Baltimore and
Kansas City are tied atop the division at 12-6, with the
Chicago American Giants a few games back at 9-9.
Houston has lost 5 in a row, falling 4th, only a game ahead of cellar-dwelling
Ottawa (6-12).
Leading Starter: Luke Hamlin, KAN, 2-1, 1.93 ERA, 1.07 WHIP.
Leading Reliever:
Jeff Pfeffer, KAN, 5 SV, 0.90 ERA.
Leading Batters:
Dan McGann, BAL, 358/443/623;
Joe Jackson, CAG, 351/443/608, 5 HRs, 18 RBs;
Frank Thomas, CAG, 343/425/600, 5 HRs, 21 RBIs;
Eddie Collins, CAG, 343/470/552, 18 R, 11 SBs.
#Baltimore Black Sox
Bill Byrd was magnificent in Baltimore's opening game against
Brooklyn, allowing only 1 hit and 1 walk in 8 IP. Unfortunately, he left the game trailing 1-0, but was spared the loss when
Frank Robinson tied it up in the 9th inning. A walk-off HR from
Ken Singleton won the game for the Black Sox.
Richie Sexson--at one point in consideration to make the big league roster--was demoted from AAA to AA Charlotte.
#Chicago American Giants
Just look at those leaders: Thomas, Jackson, and Collins are probably the hottest trio in the league right now.
#Houston Colt 45's
Houston has a bit of a bullpen problem heading into their next series, leading to the Colt 45's placing
Mike Hartley on the IL and demoting
Ice Box Chamberlain to AAA (he was quickly moved to AA by the management staff in San Antonio in favor of
Boots Poffenberger--yep, Ice Box for Boots transaction there) with
Stubby Overmire and
Leon Day returning to the WBL.
Ismael Valdez and
Jim Kaat moved from AAA to AA as well.
The rotation is likely to be a bit up in the air over the next series or two.
#Kansas City Monarchs
Stan Musial hit 3 doubles in a game for the 2nd time this year, given him 8 on the season.
The Monarchs' bullpen is pretty decimated, forcing two roster moves. First,
Charles Comiskey was sent to AAA (instead of the injured list) to rest a sore elbow; second,
Rex Hudler was sent down, likely only for a few days, as his demotion leaves Kansas City without an experienced SS behind
Ozzie Smith.
Bill Doak and
Bob Gibson--who has pitched well since being demoted from Spring Training--were recalled from AAA.
#Ottawa Mounties
In his first AB of the season after an injury rehab stint at AAA,
Larry Walker deposited
Waite Hoyt's pitch over the LCF fence for a HR: that's the way to get the home fans on your side!
More a victim of a lack of opportunity and a worn-out bullpen than anything else,
Chris Leroux was sent to AAA with
Jim Clancy being recalled to help shore up the rotation in the upcoming series.
Reggie Cleveland was put on waivers to make room for Clancy on the 40 man roster.
Karl Spooner--who went into Spring Training as the closer--was released.