Tag: Bob Cerv

TWIWBL 13.4: Series XI Notes – Marvin Miller Division

On August 11, 2021

#Birmingham Black Barons

Where did that come from? Sam Streeter threw a complete game, 5-hit shutout, blanking Kansas City 1-0, with a homerun from Bob Nieman plating the game’s only run. Streeter leveled his record at 2-2 and Rube Marquard was the hard-luck loser for the Monarchs, falling to 2-3 despite only giving up 3 hits in 7 innings.

Dick Rudolph was cruising along with his best outing of the year, allowing no runs and 2 hits through 8 innings. Consecutive hits in the top of the 9th chased Rudolph, but Carlos Diaz did just enough to preserve the win, despite giving up a homerun to the Monarchs’ Albert Pujols. Rudolph improved to 3-3, and Diaz notched his 7th save.

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

Trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the 9th against Ottawa’s closer Tom Henke, Brooklyn pulled victory from the edge of defeat in the first game of a doubleheader as Beals Becker sent a pitch just over the right field wall for the 5-3 win. They couldn’t come back against Henke in the second game, as Ottawa split the twin bill with a 5-2 victory.

Terry Forster has scuffled recently, earning himself a trip back to AAA, with Brooklyn recalling Trevor Hildenberger from his rehab assignment.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Wade Miller continues to sparkle for the Sea Dogs, turning in another great performance in his second start of the year, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs over 7+ innings in a 4-3 victory for Portland over Indianapolis. Johan Santana picked up his 15th save despite giving up a run in the 9th.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

Eddie Plank evened his record at 3-3 with 7 shutout innings, allowing only 5 hits in a 2-0 victory over Houston. Rod Beck pitched a scoreless 9th for his 11th save, and Pedro Guerrero provided the offense with his 4th homerun of the season.

Bob Cerv hit really well in his week in the big leagues, slashing 286/286/714 with 2 homeruns. But Bobby Bonds‘ return from the DL saw Cerv returned to AAA.

Series XI Featured Game: San Francisco Sea Lions @ Houston Colt 45’s

By mknn

On August 3, 2021

In Featured Games, Game Recaps

The featured game in Series XI is the opening tilt between two teams hovering around .500 as the San Francisco Sea Lions visit the Houston Colt 45’s. San Francisco will start Dennis Eckersley to face Houston’s Bret Saberhagen.

Both pitchers have had a rough go: Saberhagen has just struggled to find much consistency, while Eckersley has been absolutely hammered since an early-season trip to the DL.

A 3-run homerun by Jeff Bagwell, his 6th of the year, opened the scoring in the bottom of the first for Houston. Eckersley continued to struggle, allowing a run in the 3rd, and another in the 4th on a solo shot by Tony Gwynn. That ended his day, with the Sea Lions forced to go to their bullpen early. Charlie Root relieved Eckersley, and wasn’t much better, giving up 2 runs in just under 3 innings before giving way to Jim Devlin.

Saberhagen, on the other hand, seemed to find some rhythm. He ended up giving up 3 runs over 7 innings–not great, but far better than he had been providing for Houston. All three runs were solo homeruns, from Wally Moon, John Beckwith, and Charlie Reilly.

Put all that together, and we headed to the 8th with Houston on top, 7-3.

Leon Day was on to pitch for Houston, but he only lasted one batter, grabbing his elbow in pain after walking San Francisco’s Jimmy Bloodworth. Day was replaced by Mark Melancon, who gave up a 2-run double to Moon, closing the score to 7-5.

Devlin surrendered a single to HR Johnson and a walk to Lance Berkman, but two groundball outs–one a double play–kept Houston off the scoreboard in the bottom of the 8th.

Houston sent their closer, Brad Lidge, out in the top of the 9th. Lidge has been mediocre at best all season, and seems in danger of losing his job to Billy Wagner. This outing didn’t help: Bob Cerv pinch-hit for Eddie Joost and deposited Lidge’s third pitch into the seats for a solo homerun. Lidge sandwiched a strikeout between walks to Mickey Cochrane and Bloodoworth, setting the stage for San Francisco’s hottest hitter–and the league leader in BA and OBP–Reggie Jackson.

The small contingent of visiting fans started up the chant heard in San Francisco when he approaches the plate: REG-GIE, REG-GIE, REG-GIE.

Jackson responded with a deep fly that sailed into the second deck, for a 3-run homerun and a 9-7 lead for San Francisco.

The Sea Lions’ closer, Rod Beck, cut through Houston in the bottom of the frame, three-up and three-down, to preserve the victory.

Johnson had 3 hits for Houston, but the 10 runners left on base, combined with Lidge’s implosion at the end, were just too much to overcome for the Colt 45’s.

Jackson and Moon had 3 RBI each, with Moon adding 3 hits for San Francisco. Beckwith continued to fight his way out of his early season doldrums, going 2-for-4 and raising his average to .234.

SFS 9 (Devlin 1-3; Beck 10 Sv) @ HOU 7 (Lidge 0-2, 1 BSv)
HRs: SFS – Reilly (5), Jackson (8), Moon (3), Beckwith (4), Cerv (2); HOU – Wynn (5), Gwynn (2), Bagwell (6)
Box Score

TWIWBL 12.4: Series X Notes – Marvin Miller Division

By mknn

On July 25, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Birmingham Black Barons

Tim Hudson‘s first start was a good one: five innings, five hits, and 2 earned runs. Hudson improved to 2-0, and the Black Barons used good days from Eddie Mathews (2-for-3 with 2 RBIs and 4 runs scored) and Bob Nieman (3-for-4 with 2 RBI’s) to beat the Grays, 7-3.

#Miami Cuban Giants

With 17-year old Martin Dihigo healthy again, the Cuban Giants were faced with a difficult roster choice, given Alexei Ramirez‘ strong performance (333/385/542 in 9 games). Wanting to give Gary Sheffield, who has only played in 1 game, a longer look, Miami sent Paul Molitor, who had been scuffling along at 254/289/338, to AAA to make room for Dihigo.

#Portland Sea Dogs

In a highly anticipated matchup with Cleveland’s Cy Young, Walter Johnson was denied in his attempt to become the WBL’s first 7-game winner. Johnson gave up 5 runs–3 earned–in 6 innings. The win went to Elmer Brown, now 2-2, who pitched 3.2 innings of hitless relief as, in the bottom of the 11th, Jeff Burroughs, who has raised his OPS about 100 points since being recalled from AAA, sent a pitch from Cory Gearrin over the right-centerfield wall for the walk-off 7-6 victory.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

Lefty Grove was delivering one of the better stars of the season–a 3 hit shutout through 7 innings. Then a double from Alejandro Oms and a 2-run homerun from Jose Canseco tied the game against Miami at 3. But Jack Clark hit his second homerun of the game in the bottom of the 9th for a walk-off, 4-3 victory for the Sea Lions. The win went to Ken Howell, who allowed 1 hit in 1.1 innings in relief of Grove.

It’s very hard to win a game when you commit 5 errors. But that’s what the Sea Lions did, topping Miami 6-3 behind homeruns by Bob Cerv (his first since his recent recall) and Pedro Guerrero. Cerv was 2-for-4 on the day with 3 RBIs. Diego Segui continued his stellar string of performances, allowing only 4 hits and 1 run in 6 innings. Rick Langford and Howell each earned their 2nd holds of the season, giving up 1 unearned run each, and Rod Beck picked up his 9th save.

TWIWBL 11.4: Notes from Series IX – Marvin Miller Division

By mknn

On July 11, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Birmingham Black Barons

The trio of Larry Benton, Greg Maddux, and Warren Spahn have been simply miserable. Benton has only pitched 4 innings, so he may get a pass, but Maddux and Spahn are both on the edge of being sent back down to AAA.

Tim Hudson, on the other hand, has done well enough to, at least for the time being, move into the rotation as the 5th starter.

The Black Barons have finally lost patience with Dale Murphy, whose 137/254/157 line has just refused to improve. Murphy will head to AAA Atlanta, with Del Crandall–who hasn’t hit particularly well, but does offer better defense–moving to the WBL.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Two homeruns from Manny Machado and Alexei Ramirez‘ first longball of the year powered Miami to a 8-4 win over Philadelphia. Tommy Bridges improved to 3-0, reducing his ERA to 2.87.

Bill Landrum was demoted to AAA, with Clay Condrey, who had dominated AAA so far, being recalled to Miami’s bullpen. To make room for Condrey, Tony Fossas was released.

The mix of Charlie Bennett and John Munyan behind the plate has been miserable for the Cuban Giants. Bennett stays in Miami due to his defense, with Munyan and OF Tony Gonzalez both being shipped out to AAA. Alan Ashby was recalled at C and Gary Sheffield–slashing 358/450/621 in Orlando–was recalled as well.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Jeff Burroughs and Fred Dunlap hit their first homeruns of the year, and Buddy Bell added his 8th to support a strong start from Bert Blyleven in a 14-2 blowout win for the Sea Dogs over Los Angeles. Harry Hooper scored 3 times, Bobby Murcer had 3 hits, and Kent Hrbek and Dunlap drove in 3 with Bell driving in 4.

Not only did the Sea Dogs lose 7-5 to the Angels by giving up 3 runs in the bottom of the eighth, they lost both Smokey Joe Wood and Frank Williams to injuries. Both pitchers were put on the 10 day DL, with Pascual Perez and Bob Porterfield coming up to Portland (the moves also cleared the way for impressive 18-year old Rick Wise to move from AA to AAA).

Walter Johnson became the first 6-game winner in the WBL, besting Gerrit Cole in a greatly anticipated pitching matchup. Johnson threw 8 strong innings and Joe Mauer scored 4 runs as the Sea Dogs won, 9-2. Mauer and Hrbek went deep and Murcer had 4 RBI.

The Sea Dogs may have uncovered a gem: Joseito Munoz had sparkled in a few relief appearances, and given his first start, the young Cuban responded with over 6 innings of 1-run ball, winning his first game. Murcer had 3 hits and scored 3 times , and Burroughs homered again to lead Portland to a 6-1 victory.

Even with Munoz’ performance, the Sea Dogs anointed Wade Miller as their 5th starter. Harmon Killebrew was demoted to AAA, with Adrian Beltre joining Portland. Greg Litton‘s ability to cover a half-dozen positions is the only thing keeping him in the WBL, and Burroughs’ recent hot streak has moved him away from the demotion line as well.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

Bobby Bonds pulled up lame, and will spend 10 days on the DL. Veteran Bob Cerv–slashing 339/382/711 at AAA–will be recalled, with the Sea Lions releasing 35-year old Jason Giambi to clear space on the roster.

Unsurprisingly given the quality of his 5 appearances to date, Diego Segui was named to the starting rotation.

TWIWBL 7.4: Series VI Notes – Marvin Miller Division

By mknn

On June 8, 2021

In TWIWBL

{With the day off on April 25th, it was a time of roster moves and lineup and pitching adjustments. As such, there are a few more notes for each team than usual.}

#Birmingham Black Barons

Omar Infante‘s first HR of the season was dramatic: a walk-off drive to LF off Indianapolis’ Rob Dibble that gave the Black Barons a 5-4 victory in 11 innings.

Birmingham totally overhauled its pitching staff, sending John Clarkson, Warren Spahn, and Jim Whitney to AAA Atlanta and bringing Larry Benton, Tim Hudson, and Vic Willis back the other way. Ken Griffery, Sr. was waived to make room for Benton on the 40-man roster.

Sam Streeter and Dick Rudolph have been named to the starting rotation, joining Alejandro Pena and Scott Baker, leaving one spot still up for grabs.

The Black Barons would love to send Dale Murphy (059/179/059) down, but the only C doing anything in their farm system is Earl Battey at AA. Murphy stays in the WBL for now, but Battey has been promoted to AAA, and is likely to come up if he shows much of anything there. Ginger Beaumont was demoted, with Bob Nieman coming up to the big leagues. 2B Tommy Herr and OF Curtis Granderson have moved into the starting lineup.

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

Dave Von Ohlen has been a bright spot in the Royal Giants’ bullpen, with 2 holds and an ERA of 2.02. He has a tight back now, and given the general bullpen pressure, Brooklyn will put him on the DL, even though he’s likely to be ready to go in under ten days. 20 year old Sandy Koufax was recalled from AAA in the meantime.

Don Drysedale may be the best pitcher in the league right now: he moved to 4-0 on the year with a complete game victory over Miami, allowing only 1 run in his 9 innings, maintaining his 1.00 ERA on the season.

Dick Redding will lose his spot in the rotation to Frank Knauss. OF Hi Myers and Jermaine Dye are tearing up AAA for Queens, but there’s really no room in the Brooklyn OF at this time.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Camilo Pascual delivered one of the better performances of the year with a 6-hit shutout of Brooklyn, improving his record to 3-1. Pascual struck out 9 while walking 3.

Miami’s bullpen has suffered, but it’s not clear who at AAA can help. Ryota Igarashi was demoted, with Jose Mendez recalled. Gary Sheffield is tearing up AAA, but the Cuban Giants are going to give struggling Jim Thome (149/270/257) a little more time before pulling the plug.

#Portland Sea Dogs

OF Jeff Burroughs (178/245/211) will head to AAA with 19 year-old P Joseito Munoz coming up to the big leagues to bolster the back end of the bullpen.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

Just recalled from AAA, Diego Segui was pressed into service, making his WBL debut and facing off against Portland’s Jerry Koosman. Segui was terribly impressive, and the game was one of the better pitching duels on the young season, but despite allowing only 2 hits and 2 runs in 7 innings, Segui was tagged with the loss. Still, it was enough that he should stick around.

The Sea Lions expect Dennis Eckersley to come off the DL tomorrow, so they cleared room for his arrival by sending Jim Shields down to AAA. Eddie Plank was moved into the rotation. Gene Oliver and Ron Hunt were both sent down to San Jose as well (John Beckwith at 182/258/291 and Eddie Joost at 162/287/309 are on the edge as well). Cy Perkins and Pedro Guerrero come back the other way (Bob Cerv has hit better than Guerrero, but there’s no room for him in LF in San Francisco).