BREAKING NEWS
Monday 8/12/2003 Player of the Week honors go to Suzuki and Ramirez Ichiro Suzuki from Seattle wins his 1st Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the American League. Suzuki helped his team with an average of .556 and 8 RBI in 27 at bats. Suzuki has hit 5 bombs this year while batting .341. He adds 10 doubles, along with 78 runs scored. He's 6th in the American League in batting! It's the 1st time that the National League Player of the Week award goes to Philadelphia's leftfielder Manny Ramirez. Ramirez helped his team with an average of .478 and 13 RBI in 23 at bats.
Friday 8/9/2003 Kevin Brown (BOS) will miss 4-5 weeks BOSTON - Boston's pitcher Kevin Brown was part of a scary incident that saw the right-hander being hit by a line drive in the 3rd inning of the game between Boston and Detroit. Team trainers immediately rushed onto the field after the frightening scene. Brown will miss about 4-5 weeks. After x-rays were taken the diagnosis did not surprise many: Broken Jaw. Surgery will be performed next week. Opposing players hit .268 against Kevin this season. While posting an ERA of 3.93 he went 14-10 in 27 starts, fanning 154 and walking 70 hitters. He has 4 complete games and one shutout. He's 3rd in the American League in wins!
Monday 8/5/2003 Posada (ANA) and Helton (ANA) win P.O.W. award Jorge Posada wins his 2nd Player of the Week award. American League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. He hit .440 with 11 RBI and slugged 1.080 in 25 at bats. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 8 game hitting streak right now. Posada has hit 22 longballs this year while batting .318. He adds 23 doubles, along with 53 runs scored. The Player of the Week award in the American League goes to Anaheim's Todd Helton this time, as the first baseman displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Todd went 9 for 19 (.474), while hitting 4 HR and collecting 9 RBI.
Thursday 8/1/2003 Anderson (SEA) and Gagne (STL) win monthly pitcher award It's the 1st time that the American League Pitcher of the Month award goes to Seattle's pitcher Ryan Anderson. He struck out 33 hitters in his 5 starts, putting together a record of 4-0 while pitching 33 innings. His ERA in July was 1.50. Ryan pitched a shutout as well. Opposing players hit .236 against Ryan this season. While posting an ERA of 3.13 he went 8-4 in 16 starts, fanning 107 and walking 49 hitters. Ryan has pitched one shutout and 2 complete games. Eric Gagne pitched like a legend in July, and the National League named him Pitcher of the Month for his extraordinary performance. His ERA of just 1.09 helped him to a 4-0 record in July. He worked 33 innings, striking out 29 hitters while walking 10. Eric has a record of 13-2 this season, with an ERA of 1.56. In 149.2 Innings he was able to strike out 116 batters. He's 1st in the National League in ERA and 1st in wins!
Thursday 8/1/2003 New York (A)'s Giambi earns Batter of the Month award The American League's best player of the month was New York (A)'s Jason Giambi, who wins the award for the 3rd time in his career. Jason pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .404 with 11 and 31 RBI while slugging .865. Giambi has hit 28 taters this year while batting .364. He adds 28 doubles, along with 95 runs scored. He's 1st in the American League in batting, 3rd in homeruns and 1st in RBI! The Batter of the Month award in the American League goes to New York (A)'s Todd Helton this time, as the first baseman displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. He had an on base percentage of .453 and hit .358, while driving in 38 runs. His season features a batting average of .307 (117 hits in 381 AB), 34 doubles, 2 triples and 21 longballs. Helton collected 100 RBI and 76 runs as well.
Monday 7/29/2003 San Diego's Daubach wins Player of the Week award The American League's best player of the week was Seattle's Ryan Anderson, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. He was in a zone all week, compiling an ERA of 0.57 while going 2-0. He hurled a shutout as well. Opposing players hit .236 against Ryan this season. While posting an ERA of 3.13 he went 8-4 in 16 starts, fanning 107 and walking 49 hitters. He has 2 complete games and one shutout. Brian Daubach wins his 1st Player of the Week award. National League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. He hit .435 with 11 RBI and slugged 1.130 in 23 at bats. This year Daubach drove in 58 and scored 35 runs while batting .300 with 19 longballs.
Saturday 7/27/2003 It's NO-NO time for Miguel Batista against Los Angeles ARIZONA - Great things can happen when you throw strikes. And Miguel Batista did so today, in a no-hit shutout against Los Angeles. J.d. Drew spoiled the bid for a perfect game when he walked with 2 away in the 7th inning. Batista (10-8) struck out 4 and walked 3, throwing 61 of 107 pitches for strikes. 'I hit the corners with all of my pitches. That helped a lot!' Arizona's shortstop Tony Womack stroked 2 hits in 3 AB. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Batista. Arizona improved it's record to 56-48, scoring 1 run on 4 hits.
Friday 7/26/2003 Shawn Estes pitches his 1st shutout of the season ARIZONA - Shawn Estes had his best stuff going, and Arizona hitters had nothing to cheer about. Los Angeles' left-hander pitched a 2-hitter, his 1st shutout of the season. 'Things like that happen. You take the mound and everything works. My velocity was pretty good today and I guess it showed.' Estes (8-6) struck out 5 and walked 2, throwing 64 of 110 pitches for strikes. Hiram Bocachica helped Estes at the plate, he stroked 3 hits in 4 AB, doubling once. The final score of the game was 4-0.
Friday 7/26/2003 Lance Davis fires 2-hitter against Pittsburgh CINCINNATI - Cincinnati's lefty Lance Davis will never forget this day. The 26-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against Pittsburgh on Friday. 'Winning is the most important thing. And I gave my team all the support it needed!' Davis (4-9) struck out 2 and walked none, throwing 65 of 99 pitches for strikes. David Eckstein provided Cincinnati with the offense Davis needed as he finished 2 for 3, hitting a double, and collecting 4 RBI. Cincinnati scored 7 runs on 8 hits.
Friday 7/26/2003 5-hit performance by Detroit's Craig Paquette MINNESOTA - Detroit's third baseman Craig Paquette once again displayed his tremendous ability to make contact with that little white ball. He tore up Minnesota's pitching staff with a 5 hit performance on Friday. His 2nd hit, a two-run homerun off Mike Mussina in the 4th inning, cleared the fence in left field. A pitch from Chris Holt in the 4th inning left his bat for a two-run homerun, landing 418 feet from home plate in left-center. Number 5 in the 8th inning accounted for a double. He had singles in the 2nd inning and in the 5th inning (one RBI). Craig scored 6 runs, and he collected 5 RBI as well! His 5 hit performance increases his batting average to .287. Detroit improved it's record to 43-60, scoring 28 runs on 34 hits.
Tuesday 7/23/2003 San Francisco's Juan Gonzalez gets milestone hit SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco's rightfielder Juan Gonzalez joined some elite company today, collecting his 2000th career hit! He hit a single in the 4th off Bud Smith for number 2000. His best year so far was 1996 where he hit .314 with 47 homeruns and 144 RBI. 'I still remember my first hit. But the one today is something special. I'll definitely keep that ball!'
Monday 7/22/2003 Carlos Beltran (LA) will miss 5 weeks LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles' players were scared when they had to watch Carlos Beltran suffer a serious injury when he dove for a ball in the game against San Francisco. He collapsed in pain and was helped off the field. Beltran will probaby miss 5 weeks. After being examined by several specialists the diagnosis is clear: Spasms Back. He has hit 9 bombs while batting .304 this season. His 112 hits and 46 walks add up to a .385 on-base percentage.
Monday 7/22/2003 New York (A)'s Giambi wins Player of the Week award The American League's best player of the week was New York (A)'s Jason Giambi, who wins the award for the 5th time in his career. Jason was on fire, hitting .429 with 4 HR and 13 RBI. His season features a batting average of .359 (123 hits in 343 AB), 24 doubles, 3 triples and 25 taters. Giambi collected 98 RBI and 84 runs as well. He's 3rd in the American League in batting, 4th in homeruns and 1st in RBI! Larry Walker from St. Louis wins his 2nd Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the National League. Larry went 13 for 24 (.542), while hitting 3 HR and collecting 6 RBI.
Sunday 7/21/2003 Vernon Wells (TOR) will miss 7 weeks TORONTO - Toronto's centerfielder Vernon Wells will miss at least 7 weeks after he got hurt seriously while running hard toward second base. He began limping and then fell down, causing a scary moment for his teammates. He had to be carried off the field. Toronto wasted no time and rushed him to an hospital. Team officials were informed later that Wells had suffered a Pulled Achilles Tendon. Wells has walked 26 times this year and posts a .370 OBP. While batting .334, 139 for 416, he has driven in 73 runs. He's 7th in the American League in batting and 10th in RBI!
Saturday 7/20/2003 Ted Lilly shuts out Anaheim on 2 hits ANAHEIM - All you need to win is a dominating pitching performance. And Oakland's Ted Lilly did so today, in a 2-hit shutout against Anaheim. 'Hey, that's my job! Everytime I take the mound I give the best I can. And my best stuff was too much for them today.' Lilly (7-6) struck out 3 and walked 1, throwing 58 of 100 pitches for strikes. Ray Lankford helped Lilly at the plate, he stroked 2 hits in 4 AB, doubling twice, and driving in 2 runs. The final score of the game was 3-0.
Thursday 7/18/2003 Matt Williams ropes 2000th career hit PITTSBURGH - Matt Williams got a standing ovation from 23299 fans in Pittsburgh, who witnessed his 2000th career hit. His best year so far was 1993 where he hit .294 with 38 homeruns and 110 RBI. 'It's hard to believe that I did it. I want to thank my family, my friends and my teammates!' With two outs in the 3rd inning, Matt drilled a double, causing a standing ovation from the crowd.
Tuesday 7/16/2003 Roberto Alomar hits for the cycle against Montreal MONTREAL - New York (N)'s second baseman Roberto Alomar accomplished a difficult feat in a game against Montreal, hitting for the cycle to improve his career batting average to .308! In the 3rd inning he unloaded a RBI triple off Jeff D'amico. His 2nd hit, a two-run homerun off Jeff D'amico in the 5th inning, cleared the fence in right-center. A RBI double off Steve Kline in the 7th inning accounted for his 3rd hit. A single in the 9th off Matt Herges accounted for his 4th hit. That drive completed the cycle, causing a smile on his face! Roberto scored 3 runs, and he collected 4 RBI as well! He is hitting .273 this season, with 7 HR and 43 RBI. He becomes the 14th player in league history collect at least a single, double, triple and a homerun in a single game. On 6/20/2003, Bernie Williams was the last player to hit for the cycle.
Monday 7/15/2003 Toronto's Josh Phelps clears fence three times CHARLOTTE - Josh Phelps was in a groove, and the results spoke for themselves. He powered Toronto to a 7-4 win over Charlotte by homering three times. A 391 feet drive to right field marked his 1st bomb, a solo homerun off Billy Traber in the 1st inning. In the 3rd inning he unloaded a solo homerun off Billy Traber. A pitch from Kevin Mcglinchy in the 5th inning left his bat for a solo homerun, landing 380 feet from home plate in left-center. Overall he went 3 for 4, scoring three runs and driving in 3 runs.
Monday 7/15/2003 Seattle's Huff wins Player of the Week award The American League's best player of the week was Seattle's Aubrey Huff, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. Huff helped his team with an average of .529 and 6 RBI in 17 at bats. The National League's best player of the week was Cincinnati's Austin Kearns, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. In 17 at bats he hit .529 with 1 HR and 5 RBI. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 10 game hitting streak right now.
Saturday 7/13/2003 San Francisco's Schmidt severely injured SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco's right-hander Jason Schmidt suffered a severe injury on Saturday and will be out for at least 5 weeks. In the 2nd of the game against Houston he experienced pain in his throwing arm and had to leave the game. Schmidt was rushed to an hospital near the ballpark, where doctors took x-rays. Those revealed the serious injury, Bone Chips Elbow. In 19 starts this year Jason struck out 82 batters in 99 innings of work. His ERA is 4.55, his record 5-7.
Thursday 7/11/2003 Vicente Padilla turns in great performance against Colorado LOS ANGELES - Vicente Padilla, usually uneffective, had a great performance against Colorado on Thursday, pitching a 1-hitter for his 1st shutout of the season. 'I'll have to give a lot of credit to my catcher. He put all the right fingers down today.' Padilla (9-3) fanned 5 and walked 3, throwing 104 pitches. Los Angeles' leftfielder J.d. Drew got 2 hits in 4 AB, homering once, and collecting 2 RBI. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Padilla. Los Angeles improved it's record to 61-28, scoring 4 runs on 10 hits.
Monday 7/8/2003 Paquette and Edmonds win Player of the Week award The American League's best player of the week was Detroit's Craig Paquette, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. Paquette helped his team with an average of .438 and 6 RBI in 32 at bats. Paquette has walked 20 times this year and posts a .317 OBP. While batting .279, 90 for 323, he has driven in 51 runs. The Player of the Week award in the National League goes to St. Louis' Jim Edmonds this time, as the centerfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Edmonds helped his team with an average of .542 and 10 RBI in 24 at bats. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 10 game hitting streak right now.
Thursday 7/4/2003 Tony Armas Jr. dominates New York (N), throws NO-HITTER NEW YORK (N) - Tony Armas Jr. had some fun again. REAL fun. New York (N) hitters did not. Montreal's right-hander fired a no-hitter in his 1st shutout of the season. He now has 1 career shutouts in 94 games started. Adrian Beltre spoiled the bid for a perfect game when he walked with 2 away in the 5th inning. Armas Jr. (6-4) struck out 8 and issued 3 BB, throwing 70 of 114 pitches for strikes. 'Giving my team a chance to win is the most important thing for me. I was able to do it today, and it's especially nice to do it in such fashion.' Pat Burrell helped Armas Jr. at the plate, he finished 1 for 4, blasting a homerun, with 2 RBI. Montreal scored 3 runs on 4 hits.
Thursday 7/4/2003 Craig Paquette clubs five hits in a game ANAHEIM - 'You know, in batting practice I didn't really feel that comfortable about my stroke today, but baseball is more than hitting. Then, when you're not trying to force a hit, you slug them in droves,' says Craig Paquette after his 5 hit game, which Detroit won 7-3 against Anaheim. In the 2nd inning he unloaded a solo homerun off Aaron Sele. In the 7th inning he belted a double off Mike Trombley. Number 5 in the 9th inning, a shot estimated at 422 feet, cleared the wall in left-center. He had singles in the 3rd inning (one RBI) and in the 5th . Craig did drive in 3 while scoring 3 runs on his own. His 5 hit performance increases his batting average to .273.
Wednesday 7/3/2003 Darin Erstad (ANA) will miss 7-8 weeks ANAHEIM - Anaheim's players were scared when they had to watch Darin Erstad suffer a serious injury when he dove for a ball in the game against Kansas City. He collapsed in pain and was helped off the field. Erstad will probaby miss 7-8 weeks. Anaheim wasted no time and rushed him to an hospital. Team officials were informed later that Erstad had suffered a Broken Wrist. He has hit 12 taters while batting .240 this season. His 78 hits and 29 walks add up to a .306 on-base percentage.
Monday 7/1/2003 Detroit's Fick wins Player of the Week award The American League's best player of the week was Detroit's Robert Fick, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. He hit .591 with 7 RBI and slugged 1.000 in 22 at bats. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 7 game hitting streak right now. His season features a batting average of .330 (92 hits in 279 AB), 22 doubles, 2 triples and 10 longballs. Fick collected 48 RBI and 48 runs as well. It's the 2nd time that the National League Player of the Week award goes to Chicago (N)'s centerfielder Corey Patterson. Patterson helped his team with an average of .419 and 12 RBI in 31 at bats. He hit in every game this week and extended his hitting streak to 9 games. Patterson has hit 14 taters this year while batting .316. He adds 15 doubles, along with 70 runs scored.
Monday 7/1/2003 Pitcher of the Month award winners announced Texas' pitcher Joel Pineiro is the American League winner of the Pitcher of the Month award in June. He started 6 games in June, going 6-0 and compiling an ERA of 1.90 in 42.2 innings. Joel fanned 27 hitters. Opposing players hit .230 against Joel this season. While posting an ERA of 3.66 he went 9-7 in 18 starts, fanning 69 and walking 51 hitters. Bud Smith couldn't have pitched much better than he did in June, and the National League thought so as well, naming the southpaw Pitcher of the Month. He started 5 games in June, going 4-0 and compiling an ERA of 1.19 in 37.2 innings. Bud fanned 25 hitters. This season Smith compiled an ERA of 2.05, going 10-2 in 16 starts. He fanned 67 while giving up 78 hits in 109.2 innings. He has 2 complete games and one shutout. He's 2nd in the National League in ERA and 1st in wins!
Monday 7/1/2003 Green (CLE) and Edmonds (STL) win monthly award Cleveland's centerfielder Shawn Green had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Batter of the Month. In 87 at bats he hit .437 with 11 HR and 18 RBI. His season numbers are: .357 AVG, 102 hits, 15 doubles, 2 triples and 25 bombs, along with 59 RBI and 76 runs scored. He's 2nd in the American League in batting! St. Louis' centerfielder Jim Edmonds had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the National League Batter of the Month. Jim was on fire, hitting .369 with 12 homeruns and 32 RBI. Edmonds has walked 52 times this year and posts a .470 OBP. While batting .382, 115 for 301, he has driven in 79 runs. He's 1st in the National League in batting, 1st in homeruns and 1st in RBI!
Saturday 6/29/2003 Corey Thurman pitches his 1st shutout of the season CLEVELAND - Colorado's right-hander Corey Thurman will never forget this day. The 24-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against Cleveland on Saturday. Thurman (4-3) fanned 3 and walked 1, throwing 113 pitches. 'I had my stuff going. Everything I tried worked. What a day!' Dustan Mohr helped Thurman at the plate, he finished with 1 hit in 4 AB, blasting a homerun, and collecting 3 RBI. Colorado improved it's record to 41-38, scoring 5 runs on 8 hits.
Wednesday 6/26/2003 Frank Thomas stars with 2000th career hit DETROIT - Chicago (A)'s Frank Thomas showed a smile on his face after he got his 2000th career hit against Detroit on Wednesday. His hit in the 9th inning was a single off Arthur Rhodes. Along with his 2000 hits, Frank collected 380 homeruns and 1305 RBI in 13 seasons. 'Baseball is a great game, and adding something to it's history is smething I've always wanted. What a great day!'
Monday 6/24/2003 Green (CLE) and Sosa (CHC) win P.O.W. award Cleveland's centerfielder Shawn Green had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Player of the Week. He hit .500 with 5 RBI and slugged 1.091 in 22 at bats. Shawn is hitting .357 this year, with 95 hits in 266 at bats. He has driven in 56 runs, slugging .680. He's 2nd in the American League in batting, 1st in homeruns and 9th in RBI! The National League Player of the Week award goes to Sammy Sosa, Chicago (N)'s starting rightfielder. He hit .440 with 13 RBI and slugged 1.240 in 25 at bats. He hit in every game this week and extended his hitting streak to 8 games. Sammy is hitting .317 this year, with 90 hits in 284 at bats. He has driven in 72 runs, slugging .665. He's 2nd in the National League in RBIs and 1st in homeruns!
Saturday 6/22/2003 Seattle has no chance in a 2-hitter by Matt Morris ST. LOUIS - Matt Morris had his best stuff going, and Seattle hitters were chanceless. St. Louis' right-hander fired a 2-hitter, his 2nd shutout of the season. 'Hey, that's my job! Everytime I take the mound I give the best I can. And my best stuff was too much for them today.' Morris (6-4) struck out 2 and walked 3, throwing 63 of 117 pitches for strikes. Jim Edmonds helped Morris at the plate, he finished 2 for 5, blasting a homerun, hitting a double, with 5 RBI. The final score of the game was 10-0.
Thursday 6/20/2003 Bernie Williams stars with cycle against Houston HOUSTON - Seattle's centerfielder Bernie Williams accomplished a difficult feat in a game against Houston, hitting for the cycle to improve his career batting average to .304! Number 1 in the 1st inning accounted for a double. A pitch from Mike Sirotka in the 6th inning left his bat for a triple. A single in the 7th off Dave Mlicki accounted for his 3rd hit. His 4th hit, a two-run homerun off Cory Lidle in the 10th inning, cleared the fence in left field. That drive completed the cycle, causing a smile on his face! Bernie scored 3 runs, and he collected 2 RBI as well! This season has been a good one for him so far, as he has 96 hits in 279 at bats, resulting in a .344 batting average. He's now the 13th player in league history to hit for the cycle! On 6/18/2003, Eric Hinske was the last player to hit for the cycle.
Tuesday 6/18/2003 Toronto's Eric Hinske hits for the cycle SAN DIEGO - Toronto's third baseman Eric Hinske once again displayed his tremendous ability to make contact with that little white ball. He tore up San Diego's pitching staff with a 4 hit performance on Tuesday. A single in the 1st off Brian Lawrence accounted for his 1st hit. His 2nd hit, a two-run homerun off Brian Lawrence in the 3rd inning, landed an estimated 368 feet from home plate. A pitch from Curt Leskanic in the 4th inning left his bat for a two-run triple. In the 6th inning he belted a double off Lorenzo Barcelo. That drive completed the cycle, causing a smile on his face! Eric did drive in 4 while scoring 4 runs on his own. He now has a total of 73 hits this season, accounting for a .280 batting average. He becomes the 12th player in league history collect at least a single, double, triple and a homerun in a single game. On 6/1/2003, Doug Mientkiewicz was the last player to hit for the cycle.
Monday 6/17/2003 Soriano (NYA) and Werth (COL) win P.O.W. award Alfonso Soriano from New York (A) wins his 2nd Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the American League. Alfonso went 14 for 27 (.519), while hitting 2 HR and collecting 5 RBI. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 12 game hitting streak right now. While compiling an on base percentage of .429, Alfonso hit .388 and slugged .654. He has collected 59 runs batted in this year. He's 1st in the American League in batting, 1st in homeruns and 4th in RBI! The National League's best player of the week was Colorado's Jayson Werth, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. He hit .500 with 9 RBI and slugged 1.136 in 22 at bats. While compiling an on base percentage of .382, Jayson hit .304 and slugged .496. He has collected 44 runs batted in this year.
Friday 6/14/2003 Rafael Palmeiro stars with 500th career homerun NEW YORK (N) - New York (N)'s first baseman Rafael Palmeiro had already some highlights in his career, and today he added a historic one, unloading for his 500th career homerun. His monumental drive, a two-run homerun off Tim Wakefield in the 3rd inning, cleared the fence in center field. In 17 years of big league action so far, Rafael has compiled a batting average of .293, along with 2718 hits and 1628 RBI. Rafael has managed to hit 30+ homeruns in a season 9 times, and he topped 40 homeruns 4 times. 'I'm out of words. I'll probably realize it tomorrow, but for now I'm done.' It's no secret that he will once be in the Hall of Fame!
Wednesday 6/12/2003 Jeff Suppan turns in great performance against Philadelphia KANSAS CITY - Philadelphia's hitters looked uncomfortable, and Kansas City's Jeff Suppan didn't help them. The right-hander fired his 1st shutout of the season, a 1-hitter. 'They took some ugly cuts at my breaking stuff, so I kept throwing it. Fortunately they were not able to adjust in time.' Suppan (4-4) fanned 1 and walked 4, throwing 96 pitches. John Mabry helped Suppan at the plate, he finished with 2 hits in 5 AB, homering once, and driving in 4 runs. The final score of the game was 11-0.
Wednesday 6/12/2003 Toronto's Oswalt severely injured TORONTO - Toronto's ace Roy Oswalt suffered a severe injury on Wednesday and will be out for at least 8 weeks. In the 4th of the game against Colorado he experienced pain in his throwing arm and had to leave the game. After being examined by several specialists the diagnosis is clear: Broken Elbow. In 14 starts this year Roy struck out 60 batters in 82.2 innings of work. His ERA is 5.44, his record 5-5.
Tuesday 6/11/2003 Elmer Dessens quiets Chicago (N) bats with shutout CINCINNATI - All you need to win is a dominating pitching performance. And Cincinnati's Elmer Dessens did so today, in a 1-hit shutout against Chicago (N). The bid for a no-hitter was broken up when Fred Mcgriff singled with no outs in the 5th inning. Dessens (5-8) fanned 3 and walked none, throwing 94 pitches. 'Pitching a great game is always a good thing. And it doesn't get much better than today.' Cincinnati's first baseman Ray Lankford finished 1 for 2. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Dessens. Cincinnati scored 1 run on 2 hits.
Monday 6/10/2003 Bryan Rekar blanks Baltimore with a 1-hitter BALTIMORE - Bryan Rekar, usually uneffective, had a great performance against Baltimore on Monday, pitching a 1-hitter for his 1st shutout of the season. 'I really like to play baseball, and I love the way I was able to play it today.' Rekar (4-4) struck out 4 and walked 2, throwing 60 of 99 pitches for strikes. Ryan Klesko provided San Diego with the offense Rekar needed as he stroked 4 hits in 4 AB, homering once, stroking two 2B's, scoring FOUR times and driving in 2 runs. San Diego scored 9 runs on 19 hits.
Monday 6/10/2003 Player of the Week honors go to Green and Cruz Jr. The American League's best player of the week was Cleveland's Shawn Green, who wins the award for the 3rd time in his career. Shawn was on fire, hitting .550 with 4 HR and 8 RBI. He hit in every game this week and extended his hitting streak to 10 games. The Player of the Week award in the National League goes to Arizona's Jose Cruz Jr. this time, as the rightfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Jose went 11 for 24 (.458), while hitting 5 HR and collecting 10 RBI.
Sunday 6/9/2003 Dennis Tankersley NO-HITS Charlotte CHARLOTTE - Dennis Tankersley had a historical performance against Charlotte on Sunday, pitching a no-hitter for his 1st shutout of the season. 'I really like to play baseball, and I love the way I was able to play it today. I still cannot believe I did it.' Tankersley (4-6) struck out 7 and walked 2, throwing 65 of 115 pitches for strikes. Mark Kotsay provided San Diego with the offense Tankersley needed as he stroked 2 hits in 5 AB, hitting a homerun, doubling once, scoring twice. San Diego improved it's record to 32-31, scoring 8 runs on 10 hits.
Saturday 6/8/2003 Adam Eaton pitches his 1st shutout of the season CHARLOTTE - San Diego's right-hander Adam Eaton will never forget this day. The 25-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against Charlotte on Saturday. Eaton (7-4) struck out 5 and issued 2 BB, throwing 64 of 117 pitches for strikes. 'I was hitting my spots. Now I'll start concentrating on my next start, and hopefully it will work again.' Scott Hatteberg helped Eaton at the plate, he collected 1 hit in 4 trips to the plate. San Diego improved it's record to 31-31, scoring 1 run on 4 hits.
Wednesday 6/5/2003 Jose Cruz Jr. pounds three dingers SAN FRANCISCO - Jose Cruz Jr. powered Arizona to a 13-5 win over San Francisco. He did it in style by homering three times. His 1st blast, a solo homerun off Jay Witasick in the 5th inning, landed an estimated 408 feet from home plate. It tied the ballgame at 5. In the 7th inning he unloaded a solo homerun off Rod Beck. A pitch from Scott MacRae in the 9th inning left his bat for a solo homerun, landing 401 feet from home plate in right field. Jose finished with 4 hits in 4 AB, with three runs scored and collecting 4 RBI. So far this season he is batting .353 with 13 homers and 30 RBI. On 5/8/2003, Fred Mcgriff was the last player to hit 3 dingers in a single game.
Monday 6/3/2003 San Francisco's Griffey Jr. wins Player of the Week award The American League Player of the Week award goes to Alfonso Soriano, New York (A)'s starting second baseman. Alfonso went 13 for 25 (.520), while hitting 3 HR and collecting 7 RBI. He hit in every game this week and extended his hitting streak to 8 games. Soriano has hit 15 homeruns this year while batting .381. He adds 13 doubles, along with 60 runs scored. He's 1st in the American League in batting, 2nd in homeruns and 8th in RBI! San Francisco's centerfielder Ken Griffey Jr. had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the National League Player of the Week. He hit .345 with 12 RBI and slugged 1.034 in 29 at bats.
Saturday 6/1/2003 Doug Mientkiewicz stars with cycle against Cleveland CLEVELAND - Doug Mientkiewicz hits 'em where they ain't. Cleveland certainly agrees as Minnesota's first baseman unloaded four hits and hitting for the cycle. In the 2nd inning he belted a double off Glendon Rusch. A single in the 5th off Glendon Rusch accounted for his 2nd hit. In the 6th inning he unloaded a RBI triple off Glendon Rusch. A 363 feet drive to right field marked his 4th hit, a solo homerun off Mike Fyhrie in the 8th inning. That drive completed the cycle, causing a smile on his face! Doug scored 3 runs, and he collected 2 RBI as well! This season has been a good one for him so far, as he has 54 hits in 174 at bats, resulting in a .310 batting average. 11 players in league history have so far hit for the cycle, including Doug. Junior Spivey was the last player to hit for the cycle, doing it 9/9/2002.
Saturday 6/1/2003 Person (CLE) and Gagne (STL) win monthly pitcher award Cleveland's pitcher Robert Person is the American League winner of the Pitcher of the Month award in May. He struck out 39 hitters in his 7 starts, putting together a record of 6-1 while pitching 39 innings. His ERA in May was 3.28. In 13 starts this year Robert struck out 65 batters in 89.2 innings of work. His ERA is 3.71, his record 8-4. He's 1st in the American League in wins! Eric Gagne couldn't have pitched much better than he did in May, and the National League thought so as well, naming the right-hander Pitcher of the Month. He had an ERA of just 0.57 in 47.1 innings of work in which he struck out 37 hitters. His record in May is 3-1. Eric has a record of 6-1 this season, with an ERA of 1.25. In 79 Innings he was able to strike out 63 batters. He's 1st in the National League in ERA and 6th in wins!
Saturday 6/1/2003 Giambi (NYA) and Berkman (HOU) win monthly award It's the 2nd time that the American League Batter of the Month award goes to New York (A)'s first baseman Jason Giambi. He hit .370 with 34 RBI and slugged .720 in 100 at bats. Jason is hitting .337 this year, with 64 hits in 190 at bats. He has driven in 53 runs, slugging .616. He's 9th in the American League in batting, 5th in homeruns and 2nd in RBI! The Batter of the Month award in the National League goes to Houston's Lance Berkman this time, as the centerfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. He hit .371 with 39 RBI and slugged .876 in 97 at bats. His season numbers are: .322 AVG, 59 hits, 13 doubles, no triples and 19 bombs, along with 57 RBI and 53 runs scored. He's 1st in the National League in RBIs and 2nd in homeruns!
Tuesday 5/28/2003 Tomokazu Ohka shuts out St. Louis on 2 hits LOS ANGELES - All you need to win is a dominating pitching performance. And Los Angeles' Tomokazu Ohka did so today, in a 2-hit shutout against St. Louis. Ohka (8-3) showed excellent control, walking nobody and fanning 5. 'I'll have to give a lot of credit to my catcher. He put all the right fingers down today.' Los Angeles' first baseman Erubiel Durazo collected 3 hits in 4 trips to the plate, and driving in 3 runs. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Ohka. Los Angeles scored 7 runs on 10 hits.
Monday 5/27/2003 Halladay (TOR) and Berkman (HOU) win P.O.W. award Toronto's pitcher Roy Halladay had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Player of the Week. He was in a zone all week, compiling an ERA of 0.00 while going 2-0. He pitched two shutouts! This season Halladay compiled an ERA of 2.65, going 7-1 in 11 starts. He fanned 46 while giving up 70 hits in 85 innings. He has 4 complete games and 2 shutouts. He's 2nd in the American League in ERA and 2nd in wins! The Player of the Week award in the National League goes to Houston's Lance Berkman this time, as the centerfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Lance was on fire, hitting .462 with 5 HR and 13 RBI.
Sunday 5/26/2003 Tom Glavine out for 6 weeks CINCINNATI - Cincinnati's ace Tom Glavine suffered a severe injury on Sunday and will be out for at least 6 weeks. In the 4th of the game against Chicago (N) he experienced pain in his throwing arm and had to leave the game. After being taken to a local hospital, Glavine was examined by specialists. The diagnosis revealed the sad truth, a Ruptured Tricep Tendon. Opposing players hit .265 against Tom this season. While posting an ERA of 4.81 he went 5-4 in 11 starts, fanning 23 and walking 30 hitters.
Tuesday 5/21/2003 Seattle's John Olerud laces five hits SEATTLE - 'Wow, five hits in one game is something special, isn't it?' said Seattle's first baseman John Olerud after the 8-5 win over Detroit. In the 1st inning he belted a double off Steve Sparks. A double off Steve Sparks in the 2nd inning accounted for his 2nd hit. A pitch from Mike Timlin in the 8th inning left his bat for a three-run homerun, landing 363 feet from home plate in right field. He had singles in the 4th inning (two RBIs) and in the 6th inning . John scored 2 runs, and he collected 5 RBI as well! This season has been a good one for him so far, as he has 60 hits in 186 at bats, resulting in a .323 batting average.
Monday 5/20/2003 Pena and Rodriguez win Player of the Week award Texas' first baseman Carlos Pena had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Player of the Week. He had an on base percentage of .500 and hit .423, while driving in 9 runs. It's the 1st time that the National League Player of the Week award goes to Houston's catcher Ivan Rodriguez. He hit .565 with 12 RBI and slugged .870 in 23 at bats.
Friday 5/17/2003 John Olerud stars with 2000th career hit MINNESOTA - Seattle's first baseman John Olerud was in good mood after the game against Minnesota, and he had every reason as he made some history while collecting his 2000th career hit. His best year so far was 1993 where he hit .363 with 24 homeruns and 107 RBI. 'I'm out of words. I'll probably realize it tomorrow, but for now I'm done.' His hit in the 3rd inning was a single off Carlos Almanzar.
Friday 5/17/2003 Omar Vizquel has 2000th career hits CLEVELAND - Cleveland's players had every reason to congratulate Omar Vizquel, who reached a milestone today, collecting his 2000th career hit! His hit in the 7th inning was a double off Ryan Rupe. His best year so far was 1999 where he hit .333 with 5 homeruns and 66 RBI. 'I'm out of words. I'll probably realize it tomorrow, but for now I'm done.'
Thursday 5/16/2003 Minnesota's Ishii severely injured MINNESOTA - Minnesota is without its lefty Kazuhisa Ishii for at least 5 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Estaban German in a game against Oakland. His face showed signs of pain immediately after the ball left his hand. After being examined by several specialists the diagnosis is clear: Strained Rotator Cuff Muscle. In 9 starts this year Kazuhisa struck out 32 batters in 52 innings of work. His ERA is 5.71, his record 2-3.
Monday 5/13/2003 Chicago (A)'s Ordonez wins Player of the Week award Magglio Ordonez from Chicago (A) wins his 2nd Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the American League. Magglio was on fire, hitting .550 with 5 HR and 12 RBI. He now has homered in 3 consecutive games as well! St. Louis' centerfielder Jim Edmonds had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the National League Player of the Week. Jim was on fire, hitting .565 with 4 HR and 9 RBI. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 10 game hitting streak right now. His season numbers are: .383 AVG, 54 hits, 16 doubles, 2 triples and 11 longballs, along with 28 RBI and 33 runs scored. He's 3rd in the National League in batting!
Saturday 5/11/2003 Alfonso Soriano on fire, laces five hits BOSTON - On Saturday, New York (A)'s second baseman Alfonso Soriano displayed his sensational ability to handle the bat against Boston, punishing their pitchers with five hits. Number 1 in the 2nd inning accounted for a two-run double. His 3rd hit, a three-run homerun off Mike Remlinger in the 6th inning, cleared the fence in left field. A 346 feet drive to left field marked his 4th hit, a solo homerun off Mike Remlinger in the 8th inning. He had singles in the 4th inning (one RBI) and in the 9th inning . Alfonso scored 3 runs, and he collected 7 RBI as well! This season has been a good one for him so far, as he has 60 hits in 150 at bats, resulting in a .400 batting average. New York (A) scored 21 runs on 24 hits.
Thursday 5/9/2003 Philadelphia has no chance in a 1-hitter by Bud Smith PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia's hitters looked uncomfortable, and Los Angeles' Bud Smith didn't help them. The southpaw fired his 1st shutout of the season, a 1-hitter. 'I'll have to give a lot of credit to my catcher. He put all the right fingers down today.' Smith (4-1) struck out 6 and walked 1, throwing 59 of 94 pitches for strikes. Los Angeles' first baseman Erubiel Durazo stroked 2 hits in 4 AB, and driving in 2 runs. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Smith. The final score of the game was 4-0.
Thursday 5/9/2003 Brad Radke (MIN) will miss 4 weeks MINNESOTA - When it rains, it pours. Minnesota's right-hander Brad Radke will not pitch for at least 4 weeks, handing the team a huge setback. He suffered a serious injury in a game against Oakland where he left the field in the 7th inning. After x-rays were taken the diagnosis did not surprise many: Ruptured Bicep Tendon. Surgery will be performed next week. In 8 starts this year Brad struck out 30 batters in 64.1 innings of work. His ERA is 3.22, his record 4-3.
Wednesday 5/8/2003 Fred Mcgriff blisters three bombs CHICAGO (N) - When you're in a zone, age does not matter. Fred Mcgriff showed Houston that he still has the thunder in his bat, driving three balls out of the park! Number 1 in the 1st inning, a shot estimated at 414 feet, cleared the wall in center field. A 383 feet drive to right field marked his 2nd bomb, a two-run homerun off Ricky Stone in the 5th inning. A pitch from Cory Lidle in the 7th inning left his bat for a two-run homerun, landing 404 feet from home plate in right-center. Fred collected 3 hits in 4 trips to the plate, with FOUR runs scored and collecting 6 RBI. His homerun total this year is 8, along with 24 RBI. The induction into the Hall of Fame is almost a sure thing for him now! Jack Cust was the last player to hit 3 homeruns in a game, doing it 5/2/2003. The final score of the game was 15-5.
Tuesday 5/7/2003 Josh Beckett dominates Cincinnati, throws NO-HITTER FLORIDA - It was an unbelievable day for Florida's right-hander Josh Beckett. The 22-year old pitched a no-hitter against Cincinnati on Tuesday, showing that he may have a great career in front of him. Austin Kearns spoiled the bid for a perfect game when he walked with 2 away in the 5th inning. Beckett (4-3) was overpowering, fanning 10 while walking 4, throwing 118 pitches. 'Wow, what a nice day. I guess I had a good breakfast today. That's a dream coming true for me!' The hitting star for Florida was second baseman Luis Castillo, he stroked 3 hits in 4 AB, and collecting 2 RBI. Florida scored 3 runs on 7 hits.
Monday 5/6/2003 Giambi and Sexson win Player of the Week award The American League Player of the Week award goes to Jason Giambi, New York (A)'s starting first baseman. In 26 at bats he hit .538 with 2 HR and 17 RBI. The Player of the Week award in the National League goes to Arizona's Richie Sexson this time, as the first baseman displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. He had an on base percentage of .480 and hit .429, while driving in 15 runs.
Friday 5/3/2003 Juan Gonzalez socks five hits for San Francisco SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco's rightfielder Juan Gonzalez accomplished a difficult feat in a 24-1 win over Pittsburgh, drilling five hits to improve his career batting average to .297! His 1st hit, off David Williams in the 1st inning, was a three-run homerun and cleared the fence in left-center. In the 5th inning he unloaded a two-run homerun off Sean Lowe. He collected singles in the 7th , in the 7th (one RBI) and in the 8th inning . Juan scored 3 runs, and he collected 6 RBI as well! This season has been a good one for him so far, as he has 24 hits in 68 at bats, resulting in a .353 batting average. San Francisco scored 24 runs on 24 hits.
Thursday 5/2/2003 Jack Cust punishes Montreal with three dingers COLORADO - Jack Cust was in a groove, and the results spoke for themselves. He powered Colorado to a 12-4 win over Montreal by homering three times. In the 4th inning he unloaded a solo homerun off Jeff D'amico. A pitch from Scott Downs in the 7th inning left his bat for a GRAND SLAM, landing 375 feet from home plate in left field. Number 3 in the 8th inning, a shot estimated at 419 feet, cleared the wall in center field. Jack went 3 for 5, with three runs scored and driving in 8 runs. On 4/12/2003, Shawn Green was the last player to hit 3 dingers in a single game.
Wednesday 5/1/2003 Mulder and Prior receive Pitcher of the Month award Oakland's Mark Mulder had a terrific April, and it earned him the American League Pitcher of the month award. He had an ERA of just 2.14 in 46.1 innings of work in which he struck out 20 hitters. His record in April is 5-1. Mark also fired a shutout. Mark Prior couldn't have pitched much better than he did in April, and the National League thought so as well, naming the right-hander Pitcher of the Month. His record of 4-0 in 5 was among the leagues best this month. In 34.1 innings of work he allowed just 22 hits while striking out 42, compiling an ERA of just 1.57.
Wednesday 5/1/2003 Batter of the Month award winners announced It's the 1st time that the American League Batter of the Month award goes to Seattle's centerfielder Bernie Williams. Williams helped his team with an average of .360 and 36 RBI in 100 at bats. The National League's best player of the month was Los Angeles' Vladimir Guerrero, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. He had an on base percentage of .405 and hit .343, while driving in 26 runs.
Monday 4/29/2003 Pittsburgh's Karros wins Player of the Week award The Player of the Week award in the American League goes to Seattle's Bernie Williams this time, as the centerfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Bernie was on fire, hitting .455 with 4 HR and 15 RBI. Bernie managed to drive in at least one run in every game he played this week. Eric Karros wins his 1st Player of the Week award. National League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. He had an on base percentage of .583 and hit .545, while driving in 6 runs. His season features a batting average of .305 (25 hits in 82 AB), 8 doubles, no triples and 4 longballs. Karros collected 17 RBI and 14 runs as well.
Friday 4/26/2003 Pittsburgh's Eric Karros pounds five hits PITTSBURGH - Eric Karros saw the ball really well, leading Pittsburgh to a 14-10 win over San Francisco. His five hits thrilled his teammates and coaches, and Eric seemed happy as well after the game. Number 4 in the 6th inning, a shot estimated at 341 feet, cleared the wall in right field. A pitch from Jason Christiansen in the 8th inning left his bat for a two-run homerun, landing 417 feet from home plate in left-center. He had singles in the 2nd , in the 3rd and in the 4th (one RBI). Eric did drive in 6 while scoring 3 runs on his own. His 5 hit performance increases his batting average to .284.
Friday 4/26/2003 San Francisco's Zerbe out for 6 weeks SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco's left-hander Chad Zerbe suffered a severe injury on Friday and will be out for at least 6 weeks. In the 2nd of the game against Pittsburgh he experienced pain in his throwing arm and had to leave the game. After being taken to a local hospital, Zerbe was examined by specialists. The diagnosis revealed the sad truth, a Pulled Rotator Cuff Muscle. In 0 starts this year Chad struck out 2 batters in 7.1 innings of work. His ERA is 12.27, his record 0-0.
Monday 4/22/2003 Player of the Week honors go to Segui and Hermansen The Player of the Week award in the American League goes to Baltimore's David Segui this time, as the first baseman displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Segui helped his team with an average of .560 and 6 RBI in 25 at bats. Chad Hermansen from Colorado wins his 1st Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the National League. He had an on base percentage of .586 and hit .607, while driving in 10 runs.
Wednesday 4/17/2003 Jon Garland quiets Boston bats with shutout CHICAGO (A) - Jon Garland had an unexpectedly great performance against Boston on Wednesday, pitching a 1-hitter for his 1st shutout of the season. Garland (1-1) struck out 4 and walked 3, throwing 68 of 117 pitches for strikes. 'I really like to play baseball, and I love the way I was able to play it today.' Chicago (A)'s second baseman Craig Biggio collected 2 hits in 4 trips to the plate, and collecting 2 RBI. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Garland. Chicago (A) scored 6 runs on 13 hits.
Tuesday 4/16/2003 Jeff Bagwell collects 2000th hit against Colorado COLORADO - Houston's first baseman Jeff Bagwell had already some highlights in his career, and today he added another one, getting his 2000th career hit. Along with his 2000 hits, Jeff collected 394 homeruns and 1363 RBI in 12 seasons. 'I still remember my first hit. But the one today is something special. I'll definitely keep that ball!' His hit in the 6th inning was a single off Scott Williamson.
Monday 4/15/2003 Green and Sexson win Player of the Week award Shawn Green from Cleveland wins his 2nd Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the American League. Shawn was on fire, hitting .481 with 5 HR and 10 RBI. His season numbers are: .375 AVG, 18 hits, 3 doubles, no triples and 6 homeruns, along with 14 RBI and 15 runs scored. He's 6th in the American League in batting, 1st in homeruns and 4th in RBI! The National League Player of the Week award goes to Richie Sexson, Arizona's starting first baseman. Richie was on fire, hitting .455 with 4 HR and 6 RBI.
Friday 4/12/2003 Bartolo Colon (MON) will miss 5 weeks MONTREAL - Montreal is without its right-hander Bartolo Colon for at least 5 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Javy Lopez in a game against Atlanta. His face showed signs of pain immediately after the ball left his hand. Colon was rushed to an hospital near the ballpark, where doctors took x-rays. Those revealed the serious injury, Spasms Back.
Friday 4/12/2003 Shawn Green blisters three bombs CLEVELAND - Shawn Green powered Cleveland to a 12-11 win over Detroit. He did it in style by homering three times. His 1st shot, a solo homerun off Jose Lima in the 1st inning, cleared the fence in center field. His 2nd shot, off Jose Lima in the 4th inning, was a solo homerun and cleared the fence in center field. A pitch from Mike Maroth in the 7th inning left his bat for a three-run homerun, landing 394 feet from home plate in left-center. Overall he finished with 5 hits in 5 AB, stroking a double, scoring FIVE runs and driving in 6 runs. His homerun total this year is 5, along with 12 RBI. On 7/15/2002, Todd Helton was the last player to hit 3 dingers in a single game.
Wednesday 4/10/2003 Eric Milton shuts out Boston on 2 hits NEW YORK (A) - All you need to win is a dominating pitching performance. And New York (A)'s Eric Milton did so today, in a 2-hit shutout against Boston. Milton (1-1) struck out 9 and walked 2, throwing 73 of 119 pitches for strikes. 'I was able to keep´em off balance. That certainly helped.' Troy Glaus provided New York (A) with the offense Milton needed as he got 2 hits in 4 AB, blasting a homerun, doubling once, scoring two runs and collecting 2 RBI. New York (A) scored 7 runs on 10 hits.
Wednesday 4/10/2003 Baltimore's Batista severely injured BALTIMORE - Baltimore's season took a blow when Tony Batista suffered a serious injury in the game against Detroit. He hurt his arm throwing a strike to first base. Batista will probaby miss 5 weeks. After x-rays were taken the diagnosis did not surprise many: Torn Bicep Muscle. Surgery will be performed next week.
Tuesday 4/9/2003 Baltimore's Charles Johnson ropes five hits BALTIMORE - 'Wow, five hits in one game is something special, isn't it?' said Baltimore's catcher Charles Johnson after the 9-4 win over Detroit. His 1st cleared the based, a three-run double off Steve Sparks in the 1st inning. In the 4th inning he belted a two-run double off Steve Sparks. Number 5 in the 8th inning, a shot estimated at 361 feet, cleared the wall in left field. He collected singles in the 3rd inning and in the 6th . Charles did drive in 7 while scoring 2 runs on his own. He is hitting .259 this season, with 1 HR and 7 RBI.
Monday 4/8/2003 Player of the Week honors go to Harvey and Stynes Kansas City's first baseman Ken Harvey had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the American League Player of the Week. Ken went 9 for 23 (.391), while hitting 4 HR and collecting 10 RBI. Ken managed to drive in at least one run in every game he played this week. The Player of the Week award in the National League goes to Chicago (N)'s Chris Stynes this time, as the second baseman displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Chris went 17 for 28 (.607), while hitting 2 HR and collecting 8 RBI.
Thursday 4/4/2003 Montreal's Hank Blalock pounds five hits MONTREAL - Montreal's third baseman Hank Blalock once again displayed his tremendous ability to make contact with that little white ball. He tore up Pittsburgh's pitching staff with a 5 hit performance on Thursday. A pitch from Kip Wells in the 2nd inning left his bat for a solo homerun, landing 432 feet from home plate in left-center. The game was tied, 1-1, after the blast. His 5th hit was a RBI triple off Kevin Tolar in the 9th inning. His final hit of the game capped his performance as it won the game, setting the crowd on fire! He had singles in the 4th (one RBI) , in the 5th inning and in the 7th inning . Hank did drive in 3 while scoring one run on his own. He's having a very good season so far, batting .462. Montreal improved it's record to 2-2, scoring 4 runs on 12 hits.
Wednesday 4/3/2003 Anaheim's Ortiz severely injured ANAHEIM - When it rains, it pours. Anaheim's right-hander Ramon Ortiz will not pitch for at least 7 weeks, handing the team a huge setback. He suffered a serious injury in a game against Oakland where he left the field in the 8th inning. Doctors examined him after the game and diagnosed a Strained Elbow Ligament which will require surgery.