Angels 44, Cubs 4

In Week 6, the Cubs continued in the same vein as their last two matchups – 11 hits (12 average in Weeks 4 and 5), three extra-base hits (3.5 average), and four runs (3.5 average). They were able to successfully buck the trend of runs allowed, though, as Kenny Kawaguchi shut out the AI Angels for his first shutout of the season. But the AI Cubs were the opposite of successful in that regard – instead, they were the victims of a slaughterfest by the Angels, as the team truly broke out with the second-highest score of the entire season so far, and the best game yet by a Frontyard League team. The entire team went off, nobody getting on base less than four times, and even with only two triples and two home runs, all the Angels’ singles and doubles, combined with five walks and 23 stolen bases, worked well at Tin Can Alley to demonstrate why that can be such a desirable field. Dunkel and Koppel split pitching duty in a clean shutout to punctuate the Angels’ game, as they hope to break out of their tie for last in the NL East.

Player of the game: The entire team had a big day, but nobody more so that Julie Dunkel, who went 7-for-7 with 3 singles, 3 doubles, a home run, 6 RBI, 7 runs scored, 4 stolen bases, and 3 scoreless innings pitched.

A’s 20, Melonheads 9

A slumping Melonheads team failed to break out of it and regain their earlier form this week. Several undergrounders, as well as two home runs and 6 RBI by Fabienne Callahan, helped them to not totally bomb the game, but five of their players combining to go 3-for-16 put a damper on any rallies they attempted. That left the Athletics free to take care of business as normal, which they proceeded to do. They actually recorded their lowest run and hit + walk totals so far this week, but at 17 and 24 compared to previous lows of 18 and 26, it wasn’t noticeable in the big picture. Nomar Garciaparra had a comparatively bad day with just three singles, but his teammates picked up the slack and everybody got a piece of the action, with the A’s tacking four more home runs on as well as they continue to comfortably lead the league (sans the Indians) in that category. The A’s continue to coast to a likely playoff spot, while the Melonheads’ poor division competition can only help them stay afloat there for so long.

Player of the game: Amir Khan filled the void that Nomar left this week, 4-for-4 with two singles, two home runs, and four runs scored and batted in.

Mariners 6, Braves -2

The Braves had another standard game for them at the plate, with three home runs account for 4 of their 6 runs and Lambert, Estrada, and Thomas continuing to carry the team. But this week, they were unable to control the AI Mariners, as neither Johnson nor Huggins could stop them on the way to a game-winning 8 runs. Meanwhile, the Mariners had a similar game to their recent efforts, but with just five runs and twelve hits, it was a bit muted in comparison. The bottom five players went a collective 2-for-14, which undoubtedly was the biggest cause for their lack of output, but the top four going 10-for-12 with six extra-base hits was enough combined with their AI to carry the team to victory despite Hoskins giving up two runs on the mound. That gives the Mariners hopes of welcoming company to the basement of their division this week, even as the Braves are put in danger of sliding to their own division’s.

Player of the game: Susan Gore went 3-for-3 with a single, double, home run, and two runs scored and batted in.

Bombers 8, Expos 3

After logging their first two runs and first victory against the AI last week, the Expos followed it up with an even stronger performance this week, scoring five runs total. A three-run shot by Mike Piazza helped, and everybody except Billy Jean Blackwood got in on the action as the team set a new high of 13 hits on the game, leaving their improvement clear even if Angela Delvecchio surrendered three runs on the mound. But it wasn’t enough to stand up to the Bombers’ onslaught – seven of their players got two hits or more, and despite just four extra-base hits and 10 left on base, the resulting stream of hits was enough to drive in run after run until the team had locked up both the victory this week, and the sole division lead in the NL Central for at least one more week.

Player of the game: Terry Vega went 3-for-4 with two singles, a double, and two runs scored and batted in.

Cardinals 4, Yankees 1

Stuck at their hated Casa again and facing a strong Cardinals defense, the Yankees suffered badly this week. They got plenty of hits – a total of 14, including four by Jessica Wassersas – but extra bases were few and far between and they were only able to bring two of those runners around to score. Bobby Bulgrien also struggled on the mound, giving up a hit for every batter he struck out and giving up one run to halve the Yankees’ differential. That opened up the opportunity for the Cardinals to return to their early-season form, scoring not a lot, but enough to get the job done. Even though they got three less hits than the Yankees, they still managed to score four more runs, helped greatly by a trio of home runs, and that plus their staunch AI defense gave them the victory despite Mr. Clanky giving up two runs to the AI Yankees. The Yankees drop into a tie for last in the NL Central, while the Cardinals extend their lead in the East to two games.

Player of the game: Marseullus Marx was 2-for-3 with a single, home run, three RBI, and two scored.

Tapirs 19, Giants 2

The Giants’ latest game was squarely average when compared to their other efforts so far this season – 10 hits (average of 9.6 in the first five games) and 2 runs (average of 2.2), although like the Cubs, they were able to buck the runs allowed trend by shutting out the AI Tapirs. Their two runs this week came on a pair of solo shots by McDonnell and Futterman, with nobody else able to circle the bases this week. But if the Giants were hoping for their AI to shut out another team, they were gravely disappointed, as a Tapirs team on a hot streak continued it for their strongest game yet. While Morgan and Harding combined to go 1-for-8, everybody else on the team got on at least three times, and 18 stolen bases set them up perfectly to continue their rallies and leave just four runners on. With home runs by normally weak hitters in Haldi and Johnson, it looks like the Tapirs also benefitted from some powerups. Their latest smackdown moves them into a sole second place, nipping on the Bombers’ heels just one game behind, while the Giants continue to stagnate multiple games behind the Devil Rays.

Player of the game: Gwen Sears went 3-for-4 with two singles, a triple, two runs scored, and a team-leading 5 RBI.

Rockies 6, Orioles 6

Indians 24, Monsters 5

With Monsters coach Aesnop unable to play this week, Eauxps I. Fourgott subbed in for him, and as could be expected, they didn’t have the biggest day under the management of a substitute coach. While Liz Kinghorn went 4-for-4 and Wally Evans smacked a three-run shot to center, it was otherwise slow scoring for the Monsters, and their effort wasn’t helped when Sammy Sosa hit an extremely questionable “home run” off-screen in the left-field corner. That left an easy win for the Indians, but not an uneventful one. Their effort stood out by virtue of the fact that they had a field day smacking it out of the park – hitting an amazing total of 14 home runs on the day! With only 8 other hits, that truly did define their game, and allowed home run legend Crazyei8hts to cement his lead for the most home runs of the season, as with 11 more total than the next-closest team, he’ll be hard to catch for the rest of the season. The Indians also remain standing as the only undefeated team in the league, while the Monsters have now been knocked out of the lead in the AL East for the first time.

Player of the game: Cheryl Reynolds led the slugfest by going 4-for-4 with four solo home runs.

Tigers 16, Diamondbacks 5

Pirates 7, Blue Jays 3

The Blue Jays had one of their roughest games all season this week. While they were able to scrounge up five extra-base hits, they were of limited use when paired with just six singles, and they lost several runs of their lead when the AI Pirates lucked out by having a Crazy Bunt go outside the field but still be counted as in play. Meanwhile, after two very strong games, the Pirates fell back some this week, only scoring an eight runs that they had doubled or better in each of the past two weeks. Making their effort even more frustrating, they got a full 20 hits and one walk, meaning 13 runners were either out on fielder’s choices or left on base. Put in a different perspective, the Pirates achieved nine more hits than the Jays this game, but a mere two more runs. Still, those two runs, combined with giving up three less runs than the Jays, were enough to give them their second win in a row. The Pirates are still in the basement of the AL Central but now have a realistic chance of climbing out of it; meanwhile, with the same record of just 2-4, the Blue Jays manage to still be in a tie for the division lead with the Melonheads and Orioles.

Player of the game: Adam van Doren went 4-for-4 with two each of singles, doubles, runs scored, and RBI.

Marlins 9, Devil Rays 4

One week after getting thrashed by the Yankees AI, the Devil Rays were able to rebound. Dobbs and VanderHoek combined to shut down the AI Marlins, while three singles from Grace Tipton resulted in two runs and led the Rays’s offensive. But the Rays weren’t the only team to recover from an AI loss this week, as the Marlins bounced back and proved that the curse of the AI Devil Rays was broken in an 8-run effort where Esther French pitched a shutout. A team that normally relies on the long ball to do well, the Marlins made it through this game with no home runs at all, and four of their hitters went a combined 3-for-14, but a total 16-for-19 by their other five hitters resulted in several rallies, especially on balls hit to a struggling Dobbs in center field, that drove in quite a few runs and gave the Marlins their third victory of the season. The Devil Rays still have a two-game lead in the West, but if they continue this slide and one of their division rivals heats up, they could see that lead slip away. Meanwhile, the Marlins maintain a tie with the Braves and Angels at the bottom of the East.

Player of the game: A boosted Anna Goodreau continually contributed to the Marlins’ effort, going 4-for-4 with four singles, scoring twice, and batting in three runs.

Red Sox 22, Wombats 9

A struggling Wombats team had another game along the lines of many of their efforts this season, producing a score that was decent but not high. While the team managed to draw an impressive six walks, everybody except Vladimir Guerrero got on either two or three times, and four different players contributed home runs, they still struggled to bring runners home, with 11 of their 22 runners failing to score, and Bosworth had a dud of a game, striking out only one hitter and giving up two runs to cut into their score. The result still would have been enough to beat out several mediocre efforts by AL teams this week, but not the Red Sox. With everybody getting at least two hits, six players getting at least three, and three players getting at least four, it was another smackdown week for Boston. The fact that half of their 28 hits were for extra bases underscored their dominance for the matchup as they continue their reign of terror outside of the AL East. The Sox catch up to the Monsters with this win, as they continue to nip on the A’s heels in the East, while even in their weak division, the Wombats continue to drift in last place with no victories since Opening Week.

Player of the game: Earl Abbott was a true workhorse this week. At the plate he went 5-for-5 with three singles, two doubles, and four runs scored, while on the mound he pitched five-and-a-third scoreless innings.

Diamondbacks 11, Orioles 8

The Orioles had proven weak in their first two games at home, but were able to improve on those efforts this week. While they got a comparable number of hits, a boost in extra-base hits, especially 4 total home runs from Markart, Nevin, and Sturges, allowed them to increase their run total, while Sturges also pitched her first shutout of the season. But after tasting victory last week, the D’Backs weren’t ready to stop yet, and performed just as well this week despite having to contend with Sandy Flats. Their hit and run numbers were almost identical, but the big difference from last week came in the form of six home runs from four players, which seemed to account for the majority of their runs scored. Both teams now sit a 2-3, though thanks to the divisions they’re in, the defeated Orioles’ overall position is still a lot better than the victorious Diamondbacks’.

Player of the game: Uma Morris was 3-for-4 with 3 home runs and 4 RBI.

Yankees 2, Devil Rays -6

The Rays got a taste of their own medicine this week, as they were swept away by the AI Yankees. The inhospitable Casa gave the Rays a hard time stringing the hits together, so they only scored on solo home runs by Wayne and Uchida, while VanderHoek, Franklin, and Dobbs all gave up runs en route to the AI Yankees scoring 7 all-told. Meanwhile, the Yankees had to confront double demons this week, both playing at a home field where they’ve struggled this season and facing off against a Devil Rays AI that had not yet lost a game, and they did struggle at the plate, only recording seven singles and a double. But Bobby Bulgrien held firm in the face of the AI Devil Rays, ultimately successfully shutting them out as the Yankees become the first team this season to defeat them. The Devil Rays thus suffer their first loss of the season, leaving only the Indians undefeated, but maintain a comfortable lead in the NL West, while the Yankees could catch up to the Bombers with a loss by the latter.

Player of the game: Bulgrien not only shut down a heretofore unbeatable team while striking out ten hitters, but also batted in both of the Yankees’ runs with his solitary single.

Cardinals 14, Expos 1

Shortly after we thought that Expos coach Jarod Johnson had left us, he returned and went on to defeat the AI for the first time this season. While Angela Delvecchio wasn’t able to completely shake off the Cardinals, the Expos were still able to squeeze in two runs, including a solo home run by Billy Jean Blackwood, to claim victory over the Cardinals’ AI. But after their initial “breakout” game last week, the Cardinals really opened up and unleashed their power this week, nearly doubling their run total for the season in a dominant performance. Over half the team got on base at least three teams, and while the other players weren’t so successful, the stronger players’ consistency was enough to keep the Cardinals scoring. While there’s a long season to go yet, the Cardinals really showed their ability to compete and solidified their NL East lead with this win.

Player of the game: Jorge Garcia’s consistency was a big part of the Cards’ success, as he went 4-for-4 with two singles, two home runs, and 3 RBI.

Pirates 19, Melonheads 5

The Melonheads had gotten a decent start to the season, but fell hard in this game. Only three players got on base more than once, and almost every hit they did achieve (as well as every run) was from an error or Crazy Bunt as they never really got going – even a lengthy rules discussion as to whether a play was acceptable turned out to be irrelevant as the next hitter turned the third out anyway. On the flip side, the Pirates followed a strong breakout game last week with another good performance this week. With everybody getting on during the game and all but one getting on at least twice, they were able to keep the offensive rolling, and had another exemplary showing of baserunner efficiency, only stranding six while scoring 16. Five home runs, each by a different player, capped off their effort as a strong showing worthy of producing Pittsburgh’s first win of the season.

Player of the game: Brad Radke did it all this week, going two-for-three with a walk, double, (Aluminum Power-granted) home run, and team-leading four RBI, but also facing the minimum number of batters in a one-hit shutout.

Red Sox 13, Tigers 10

With Tigers coach GSchlim unable to play once again, Yurya took over as a substitute coach this week. The result was a decent if unspectacular game. While six of the Tigers’ hitters went a collective 15-for-20, the other three went a collective 0-for-9 to limit their output. Meanwhile, the Red Sox had a weak game by their standards but still a solid one on the whole, with over half the team getting at least three hits apiece and all but one getting at least two. Even a controversial infield fly call couldn’t dampen their spirits by too much. While the result was beatable, it was enough for the Sox to prevail in this game, advancing them to 3-2 and keeping their hopes of playoffs alive even as the Tigers sink to the bottom of their division.

Player of the game: Parker Collum went 3-for-4 with a single and two home runs, batting in 7 of the Red Sox’s 13 runs.

A’s 21, Rockies 17

Going into a tough matchup against the dominant A’s, the Rockies gave it their all this week and had a strong game indeed. Cindy Chang with two hits was the least productive member of the team, everybody else getting at least three hits, and Pimbleton and Felgate each batted in 6 runs en route to a total of 22 for Colorado, but the team struggled on defense late in the game, as the AI A’s strung together a series of powerups to score 5 runs off the team. That proved to be the difference in a close matchup, as the A’s fell off a bit from their peak to the point that the Rockies would’ve won if they’d secured a shutout. It was still a strong game by the A’s though, everybody getting at least two hits and six players getting three or more, and another four home runs punctuated their effort. Both teams continue their hunt for the division title, but the Rockies’ loss kills their chances of catching the Indians this week.

Player of the game: Nomar Garciaparra continued his reign of terror, 4-for-4 with a single, three home runs, 8 RBI, and zero failures to score.

Tapirs 15, Angels 13

Coming off the heels of two strong victories, the Angels were widely expected to take a third this week, and they performed to standard. Koppell had worked off his jitters from last week to pitch four scoreless innings, and seven of the players got at least two hits each to boost the Angels to a third straight game of at least 22 hits and 13 runs after the multiplier, even if they never got any hits bigger than doubles. But an unexpected twist came when an inconsistent Tapirs team came out with an even bigger game to sweep the Angels off their feet. Only Dominique Lowe failed to achieve at least two hits on the game, and a total of five home runs at Tin Can made the difference, allowing the Tapirs to surge ahead and score five more runs than the Angels despite logging three less hits, with an impressively low left on base total of three. The Angels continue to struggle despite good performances, now 2-3 and tied for last in the NL East, while a loss by the Bombers could let the Tapirs catch up to the division lead.

Player of the game: Gwen Sears was the sole Tapir with more than 2 hits on the game, 4-for-4 with a single, a double, two home runs, and 5 RBI while scoring every time she came to the plate.

Mariners 7, Marlins -1

After losing to the Cardinals AI at the Paveway earlier in the season, the Marlins were wary of visiting the similar Cement Gardens, and their concerns proved well-founded. While home runs by Lebeaux and Deschenes helped them to score a little bit, Sally Dobbs clobbered two hits to help the AI Mariners score four runs and defeat the French Fish once again. Meanwhile, the Mariners continued in the vein of their recent games to secure a second win. It was a slightly lower score than their last two, but still close, and they were helped by the fact that half of their fourteen hits were for extra bases. Everybody except Skiumsby got in on the action, and Beattie and Sweet both had perfect days at the plate even though neither scored any runs, the production instead coming from the top of the lineup. Both teams remain at the bottom of their divisions, but the Mariners looked much stronger this week.

Player of the game: Sally Dobbs gets it for her effective harrassment of the Marlins combined with a decent game on the Mariners’ side: 2-for-3 with a double, triple, and two runs scored.

Indians 18, Wombats 11

The Wombats were hoping to break their losing streak and had a decent game with over ten runs scored. Claudia Villarta was on fire going 4-for-4 with four runs scored and three batted in, while reigning Ace Tiffany Bosworth added 9 strikeouts to her total, all as seven of nine players got two hits or more for a solid game. However, the final undefeated team in the league wasn’t ready to lose just yet, and won their fifth straight game despite a record low of just three home runs for the team. Nobody on the Indians even got more than three hits, but 2 or 3 for most of the players and a low LOB total of just five helped them to put up a strong score of 15 before the multiplier all the same. The Indians continue to cruise atop the AL Central, while the Wombats manage to remain just one game back from the division lead despite having only one win.

Player of the game: Petra Chekov went 2-for-3 with a single, home run, and team-leading 4 RBI.

Monsters 11, Blue Jays 7

After two strong games, the Jays tapered off this week against the Monsters, stranding twelve runners as they only managed to score seven. Even though Houston and Hendrix both went 4-for-4, those were all singles, and a speedy Monsters defense helped limit the usefulness of those slow runners on first. A double and home run by Chico Pappas were the only extra-base hits that the Jays could summon all game, and that resulted in a low score. The Monsters were back after forfeiting the week before, and even though their effort fell short of the strength they’ve exhibited at other times, it was still enough for the win. It was a tale of two halves of the team – four players combined to go just 3-for-13 with 0 runs and 1 RBI, but the other five combined to go 13-for-17 with 10 runs and 9 RBI, and the more successful half was able to drag the team to victory. The Monsters maintain a tie for first with the A’s in the AL East, while the Blue Jays’ loss leaves them tied with the Melonheads and Orioles for the lead in the AL West at an unimpressive 2-3.

Player of the game: Wally Evans led the team’s effort by going 4-for-4 with two singles, a double, a triple, and three runs scored.

Braves 5, Giants -5

Much like the Devil Rays, the Giants were a team who were used to beating opponents with their AI, only to have the tables turned on them this week. The AI Braves were too much to handle, scoring five runs on a series of HRs off of Luanne Lui, while holding the Giants scoreless as a hit each for six players was the best they could do. Meanwhile, the Braves rebounded nicely from an AI loss last week, giving up only one run to the AI Giants while scoring six. The top of the lineup did all the work, though, going 13-for-17 with a walk and all the teams runs and RBI while the last five hitters went a collective 3-for-17. Still, a bunch of singles and a pair each of doubles and home runs by that top of the lineup was enough to get the job done. The Braves now stand alone in second place in the NL East, one game behind the Cardinals, while the Giants’ 2-3 record is a more distant second place, 2 games behind the Devil Rays.

Player of the game: Zenon Estrada was 4-for-4 with two singles, a double, a solo home run, and three total runs scored.

Bombers 12, Cubs 2

In the final matchup of the week, the Cubs had another small-scale game. While Keisha Phillips led the team by going 3-for-4 and batting in three runs, the rest of the team only got eight singles and two extra-base hits on the game, and two runs given up by Kenny Kawaguchi further reduced their score. Meanwhile, the Bombers broke out this week with their strongest game yet. Their eleven runs are over half their total from the first four games, and everybody on the team got on base for the first time this season. Seven players getting on at least twice helped out, as did a strong total of 14 stolen bases, and all added up to an easy win for Baltimore. That win maintains Baltimore’s tenuous lead on the NL Central, as they still stand just one game above the Tapirs and Yankees.

Player of the game: Cliff Floyd was the only player on the team to go 4-for-4, with two singles, a double, a triple, and 2 runs scored and batted in.

Yankees 2, Giants 1

After a break from playing in Week 3, the Giants’ fearsome AI came next for the Yankees. Like the other teams to face the Giants, the Yanks struggled to keep the AI under control, giving up a total of six runs. However, they were able to put up their own offensive as well, as six of their players got two hits or more each, including six extra-base hits, providing enough of a push to become the first team to defeat the AI Giants this season. On their end, the Giants got only two hits less than the Yankees, but with a sole double as their only extra-base hit, they weren’t able to use their runners as efficiently, leaving 11 on and scoring 5 less runs than the Yanks. That still would have been enough for the win, but the Yankees AI got in a punch of their own: they scored 2 runs off of Luanne Lui, which was just enough to give New York a narrow victory.

Player of the game: While Jessica Wassersas had the best statline on offense this game, giving up 6 runs on the mound bumps her off. The distinction instead goes to Gary Allen, 2-for-3 with a double, triple and 2 RBI.

Cardinals 5, Cubs 1

After missing Week 3, the Cubs were fortunately back, but the week off didn’t seem to do them any favors. With only eleven hits on the game and nobody on the team getting more than two, their effort was pretty limited, and a pair of solo shots by Weis and Goodfellow was canceled out by Kenny Kawaguchi giving up two runs on the mound, leading to a regression from their Week 2 showing. By contrast, the Cardinals, a 2-1 team that hadn’t yet scored more than 5 runs in a game, had their best game yet this week, scoring 8 against Chicago’s middling defense. They actually achieved the same 16 hits and 5 extra-base hits that they had in last week’s contest, but were able to score 3 more runs this week, showing how their baserunners are getting smarter. Mr. Clanky did give up three runs on the mound, but made up for it by scoring all three times he came up to the plate. This win put St. Louis up to 3-1, with the potential to take the division lead alone if the Braves lost.

Player of the game: Mr. Clanky’s three runs allowed excludes him from consideration, so Jeff Conine gets the nod this week, going 3-for-4 with two singles, a home run, and 2 RBI.

Diamondbacks 16, Wombats 7

A Wombats team that’s been lukewarm since their Opening Week win wasn’t able to regain their momentum this week. While their score of 7 was better than Week 2’s mark of 4, it only came on one more hit and walk than that week’s effort, as while Ichiro, Sexson, and Proutt could get on base regularly, the rest of the team struggled at a collective 4-for-16. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks relished the opportunity to finally face teams outside the Division of Doom, and took full advantage of it in this game with a strong 14-run performance that was more than enough to blow out the competition. Despite Ichiro behind the plate preventing any stolen bases, the D’Backs prospered, with everybody except Jocinda Smith getting on base at least twice and four players getting on three times. That win pushes the Wombats back to an increasingly bleak 1-3, while the Diamondbacks secure their first win, leaving only the Pirates and Expos winless.

Player of the game: Yankees import Shelia Basante not only got on base every time, but was also helpful in getting her teammates to score. She went 4-for-4 with three singles, a triple, and 3 RBI.

Angels 13, Mariners 7

After their breakout game last week, the Mariners were out to prove that it wasn’t a fluke, and did so convincingly this week. Their 17 hits surpassed their highest previous total by more than half en route to their highest run total yet, with Davy Marian hitting two home runs and driving in 6 to lead the offensive. But the Angels were on a similar mission, and themselves came out in force for the second week in a row, logging 5 more hits and 4 more runs than the Mariners. While Anaheim wasn’t able to get any hits better than doubles, 8 doubles did help their efforts, as did over half the team getting 3 hits or more. Chad Koppel also got his day in the spotlight, as he was able to pitch more than two innings for the first time since winning the Ace Wilson in Season 4. While a bit rusty, giving up 9 hits and 2 runs, he was able to strike out seven and complete the game. Despite being just 2-2 after four weeks, the Angels are increasingly looking like a top threat in the NL, while the Mariners will need to get some more favorable matchups to have a chance at the playoffs.

Player of the game: Troy Glaus led his pro team’s effort, 4-for-4 with a single, three doubles, three runs scored, and 4 RBI.

Marlins 9, Bombers 6

It was largely business as usual for the Bombers this week; while a pair of home runs by Heffernan and Klinker helped them to beat their previous best score by 1, their game was otherwise very similar to their efforts in the first three weeks of play. The big difference this time was in how their opponents performed. Perhaps energized by playing at home for the first time, the Marlins had their best game of the season so far, scoring two more runs than last week despite logging six less hits. They essentially traded eight singles for two home runs, but in this case it worked out well for them, and Perry Marx was the day’s only dud as the rest of the team all contributed. That keeps the Marlins in the running for now in a tight NL East race, while the Bombers were handed their first loss (leaving only the Indians, Monsters, and Devil Rays undefeated) but still sit atop the Central.

Player of the game: Monseuir Deschenes was valuable as always, 3-for-4 with two singles, a home run, and 3 RBI.

Indians 13, Orioles 2

After a pair of strong finishes, the Orioles came crashing down to the sandy earth when they returned to their home field. Just 10 singles and 2 doubles, spread across almost the whole team, couldn’t be converted to many runs at the Flats, and Matessa Sturges gave up four runs on the mound to all but invalidate the runs they did score. Meanwhile, the Indians once again came short of being truly dominant, but kept their flawless record of scoring over 10 runs per game alive and did well enough to remain undefeated after four weeks. While Delgado and Kowalski only got one hit combined, the rest of the team each got at least two to keep the team running strong, even if their 4 home runs are the lowest total yet for a coach best known for his homer prowess.

Player of the game: Cheryl Reynolds went 5-for-5 with a single, double, three home runs, and 5 RBI.

Melonheads 17, Monsters F

The Melonheads’ fourth game was a slow start – multiple double plays turned by the Monsters defense and a general lack of good hitting for the ‘Heads left them tied 3-3 going into the bottom of the fifth, before a massive Under Grounder-fueled rally produced 14 more runs to launch them right back up with a respectable score. That score was still expected to be blown away by the Monsters, though, and initially that’s just what happened, as initial results showed them winning 29-17. However, on review of footage, it was determined that one tactic the Monsters had been using so far this season doesn’t fall under acceptable tactics per the league’s ruleset. Coach Aesnop was offered the chance to let this score stand or replay the Monsters’ side of the game, but decided that he would feel better simply forfeiting the game. That gives the Monsters an unorthodox first loss, while the Melonheads now sit at an arguably undeserved 2-2.

Player of the game: Even though she gave up three runs on the mound, Maria Luna only gave them up on a series of Crazy Bunts and otherwise pitched a flawless game. But she gets the distinction for being the strongest hitter on the team this week, going 4-for-4 with three singles, a home run, and three runs scored and batted in, all without a single Under Grounder use.

Red Sox 30, Pirates 20

After three weeks of fairly low scores, the Pirates finally had their breakout game this week. With 21 runs scored and just five runners left on base, they exhibited exemplary efficiency in this game. 11 total extra-base hits, plus the fact that six of nine hitters recorded at least three hits, showcased just how effectively they played, if observers weren’t clued in by the fact that they scored more than in the first three games combined. Unfortunately for them, the Red Sox had an absolute slaughterfest of a game themselves, as everybody on the team got at least two hits, seven players got at least four, and over a third of their 36 hits were for extra bases. Even with the Pirates’ strong effort, they stood no chance against Boston’s onslaught, and so remain winless after four weeks, even as the Red Sox struggle to keep pace with their tight competition in the AL East.

Player of the game: Zena Fromme went 5-for-6 with two singles, three home runs, and 9 RBI.

Rockies 12, Blue Jays 11

We saw a whole new Blue Jays team in Week Three, and they were hoping to keep up that momentum this week. But while they didn’t fully return to their first two weeks’ performances this time, they also weren’t able to perform as well in this matchup. It was still a strong performance, though, with eight players getting at least two hits, five getting at least three, and Jason Kendall batting in 7 runs as he was a single shy of hitting for the cycle. The Rockies had a similar story, unable to repeat their Week 3 success fully, and on the whole having a less impressive game than the Jays. They weren’t helped by their worst three hitters going a collective 2-for-10, but eight extra-base hits along with a fair helping of singles allowed them to put forward a decent performance nonetheless. In the end, while the Jays finished the game with the higher run total, five runs given up by Betty Houston, combined with the Rockies getting the home team multiplier, set the Jays back enough for the Rockies to just barely sneak out the win, keeping their hopes of competing for the Central title alive while the Blue Jays’s West division is a mess where three teams at 2-2 are tied for the lead.

Player of the game: Former MVP Debby Nagasawa was living up to the title this week, 4-for-4 with two singles, two doubles, and 3 RBI.

Devil Rays 3, Braves -1

The Braves had gotten on a roll recently, but that all came crashing down this week. A quartet of solo home runs – two by Lambert and one each by Estrada and Mikey Thomas – were the only four runs they were able to score all game, while the murderous Devil Rays AI struck once more, scoring 5 runs off of Randy Johnson to advance their record to 4-0. Meanwhile, the Devil Rays weren’t able to find the success that they had last week, and in fact put out their lowest hit total of the season so far, but two home runs amid a smattering of other hits still sufficed to score a few runs and convert them into another win. The result sets the Braves back in a tough NL East race with little room for error, while the Devil Rays sit comfortably atop the West as one of the two remaining undefeated teams.

Player of the game: Holly Franklin, 2-for-3 with a single, home run, and 2 RBI.

A’s 28, Tigers F

Fresh off what may be one of their toughest games of the season, where they narrowly lost to the Monsters, the A’s bounded right back in a merciless bashing of the Tigers. While Amanda Hellerman was “only ” able to get two hits on the game, everybody else got at least three, with over half the team scoring four or more, and of all those hits, there were only two more singles then there were extra-base hits. Garciaparra was at it again, nocking two more home runs and batting in eight runs this week. The result was likely to be a win in any case, which is part of why a Tigers coach GSchlim, pressed for time, chose to forfeit this week. With the Monsters’ earlier forfeit the A’s are now tied for the division lead, and it doesn’t seem like they have any chance of missing the playoffs.

Player of the game: Achmed Khan gets it for hitting for the cycle, with an extra single thrown in for good measure. Not recording a single out this game, he also both scored and batted in four runs.

Tapirs 14, Expos -6

The Expos narrowly missed the cutoff this week, resulting in a five-run penalty, but it didn’t make a difference in this case. While Angela Delvecchio had her best game yet this season, giving up only a single run, the Expos couldn’t get anything going at all against the Tapirs’ AI, getting no-hit at the inhospitable Sandy Flats. The Tapirs’ game was the exact opposite, as they enjoyed a near-total slugfest at their home park. Everybody got on at least once, and eight players at least twice, and with eight extra-base hits, they were able to roll in the runs as well, all leading up to the week’s second-strongest score in the Frontyard League. After two strong games and two weak games, the Tapirs now sit at 2-2, within spitting distance of the division-leading Bombers.

Player of the game: Ricky Johnson went 3-for-4 with a single, double, and home run, batting in 4 runs.