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Islandian Pro Alliance
Thursday, September 6, 2001
Ruthlandian Union - North Division
Valmara Topples Far Mountain 7-4
A big four-run sixth inning did the job for the second place Valmara Vipers, who toppled the first place Far Mountain Redhawks 7-4 and narrowed their lead to 4 games in the RU North with 7 games left. It didn't matter that the Vipers were outhit 12 to 9. Leading the way was right fielder Jet Kazmarek (.313) with 3-for-4, including a double and a home run. Kazmarek scored twice and batted in a run. Center fielder Jan Szymanski (.261) doubled in a run and scored two runs. Szymanski leads the IPA with 130 RBIs. On the mound Zarek Zalewski (19-7 2.83) didn't have a good day, but he still picked up his 19th victory. Zalewski worked seven innings, gave up four runs and eight hits, fanned five and walked one. He got help from closer Danny Blauser (9-5 2.34), who labored in the ninth. Blauser got his 13th save, but gave up a run in two innings of relief. Loser Bud Ford (6-3 3.30) went the route, but wasn't real effective. He surrendered seven runs and nine hits in eight innings of work. First baseman Royce Benson (.312) had three hits in defeat, along with right fielder Sid Cameron (.372). Center fielder Hawk Gallagher (.298) chimed in with 2-4, scored twice and drove one in. Cameron had two RBIs.
The two clubs have split the series so far with each winning one game. Far Mountain (79-64) is still in control with a four-game edge over Valmara (75-68). The Vipers (75-68 are still in the running for a wild card spot in the Elite 8 Playoffs, but there are several clubs right on their tail, the Sugar Valley Rattlers (74-69) and Volusia Vigilantes (73-70).
V's Score Late, Whip A's 3-1
At the Jailhouse in Volusia, the Vigilantes whipped the Glasco Athletics 3-1 behind the hard-throwing lefty Lenny Collins (15-10 3.93). He limited the A's to just four hits and one run in eight innings. Closer Ricky Moreno (4-5 2.03) worked his magic for the 24th time and saved the game with a runless ninth inning. Charles Darby (17-16 3.67) pitched a complete game in defeat, permitting three runs on six hits. Second baseman Francisco Abreu (.277) tagged his 26th home run for the V's.
The Volusia Vipers (73-70) are 6 games behind first place Far Mountain (79-64) and Glasco (69-74) trails by 10 games. Manager Alfonso Feliz is hoping his V's can sneak into a wild card spot. They will have to beat out Valmara (75-68) and Sugar Valley (74-68) for the last slot.
Savoie Fans a Dozen, Elnora Beats Colfax 4-1
Elnora lefthander Pat Savoie was just about the whole show in the 4-1 victory over Colfax at Mountain View Stadium. Savoie (12-8 3.69) fanned 12 Blasters and allowed seven hits, while walking none. First baseman Vic Gelder sparked the win with a solo home run and Savoie (.192), left fielder Quincy Peterson (.299) and right fielder Paul Giles (.281) added in an RBI apiece. The lost went to Robbie Smith (11-12 3.73), who was whacked for four runs and nine hits over his eight-plus frames.
The fourth place Colfax Blasters (70-73) are 9 games off the pace of the top team in the RU North Division, the Far Mountain Redhawks (79-64). Elnora (63-80) is in the basement and 16 games out.
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