This week in Big Ell Pro Ball

Big Ell Pro Ball is heating up with the playoffs only three weeks away. This week saw the end of inter-league play as teams only play their division rivals for the end of the season. The playoff picture become clearer as some teams solidified their positions and others may have fallen out of contention altogether.

Game of the Week
Formosa Phillies- 9 Marauders- 5
The Phillies racked up their third big win in a row. The rolling Phillies moved past the Marauders into 5th place and look dangerous. Formosa used a big week on the mound with an all around effort and the leadership of Santana. The Marauders hit well with Ensberg and Ortiz leading the way but the weak pitching of Vasquez and Shields sealed their fate. The Marauders extended their losing streak to 5 weeks and need to start winning if they want to stay in the playoffs. The Marauders do have a favorable schedule for the rest of the season.

Runner-up
Seattle Raniers- 11 S.B. Spittin’ Camels- 4
The Raniers dominated the Camels effectively ending their playoff hopes. Seattle was led by a balanced attack with Griffey leading the offence and waiver wire pick up Hernandez giving the pitching staff a boost. The Camels wasted 3 CGs with some terrible performances by Hoffman, Fossum and the entire offence with the exception of Johnson. The Raniers may have picked up another rookie (Hernandez) to help them to the championship.

Blowout of the Week
Bingo Long All-Stars- 12 Newcastle Guzzlers- 3
Just when this columnist had written off the All-Stars they respond by crushing the struggling Guzzlers. The All-Stars put in a true team effort led by Cantu and Beckett. The Guzzlers were led by Burrell and not much else. The All-Stars solidified their 7th place position and have a fairly favorable schedule over the last three weeks. The final week showdown with the Braves may be the difference.

Upset of the Week
Swinging Bats- 8 EZ Money Braves-6
The Braves lose 1st place overall after the Bats pull off the upset of the week. Vlad Guerrero took matters into his own hands after the bats were shellacked by 13 runs the week before. Both teams struggled on the mound but Vlad’s line of 9 R 5 HR 13 RBI 3 SB 4 BB 2 K and .500 BA overwhelmed the Braves. Not even a big week by Rodriguez could stop This week in Big Ell Pro Ball

Cuban Crisis- 9 Yang Min Shan Yankees- 7
The Yankees failed in their attempt to solidify a playoff position. Despite a decent week by Wright the rest of the Yankee batters faltered. The yang Min Shan pitchers did well but couldn't match up with the Crisis' trio of Patterson, Towers and Duchscherer, yes these three guys beat me. The Crisis offense was led by Konerko and Hudson. If the Yankees fail to make the playoffs their four combined losses to the Crisis and Bats will be the reason.

Ying Tsai Astros- 10 Taiwan E’s- 5
The Astros regained first place with a win over the suddenly hapless E's. The defending champs enjoyed a good week from Bay and not much else. The Astros keep winning and were led by MVP candidate Lee and a big week on the mound by Burnett.