Mister Baseball

by John Baum

FLYERS HOLD ONTO FIRST PLACE BY DOMINATING EAGLES
The Reussbuehl Eagles (3-9), hurt by missing players and injuries, stood no chance against the team with the top record in Switzerland. The Flyers (10-1)won game one 15-3 behind solid pitching from Stefan Koller and three homeruns! The offense led by Chris Blackbee’s two homer game, and a solo shot from playing/coach John Alexander. The Flyers, also missing two starters, showed that along with all the talent, have the depth to win also.

Game two was a bit closer, but starting pitcher Chris Blackbee threw five shutout innings, and the offense continued to roll helping the Flyers to an easy 8-2 win.

CARDINALS SWEEP FLYERS, STRUGGLE IN GAME ONE… DEVILS NO HIT IN GAME TWO!
Game one in Bern on Saturday saw a combined three runs scored, and only twelve hits, four by the Devils (3-11). Chris Beyeler for the Cards (10-2), and Roger Salvodelli (Devils)  went toe-to-toe for six innings before Beyeler left the game with his team ahead 2-1. Chris allowed four hits and one unearned run. Salvodelli completed what he started, striking out seven Cards hitters. Severin Fries relieved Chris in the seventh, working the final three innings for the save, giving up no hits, and striking out four. Johnny Perigos continued his hitting ways, going 3-4 in the contest, while Ronnie Zimmermann chipped in with a 2-3 performance.

Game two looked to be another pitchers duel between John Baum (Cards), and Josh Crouse (Devils). The only hit or run of the first three innings coming off a solo homerun for Baum in the bottom of the first. The story remained the same the rest of the way as Baum would allow only three base runners all day, and no ball reached the outfield as he no-hit the visiting Devils. The offense, sparked by four homeruns, Baum, Perigos, Guerrero, and Fries (grand slam) all leaving the yard. The offense pounded out 13 hits, busting the game open in the fifth, where nine consecutive batters reached base in a six run inning! The wins keep the Cardinals one-half game behind the Flyers in the standings, while the losses keep the Devils in the cellar. Chris Beyeler improves on his personal win streak  moving up to 14 wins straight. The Cards, back on the winning track, have now won 33 of their last 36 games!

INDIANS AND FROGS SPLIT….
In other Swiss baseball action, the Indians (7-7), remain in 4th place, and the Frogs (4-10), move out of relegation range as they split in Sissach Sunday.

	Time	Home	Visitor	Result
Saturday, June 28 2008
	11:00	Bern Cardinals	Wil Devils	02:01
	14:00	Bern Cardinals	Wil Devils	15:00
Sunday, June 29 2008
	11:00	Reussbühl Eagles	Therwil Flyers	03:15
	11:00	Sissach Frogs	Lausanne Indians	10:15
	14:00	Reussbühl Eagles	Therwil Flyers	02:08
	14:00	Sissach Frogs	Lausanne Indians	07:00

Standings 1

Standings 2