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Pittsburgh Express (8-15) @ Boston Patriots (13-10)
Patriots Sweep Series 4-0
Patriots derail Pittsburgh in every phase of the game.

Here's the skinny: The Boston Patriots dominated their series against the Pittsburgh Express, showcasing stellar performances both at the plate and on the mound. In Game 1, Joe Turner had an explosive outing, going 5 for 5 with two home runs and five RBIs, leading Boston to a 12-3 victory. Game 2 featured Mike Randolph's exceptional pitching, as he held Pittsburgh scoreless over eight innings in a tight 1-0 win. The Patriots continued their dominance in Game 3, with Jorge Galvez pitching 6.2 shutout innings and Joe Turner hitting his eighth home run of the season, sealing a 2-0 victory. The series concluded with a 4-1 win for Boston, thanks to Jeremy Northway's clutch 2-run triple in the seventh inning. The Patriots improved to 13-10, while Pittsburgh's struggles continued, dropping to 8-15.

GAME 1 - Turner Blisters Pittsburgh
No matter what the Pittsburgh Express threw at him, Joe Turner hit it. He easily handled Express pitching, going 5 for 5 and helping the Patriots triumph, 12-3, at Patriots Fields.

"The way I was swinging, I think I could have closed my eyes and hit the ball," he told BNN reporters in the postgame interview.

Told of Turner's quip, Express skipper Mark Averill said he "would take him up on that next time."

Joe Turner hit an RBI single in the 1st, singled in the 2nd, hit a solo-shot off Ricky Bautista in the 4th, singled in the 5th and hit a solo-shot off Bob Newman in the 7th.

Currently Turner has 7 home runs and a .400 batting average.



GAME 2 - Randolph Now 1-1 After Beating Express
Left-hander Mike Randolph mesmerized the Pittsburgh Express while leading the Boston Patriots to a 1-0 victory. Adam Smith earned the save, his 4th, for the Patriots. The Express fall to 8-13 and continue their sputtering start to the 1981 season.

Randolph gave Boston a solid start. The left-hander allowed no runs on 2 hits over 8 innings.

"Mike was exceptional and he pitched with a purpose," said Boston manager Bill Hurff.


GAME 3 - Patriots Earn 2-0 Home Win
Danny Davalos pitched well enough to win, but it was not to be. The Pittsburgh Express, despite Davalos's fine outing, dropped a 2-0 decision to the Boston Patriots at Patriots Fields. Jorge Galvez, the winner, goes to 3-0. He allowed no runs on 6 hits, with 4 walks and 2 strikeouts over 6.2 innings. Boston goes to 12-10.

The Patriots got a big at-bat from first baseman Joe Turner. For the game, Turner was 1 for 2 with a home run and a walk, while adding 2 RBI and scoring once. In the bottom of the fourth, with a runner on 1st, he stroked a 2-run home run. His 8th home run of the season gave Boston a 2-0 lead.

Boston manager Bill Hurff commended his team for exhibiting "no shortage of effort."


GAME 4 - Patriots Stay Hot, Beat Express, 4-1
The Pittsburgh Express got a superb performance from pitcher Omar Ramirez, but the Boston Patriots still won the game, 4-1. Ramirez threw 6.0 innings of shutout ball. Justin Bowen finished to wrap up his 1st save. The win gives Boston a record of 13-10.

Boston took a 2-1 lead on Jeremy Northway's 1st triple of the season. The 2-run triple, which Northway hit in the bottom of the seventh, left Pittsburgh pitcher Ivan Azocar visibly frustrated.

"We've been playing some good baseball," Northway told the Boston Herald. "We're aggressive and focused on what we're going to do on the field and getting it done."



Philadelphia Fury (11-12) @ New York Aces (13-10)
Aces Split Series 2-2
New York's anemic bats waste chance to win series in game 4.

Here's the skinny: The Philadelphia Fury and New York Aces split their four-game series at Aces Field, with each team showing moments of dominance. In Game 1, Philadelphia's Mike Stanley pitched a shutout, leading the Fury to a 3-0 win, supported by Javier Robinson's solo home run. Game 2 saw New York bounce back with a resounding 12-1 victory, as Mike Gemmill pitched brilliantly and Tim Wheeldon drove in four runs. New York continued their momentum in Game 3, securing a 10-8 win thanks to Jonathan Mestas' three-hit performance and Paul MacPherson's timely run-scoring walk. The series concluded with Philadelphia's 10-3 triumph in Game 4, highlighted by Jesus Gaona's 4-for-5 day and Hiroki Ono's solid pitching. The Aces' record now stands at 13-10, while the Fury sit at 11-12, each team showcasing their strengths and weaknesses in this competitive series.

GAME 1 - Fury Shut Out Aces, 3-0
The Philadelphia Fury picked up a win at Aces Field, taking down the New York Aces, 3-0. Starting pitcher Mike Stanley was a big reason why. New York falls to 11-9.

Javier Robinson had a direct impact on the outcome. Robinson contributed a solo home run in the top of the third inning to put Philadelphia up, 2-0.

"Very pleased with the effort on our side," said Stanley.


GAME 2 - Aces Toast Fury, 12-1
New York Aces pitcher Mike Gemmill was in top form, leading his team past the Philadelphia Fury, 12-1. The loss drops the Fury to 10-11.

Tim Wheeldon, who is tied for 7th in the ABC in runs scored with 14, came through for New York with a run-scoring double in the bottom of the fifth. The catcher went 2 for 4 for the game, including 1 home run and 1 double. He scored 2 runs and collected 4 runs batted in.

"I wish every win came this easy," said Wheeldon.


GAME 3 - Aces Prevail, 10-8, Over Philadelphia
Jonathan Mestas led New York to a win over Philadelphia. The final score was 10-8. Mestas collected 2 RBI, while going 3 for 4 at the plate. The center fielder also scored 2 times. The win puts New York at 13-9.

Paul MacPherson helped out the New York cause in the bottom of the sixth inning with a run-scoring walk. For the game, the first baseman went 1 for 4 with a walk.

"I'm just looking to see the ball, hit the ball," said MacPherson.


GAME 4 - Gaona Helps Philadelphia Cruise to 10-3 Win
The rain came, as predicted, but the Philadelphia Fury and New York Aces were able to complete their ballgame.

Philadelphia shortstop Jesus Gaona contributed significantly to his team's 10-3 win over the New York Aces. Gaona went 4 for 5 with 2 runs scored to lead the offensive attack for the Fury. Hiroki Ono got the win, improving to 3-2. He held the Aces to 3 runs on 3 hits over 5.2 innings, while striking out 3 and walking 5. Jose Cortez earned save number 1 this season.

A key moment came with two out in the top of the second. That's when Gaona hit a knuckle curve from Pablo Magana for a run-scoring single, putting Philadelphia up, 1-0.

"The boys were really swinging the bats today," winning manager Danny Sanchez said.

The loss puts New York at 13-10.



St. Louis Stallions (12-11) @ Cincinnati Cougars (12-11)
Cougars Win Series 3-1
Joe Rogers / Cougars seal series victory in clutch game 4 performance.

Here's the skinny: The Cincinnati Cougars and St. Louis Stallions battled in a four-game series that showcased strong pitching and key offensive moments. In Game 1, Chris Collette's stellar pitching led Cincinnati to a 4-0 victory, with Joe Rogers' 2-run single providing crucial support. St. Louis bounced back in Game 2, winning a tight 1-0 contest thanks to Jose Coronado's dominant 7.1 innings of shutout ball. Game 3 saw Cincinnati's Rick Satchell deliver a complete game, allowing just one run in a 5-1 triumph. The series concluded with a thrilling 3-2 win for Cincinnati, highlighted by Joe Rogers' two home runs, including a game-winning solo shot in the seventh inning. The Cougars improved to 12-11, while the Stallions dropped to 12-11, each team demonstrating resilience and competitive spirit throughout the series.

GAME 1 - Cougars Earn 4-0 Home Win
The Cincinnati Cougars got a stellar effort from pitcher Chris Collette, helping Cincinnati score a win over the visiting St. Louis Stallions, 4-0. The win has Cincinnati at 10-10.

Cincinnati shortstop Joe Rogers contributed a timely at-bat in the bottom of the third. With two down, he hit a sinker to right field for a 2-run single. It was his 22nd hit of the season and put the Cougars ahead, 3-0.

"Chris mixed and matched," said Cincinnati manager Chris Allison.


GAME 2 - Coronado, St. Louis Prevail in Pitchers' Duel
In a low-scoring contest between the St. Louis Stallions and the Cincinnati Cougars, Jose Coronado, who is tied for 5th in the ABC with a 2.45 ERA, proved to be the difference. The St. Louis left-hander earned props for his performance in the 1-0 Stallions win. St. Louis goes to 12-9.

Coronado allowed no runs on 1 hit over 7.1 innings for the Stallions. He walked 8 and struck out 7.

"Jose's not intimidated by who's stepping into the batter's box," said St. Louis manager Ryan Messmer.


GAME 3 - Satchell Finds Groove in 5-1 Cincinnati Triumph
The rain did not keep Cincinnati and St. Louis from finishing their game.

The Cincinnati Cougars picked up a win at Cougars Park, knocking off the St. Louis Stallions, 5-1. Starting pitcher Rick Satchell was a big reason why. The victory makes Cincinnati 11-11.

Satchell, the winner, is now 3-2. In 9 innings of work, he gave up 1 run on 4 hits, while collecting 4 Ks. He essentially shut down the St. Louis offense.

"I liked his command," said Cincinnati manager Chris Allison. "Rick was throwing strikes."


GAME 4 - Rogers Jacks Two Home Runs in 3-2 Cincinnati Win
A 3-RBI performance from Joe Rogers, who finished 5th in the ABC in doubles with 38 in 1976, helped the Cincinnati Cougars beat the St. Louis Stallions, 3-2. Cincinnati pitcher Ricardo Hernandez got the win. He's now 2-1. Dave Escobedo was tagged with the loss. Picking up his 1st save was 26-year old right-handed pitcher Gil Medina.

Rogers had a game-changing home run in the bottom of the seventh. On a first pitch sinker from Dave Escobedo, he banged a solo home run to left, giving the Cougars a 3-2 lead. It was the 4th home run of the year for Rogers.

Cincinnati manager Chris Allison called it "a good, solid win."

The loss makes St. Louis 12-11.



Nashville Blues (12-11) @ Houston Mavericks (9-14)
Blues Win Series 3-1
Blues blitz Mavs for three straight road wins to take series.

Here's the skinny: The Nashville Blues and Houston Mavericks engaged in a competitive four-game series at Houston Stadium. In Game 1, Houston's Scott Szell pitched eight strong innings, striking out eight and leading his team to a 4-3 victory, with Elijah Glenn's run-scoring double proving decisive. Nashville bounced back in Game 2 with a 4-1 win, thanks to Arthur Blin's solid pitching and Kevin Walker's 2-run single. Game 3 saw Nashville edging out Houston 5-4, with Aiden Watkins securing the win and Andres Salas' 2-run single making a crucial difference. The series concluded with a dominant 5-0 win for Nashville in Game 4, as Antonio Hernandez pitched 7.2 scoreless innings. Nashville's performance improved their record to 12-11, while Houston's struggles continued, dropping to 9-14.

GAME 1 - Blues Fall Short, 4-3, at Houston
Houston beat Nashville on the strength of starting pitcher Scott Szell's fine effort. The right-hander led his team to a win, 4-3. Szell yielded 3 runs over 8 innings to notch the win. He scattered 5 hits, walked 2, and struck out 8. His record improves to 2-1. The save went to Tony Chavarria, his 3rd this season.

Elijah Glenn hit a run-scoring double off Alex Alvarez in the bottom of the fifth, which put the Mavericks in front, 4-3. In addition to the double, Glenn had 1 single, while going 2 for 4.

Glenn called the win the result of "everyone working in tandem."

Houston goes to 9-11.


GAME 2 - Nashville Beats Houston, 4-1
Nashville Blues starter Arthur Blin pitched his team past the Houston Mavericks, 4-1. The Mavericks drop to 9-12 and continue their inconsistent start to the 1981 season.

Kevin Walker, who was drafted in the 2nd round of the 1974 draft, had a direct impact on the outcome. Walker contributed a 2-run single in the top of the sixth inning to put Nashville up, 2-1.

"I thought we played a nice game," Blin told the Nashville Gazette. "Good pitching, timely hitting, it was all there."


GAME 3 - Blues Top Mavericks to Even Record
The Nashville Blues picked up a win at Houston Stadium, topping the Houston Mavericks, 5-4. On the mound for Nashville was left-hander Aiden Watkins. He played a principal role in the triumph. Joe Berger closed the game out for Nashville, earning his 2nd save. The Mavericks drop to 9-13 and continue their inconsistent start to the 1981 season.

It could have been a different outcome for Nashville, had it not been for Andres Salas, the 27-year old right fielder . Salas contributed a 2-run single in the top of the sixth inning to put Nashville up, 4-2.

"Both teams played hard," said Nashville manager Francisco Hernandez.


GAME 4 - Blues Top Mavericks, 5-0, Behind Hernandez
Nashville left-hander Antonio Hernandez pitched his team to victory over the Houston Mavericks at Houston Stadium. The final score was 5-0. The Mavericks drop to 9-14.

Antonio Hernandez was masterful. The left-hander allowed no runs on 2 hits over 7.2 innings.

"Antonio gave us a heck of an effort," said Nashville manager Francisco Hernandez.



Seattle Comets (12-11) @ Denver Rocketeers (12-11)
Comets Win Series 3-1
Comets emerge from an epic division battle victorious with two clutch extra inning wins on the road.

Here's the skinny: The Seattle Comets and Denver Rocketeers faced off in a thrilling four-game series that saw plenty of offensive fireworks and dramatic finishes. In Game 1, Seattle's catcher Luis Otero went 4-for-4, driving in three runs to lead the Comets to an 11-7 victory. Denver bounced back in Game 2 with a 7-6 win, thanks to Bobby Scott's clutch 2-run single in the fifth inning. Game 3 was an 11-inning nail-biter where Seattle's Alex Bautista hit a game-winning double, sealing a 12-11 win for the Comets. The series concluded with another 11-inning game, where David Olguin's run-scoring single gave Seattle a 3-2 victory. The Comets improved to 12-11, while the Rocketeers' record fell to 12-11, showcasing the evenly matched nature of the series.

GAME 1 - Otero Helps Comets Defeat Rocketeers, 11-7
Luis Otero was instrumental in his team's 11-7 triumph over the Denver Rocketeers. The catcher went 4 for 4 with 2 doubles, 2 singles, and a walk, while scoring 2 and driving in 3 for the Seattle Comets. The loss has the Rocketeers at 11-9.

Seattle took control in the top of the sixth. With two out and runners on 1st and 3rd, Pedro Medina hit a run-scoring single to make it 8-7, Comets.

"Getting a lot of baserunners and getting some timely hits, it's a good combination," said Otero.


GAME 2 - Rocketeers Drop Comets, 7-6
Seattle shortstop Kevin Richardson had a good game in a losing cause. His team fell, 7-6, to Denver at Rocketeers Field. Richardson was 3-4 with a home run and 2 singles. He scored 2 times and drove in 3. Randy Calvert snagged the win in relief. The right-hander allowed 1 run on 4 hits over 3.2 innings. He's now 2-0 on the season. The loss has the Comets at 10-11.

Bobby Scott was 2-3 with 2 singles. He drove in 2 runs for Denver. The 30-year old third baseman had a key at-bat in the bottom of the fifth. With two out and runners on 2nd and 3rd, he broke a 5-5 tie with a 2-run single off Antonio Romo. It was his 18th hit of the season.

"Winning the game is always the first objective," Scott said.


GAME 3 - Comets Win Nail-Biter
Jorge Cuellar did all he could to help his team prevail. In the end, though, it wasn't enough to keep the Denver Rocketeers from losing the game, 12-11, to the Seattle Comets in 11 innings at Rocketeers Field. Cuellar was 2-2 with a home run and 2 walks. He scored 3 times and drove in 3. The defeat makes Denver 12-10.

Seattle used the clutch hitting of Alex Bautista to capture the win. The left fielder drilled a run-scoring double in the top of the 11th inning to give the Comets the lead, 12-11. For the game, Bautista had 3 singles and 2 doubles in 7 at-bats.

"Our guys refused to lose," said Bautista.


GAME 4 - Comets Deal Rocketeers 3-2 Loss
The Seattle Comets defeated the Denver Rocketeers, 3-2, in 11 innings in American Baseball Conference action at Rocketeers Field. Seattle pitcher Ricardo Sanchez had a standout performance. Seattle reliever Jesse Street picked up the win, upping his record to 2-0. Alfonso Herrera was saddled with the loss. Denver drops to 12-11.

David Olguin, who leads the ABC in stolen bases with 8, had a direct impact on the outcome. Olguin contributed a run-scoring single in the top of the 11th inning to put Seattle up, 3-2.

"At the end of the day, it's always about your starting pitcher," said Seattle skipper William Ross.



Portland Lumberjacks (6-17) @ Las Vegas Gamblers (18-5)
Gamblers Sweep Series 4-0
Gamblers run the table on the punch less 'Jacks.

Here's the skinny: The Las Vegas Gamblers dominated their series against the Portland Lumberjacks, showcasing impressive performances and extending their winning streak. In Game 1, Mike Rabel's 5-for-5 day, including a home run and three RBIs, led Las Vegas to a 10-1 victory. Game 2 saw Rogelio Cole pitch a masterful shutout, securing a 2-0 win for the Gamblers, with Derrek Sanders striking out Shigeo Oshima to end a ninth-inning rally. The Gamblers continued their momentum in Game 3, with Charles Crane's two doubles and three runs contributing to a 10-4 victory. Finally, in Game 4, despite Portland's Lance Gregg hitting two home runs, Jeff Smith's 2-run triple helped Las Vegas to a 7-4 win, extending their streak to six games. Las Vegas now boasts an 18-5 record, while Portland struggles at the bottom of the standings.

GAME 1 - 5-for-5 Day for Rabel
Mike Rabel helped Las Vegas beat the Portland Lumberjacks, 10-1. He stroked 5 hits in 5 at-bats to spark his club in the win.

Mike Rabel hit an RBI single in the 1st, hit an RBI single in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, hit an RBI double in the 6th and hit a solo-shot off Juan White in the 8th.

This year, Rabel is hitting .329 with 5 home runs.


GAME 2 - Lumberjacks Suffer 2-0 Road Loss
The Las Vegas Gamblers got a marvelous performance from pitcher Rogelio Cole. The right-hander kept the Portland offense from ever getting much traction. The result was an impressive 2-0 Las Vegas victory at Gamblers Park. The Gamblers, now 16-5, have hit the ground running this season.

The outcome was still in doubt in the top of the ninth inning. With runners on 1st and 3rd and Portland trailing 2-0, Derrek Sanders needed to get a big out. On a 2-2 cutter, Shigeo Oshima struck out, putting the kibosh on a potential rally.


GAME 3 - 5 Straight Wins for Gamblers
The 10-4 Las Vegas win over Portland was due in large part to Charles Crane. The Gamblers right fielder went 2-4 with 2 doubles and a walk, while scoring 3 times. Jaylen Taylor, who finished 4th in the ABC in ERA with 2.93 last year, was the winner. He's now 2-2. The loser was Dave Lamb. The Gamblers, now 17-5, have hit the ground running this season.

Regardless of the outcome, those who came to Gamblers Park for the American Baseball Conference contest enjoyed being there.

"It's nice to see a lot of guys make contributions," said Gamblers manager Matt Petrie.


GAME 4 - Gamblers Win Streak Reaches 6
Despite a great performance by Portland shortstop Lance Gregg, the Las Vegas Gamblers defeated the Lumberjacks by the score of 7-4 at Gamblers Park. Gregg hit 2 home runs. He drove in 3 runs and scored twice. Fernando Bennett earned the win to go to 1-0. He allowed 3 runs on 3 hits, with 3 walks and 4 strikeouts in 7 innings of work. The win gives Las Vegas a record of 18-5.

The Gamblers got a big at-bat from third baseman Jeff Smith. For the game, Smith was 1-4 with a triple, while adding 2 RBI and scoring once. In the bottom of the sixth, with runners on 1st and 3rd, he stroked a 2-run triple. His 1st triple of the season gave Las Vegas a 4-2 lead.

"I feel like we're rolling now," Smith told the Las Vegas Observer."The dugout is coming alive."


Real. Fictional. ⚾.

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