ARCHIVE
SEP 2007

To make things easier for our loyal suscribers we will adopt a new format of
providing news involving AUSTRALIAN Players in yellow text, while 
news about former AMLB IMPORT Players will be in white text.

Peter Moylan

Matt Herges

For those like us who love baseball folklore, we have our fingers crossed that the Houston Astros decide not to play their much adored future Hall-Of-Famer Craig Biggio in the final game of the regular season tomorrow. Why, you may ask?... well, wouldn’t it be nice for Australian star PETER MOYLAN to be able to claim that he was the last pitcher ever to get him out! That’s right, here we were in the bottom of the seventh inning after Ron Mahay had got the first two outs and our Pete was asked to handle Biggio to end the inning with one runner on. Two pitches later Pete had the 20-year veteran and 3,000-hit man grounding out to the third baseman. That was all for Moylan today with a clinical 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (1.80ERA). He had managed to do what thousands of other pitchers had not been so successful at doing over a long career… getting Craig Biggio OUT! We don’t suppose that Biggio will sit out what is to be the final game of his career, but it was nice to dream for a while… and who knows if Pete may be waiting again for his final plate appearance. Oh, and just for the record, RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) pitched 0.2ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k (2.59ERA) and Biggio’s Houston Astros beat the Atlanta Braves 3-2.

The Boston Red Sox and their huge ‘Nation’ of fans may have warmed to Aussie JUSTIN HUBER today when he scored the winning run for the Kansas City Royals in their 4-3 win over the Cleveland Indians. The Indians’ defeat meant that the ‘Bosox’ had secured the best record in baseball for 2007 and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Our Justin was again inserted as a pinch runner for the Royals, replacing Mike Sweeney who had delivered a leadoff single to start the eighth inning. He was moved over the second base on an Alex Gordon single, then he scored on a two out RBI single by Joey Gathright. Huber remained in the game as the designated hitter for the ninth inning but he did not come to the plate.

Aussie JUSTIN HUBER has probably been craving an opportunity to start another game and to take a few “hacks”, but you could hardly pick a worse game to start as a hitter than when you are facing the Cleveland Indians powerhouse Cy Young candidate C.C Sabathia! Unfortunately, Huber couldn’t handle Sabathia in three plate appearances yesterday after making the start at left field while his Kansas City Royals were beaten 5-3 by the ‘Tribe’. In the second inning he flied out to right field on the first pitch he saw, then he flied out to centre field on a 1-2 count in the fourth. Huber next struck out swinging in the sixth before he was replaced by pinch-hitter Mark Teahen in the ninth inning.

MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) has been active for the Colorado Rockies down the stretch as he did all you could ask of him to keep the ‘Rox’ in the hunt for the post season. He pitched 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k (3.15ERA) in their 11-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks today, and 1.0ip 0h 0er 1bb 0k in their 2-4 loss to the ‘Snakes’ yesterday.

Texas Rangers veteran KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) was making his last start for the season today with another battling 7.0ip 11h 4er 3bb 1k performance in their 1-5 loss to the Seattle Mariners. After recovering from early season injuries, Millwood has endured the most frustrating season of his fine career with another loss taking his 2007 record to 10-14, 5.16ERA.

Justin Huber

Kevin Millwood

Peter Moylan

Geoff Blum

For the second time in two days Australia’s PETER MOYLAN featured a “filthy” 78mph slider to polish off a hitter… and coming off the back of 94mph fast balls folks, this is virtually an unhittable pitch! Today Pete was asked to finish the bottom of the eighth inning with one out and his Atlanta Braves already headed for a 4-6 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. For a moment it looked like he might struggle when Aaron Rowand singled to right field, followed by Michael Bourn who legged out an infield single to the short stop. This is when he struck with the slider on his fifth pitch to strike out Abraham Nunez. His work was complete when he induced Carlos Ruiz to ground out to the short stop on his first pitch. Moylan’s line today was 0.2ip 2h 0er 0bb 1k (1.81ERA) and he may have been overshadowed for once by bullpen partner RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) who pitched a brilliant 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 3k (2.62ERA). PETE La FOREST (IBLA MLB All-Stars 2001) batted 0-1 (.278) for the Phillies.

GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) pitched a valuable 1.2ip 2h 0er 1bb 1k (4.93ERA) for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to keep them in with a chance to turn around what was a 1-3 loss to the New York Yankees.

San Diego Padres back-up infielder GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) continues to prove his value down the stretch with a couple of fine offensive performances over the past two days. Blum batted 2-4 (.251) in a 9-5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers today and 2-5 with a RBI in an 11-3 win over the San Francisco Giants yesterday.

… and more from yesterday’s games:

Ho hum, it was just another simple rescue mission for Aussie ace PETER MOYLAN today when he pitched an effective 0.2ip 0h 0er 1bb 1k (1.82ERA) for the Atlanta Braves during their 2-5 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. Pete once again did the vital job of keeping his team within a couple of runs when he came into the bottom of the seventh inning with one on, one out and a run already scored in the frame. Facing the heart of the Phillies lineup, he started his day by allowing the inherited base runner Jimmy Rollins to advance to second on a wild pitch. Rollins was then moved over to third base when Pat Burrell grounded out to the first baseman. After issuing a predictable intentional walk to Home Run Derby king Ryan Howard, Moylan shut down the threat when he had the dangerous Aaron Rowand struck out swinging helplessly at a paralysing off-speed slider.

If you ask any pitcher they will usually want you to give them the ball, but there are times when they’d be better off not taking the mound. Like today when Aussie RICH THOMPSON drew the short straw in the bullpen to try to stop a rampaging Texas Rangers offence who were well on their way to pounding his LA Angels in a 16-2 blowout. Unfortunately the task was a little too daunting for Richard at this stage of his development and he wasn’t able to stop the bleeding for the ‘Halos’ on this occasion. Thompson was asked to come into the game with one runner on and none out in the bottom of the sixth inning with a seven run deficit already on the scoreboard. Things got quickly worse for Thompson and the Angels when Travis Metcalf took his fifth pitch deep to left field for a two-run bomb. He then walked Ian Kinsler on four pitches before getting an out with Gerald Laird struck out swinging. Next batter Michael Young singled on a line drive to right field, but Rich gave himself a chance to limit the damage when he had the famous Sammy Sosa called out on strikes. It wasn’t to be on this day when Marlon Byrd tripled home two RBI’s to deep centre field and Jason Botts followed with a RBI single up the middle. The Los Angeles Angels may not be too concerned having already clinched their division, but Richard Thompson would not have enjoyed his 0.2ip 4h 4er 1bb 2k (10.80ERA) experience today. His team mate GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) left the game with a knee injury after batting 0-0 (.252).

Rich Thompson

Gary Glover

Peter Moylan

Rich Thompson

Once again helping the Atlanta Braves to polish off the in-form Philadelphia Phillies was Australian pitching ace PETER MOYLAN who earned his eighth hold of the season while pitching 0.2ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (1.83ERA) in their 10-6 win today. ‘Big Pete’ came into the game with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning after Ron Mahay had erased Ryan Howard and a couple of routine groundballs later another scoreless inning was in the bank. Pete had Aaron Rowand ground out to the short stop and Jayson Werth ground out to the second baseman. RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) earned his seventh hold of the year with 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (2.66ERA).

Aussie reliever GRANT BALFOUR was in the thick of the action today, pitching a handy 1.0ip 1h 0er 1bb 0k (7.99ERA) for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays during their exciting 7-6 victory over the New York Yankees. Grant started the top of the sixth inning of a tight contest and he may have invited trouble when he allowed Robinson Cano to slap a leadoff single to left field. However, he averted that threat when he promptly picked off Cano who was caught stealing. Then, after walking the light-hitting Doug Mientkiewicz, he also erased him when he induced Melky Cabrera to ground into an inning-ending double play to the second baseman.

… and yesterday:

Australia’s newest major leaguer RICHARD THOMPSON made another appearance out of the bullpen with 1.0ip 0h 0er 1bb 2k (6.00ERA) for the Los Angeles Angels during their 7-8 loss to the Texas Rangers. Thompson started the bottom of eighth shakily when he walked Travis Metcalf on four wayward pitches, but his crime went unpunished when pinch runner Freddie Guzman was caught stealing on a well managed pitchout. With the bases empty, he then set about striking out Ian Kinsler and Gerald Laird who both went down swinging. In this game Thompson’s team mate GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 0-2 (.254) but he also walked twice.

Aussie JUSTIN HUBER was allowed another all too brief cameo appearance again today when he was used as a pinch runner by the Kansas City Royals during their 2-3 defeat by the Baltimore Orioles. We don’t recall that Justin has ever been a great “wheels man” as a former catcher himself, but he must be slicker than the plate minders at the Royals these days. Huber pinch ran for John Buck who singled to lead off the top of the seventh inning and he was moved over to second base on a sacrifice bunt. This was to be the extent of his action when the O’s pitched out of the inning and he was replaced by backup catcher Jason LaRue on defence before the bottom of the seventh.

RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) has struck for some occasional power during an overall disappointing season, nailing his sixth home run for the Washington National during their 13-4 hammering of the New York Mets. Ryan batted 1-1 (.163) with the three RBI’s, while PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) batted 1-4 (.276) with a RBI for the Mets.

Grant Balfour

Justin Huber

Travis Blackley

Paul LoDuca

What tremendous news for Australian baseball to see our 18th major league player TRAVIS BLACKLEY back in the big leagues for the first time since 2004 after battling injury and changing clubs. Travis responded to a late season call-up to produce a quality start for the San Francisco Giants, but he departed with a no decision after pitching 5.0ip 3h 2er 4bb 5k (3.60ERA) in their 5-4 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Blackley had to endure a very nervous comeback to “The Show” which started with a leadoff walk, a baulk and then a two-run homer from Jeff Keppinger. He then had to work around another walk and a double to Edwin Encarnacion before concluding the first inning with his only two earned runs of the day. Another leadoff walk in the top of the second did him no further damage, while he had three up and three down in the third after two impressive strikeouts. Another two strikeouts in the fourth neutralised a David Ross single, while two ground outs and a fly out ended his day with another three up and three down inning. In all it was a most successful return to the majors for Travis who appeared to be finding his feet and getting stronger with each inning. We certainly hope that it will turn into a springboard for his career in 2008. By our count that makes it a record SEVEN Australians to appear in the US major leagues during season 2007... way to go boys!!

Australian “fireman” PETER MOYLAN was once again the man summoned from the Atlanta Braves bullpen to put out a raging fire in the sixth inning of their eventual 7-4 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. Not for the first time this season, our Pete was faced with a daunting bases loaded and one out situation when he took over the mound. But, as he has done so regularly this season, our Pete proved himself just the right man for the big job. He started by having Corey Hart ground out to the second baseman for a RBI, then he had pinch hitter Gabe Gross struck out swinging at a 95mph scorcher. His line today was 0.2ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (1.85ERA).

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) peeled off his ninth home run of the season today, while batting 1-4 (.276) with two RBI’s for the New York Mets in their 7-6 win over the Florida Marlins.

Helping to preserve a rare 5-4 win for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays over the Boston Red Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield was GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) who earned his tenth hold of the year with a very solid 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 2k (5.11ERA).

DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) is in the midst of a hot hitting streak for the Cincinnati Reds, contributing a valuable 2-2 (.205) with two RBI's and a walk in their 4-5 loss to the San Francisco Giants.

Peter Moylan

Gary Glover

Ryan Rowland-Smith

Grant Balfour

Australia’s 25th major leaguer RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH earned his third hold of the season after pitching 0.2ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k (3.58ERA) for the Seattle Mariners during their tight 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels. Ryan entered the game in the bottom of the seventh inning with one on and two out and the first task for the lefty was to pick off Chone Figgins at first base without even bothering to pitch to the batter. However, he returned for the bottom of the eighth to face the dangerous Garret Anderson who he had called out on strikes. Rowland-Smith was relieved after Casey Kotchman singled to right field. In this game GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 0-2 (.256) but he walked twice.

Aussie star PETER MOYLAN was back on the hill today, allowing a rare home run, but still helping his Atlanta Braves to hold on for a 4-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers after 10-innings. Pete started the top of the tenth inning with an immediate setback when Corey Hart connected with his fourth pitch that was well located “up and in” and he tugged it over the left field fence. He then “jammed” Jeff Jenkins for a ground out back to the mound, before Mike Rivera hit a sharp line drive that was deflected by Pete for an infield single to the short stop. Pete was then replaced by Royce Ring for match-up purposes after pitching 0.1ip 3h 1er 0bb 0k (1.86ERA). Moylan's bullpen mate RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) also pitched today with 0.1ip 1h 0er 1bb 0k (2.67ERA).

… and yesterday:

Australia’s GRANT BALFOUR ran into the mighty Boston Red Sox again when he came in during the top of the ninth inning immediately after David Ortiz had added a three-run homer to what would be a 1-8 loss for his Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Unfortunately, Grant would allow back-to-back homers when Mike Lowell “went yard” over left field. ‘Balf’ then steadied the ship when he had both Bobby Kielty and Jason Varitek struck out swinging. Grant was then on the ropes again when pinch hitter Brandon Moss tripled to centre field and Julio Lugo milked an eight pitch walk. He completed his three “K” inning when Eric Hinske also struck out swinging for his pitching line of 1.0ip 2h 1er 1bb 3k (8.34ERA). ‘D-Ray’ bullpen buddy GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) also pitched with 1.0ip 1h 1er 0bb 2k (5.18ERA).

RON MAHAY had a reliever’s nightmare yesterday when the situational lefty walked the only batter he faced on four pitches… worse still it walked across the go-ahead run as his Atlanta Braves were rolled over 1-4 by the Milwaukee Brewers. Mahay pitched 0.0ip 0h 0er 1bb 0k (2.69ERA).

Starring again for the New York Mets was feisty catcher PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) who batted 3-4 (.275) in their 9-4 win over the Florida Marlins.

DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) left the yard for the 17th time this season while batting 1-3 (.200) for the Cincinnati Reds in their 9-8 win over the San Francisco Giants.

… then, from Friday:

In the Colorado Rockies 9-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers SHEA HILLENBRAND (Gold Coast Cougars 1998) batted 0-1 (.251) for the Dodgers and MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) pitched 0.2ip 1h 1er 0bb 1k (3.63ERA) for the ‘Rox’.

GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) once again helped the San Diego Padres when he batted 1-4 (.249) in their 6-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Lefty reliever RON MAHAY recorded his sixth hold of the year with 0.1ip 0h 0er 1bb 1k (2.69ERA) for the Atlanta Braves in their 3-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.

Peter Moylan

David Ross

Peter Moylan

Sorry to bore you folks, but it is becoming almost redundant to mention once again how efficient Australian reliever PETER MOYLAN has been, and continues to be, this season… he supplied another eleven pitch, eight strike clinic today for the Atlanta Braves to help preserve a 5-1 win over the Florida Marlins. Pete started by getting Cody Ross to ground out to the short stop, then he had both Matt Treanor and pinch-hitter Todd Linden called out on strikes. Treanor required only four pitches, while Linden was vanquished after three for his pitching line of 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 2k (1.77ERA). Well, it’s certainly not boring us at ‘Flintoff & Dunn’ big fella… keep it rolling!!

Australia’s newest major league pitcher RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH certainly helped his Seattle Mariners to lock down a 9-5 win over the Oakland Athletics today when he earned his second hold of the season with an effective 2.0ip 1h 0er 1bb 2k (3.65ERA). Ryan took over for the bottom of the sixth inning with Rob Bowen struck out swinging, before Jeff DaVannon singled back up the middle. He finished that frame with Shannon Stewart popping out to the second baseman and Daric Barton called out on strikes. Back for the bottom of the seventh he started by issuing a walk to Jack Cust. There was no damage done when Dan Johnson popped out to the third baseman in foul territory, Mark Ellis popped out to the short stop and Jack Hannahan grounded out to the second baseman.

... and from yesterday:

Aussie Ace PETER MOYLAN collected his seventh hold of the year when he pitched another valuable 1.0ip 2h 0er 0bb 0k (1.79ERA) for the Atlanta Braves, helping them to a tight 4-3 win over the Florida Marlins. Pete replaced the starting pitcher for the top of the sixth inning and, as often, he made life more interesting for himself by allowing a leadoff single to right field from the talented bat of Miguel Cabrera. Then after getting Josh Willingham to ground out to the second baseman, he found himself faced with runners at the corners after Mike Jacobs singled to centre field. Obviously, our Pete was only in a “teasing mood” when he snuffed the threat with a very familiar ground ball double play induced from Cody Ross to the short stop. Moylan was again consistently in the 93-94mph range while throwing five of only nine pitches for strikes. In the same game his bullpen brother RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) earned his fifth hold of the season with 1.1ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k (2.70ERA).

GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) also had a solid relief outing for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays with a handy 1.2ip 0h 0er 0bb 2k (5.13ERA), even though they came up short in a 1-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.

Not so hot was veteran starter KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) who was consigned to his 13th defeat of the season with a battling 6.2ip 10h 2er 2bb 0k for the Texas Rangers in their 2-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins. ‘Big Kev’s’ record slumped to 9-13, 5.39ERA.

MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) fared even worse with his second blown save of the year not preventing his Colorado Rockies from toppling the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-8 in a “squeaker”. Herges pitched a disappointing 0.0ip 2h 3er 1bb 0k (3.46ERA).

Not to be blamed for the New York Mets tough 8-9 loss to the Washington Nationals was catcher PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) who contributed a valuable 2-4 (.272) with two RBI’s.

... then from Tuesday's major league action:

Sometimes you can pitch very well in a baseball game but some misfortune will cause damage to your statistics, whereas on other occasions you can be a bit fortunate to escape with your own numbers untarnished when you have not pitched your best. Australian ace PETER MOYLAN has suffered a few of the former scenarios this season and it was his turn to enjoy the latter one today. With his Atlanta Braves firmly on course for an 11-6 win over the Florida Marlins, Pete entered the game in the top of the eighth inning with runners at the corners and only one out. The first batter he faced, Cody Ross, immediately sent the runners scampering with a deep line drive double to centre field for a RBI. Next batter, Miguel Olivo, grounded out to the short stop for another RBI. He put the inning away by having Alfredo Almezaga ground out to the second baseman. Moylan was not responsible for either of the runs that scored today, so he lowered his ERA again with 0.2ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k (1.81ERA). So, he may have been a little fortunate on this occasion, but in the end he only gave up one hit and he didn’t allow the game to implode for the Braves… you usually make your own luck and ‘Pete’ has certainly earned any that he might he get along the way!

Ryan Rowland-Smith

Peter Moylan

Australia ’s JUSTIN HUBER made his first major league start for the year today when he was given an opportunity to bat as the designated hitter for the Kansas City Royals in their 4-3 win over the Cleveland Indians. Justin, batting in the #8 slot, faced Cleveland ’s left-handed starter Aaron Laffey three times without too much success before being replaced by pinch hitter Shane Costa in the eighth inning. Huber grounded out to the short stop from the first pitch he faced in the top of the second inning. He then led off in the fifth and seventh, starting with an eight pitch battle before grounding out to the second baseman in the fifth and then flying out to centre field in the seventh. Obviously he batted 0-3 (.000) today.

… and yesterday:

JUSTIN HUBER had his first major league plate appearance for the season when he batted 0-1 (.000) for the Kansas City Royals during their 0-6 loss to the Cleveland Indians. Justin struck out swinging at a ball in the dirt from Rafael Perez after pinch hitting for David DeJesus in the top of the ninth inning.

Star Aussie reliever PETER MOYLAN once again pitched splendidly for the Atlanta Braves but his efforts were again wasted when they were unable to rally in a 4-7 loss to the Washington Nationals. Pete did the important job of keeping the Braves in the contest after the early exit of their starting pitcher when he “soaked up” the fifth and sixth inning with two blanks added to the ‘Nats’ scorebook. Pete was greeted rudely when D’Angelo Jiminez floated a soft single to the centre fielder, but he was quickly erased with a “strike ‘em out, throw ‘em out” when Ryan Zimmerman was struck out swinging and Jiminez was thrown out while stealing on the pitch. He finished this inning with Robert Fick struck out swinging on a foul tip. Back for the bottom of the sixth, Moylan was back in familiar “ground ball mode” with Austin Kearns finding the second baseman, Willy Mo Pena finding the short stop and Ronnie Belliard finding the first baseman. His most effective line was 2.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 2k (1.82ERA). Following Moylan to the mound was lefty team mate RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) who wasn’t nearly so impressive with 1.2ip 2h 2er 1bb 2k (2.76ERA).

Helping the San Diego Padres to deliver a 6-0 shutout defeat to the San Francisco Giants was GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) who continues to prove very valuable down the stretch with his 2-4 (.259), including a RBI and two runs scored.

Justin Huber

Gary Glover

It certainly was not the fault of GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) that his Tampa Bay Devil Rays were “robbed” 4-5 by the Boston Red Sox when David ‘Big Papi’ Ortiz hammered yet another dramatic ninth inning walk-off home run today. Glover earned his ninth hold of the season earlier in the game after pitching a tidy 1.0ip 0h 0er 2bb 1k (5.22ERA).

RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 1-4 (.163) with a walk, but it was not enough to save his Washington Nationals from losing an epic 12-innings battle 4-5 to the Florida Marlins.

Helping the New York Mets to overcome the Atlanta Braves 4-3 today was PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) who batted 1-4 (.272), while RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) pitched 1.0ip 2h 1er 0bb 0k (2.58ERA) in relief for Atlanta.

GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) did all you could ask of him as a backup infielder when he batted 2-4 (.251) for the San Diego Padres during their 1-6 loss to their local rivals the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Geoff Blum

Peter Moylan

Grant Balfour

Ryan Rowland-Smith

Australian pitching ace PETER MOYLAN richly deserved his fifth win of the season today when he completed another important job for the Atlanta Braves in a game that they went on to win comfortably 13-5 over their rival New York Mets. The game was well and truly still hanging in the balance when Pete was asked to rescue a two on and one out jam in the bottom of the fifth inning. He achieved this by getting out two of the most dangerous hitters in baseball with Carlos Beltran called out on strikes from four pitches and Moises Alou grounding out softly to the third baseman. Moylan then ensured another zero on the scoreboard when he returned for the bottom of the sixth. He had Jeff Conine ground out to the third baseman, Paul LoDuca fly out to left field and Lastings Millege ground out to the second baseman. Peter Moylan improved his record to a magnificent 5-3, 1.88ERA with his 1.2ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k effort today. What more can we say other than he was GREAT AGAIN! In this game former ABL catcher PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) nailed his eighth home run of the year while batting 1-3 (.272) with two RBI’s for the Mets.

Not enjoying such a pleasant outing today was hard-throwing Aussie GRANT BALFOUR who felt the full hurricane force of a fan-fuelled Boston Red Sox rally at Fenway Park. ‘Balf’ drew the short straw in the bullpen when he was asked to take the mound in the bottom of the sixth inning with the relentless ‘Bosox’ offence hammering away at what had earlier been a 9-5 lead for his Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The game was already nearing “melt down” in the sixth with one run scored, one on and none out and it didn’t get any better upon his arrival. Mike Lowell singled to left field, then J.D Drew milked and eleven pitch walk to load the bases. A coaching visit to the mound didn’t help either when next batter Kevin Youkilis tripled over the centre fielder’s head for a bases clearing three RBI’s. Grant’s day was done when Coco Crisp next crunched a RBI double to right field. It left Balfour owning a 0.0ip 3h 4er 1bb 0k (6.97ERA) line that would not bring a smile to his face as his ‘D-Rays’ were eventually overrun 10-16 by Boston. That’s baseball…

MIKE HESSMAN (Melbourne Monarchs 1999) smacked his third home run of the season today, but his 2-3 (.220) with three RBI’s was not enough to save his Detroit Tigers from falling 6-13 to the Texas Rangers.

Doing his bit for the Colorado Rockies in their 8-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies was MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) who pitched solidly again with 1.0ip 0h 0er 1bb 1k (2.35ERA).

GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) also produced a terrific all-round offensive game for the San Diego Padres to help them to get the better of the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-4 today. He batted 1-3 (.247) with a RBI, two walks and two runs scored. 

… and from yesterday:

Aussie RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH also drew a short straw yesterday when he was summoned to get the last out of a miserable 3-9 loss for his Seattle Mariners to the Oakland Athletics. It is a situation where late innings relievers are often asked to end the pain as swiftly as possible by throwing strikes and by not “nibbling” at the hitters as they might in a tighter contest. This clearly didn’t work for ‘RRS’ today when he entered the game with the bases loaded and two out in the top of the ninth inning. However, he may have kept the M’s within two runs of a ninth inning comeback had he not dished up a “tater” with his second pitch to Dan Johnson who helped himself to a GRAND SLAM home run from a 95mph fast ball that was right in the middle of the strike zone… OUCH! It probably didn’t matter a lot that Jack Hannahan doubled to centre field before he finally got the inning ending out with Daric Barton lining out to left field. Thankfully Ryan was saddled with only one earned run from his forgettable 0.1ip 2h 1er 0bb 0k (4.35ERA).

Paul LoDuca

Mike Hessman

Geoff Blum

Peter Moylan

It was far from the finest moment this season for Aussie star PETER MOYLAN yet, he still did not do too much wrong for the Atlanta Braves during their damaging 4-7 defeat by the lowly Washington Nationals. Out Peter was yet again “under the pump” with his team trailing when he was asked to pitch the top of the seventh inning. Maybe the ‘Nats’ already rated Moylan so difficult to score against that they resorted to “small ball” to try to put pressure on him and his Braves’ infield… and it reaped at least partial success! Pete’s first batter was former IBLA outfielder and ex-Atlanta team mate Ryan Langerhans who laid down a surprise bunt for a single to the second baseman, then the not-noted runner surprised again when he stole second base. It was to prove a useful steal when Langerhans scored easily on a RBI double to left field from D’Angelo Jiminez on an “up and away” fastball. Once again the Nationals were on the move when Ronnie Belliard moved the runner to third with a sacrifice bunt. However, Pete was good enough to limit the damage by getting the dangerous Ryan Zimmerman to ground out to the third baseman, preventing Jiminez from scoring. Then, after intentionally walking the powerful Dmitri Young, he got out of the innings with Austin Kearns flying out to left field. Pete’s effort today was better than his line of 1.0ip 2h 1er 1bb 0k (1.92ERA) looked. Team mate RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) pitched 0.2ip 2h 1er 1bb 0k (2.47ERA) after following Pete to the mound, while RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 1-1 (.162) as a pinch hitter for Washington.

MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) earned his third hold of the season after pitching 1.2ip 0h 0er 2bb 1k (2.41ERA) for the Colorado Rockies to help them to edge the San Diego Padres 4-2.

A promising start was cut short for Texas Rangers veteran starter KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) today when a long rain delay forced him to leave their 12-9 win over the Oakland Athletics early. ‘Big Kev’ had struck out three of the five batters he had faced with 1.1ip 1h 1er 0bb 3k (5.31) before the deluge.

Matt Herges

Peter Moylan

Ryan R-Smith

Firstly, from yesterday:

Australia ’s PETER MOYLAN enjoyed his opportunity to pitch in a relatively comfortable situation for the Atlanta Braves who were on their way to a 7-1 win over the Washington Nationals. Pete pitched another strong 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 1k (1.85ERA) after entering the game in the top of the eighth inning with one on and none out. He quickly secured the first out when Jesus Flores grounded out to the third baseman, but then pinch hitter Ryan Church doubled to left field off a decent low and inside pitch. The scoreboard attendant remained untroubled when he had Nook Logan struck out swinging after a full count battle before Felipe Lopez flied out to left field. MICAH BOWIE (Melbourne Monarchs 1998) returned to MLB action for the ‘Nats’ pitching 1.2ip 3h 1er 1bb 0k (4.42ERA).

MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) collected his fourth win of the season when he pitched 2.1ip 0h 0er 1bb 2k for the Colorado Rockies who prevailed 10-4 over the San Diego Padres. Herges’ record improved to 4-0, 2.52ERA, while GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) batted 1-4 (.249) for the Padres. 

… and today:

PETER MOYLAN was in action again, recording his sixth hold of the year while pitching 0.2ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (1.83ERA) during the Braves 9-2 flogging of the Nationals. This time Pete was asked to douse a smouldering fire with two on and one out in the top of the seventh inning. He needed just eight pitches, with five strikes, to overmatch Nook Logan who struck out swinging and Felipe Lopez who grounded into a force out to the short stop. In this game RYAN LANGERHANS (IBLA Internationals 2001) batted 1-1 (.157) for Washington .

Australia ’s newest major league pitcher RICHARD THOMPSON did a very neat job for his team today, pitching 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (7.36ERA) to close the ninth inning for the Los Angeles Angels who fell 1-6 to the Cleveland Indians. ‘Rich’ was touching 94mph while throwing four of his total of six pitches for strikes against the most dangerous hitters in the ‘Tribe’ lineup. He had Travis Hafner ground out to the second baseman, Victor Martinez lined out to right field and Ryan Garko grounded out to the first baseman.

Aussie GRANT BALFOUR ran into some trouble today while pitching a shaky 1.0ip 3h 2er 1bb 0k (5.323ERA) for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in their 5-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. ‘Balf’ entered the game for the top of the seventh inning and he was rudely greeted by Aaron Hill who knocked an infield single that he fielded himself, followed by Gregg Zaun who singled to left field. This set the scene for John McDonald to move the runners over with a sacrifice bunt that was fielded by the first baseman. Dangerous former ABL slugger Vernon Wells promptly delivered a RBI single up the middle and Matt Stairs added another RBI with a sacrifice fly to left field. Alex Rios walked, but further damage was avoided when he had Frank ‘Big Hurt’ Thomas fly out to right field. Balfour’s team mate GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) also pitched 1.0ip 0h 0er 1bb 1k (5.29ERA) in relief for the ‘D-Rays’. VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 1-5 (.253) with the RBI for the Blue Jays.

To complete the Aussie quartet (possibly a first?) to pitch in the majors today, RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH also struggled somewhat for the Seattle Mariners, pitching 0.2ip 0h 2er 2bb 1k (4.11ERA) in their 6-12 defeat at the hands of the Detroit Tigers. Ryan was called upon to pitch in the seventh frame with one on and none out and he started well with Timo Perez struck out swinging and Ramon Santiago grounding back to the mound for his assist. However, with the runner moving to second base on the play, first base was open and Rowland-Smith was instructed to issue an intentional walk to Brandon Inge. Unfortunately, he was unable to dispose of Curtis Granderson who milked a six pitch walk when he was a little high above the zone. ‘RRS’ was relieved by Sean White who quickly cashed in his two base runners with a two RBI double to Placido Polanco.

Rich Thompson

Grant Balfour

Rich Thompson

Mike Hessman

Australia’s newest major league pitcher RICHARD THOMPSON climbed successfully back on the horse today after watching two long balls disappear over his head last time out. This time Thompson did all that you could ask of him while pitching in late relief for the Los Angeles Angels during their 2-6 defeat by the Oakland Athletics. He pitched 0.2ip 0h 0er 0bb 1k (10.13ERA) after entering the top of the eighth inning with two runners on and one out. Rich gained a slice of revenge over one of his home run conquerors Shannon Stewart who he fanned this time after a full count battle. He then averted the A’s threat by inducing Marco Scutaro to ground out to the third baseman. Thompson threw an effective six of nine pitches for strikes under pressure today. His Angels’ team mate GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) batted 1-4 (.258).

Aussie flame thrower GRANT BALFOUR obviously enjoyed the low-pressure opportunity to blow some GAS today in his one inning of work during the Tampa Bay Devil Rays embarrassing 17-2 destruction of the Baltimore Orioles. Grant threw ten of 14 pitches for strikes today while regularly hitting 94-96mph on the radar gun. He had too much for Jay Paton who grounded back to the mound… likewise for Gustavo Molina and Freddie Bynum who both struck out swinging at pitches that had already found the catcher’s glove! It was another very neat 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 2k (4.58ERA) for ‘Balf’ today.

MIKE HESSMAN (Melbourne Monarchs 1999) left the yard for the second time this season while batting 1-3 (.171) with the RBI for the Detroit Tigers in their epic 2-1, 11-innings win over the Chicago White Sox.

Contributing to his new club the Philadelphia Phillies was former San Diego catcher PETE La FOREST (IBLA MLB All-Stars 2001) who batted 1-1 (.385) with a RBI in their 8-9 loss to the Atlanta Braves.

VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) had the game winning ninth inning blow for the Toronto Blue Jays with his 16th ‘jack’ of the season breaking the tie for a 6-4 win over the Boston Red Sox today… he batted a valuable 3-5 (.254) with the two huge RBI’s.

Grant Balfour

Vernon Wells

Justin Huber

 
Paul LoDuca

It was just great to see Aussie JUSTIN HUBER back in the major leagues today after his September call-up to the Kansas City Royals roster. Justin had been hitting strongly for the Royals in ‘AAA’ ball towards the end of the season to overcome a sluggish start to his 2007 campaign. It was a small taste of the action for Justin today when he received a rare honour for a former catcher, being asked to pinch run for the Royals in the tense last inning of their narrow 8-9 loss to the Texas Rangers. I’m not sure how quick Billy Butler may be, but his wheels can’t be too good if the Royals preferred our guy to pinch-run for him in scoring position at second base with two out in the ninth inning. Huber was to see only three pitches of action today until Tony Pena grounded into a force out to the second baseman… but we reckon it still would have felt pretty good to him to be back in ‘The Show’. In this game veteran KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) provided a fluctuating 5.0ip 8h 6er 3bb 7k (5.30ERA) start for the Rangers in a no-decision for him.

Aussie pitcher RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH may have wished that he didn’t appear in the major leagues today after taking some stick from the New York Yankees who crushed his Seattle Mariners 12-3. Ryan has enjoyed some terrific success lately, but it was not to be his day today when he entered the fray in the bottom of the seventh inning just in time to see the wheels well and truly fall off for the Mariners in a seven run inning for the ‘Bronx Bombers’. With runners on the corners with one out, Ryan issued a fairly wild five pitch walk to Hideki Matsui to load the bags. Two of those inherited runners were “unloaded” from the bases when Shelley Duncan slapped a two RBI single to left field. Next batter Robinson Cano crushed a stinging double to centrefield to saddle ‘RRS’ with two earned runs and to conclude his rough day without recording an out… OUCH! His ugly line today was 0.0ip 2h 3er 1bb 0k (3.60ERA), but we need to bear in mind that this is little more than a “speed hump” in what has been a great season for Ryan.

PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) has had some great days during his fine big league career, but surely few better than his two home run fiesta for the New York Mets in their 11-7 win over the Cincinnati Reds. ‘Paulie’ hammered his sixth and seventh round-trippers of the year while batting a gaudy 3-5 (.269) and producing a game winning SEVEN RBI’s for his team. His opposition catcher DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) didn’t fare nearly so well with 0-3 (.201) for the Reds today.

Unable to do enough to help his Colorado Rockies in their 5-6 defeat by the San Francisco Giants was MATT HERGES (Adelaide Giants 1999) who pitched solidly in relief with 2.0ip 2h 0er 1bb 0k (2.70ERA).

Ryan R-Smith

Matt Herges

Peter Moylan

Gary Matthews

Let’s get the easy past of the report out of the way quickly. Aussie star PETER MOYLAN required only ONE PITCH to earn his pay cheque today when he pitched 0.1ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (1.87ERA) to earn his fifth hold of the year for the Atlanta Braves in their 5-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Our Pete strolled to the mound like a gunslinger today with runners at the corners and two out in the top of the sixth inning to face former Home Run Derby star Pat Burrell. He needed just one bullet, in the shape of a sinking 92mph pitch, to find Burrell popped out to the first baseman in foul territory… Job done! Nice work if you can get it Pete! Of course, we are making light of another very important appearance for his team in a pressure situation.

Australia’s newest major league pitcher RICHARD THOMPSON found that the fairytale of pitching in the US major leagues is not all “beer and skittles” today when he was harshly treated by a couple of the most experienced and dangerous hitters in the baseball world. Rich was asked to pitch in the seventh inning for the LA Angels during their 9-5 win over the Oakland Athletics, entering the game with one runner on and one out. He started strongly again when he had Marco Scutaro fly out to centrefield and Kurt Suzuki called out on strikes to end the inning. Things turned a little nastier in the top of the eighth when he threw one “down broadway” to Shannon Stewart who dismissed the ball high over the centrefield fence. Thompson was back on the rails when Nick Swisher struck out swinging, but then he walked Jack Cust on four pitches that were narrowly outside and a fraction high in the zone for some umpires. Richard was then visited by his coach on the mound, but I’m sure he didn’t need reminding that the man with the bat in his hands was Mike Piazza… future first ballot Hall of Famer and the man with the most ever home runs by a catcher. Well, he may have suggested that Thompson should be a bit careful not to get too much of the plate when his first pitch to Piazza was blocked in the dirt by his catcher. Unfortunately, his next pitch was “up and in” over the plate and right in Piazza’s ‘wheelhouse’. You can probably imagine the familiar sight of his two run jack soaring over left field without me describing it to you. That was all for Rich Thompson today… welcome to the big leagues son! Of course he will learn a lot from his 1.0ip 2h 3er 1bb 2k (13.50ERA) second major league outing. Hopefully, he will have many more days and lots of better ones, but he will always have this story to tell his grandchildren… MIKE PIAZZA… ever heard of him? And, don’t forget that his Angels still won this game with his outfield team mate GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) nailing his 18th home run with 1-4 (.259).

GEOFF BLUM (Hunter Eagles 1995) also “went yard” today with his fourth long ball of the year, batting 1-3 (.252) with two RBI’s for the San Diego Padres in their 10-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Rich Thompson

Geoff Blum

Peter Moylan

Ron Mahay

Australia’s PETER MOYLAN produced another “carbon copy” of what he has been doing so effectively all season today with yet another important scoreless inning for the Atlanta Braves at the pointy end of their narrow 2-3 loss to the New York Mets. ‘Big Pete’ did all that he could to keep his team in the game with only seven pitches required, five thrown for strikes, to close down the top of the ninth inning. The wicked downward movement on his fastball induced a couple more victims on “come-backers” today when both Paul LoDuca and Endy Chavez “topped” ground balls back to the mound for Pete to add to his assists total. He followed by getting star leadoff batter Jose Reyes to ground out to the second baseman. Moylan simply continues to make a very difficult job look simple enough with his 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (1.88ERA) today. Taking the mound for the Braves before Moylan again today was RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) who also pitched an effective 1.0ip 0h 0er 1bb 2k (2.38ERA). PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) batted 1-4 (.267) for the New Yorkers.

Aussie reliever GRANT BALFOUR was also back in action today facing some of the biggest names in baseball, but he was able to dance around three hits to escape unscathed, while helping his Tampa Bay Devil Rays to stomp the New York Yankees 8-2. Grant entered the game in the bottom of the seventh with one on and one out and he started brilliantly by getting one of the toughest outs in baseball, Derek Jeter, to strike out on a foul tip. Next he tried to sneak a fastball by the dangerous Bobby Abreu who whacked a RBI triple to left field for the inherited runner to score. ‘Balf’ was able to leave Abreu at third base when had superstar Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez fly out to left field. Back for the top of the eighth, Balfour started by getting Hideki Matsui to fly out to centrefield, but he then ran into a pair of singles. Solid hitting catcher Jorge Posada singled to left field and then, when Robinson Cano battled nine pitches for another single to left field, Balfour was lifted. He may have been somewhat fortunate to escape damage today with 1.0ip 3h 0er 0bb 1k (4.82ERA) but, as we all know about baseball, he will have (and has had) other days when he pitches without luck! Closing the comfortable win for the ‘D-Rays’ was GARY GLOVER (Sydney Storm 1999) who pitched a workmanlike 1.0ip 0h 0er 0bb 0k (5.45ERA).

Grant Balfour

Gary Glover

Rich Thompson

'Flintoff & Dunn' CONGRATULATES AUSTRALIA'S No.25 player to reach the US major leagues on 1 September 2007 (US time), 23yo NSW RH pitcher RICHARD THOMPSON. 
After climbing to ‘AAA’ level and performing extremely well towards the end of the 2007 season, Australian RICHARD (the Americans like to call him RICH) THOMPSON took advantage of the expanded September rosters to become our 25^th major league player. Thompson was immediately thrust into action to pitch the top of the eighth inning for the Los Angeles Angels during their 6-7 loss to the Texas Rangers, witnessed by 38,342 home fans at the Angels Stadium of Anaheim. He started superbly by having Jason Botts struck out swinging on his fourth pitch which was a canny off speed offering. He followed by having young star Jarrod Saltalamacchia struck out swinging on six pitches, whiffing at the last two 94mph heaters. He was then a touch unfortunate when Ian Kinsler sliced a tidy "low and away" full-count pitch for a soft floater to right field. Richard concluded his scoreless inning of work today by having Ramon Vasquez ground out to the second baseman. His debut day was done with a most satisfying and memorable 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 2k (0.00ERA), with 12 of his 19 pitches thrown for strikes… way to go RICH!
In this game team mate GARY MATTHEWS JNR. (Brisbane Bandits 1997) failed to help the Angels cause by batting 0-5 (.260).

While Richard Thompson was making his major league debut, our established major league reliever PETER MOYLAN was continuing to add to his “folklore” with the Atlanta Braves when today he had the honour of announcing the Braves batting lineup for the FOX SPORTS telecast of the game. Pete did a fine (and humourous) job of that, just as he did when pitching a couple of hours later. Unfortunately Pete was once again too late to save the scuffling Braves from another 1-5 defeat by the New York Mets, even though he did his job with a scoreless eighth inning. He started by having an overmatched Lastings Millege, who had homered earlier in the game, struck out swinging. Pinch hitter Ruben Gotay next slapped a line drive to right field to bring around the top of the Mets lineup. Moylan had their star leadoff batter Jose Reyes tied up in knots until he lost control of a vicious slider that hit Reyes in the lower leg. Pete was then able to take a little heat out of a nasty situation when he picked off Gotay at second base with a neat move. After allowing a two out walk to Luis Castillo, Moylan completed his task in style when he had Mets’ star David Wright called out on strikes with a paralysing third pitch change-up. The FOX SPORTS commentators during the game continued to be astounded by Aussie Pete's storybook rise the US big leagues with "can you believe that up until recently Moylan was playing first base in local league baseball down under?"... YES, we can folks... it is a GREAT story!

DAVID ROSS (MLB All-Stars 2001) batted 1-4 (.205) with a RBI but it was not enough for his Cincinnati Reds who were smashed 3-11 by the awakening St.Louis Cardinals.

Peter Moylan

Ryan R-Smith

 
Paul LoDuca

It is evident that young Aussie RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH has convinced the Seattle Mariners management team that he is the man for the toughest of assignments… and he proved this once again today with an outstanding effort for the M’s during their 5-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Ryan was called to the rescue after Seattle starter Jarrod Washburn had been chased from the mound after just 3.1 innings with seven hits and six earned runs already on the scoreboard. Worse still, he was to inherit two walked base runners with only one out in the bottom of the fourth inning. He didn’t allow those runners to move by having Aaron Hill struck out on a foul tip and Lyle Overbay ground out to the second baseman. The Canadians threatened again in the bottom of the fifth when Gregg Zaun led off with a double to left field and he was moved over to third on a sacrifice bunt from John McDonald that Ryan fielded for the assist. Rowland-Smith was good enough to strand Zaun at third when he had Vernon Wells ground out to the short stop and Reed Johnson ground out to the third baseman. In the bottom of the sixth he had Alex Rios fly out to right field and Frank ‘Big Hurt’ Thomas fly out to centrefield before veteran Troy Glaus battled for a walk. He shut down the sixth with another fly ball out by Aaron Hill. Back again for the bottom of the seventh, ‘RRS’ had Lyle Overbay ground out to the second baseman then Gregg Zaun popped up to the first baseman. His day was done when John McDonald doubled on a fly ball to centrefield but he was not destined to saddle our man with an earned run today. Rowland-Smith produced another fine example of long relief as a real bullpen saviour and he can be well satisfied with his lion-hearted 3.1ip 2h 0er 1bb 1k (2.70ERA). VERNON WELLS (Sydney Storm 1999) batted 1-4 (.256) for the Blue Jays.

Barely overshadowed by Rowland-Smith’s heroics was another terrific inning of late relief from Tampa Bay Devil Rays’ GRANT BALFOUR, even though it came in a low pressure situation in the final inning of the ‘D-Rays’ 9-1 romp over the New York Yankees. It mattered little that Balfour dodged most of the ‘Bronx Bombers’ while pitching 1.0ip 0h 0er 1bb 0k (5.09ERA) in the bottom of the ninth. He started by having Johnny Damon ground out to the short stop and pinch-hitter Wilson Betemit ground out to the third baseman. He then allowed a seven pitch walk to the selective Bobby Abreu before taking care of pinch-hitter Shelley Duncan who grounded out to the second baseman. ‘Balf’ was once again nudging 97mph while throwing nine for 15 pitches for strikes. 

Helping the New York Mets to dominate the Atlanta Braves 7-1 today was catcher PAUL LoDUCA (Adelaide Giants 1995) who batted 1-3 (.267) with a walk and a run scored. RON MAHAY (Gold Coast Cougars 1996) pitched 1.0ip 1h 0er 0bb 0k (2.43ERA) in a losing cause for the Braves.

KEVIN MILLWOOD (Melbourne Monarchs 1997) continues his “up and down” season for the Texas Rangers with his ninth win of the season earned after he anchored his team to a 5-1 win over the Chicago White Sox. ‘Big Kev’ pitched a very solid 7.0ip 6h 1er 2bb 6k to take his season record to 9-11, 5.11ERA.

Grant Balfour

Kevin Millwood