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Series XVII Preview: Portland Sea Dogs @ Brooklyn Royal Giants

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On December 5, 2021

In Series Previews

Series XVII allows us to check back in with two teams we haven’t touched on in quite a while: for the Portland Sea Dogs, it was way back in Series II, for the Brooklyn Royal Giants, Series IV.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Portland comes into their series with the best record in the league and a 5.5 game lead in the Marvin Miller Division. As you would expect given that, there are a lot of fine performances across the board here.

On the mound, the Sea Dogs are led by Walter Johnson, who is 7-2 with a 3.61 ERA. Since moving into the rotation to replace the injured Smokey Joe Wood, Wade Miley has been a revelation, posting a 5-0 record in 6 starts, with an ERA under 4.00. The rest of the starting rotation is solid, if unspectacular, each of them with ERA’s in the mid 4’s.

The bullpen has been strong, with the emergent Joseito Munoz making it spectacular. Since his recall, Munoz has pitched in 9 games (1 start), amassing a 2-1 record, 2 holds, and 3 saves. His ERA is a microscopic 0.70, with a WHIP under 1. Elmer Brown has been great as a setup arm, and Mike Cuellar quite good as well. And all of that leads to the WBL’s saves leader, Johan Santana, who as 21 saves on the season.

No fewer than five Sea Dogs sport OPS’ over .900. Two of those share a position, with Joe Mauer (321/404/560) getting most of the time behind the plate ahead of Ivan Rodriguez (361/372/565). The others are 1B Kent Hrbek (318/393/597), CF Bobby Murcer (330/411/573), and 3B Buddy Bell (308/371/545). Hrbek leads the team in homeruns with 18 (Gil Hodges has 16) while Harry Hooper leads in RBIs with 37.

Even Greg Litton–at one point much maligned and on the verge of being sent down–has eased his OPS over .600 which, combined with his defensive versatility, continues to earn him a roster spot.

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

Brooklyn sits second in the Marvin Miller Division, behind the Sea Dogs, but the gap between them is fairly clear: while the Royal Giants have a fantastic pitching staff (arguably the best in the league), they have struggled to score runs.

The pitching staff is led by Don Drysedale whose 3.32 ERA and 1.23 WHIP warrant more than his 4-3 record. After Drysedale, it falls off a bit. Frank Knauss and Sandy Koufax (he of the only 1-hitter in WBL history) have been solid; Dutch Leonard and Don Sutton less so.

The bullpen has been very strong, with Eric Gagne and Trevor Hildenberger quite effectively bridging the way to closer Watty Clark (12 saves).

After their last series, the Royal Giants turned over both catchers and a few outfielders and the jury is still out on whether that was a good move. In extremely limited opportunities so far, Jermaine Dye and Al Lopez have done well, while Hi Myers and Michael Brantley are still looking to find their sea legs. Recalled a few weeks ago, Ray Dandridge has had an excellent start to his WBL career, and looks poised to take over from Dickie Thon at SS.

The team is led by the trio of Duke Snider (329/366/557), Jackie Robinson (287/349/509), and Roy White (288/354/468). Snider leads the team in homeruns and RBIs with 15 and 41, respectively.

But Brooklyn needs someone else to step up–whether one of the newly promoted players, or, perhaps more likely, Beals Becker, Davey Lopes, or Dan Brouthers–in order to have a hope of catching Portland.

#Starting Pitchers

Portland starter listed first.

Walter Johnson (7-2, 3.61) @ Dutch Leonard (4-7, 4.25)
Bert Blyleven (5-3, 4.73) @ Frank Knauss (4-4, 3.10)
Jerry Koosman (4-5, 4.85) @ Sandy Koufax (3-2, 3.86)
Wade Miller (5-0, 3.76) @ Don Sutton (2-4, 4.71)

#Series Prediction

My heart wants a Brooklyn sweep to tighten up the division race.

But my head says the best the Royal Giants could hope for is a tie, with the more likely outcome being three Sea Dogs victories.

TWIWBL Special Edition: All Star Preview II – Center Fielders

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On October 6, 2021

In All Star Games

{ With under three weeks until the All Star Teams are announced, we’re looking at what’s changed since our original previews. }

Preview I here.

#AL – Bill James & Cum Posey Divisions

Original Selections: Willie Mays, Reggie Smith, Jim Wynn.

The New York Gothams’ Mays is the clear starter, with an OPS just shy of 1.000 and great defense.

The next three are hard to separate: Memphis’ Smith and Houston’s Wynn are joined by Kansas City’s Willie McGee. All 3 have OPS’ around .875 with similar power numbers. Wynn leads the trio with 25 steals, and Smith has the best defensive numbers, so maybe we go with those two. But that could change over the next few weeks.

So, I would take the same three as before, while the AI only selects Mays and Smith.

#NL – Effa Manley & Marvin Miller Divisions

Original Selections: Eric Davis, Bobby Bonds, Bobby Murcer.

Everyone keeps waiting for The Black Yankees’ Davis to fade. Hasn’t happened yet: he’s tied with teammate Babe Ruth for the league lead in homeruns with 19, leads the league in RBIs with 59 and has stolen 28 bases without being caught for good measure.

He’s the starter.

By OPS, Portland’s Murcer is actually outhitting Davis, 1.033 to .928. Murcer’s defense is very suspect, but he clearly belongs. The final slot should go to San Francisco’s Bonds who has picked up right where he left off after an injury, slashing 331/382/577.

The AI also selects Brooklyn’s Duke Snider and his 13 homeruns in addition to Davis and Murcer (it selects Bonds as a RF as well).

Series XIV Featured Game: Brooklyn Royal Giants @ San Francisco Sea Lions

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On September 13, 2021

In Featured Games, Game Recaps

Brooklyn had already lost the first 2 games of the series against San Francisco when they sent Dutch Leonard to the mound to face Diego Segui. The two pitchers were on dramatically different trajectories: Leonard, at 3-7 with an ERA approaching 5.00, was trying desperately to hold on to his place in the Royal Giants’ rotation; Segui, on the other hand, had performed well enough since being recalled in mid-April to earn his 5th start of the season. His record was only 2-2, but his ERA was a sparkling 2.36.

Roy White would take Segui deep in the top of the first, but that would be the only run he allowed in 7 sparkling innings where he actually lowered his ERA to 2.18 before departing.

Leonard matched him frame-for-frame, though, only giving up a run in the 4th, when a leadoff single by Ricky Henderson was followed by a double from Jack Clark and a sacrifice fly from Pedro Guerrero to tie the game at 1.

So, after 7 innings, we had a 1-1 deadlock, with the game now in the hands of the two bullpens.

They were not up to the task.

Huston Street relieved Segui and gave up a 2-out, 2-run homerun to Duke Snider, scoring White and putting Brooklyn on top, 3-1.

But Eric Gagne–who had been lights out for the Royal Giants all season–gave up a leadoff homerun to San Francisco’s Cy Perkins, and then a triple to Dick Lundy. Lundy would score on a sacrifice fly by Henderson, and after 8 innings, we were tied at 3.

Ken Howell set Brooklyn down in order in the top of the 9th, setting the stage for the bottom of the frame. Gagne got two outs, but then allowed a double to Wally Moon, prompting Brooklyn to bring in Trevor Hildenberger.

Out came Reggie Jackson–triple crown and early season MVP candidate–to pinch hit. The crowd rose as one, the ever-present chant of REG-GIE, REG-GIE filling the air …

… Jackson delivered, lifting an RBI single into right field that easily scored Moon for the walkoff victory for the Sea Lions.

BRK 3 (Gagne 1-2, 3 B Sv) @ SFS 4 (Howell 2-2)
HRs: BRK – Snider (13), White (6); SFS – Perkins (2)
Box Score

Other Notable Games

Homestead suffered from an overly tired bullpen, as the Grays really had nobody to pick up the slack once starter Carlos Zambrano ran out of steam. Instead, Kansas City was able to chip away until scoring 3 in the bottom of the 9th, with Rogers Hornsby delivering the winning, walk-off single. Hornsby and Ted Simmons had 3 hits each and Ducky Medwick went 4-for-4 with 3 RBIs. Roberto Clemente had a strong game for the Grays in a losing effort, with 3 hits and 2 RBIs.

HOM 8 (Lindblom 0-3, 3 B Sv; Linzy 1 H) @ KCM 9 (Kimbrel 2-1)
HRs: n/a
Box Score

It was a wild night in Portland as the Sea Dogs held off a furious rally by Ottawa to hold on for an 11-10 victory. Freddy Parent hit 2 homeruns and Alex Rodriguez 1 for the Mounties while Jeff Burroughs, Bobby Murcer, and Harry Hooper all went deep for Portland. Murcer drove in 5 on 3 hits and Burroughs added 3 RBIs.

OTT 10 (Griffith 1-5) @ POR 11 (Miller 3-0; Santana 18 Sv; Kern 5 H)
HRs: OTT – Parent 2 (8), Rodriguez (4); POR – Burroughs (6), Murcer (9), Hooper (5)
Box Score

Despite a shaky outing that saw him surrender his first earned runs of the year, Aroldis Chapman did enough to earn his 10th save as Miami defeated Cleveland 7-6. The Cuban Giants got 2 hits each from Gary Sheffield and Carlos Moran and 2 RBIs from Jim Thome, while Jake Stahl had 3 hits and 3 RBIs (including a solo homerun off Chapman) for the Spiders.

MCG 7 (Bridges 4-1; Chapman 10 Sv; Willis 1 H; Bauta 6 H) @ CLE 6 (Coveleski 3-1)
HRs: CLE – Stahl (11)
Box Score

Series XII Featured Game: Cleveland Spiders @ New York Gothams

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On September 9, 2021

In Featured Games, Game Recaps

{ Whoops. This never got published from about 10 game days ago. }

The second game between the Cleveland Spiders and the New York Gothams saw the Spiders’ Bob Feller (4-4, 5.09 ERA) facing off against the Gothams’ Sad Sam Jones (3-3, 3.28). Feller’s peripheral numbers aren’t great, although his strikeout rate is impressive, while Jones has been one of the hottest starting pitchers in the league.

Feller struggled more, but neither pitcher did very well.

Cleveland opened the scoring in the top of the first, with Johnny Bates (who reached to lead off the game on an error by New York’s Pinky Higgins at 3B) coming home on an RBI double from John Ellis.

But the bottom of the first saw New York provide a strong response. Feller sandwiched strikeouts of Jimmy Sheckard and Buster Posey around a double by Higgins, but, after Willie Mays walked, Johnny Callison ripped a double scoring two and–after another walk–RBI singles by Joe Adcock and Brandon Crawford gave the Gothams a 4-1 advantage.

Cleveland would claw one back in the top of the 4th, when Jake Stahl led off the inning with a solo homerun. But again Feller would struggle in the bottom of an inning where his team scored in the top of the frame, and New York would add 2 more runs on two hits and two walks, with RBIs from Higgins and Mays extending the lead to 6-2.

That would be it for Feller, as Mel Harder replaced him in the bottom of the 5th. It wasn’t much better, as Adcock, Cookie Rojas, and Sheckard each hit doubles, making the score 8-2 and seeming to send the Gothams on their way to a comfortable victory.

The Spiders finally got to Jones again in the top of the 7th, with an RBI from Louis Santop and Stahl’s second homerun of the game (moving him into double digits on the year) chasing him from the game in favor of Al Mays. That made the score 8-5, and New York added another run in the bottom of the frame, extending it to a four run lead heading to the 8th inning.

Mays retired Rowland Office to start the inning, but then gave up 3 walks and 2 singles, exiting with the bases loaded and the score 9-7. New York turned to Mike Norris, one of their more reliable bullpen arms so far this season. Norris had one of his worst outings of the year, giving up an RBI single to Ellis, walking Stahl to drive in another run, and hitting Evan Longoria to give Cleveland a 10-9 lead in an inning where the Spiders sent 10 batters to the plate.

We weren’t done, though: Cleveland turned to Cory Gearrin in relief of Stan Coveleski with Gearrin entering the contest with one out and a runner on first. He struck out McCovey for the second out, but then walked two batters to load the bases. Rojas sent a ball to center that Office seemed to lose sight of, turning to see it sail over his head for a bases-clearing double. Higgins would add an RBI single, and we headed to the 9th with the Gothams back in front, 13-10.

Despite surrendering a double to Santop, New York’s closer, Brian Wilson, was able to slam the door, earning his fifth save of the year. Norris picked up both his third blown save and his second win and Mays–despite giving up 5 runs, 3 walks, and 2 hits in under an inning–picked up a hold.

Gearrin took the loss, but in the end, the poor outings from Feller and Harder just dug too deep of a hole.

Santop went 3-for-6 with 2 RBI’s, and Stahl had 3 hits and 4 RBIs for Cleveland. If there was any offensive blame for the Spiders, it went to shortstop Bill Dahlen, who stranded seven runners.

For New York, the offensive star was Rojas, who scored 3 times and drove in 4 with his 3 hits. Higgins also had 3 hits and 3 RBIs. Perhaps most surprisingly, the Gothams’ best player, Buster Posey, went 0-for-5 on the day.

The pitching staffs combined to allow 28 hits and 17 walks. Ouch.

CLE 10 (Gearrin 0-4, 3 BSv) @ NYG 13 (Norris 2-1, 3 BSv; Wilson 5 Sv; Mays 1 H)
HRs: CLE – Stahl 2 (10)
Box Score

#Other Games of Note

Birmingham and Portland combined for 7 homeruns in an 8-7 victory for the Black Barons. For Birmingham, Eddie Mathews, Curtis Granderson, and Frank McCormick all went deep; for the Sea Dogs, Bobby Murcer, Buddy Bell, Fred Dunlap, and Ivan Rodriguez all found the seats.

BBB 7 (Spahn 2-5) @ POR 8 (Munoz 2-1, 1 BSv; Myers 1 H; Santana 16 Sv)
HRs: BBB – Mathews (9), McCormick (5), Granderson (4); POR – Murcer (8), Bell (9), Dunlap (2), Rodriguez (2)
Box Score

Philadelphia edged Brooklyn with a walk-off single by Gavvy Cravath scoring Chase Utley in the bottom of the 11th inning. The game was notable for the very strong starts by both the Stars’ Steve Carlton (6.1 IP, 1 run) and the Royal Giants’ Don Sutton (8 IP, 2 runs). Brooklyn’s Dick Redding took the loss, despite pitching well enough in relief while Bob Howry–Philadelphia’s usual closer–got the win with 2 scoreless innings to close out the game.

BRK 2 (Redding 0-1) @ PHI 3 (Howry 1-2; Reed 4 BSv) [11 Innings]
HRs: none
Box Score

Indianapolis carried a 4-1 lead into the 9th, with closer Rob Dibble on the mound against Chicago. They got there largely on a key double by Davey Concepcion and 6 stolen bases in support of just shy of 8 innings of 1-run pitching from a commanding David Price. But Dibble imploded after Luke Appling reach on an error by Ed Charles (who was in the game as a defensive replacement) to start the inning. After getting an out, Dibble hit a batter and gave up 2 hits, including an RBI single by Eddie Collins that left the bases loaded. Joe Jackson walked, forcing in another run, Frank Thomas hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game, and Duffy Lewis singled to right, scoring Collins for the Chicago win.

IND 4 (Dibble 2-2, 3 BSv; Carroll 2 H) @ CHI 5 (Dixon 2-1)
HRs: none
Box Score

TWIWBL Special Edition: All Star Preview – Center Fielders

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On August 2, 2021

In All Star Games, TWIWBL

{ The All-Star game is about a month away. We’ll post occasional articles about the contenders for participation in the mid-season classic. These are written “as of now,” so the final selections may vary dramatically, but hopefully these will add to the ongoing flavor of the league. }

Put me in Coach, I’m ready to play …

#AL Center Fielders – Bill James & Cum Posey Divisions

The Pete Browning question looms large here. The House of David CF is slashing 385/419/606, but is currently on his second stint on the DL. He’s missed about 1/4 of the team’s games so far. But that–along with 16 SBs–is a helluva slash line.

The New York Gothams’ Willie Mays is at 354/405/536 with 38 RBI and Reggie Smith has been the sparkplug for Memphis’ offense all season, slashing 302/360/489. The same could be said for Houston’s Jimmy Wynn, hitting 291/402/475.

That leaves a group including Chicago’s Mike Fiore (262/403/404) and Los Angeles’ Mike Trout (294/375/395) on the outside looking in.

Fiore, Mays, and Smith have been the strongest defensive CFers, with Mays probably the best, so that’s covered here as well.

I’d go with Mays, Smith, and Wynn, with Mays as the starter; the AI selects the same trio.

#NL Center Fielders – Effa Manley & Marvin Miller Divisions

The Black Yankees’ Eric Davis is hitting 291/338/555 which, frankly, is excellent, but not spectacular. But he has 14 homeruns, 20 stolen bases (without being caught) and a WBL-leading 52 RBIs.

The San Francisco Sea Lions’ Bobby Bonds has hit even better than Davis, at 333/399/616, but is just returning from the DL. Portland’s Bobby Murcer, at 329/410/539 is in the mix, especially with his 30 RBIs.

Interestingly, Homestead’s Andrew McCutcheon (309/378/506) and Indianapolis’ Oscar Charleston (331/365/517) have very similar overall numbers to Davis, but a lot less media attention. Charleston has stellar defensive numbers, and McCutcheon adds 15 steals into the mix.

Finally, Brooklyn’s Duke Snider (298/344/506 with 10 homeruns) is at the fringes of the conversation.

Limited to three, I don’t see how you don’t select Davis and Bonds. I really want to select Charleston, but I think Murcer has to be the final choice at this moment.

The AI goes with Davis, McCutcheon, and Murcer, with Bonds selected as a RF.

TWIWBL 12.3: Series X Notes – Effa Manley Division

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On July 24, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Cleveland Spiders

Whit Wyatt was on the verge of WBL history, having allowed 1 hit through 8 innings against Portland. He struck out Jeff Burroughs for the first out, his 9th of the game, and then retired pinch-hitter Ivan Rodriguez on a popout to Jake Stahl at first base. But back-to-back singles by Harry Hooper and Joe Mauer were followed by a walk to Bobby Murcer to load the bases, chasing Wyatt from the mound. Terry Adams relived him and gave up an RBI single to Buddy Bell, making the score 3-1. But Adams earned the save, his 10th, by inducing another popout to Stahl to end the game, this one by Gil Hodges.

Johnny Bates hit a homerun and Stahl had 2 hits in support of Wyatt’s great outing, which improved his record to 3-1.

#Homestead Grays

The 19 inning marathon with Birmingham decimated the Grays’ pitching, a situation that worsened when Corey Kluber had to leave after just 2 innings, and was placed on the DL after the game. The Grays used 9 pitchers, necessitating additional roster moves, complicated by the previously struggling Carlos Zambrano and Kent Tekulve pitched better lately, leaving Billy Pierce the odd man out for the time being. Bartolo Colon and Cliff Lee were recalled back to Homestead, despite their earlier struggles at the big league level.

Birmingham’s Harley Young had a horrible 9th inning, giving up a double, 3 walks (driving in the tying run), and a game-winning single to Rick Reichardt as the Grays stole a 5-4 victory from the jaws of defeat. Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente, and Mike Epstein had 2 hits each for Homestead, with Wagner adding his 2nd homerun of the year and Clemente his 3rd.

#New York Black Yankees

Babe Ruth hit 2 homeruns, and Lou Gehrig and Derek Jeter also went deep for New York, but it wasn’t enough, as Sparky Lyle gave up 2 runs in the 9th and Baltimore came from behind for an 8-7 victory over the Black Yankees.

TWIWBL 11.4: Notes from Series IX – Marvin Miller Division

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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 10.4: Series VIII Notes – Marvin Miller Division

By

On July 7, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Birmingham Black Barons

Warren Spahn was recalled to make a spot start, with Vic Willis heading back to AAA. Spahn, who had struggled earlier in the season, turned in his best performance of the year in a game Birmingham eventually dropped in 10 innings, unable to overcome errors by Troy Tulowitzki, Tommy Herr, and Chipper Jones.

2 homeruns from Eddie Mathews led the Black Barons to an 8-3 win in game 2, with Dick Rudolph leveling his record at 2-2 and Hoyt Wilhelm picking up his first save of the year with 3 innings of scoreless relief.

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

Like every other hurler who has attempted it, Don Drysedale was denied in his attempt to reach 5 wins on the year. Drysedale went 7 innings, allowing 5 hits and 2 runs, and seeing his ERA rise all the way to 1.26. Sandy Koufax took the loss in relief, giving up a walk-off sacrifice fly to Houston‘s Carlos Correa.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Kent Hrbek went 3-for-4 with 2 homeruns, 4 runs scored and 5 RBIs, leading the Sea Dogs to a romp over Memphis, 14-6. Bobby Murcer added 4 hits, and Murcer, Buddy Bell, and Kiki Cuyler all went deep. Joseito Munoz made his WBL debut with 3.2 IP in relief of Smokey Joe Wood, who improved to 4-2 with the victory.

Walter Johnson had his worst outing of the year–5 runs in just over 5 innings along with 5 walks–but still improved to 5-0. Hrbek, Gil Hodges, Joe Mauer, and Jim Fregosi went deep, and Johan Santana escaped a bases-loaded jam in the 9th for his 13th save. Cuyler was injured in the game, and placed on the DL afterwards, with Jeff Burroughs being recalled from AAA.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

Mickey Cochrane continues to climb out of an early season slump, hitting 2 homeruns and driving in 7, doubling his RBI total and lifting his average to .258. Jack Clark added 4 RBI’s in the 13-9 victory over the New York Gothams.

A homerun in the bottom of the eleventh by Reggie Jackson lifted the Sea Lions to a 4-2 win in extra innings. Bobby Bonds had 3 hits and 4 stolen bases in the game, with Charlie Root improving his record to 3-0 on the season.

Series IV Featured Matchup – Portland Sea Dogs @ Detroit Wolverines

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On May 10, 2021

In Featured Series, Game Recaps, TWIWBL

The Detroit Wolverines (6-8) host the Portland Sea Dogs (8-6) for four games (series preview here).

Game One: Bert Blyleven v Si Johnson

Game one pitted Portland’s Bert Blyleven against Detroit’s Si Johnson. The game was a blowout for a while, with the Sea Dogs leading 8-1 through 7 innings, led by HR’s from Kent Hrbek, Bobby Murcer, and Joe Mauer. Blyleven had easily his best start of the year, with Bob Bailey‘s double in the bottom of the 8th only the 4th hit he allowed. Johnson, on the other hand, was chased after 6 IP, replaced by Gene Conley, who was pretty miserable, giving up 3 runs in 1.2 IP.

In the 8th, Blyleven retired Jimmy Collins, and was then relieved by Frank Williams, who came in to face Chili Davis … who took him deep for a 2 run HR.

Detroit would add 2 more in the bottom of the 9th, but it wasn’t enough, and Portland opened the series with a win. Mauer ended the day 3-4 with 2 runs and 3 RBIs, with Harry Hooper, Hrbek, Murcer, and Jeff Burroughs each chipping in with 2 hits apiece. Detroit’s Geoff Jenkins had 2 hits and 2 runs scored.

Blyleven finished with a Game Score of 71 (7.2 IP, 4 hits, 10 strikeouts), upping his record to 2-1 and Johan Santana got the final out for his 7th save.

Game Two: Smokey Joe Wood v Whitey Wilshire

Detroit would look to Whitey Wilshire to even up the series against Smokey Joe Wood. Oscar Gamble would put the Wolverines in front in the bottom of the first, ripping a double that scored Jim Fregosi and Gil Hodges. They would double their lead in the bottom of the 4th when Hank Greenberg took Wood deep for a 2-run HR.

Portland would finally break through in the top of the 5th on back to back singles from Kiki Cuyler and Fregosi. They pulled off a double steal, allowing Cuyler to score on a groundout by Hodges. But Jimmy Collins and Chili Davis would hit back-to-back HR’s in the bottom of the inning, pushing Detroit’s lead to 6-1.

Wilshire was replaced by John Hiller and Kevin Hart, who were pretty rough, giving up 3 runs in the 9th. But it was enough to close out the game with Detroit winning 6-4.

Hodges was the offensive star, finishing the game 2-3 with 4 RBIs. Ivan Rodriguez and Fred Dunlap added 2 hits each. For Detroit, Collins continued his strong start with a 2-3 day, 2 runs, and 1 RBI.

Wilshere did well for the win, allowing only 1 run in 6.2 IP, improving his record to 2-1 while Wood fell to 1-2. Mike Cuellar and Jim Kern were good for Portland in relief of Wood, combining for over 3 IP of scoreless relief.

Game Three: Walter Johnson v Long Tom Hughes

With the series tied 1-1, Portland turned to Walter Johnson, who came into the game with a 2-0 record, against Long Tom Hughes for Detroit. This was an old-fashioned blowout with Portland scoring 13 times on 17 hits. Buddy Bell went 5-6 with 2 runs scored, Bobby Murcer went 2-4 with 4 RBIs, Jeff Burroughs scored 3 times, and Smokey Joe Wood atoned some for his pitching performance the previous day, walloping a 3 run HR as a pinch hitter.

Hughes gave up 6 runs in 3 IP, and while Gene Conley bounced back with a scoreless 3 IP, Justin Verlander–who had been fantastic so far this season–gave up 7 runs (3 earned) in 1.1 IP.

Johnson improved his record to 3-0 with 7.2 dominant IP, allowing only 3 hits while fanning 7.

Game Four: Jerry Koosman v Hank Aguirre

In the final game, Detroit will look to Hank Aguirre (1-2) to even the series against Portland’s Jerry Koosman (1-1). Both starters struggled over 4 innings, but Aguirre managed to skate through, allowing a single run in 4 IP despite walking 4. Koosman was far less effective, given up 10 hits and 6 runs in his time.

Frank Williams and Elmer Brown followed Koosman, with each of them giving up runs as well, while Johnny Marcum and John Hiller combined for 5 innings of 3 hit, shutout ball for Detroit. Marcum got the win, giving the Wolverines the series split.

Bob Bailey and Chili Davis had 3 hits and 3 RBIs each, with Bailey and Ty Cobb hitting HRs. Ivan Rodriguez had 2 hits for Portland.

Previewing Series IV – Portland Sea Dogs @ Detroit Wolverines

By

On October 8, 2020

In Series Previews, TWIWBL

The Portland Sea Dogs (8-6) travel to Detroit to take on the Wolverines (6-8) in a 4 game series.

Game 3 may be the one to watch, as both scheduled starting pitchers head into the contest with records of 2-0. Portland’s Walter Johnson (2-0, 3.05) has pitched far better than Detroit’s Tom Hughes (2-0, 5.19), which would seem to give the Sea Dogs the edge.

Portland is hitting well: their .391 team OBP is 1st in the league, and their .879 OPS is 2nd. The Sea Dogs are led by 3B Buddy Bell (362/444/745 with 5 HRs), C Joe Mauer (353/463/676) and CF Bobby Murcer (378/481/600). Bell and Murcer have 12 RBIs, with 1B Gil Hodges leading the team with 13.

Bert Blyleven–who will start the opening game–has struggled in his 2 starts, sporting an ERA of 10.32. Other than Johnson, all of Portland’s SPs have issues, but the bullpen has been fantastic, with the trio of Johan Santana, Frank Williams, and Elmer Brown combining to allow only 3 ERs in 17 IP. Santana leads the league with 6 saves.

Detroit’s offense has been solid, but their pitching has struggled quite a bit. It is unlikely that Hal Newhouser recovers from his injury in time to start game 4 of the series, so Detroit will try to limit Justin Verlander‘s relief appearances so he can take that start. Verlander has been so dominant out of the bullpen, however, that the start may go to Jason Schmidt instead.

Offensively, OF Oscar Gamble (304/458/609) has been the Wolverines’ best hitter, leading the team with 4 HRs. Ty Cobb–kept on the roster despite a horrid Spring Training–is pushing for more playing time as the 20 year old is now hitting 346/370/538 as a reserve. The Bailey Boys–3B Bob and C Ed–continue to impress, with each maintaining an OPS around .900.

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