Sunday, May 17, 2009

The other half of the league opens

Day 2 means the other 16 teams open their seasons. Here are the highlights.

National League

In Fargo, the defending champion Dirtbags were beaten by divsion rival Chicago. Newly acquired Babe Broadhurst outdueled reigning Cy Young winner Javier Henriquez, going 8 innings and giving up only 1 run for the Snake Tamers. Chicago got RBI singles from Neifi McBride and Sean Simpson in the 1st and an RBI double from Cameron BUckley in the 4th.

In Houston, the hometown Riverdogs were limited to 3 hits over 8 innings by Austin City Limits starter Delino Montanez, as Austin won 4-0. Tony Percival's 3-run home run in the 7th was the key hit in the game.

In Salem, Dave Dunwoody gave up 1 run and 4 hits while striking out 10 to win a 2-1 decision. Marvin Mercedes hit a leadoff home run to start the game.

In Washington, Steven Leonard and Jimmie Williams provided all the offense, each hitting a solo shot for the Blue Coats. Jesus Estrada shut out the visiting Trenton Traffic over 8 innings, and new closer Alex Javier shut the door in the 9th, as D.C. won 2-0.

American League

Milwaukee opened yet another AL title defense with a win at Syracuse, 4-1. Brian Dunham's 3-run homer in the 3rd was the difference in the game for the Manic Maulers.

The Boston Bambinos went into Louisville and beat the Legends 3-1 in 11 innings. RBI singles by Butch Swift and Daniel Koch in the 11th provided the margin of victory.

In Oklahoma City, Tony Johnson and Chan Suh each drove in 2 runs in a five run 2nd for the visiting Jackson Vipers. That 2nd innings would be enough for Alex Samuel and 2 Jackson relievers, as they beat the Sneaky Finger Puppet Mafia 7-2.

In Boise, the Helena Grotto Gottos began their history in Montana with a loss. Shadow Wolves 1B Alex Suh hit an RBI single in the 11th to score Hideo Nakano and give Boise a 4-3 win. Shadow Wolves catcher Hiram Spooneybarger achieved a rare feat, throwing out two runners attempting to steal in the same inning.

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