[CatKnight]

Congrats on the baby girl!

[Papi]

Thanks Cat, my body officially doesn't know the difference between night and day. It's only been three days, but I'm tired! On the upside, I have more time to play now!

June 11,12,13 v Portsmouth Clippers (27-30)

June 11-Portsmouth scored six runs in the final three innings, turning a 4-1 deficit into a 7-5 Clippers win. Leading the comeback was C Manuel Vera, who went 3-4 with a double, homerun and three RBI and Felix Ortiz who hit a two run blast. Three solo homeruns by Patrick Lafontaine, Roberto Rodriguez and Juan Escobedo wasn't enough to earn the win for the Mules. (35-23)
W-Jesus Contreras (3-0) L-Fernando Garcia (3-2) S-Jerry Ward (8) HR-NMKT Juan Escobedo (5), Roberto Rodriguez (5), Patrick Lafontaine (1), PMT Manuel Vera (4), Felix Ortiz (6), Katsuyoshi Tomita (1)

June 12-Rob Gibson homered twice and drove in five runs off Jesus Flores, who allowed nine runs in five innings, as Portsmouth beat up on Newmarket 9-4. Mario Saenz and Luis Ortiz both homered in the loss for the Mules, while Rodrigo Sanchez allowed seven hits and four runs over seven innings to pick up the win. (35-24)
W-Rodrigo Sanchez (6-2) L-Jesus Flores (9-4) HR-NMKT Luis Ortiz (9), Mario Saenz (13), PMT Rob Gibson 2(18)

June 13-Newmarket avoided the sweep behind Wallace Harrison, who allowed three runs and eight hits over seven innings, walking three and striking out three as the Mules beat the Clippers 4-3. All of the runs were scored in the 4th inning as Portsmouth scored three times in the top of the inning, capped by a a two run double from Felix Ortiz, while Newmarket scored its runs courtesy of a two run double by C Luis Ortiz, and tie breaking sac fly from Patrick Lafontaine. (36-24)
W-Wallace Harrison (3-5) L-Jessie Church (4-9) S-John Coury (16)

June 15,16 at Dover Green Wave (23-37)

June 15-A 0-0 game entering the bottom of the 8th inning, Pablo Lucero hit a solo HR to give Dover a 1-0 lead. The top of the ninth however, saw Luis Ortiz tie it with a solo HR of his own, and later in the inning, when Jeffrey Franklin hit a sacrifice fly, Newmarket had a 2-1 win. Alex Herman, starting in place of Jesus Guardado, out with a tired shoulder, pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing eight hits and just the one run, while walking two and striking out five, earning the no decision. (37-24)
W-Fernando Garcia (4-2) L-Jerry McCauley (6-8) S-John Coury (17) HR-NMKT Luis Ortiz (10), DOV Pablo Lucero (8)

June 16-Luis Ortiz homered and drove in a pair and Juan Escobedo went 2-5 with a pair RBI as Newmarket swept the short two game series, beating Dover 5-1. Juan Jose Fernandez pitched seven innings, scattering eight hits and two while walking four and moving to 2-2 as a member of the Mules, although he has posted an outstanding ERA of 1.46 in five starts, being victimized by poor fielding in most of his starts. (38-24)
W-Juan Jose Fernandez (2-2) L-Hank Muller (2-7) HR-NMKT Luis Ortiz (11)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Juan Escobedo (Newmarket) .520 (13-25) 2 HR 2 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Bob Clark (Peabody) .500 (11-22) 4 HR 5 RBI

-Danvers RF Patrick Tolbert, a career .262 hitter, currently leads the Southern League in batting, hitting .366 (64-175). He also had 11 homeruns and 37 RBI after hitting 20 homers and driving in just 49 RBI last year.

Next on tap for Newmarket are three games in Bangor against the Crusaders followed by the Portsmouth Clippers coming to town for two games. However prior to that will be a recap of the 2010 Amateur Draft, which is next!

[Papi]

2010 Amateur Draft

1) Orono Red Riot-P Alfonso Rodriguez (24/55/30--45/79/61)
2) Dover Green Wave-P Tim "Dusty" Gibson (23/33/30--46/55/66)
3) Exeter Blue Hawks-LF Patrick McGilvra (7/12/8/7/8--58/74/64/57/56)
4) Danvers Falcons-LF Roderick Morgan (12/17/13/14/20--50/55/50/55/71)
5) Portland Bulldogs-CF Bret Amrstrong (21/18/7/13/14--60/54/25/49/46)
6) Salem Witches-P Tomas Bello (4/10/4--21/42/24)
7) Augusta Moose-1B Eric Goodwin (8/9/10/8/8--32/32/37/31/30)
8) Peabody Tanners-P Tim Lynch (9/15/5--87/100/54) (We had Lynch as the top available prospect, so falling to Peabody at #8 was a steal for the Tanners.
9) Oyster River Bobcats-2B Steve Whaley (18/13/12/18/21--41/28/31/49/49)
10) Salem Witches-C Troy Snow (16/26/19/18/14--37/59/54/52/37)
11) Gloucester Fishermen-3B Raul Sosa (9/12/8/8/6--78/100/91/93/58)
12) Portsmouth Clippers-2B Vincente Torres (6/12/5/7/6--38/76/42/54/40)
13) Gloucester Fishermen-CF Ron Curry (22/10/17/19/27--100/37/70/92/100)
14) Nashua Titans-LF Tyler Lindsey (17/11/12/14/10--46/31/41/47/30)
15) Newmarket Mules-2B Matt White (18/17/5/13/11--66/69/25/65/48)-The 21 year old from Nahant, MA will start the season at Rookie ball, but hopefully will be the answer at 2B within a couple years. Also has plus speed (62 speed/72 stealing/80 baserunning) and above average fielding (68 at second base/68 range/51 error/11 arm/88 turn double play)
16) Bangor Crusaders-CF Chris Ostrander (5/5/1/3/4--38/38/9/26/28)

Other Newmarket Mules picks:

2nd Round (20th overall)--C Bill Stone (17/16/9/18/13--63/62/42/80/53)
2nd Round (31st overall)--P Pedro Perez (15/28/15--57/83/63)
3rd round (47th overall)--3B John Gregory (17/29/16/11/16--61/100/44/74/44)
4th round (63rd overall)--P Pedro Martinez (6/15/9--38/89/63)
5th round (79th overall)--1B Sixto Montes (8/8/7/6/8--55/58/63/77/49)

[Papi]

June 18,19,20 at Bangor Crusaders (35-26)

June 18-The Crusaders scored four times in the top of the first off Jesus Flores, capped by a 2 run double from Louie Kelly, and while those were the only runs Bangor would score, it would be enough as they beat Newmarket 4-3. Roberto Rodriguez hit a two run HR and Quint Kobes followed him up with a solo shot, going back to back to account for all of the Mules runs. (38-25)
W-Roberto Galindo (2-0) L-Jesus Flores (9-5) S-Hyeok Park (10) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (16) Roberto Rodriguez (6)

June 19-Denis Sullivan went 3-4 with an RBI, and Jesus Rodriguez added an RBI double providing Tony Aguirre with all the runs he would need as Bangor beat Newmarket, 2-1. Aguirre went eight strong innings, allowing just three hits and the one run, while walking none and striking out nine, earning his 6th win of the year. (38-26)
W-Tony Aguirre (6-3) L-Wallace Harrison (3-6) S-Hyeok Park (11)

June 20-Jose Sanchez had three hits and two RBI, and Denis Sullivan added a solo HR as Bangor swept Newmarket, blanking the Mules 7-0. Jesus Rodriguez and Aurelio Barron each had three hits in the win, while Rodriguez also drove in a pair of runs for the Crusaders. Jesus Guardado allowed 11 hits and five runs over six innings, falling to 11-4 on the year. (38-27)
W-Jose Yepe (1-0) L-Jesus Guardado (11-4) HR-BAN Denis Sullivan (7)

June 22,23 v Portsmouth Clippers (34-33)

June 22-Trailing 2-1 entering the bottom of the 9th inning, Jeffrey Franklin tied it with an RBI double and one batter later, pinch hitter Brad Ford knocked Franklin in, giving the Mules a come from behind 2-1 victory over the Clippers. Juan Jose Fernandez received another no decision, despite pitching another solid game, working seven innings, allowing four hits and one unearned run, walking two and striking out six. (39-27)
W-Fernando Garcia (5-2) L-Jerry Ward (1-2)

June 23-Rob Gibson hit a two run HR capping a three run top of the 14th and held on through Fernando Peralta and his two run blast in the bottom of the inning as the Clippers beat the Mules in a 14 inning marathon, 5-4. Peralta hit a pair of homeruns in just his 2nd game back from injury in the loss. (39-28)
W-Javier Valenzuela (1-2) L-Jose Barron (2-2) HR-NMKT Fernando Peralta 2(7) PMT Rob Gibson (19), Domingo Garcia (7)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Month: Steve Davis (Portland) .375 (9-24) 4 HR 14 RBI
SL Player of the Month: Sherman Morgan (Manchester) .421 (8-19) 4 HR 8 RBI

-Scouring the trading block, we found a name on there we didn't expect and it didn't take much to get him. Apparantely Marblehead CL and former All-Star Ki-hueng Song had worn out his welcome on the North Shore enough that the Magicians sent him to Newmarket in exchange for 1B Millard Watkins and minor league 3B Morgan Franklin. Song had not been happy this year, losing his closers role to Scott Hill, was 2-1 with a 2.36 ERA and five saves on the year. He had appeared in 23 games, pitching 26 2/3 innings, allowing 21 hits and 11 walks, while striking out 27. It was a down year compared to 2009, where Song was a Southern League All-Star, going 3-3 with a 2.98 ERA and 29 saves while posting a 51/7 K/BB ratio. Going back to Marblehead are Watkins, who has seen limited time in his three years with the Mules, hitting a career .169 (20-118) with one homerun and eight RBI. Franklin became expendable with the acquistion of Pablo Alvarez earlier in the year. Franklin was hitting .290 with seven homeruns and 34 RBI in 269 AB's in AAA Lousiville.

-Miguel Pineda and the Salem Witches have agreed on a four year contract extention worth a total of $9,852,000. On the year, Pineda is hitting .305 with five homeruns and 34 RBI on the year after hitting .283 with nine homeruns and 42 RBI along with 39 doubles and seven triples with 10 steals in 2009. He also has a fantastic eye, striking out just 25 times this year in 281 AB's and just 17 times in 487 trips to the plate a year ago.

-Portland sends 2B Cesar Muniz and a minor league OF to Gloucester in exchange for RP Will Klein and a minor league OF. On the year, Muniz was hitting .271 with two homeruns and 11 RBI in 131 AB's, his first season in the big leagues. The 31 year old Klein was 2-4 with a 4.09 ERA and 4 saves in 24 games this year. He has pitched 33 innings, giving up just 19 hits, while struggling with his control, walking 20 and striking out 38.

Next on the schedule, ending June are six games on the road for the Mules, the first three up north against the Orono Red Riot, followed by three in Durham to face the Oyster River Bobcats.

[CatKnight]

Well, papi: Tell OOTP they owe you a finder's fee or something.

You convinced me to redownload OOTP and play with it. I'm currently 9 years into a historical league and loving every minute!

[Papi]

Cat: I am not sure what it is about OOTP. For me though, it feels more.....I don't know, adult, than BM if that makes any sense? I'm sure part of it has to do with the message boards of the two games, but for me BM, while fun, was geared more towards a younger audience, one that needs to win 140+ games a year for it to be fun. It all becomes too easy too quickly once you figure out how to take advantage of the AI, something I have struggled a bit with playing OOTP.

June 25,26,27 at Orono Red Riot (28-40)

June 25-Four Orono pitchers combined to limit Newmarket to seven singles and no runs, and Chris Moore had RBI single as the Red Riot blanked the Mules, 2-0. Jesus Guardado was the loser, pitching seven innings, allowing just five hits and no walks, striking out five, falling to 11-5. On top of the loss, Newmarket got more bad news, when it was learned that RF Mario Saenz will be lost for a month with a separated shoulder. (39-29)
W-Luis Hernandez (9-5) L-Jesus Guardado (11-5) S-Marcos Rios (12)

A Familiar Face Returns to Newmarket

-Once the Mules Front Office learned of the Saenz injury, they moved quickly to replace him in the lineup. In an unusual twist, the Newmarket Mules and the Orono Red Riot, two teams that were in the middle of a series have completed a major trade. The deal sees 22 year old reliever Fernando Garcia and top 1B prospect, 19 year old Gilbert Wagner, along with $700,000 in cash to Orono for 1B Alberto Flores. Flores wasn't happy in Orono, and after losing Saenz, we were in desperate need of a bat and he was available so we lept. Losing Garcia was tough, but after trading for Ki-heung Song, we had overflow in the setup role, which allowed us to deal from strength. Flores is hitting .260 with nine homeruns and 30 RBI in 127 AB's for the Red Riot this year. He missed a month of time back in April and May with a knee injury.
Garcia was 5-2 with a 3.82 ERA and one save on the year in 31 games. He had pitched 37 2/3 innings, allowing 32 hits and 10 walks while striking out 43 on the year. Last year, Garcia was dominant, going 6-5 with a 1.29 ERA and seven saves in 43 games. Wagner had spent all year with single A, where he was hitting just .184 with one homerun and 15 RBI in 125 AB's. He is a few years away, but is expected to hit 25-30 homeruns a year once he is ready.

June 26-Juan Jose Fernandez had allowed nothing to Orono for 7 2/3 innings, giving up just six hits, but loading the bases with two outs for Jorge Gutierrez proved to be a big mistake as Gutierrez hit a 2-0 pitch into the left field seats for a grand slam, and Orono would hold on and beat the Mules 4-3. Jeffrey Franklin would homer and Quint Kobes would hit an RBI double with two outs in the ninth to bring Newmarket within one, but they would get no closer. (39-30)
W-Mark Ellis (4-7) L-Juan Jose Fernandez (2-3) S-Marco Rios (13) HR-NMKT Jeffrey Franklin (8) ORO Jorge Gutierrez (7)

June 27-Quint Kobes went 3-3 and Fernando Peralta added two hits and an RBI as Newmarket avoided the sweep, beating Orono 3-2. Jesus Flores allowed just three hits and two runs over eight innings, walking none and striking out six, winning his 10th game of the year. Keith James hit a two run blast for the Red Riot, accounting for all their offense. (40-30)
W-Jesus Flores (10-5) L-Hector Garcia (4-11) S-John Coury (18) HR-ORO Keith James (5)

June 28,29,30 at Oyster River Bobcats (37-34)

June 28-Richard Batterham and Ronald Combs each hit solo homeruns, and four Bobcat pitches allowed just four hits, including a bullpen that allowed nothing over 4 1/3 innings, striking out 5. Wallace Harrison fell to 3-7 on the year, despite allowing just two runs over six innings, striking out five and walking none, lowering his ERA from 7.20 to 5.24 over his last 8 appearances (six starts, two relief appearances). (40-31)
W-Felipe Aguilar (2-0) L-Wallace Harrison (3-7) S-Harry Behan (2) HR-OYS Richard Batterham (4), Ronald Combs (11)

June 29-Alberto Flores hit a pair of homeruns, driving in three runs, and Roberto Rodriguez added a three run homerun, his 7th of the year as Newmarket hammered Oyster River, 15-5. Fernando Peralta added three hits, two RBI and three runs scored, while Juan Escobedo went 2-5 with three runs scored to pace the attack. 18 year old Antonio Najera made his big league debut, pitching the ninth and allowing two solo homeruns. (41-31)
W-Jesus Guardado (12-5) L-Dong-joon Yi (7-7) HR-NMKT Alberto Flores 2(11), Quint Kobes (17), Roberto Rodriguez (7), Fernando Peralta (8), OYS Alex Klein (12), Richard Batterham (5), Patrick Gilbert (19)

June 30-William Vinson went 2-4 with an RBI, and Leon Garcia pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing just one unearned run as the Bobcats took two of three from the Mules, winning 3-2. Alberto Flores hit his 3rd homerun in two days to lead the offense for the Mules, who see their lead in the New Hampshire Division shrink to 2.5 games over Oyster River and just three games over the Portsmouth Clippers. (41-32)
W-Leon Garcia (9-8) L-Juan Jose Fernandez (2-4) S-Arnaldo Ramirez (12) HR-NMKR Alberto Flores (12)

News and Notes:

NL Batter of the Month: Jon Benson (Portland) .368 9 HR 23 RBI
SL Batter of the Month: Bob Clark (Peabody) .416 7 HR 15 RBI

NL Pitcher of the Month: Tony Aguirre (Bangor) 5-1 2.40 ERA 41 1/3 IP 34 K
SL Pitcher of the Month: Gerald Williams (Danvers) 4-0 1.59 ERA 51 IP 57 K

NL Rookie of the Month: Mitsunari Watanabe (Portsmouth) .333 2 HR 13 RBI
SL Rookie of the Month: Tomas Ramos (Manchester) .346 10 HR 29 RBI

-Fernando Peralta of the Newmarket Mules is currently in the middle of a 25 game hit streak, in which he is hitting .383 (41-107) with five homeruns and 15 RBI and eight doubles.

Leading off July for the Mules are a pair of four game series, the first at Portland against the Bulldogs, followed by Orono coming to Newmarket for four. Next up will be end of the month stats and league standings!

[Papi]

Complete Team Batting Stats Through June 30-


Complete Team Pitching Stats Through June 30-


Complete Team Fielding Stats Through June 30-



Complete League Standings Through June 30-

[Papi]

July 1,2,3,4 at Portland Bulldogs (38-37)

July 1-Alberto Flores homered and drove in three runs and Juan Escobedo went 2-4 with a run scored as Newmarket doubled up Portland 4-2. Jesus Flores pitched seven innings, allowing five hits and two runs, walking just one and striking out six while improving to 11-5 on the year. Flores even helped his own cause with an RBI double in the 5th inning for the Mules. (42-32)
W-Jesus Flores (11-5) L-Jose Garza (0-2) S-John Coury (19) HR-NMKT Alberto Flores (13)

July 2-Ki-heung Song allowed three hits and two runs in the bottom of the 8th inning, allowing the Bulldogs to take a 4-1 lead and hold on t beat the Mules, 4-3. Jason Tate and Carlos Perea each hit solo HR's off Wallace Harrison, who went five innings, allowing eight hits and just two runs, falling to 3-8 on the season. Brad Ford got the Mules within a run in the top of the 9th with a two run double, but that was as close as Newmarket would get as Jeremiah Arnold earned his 14th save of the year for Portland. (42-33)
W-Wilfred Cormack (8-6) L-Wallace Harrison (3-8) S-Jeremiah Arnold (14) HR-POR Jason Tate (17), Carlos Perea (14)

July 3-Quint Kobes, Fernando Peralta and Jeffret Franklin each hit homeruns and Scott Fullerton added two hits and two RBI as Newmarket got past Portland, 8-5. Jesus Guardado improved to 13-5, scattering nine hits and allowing just one unearned run over seven innings. Kenzo Yoshida almost gave it all back in the 8th inning, but John Coury would close the door, picking up his league leading 20th save of the year. Roberto Rodriguez also chipped in with three hits and an RBI for Newmarket. (43-33)
W-Jesus Guardado (14-5) L-Carlos Arellano (5-5) S-John Coury (20) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (18), Fernando Peralta (9), Jeffrey Franklin (9) POR Jason Tate (18)

July 4-A four run first inning, capped by a three run bomb to right field by Quint Kobes gave Juan Jose Fernandez and the Mules all the run support they would need as Newmarket beat Portland 5-2. Fernandez pitched eight innings, allowing four hits and two runs, walking four and striking out 10, while Roberto Rodriguez added two hits and two RBI in the win for the Mules. (44-33)
W-Juan Jose Fernandez (3-4) L-Marcus Allison (0-4) S-John Coury (21) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (19)

July 5,6,7,8 at Orono Red Riot (36-42)

July 5-Roberto Rodriguez homered twice, driving in three runs, and Fernando Peralta added a homerun, three RBI and two runs scored as Newmarket beat Orono, 7-5. Luis Ortiz added two hits and an RBI in support of Jesus Flores, who won his 12th game, despite allowing eight hits and five runs over seven innings, with three walks and three strikeouts. (45-33)
W-Jesus Flores (12-5) L-Mark Ellis (5-8) S-Ki-heung Song (1) HR-NMKT Roberto Rodriguez 2(9), Fernando Peralta (10)

July 6-Trailing 6-2 entering the top of the 9th inning, Orono scored six times off Antonio Najera, and beating Newmarket 8-6. The inning was capped as Jorge Gutierrez hit a two out two run double, breaking the 6-6 tie. Dave Spence added a homerun and two runs scored for the Red Riot in the win, while Juan Escobedo homered and Patrick Lafontaine added two hits and two RBI in the loss for Newmarket. (45-34)
W-Jose Moreno (1-0) L-Antonio Najera (0-1) S-Marcos Rios (15) HR-NMKT Juan Escobedo (6) ORO Dave Spence (7)

July 7-Jesus Guardado allowed a first inning run, and then nothing else for the next seven innings and got just enough offensive support as Newmarket got past Orono, 2-1. Guardado pitched the first eight innings, allowing just four hits, walking one and striking out two, while throwing 100 pitches. Quint Kobes had an RBI single and Guardado drove in a run with a sac fly, helping the offense in the win. (46-34)
W-Jesus Guardado (14-5) L-Luis Hernandez (11-6) S-John Coury (22)

July 8-Jarrod Clark hit a pair of homeruns, driving in three runs and Hector Garcia scattered seven hits over eight innings, allowing just two runs as Orono scrounged a split of the four game series, beating Newmarket 6-3. Quint Kobes hit his 20th homerun of the year in the loss for the Mules, while Juan Jose Fernandez had his worst start as a member of Newmarket, allowing eight hits and five runs over seven innings, picking up the loss. (46-35)
W-Hector Garcia (5-12) L-Juan Jose Fernandez (3-5) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (20), Luis Ortiz (12) ORO Jarrod Clark 2(7)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Carlos Perea (Portland) .500 (12-24) 2 HR 5 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Steve Murphy (Marblehead) .385 (10-26) 3 HR 7 RBI

-There was a career ending injury this week, for the first time in two years as Manchester OF Jesus Rodriguez won't play again after x-rays showed a fractured spine, suffered crashing into a wall this past week. The 33 year old Rodriguez was hitting .275 with 12 HR and 39 RBI to go along with 15 doubles in 73 games for the Lancers. For his career, all with Manchester, Rodriguez was a .280 hitter with 47 HR and 170 RBI in 306 games. He added 67 doubles and 7 triples in his career, while walking 161 times and striking out 223 times.

-The Exeter Blue Hawks have agreed on a one year contract extension with 40 year old Kunitaro Asano. On the year, Asano is hitting .280 with seven homeruns and 39 RBI in 332 AB's, but is a doubles machine, hitting 34 two baggers already on the year and has 100 doubles in the three year history of the NEBL.

Next up are the last three games prior to the All-Star break for the Mules, as the last place Dover Green Wave come to town. Afterwards will be an All-Star recap!

[Papi]

July 9,10,11 v Dover Green Wave (28-54)

July 9-Shuncho Kan hit a tie breaking, pinch hit two run homerun off Jesus Flores as Dover doubled up Newmarket 4-2. Hank Muller gave up eight hits and one run over six innings, improving to 3-9 on the year, while Flores allowed seven hits and four runs in seven frames, falling to 12-6 on the year. Manny Flores went 3-3 with an RBI in the loss for the Mules. (46-36)
W-Hank Muller (3-8) L-Jesus Flores (12-6) S-Bob Carlson (1) HR-DOV Shuncho Kan (2)

July 10-Trailing 5-0 entering the bottom of the fifth inning, Newmarket exploded for nine runs in the fifth and sixth combined as the Mules got past the Green Wave, winning 10-7. Roberto Rodriguez and Alberto Flores each had three hits and an RBI while Kent Rogers added a double and three RBI for the Mules in the victory. Former Mule Dennis Spears homered, driving in three, and Kevin Cullman, the 22 year old C, who is taking playing time away from Pablo Lucero, added three hits, including his 2nd homerun of the season in the loss. (47-36)
W-Wallace Harrison (4-8) L-Jorge Durango (2-5) HR-NMKT Roberto Rodriguez (10), DOV Kevin Cullman (2), Dennis Spears (6)

July 11-Many wondered what Dover manager Mahny Apbar was doing when he intentionally walked Roberto Rodriguez in a 4-3 game to bring up Quint Kobes, who had already hit three grand slams on the year, and the decision will continue to be questioned as Kobes hit a 3-1 pitch into the centerfield bleachers and helping the Mules take two of three from Dover, winning 8-3. Luis Ortiz hit a two run double and Juan Escobedo added two hits and two runs scored for Newmarket in the win. Jesus Guardado pitched seven innings, allowing seven hits and three runs, two earned with one walk and seven strikeouts, matching his career high with 15 wins on the year, and has a real good shot at 20 victories this season. (48-36)
W-Jesus Guardado (15-5) L-Jerry McCauley (7-10) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (21)

News and Notes:

NEBL to Expand

-It was announced this week that the NEBL will expand by two teams this upcoming offseason and will add two more teams prior to the 2012 campaign. The two new entrees for the 2011 season will be the Beverly Panthers, who will play in the Massachusetts Division, and the Lowell River Hawks, who will play out of the Central Division. The teams that will join the NEBL for the 2012 season are yet to be announced. Below are team logos and a bit about each city:

Beverly Panthers

Located 17 miles north of Boston, just under 40,000 people call the city of Beverly home. Beverly was incorporated in 1668 and the first commissioned US naval ship, the Hannah, was stationed there, allowing Beverly to call itself, "The birthplace of America's Navy." Sir Oliver Wendell Holmes also called Beverly home in the summers. The city of Beverly also ishome to two universities, Endicott College, and Montserrat College of Art.

Lowell River Hawks

The City of Lowell is inhabited by just over 105,000 people. The city is only 14.5 square miles big, but is the 4th largest city in the state of Massachusetts. It is also home to the University of Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks, where the team gets it's name, and was home to famous write Jack Kerouac. Another note of interest is that the CVS Pharmacy chain started here in Lowell.

NL Player of the Week: Roberto Rodriguez (Newmarket) .500 (11-22) 3 HR 7 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Tomas Ramos (Manchester) .500 (12-24) 3 HR 6 RBI

-Glenn Lee and the Nashua Titans have agreed on a two year contract extension that will pay the 31 year old RP $904,000 per year. On the season, Lee is a perfect 7-0 with a 3.05 ERA in 28 games for the Titans. He has pitched 38 1/3 innings, allowing 33 hits and 20 walks while striking out 25.

Up next will be the All-Star Rosters as well as game results and League Leaders through the Break!

[Papi]

2010 All-Star Break

Northern League-

P-Jesus Guardado (Newmarket) 15-5 2.56
P-Luis Hernandez (Orono) 11-6 3.03
P-Gabriel Espinoza (Portsmouth) 10-6 2.73
P-Fransisco Rodriguez (Bangor) 10-3 2.78
P-Jesus Flores (Newmarket) 12-6 3.42
P-John Coury (Newmarket) 0-1 1.42 22 saves
P-Hyeok Park (Bangor) 2-1 0.39 15 saves
P-Mike Martinez (Augusta) 5-1 1.12 4 saves
P-Marco Rios (Orono) 1-2 1.57 16 saves
P-Jeremiah Arnold (Portland) 2-2 2.23 15 saves
P-Anastacio Martinez (Augusta) 2-3 1.30 11 saves
P-Arnaldo Ramirez (Oyster River) 2-5 2.75 15 saves
C-Jon Benson (Portland) .275 20-48
C-Denis Sullivan (Bangor) .308 9-44
1B-Fernando Peralta (Newmarket) .315 10-31
1B-Louie Kelly (Bangor) .329 8-44
2B-Ramon Cruz (Augusta) .263 2-21
3B-Roberto Rodriguez (Newmarket) .341 10-45
3B-Jesus Rodriguez (Bangor) .282 18-70
3B-River Little (Oyster River) .298 13-28
SS-Quint Kobes (Newmarket) .293 21-72
SS-Jose Velazquez (Oyster River) .302 10-34
OF-Jose Sanchez (Bangor) .278 6-30 42 steals
OF-Jim Dunbar (Oyster River) .266 23-60
OF-Juan Escobedo (Newmarket) .315 6-28 24 steals
OF-Carlos Perea (Portland) .299 17-39
OF-Jose Munoz (Augusta) .296 9-35

Southern League-

P-Gerald Williams (Danvers) 10-5 2.31
P-Ramon Ramirez (Exeter) 7-4 2.40
P-Chris Briggs (Gloucester) 12-8 3.16
P-Ben Flannery (Danvers) 7-6 2.82
P-Chong-seop So (Manchester) 8-5 2.94
P-Clay Clark (Peabody) 2-2 2.27 23 saves
P-Steve Williams (Manchester) 3-2 2.67 20 saves
P-Angel Sepulveda (Salem) 6-1 2.81 13 saves
P-Herb Daunt (Nashua) 3-3 3.34 18 saves
P-Inejiro Takahashi (Gloucester) 4-1 1.37 12 saves
P-Jorge Madrigal (Danvers) 3-4 2.84 16 saves
P-Glenn Lee (Nashua) 7-0 3.05 2 saves
C-Tomas Ramos (Manchester) .333 18-63
C-Tony Miranda (Exeter) .277 16-55
1B-Bob Clark (Peabody) .359 19-41
1B-Norman Vickers (Salem) .285 18-67
2B-Jacob Davis (Marblehead) .312 4-37
SS-Dave Chambers (Nashua) .321 11-38 16 steals
SS-Tommy Brown (Peabody) .311 7-37
SS-Yasutake Sato (Danvers) .349 5-26
3B-Carlos Vazquez (Nashua) .270 11-44 24 steals
OF-Sherman Morgan (Manchester) .313 27-77
OF-Ivan Aguilar (Exeter) .311 17-55 23 steals
OF-Rafael Delgado (Exeter) .299 17-48
OF-Patrick Tolbert (Danvers) .310 13-45
OF-Alfonso Munoz (Salem) .262 18-69 13 steals
OF-Scott Gardner (Salem) .281 17-42
OF-Gustavo Guerrero (Nashua) .280 13-60

Game Recap-

A three run eighth inning, capped by a two run single off the bat off Jesus Rodriguez (Bangor), brought the Northern League back from a 5-3 deficit, and helping the NL All-Stars beat the stars from the Southern League, 6-5. Newmarket 3B and two time MVP Roberto Rodriguez got the scoring started early, with a two run HR in the first inning off SL starter, two time Pitcher of the year and all time NEBL win leader, Chris Briggs. Complete Box score below:



Leading off the final month of the season for the first place Mules are seven games on the road, the first four in Augusta against the Moose, followed by three in Durham against the Oyster River Bobcats.

[Papi]

League Leaders Through July 14th-

[Papi]

July 15,16,17,18 at Augusta Moose (40-44)

July 15-Jesus Guardado started off the last month of the season the way he did leading into the All-Star break, pitching eight innings, allowing seven hits and two runs, just one earned, walking none and striking out six as Newmarket got past Augusta, 3-2. Newmarket got all three of their runs with one swing in the first inning as Alberto Flores hit a three run bomb off Jorge Garcia giving the Mules a 3-0 lead before the Moose even came to bat. (49-36)
W-Jesus Guardado (16-5) L-Jorge Garcia (7-13) S-Ki-heung Song (2) HR-NMKT Alberto Flores (14)

July 16-All-star Ramon Cruz went 3-5 with two RBI, and Francis Lewis added three hits and a run scored as Augusta beat up on Jesus Flores and Newmarket, 7-2. Rod Bright pitched a complete game for the Moose, allowing five hits and two runs, walking one and striking out six, improving to 7-8 on the year, while Flores fell to 12-7. (49-37)
W-Rod Bright (7-8) L-Jesus Flores (12-7) HR-NMKT Sergio Hernandez (1)

July 17-Juan Jose Fernandez pitched a complete game, three hit shutout as Newmarket blanked Augusta 5-0. Fernandez threw 115 pitches, 76 for strikes in a game where he walked three and struck out 12, lowering his ERA with Newmarket to 2.05 in 11 starts. The Mules got all the offense they would need in the first inning as Quint Kobes and Alberto Flores hit back to back homeruns off Jose Guillermina, ending the inning up 4-0. (50-37)
W-Juan Jose Fernandez (4-5) L-Jose Guillermina (8-8) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (21), Alberto Flores (15)

July 18-A four run eighth inning, capped by a two run double off the bat of Quint Kobes helped the Mules take three of four from the Moose, winning 6-3. Roberto Rodriguez added three hits and an RBI, and Scott Fullerton had two hits and two runs scored in support of Alex Herman, who pitched two perfect innings in relief, striking out two and earning his first win of the year. (51-37)
W-Alex Herman (1-3) L-John Wright (7-7) HR-AUG Mark Browne (4)

July 19,20,21 at Oyster River Bobcats (44-44)

July 19-Juan Escobedo went 2-4 with a homerun, four RBI and two runs scored to lead the Mules to an easy 8-1 victory over the Bobcats. Jesus Guardado continued his march to 20 wins, pitching seven innings, scattering eight hits and one run with one walk and two strikeouts, winning number 17 on the season. Roberto Rodriguez hit a solo HR, his 11th shot of the year in the win. (52-37)
W-Jesus Guardado (17-5) L-Dong-joon Yi (7-9) HR-NMKT Roberto Rodriguez (11), Juan Escobedo (7)

July 20-Jesus Flores continued to struggle, going just three innings, allowing eight hits and six runs, raising his ERA to a season high 3.75 as Oyster River beat up the Mules, 8-5. Richard Batterham went 3-4 with a homerun and four RBI to lead the Bobcat offense, while Ronald Combs went 3-4 with a homerun, two RBI and two runs scored in the win. (52-38)
W-Ernesto Garcia (9-6) L-Jesus Flores (12-8) S-Daniel Catazara (3) HR-NMKT Juan Escobedo (8), OYS Richard Batterham (8), Ronald Combs (12)

July 21-Trailing 4-2 entering the top of the ninth inning, Newmarket rallied for two in the inning and one more in the 10th to take two of three from Oyster River, beating the Bobcats, 5-4. Manny Flores started the rally, driving in Jeffrey Franklin with a pinch hit double and later scoring on an error by 1B Pete Gilbert, tying the game at 4. Closer John Coury, who pitched the final two innings to earn the win, actually drove home the lead run with a sacrifice fly, scoring Sergio Hernandez with one out in the 10th, helping the Mules extend their lead in the Division to eight games over Oyster River and 9.5 games over Portsmouth. (53-38)
W-John Coury (1-1) L-Arnaldo Ramirez (2-6) HR-OYS Jose Velazquez (12)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Jorge Gutierrez (Orono) .500 (7-14) 3 HR 5 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Chris Langley (Gloucester) .647 (11-19) 1 HR 6 RBI

-26 year old 2B Antonio Mendoza and the Nashua Titans have agreed on a new three year contract worth $1,125,000 per year. Mendoza is having his best season thusfar, hitting .315 with two homeruns and 38 RBI in 87 games for Nashua. He is a career .283 hitter with 12 homeruns and 116 RBI in 288 games, all with the Titans.

-Newmarket and 33 year old relief pitcher Jose Barron have agreed on a three year extention worth just over $3 million per year. Barron has been rock solid out of the Mules bullpen this year, going 2-2 with a 2.35 ERA and one save in 27 games. He has pitched 53 2/3 innings, allowing 46 hits and just 10 walks while striking out 58 in his second stint with Newmarket. His season has been a revelation as he was claimed off waivers in April from Danvers, where he went 4-9 with a 5.33 ERA in 17 starts after being traded to the Falcons from the Mules last year.

As we approach the end of July, the Mules begin a homestand that sees the first place Bangor Crusaders come to town for four games followed by the Portland Bulldogs coming to Newmarket for three games.

[Papi]

July 22,23,24,25 v Bangor Crusaders (56-35)

July 22-Quint Kobes and Alberto Flores each had RBI's and Wallace Harrison had his best start of the year, going eight innings, allowing three hits and no runs, while walking one and striking out three as Newmarket blanked Bangor, 2-0. John Coury pitched the ninth for his 23rd save of the year, lowering his ERA to 1.30. (54-38)
W-Wallace Harrison (5-8) L-Jose Yepe (1-1) S-John Coury (23)

July 23-A three run seventh inning, aided by a two base error from OF Auerlio Barron allowed the Mules to take the lead and help Jesus Guardado win his 18th game, beating the Crusaders 4-2. Recent call-up Anibal Walls went 3-4 with a run scored to lead the offense, while Alberto Flores added an RBI single in the win. Guardado pitched seven innings, allowing five hits and two runs with two walks and three strikeouts. (55-38)
W-Jesus Guardado (18-5) L-Fransisco Rodriguez (11-5) S-John Coury (24)

July 24-Jesus Flores got roughed up again, allowing five runs, four of them earned, and seven hits over six innings as Bangor shutout Newmarket, 7-0. Jeremiah Hebert pitched the first seven innings, allowing six hits and no walks, striking out six, improving to 8-8 on the year, while Jesus Rodriguez went 3-5 with four RBI for the Crusaders in the victory. (55-39)
W-Jeremiah Hebert (8-8) L-Jesus Flores (12-9)

July 25-Luis Ortiz went 4-5 with a grand slam, driving in five runs for the game, and Alberto Flores added a solo HR in his two hits as Newmarket took three of four games from Bangor, nipping the Crusaders 6-5. Ki-heung Song blew the save in place of John Coury, who was given the day off, but picked up the win, his first with Newmarket. Louie Kelly had three hits, including a homerun in the loss for Bangor. (56-39)
W-Ki-heung Song (1-0) L-Jose Yepe (1-2)

July 27,28,29 v Portland Bulldogs (47-48)

July 27-Juan Escobedo went 2-4 with a two run triple and two runs scored, and Quint Kobes added two RBI as Newmarket beat Portland 4-3. Alex Herman, making his first start in two months, went seven innings, allowing five hits and three runs with no walks and six strikeouts, earning his 2nd win of the year. (57-39)
W-Alex Herman (2-3) L-Antonio Teodoro (3-11) S-John Coury (25) HR-POR Jason Tate (20)

July 28-Luis Ortiz hit a game winning, walkoff single in the bottom of the 10th inning, scoring Roberto Rodriguez, giving the Mules a 3-2 win over Portland. Jesus Guardado picked up a no decision, despite pitching nine innings, and giving up just five hits and two runs, striking out eight and seeing his ERA fall to 2.43 on the year. Ortiz drove in a pair of runs in the game, while Alberto Flores added an RBI double for the Mules. (58-39)
W-John Coury (2-1) L-Jeremiah Arnold (2-3)

July 29-Jesus Flores had his best start in over a month, pitching a complete game, two hits shutout as the Mules completed the sweep, shutting out the Bulldogs, 6-0. Flores allowed just one walk, striking out seven while throwing 112 pitches, 75 of them for strikes. Mario Saenz, back from injury, hit a three run HR, while Roberto Rodriguez added a two run blast for Newmarket in the win. (59-39)
W-Jesus Flores (13-9) L-Chester Griffin (8-8) HR-NMKT Roberto Rodriguez (12), Mario Saenz (14)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Rob Gibson (Portsmouth) .545 (12-22) 1 HR 6 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Alfonso Munoz (Salem) .417 (10-24) 4 HR 11 RBI

-P Enrique Morales and the Peabody Tanners have agreed on a three year contract worth $798,000. The 30 year old lefthander is 8-7 with a 3.44 ERA in 20 starts for the Tanners on the year. He has thrown 143 1/3 innings, allowing 132 hits and 33 walks, while striking out 126 batters. He is 30-29 in his career, all three years with Peabody.

-Marblehead and C Stephen Hoffman have come to terms on a new two year deal, that will pay the 37 year old $5.8 million dollars. On the year, Hoffman is hitting .267 with 18 homeruns and 70 RBI in 93 games for the Magicians. His best year came in the inaugural season, when he hit .266 with 41 homeruns and 104 RBI and posting a 61/54 BB/K ratio.

-Manchester and 2B Pedro Gonzalez have signed their names to a two year contract worth just under $1.2 million dollars. The 27 year old Gonzalez is hitting .277 with 11 homeruns and 40 RBI on the year, and is a career .254 hitter in 1,068 at-bats.

-Marblehead has agreed on a two year extention with RP Bob Wiley this week that will pay the 33 year old $848,000. Wiley is having his best year out of the Magician bullpen, going 1-1 witha 2.48 ERA and two saves in 29 games. He has pitched 36 1/3 innings, allowing 29 hits and eight walks, while striking out 45.

-The Newmarket Mules have sent SP Wallace Harrison to the Salem Witches in exchange for a couple of relief pitchers, Edwin Boone and minor leaguer Mauro Vargas. The Mules were able to acquire the solid Boone due to his contract, which pays him over $5 million dollars this year. He was 0-0 with a 4.07 ERA and one save on the year in 18 games. He has pitched 24 innings, allowing 27 hits but has posted a 27/4 K/BB ratio. The 24 year old Vargas is a high risk high reward player, who can bring the heat at 97+. He was 4-3 with a 1.90 ERA and five saves at AAA this year. He had appeared in 27 games, covering 47 1/3 innings, where he allowed just 30 hits and eight walks while striking out 66. Both players will be slotted into the Mules bullpen behind John Coury and Ki-heung Song. Harrison had been pitching better, posting a 5-8 mark with a 4.59 ERA in 17 games, 16 starts for Newmarket. He had just pitched his best game of the year, going eight shutout innings against the Bangor Crusaders, so we decided to move him while his stock was high.

-Marblehead sends 26 year old C Carlos Cruz to the Augusta Moose for 28 year old SP Jose Guillermina. Cruz was hitting .258 with two homeruns and eight RBI in 87 AB for the Magicians, while Guillermina was 8-9 with a 3.72 ERA in 23 starts for the Moose.

As we head into the final three weeks of the year, Newmarket ends July with three games at home against the Portsmouth Clippers, followed by a three game set in Orono against the Red Riot. End of the Month stats and league standings are next though!

[Papi]

Complete Team Batting Stats Through July 31-


Complete Team Pitching Stats Through July 31-


Complete Team Fielding Stats Through July 31-



Complete League Standings Through July 31-

[Papi]

July 30,31 August 1 v Portsmouth Clippers (48-50)

July 30-Juan Jose Fernandez pitched seven innings of two hit ball, allowing just one run, walking two and striking out nine....and lost the game. Rodrigo Sanchez completed dominated the Mules offense, pitching a complete game, one hit shutout, walking two and striking out 10 as the Clippers shutout Newmarket, 1-0. Domingo Garcia supplied all the offense for Portsmouth with a solo HR in the 7th inning. (59-40)
W-Rodrigo Sanchez (8-7) L-Juan Jose Fernandez (4-6) HR-Domingo Garcia (13)

July 31-Rob Gibson went 3-4 with an RBI, and Jessie Church pitched eight innings, allowing five hits and two runs, while walking two and striking out five as Portsmouth beat Newmarket, 3-2. Jose Munoz added an RBI single, while Juan Escobedo and Roberto Rodriguez had RBI for the Mules in the loss. (59-41)
W-Jessie Church (5-11) L-Alex Herman (2-4) S-Jerry Ward (15)

August 1-Juan Escobedo hit a two out, two run, walkoff homerun in the bottom of the 9th inning, giving the Mules a come from behind, 3-2 win. Trailing 2-0 entering the ninth, Mario Saenz hit a solo HR, and after Brad Ford singled and was pinch run for by Alex Alba, Escobedo deposited a 3-1 pitch into the left field seats, helping Newmarket avoid the sweep. Newcomer Edwin Boone pitched two perfect innings to pick up the win. (60-41)
W-Edwin Boone (1-0) L-Jerry Ward (1-2) HR-NMKT Juan Escobedo (9), Mario Saenz (15)

August 3,4,5 at Orono Red Riot (50-52)

August 3-Juan Escobedo and Fernando Peralta combined to go 4-8 with two homeruns, six RBI and five runs scored as Newmarket beat Orono 10-5. Jesus Flores pitched seven innings, giving up seven hits and two runs, walking two and striking out seven, improving to 14-9 on the year. Olivier Racine went 2-4 with two RBI in the loss for Orono. (61-41)
W-Jesus Flores (14-9) L-Doug Rich (9-10) HR-NMKT Juan Escobedo (10), Fernando Peralta (11), Quint Kobes (23)

August 4-In a wild game, Newmarket took a 5-0 lead after half an inning, and by the 6th inning, had given it all back plus some as Orono took a 10-5 lead and held on to beat the Mules, 10-8. Jarrod Clark lead the Red Riot attack, going 2-4 with a homerun and six RBI, while Doug Spence added three hits and two RBI. Manny Flores went 3-5 with two RBI to spearhead the Mules offense. (61-42)
W-Luis Hernandez (13-8) L-Jose Barron (2-3) S-Marcos Rios (22) HR-ORO Jarrod Clark (9)

August 5-Keith James hit a walkoff RBI double, scoring Jarrod Clark, who had lead off the inning with a triple as Orono took two of three from Newmarket, winning 3-2. The Mules had tied the game in the top of the inning as Fernando Peralta drove in Juan Escobedo with a single, making the score 2-2. Edwin Boone picked up the loss, allowing both hits without recording an out in the bottom of the ninth inning. (61-43)
W-Marco Rios (3-3) L-Edwin Boone (1-1) HR-NMKT Roberto Rodriguez (13), Mario Saenz (16)

News and Notes:

NL Batter of the Month: Jose Munoz (Augusta) .398 7 HR 28 RBI
SL Batter of the Month: Roberto Gonzalez (Gloucester) .324 9 HR 23 RBI

NL Pitcher of the Month: Jesus Guardado (Newmarket) 6-0 1.70 ERA 53 IP 35 K
SL Pitcher of the Month: Chris Briggs (Gloucester) 4-0 2.23 ERA 40 1/3 IP 43 K

NL Rookie of the Month: Mitsunari Watanabe (Portsmouth) .343 5 HR 19 RBI
SL Rookie of the Month: Sorai Tanaka (Exeter) .441 5 HR 6 RBI

Playoff Race Update:

Maine Division
Bangor 62-42 (Magic Number 6)
Orono 52-53 10.0

New Hampshire Division
Newmarket 61-43 (Magic Number 8)
Portsmouth 52-52 9.0

Central Division
Nashua 61-44
Exeter 60-44 0.5
Manchester 56-48

Massachusetts Division
Peabody 54-41 (Magic Number 11)
Salem 48-56 5.5


Not much else to report! Next up for Newmarket is the final homestand of the year as Augusta comes to town for three games followed by a four game set against the Bangor Crusaders.

[Papi]

August 6,7,8 v Augusta Moose (51-53)

August 6-Alberto Flores hit a pair of homeruns, including a grand slam, driving in five for the game, and Alex Herman pitched seven shutout innings, allowing just three hits and one walk, striking out 10 as Newmarket beat Augusta easily, 7-0. Fernando Peralta added three hits and an RBI in the win for the Mules. (62-43)
W-Alex Herman (3-4) L-Jorge Garcia (9-14) HR-NMKT Alberto Flores 2(18)

August 7-Fernando Peralta went 4-5 with two homeruns, four RBI and three runs scored, and Quint Kobes hit a bases clearing triple as the Mules beat up on the Moose for a second straight day, winning 9-3. Jesus Flores won his 15th game of the year, allowing three runs and eight hits over seven innings, striking out one, while throwing 100 pitches, 57 for strikes. (63-43)
W-Jesus Flores (15-9) L-Lou Dennis (2-2) HR-NMKT Fernando Peralta 2(13)

August 8-Juan Escobedo hit a solo HR in the 4th inning and three batters later, Luis Ortiz hit a two run bomb, capping a four run inning, and that was all the run support Juan Jose Fernandez would need as the Mules completed the sweep of the Moose, winning 5-2. Fernandez was dominant again, going seven innings, allowing five hits and one run, walking three and striking out 11, picking up the win. (64-43)
W-Juan Jose Fernandez (5-6) L-Jeffery Peterson (2-2) S-John Coury (26) HR-Juan Escobedo (11) Luis Ortiz (14) AUG-Jose Salinas (5)

August 9,10,11,12 v Bangor Crusaders (64-43)

August 9-Quint Kobes hit a solo HR, Luis Ortiz went 3-3 with two runs scored, and Jesus Guardado pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing six hits and just one run, winning his 19th game of the year as Newmarket beat Bangor 5-1. Scott Fullerton added two hits and an RBI for the Mules, while Aurelio Barron added three hits and a run scored for Bangor in the loss. (65-43)
W-Jesus Guardado (19-5) L-Jose Yepe (3-3) S-John Coury (27) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (24)

August 10-Pablo Sanchez hit a tie breaking, two run single off Edwin Boone in the top of the seventh inning helping Bangor beat Newmarket 4-2. Jeremiah Hebert pitched six innings, allowing five hits and two runs, walking two and striking out one, earning the win, while Alex Herman also pitched six innings of two run ball, striking out six, picking up a no decision. (65-44)
W-Jeremiah Hebert (10-9) L-Edwin Boone (1-2) S-Hyeok Park (22) HR-NMKT Quint Kobes (25) BAN Louie Kelly (10)

August 11-Roberto Rodriguez broke up a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the eighth inning with an RBI single, scoring Juan Escobedo, who lead off the inning with a double and went 3-4 in the game as Newmarket snuck past Bangor 2-1. Sergio Hernandez, struggling all year, hitting just .202 coming into the game, went 2-4 with a solo HR, his 2nd of the year in support of Jesus Flores, who pitched eight innings, allowing just four hits, striking out nine, winning his 16th game of the year. (66-44)
W-Jesus Flores (16-9) L-Fransisco Galindo (2-2) S-Ki-heung Song (3) HR-NMKT Sergio Hernandez (2)

August 12-Alberto Flores went 3-3 with 2 doubles, a homerun, three RBI and three runs scored as Newmarket took three of four from Bangor, beating the Crusaders easily 9-3. Roberto Rodriguez hit a two run HR in the win, while Manny Flores added two runs knocked in. Juan Jose Fernandez pitched six innings, allowing three runs while striking out six, winning his second straight start for Newmarket. (67-44)
W-Juan Jose Fernandez (6-6) L-Tony Aguirre (12-7) HR-NMKT Alberto Flores (19), Roberto Rodriguez (14), BAN Louie Kelly (11)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Jason Tate (Portland) .440 (11-25) 5 HR 9 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Tomas Ramos (Manchester) .650 (13-20) 1 HR 3 RBI

-Gloucester 2B Cesar Muniz had a streak this week over the span of three games, where he went 12-12. He had back to back 5-5 games, and followed that up by picking up hits in his first two at-bats of game three before finally grounding out to second in his third AB. Acquired from Portland earlier this year, Muniz has been on fire since joining the Fishermen, hitting .340 with five homeruns, 14 doubles and 18 RBI in 45 games.

-Marblehead and star 1B Jorge Lemus have agreed on a new three year contract worth $1,960,000 per year. The 31 year old Lemus is hitting .284 with 17 homeruns and 66 RBI on the year, and for his career is a .306 hitter with 418 hits, including 75 homeruns and 259 RBI, along with a 154/124 BB/K ratio in 350 games, all with the Magicians.

Pennant Race Update

Maine Division
Bangor 65-46 (Clinched)

New Hampshire Division
Newmarket 67-44 (Magic Number 2)
Portsmouth 59-52 8.0

Central Division
Exeter 64-47 (Magic Number 8)
Nashua 62-49 2.0
Manchester 60-51 4.0

Massachusetts Division
Peabody 58-53 (Magic Number 4)
Salem 52-59 6.0

As we approach the end of the season, Newmarket will have their final three home games, against the Oyster River Bobcats, followed by six games on the road, the first three against Dover and the last three of the year are in Portsmouth against the Clippers.

[Papi]

August 13,14,15 v Oyster River Bobcats (55-56)

August 13-Alberto Flores went 3-4 with a homerun and two runs batted in and Luis Ortiz added a solo HR as Newmarket beat Oyster River 4-1. Jesus Guardado became the first Newmarket pitcher to win 20 games in a year, as he went the distance, allowing just three hits and one unearned run, walking none and striking out four, improving to 20-5. (68-44)
W-Jesus Guardado (20-5) L-Robert Fleming (1-6) HR-NMKT Alberto Flores (20), Luis Ortiz (15)

August 14-Alberto Flores homered for a second straight day, and Fernando Peralta went 3-4 with a homerun and two runs scored as the Mules snuck past the Bobcats, 6-5. The win gave the Mules their second straight New Hampshire Division Championship, and will give the Mules a chance to extract revenge against the Bangor Crusaders, who beat Newmarket in the Northern League Championship Series a year ago. Alex Herman gave up five runs, although just one was earned over seven innings, allowing six hits and no walks, striking out 11, while improving to 4-4 on the year. (69-44)
W-Alex Herman (4-4) L-Dong-jjon Yi (8-14) S-John Coury (28) HR-NMKT Alberto Flores (21) Fernando Peralta (14) OYS Jim Dunbar (31)

August 15-Oyster River avoided the sweep, as Patrick Gilbert hit a tie breaking three run HR off Edwin Boone, giving the Bobcats a 5-2 win. The Mules lineup consisted of all backups except Mario Saenz and part timer Scott Fullerton, as the starters were rested following the clinching of the Division last night. Fullerton lead the offense, going 2-4 with a run scored in the loss. (69-45)
W-Arnaldo Ramirez (4-7) L-Edwin Boone (1-3) HR-OYS Patrick Gilbert (27)

August 16,17,18 at Dover Green Wave (42-72)

August 16-Alberto Flores and Mario Saenz each hit a pair of homeruns, each also driving in three runs in the game as Newmarket hammered Dover, 13-3. Juan Escobedo, Quint Kobes and Luis Ortiz each drove in two runs leading a very balanced Newmarket attack. Juan Jose Fernandez, in his last tuneup prior to the postseason, went seven shutout innings, allowing four hits, while walking two and striking out nine. (70-45)
W-Juan Jose Fernandez (7-6) L-Hirotada Mizuno (7-13) HR-NMKT Alberto Flores 2(23), Mario Saenz 2(18) DOV Tom Carver (7)

August 17-A five run 5th inning, capped by a two run double from Kevin Cullman, helped Dover beat Jesus Guardado and the Newmarket Mules, 8-5. Guardado struggled, going six innings, allowing 11 hits and six runs with no walks and two strikeouts, falling to 20-6 on the year. Mario Zamore and Sam Matthews each had two hits and an RBI for the Green Wave in the victory. (70-46)
W-Hank Muller (5-13) L-Jesus Guardado (20-6) HR-NMKT Roberto Rodriguez (15)

August 18-Alberto Flores continued his power surge, hitting a three run HR in the first inning, while Quint Kobes and Fernando Peralta added solo shots as Newmarket beat Dover, 5-3. Alex Herman went the distance, scattering eight hits and three runs, walking one and striking out seven, earning his 5th win of the season. Don Behan hit a two run HR for Dover in the loss. (71-46)
W-Alex Herman (5-4) L-Jerry McCauley (10-15) HR-Alberto Flores (24), Quint Kobes (26), Fernando Peralta (15) DOV Don Behan (15)

August 20,21,22 at Portsmouth Clippers (61-56)

August 20-Alberto Flores hit a three run homerun in each the first and second innings, and Roberto Rodriguez and Fernando Peralta each had two hits, including solo homeruns as Newmarket destroyed Portsmouth, 11-1. Jesus Flores pitched a complete game, allowing just three hits and the one run, walking one and striking out seven, improving to 17-9 on the year. Gabriel Espinoza, coming into the game with a 2.68 ERA, allowed nine runs and seven hits in 1 2/3 innings, raising his ERA to 3.18. (72-46)
W-Jesus Flores (17-9) L-Gabriel Espinoza (11-8) HR-Alberto Flores 2(26), Fernando Peralta (16), Roberto Rodriguez (16)

August 21-Roberto Rodriguez went 3-4 with a homerun and three RBI and Alberto Flores homered again, a two run shot as Newmarket beat Portsmouth, 7-4. Jesus Guardado, in his tuneup for the Postseason, went six innings, giving up three runs, one earned, with six hits and one walk, while striking out two, earning a no-decision. Edwin Boone picked up the win, pitching two innings in relief, allowing an unearned run. (73-46)
W-Edwin Boone (2-3) L-Javier Valenzuela (3-7) S-John Coury (29) HR-NMKT Roberto Rodriguez (17), Alberto Flores (27)

August 22-Domingo Garcia had a two run single, and Rob Gibson added an RBI single as Portsmouth ended their season on a high note, beating Newmarket, 4-3. Mario Saenz hit a two run shot, his 19th HR of the year in the loss for the Mules. Six different Clippers pitchers combined to allow just seven hits, walking three and striking out 12. Alex Herman pitched six innings, giving up four runs and six hits, while striking out four. (73-47)
W-Juan Torres (2-1) L-Alex Herman (5-5) S-Jerry Ward (21) HR-NMKT Mario Saenz (19)

News and Notes:

NL Player of the Week: Mitsunari Watanabe (Portsmouth) .552 (16-29) 1 HR 2 RBI
SL Player of the Week: Tomas Ramos (Manchester) .538 (14-36) 3 HR 10 RBI

-Tomas Ramos of the Manchester Lancers had a rediculous last two weeks of the season, hitting .452 (33-73) in August, with five homeruns, five doubles and 17 RBI. On the year, Ramos exceeded all expectations for the Lancers, hitting .337 with 23 homeruns, 42 doubles and 88 RBI, while also throwing out 39.3% (22 of 56) would be basestealers, all as a 25 year old rookie.

-Since being reacquired by the Newmarket Mules, Alberto Flores has reached another level. In 48 games, covering 161 AB's for the Mules, Flores hit .311 with 18 homeruns and 43 RBI, while posting a 29/27 BB/K ratio. On the year, between Orono and Newmarket, he hit .288 with a career high 27 homeruns and 73 RBI in just 85 games.

The Division Championship Series have set. In the Northen Division, we have a rematch of last year, where the Newmarket Mules (73-47) will face off against the Bangor Crusaders (67-53). In the Southern Division, the Peabody Tanners (62-58) make their first trip to the postseason to square off against the Exeter Blue Hawks (68-52), also making their first appearance in postseason play. Up next will be end of the year League Leaders followed by Championship Series Previews!

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End of the Year League Leaders

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2010 Northern League Championship Series
Newmarket Mules (73-47) v Bangor Crusaders (67-53)

Newmarket Batting


Bangor Batting


Newmarket Pitching


Bangor Pitching

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2010 Southern League Championship Series
Exeter Blue Hawks (68-52) v Peabody Tanners (62-58)

Exeter Batting


Peabody Batting


Exeter Pitching


Peabody Pitching


Championship Series Results are next!