Goofballs, Lannisters Return to Form; Possums Keep Rolling; Armadillos Vanquish Legion
KK Thunderwolves (1-7-1) vs. RK Possums (4-4-1)
The Possums entered with the week hoping to continue their winning streak. Kyle hoped to stop a losing streak and get back on track. Unfortunately for the Thunderwolves, it was the Possums who completed their objective. Kyle relied on a strong pitching attack to carry the week. Chase Anderson and Zack Greinke threw 15.2 IP and didn’t allow a run. Mark Melancon and Alex Colome were stellar from the pen. The Thunderwolves led the league in saves and ERA, and were second in WHIP. Rick countered with roughly the same number of IP but had t
he edge in both strikeouts and wins. Michael Fulmer recorded two wins with no earned runs and seven base runners over 12 IP. He also became the first rookie pitcher since 1892 to have three consecutive games of at least six innings pitched and two or fewer hits in each game.
Ricks two pitching categories paired with his dominance on offense. The Possums tied for the league lead in home runs, easily topped RBIs, and had the second highest SLG. Once again, Rick’s middle infield led the way. Ian Kinsler and Xander Bogaerts had four home runs, 21 hits, and two steals. The Thunderwolves saw better play from Prince Fielder and good weeks from Ryan Braun and Nelson Cruz. However, it wasn’t enough, and Rick easily took all five categories and secured a comfortable 7-3 victory. The Possums have climbed above 0.500 for the first time this season. They are also far ahead of last year’s pace and may be emerging as a surprise contender.
JK Lannisters (6-2-1) vs. HP PhoeGnomes (6-3)
After difficult battles with the Goofballs and Possums, the Lannisters hoped for better luck against the PhoeGnomes. Heather needed a win to keep pace with the top of the league and for potential tie-breakers. Her offense was definitely up to the task. The PhoeGnomes tied for the league lead in home runs and steals. They were also near the top in RBI (2nd place), OBP (2nd place), and SLG (3rd place). Chris Davis was the top contributor – he added three home runs in just 10 at-bats. Jose Altuve added teals and a home run, as did Paul Goldschmidt. The Lannisters had good power numbers but were not close in home runs, RBI, and SLG. However, they displayed their typical strengths in OBP and SLG. JD Martinez was particularly strong, with an OBP of 0.476. Manny Machado, Robinson Cano, and Carlos Beltran combined for a SLG well above 0.600. This was enough for the Lannisters to capture two categories and disrupt Heather’s improved offense.
On pitching, both sides had good performances and meltdowns. Jon Lester was the clear MVP for the week, throwing 15 IP, allowing now earned runs, giving up 9 hits and no walks for the Lannisters. Heather didn’t have any two-start starters, but Zach Davies continued to pitch well, as did Julio Teheran. Jake McGee had a bullpen meltdown, as did Santiago Casilla for the Lannisters. Jeff’s slight advantage in innings pitched resulted in a league-leading strikeout total and a tie for wins. The team also had the best WHIP in the league and the second best ERA. This was enough to capture four categories and secure the win. The result was a close one and the OBP and SLG categories were in play up through Sunday. This time, the breaks fell the Lannsiters’ way, and the PhoeGnomes are likely frustrated that the tie slipped away.
KG Capital City Goofballs (2-7) vs. CM Happy Hollidays (2-7)
After a series of close losses, the Goofballs were probably looking forward with a match against the Happy Hollidays. However, Chris M. had other plans and launched an improved offensive attack in the battle of Chicago clubs. Neither team bothered with steals, but the Hollidays produced the third best SLG in the league. Chris M. also had the best OBP and a narrow edge in RBI. Martin Prado was the star of the week with a 0.680 SLG for the Hollidays. Kevin countered with strong power. Brandon Belt had two home runs, as did five other Goofballs’ players. DJ LeMahieu continued to be a strong presence at second base, and Starlin Castro made the most of a single start by hitting a home run.
The Goofballs needed results on the pitching side to overcome the 3-1-1 deficit on offense. Chris Archer racked up strikeouts and was okay for the week, but the David Price and Sonny Gray were the main stars. These performances were mirrored by the Hollidays, who saw Aaron Sanchez amass strikeouts but allow runs. However, the rest of the Hollidays’ staff did not fare well. They had the second worst ERA in the league. The Goofballs were slightly better, and they won strikeouts, saves, ERA, and WHIP. This was enough for a 5-4-1 victory. The Hollidays fell one steal shy of a tie. Once again, the Goofballs were in a close battle, but this time (like the Lannisters) luck favored them.
LK Armadillos (6-2-1) vs. CP Legion (6-1-2)
The week’s final match featured a battle for first place. The Legion and Armadillos were virtually tied, and the winner would be guaranteed at least a share of first. Normally a battle like this would merit the lead story in the League Update. However, neither team performed particularly well for the week and the battle shifted to survival. The Armadillos had good power and RBI numbers. Ian Desmond continued his hot start, and made Larry’s trade look even better for the week. Mark Trumbo added two more home runs, and Chris Carter slugged 0.727. Chris P. didn’t have a counter. Eduardo Nunez had two home runs, but only two Legion regulars had SLG above 0.500. Jonathan Villar had a difficult week, going just 4/24 with a walk. The Armadillos were able to sweep all five categories, though their OBP and SLG totals were not impressive. 
Chris needed a miracle on pitching to save a tie. The Legion had some hope when Steven Matz and JA Happ struggled in all four of their starts. Only Clayton Kershaw and Matt Harvey were solid for the Armadillos, and the team had the worst ERA in the league, and the second worst WHIP. The Legion piled up victories behind Tyler Chatwood. They also won strikeouts. However, the Legion’s bullpen continued to be a problem. They ended the week with just two saves. This gave the Armadillos an easy win, and enough to edge out a 6-4 victory. Both OBP and SLG were in play up to the end of the week, but neither team could get anything going. The Armadillos’ Sunday OBP and SLG were 0.275/0.289. The Legion had an opportunity, but posted OBP/SLG totals of 0.313/0.345. This wasn’t enough to swing either category. The Legion left Joc Pederson and Javier Baez on the bench on Sunday. They had a collective 4/9 day with two home runs. The Legion could have captured SLG. Conversely, the Armadillos’ bench failed to record a hit on Sunday. The close win puts the Armadillos back in first place, thanks to a tie-breaker with the Lannisters.
Next Week
The Armadillos hope to remain in first place. They face the Goofballs, who hope to build a winning streak. The Lannisters take on the slumping Hollidays. The Legion also get an easier match on paper when they face the Thunderwolves. Finally, the red-hot possums hope to move into the league’s top four. They face the PhoeGnomes.
Dirt Mountain Baseball League 