing the three game sweep of the Braves, the Broncos once again moved to within a game of .500.

[jamus23]

So, it's two months into the season now and time for some stats updates.

First, the standings:

National League Standings 
 
West Division 
 
Team           W  L  PCT GB 
San Jose      35 20 .636  - 
San Diego     33 22 .600  2 
Sacramento    28 27 .509  7 
Portland      26 29 .473  9 
Los Angeles   25 30 .455 10 
Phoenix       17 38 .309 18 
 
Northeast Division 
 
Team           W  L  PCT GB 
Pittsburgh    38 17 .691  - 
Rochester     34 21 .618  4 
Harrisburg    29 26 .527  9 
Buffalo       22 33 .400 16 
New Jersey    22 33 .400 16 
Hartford      21 34 .382 17 
 
American League Standings 
 
Southeast Division 
 
Team           W  L  PCT GB 
Miami         40 15 .727  -  
Washington    30 25 .545 10 
Knoxville     28 27 .509 12 
Nashville     25 30 .455 15 
Charlotte     22 33 .400 18 
Atlanta       18 37 .327 22 
 
Central Division 
 
Team           W  L  PCT GB 
Memphis       35 20 .636  - 
Tucson        31 24 .564  4 
Grand Rapids  28 27 .509  7 
Kansas City   28 27 .509  7 
Denver        27 28 .491  8 
Green Bay     18 37 .327 17

[jamus23]

Denver's batting stats:

 
 
Name          G  AB  H 2B 3B HR RBI  R BB  K  AVG  OBP  SLG 
A. Fuentez   51 212 83 13  4  5  23 47 14  7 .392 .422 .561 
P. Chason    24  65 22  6  0  2  10  9  3  7 .338 .377 .523 
T. Sato      51 205 66 12  4  6  39 31 11  8 .322 .359 .507 
L. Chappel   48 190 57 17  5  7  45 31 30 15 .300 .396 .553 
E. Fudge     38 116 34  7  3  4  17 24 16 16 .293 .379 .509 
A. Navarro   13  14  4  1  0  0   0  3  3  0 .286 .412 .357 
R. Thomas    52 220 62  8  4  2  22 39 24 23 .282 .356 .382 
M. Bakke     42 155 43 10  1  8  29 25  5 14 .277 .307 .510 
E. Bolling   52 204 55 22  7 10  45 45 29 38 .270 .357 .593 
A. Vasquez   53 197 52  8  0  8  32 28 15 35 .264 .313 .426 
M. Stennis    9  24  6  4  0  2   6  2  4  8 .250 .357 .667 
J. Swayze    46 183 43  8  0  9  31 27 10 28 .235 .272 .426 
B. Romero    13  46 10  2  0  2   7  8  3 11 .217 .260 .391 
J. Mcquillen 15  34  7  1  0  0   6  5  5 12 .206 .308 .235 
J. Cordero   26  73 12  4  0  1   6  7  4 20 .164 .228 .260

The good news: After largely sucking through the first month, Ellis Bolling and Alexis Vazquez have been doing much better. Javier Cordero has been replaced by Booker Romero, and while I don't expect Romero to light the world on fire, even an OPS in the .600 range would be a vast improvement. One big surprise has been Patrick Chason who has been getting a lot more playing time lately, mainly because he's been hitting.

The bad news: Russell Thomas has largely been a huge disappointment. A guy who has been hitting in the .330 to .370 range in recent seasons, and is now getting to hit in one of the most extreme hitter's parks in the league shouldn't be toiling along in the .280 range. Also, Joseph Swayze, who was great in the first month, has gone ice cold. That's to be expected, given his abilities, but it sure isn't helping.

[jamus23]

Now, the pitching stats:

Name          G  GS  W  L  SV   ERA     IP   HA   R  ER  BB   K 
C. Kirk      12  12  7  4   0  4.80   90.0  103  51  48  18  52 
R. Mcnett    12  12  5  3   0  4.63   83.2   89  47  43  16  55 
K. Pillsbury 13  13  4  7   0  4.79   97.2  104  57  52  24  65 
J. Virgen    14   0  3  0   4  3.86   28.0   29  14  12   7  18 
T. Rivera    11   8  3  3   0  5.69   55.1   62  38  35  19  27 
A. Hawthorn  11  10  2  4   0  7.63   59.0  102  53  50  18  31 
F. Lemire     9   0  1  1   0  7.16   16.1   19  16  13   6  19 
L. Salguero  12   0  1  1   0  6.38   18.1   24  13  13   5  16 
R. Torre      7   0  1  1   0  5.84   12.1   13   8   8  11   7 
L. Waltz      3   0  0  0   0  3.00    3.0    2   1   1   2   1 
R. Gomez     16   0  0  4   4  5.82   17.0   22  12  11   2  16

Well, I'd say the starting pitching is much improved. Christopher Kirk, Robert McNett, and Kenny Pillsbury have really settled in. None of them are really true aces, but they've all been pretty solid. Tony Rivera has made a couple of decent starts in a row, and even Arden Hawthorn has pitched a tiny bit better lately- though I don't really think he's going to stick it out in the rotation for the entire year.

The bullpen is what scares me. Ramon Gomez and James Virgen are supposed to be the top guys here, and while Virgen has been solid, Gomez has been incredibly unreliable. The rest of the guys I'm just not that confident about. Internally, there is a pretty good prospect in AAA now, but he might be a bit too home run prone still. Trading for a reliever doesn't look like an easy task, however, so I might just have to wait it out a bit. Gomez and Leo Salguero are two guys who really are underachieving a lot right now, so they could turn it around....

[jamus23]

And to give a little context to things, how about some league stats:

Batting:

National League Batting 
 
West Division 
 
Team          AVG HR   R   AB   H  2B 3B  BB   K  OBP  SLG  OPS SB 
San Jose     .290 61 307 1978 573 116 17 194 272 .356 .458 .814 27 
San Diego    .282 72 346 1940 548 118  9 259 383 .369 .464 .833 55 
Sacramento   .267 57 295 1929 515 115 18 182 395 .332 .434 .766 40 
Portland     .236 64 269 1866 441  84  8 241 318 .327 .393 .720 25 
Los Angeles  .277 69 314 1942 537 133 15 201 363 .347 .467 .814 29 
Phoenix      .258 50 231 1908 493  87 10 159 349 .317 .393 .710 14 
 
Northeast Division 
 
Team          AVG HR   R   AB   H  2B 3B  BB   K  OBP  SLG  OPS SB 
Pittsburgh   .290 56 362 1932 561 141 10 272 390 .382 .461 .843 15 
Rochester    .286 78 315 1927 551 111 11 179 351 .349 .476 .825 27 
Harrisburg   .260 98 320 1926 500  86  8 218 475 .339 .465 .805 33 
Buffalo      .266 64 283 1947 517 101  7 208 420 .337 .423 .761 34 
New Jersey   .274 58 280 1951 535  92 13 187 339 .340 .424 .763 36 
Hartford     .290 60 312 1968 571 109  8 161 301 .347 .445 .792 44 
                                    
Total    .273 787 3634 23214 6342 1293 134 2461 4356 .345 .442 .788 379 
 
American League Batting 
 
Southeast Division 
 
Team          AVG HR   R   AB   H  2B 3B  BB   K  OBP  SLG  OPS SB 
Miami        .279 75 317 1926 537 100  9 215 227 .352 .457 .809 16 
Washington   .269 74 318 1873 503 127  7 222 298 .346 .462 .809 18 
Knoxville    .265 65 298 1898 503  99  7 219 346 .344 .427 .771 56 
Nashville    .274 75 311 1929 528 116 17 205 364 .348 .468 .817 71 
Charlotte    .266 54 271 1943 516  99  7 133 330 .318 .407 .725 44 
Atlanta      .247 57 244 1892 467  94  8 179 350 .313 .395 .708 26 
 
Central Division 
 
Team          AVG HR   R   AB   H  2B 3B  BB   K  OBP  SLG  OPS SB 
Memphis      .272 90 309 1905 519  82 16 184 207 .339 .474 .813 20 
Tucson       .282 56 324 1919 542 132 13 205 350 .353 .452 .805 35 
Grand Rapids .263 58 289 1907 502 116 12 192 513 .336 .428 .764 34 
Kansas City  .252 67 256 1909 482  81 14 162 343 .313 .415 .728 25 
Denver       .284 66 332 1966 559 125 28 179 251 .345 .477 .822 42 
Green Bay    .254 61 256 1912 485 113 10 179 315 .320 .419 .739 34 
                                    
Total    .267 798 3525 22979 6143 1284 148 2274 3894 .336 .440 .776 421

And pitching:

National League Pitching 
 
West Division 
 
Team           ERA  S     IP  HA   R  ER HRA  BB   K OAVG CG SHO 
San Jose      3.60 12  505.2 473 217 202  60 176 447 .244  4   2 
San Diego     4.27  9  495.0 512 247 235  53 148 313 .269 14   4 
Sacramento    4.74 15  496.0 525 288 261  73 190 344 .270  4   0 
Portland      4.35 11  496.1 497 276 240  64 215 362 .259  8   2 
Los Angeles   5.85 13  488.0 527 354 317  62 300 365 .277  1   0 
Phoenix       5.76  9  485.2 566 347 311  73 212 376 .291  1   0 
 
Northeast Division 
 
Team           ERA  S     IP  HA   R  ER HRA  BB   K OAVG CG SHO 
Pittsburgh    4.54 16  489.2 535 266 247  41 146 356 .280  0   0 
Rochester     4.31 12  489.0 494 254 234  48 163 323 .262 14   5 
Harrisburg    4.65 13  499.0 559 293 258  63 162 366 .282  7   0 
Buffalo       5.24 10  502.0 526 325 292  53 230 385 .269  2   1 
New Jersey    6.65 13  494.1 593 385 365 118 204 382 .295  6   1 
Hartford      6.42  7  486.1 536 382 347  79 315 337 .278  3   0 
                                    
Total       5.02 140 5927.0 6343 3634 3309 787 2461 4356 .273 64 15 
 
American League Pitching 
 
Southeast Division 
 
Team           ERA  S     IP  HA   R  ER HRA  BB   K OAVG CG SHO 
Miami         3.64 19  495.0 453 221 200  41 151 359 .240  4   1 
Washington    5.08 10  484.0 472 291 273  83 185 361 .252  9   1 
Knoxville     5.02 13  491.0 505 288 274  74 195 281 .263 17   1 
Nashville     4.83  5  495.1 467 285 266  79 219 327 .247  7   2 
Charlotte     5.31  9  486.2 555 322 287  64 186 323 .284  8   1 
Atlanta       5.74  8  485.2 549 339 310  54 245 338 .283  4   0 
 
Central Division 
 
Team           ERA  S     IP  HA   R  ER HRA  BB   K OAVG CG SHO 
Memphis       4.28 18  494.0 503 259 235  49 158 308 .263 11   2 
Tucson        4.87 12  487.2 495 274 264  75 141 326 .261 17   3 
Grand Rapids  5.30 12  485.1 568 314 286  56 226 330 .294 13   2 
Kansas City   4.37 15  490.0 473 266 238  49 206 336 .250 11   1 
Denver        5.30  8  489.0 579 316 288  76 133 311 .293  7   1 
Green Bay     6.23  9  484.0 524 350 335  98 229 294 .274  6   1 
                                    
Total       4.99 138 5867.2 6143 3525 3256 798 2274 3894 .267 114 16

[jamus23]

So, I think I'm going to change how I'm doing this a little bit. I want to speed up the pace of things.


6/3/2081 to 6/5/2081

The Kansas City Royals (28-27)




AT


The Denver Broncos (27-28)






Pitching Matchups:

RH Steffen Snow (6-3, 3.35 ERA) VS. RH Tony Rivera (3-3, 5.69 ERA)
RH Chris Kapp (0-2, 7.31 ERA) VS. LH Robert McNett (5-3, 4.63 ERA)
RH Kosami Masaru (6-6, 4.20 ERA) VS. Christopher Kirk (7-4, 4.80 ERA)


Denver continued with their inability to reach .500, dropping the first and last games of the three game series with Kansas City. They lost the first game when Tony Rivera blew a 1-0 lead in 4th inning, giving up 3 runs, and then after Russell Thomas homered in the 6th inning to cut the Royals' lead to 1, Rivera coughed up 5 runs in the seventh inning. The final: 8-2, Royals.

The second game was a laugher for the Broncos. Alexis Vazquez hit a 2 out, 2 run homer in the 4th inning to give them a 3-2 lead. They exploded with a 7 run fifth inning, in which Mark Bakke hit a 2 run homer. In the sixth inning, Lee Chappel hit a two run homer, and Ellis Bolling and Booker Romero added solo shots. They tacked on another run in the 7th en route to a 15-5 thumping. Robert McNett pitched 7 innings, allowed just 2 runs, and struck out seven batters. Chappel, Bolling, and Vazquez all finished with 3 RBI; Bolling also scored 4 runs.

The third game was more painful than the first. The Broncos took control early, scoring 3 runs in the second inning, and after 4 innings, they led 4-1. Christopher Kirk then suffered a complete meltdown. He gave up 2 runs in the fifth and 5 runs in the sixth. The Broncos made things a little interesting, scoring runs in the 6th and 7th innings, but it wasn't enough in the 8-6 defeat.