2081: Desperation in Denver

[jamus23]

7/17/2081 to 7/18/2081

The Denver Broncos (52-41)





AT


The Miami Dolphins (61-32)







Pitching Matchups:

LH Robert McNett (10-6, 4.74 ERA) VS. RH Jose Caceres (8-8, 3.44 ERA)
RH Larry Waltz (1-2, 3.13 ERA) VS. RH Mark Prior (8-4, 3.97 ERA)


Denver, winless against the Dolphins so far this season, got started early, with two runs in the second inning. Russell Thomas homered in the 3rd to push the lead to 3-0, and Joseph Swayze extended it to 4-0, with a home run in the fourth inning.

Robert McNett kept the Dolphins off the scoreboard until the 7th inning, when he allowed two runs. In the ninth, the Dolphins got another run across, and had the bases loaded before James Virgen got the final out to preserve the 4-3 victory. With the win, and Memphis' loss to Kansas City, the Broncos moved into a tie for second place in the division.

McNett finished with 6 1/3 innings pitched and 2 runs allowed. Swayze had 2 hits and 2 RBI.



******



The second game of the series will be another loss that stings for the Broncos. Tomas Sato homered in the second inning to give the Broncos a 1-0 lead. The score stayed that way until the 8th inning. Then, disaster struck. Waltz tired, a costly error by Asbel Fuentez blew the lead, and then Ramon Gomez came in and was ineffective. When the dust had settled, the Dolphins had scored 6 runs, 3 of them unearned.

The smoking hot Joseph Swayze made things mildly interesting by crushing a two run homer in the ninth, but the Broncos could come no closer in the 6-3 defeat.

Waltz finished with 7 1/3 innings pitched, 5 runs allowed, 2 earned runs allowed. Russell Thomas had 3 hits.

[jamus23]

7/19/2081 to 7/21/2081


The Denver Broncos (53-42)





AT



The Washington Senators (57-38)






Pitching Matchups:

RH Kenny Pillsbury (9-7, 4.29 ERA) VS. RH Juan Fuentes (7-8, 4.11 ERA)
RH Christopher Kirk (13-6, 4.62 ERA) VS. RH Otis Smith (4-6, 6.45 ERA)
RH Tony Rivera (5-5, 5.87 ERA) VS. RH Raymond Garcia (1-0, 5.63 ERA)



The Broncos raced to a 7-0 lead after 4 innings over the Senators in the first game of the series. Lee Chappel delivered a two run homer in the 4th inning. The Senators battled back, eventually getting as close as 4 runs behind (8-4) after 7 innings. The Broncos pushed their lead to 10-4 in the 8th inning, before the Senators completed the scoring with a two run ninth inning to provide a final score of Broncos, 10-6.

Kenny Pillsbury pitched 6 innings and gave up 3 runs. Russell Thomas collected 3 hits and scored 4 runs. Chappel had 3 hits (2 doubles and a homer), 2 walks, 2 RBI, and 4 runs scored. Tomas Sato had 2 hits and drove in 4, while Alexis Vazquez had 2 hits and 3 RBI.

With the win, the Broncos moved into sole possession of second place in the division.



******



Through 5 innings, the Broncos led 4-1 over the Senators. Washington rallied with a 3 run 6th inning, and took the lead with a run in the 7th inning. The Broncos came up with their own rally, and took a 6-5 lead in the 8th inning. They pushed the lead to 7-5 with a run in the top of the ninth inning. And then disaster struck.

The Senators got a run across to make the score 7-6, and had the bases loaded with two outs. What should have been a game-ending out number three was instead negated on a catcher's interference call against Lee Chappel. The runner was awarded first, and the tying run came home. And then Cristian Zarzuela stepped to the plate as a pinch-hitter.

Boom! A game winning, pinch hit, grand slam with two outs in the ninth, and the Broncos lost by a score of 11-7.

Christopher Kirk pitched 6 innings, and gave up 5 runs. He struck out 6 batters. Chappel had 2 hits, 2 BB, and 2 RBI.




*******


So Long, Arden
7/21/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer


Veteran pitcher Arden Hawthorn is a Bronco no more. Mired in a miserable season that already cost him his spot in the rotation, the 35 year old right-hander was included in a trade with Hartford today. Hawthorn, who was 2-4 with an 8.74 ERA in 18 games this season, was traded, along with 24 year old catching prospect William Carter to Hartford in exchange for 27 year old relief pitcher Roberto Soto. Carter was hitting .299 with 10 home runs at AA this season. Soto has a 3.38 ERA in 31 appearances at AAA, but has not pitched in the majors this season. Soto did make 71 major league appearances a year ago, posting a 3.12 ERA.

General Manager John Mounts said the Whalers had been looking for a catcher and Carter fit the bill. Mounts also said that he felt Soto would be a good fit in Denver. "We needed another left-hander in the pen, and Robert is guy who throws strikes and will induce a lot of groundballs- something I think we need."

On Hawthorn, Mounts said, "Arden has been an excellent pitcher over the years for us. He's always been a steady guy, when other pitchers were up and down. Arden was able to survive a long time in a difficult place for pitchers. I hated to trade him, but this just wasn't the best place for him anymore. He lost his starting spot, and he really wasn't getting use much in relief, either. Hopefully, Hartford will be a better opportunity for him. I wish him well."

Hawthorn, who has spent his entire major league career with the Broncos, leaves with a career record of 125-72 in 315 games (280 starts), and a 4.79 ERA. Hawthorn was unhappy about being traded, but seemed resigned to the inevitability of it. "It was either that, or getting released, I guess. Although... I might have accepted a demotion to the minors if I had been asked..."

Mounts said that Soto will not join the team until tomorrow. Getting called up in the meantime will be AAA closer Omar Lopez. The 26 year old Lopez has a 2.87 ERA in 35 games at AAA. The team also demoted outfielder Robert Perkins, who went 2 for 8 in his brief callup. Getting called up was infielder Michael Phillips. Phillips was hitting .284 with a .384 OBP at AAA. When asked why Perkins was sent back down so soon after being called up, Mounts just said that he wanted to reward Perkins for his strong performance at AAA but that the at bats were hard to come by in Denver. "I want Robert playing every day. I just don't think that is feasible in Denver, right now."




******



Washington drew first blood in the concluding game of the series, scoring 2 runs in the third inning, when Denver committed errors on three consecutive plays (Jack Rumfelt, Asbel Fuentez, and Rumfelt again). It stayed 2-0 until the 6th inning, when the Broncos offense exploded. Nine runs were scored before an out was recorded; four of them came on a grand slam by Fuentez. By the time the inning was over, the Broncos led 11-2.

The Senators began to get back into the game with a 4 run seventh inning, but Joseph Swayze hit a two run homer in the 8th to give the Broncos a 13-6 lead. The Senators would get two more runs, but the Broncos prevailed 13-8.

Tony Rivera finished with 7 innings pitched and 6 runs allowed. Fuentez had 3 hits and 4 RBI. Swayze had 3 hits and 3 RBI. Armando Navarro delivered 3 hits and a walk in a rare start.

[jamus23]

7/23/2081 to 7/26/2081

The Washington Senators (58-40)





AT


The Denver Broncos (55-43)





Pitching Matchups:

LH Kenneth Thurman (16-5, 4.44) VS. LH Robert McNett (11-6, 4.66)
RH Juan Fuentes (7-9, 4.45 ERA) VS. RH Larry Waltz (1-3, 3.00 ERA)
RH Andrew Barnes (8-8, 7.20 ERA) VS. Kenny Pillsbury (10-7, 4.30 ERA)
RH Otis Smith (4-6, 6.37 ERA) VS. RH Christopher Kirk (13-6, 4.72 ERA)


After spending three games in Washington, the Broncos returned to Denver to host that same Washington team for a 4 game series.

Alexis Vazquez got things started with a solo homer in the second inning. Washington took a short-lived lead with a two run 4th inning, but the Broncos grabbed the lead back with two runs in the 5th. Armando Navarro hit a run scoring triple, and Booker Romero followed with a run scoring double.

Things looked bleak for Denver, when the Senators tied the game in the 6th, and took a 4-3 lead in the ninth inning. But Lee Chappel doubled with one out in the bottom of ninth. Asbel Fuentez pinch hit for Vazquez and was intentionally walked. That set the stage for Tomas Sato, who ripped one into the corner for a two run triple to win the game 5-4 for the Broncos.

Robert McNett pitched 6 1/3 innings, and gave up 3 runs. He struck out 5 batters.



******



Denver's lineup was helpless against Juan Fuentes. The Senators grabbed a 2-0 lead in the second, and pushed it to 5-0 with runs in the 3rd, 4th, and 7th innings. The Broncos finally got on the board when Ellis Bolling hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 7th. Lee Chappel's solo homer in the ninth completed the scoring in the Broncos 5-2 loss.

Larry Waltz gave up 5 runs and 3 home runs in 8 innings of work. Chappel was the only Bronco hitter who could do anything in the game, as he doubled, tripled, homered, drew a walk, drove in a run, and scored both of the Broncos' runs.



******


The Senators scored runs in each of the first two innings against Kenny Pillsbury, but the Broncos broke out with a 5 run second inning, getting a 3 run homer from Asbel Fuentez. Washington picked up another run in the third inning, but Ellis Bolling's two run homer in the bottom of the 3rd gave the Broncos a 7-3 lead. Denver got two more runs in the 4th inning, and then blew the game wide open with a 6 run fifth inning. Lee Chappel delivered a 3 run double in the inning.

The Senators attempted to make things interesting with a run in the 6th and two in the 7th, but Patrick Chason hit a two run double and Booker Romero hit an RBI triple in the 8th inning to put the game well out of reach at 18-6. The Senators did get two more runs in the ninth, but the Broncos routed them 18-8.

Pillsbury lasted 6 innings and gave up 4 runs. Fuentez finished with 3 hits and 5 RBI. Chappel had 3 hits, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored. Bolling collected 5 hits, 4 RBI, and scored 3 runs. Romero had 3 hits, 2 RBI, and 2 R.



******



Washington jumped out an early 5-0 lead in the final game of the series, scoring 2 in the second inning and 3 in the third. The Broncos got to within two runs, with a run in the 5th inning and 2 in the 7th, but could get no closer. The Senators added a run in the ninth to cap their 6-3 win over the Broncos.

Christopher Kirk pitched 8 innings, but gave 5 runs, and walked 4. He did strike out 7 batters.

Russell Thomas and Lee Chappel each had two hits in the game; Chappel also drove in two runs.

[jamus23]

7/27/2081 to 7/29/2081


The Denver Broncos (57-45)




AT


The Memphis Grizzlies (58-44)






Pitching Matchups:

RH Tony Rivera (6-5, 5.28 ERA) VS. RH Clarence Fiol (3-5, 5.83 ERA)
LH Robert McNett (11-6, 4.64 ERA) VS. RH Jose Padula (11-8, 5.99 ERA)
RH Larry Waltz (1-4, 3.45 ERA) VS. RH Roy Kelemen (9-7, 3.48 ERA)




Having slipped back into third place, this three game series against the second place Grizzlies took on added importance as the trading deadline rapidly approached. Only a series win would prevent the Broncos from losing ground on Memphis. Could it be accomplished?

Roy Chouinard put the Broncos in a big hole in the third inning of the first game by hitting a grand slam. The Broncos got back into the game with a 2 run fourth inning, but Memphis opened up an even bigger lead by scoring three runs in the sixth inning to go ahead, 7-2. Denver made things interesting with two runs in the ninth, but would lose, 7-4.

Tony Rivera got knocked around for 7 runs in 5 2/3 innings. He walked 4 and gave up 2 home runs. Asbel Fuentez was the lone bright spot with 2 hits and 2 RBI.



******



The second game went much better for the Broncos. Denver jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in the first inning, and made it 6-0 after two innings. A two run homer from Booker Romero in the sixth inning made the score 8-1. Armando Navarro put the finishing touches on the 10-2 Denver victory, with a two run homer of his own in the 8th inning.

Robert McNett pitched 7 1/3 strong innings, with only 2 runs allowed. Mark Bakke provided 3 hits, while Tomas Sato drove in three runs.



*******


Denver "Mounting" An Attack?
7/29/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

In the midst of an important series against the Grizzlies, and with the trading deadline looming, the Broncos GM, John Mounts, has pulled off what could be a major deal, and may be the final piece to put the Broncos over the top.

With both Memphis and Tucson making important trades in the last two weeks- the Grizzles added closer Jonah Alvarado from New Jersey and the Diamondbacks added slugging 3B Raymond Stair from Atlanta- it would have been unthinkable for the Broncos, who have struggled just to keep themselves in the playoff race all season, to stand by silently. Well, they didn't stand by silently.

The Broncos have added 29 year old, right handed starting pitcher Ray Lockridge from Nashville. Lockridge, who comes with a hefty price tag of just under $8 million, has gone 5-6 with a 4.08 ERA this season. He has 117 career victories and a 3.51 ERA. Lockridge was excited at joining a team in the playoff race. "I loved playing for Nashville, but any time you get to go from a team in in the bottom of the division to one with a great chance at making the postseason.... well, it's hard to be unhappy."

Heading to Nashville are four players: 28 year old starting pitcher, Tony Rivera. Rivera has gone 6-6 with a 5.77 ERA this season, but has a very good 3.92 ERA on the road. Nashville is hoping that getting Rivera out of Denver will improve his numbers. At least one member of the Denver organization, pitching coach Ervin Wright, agrees: "Denver is not an easy place to pitch, for any pitcher. Tony's got good stuff, but he just hasn't adjusted well to this park. I think he'll do a lot better for Nashville."

Rivera may not be nearly as good of a pitcher as Lockridge, but the Predators are a team severely strapped for cash. The dropoff from Lockridge's salary to Rivera's may be more significant to the team than the dropoff in ability, especially if Rivera can pitch closer to his road numbers than his overall numbers.

The next player headed to Nashville is the Broncos' backup catcher, Eric Fudge. The 32 year old Fudge has hit .265/.351/.457 in 162 at bats this season, and should bolster the weak catching that Nashville has put up with this season. Replacing Fudge on Denver's roster as the backup catcher will be 36 year old Michael Grace. Grace, a veteran catcher who has hit .266/.344/.396 in his major league career, has spent this season at AAA, where he has hit .356/.440/.503. Grace is not the best defensive catcher, but he is versatile enough to play both the corner infield and outfield positions, and has a fairly solid bat.

The Broncos also gave up two prospects in the deal. First, outfielder Robert Perkins, who went 2 for 8 in a brief callup for the Broncos not too long ago. The 24 year old Perkins has hit .340/.375/.453 at AAA this season but found himself blocked at the major league level in Denver. John Mounts was reluctant to part with Perkins but said, "Robert needs to be playing at the major league level right now, on an every day basis. I don't think we can provide him with that opportunity, but Nashville might. You hate to part with a young talent like him, but this may the best thing for both Robert and the Denver organization."

The second prospect was 24 year old relief pitcher Angel Fajardo. Mounts referred to Fajardo as a "very good ground ball pitcher, who throws a lot of strikes." Fajardo is in only his second professional season, and has posted a 4.33 ERA at AA this season.

In addition to Lockridge, the Broncos also acquired 21 year old outfielder Arlie Raines. Raines, described by Mounts as being "very toolsy", is in his third season at A ball. He has hit .333/.397/.507 this season.

In the three way battle going in in the Central Division, the addition of another quality starting pitcher, combined with the subtraction of what has been the weakest link in the rotation, may be enough to push the Broncos ahead of at least the Grizzlies. If the bats can keep swinging well, and the erratic bullpen can settle down, this Broncos team may even have enough to challenge the first place Diamondbacks.

******


With the fans and team buzzing after the acquisition of Ray Lockridge, the chance to move back into a tie with Memphis in second place was an opportunity that the Broncos could ill afford to squander. But squander it they did.

The Grizzlies struck early in the third and final game of the series, scoring two runs in the first inning, and another in the third to take a 3-0 lead. Memphis starter Roy Kelemen proceeded to quiet the Denver bats completely. Not until Asbel Fuentez led off the 9th inning with a triple and was driven in, would the Broncos even get on the scoreboard. That would be the only run they mustered, in a 3-1 defeat.

Kelemen held Denver at bay, allowing only 4 hits. Larry Waltz had a solid performance in the defeat, with 3 runs allowed in 7 innings. He struck out 4 batters.

With the loss, the Broncos slipped to two games behind Memphis.

[jamus23]

7/30/2081 to 8/1/2081



The Knoxville 79ers (58-47)




AT



The Denver Broncos (58-47)





Pitching Matchups:

RH Pablo Esparza (6-8, 5.80 ERA) VS. Ray Lockridge (5-6, 4.08 ERA)
RH Edward Headrick (10-11, 4.37 ERA) VS. RH Kenny Pillsbury (11-7, 4.35 ERA)
LH Iemaru Noriyuki (5-5, 6.80 ERA) VS. RH Chrsitopher Kirk (13-7, 4.76 ERA)




The Broncos closed out the month of July with a three game series against the 79ers. The first game turned into a laugher very quickly. Denver jumped out to a 2-0 lead after one inning. In the second, Joseph Swayze's home run contributed to a three run outburst, and the Broncos led 5-0. Swayze homered again in the third inning, and it was 6-0.

Knoxville got on the board with a couple of runs in the 4th, but Denver responded with three more runs- two from an Ellis Bolling home run. Lee Chappel homered in the 5th inning to make it 10-2. Denver got another run in the 6th, and Knoxville picked up a run in the 7th inning to make the score, 11-3. Alexis Vazquez concluded the scoring for the Broncos with a two run homer in the bottom of the 7th inning. The 79ers managed to get one more run in the ninth, but the Broncos cruised, 13-4.

Ray Lockridge made his Broncos' debut, and pitched 7 quality innings, with only 3 runs allowed. Chappel ripped 4 hits and scored 5 runs. Swayze collected 4 hits, drove in 2, and scored 3. Vazquez and Tomas Sato each drove in 3 runs.



******

The second game of the series was a disaster for Kenny Pillsbury. Pillsbury has struggled all year long to prevent the longball, and this game was no exception. Knoxville crushed back to back to back home runs in the first inning to stake themselves to a quick 5-0 lead. It was 7-0 after three innings.

Lee Chappel did his best to get the Broncos back in the game, blasting home runs in the 4th inning and the 8th inning, but that was all the offense that Denver could manage in a 7-2 loss.

Pillsbury finished with 7 runs allowed in 6 1/3 innings.



******

Swayze Honored For Impressive Month Of Hitting
7/31/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

Denver 3B Joseph Swayze was named the American League Batter of the Month for his efforts in July. Swayze, who bolted out of the post-All Star break gate with 12 RBI in two games against Charlotte, never stopped hitting. He finished the month with a .386/.394/.851 line. He clubbed 5 doubles and a whopping 14 home runs in the month and collected 30 runs batted in and 26 runs scored.

"Man, that's just the kind of hitter I am," Swayze commented,"I go through crazy stretches when I'm crushing everything in sight, and then I'll go through a horrible slump when I just can't hit anything. I admit, though, that this past month was about as good as I've ever hit. I really hope I can keep it up."

******



The Broncos opened the month of August, and concluded the series against Knoxville with a thumping. It began competitively enough. The two teams traded two run innings- the Broncos in the third and the 79ers in the fourth- and the game was tied at 2 after the top of the 4th inning.

In the bottom of the 4th, 2081 July AL Batter of the Month, Joseph Swayze, slammed a three run homer, and Denver struck for 4 runs to take a 6-2 lead. Three more runs in the 5th inning made it 9-2. Knoxville cut it to 9-4 with two runs in the 6th inning, but the Broncos put the game away in the eighth.

Alexis Vazquez led off the inning with a solo homer, and Armando Navarro ripped a pinch hit, two run bomb to finish off the 12-4, Broncos victory.

Christopher Kirk pitched 8 2/3 solid innings, with 4 runs allowed. Vazquez had 2 hits, 2 walks, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored. Asbel Fuentez collected 3 hits in the game.

[jamus23]

With two months to go in the season, here are the standings:

National League Standings 
 
West Division 
 
Team          W  L  PCT GB  Pyt.Rec Diff   Home  Away XInn  1Run M# 
San Jose     67 41 .620  -   71-37   -4   33-21 34-20  9-7 21-22 48 
San Diego    60 48 .556  7   61-47   -1   29-26 31-22  4-4 18-10  - 
Sacramento   53 55 .491 14   54-54   -1   28-27 25-28  3-6 16-19  - 
Portland     48 60 .444 19   49-59   -1   26-25 22-35  6-6 11-22  - 
Los Angeles  46 62 .426 21   49-59   -3   26-29 20-33  7-3 15-21  - 
Phoenix      46 62 .426 21   47-61   -1   25-30 21-32  4-6 15-21  - 
 
Northeast Division 
 
Team          W  L  PCT GB  Pyt.Rec Diff   Home  Away XInn  1Run M# 
Pittsburgh   73 35 .676  -   69-39    4   36-17 37-18  6-4 14-11 46 
Rochester    64 44 .593  9   63-45    1   33-19 31-25  6-5 18-15  - 
Harrisburg   54 54 .500 19   53-55    1   25-28 29-26  7-9 17-19  - 
Buffalo      52 56 .481 21   53-55   -1   26-30 26-26  5-6 19-11  - 
Hartford     43 65 .398 30   44-64   -1   25-29 18-36  3-6 18-13  - 
New Jersey   42 66 .389 31   37-71    5   17-38 25-28  5-3 14-12  - 
 
American League Standings 
 
Southeast Division 
 
Team          W  L  PCT GB  Pyt.Rec Diff   Home  Away XInn  1Run M# 
Miami        70 38 .648  -   70-38    0   33-20 37-18  9-2 14-16 48 
Washington   63 45 .583  7   61-47    2   29-23 34-22  2-2 13-10  - 
Knoxville    59 49 .546 11   59-49    0   30-24 29-25  4-3 14-08  - 
Nashville    50 58 .463 20   53-55   -3   25-30 25-28  5-5  8-13  - 
Atlanta      42 66 .389 28   43-65   -1   22-32 20-34  1-8 11-14  - 
Charlotte    42 66 .389 28   37-71    5   22-31 20-35  3-4 12-14  - 
 
Central Division 
 
Team          W  L  PCT GB  Pyt.Rec Diff   Home  Away XInn  1Run M# 
Tucson       66 42 .611  -   64-44    2   33-22 33-20  4-2 19-06 51 
Memphis      62 46 .574  4   62-46    0   31-25 31-21  4-3 11-13  - 
Denver       60 48 .556  6   66-42   -6   35-18 25-30  5-4 12-13  - 
Kansas City  55 53 .509 11   56-52   -1   27-26 28-27  3-8 14-15  - 
Grand Rapids 48 60 .444 18   45-63    3   24-30 24-30  6-1 13-09  - 
Green Bay    31 77 .287 35   37-71   -6   16-40 15-37  2-6  8-18  -

[jamus23]

Denver's current batting stats:

 
 
Name         G  AB   H 2B 3B HR RBI   R BB  K  AVG  OBP  SLG SB CS 
A. Fuentez 101 429 159 29 11  9  57 106 37 20 .371 .417 .552 24  6
L. Chappel  95 375 131 40  8 26 102  96 64 26 .349 .445 .707  2  0
T. Sato     97 381 131 19  7 13  83  61 28 14 .344 .397 .533  0  4
R. Thomas  101 438 149 18  7  9  66  88 48 35 .340 .405 .475 21  7 
M. Bakke    85 319  98 15  1 18  58  58 15 22 .307 .346 .530  8  3
E. Bolling 103 418 126 39  8 30 112  93 52 63 .301 .372 .648  3  1
P. Chason   45 112  32 10  0  2  20  17  4  8 .286 .316 .429  0  0
A. Vasquez 103 402 113 14  1 18  68  68 30 64 .281 .331 .455 14  2 
J. Swayze   96 381 107 17  1 30  80  69 13 56 .281 .304 .567  1  0
A. Navarro  30  49  13  2  1  2   8   9  8  6 .265 .362 .469  5  1
B. Romero   61 228  57 15  3  4  28  31 14 63 .250 .291 .395  2  3
M. Phillips  6  21   5  0  0  0   0   2  5  2 .238 .385 .238  0  0
J. Rumfelt  19  53  12  3  0  0   6   7  4 10 .226 .293 .283  1  0
M. Stennis  18  50  11  6  1  2  10   6  7 12 .220 .316 .500  0  0
J. Cordero  26  73  12  4  0  1   6   7  4 20 .164 .228 .260  0  0

[jamus23]

Denver's Pitching Stats:

 
 
Name          G GS  W L SV   ERA    IP  HA  R ER BB   K 
C. Kirk      24 24 14 7  0  4.74 178.2 201 99 94 36 108 
R. Mcnett    24 23 12 6  0  4.54 156.2 164 85 79 28 103 
K. Pillsbury 24 24 11 8  0  4.55 182.0 193 99 92 48 122 
J. Virgen    27  0  7 2  6  3.54  48.1  54 22 19 15  30 
R. Lockridge 21 21  6 6  0  4.07 128.1 125 62 58 25  91 
S. Andrade   38  0  2 2  3  4.59  49.0  57 32 25 15  22 
L. Salguero  21  0  2 1  0  4.35  31.0  36 15 15  9  20 
R. Gomez     29  0  1 6  8  6.10  31.0  43 23 21  4  28 
F. Lemire    18  0  1 1  0  8.29  33.2  43 34 31 10  38 
V. Mcgurk     3  3  1 1  0  7.07  14.0  20 16 11 11   4 
L. Waltz     13  6  1 5  0  3.33  54.0  51 26 20 10  27 
R. Soto       4  0  0 0  0  3.18   5.2   6  2  2  2   2 
O. Lopez      2  0  0 0  0 12.00   3.0   5  4  4  0   1

[jamus23]

The overall league batting stats:

National League Batting 

West Division 
 
Team          AVG  HR   R   AB    H  2B 3B  BB   K  OBP  SLG  OPS  SB 
San Jose     .289 139 631 3915 1133 229 31 366 547 .352 .470 .823  71 
San Diego    .280 123 623 3812 1068 206 19 480 712 .363 .441 .804 107 
Sacramento   .266 120 546 3748  996 204 36 371 785 .335 .435 .770  80 
Portland     .228 122 475 3643  829 162 15 437 677 .314 .381 .695  72 
Los Angeles  .275 120 582 3799 1046 259 21 360 691 .341 .449 .790  53 
Phoenix      .284 116 561 3838 1090 211 20 323 736 .342 .440 .782  33 
 
Northeast Division 
 
Team          AVG  HR   R   AB    H  2B 3B  BB   K  OBP  SLG  OPS  SB 
Pittsburgh   .292 126 726 3856 1125 253 21 530 739 .381 .466 .847  18 
Rochester    .280 146 596 3754 1051 196 27 359 632 .345 .463 .808  55 
Harrisburg   .250 164 597 3779  944 173 18 438 959 .331 .435 .766  67 
Buffalo      .269 122 570 3805 1024 208 17 373 830 .336 .429 .765  64 
Hartford     .288  99 582 3822 1099 238 19 326 611 .346 .437 .783  74 
New Jersey   .267 127 534 3799 1016 181 27 339 649 .330 .430 .760  72 
                                    
Total   .273 1524 7023 45570 12421 2520 271 4702 8568 .343 .440 .783 766 
 
American League Batting 
 
Southeast Division 
 
Team          AVG  HR   R   AB    H  2B 3B  BB   K  OBP  SLG  OPS  SB 
Miami        .272 130 586 3850 1047 198 21 416 477 .346 .436 .781  35 
Washington   .277 160 648 3759 1042 224 16 426 560 .352 .473 .825  25 
Knoxville    .272 139 627 3730 1015 202 21 438 625 .351 .449 .801 100 
Nashville    .280 136 631 3797 1063 208 40 409 689 .354 .463 .817 111 
Atlanta      .258 119 520 3736  964 188 26 367 628 .326 .418 .744  54 
Charlotte    .260 106 530 3776  980 214 23 279 640 .316 .413 .728  74 
 
Central Division 
 
Team          AVG  HR   R   AB    H  2B 3B  BB   K  OBP  SLG  OPS  SB 
Tucson       .285 127 651 3813 1086 237 28 403 656 .355 .462 .817  62 
Memphis      .269 177 637 3769 1014 193 27 365 432 .335 .475 .810  33 
Denver       .306 169 758 3963 1211 244 52 363 468 .365 .521 .886  85 
Kansas City  .267 137 574 3861 1030 183 27 324 692 .327 .435 .761  42 
Grand Rapids .263 111 551 3752  985 234 21 421 941 .341 .425 .765  51 
Green Bay    .256 122 512 3799  971 232 18 345 683 .321 .422 .743  70 
                                    
Total   .272 1633 7225 45605 12408 2557 320 4556 7491 .341 .450 .790 742

[jamus23]

The overall league pitching stats:

National League Pitching 
 
West Division 
 
Team          ERA  S    IP   HA   R  ER HRA  BB   K OAVG CG SHO 
San Jose     3.89 27 992.0  983 456 429 107 341 843 .257  7  3 
San Diego    4.73 20 975.2 1058 551 513 114 295 648 .276 24  7 
Sacramento   4.75 27 961.2  968 548 508 129 371 700 .260 12  1 
Portland     4.23 25 973.1  963 522 457 108 367 714 .257 12  3 
Los Angeles  5.46 18 957.1  992 642 581 110 544 729 .268  5  2 
Phoenix      5.38 23 956.2 1096 641 572 144 403 724 .286  2  0 
 
Northeast Division 
 
Team          ERA  S    IP   HA   R  ER HRA  BB   K OAVG CG SHO 
Pittsburgh   4.62 30 971.2 1065 542 499  81 303 713 .279  6  3 
Rochester    4.34 21 962.1  989 503 464 115 294 654 .265 24  8 
Harrisburg   5.11 27 983.2 1112 608 558 132 378 716 .283 11  0 
Buffalo      4.83 28 974.1 1006 579 523 118 410 745 .266  5  2 
Hartford     6.04 18 951.1 1032 697 638 154 588 671 .275  6  0 
New Jersey   6.49 25 962.0 1159 734 694 212 408 711 .296 10  1 
                                    
Total   4.98 289 11622.0 12423 7023 6436 1524 4702 8568 .273 124 30 
 
American League Pitching 
 
Southeast Division 
 
Team          ERA  S    IP   HA   R  ER HRA  BB   K OAVG CG SHO 
Miami        3.50 30 988.2  926 433 385  91 309 690 .244 11  7 
Washington   4.95 32 954.1  944 574 525 141 365 658 .256 15  2 
Knoxville    5.15 23 960.0 1002 576 549 152 402 589 .267 32  2 
Nashville    5.55 19 967.2 1002 643 597 170 416 610 .264  9  2 
Atlanta      5.51 21 952.2 1048 639 583 123 479 634 .277  5  0 
Charlotte    6.39 19 950.0 1205 730 675 138 399 636 .307 15  3 
 
Central Division 
 
Team          ERA  S    IP   HA   R  ER HRA  BB   K OAVG CG SHO 
Tucson       4.74 27 967.0  982 539 509 151 269 629 .261 27  5 
Memphis      4.66 29 964.1 1019 551 499 100 340 613 .270 24  3 
Denver       5.14 16 964.1 1128 610 551 157 269 590 .289 12  2 
Kansas City  4.73 25 975.1  939 558 513 116 420 648 .251 18  4 
Grand Rapids 5.53 19 955.0 1161 658 587 118 402 618 .299 23  2 
Green Bay    6.29 16 960.2 1053 714 671 176 486 576 .276 16  2 
                                    
Total   5.17 276 11560.0 12409 7225 6644 1633 4556 7491 .272 207 34

[jamus23]

8/2/2081 to 8/5/2081


The Denver Broncos (60-48)





AT


The Miami Dolphins (70-38)





Pitching Matchups:

LH Robert McNett (12-6, 4.54 ERA) VS. RH Kevin Phipps (6-2, 4.76 ERA)
RH Larry Waltz (1-5, 3.33 ERA) VS. RH Joseph Brashears (6-2, 2.56 ERA)
RH Ray Lockridge (6-6, 4.07 ERA) VS. RH Christian Hokusai (12-4, 2.83 ERA)
RH Kenny Pillsbury (11-8, 4.55 ERA) VS. RH Mark Prior (9-4, 3.85 ERA)



After a second half of July filled with difficult opponents, August did not bring any weakening of the schedule for Denver, with their first series of the month coming against the American League's best team, Miami. The series began well, however, as the Broncos scored one run in each of the first two innings in the first game. Veteran CF Ulises Menendez smacked a solo homer in the 4th inning for the Dolphins to get them within a run, but the Broncos extended their lead to two runs again by scoring in the 5th inning.

Mark Bakke's two run double in the 6th inning triggered a three run outburst. Robert McNett did the rest, pitching into the ninth inning, as the Broncos won the game by a final of 6-1.

McNett finished with 8 1/3 innings pitched, 1 run allowed, and 4 strikeouts. Bakke carried the offense, with 4 hits, a walk, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored. Tomas Sato, Alexis Vazquez, and recent callup, Michael Grace all had two hits. Grace also drove in a run.




******



Denver earned at least a split of the series with Miami, squeaking out a 3-2 victory in the second game of the series, as Larry Waltz tossed a complete game. The Broncos struck early, with two runs in the first inning. They pushed the lead to 3-0 with a run in the fourth inning.

Waltz then ran into trouble in the 8th inning. The Dolphins plated two runs, and had the bases loaded with nobody out, but Waltz pitched out of the jam with no further damage. Waltz's performance was very impressive. He surrendered just 6 hits in 9 innings, while throwing just 99 pitches (61 of which were strikes). He induced 16 groundball outs, and got two double plays.

At the plate, Mark Bakke continued to contribute, with 3 hits, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored. Alexis Vazquez and Armando Navarro each had two hits.




******


The series then took a turn for the worse. Newly acquired Ray Lockridge, in just his second start for the Broncos, appeared to have contracted "Denver Starting Pitcher First Inning Disease," in which an infected pitcher coughs up multiple runs in the first inning, usually via home runs. In this instance, it was Miami catcher Jake Foss who smashed a 3 run homer in the first inning. The Broncos crept back into the game, with runs in the 3rd and 4th innings, but the Dolphins put the game out of reach once and for all with a three run 7th inning.

Lockridge got roughed up for 6 runs in 6 1/3 innings. Russell Thomas and Joseph Swayze were the lone offensive contrubuters, each with two hits in the 6-2 defeat.




******



The fourth game turned out much like the third. Kenny Pillsbury, one of those most afflicted by "DSPFID," got tagged for three runs in the first inning. Then, with the Broncos trailing 3-1 in the sixth inning, Pillsbury coughed up three more runs, and the Broncos fell by a final of 6-1.

Pillsbury got blasted for 12 hits and 6 runs in 7 innings of work, though only 3 of the runs were earned. Ellis Bolling's two hits were the only offensive signs of life for the Broncos.

[jamus23]

8/6/2081 to 8/8/2081


The Green Bay Packers (33-79)





AT



The Denver Broncos (62-50)






Pitching Matchups:

RH Raymond Labat (8-2, 3.74 ERA) VS. RH Christopher Kirk (14-7, 4.74 ERA)
LH Keven Landon (3-10, 6.81 ERA) VS. LH Robert McNett (13-6, 4.36 ERA)
RH Daniel Jackson (3-11, 8.26 ERA) VS. RH Larry Waltz (2-5, 3.14 ERA)




What better cure for a offense that has gone cold than the worst team in baseball? The Broncos' hitters agreed with that sentiment. With the Packers leading 1-0 in the bottom of the third, light-hitting SS Booker Romero stepped to the plate with two outs. He promptly ripped a game tying home run. Asbel Fuentez and Russell Thomas followed with singles, and then Lee Chappel applied the coup de grace, blasting a homer of his own to give the Broncos a 4-1 lead. The Broncos wouldn't stop there, striking for 5 runs in the 4th inning. Joseph Swayze hit a two out, two run homer, and Chappel provided a 2 run double.

The Packers would make things interesting, as they scored 2 runs apiece in the 6th and 7th innings, bringing the score to 9-5 in favor of Denver. But Chappel appeared on the scene again, with a double in the 7th inning which was followed by an Ellis Bolling single to make the score 10-5. Chappel then capped an impressive performance by hammering a three run home run in the 8th inning to complete the 13-5, Denver victory.

Chappel finished with 4 hits (two doubles and two homers), 8 runs batted in, and 3 runs scored. Thomas provided 4 hits and 3 runs scored. Fuentez collected 2 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs scored.

Christopher Kirk had a mediocre outing, with 7 innings pitched, 12 hits allowed, 5 runs (though only 3 were earned), and 2 HR allowed.




******



Robert McNett got off to a poor start in the second game of the series, with home runs allowed in both the first and second innings to put the Broncos in an early 2-0 hole. Fortunately for him, the Denver bats took control quickly. Joseph Swayze tied the game with a two run homer in the bottom of the second, and Ellis Bolling put the Broncos in the lead with a two run blast in the 3rd inning.

After the Packers got to within a run in the 4th inning, Michael Grace led off the bottom of the 4th with a home run. The Broncos picked up another run in the inning to give themselves a three run lead. That lead held, and the Broncos were victorious, 6-3.

After the shaky start, McNett's knuckler had the Packers hitters baffled. He racked up 8 strikeouts in 6 innings of work. James Virgen notched his 7th save of the season with 3 scoreless innings of relief.

Russell Thomas delivered 3 hits in the contest.




******



Larry Waltz has quickly gained a reputation as being unlucky. Despite pitching very well since moving into the rotation, he just can't seem to pick up many wins. No one would have expected this contest to have followed that trend. Pitching against the worst team in baseball, and with the opposing pitcher possessing an ERA comfortably above 8.00, it should have been an easy victory for the Broncos and Waltz.

Waltz had no problems through the first three innings, and though a runner had gotten aboard in the 4th inning, there were two outs. Getting out of the inning with no damage shouldn't have been a problem. But Waltz made one mistake pitch, and Green Bay's Robert Quirk made him pay, blasting a two run homer.

Still, it was only two runs, and the Green Bay pitcher, Daniel Jackson, was among the worst in the league. Surely the Denver bats would get to him eventually. They didn't, and when the Packers added a third run in the 7th inning, all hope was lost. Jackson came into the game with a record of 3-11 and an ERA of 8.26. He left with his 4th victory, and a 6 hit shutout, as the Broncos were blanked, 3-0.

Waltz pitched 8 innings and struck out 8 batters, but 3 runs allowed was 3 runs too many.

Russell Thomas managed 2 hits, and Lee Chappel managed a hit and two walks in the loss.

[jamus23]

8/10/2081 to 8/12/2081


The Nashville Predators (53-62)





AT


The Denver Broncos (64-51)






Pitching Matchups:

LH Frank Margolis (7-9, 8.91 ERA) VS. RH Ray Lockridge (6-7, 4.28 ERA)
RH Mose Urick (8-3, 1.98 ERA) VS. RH Kenny Pillsbury (11-9, 4.52)
RH Tony Rivera (7-7, 5.47 ERA) VS. RH Christopher Kirk (15-7, 4.70 ERA)




Ray Lockridge seemed to be fired up in his first appearance against his former team. He opened the first inning like this: Strikeout. Strikeout. Strikeout. His dominance didn't continue, however. Though he struck out two more batters in the second inning, he also coughed up 3 runs, and the Broncos were playing from behind, though not for long.

In the bottom of the second, Nashville starter Frank Margolis lost control of the strikezone, and walked the bases loaded. Joseph Swayze delivered a two run single to get Denver on the board. Margolis issued another walk, this one to Booker Romero, and the bases were loaded again. To the plate came reserve outfielder Armando Navarro, known more for his speed and fielding than for his power. Despite that, it was Navarro who knocked Margolis out of the game when he desposited a pitch into the left field bleachers for a grand slam.

The Broncos lead didn't last long, as the Predators scored 3 runs in the 3rd inning to tie the game, and 3 more runs in the 4th inning to take a 9-6 lead. Ellis Bolling delivered a two run single in the bottom of the 4th to cut Nashville's lead to one run. In the 5th inning, the Broncos tied up the game at 9.

In the top of the 8th, the Predators went ahead again, 10-9. In the bottom of the inning, Navarro was gunned down at the plate, and the Broncos were unable to tie up the score. In the 9th, the Predators added another run, and led 11-9 heading into the bottom of the ninth. Denver got one run back, when Tomas Sato delivered a pinch hit RBI single, and had runners on second and third. Those runners would be stranded, and the Broncos lost, 11-10.

Lockridge's first start against his old team began well, but didn't end well- for him or the Broncos. Lockridge finished with 5 innings pitched, 11 hits allowed, and 9 runs allowed. He did strike out 6 batters.

Getting the last laugh, instead, was former Bronco backup catcher Eric Fudge. Fudge ripped 3 doubles and drove in 3 runs against his former team.



******



Baseball is a funny game. Two games ago, the Broncos were shut out by one of the worst pitchers in the game. Coming into this game, the Broncos would have been happy with just 2 or 3 runs. Mose Urick, even in an injury-plagued season, is one of the best young pitchers in the game, and his sub-2.00 ERA is evidence of that.

But instead of scratching out only a couple of runs, the Broncos bombarded Urick, with two runs in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th innings to build a comfortable 6-0 lead. Nashville got a pair of runs in the seventh inning, but that was as close as they would get. The Broncos tacked on another run in the 8th, en route to a 7-2 victory.

Kenny Pillsbury had the Predators flailing at his pitches, with 9 strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings.

Joseph Swayze had 2 hits and 2 runs scored. Booker Romero had 3 hits and 2 runs scored. Armando Navarro drove in a pair of runs.




******



The Broncos finished up the series with Nashville against a familiar face. Tony Rivera made an impressive, though ultimately unsuccessful, return to Denver.

Nashville and Denver exchanged runs in the middle innings (Nashville in the 4th, and Denver in the 6th) when David Rosier ripped a two out homer in the 8th inning to give the Predators the lead. It was a brief lead, however. With two outs in the bottom of the 8th, Russell Thomas and Lee Chappel hit back to back home runs to put the Broncos on top. Christopher Kirk finished off the game, and Denver prevailed, 3-2.

Kirk finished with a complete game, 5 hitter. He struck out 5 batters. Rivera went 8 innings and struck out 5.

Thomas had 2 hits and 2 RBI in the game. Tomas Sato doubled twice.

[jamus23]

8/13/2081 to 8/15/2081


The Kansas City Royals (60-58)




AT


The Denver Broncos (66-52)





Pitching Matchups:

RH Steffen Snow (11-7, 4.57 ERA) VS. LH Robert McNett (14-6, 4.37 ERA)
RH Eduardo Ruiz (2-7, 7.07 ERA) VS. RH Larry Waltz (2-6, 3.17 ERA)
RH Edward Chambliss (7-10, 4.69 ERA) VS. RH Ray Lockridge (6-7, 4.51 ERA)



The Broncos opened their series with the Royals with an easy victory, a 10-0 rout. An easy victory with what could have been a steep price. With the game scoreless in the 6th inning, Lee Chappel ripped a run-scoring double. But Chappel came up limping and was forced to leave the game. His replacement, Michael Grace played a huge role in the Broncos putting the game out of reach.

The Broncos clung to that one run lead until the 8th inning, when they erupted for 9 runs. Grace contributed to the explosion by hitting a 2 run homer and a three run double in the inning.

Robert McNett was very lucky in this game. He pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings with only 3 hits allowed. However, he also walked 5 batters, which contributed to his early exit. Relief pitcher Leo Salguero pitched 2 2/3 innings to pick up his first save of the season. Joseph Swayze also helped out with two RBIs.



******



Denver Fans, You Can Relax
8/14/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

No team in a heated playoff race wants to see its best hitter go down to injury. Fortunately for Denver, catcher Lee Chappel will only miss about a week of action. Chappel came up limping after hitting an RBI double in yesterday's 10-0 win against the Royals. After having his foot examined, it has been deemed to be only a bruised heel, and Chappel won't even have to go on the disabled list.

With AAA catcher Gary Kibby currently injured as well, Broncos' GM John Mounts has announced that the team has signed 39 year old Christopher Hosler to be Chappel's replacement. Mounts also said that since Chappel will not go on the disabled list, infielder Michael Phillips has been sent down to AAA to make room on the roster for Hosler.

******



The second game against Kansas City proved to be an exciting one. The Broncos grabbed an early 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning, but the Royals went ahead 2-1 in the third. In the bottom of the third, the Broncos got back to back run scoring triples from Asbel Fuentez and Russell Thomas, and Ellis Bolling followed with a two run homer to put Denver up, 5-2.

This lead proved to be short-lived when the Royals struck for three runs in the 4th to tie the game up. The Broncos retook the lead with a run in the bottom of the 4th, and added to it with another run in the 6th. Alexis Vazquez smacked a two run homer in the 7th inning to put Denver up 9-5. Each team scored one more run to conclude the scoring in favor of the Broncos, 10-6.

Larry Waltz had one of his poorest outings on the season, with 12 hits and 5 runs allowed in 6 1/3 innings. Thomas finished with 3 hits and 2 RBI. Fuentez had 2 hits and 2 RBI.




******



The final game of the series proved to be even more exciting than the second one, though also more disappointing. Things looked bleak early, as Ray Lockridge appeared to have absolutely nothing. The Royals scored 2 runs in the 1st inning, another run in the second, 2 more in the third, and finally another run in the 4th inning to put them firmly in control (or so they thought) at 6-0. Lockridge had been knocked out by that point, with 8 hits allowed, 6 runs allowed, and two home runs allowed in 3 plus innings.

The Broncos began to make a game of it, with a run in the 4th inning, and two more in the 5th inning, but the Royals got two of those runs back in the 6th inning to lead 8-3. In the seventh inning, Mark Bakke hit the 300th home run of his career, a three run blast to bring the score to 8-6. In the 8th inning, the Broncos managed to tie the score at 8 apiece.

The game remained deadlocked at 8 until the Royals were able to get a run across in the 13th inning, and the Broncos were defeated, 9-8.

Russell Thomas had 3 hits and 2 RBI in the game. Bakke had 2 hits, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored.

In divisional news, Memphis moved into a tie for first place with Tucson.

[jamus23]

8/16/2081 to 8/18/2081


The Denver Broncos (68-53)





AT


The Miami Dolphins (78-43)






Pitching Matchups:

RH Kenny Pillsbury (12-9, 4.42 ERA) VS. RH Mark Prior (10-5, 3.72 ERA)
RH Christopher Kirk (16-7, 4.58 ERA) VS. RH Jose Caceres (10-11, 3.47 ERA)
LH Robert McNett (15-6, 4.21 ERA) VS. RH Joseph Brashears (8-3, 2.71 ERA)




When facing a team as strong as the Dolphins, both your hitting and your pitching need to be at the top their game. Kenny Pillsbury was definitely at the top of his game in the series opener against Miami.

The Broncos drew first blood with a run in the first inning. They also caught a break when Miami starter Mark Prior left with an injury. In the fifth inning, Michael Grace ripped a two run homer to extend the lead to 3-0.

The Broncos padded the lead with a 3 run eighth inning, but with the way Pillsbury pitched, it really wasn't necessary. Pillsbury finished with a complete game shutout- 6 hits allowed and 8 strikeouts- and the Broncos won easily, 6-0.

Grace, Asbel Fuentez, Ellis Bolling, and Booker Romero all contributed with two hits apiece.



******



Denver got the scoring started in the second game of the series with a two run 4th inning. With two outs and a runner aboard, Michael Grace hit a run scoring double, and Booker Romero followed with a triple to score Grace. Miami got on the board with a solo homer in the fifth inning from 3B Thomas Fuentes, Jr., and tied the game up in the 6th inning.

The Broncos got back on top in the 7th inning, but in the bottom of the 7th, Miami's Daniel Armas hit his first major league homer, a two run shot to give the Dolphins the lead. Miami hung on to that lead, and prevailed 4-3 over the Broncos.

Christopher Kirk pitched 8 innings with 4 runs allowed. Tomas Sato had 2 hits for Denver. Asbel Fuentez had one hit and two walks; his hit was a two out triple in the ninth inning, but he could not be driven in.



******



Pillsbury Honored As Player Of The Week
8/18/2081
Al Vincent
Staff Writer

Denver starting pitcher Kenny Pillsbury was named the AL Player of the Week for his efforts in the last seven days. Pillsbury made two starts, and won both of them, including a complete game shutout over Miami. He posted a 1.02 ERA in the starts, and struck out 17 batters in 17 2/3 innings.

Pillsbury said that he "was just happy to be able to contribute in the heat of a playoff race" and that his arm was "feeling really good right now." Denver pitching coach Ervin Wright said that early in the year Pillsbury was pressing a little bit while the team struggled and that right now he's "really loose and relaxed out there on the mound."

******



The Broncos concluded their series with Dolphins by getting shut down by Miami's Joseph Brashears. Brashears, a master of pitching to contact, failed to strike out any batters in 7 innings of work. Nevertheless, he allowed just 3 hits and 0 runs, as the Dolphins defeated the Broncos, 3-1.

Miami scored a pair of runs in the 4th inning, and another run in the fifth. The Broncos were unable to manage a run until the ninth inning, but one run was all that they were capable of.

Robert McNett pitched 6 innings and gave up 3 runs. Russell Thomas and Alexis Vazquez managed two hits apiece.

[jamus23]

8/19/2081 to 8/21/2081

The Denver Broncos (69-55)




AT


The Grand Rapids Tigers (55-69)





Pitching Matchups:

RH Larry Waltz (3-6, 3.38 ERA) VS. LH Norman Dale (5-13, 8.79 ERA)
RH Ray Lockridge (6-7, 4.79 ERA) VS. RH Dennis Kenzo (15-8, 3.54 ERA)
RH Kenny Pillsbury (13-9, 4.22 ERA) VS. RH Thomas Plemons (1-10, 7.98 ERA)




The opening game of Denver's series