Brett Tomko-04 and Kenny Lofton-93 Key in Illinois-Indiana-Ohio's Victory

07/23/2000 - Kenny Lofton-93's productive day at Neutral Ballpark helped Illinois-Indiana-Ohio finish on top. On the mound, Brett Tomko-04 picked up the win with help from Kenny Lofton-93's player of the game performance (5 for 5 with 1 triple, 3 home runs and 6 RBI). With the victory, Illinois-Indiana-Ohio is now 48-42.

7-23-2000 (Day Game): 2000-Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 2000_USA_IIO (48-42) vs. 2000-California-2 2000_USA_CA2 (49-44)

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
2000-Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 2000_USA_IIO	1	2	0	0	3	3	0	3	0	12	16	0
2000-California-2 2000_USA_CA2	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	2	2	6	11	1

Batting

2000-Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 2000_USA_IIO	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	IBB	SO	SB	CS	SH	SF	E	AVE
K. Lofton-93 (CF)	5	5	5	0	1	3	6	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.316
A. Huff-10 (1B)	5	2	3	0	1	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	.287
J. Thome-02 (DH)	4	1	2	0	0	1	3	1	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	.287
S. Rolen-04 (3B)	5	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.290
S. Green-01 (RF)	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	.254
C. Floyd-01 (LF)	5	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	.244
M. Lewis-96 (2B)	4	1	2	1	0	1	1	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	.239
M. Matheny-05 (C)	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	.177
C. Counsell-05 (SS)	5	3	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.223
	41	12	16	2	2	5	11	4	0	8	0	0	0	0	0	.259

3 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

2B: M. Lewis-96[9], C. Counsell-05[17]
3B: K. Lofton-93[6], A. Huff-10[3]
HR: K. Lofton-93(3)[4], J. Thome-02[20], M. Lewis-96[1]
RBI: K. Lofton-93(6)[39], A. Huff-10[41], J. Thome-02(3)[70], M. Lewis-96[6]
GIDP: S. Rolen-04[6], M. Matheny-05[3]
DP: 2
LOB: 6

2000-California-2 2000_USA_CA2	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	IBB	SO	SB	CS	SH	SF	E	AVE
M. Young-05 (SS)	5	2	3	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	.288
J. Kent-00 (DH)	4	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.320
T. Salmon-95 (RF)	3	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	.252
D. Lee-05 (1B)	4	0	1	1	0	0	1	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	.311
J. Dye-06 (CF)	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	.282
P. Nevin-01 (3B)	4	1	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.265
B. Boone-01 (2B)	4	1	1	0	0	1	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	.260
R. Klesko-02 (LF)	4	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.304
M. Lieberthal-99 (C)	4	1	2	0	0	0	2	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	.233
	35	6	11	2	0	1	6	0	0	6	0	0	0	1	1	.277

2 for 9 with runners in scoring position.

2B: M. Young-05[18], D. Lee-05[26]
HR: B. Boone-01[20]
RBI: J. Kent-00[38], T. Salmon-95[37], D. Lee-05[81], B. Boone-01[57], M. Lieberthal-99(2)[32]
SF: T. Salmon-95[3]
E: M. Young-05[13]
HBP: J. Dye-06[3]
GIDP: T. Salmon-95(2)[12]
DP: 2
LOB: 4

Pitching

2000-Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 2000_USA_IIO	IP	R	ER	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	IBB	SO	WP	HBP	ERA	Pitches Thrown	Game Score
B. Tomko-04(W 1-0)	6.0	2	2	6	1	0	1	0	0	3	1	1	2.57	101	55
D. Mlicki-99	2.1	3	3	3	1	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	5.75	30	-
L. Hawkins-04	0.2	1	1	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	5.12	16	-
	9.0	6	6	11	2	0	1	0	0	6	2	1	4.68	147	-

2000-California-2 2000_USA_CA2	IP	R	ER	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	IBB	SO	WP	HBP	ERA	Pitches Thrown	Game Score
D. May-03(L 6-11)	5.0	7	7	9	0	0	4	2	0	5	0	0	4.99	92	8
B. Scanlan-92	0.1	2	1	2	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	4.24	12	-
T. Hoffman-98	1.1	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	2.98	16	-
R. Beck-93	0.1	3	3	3	1	1	1	0	0	1	0	0	3.43	12	-
D. Reichert-00	1.0	0	0	1	0	0	0	2	0	0	1	0	6.42	25	-
J. Parque-00	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	8.17	5	-
	9.0	12	11	16	2	2	5	4	0	8	1	0	5.17	162	-

Fielding

2000-Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 2000_USA_IIO	Pos	CH	PO	A	E
L. Hawkins-04	P	1	0	1	0
D. Mlicki-99	P	0	0	0	0
B. Tomko-04	P	1	0	1	0
M. Matheny-05	C	6	6	0	0
A. Huff-10	1B	10	10	0	0
M. Lewis-96	2B	7	3	4	0
S. Rolen-04	3B	2	0	2	0
C. Counsell-05	SS	5	2	3	0
C. Floyd-01	LF	3	3	0	0
K. Lofton-93	CF	1	1	0	0
S. Green-01	RF	2	2	0	0

2000-California-2 2000_USA_CA2	Pos	CH	PO	A	E
R. Beck-93	P	0	0	0	0
T. Hoffman-98	P	0	0	0	0
D. May-03	P	1	0	1	0
J. Parque-00	P	0	0	0	0
D. Reichert-00	P	1	0	1	0
B. Scanlan-92	P	0	0	0	0
M. Lieberthal-99	C	8	8	0	0
D. Lee-05	1B	10	10	0	0
B. Boone-01	2B	2	0	2	0
P. Nevin-01	3B	1	1	0	0
M. Young-05	SS	8	2	5	1
R. Klesko-02	LF	4	4	0	0
J. Dye-06	CF	1	1	0	0
T. Salmon-95	RF	2	1	1	0

DDBB Player of the Game: K. Lofton-93
Neutral Ballpark
Lofton-93 (2000-Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 2000_USA_IIO) hits 3 home runs [4]. Lofton-93 (2000-Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 2000_USA_IIO) hits an inside the park home run [2]. Lofton-93 (2000-Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 2000_USA_IIO) drives in 6 runs [39]. Lofton-93 (2000-Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 2000_USA_IIO) scores 5 runs [58].
Away Lineup Type: Profile: LHPDH-Default
Home Lineup Type: Profile: RHPDH-Default

7-23-2000 (Day Game): 2000-Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 2000_USA_IIO (48-42) vs. 2000-California-2 2000_USA_CA2 (49-44)

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
2000-Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 2000_USA_IIO	1	2	0	0	3	3	0	3	0	12	16	0
2000-California-2 2000_USA_CA2	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	2	2	6	11	1

2000-Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 2000_USA_IIO

Player	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
1) K. Lofton-93 (CF)	HR,R(1),RBI	HR,2RBI,R(1)	-	-	1B,R(3)	3B,RBI,R(2)	-	HR,2RBI,R(1)	-
2) A. Huff-10 (1B)	GO43	SO	-	-	1B,R(3)	1B,RBI	-	3B,R(3)	-
3) J. Thome-02 (DH)	1B	-	SO	-	HR,3RBI,R(3)	SO	-	WP,BB,X(4)	-
4) S. Rolen-04 (3B)	1B	-	LO7	-	GO63	FO7	-	GO163,DP	-
5) S. Green-01 (RF)	SO	-	GO13	-	LO3	-	GOU	GO63	-
6) C. Floyd-01 (LF)	LO9	-	-	SO	FO8	-	FO7	-	1B
7) M. Lewis-96 (2B)	-	SO	-	LO3	-	HR,R(7),RBI	2B	-	BB,X(8)
8) M. Matheny-05 (C)	-	BB,X(9)	-	BB	-	SO	SO	-	GO463,DP
9) C. Counsell-05 (SS)	-	1B,R(1)	-	GO63	-	ROE6,R(1)	-	2B,R(1)	LO7

2000-California-2 2000_USA_CA2

Player	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
1) M. Young-05 (SS)	1B,R(4)	-	1B,X(2)	-	GO13	-	-	2B,R(3)	WP,GO13
2) J. Kent-00 (DH)	1B,X(3)	-	FC64,X(3)	-	-	LO7	-	RBI,GO43	-
3) T. Salmon-95 (RF)	GO543,DP	-	GO643,DP	-	-	GOU	-	SF,RBI	-
4) D. Lee-05 (1B)	2B,RBI	-	-	SO	-	GO63	-	SO	-
5) J. Dye-06 (CF)	WP,LO6	-	-	SO	-	-	HBP	-	SO
6) P. Nevin-01 (3B)	-	1B	-	FO8	-	-	PU6	-	1B,R(9)
7) B. Boone-01 (2B)	-	GO53	-	-	HR,R(7),RBI	-	GOU	-	SO
8) R. Klesko-02 (LF)	-	GO43	-	-	FO9	-	FO7	-	1B,R(9)
9) M. Lieberthal-99 (C)	-	SO	-	-	FO9	-	-	1B,R(2)	1B,2RBI

SCORING PLAYS

Top of the 1st
A great day for a scheduled game between
Illinois-Indiana-Ohio (47-42) and California-2 (49-43).
The starting pitcher for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio is Brett Tomko-04 (0-0, 0.00).
The starting pitcher for California-2 is Darrell May-03 (6-10, 4.68).


*** Top of the 1st ***


Lofton-93 steps in. 
  He entered the game with a 7 game hitting streak.
  nobody out here in the Top of the 1st.
  Here's the pitch ...

  A high fly ball down the left field line ...
  if it's fair it's trouble ...
  and it lands just inside the foul pole ...
  Home Run for Lofton-93!
  Lofton-93 extends his hitting streak to 8 games.

  And that breaks the tie, Illinois-Indiana-Ohio now leads 1 - 0.



Bottom of the 1st
Now Lee-05 digs in. 
  He entered the game batting .311 with 23 HR and 80 RBI.
  two down.
  Young-05 edging away from the bag at third. 
  Tomko-04 has the sign ...
  he rocks back, and here it comes ...

  Hit in the air to center field ...
  going back is Lofton-93 ...
  way back ...
  and it's off the wall ...
  Lee-05 cruises toward second for a double.
  Here comes Young-05.

  And Lee-05 comes up with the big hit for California-2, it's all tied up now at 1.



Top of the 2nd
Here's Lofton-93. 
  So far today he is 1 for 1 with 1 HR and 1 RBI.
  two gone.
  Counsell-05 stretching his lead at first.
  Quick turn and throw to first ...
  Safe!



Lofton-93 checks in. 
  So far today he is 1 for 1 with 1 HR and 1 RBI.
  two down.
  Counsell-05 leads off first.
  May-03 glances over at first ...
  May-03 winds and deals ...

  Swung on ...
  deep fly ball to center field...
  the ball bounces off the base of the wall and away from Dye-06...
  Lofton-93 turns on the speed, rounds third, and is heading home...
  the throw is wide and Lofton-93 is safe!
  wow, an inside the park home run!
  Counsell-05 scores.
  and Lofton-93 has 2 home runs today.

  And Lofton-93 delivers in the clutch for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio, they lead it now 3 - 1.



Top of the 5th
So here's Thome-02. 
  So far today he is 1 for 2.
  nobody down.
  May-03 in a bit of a jam here, with Lofton-93 at second. Huff-10 is parked on first.
  The pitch is on the way ...

  Swung on ...
  Hit in the air to center field ...
  going back is Dye-06 ...
  way back ...
  to the wall ...
  and that one's outta here! Home Run for Thome-02!
  Lofton-93 scores.
  Huff-10 scores.



Bottom of the 5th
Hitting next is Boone-01. 
  So far today he is 0 for 1.
  nobody down.
  Tomko-04 at the belt, now comes to the plate ...

  And there's a high fly ball to deep left field ...
  Floyd-01 is there and measuring for the wall ...
  but he runs out of room! Home Run for Boone-01!



Top of the 6th
That will bring up Lewis-96. 
  So far today he is 0 for 2.
  nobody out here in the Top of the 6th.
  May-03 ready and deals ...

  In the air to right near the foul line ...
  racing over is Salmon-95 ...
  but he gets there just in time to watch it land in the seats ...
  Home Run for Lewis-96!



Now Lofton-93 strolls to the plate. 
  So far today he is 3 for 3 with 2 HR and 3 RBI.
  one out.
  Counsell-05 leads off first.
  Scanlan-92 a long look at Counsell-05 ...
  Scanlan-92 rears back and fires ...

  And that ball is absolutely hammered to center field ...
  no chance for Dye-06 ...
  he'll have to play it off the wall ...
  and now the carom gets past him ...
  and that sends Lofton-93 towards third for a triple!
  Scoring from first is Counsell-05.



Now Huff-10 strolls to the plate. 
  He entered the game batting .282 with 8 HR and 40 RBI.
  one down here in the Top of the 6th.
  Lofton-93 is parked on third. 
  Scanlan-92 delivers ...

  Swung on ...
  and that's lined sharply towards center field ...
  over the infield and dropping in front of Dye-06 for a base hit ...
  a clean single for Huff-10.
  Here comes Lofton-93.



Top of the 8th
Lofton-93 will be the hitter. 
  So far today he is 4 for 4 with 2 HR and 4 RBI.
  nobody gone.
  Counsell-05 is on at second. 
  Beck-93 rocks and fires ...

  High fly ball towards the right field power alley ...
  and carrying well ...
  back goes Salmon-95 ...
  way back ...
  and that one's outta here! Home Run for Lofton-93!
  That drives in Counsell-05.
  and that's 3 home runs for Lofton-93 today.



And they'll make a change here ...
Out of the bullpen comes Reichert-00.


Thome-02 will be the batter. 
  He entered the game batting .284 with 19 HR and 67 RBI.
  nobody down here in the Top of the 8th.
  Huff-10 creeping down the line at third. 
  Now the pitch to Thome-02 ...

  Look out, that pitch is way too high and it gets away from Lieberthal-99 ...
  wild pitch!
  Here comes Huff-10.


Hitting next is Thome-02. 
  He has plated some runs today.
  So far today he is 2 for 4 with 1 HR and 3 RBI.
  nobody out.
  Reichert-00 turns, sets, and delivers ...

  Just missed outside, and that's ball four.



Bottom of the 8th
Up to bat is Kent-00... 
and the defense digs-in for the hard hitting slugger. 
  He entered the game batting .321 with 10 HR and 37 RBI.
  nobody gone.
  Lieberthal-99 creeping down the line at third. Young-05 perched out at second. 
  Here comes the pitch ...

  Little dribbler to second base ...
  easy play for Lewis-96 ...
  and he guns it to Huff-10 to take care of Kent-00.
  Here comes Lieberthal-99.
  Taking third is Young-05.



Salmon-95 stands in to take his turn. 
  He entered the game batting .255 with 12 HR and 36 RBI.
  one gone.
  Young-05 inches away from third. 
  Mlicki-99 sets and delivers ...

  And a high fly ball to deep left field ...
  drifting over is Floyd-01 ...
  and he makes the catch for the out.

  Tagging from third is Young-05 ...
  and he scores easily.



Bottom of the 9th
And play stops for a moment as Lieberthal-99 goes back to the dugout to get a new bat ...
Now he returns and steps into the box.
  two down.
  Nevin-01 measures his lead at third. Klesko-02 leads off second. 
  And Lieberthal-99 tired of waiting and steps out of the box ...
  he steps back in now ...
  and Hawkins-04 delivers ...

  And there's a shot up the middle ...
  off the bag and into center field ...
  that'll slow it down perfectly for Lofton-93 ...
  and Lieberthal-99 is going to have to settle for a single.

  Klesko-02 is trying for extra bases ...
  Here comes Nevin-01.
  Here comes Klesko-02 to score.

PLAY BY PLAY

A great day for a scheduled game between
Illinois-Indiana-Ohio (47-42) and California-2 (49-43).
The starting pitcher for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio is Brett Tomko-04 (0-0, 0.00).
The starting pitcher for California-2 is Darrell May-03 (6-10, 4.68).


*** Top of the 1st ***


Lofton-93 steps in. 
  He entered the game with a 7 game hitting streak.
  nobody out here in the Top of the 1st.
  Here's the pitch ...

  A high fly ball down the left field line ...
  if it's fair it's trouble ...
  and it lands just inside the foul pole ...
  Home Run for Lofton-93!
  Lofton-93 extends his hitting streak to 8 games.

  And that breaks the tie, Illinois-Indiana-Ohio now leads 1 - 0.


Huff-10 checks in. 
  nobody down here in the Top of the 1st.
  Now the pitch to Huff-10 ...

  Grounder to Boone-01 at second base ...
  It takes a bad hop, but he stays with it ...
  And throws Lee-05 at first for the out.


The umpire brushes off the plate ...
as Thome-02 gets set to hit.
  one down here in the Top of the 1st.
  May-03 turns, sets, and delivers ...

  And there's a soft liner into left field for a base hit ...
  coming up to get it is Klesko-02 ... 
  a single for Thome-02.


Now at the plate, Rolen-04. 
  one down.
  Thome-02 stretching his lead at first.
  Snap throw to first ...
  But Thome-02 gets back.



Settling into the box is the extra base machine Rolen-04. 
  He entered the game batting .292 with 13 HR and 54 RBI.
  one down.
  Thome-02 is edging off the bag at first.
  May-03 checks Thome-02 to keep him close to the bag ...
  Rolen-04 waits ... 
  May-03 plants his foot on the rubber, and deals ...

  Lined to right field for a base hit ...
  and that ball was hit right at Salmon-95 ...
  so it's just a long single for Rolen-04.

  A wide turn ...
  But Illinois-Indiana-Ohio will hold the runners here with one out ...
  On to second goes Thome-02.


That will bring up Green-01. 
  He entered the game batting .258 with 22 HR and 75 RBI.
  one down here in the Top of the 1st.
  Thome-02 is on at second. Rolen-04 is parked on first.
  May-03 turns, sets, and delivers ...

  Strike three called ...
  On a well-located curve.


Floyd-01 is the hitter. 
  two down.
  Thome-02 is on at second. Rolen-04 takes his lead from first.
  The windup and the pitch from May-03 ...
  there go the runners ...

  And that's a bullet hit towards right field ...
  but Salmon-95 is right there to take care of it ...
  and Floyd-01 is out.


  That'll do it for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio in the Top of the 1st.
  But they get 1 run in the inning...
  and have now jumped out on top 1 - 0.

*** Bottom of the 1st ***
*** Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 1 - California-2 0 ***
*** Due up for California-2: Young-05, Kent-00, and Salmon-95 ***


And that brings up Young-05, who can really swing the bat. 
  nobody gone here in the Bottom of the 1st.
  Tomko-04 rears back and fires ...

  And there's a shot up the middle ...
  off the bag and into center field ...
  that'll slow it down perfectly for Lofton-93 ...
  and Young-05 is going to have to settle for a single.


Getting set to hit is Kent-00. 
  He brings a 10 game hitting streak with him to the plate.
  nobody gone.
  Young-05 is edging off the bag at first.
  Huff-10 holding Young-05 to the bag.
  Tomko-04 cranks it up and deals ...

  Swung on ...
  banged into center field for a base hit ...
  coming up to cut it off is Lofton-93 ...
  solid single for Kent-00.
  Kent-00 extends his hitting streak to 11 games.

  Not enough speed out there to chance it ...
  so the runners will not try for an extra base ...
  Young-05 takes second.


Salmon-95 is the hitter. 
  nobody gone here in the Bottom of the 1st.
  Young-05 is on at second. Kent-00 stretching his lead at first.
  Throw to second ...
  Safe! Young-05 got a little careless with his lead, but gets back.



Up next is Salmon-95, who is never a comforting sight for the opposing pitcher. 
  He entered the game batting .255 with 12 HR and 36 RBI.
  nobody out.
  Young-05 is on at second. Kent-00 takes his lead from first.
  Tomko-04 is looking in...
  now the pitch ...

  Grounded to third base ... 
  taken there by Rolen-04 ... 
  and he goes to Lewis-96 for the force ...
  and down to first ...
  in time ... double play!
  Down to third goes Young-05.


Now Lee-05 digs in. 
  He entered the game batting .311 with 23 HR and 80 RBI.
  two down.
  Young-05 edging away from the bag at third. 
  Tomko-04 has the sign ...
  he rocks back, and here it comes ...

  Hit in the air to center field ...
  going back is Lofton-93 ...
  way back ...
  and it's off the wall ...
  Lee-05 cruises toward second for a double.
  Here comes Young-05.

  And Lee-05 comes up with the big hit for California-2, it's all tied up now at 1.


That will bring up Dye-06. 
  He entered the game batting .284 with 19 HR and 68 RBI.
  two down.
  Lee-05 takes his lead from second. 
  The pitch is on the way ...

  Look out, that pitch is way too high and it gets away from Matheny-05 ...
  wild pitch!
  Lee-05 heads to third.


Dye-06 is coming up next. 
  He entered the game batting .284 with 19 HR and 68 RBI.
  two out.
  Lee-05 is parked on third. 
  Tomko-04 toes the rubber ...
  now winds, and delivers ...

  Swung on ...
  lined hard to shortstop ...
  but right there to handle it is Counsell-05 ...
  and he makes the catch for the out.


  That'll do it for California-2 in the Bottom of the 1st.
  But they get 1 run in the inning...
  and after 1, we're tied at 1.

*** Top of the 2nd ***
*** Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 1 - California-2 1 ***
*** Due up for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio: Lewis-96, Matheny-05, and Counsell-05 ***


Coming up next, Lewis-96. 
  He entered the game batting .222 with 5 RBI.
  nobody down.
  May-03 turns, sets, and delivers ...

  Swung on and missed ...
  May-03 put some oomph behind that fastball.


So here's Matheny-05. 
  one gone here in the Top of the 2nd.
  May-03 winds and deals ...

  Ball four ... and Matheny-05 works out a walk.


Counsell-05 is coming up next. 
  one down here in the Top of the 2nd.
  Matheny-05 stretching his lead at first.
  Throw to first ...
  Safe!  Matheny-05 just did get back in time.



Counsell-05 steps up next. 
  He entered the game batting .220 with 2 HR and 25 RBI.
  one out.
  Matheny-05 is parked on first.
  Big hole on the right side with Lee-05 holding the runner.
  May-03 looks down and gets a sign from Lieberthal-99 ... 
  the pitch ...

  Fastball ...
  and that's plunked into right field for a base hit ...
  coming up to get it is Salmon-95 ... 
  a single for Counsell-05.

  They're waving Matheny-05 around ...
  but Salmon-95 might have a play ...
  strong throw to Nevin-01 ...
  to nail him ... nice play!


Here's Lofton-93. 
  So far today he is 1 for 1 with 1 HR and 1 RBI.
  two gone.
  Counsell-05 stretching his lead at first.
  Quick turn and throw to first ...
  Safe!



Lofton-93 checks in. 
  So far today he is 1 for 1 with 1 HR and 1 RBI.
  two down.
  Counsell-05 leads off first.
  May-03 glances over at first ...
  May-03 winds and deals ...

  Swung on ...
  deep fly ball to center field...
  the ball bounces off the base of the wall and away from Dye-06...
  Lofton-93 turns on the speed, rounds third, and is heading home...
  the throw is wide and Lofton-93 is safe!
  wow, an inside the park home run!
  Counsell-05 scores.
  and Lofton-93 has 2 home runs today.

  And Lofton-93 delivers in the clutch for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio, they lead it now 3 - 1.


Huff-10 stands in to take his turn. 
  He entered the game batting .282 with 8 HR and 40 RBI.
  two down.
  May-03 ready, here he comes ...

  Struck him out ...
  May-03 threw him the big breaking curve ...
  And Huff-10 swung right through it.


  That'll do it for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio in the Top of the 2nd.
  But they get 2 runs in the inning...
  and have now jumped out on top 3 - 1.

*** Bottom of the 2nd ***
*** Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 3 - California-2 1 ***
*** Due up for California-2: Nevin-01, Boone-01, and Klesko-02 ***


Nevin-01 stands in. 
  nobody out.
  The pitch is on the way ...

  And that's a bullet hit towards shortstop ...
  and Counsell-05 can't quite come up with it ...
  as it sails past him and into left field for a base hit ...
  Floyd-01 cuts it off ...
  a single for Nevin-01.


Boone-01 steps in and repositions his helmet ...
Now he's ready.
  nobody down.
  Nevin-01 is parked on first.
  Tomko-04 a long look at Nevin-01 ...
  Tomko-04 ready and deals ...

  Slow roller to third base ...
  taken there by Rolen-04 ... 
  and he fires to Huff-10 to get him.
  Nevin-01 scoots to second.


Up to bat is the menacing Klesko-02. 
  He entered the game batting .305 with 14 HR and 37 RBI.
  one gone here in the Bottom of the 2nd.
  Tomko-04 in a bit of a jam here, with Nevin-01 at second. 
  Tomko-04 is looking in...
  now the pitch ...

  Hit on the ground to second base ...
  Lewis-96 gathers it ...
  And sends it to Huff-10 for the out.
  Nevin-01 moves to third base.


Now at the plate, Lieberthal-99. 
  two away.
  Nevin-01 is parked on third. 
  Tomko-04 rears back and fires ...

  Swung on ...
  And missed ... Lieberthal-99 goes down swinging.


  No runs, 1 hit, and 1 man left on base for California-2...
  And after 2 it's Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 3 - California-2 1.

*** Top of the 3rd ***
*** Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 3 - California-2 1 ***
*** Due up for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio: Thome-02, Rolen-04, and Green-01 ***


Now Thome-02 strolls to the plate. 
  He entered the game batting .284 with 19 HR and 67 RBI.
  nobody down.
  May-03 delivers ...

  Struck him out swinging at a fastball.


Rolen-04 steps up next. 
  So far today he is 1 for 1.
  one down.
  May-03 shakes off a few signs...
  he is ready now...
  the pitch...

  Stroked to left ...
  But this one has a little air under it ...
  And Klesko-02 makes the catch.


Green-01 stands in. 
  He entered the game batting .258 with 22 HR and 75 RBI.
  two out.
  May-03 has the sign ...
  he rocks back, and here it comes ...

  Green-01 grounds this one hard up the middle ... 
  knocked down by May-03 ... 
  he recovers ...
  and throws to Lee-05 to get him.


  No runs, no hits, and nobody left on base for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio...
  We've played 2 and a half, and the score is Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 3 - California-2 1.

*** Bottom of the 3rd ***
*** Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 3 - California-2 1 ***
*** Due up for California-2: Young-05, Kent-00, and Salmon-95 ***


So here's Young-05. 
  He entered the game batting .284 with 7 HR and 39 RBI.
  nobody down.
  Tomko-04 cranks it up and deals ...

  Swung on ...
  soft line drive to the right side ...
  just over the infield ...
  and into right field for a base hit ...
  cut off there by Green-01 ...
  single for Young-05.


Standing in with a quick and powerful bat is Kent-00. 
  He entered the game batting .321 with 10 HR and 37 RBI.
  nobody out here in the Bottom of the 3rd.
  Young-05 takes his lead from first.
  Big hole on the right side with Huff-10 holding the runner.
  Tomko-04 cranks and fires ...

  Grounded to shortstop ... 
  almost exactly where Counsell-05 was playing ...
  he flips it to Lewis-96 for the force ...
  but that's all ...
  no chance to get Kent-00, who reaches on the fielder's choice.


Batting next for California-2, Salmon-95. 
  So far today he is 0 for 1.
  one gone.
  Kent-00 is edging off the bag at first.
  Kent-00 held on by Huff-10.
  Tomko-04 has the sign ...
  he winds and fires ...

  Salmon-95 hits it on the ground to shortstop ...
  taken there by Counsell-05 ... 
  he fires to Lewis-96 for the force ...
  and on to first ...
  in time ... double play!


  No runs, 1 hit, and nobody left on base for California-2...
  And after 3 it's Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 3 - California-2 1.

*** Top of the 4th ***
*** Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 3 - California-2 1 ***
*** Due up for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio: Floyd-01, Lewis-96, and Matheny-05 ***


Coming up to the plate is Floyd-01. 
  Timely hitting for him this year.
  He entered the game batting .245 with 10 HR and 56 RBI.
  nobody gone here in the Top of the 4th.
  May-03 comes set to the letters...
  the pitch...

  A swing and a miss ...
  That nasty curve got him!


And the hitter is Lewis-96. 
  He entered the game batting .222 with 5 RBI.
  one down.
  Now the pitch to Lewis-96 ...

  Swung on ...
  and that's a bullet hit towards first base ...
  but Lee-05 is right there to take care of it ...
  and Lewis-96 is out.


Batting next is Matheny-05. 
  two away.
  May-03 steps in and is ready to toss pitch number 62 ...

  And Matheny-05 takes outside ... ball four.


Hitting next is Counsell-05. 
  So far today he is 1 for 1.
  two down here in the Top of the 4th.
  Matheny-05 stretching his lead at first.
  Lee-05 holding Matheny-05 to the bag.
  May-03 rocks and fires ...

  High chopper off the plate ...
  Toward Young-05 ...
  He snags it and fires to Lee-05 for the out.


  No runs, no hits, and 1 man left on base for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio...
  And after 3 and a half it's Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 3 - California-2 1.

*** Bottom of the 4th ***
*** Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 3 - California-2 1 ***
*** Due up for California-2: Lee-05, Dye-06, and Nevin-01 ***


Lee-05 will be the hitter. 
  So far today he is 1 for 1 with 1 RBI.
  nobody gone.
  Tomko-04 cranks and fires ...

  Strike three called ...
  Tomko-04 fans Lee-05.


Dye-06 is the hitter. 
  He entered the game batting .284 with 19 HR and 68 RBI.
  one gone here in the Bottom of the 4th.
  Tomko-04 toes the rubber ...
  now winds, and delivers ...

  A swing and a miss ...
  Tomko-04 gets him.


Getting set to hit is Nevin-01. 
  So far today he is 1 for 1.
  two gone.
  Nevin-01 waiting ... 
  now Tomko-04 delivers ...

  There's a high fly ball to center field ...
  Lofton-93 should get there ...
  and he does, to take care of Nevin-01.


  No runs, no hits, and nobody left on base for California-2...
  And after 4 it's Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 3 - California-2 1.

*** Top of the 5th ***
*** Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 3 - California-2 1 ***
*** Due up for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio: Lofton-93, Huff-10, and Thome-02 ***


Lofton-93 moves into the box now. 
  He entered the game batting .305 with 1 HR and 33 RBI.
  nobody out.
  Now the pitch to Lofton-93 ...

  Swung on ...
  and that's a bullet hit towards first base ...
  too hot to handle and that's going to whiz right on by ...
  and into right field for a base hit ...
  Salmon-95 is on it quickly ...
  a single for Lofton-93.


So here's Huff-10. 
  So far today he is 0 for 2.
  nobody down.
  Lofton-93 leads off first.
  May-03 checks Lofton-93 to keep him close to the bag ...
  The pitch ...

  And that's a base hit into center field ...
  Dye-06 picks it up quickly to hold Huff-10 to a single.

  Dye-06 comes up ready to throw ...
  And that'll be enough to stop the runners ...
  Lofton-93 stops at second.


So here's Thome-02. 
  So far today he is 1 for 2.
  nobody down.
  May-03 in a bit of a jam here, with Lofton-93 at second. Huff-10 is parked on first.
  The pitch is on the way ...

  Swung on ...
  Hit in the air to center field ...
  going back is Dye-06 ...
  way back ...
  to the wall ...
  and that one's outta here! Home Run for Thome-02!
  Lofton-93 scores.
  Huff-10 scores.


Rolen-04 stands in. 
  So far today he is 1 for 2.
  nobody out.
  Now the pitch to Rolen-04 ...

  Hit toward shortstop ...
  Young-05 fields it ...
  And fires to first for the out.


Green-01 is the hitter. 
  So far today he is 0 for 2.
  one down.
  The pitch is on the way ...

  And that's a bullet hit towards first base ...
  but Lee-05 is right there to take care of it ...
  and Green-01 is out.


Getting set to hit is Floyd-01. 
  So far today he is 0 for 2.
  two down.
  The windup and the pitch from May-03 ...

  Swung on ...
  And that's hit deep to the gap in right center ...
  Dye-06 on the dead run ...
  he reaches up ...
  and picks it off to take away an extra base hit!


  3 runs, 3 hits, and nobody left on base for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio...
  4 and a half in the books, and it's Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 6 - California-2 1.

*** Bottom of the 5th ***
*** Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 6 - California-2 1 ***
*** Due up for California-2: Boone-01, Klesko-02, and Lieberthal-99 ***


Hitting next is Boone-01. 
  So far today he is 0 for 1.
  nobody down.
  Tomko-04 at the belt, now comes to the plate ...

  And there's a high fly ball to deep left field ...
  Floyd-01 is there and measuring for the wall ...
  but he runs out of room! Home Run for Boone-01!


Batting next for California-2, Klesko-02. 
  So far today he is 0 for 1.
  nobody down here in the Bottom of the 5th.
  The pitch is on the way ...

  Towering fly ball to right ...
  Waiting for it to come down is Green-01 ...
  He pounds his glove ...
  And now he's got it.


Lieberthal-99 brings his perfect swing into the box. 
  He entered the game batting .229 with 7 HR and 30 RBI.
  one out.
  Tomko-04 ready, here he comes ...

  Fly ball ...
  Floating out to Green-01 in right ...
  And he grabs it there for the out.


Young-05 is coming up next. 
  So far today he is 2 for 2.
  two away.
  Tomko-04 delivers ...

  Grounded hard right back to the mound ... 
  up with it there is Tomko-04 ... 
  lots of time ... 
  and he throws out Young-05 easily.


  1 run, 1 hit, and nobody left on base for California-2...
  And after 5 it's Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 6 - California-2 2.

*** Top of the 6th ***
*** Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 6 - California-2 2 ***
*** Due up for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio: Lewis-96, Matheny-05, and Counsell-05 ***


That will bring up Lewis-96. 
  So far today he is 0 for 2.
  nobody out here in the Top of the 6th.
  May-03 ready and deals ...

  In the air to right near the foul line ...
  racing over is Salmon-95 ...
  but he gets there just in time to watch it land in the seats ...
  Home Run for Lewis-96!

And they'll make a change here ...
Out of the bullpen comes Scanlan-92.


Coming up next, Matheny-05. 
  nobody out.
  Scanlan-92 ready and deals ...

  Strike three called ...
  Matheny-05 goes down looking at a slider.


Settling into the box is Counsell-05. 
  He entered the game batting .220 with 2 HR and 25 RBI.
  one out.
  Scanlan-92 cranks and fires ...

  Counsell-05 hits it slowly on the ground towards shortstop ...
  up with it there is Young-05 ... 
  but he bobbles it and will have no play ... 
  charge the error to Young-05 ...
  as Counsell-05 reaches.


Now Lofton-93 strolls to the plate. 
  So far today he is 3 for 3 with 2 HR and 3 RBI.
  one out.
  Counsell-05 leads off first.
  Scanlan-92 a long look at Counsell-05 ...
  Scanlan-92 rears back and fires ...

  And that ball is absolutely hammered to center field ...
  no chance for Dye-06 ...
  he'll have to play it off the wall ...
  and now the carom gets past him ...
  and that sends Lofton-93 towards third for a triple!
  Scoring from first is Counsell-05.


Now Huff-10 strolls to the plate. 
  He entered the game batting .282 with 8 HR and 40 RBI.
  one down here in the Top of the 6th.
  Lofton-93 is parked on third. 
  Scanlan-92 delivers ...

  Swung on ...
  and that's lined sharply towards center field ...
  over the infield and dropping in front of Dye-06 for a base hit ...
  a clean single for Huff-10.
  Here comes Lofton-93.

And they'll make a change here ...
Out of the bullpen comes Hoffman-98.


So here's Thome-02. 
  So far today he is 2 for 3 with 1 HR and 3 RBI.
  one out.
  Huff-10 is parked on first.
  Hoffman-98 glances over at first ...
  Hoffman-98 ready and deals ...

  A swing and a miss ...
  That nasty curve got him!


Rolen-04 ready to face off against Hoffman-98 ...
staring him down.
  two out.
  Huff-10 takes his lead from first.
  Hoffman-98 glances over at first ...
  Hoffman-98 ready, here he comes ...

  And that's hit in the air to left field ...
  Klesko-02 starts in ...
  but is now going back ...
  and he makes the catch.


  3 runs, 3 hits, and 1 man left on base for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio...
  5 and a half in the books, and it's Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 9 - California-2 2.

*** Bottom of the 6th ***
*** Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 9 - California-2 2 ***
*** Due up for California-2: Kent-00, Salmon-95, and Lee-05 ***


Standing in with a quick and powerful bat is Kent-00. 
  He entered the game batting .321 with 10 HR and 37 RBI.
  nobody gone.
  The pitch is on the way ...

  A liner to left ...
  But Floyd-01 is right there ...
  To pull it in.


Salmon-95 moves into the box now. 
  He entered the game batting .255 with 12 HR and 36 RBI.
  one down here in the Bottom of the 6th.
  Salmon-95 waits ... 
  Tomko-04 plants his foot on the rubber, and deals ...

  Hit hard on the ground to first base ...
  Huff-10 is up with it and hustles to the bag for the out.


Lee-05 steps in and calls for time ...
Now he's ready.
  two down.
  And here comes the pitch ...

  The bat shatters ...
  A piece of bat AND the ball spray toward Counsell-05 at shortstop ...
  He barehands the ball ...
  And throws Lee-05 out at first.


  No runs, no hits, and nobody left on base for California-2...
  And after 6 it's Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 9 - California-2 2.

*** Top of the 7th ***
*** Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 9 - California-2 2 ***
*** Due up for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio: Green-01, Floyd-01, and Lewis-96 ***


Green-01 is the hitter. 
  He entered the game batting .258 with 22 HR and 75 RBI.
  nobody down.
  Hoffman-98 rocks and fires ...

  Hit hard on the ground to first base ...
  Lee-05 is up with it and hustles to the bag for the out.


Floyd-01 stands in and cocks his bat ...
Hoffman-98 looks in.
  one gone here in the Top of the 7th.
  Hoffman-98 winds and deals ...

  And a high fly ball to left field ...
  Klesko-02 is there ...
  and he makes the catch for the out.


Lewis-96 is coming up next. 
  So far today he is 1 for 3 with 1 HR and 1 RBI.
  two away here in the Top of the 7th.
  Hoffman-98 looks down and gets a sign from Lieberthal-99 ... 
  the pitch ...

  Offspeed ...
  and that's hit in the air to center field ...
  Dye-06 starts in ...
  but is now going back ...
  and it's over his head! ...
  that is going to be a double for Lewis-96.

And they're going to the bullpen ...
It looks like it'll be Beck-93 coming on in relief.


And that brings up the right-hander Matheny-05. 
  So far today he is 0 for 1.
  two out.
  Beck-93 in a bit of a jam here, with Lewis-96 at second. 
  Beck-93 is looking in...
  now the pitch ...

  Strike three called ...
  Beck-93 fooled him with an off-speed pitch.


  No runs, 1 hit, and 1 man left on base for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio...
  And after 6 and a half it's Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 9 - California-2 2.

*** Bottom of the 7th ***
*** Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 9 - California-2 2 ***
*** Due up for California-2: Dye-06, Nevin-01, and Boone-01 ***

Stand up... it's time for the 7th inning stretch.


Up to bat is Dye-06, who is always a threat at the plate. 
  He entered the game batting .284 with 19 HR and 68 RBI.
  nobody down.
  Tomko-04 cranks and fires ...

  And Tomko-04 nails Dye-06 with an offspeed pitch ...
  Dye-06 reaches down and retrieves the ball ...
  And then underhands it back to the mound ...
  Before taking his base.

And they'll make a change here ...
Out of the bullpen comes Mlicki-99.


Up to bat is Nevin-01, who knows a thing or two about the long ball. 
  He entered the game batting .261 with 20 HR and 55 RBI.
  nobody out here in the Bottom of the 7th.
  Dye-06 takes his lead from first.
  And Huff-10 not holding Dye-06 on.
  And Mlicki-99 steps off the mound for a moment...
  he is ready now...
  the pitch...

  Popped him up ...
  Way up there, behind the pitcher's mound ... who wants it? ...
  and now Counsell-05 calling for it ...
  and puts it away for the out.


Now batting, Boone-01. 
  He entered the game batting .260 with 19 HR and 56 RBI.
  one gone here in the Bottom of the 7th.
  Dye-06 takes his lead from first.
  Huff-10 off the bag at first, trying to cut down the hole on the right side.
  The pitch is on the way ...

  Cued to first base ...
  Huff-10 grabs it and hustles to the bag ahead of Boone-01 for the out.
  Dye-06 moves to second base.


Coming up next, Klesko-02. 
  He entered the game batting .305 with 14 HR and 37 RBI.
  two gone.
  Dye-06 is on at second. 
  The pitch is on the way ...

  Routine fly ball to straightaway left ...
  Floyd-01 is there ...
  And hauls it in.


  No runs, no hits, and 1 man left on base for California-2...
  We've played 7, and the score is Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 9 - California-2 2.

*** Top of the 8th ***
*** Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 9 - California-2 2 ***
*** Due up for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio: Counsell-05, Lofton-93, and Huff-10 ***


The left-handed Counsell-05 adjusting his gloves for a moment ...
Now he's ready.
  nobody gone here in the Top of the 8th.
  Beck-93 cranks and fires ...

  Hard ground ball down the third base line ...
  over the bag at third and headed to the left field corner ...
  Klesko-02 coming over ...
  but that'll go to the wall ...
  that is going to be a double for Counsell-05.


Lofton-93 will be the hitter. 
  So far today he is 4 for 4 with 2 HR and 4 RBI.
  nobody gone.
  Counsell-05 is on at second. 
  Beck-93 rocks and fires ...

  High fly ball towards the right field power alley ...
  and carrying well ...
  back goes Salmon-95 ...
  way back ...
  and that one's outta here! Home Run for Lofton-93!
  That drives in Counsell-05.
  and that's 3 home runs for Lofton-93 today.


Coming up next, Huff-10. 
  He entered the game batting .282 with 8 HR and 40 RBI.
  nobody down.
  Beck-93 cranks and fires ...

  And that ball is absolutely hammered to left field ...
  no chance for Klesko-02 ...
  he'll have to play it off the wall ...
  and now it takes a crazy hop and gets away! ...
  That is going to be a triple for Huff-10!

And they'll make a change here ...
Out of the bullpen comes Reichert-00.


Thome-02 will be the batter. 
  He entered the game batting .284 with 19 HR and 67 RBI.
  nobody down here in the Top of the 8th.
  Huff-10 creeping down the line at third. 
  Now the pitch to Thome-02 ...

  Look out, that pitch is way too high and it gets away from Lieberthal-99 ...
  wild pitch!
  Here comes Huff-10.


Hitting next is Thome-02. 
  He has plated some runs today.
  So far today he is 2 for 4 with 1 HR and 3 RBI.
  nobody out.
  Reichert-00 turns, sets, and delivers ...

  Just missed outside, and that's ball four.


Rolen-04 is next. 
  He entered the game batting .292 with 13 HR and 54 RBI.
  nobody down here in the Top of the 8th.
  Thome-02 takes his lead from first.
  Reichert-00 glances over at first ...
  Reichert-00 ready, here he comes ...

  Grounded to Reichert-00 who turns and fires to short ... 
  Young-05 taps the bag and throws to first ...
  in time ... double play!


Now batting, Green-01. 
  So far today he is 0 for 4.
  two out.
  Reichert-00 sets his hands at the belt ...
  now looks in to get a sign from Lieberthal-99 ...
  the pitch ...

  Green-01 hits it slowly on the ground towards shortstop ...
  up with it is Young-05 ... 
  he'll have to hurry ...
  and he just does get Green-01 by a step!


  3 runs, 3 hits, and nobody left on base for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio...
  And after 7 and a half it's Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 12 - California-2 2.

*** Bottom of the 8th ***
*** Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 12 - California-2 2 ***
*** Due up for California-2: Lieberthal-99, Young-05, and Kent-00 ***


Hitting next is power hitting Lieberthal-99. 
  So far today he is 0 for 2.
  nobody out here in the Bottom of the 8th.
  Mlicki-99 steps off the mound ...
  Lieberthal-99 also steps out ...
  they're both ready now ...
  and the pitch on the way ...

  Slider ...
  and there's a little looper into left field for a base hit ...
  coming up to get it is Floyd-01 ... 
  a single for Lieberthal-99.


Getting set to hit is Young-05. 
  So far today he is 2 for 3.
  nobody out.
  Lieberthal-99 is edging off the bag at first.
  And Huff-10 not holding Lieberthal-99 on.
  Mlicki-99 is looking in...
  now the pitch ...

  Swung on ...
  and there's a fly ball to left field ...
  but slicing away from Floyd-01 ...
  and he can't get to it ...
  it gets by him and goes to the wall ...
  that is going to be a double for Young-05.

  A red light from the coaching box, and the runners hold ...
  Lieberthal-99 takes third.


Up to bat is Kent-00... 
and the defense digs-in for the hard hitting slugger. 
  He entered the game batting .321 with 10 HR and 37 RBI.
  nobody gone.
  Lieberthal-99 creeping down the line at third. Young-05 perched out at second. 
  Here comes the pitch ...

  Little dribbler to second base ...
  easy play for Lewis-96 ...
  and he guns it to Huff-10 to take care of Kent-00.
  Here comes Lieberthal-99.
  Taking third is Young-05.


Salmon-95 stands in to take his turn. 
  He entered the game batting .255 with 12 HR and 36 RBI.
  one gone.
  Young-05 inches away from third. 
  Mlicki-99 sets and delivers ...

  And a high fly ball to deep left field ...
  drifting over is Floyd-01 ...
  and he makes the catch for the out.

  Tagging from third is Young-05 ...
  and he scores easily.


Hitting next is power hitting Lee-05. 
  So far today he is 1 for 3 with 1 RBI.
  two gone.
  Mlicki-99 kicks and deals...

  Strike three ...
  Lee-05 goes down swinging ...
  Like Sonny Liston.


  2 runs, 2 hits, and nobody left on base for California-2...
  And after 8 it's Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 12 - California-2 4.

*** Top of the 9th ***
*** Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 12 - California-2 4 ***
*** Due up for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio: Floyd-01, Lewis-96, and Matheny-05 ***


The umpire brushes off the plate ...
as Floyd-01 gets set to hit.
  nobody out.
  Reichert-00 rears back and fires ...

  Swung on ...
  Floyd-01 skies one to center field ...
  over to get it is Dye-06 ...
  but that's going to fall in there for a single.


Up next for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio, Lewis-96. 
  He entered the game batting .222 with 5 RBI.
  nobody gone here in the Top of the 9th.
  Floyd-01 stretching his lead at first.
  Big hole on the right side with Lee-05 holding the runner.
  Reichert-00 is looking in...
  now the pitch ...

  Ball four ... he walked him.
  Floyd-01 goes to second.

Parque-00 is making his way from the bullpen to pitch in relief.


Matheny-05 steps into the box. 
  So far today he is 0 for 2.
  nobody gone.
  Floyd-01 is on at second. Lewis-96 stretching his lead at first.
  The windup and the pitch from Parque-00 ...

  Matheny-05 hits it on the ground to second base ...
  up with it is Boone-01 ... 
  he throws to Young-05 for the force ...
  and down to first ...
  in time ... double play!
  Floyd-01 advances to third base.


And that brings up the left-hander Counsell-05. 
  So far today he is 2 for 4.
  two away.
  Floyd-01 inches away from third. 
  Parque-00 ready, here he comes ...

  Swung on ...
  lined hard to left field ...
  but right there to handle it is Klesko-02 ...
  and he makes the catch for the out.


  No runs, 1 hit, and 1 man left on base for Illinois-Indiana-Ohio...
  And after 8 and a half it's Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 12 - California-2 4.

*** Bottom of the 9th ***
*** Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 12 - California-2 4 ***
*** Due up for California-2: Dye-06, Nevin-01, and Boone-01 ***


Dye-06 at the plate. 
  He entered the game batting .284 with 19 HR and 68 RBI.
  nobody down.
  Here comes the pitch ...

  Strike three called ...
  A big-time pitch by Mlicki-99.


Standing in to hit is Nevin-01. 
  So far today he is 1 for 3.
  one out.
  Mlicki-99 cranks it up and deals ...

  And there's a soft liner into left field for a base hit ...
  coming up to get it is Floyd-01 ... 
  a single for Nevin-01.

And they're going to the bullpen ...
It looks like it'll be Hawkins-04 coming on in relief.


So here's Boone-01. 
  He entered the game batting .260 with 19 HR and 56 RBI.
  one out.
  Nevin-01 is parked on first.
  And they elect to play behind Nevin-01.
  Hawkins-04 cranks and fires ...

  A swing and a miss ...
  And he'll head back to the California-2 dugout spitting and swearing along the way.


Up to bat is the menacing Klesko-02. 
  He entered the game batting .305 with 14 HR and 37 RBI.
  two away here in the Bottom of the 9th.
  Nevin-01 is edging off the bag at first.
  Huff-10 off the bag at first, trying to cut down the hole on the right side.
  The pitch is on the way ...

  Lined to center field for a base hit ...
  and that ball was hit right at Lofton-93 ...
  so it's just a long single for Klesko-02.

  They're waving Nevin-01 around ...
  but Lofton-93 might have a play ...
  strong throw to Rolen-04 ...
  but he can't get the tag down in time ... safe!
  On to third goes Nevin-01.
  and Klesko-02 alertly takes second on the throw.


And play stops for a moment as Lieberthal-99 goes back to the dugout to get a new bat ...
Now he returns and steps into the box.
  two down.
  Nevin-01 measures his lead at third. Klesko-02 leads off second. 
  And Lieberthal-99 tired of waiting and steps out of the box ...
  he steps back in now ...
  and Hawkins-04 delivers ...

  And there's a shot up the middle ...
  off the bag and into center field ...
  that'll slow it down perfectly for Lofton-93 ...
  and Lieberthal-99 is going to have to settle for a single.

  Klesko-02 is trying for extra bases ...
  Here comes Nevin-01.
  Here comes Klesko-02 to score.


Standing in to hit is Young-05. 
  So far today he is 3 for 4.
  two away here in the Bottom of the 9th.
  Lieberthal-99 is parked on first.
  Hawkins-04 a long look at Lieberthal-99 ...
  Hawkins-04 sets and deals ...

  Look out, that pitch is way too high and it gets away from Matheny-05 ...
  wild pitch!
  Lieberthal-99 takes second.


Young-05 moves into the box now. 
  So far today he is 3 for 4.
  two away.
  Lieberthal-99 is hanging out at second. 
  Hawkins-04 looks down and gets a sign from Matheny-05 ... 
  the pitch ...

  A little come-backer to the mound ...
  fielded there by Hawkins-04 ... 
  and he throws to Huff-10 to get him.

And Illinois-Indiana-Ohio wins it!
The final score is Illinois-Indiana-Ohio 12 - California-2 6