Thursday 11/2/2009: Diamond Arm winners announced
The 2009 Pan Asian League Diamond Arm winner is from Brother this year. Deng-Chow Lung put together impressive numbers on the mound this season. His ERA of 2.15 helped him to a 19-5 record this year. He struck out 113 and walked 42 in 247.1 innings. He's 4th in the Pan Asian League in ERA and 1st in wins! The 2009 La Liga Latina Diamond Arm winner is from Licey this year. Orlando Lagos put together impressive numbers on the mound this season as well. In 36 starts this year Orlando struck out 246 batters in 259 innings of work. His ERA is 1.63, his record 16-8. He has 4 complete games and 3 shutouts. Lagos wins the award for the 5th time in his 5-year career.
|
Thursday 11/2/2009: Tanaka and Nogales earn Golden Bat honors
Yomiuri's leftfielder Toro Tanaka will never forget this day. A great season convinced the voters that he is the worthy Pan Asian League Golden Bat winner. This year Tanaka drove in 156 and scored 144 runs while batting .354 with 45 longballs. He's 4th in the Pan Asian League in batting, 1st in homeruns and 1st in RBI! Tanaka wins the award for the 4th time in his 11-year career. A season for the ages earned Hermosillo's catcher Alberto Nogales the La Liga Latina Golden Bat this year. Alberto is hitting .303 this year, with 168 hits in 555 at bats. He has driven in 116 runs, slugging .582. He's 3rd in the La Liga Latina in RBIs and 6th in homeruns!
|
Thursday 11/2/2009: Licey's Gatos named Top Rookie
Nippon Ham's Kazuhiro Yamauchi was almost in tears when he heard the news. The 22 year old centerfielder was named the Top Rookie winner in the Pan Asian League today. What a way to begin a career! Kazuhiro is hitting .255 this year, with 148 hits in 580 at bats. He has driven in 117 runs, slugging .452. The La Liga Latina Top Rookie winner was announced today as well, with Licey's catcher Wilmer Gatos earning the trophy for putting up the best numbers among rookies in his league. Gatos has hit 32 taters this year while batting .280. He adds 27 doubles, along with 95 runs scored.
|
Wednesday 10/25/2009: Mateo Guerrero (CIE) will miss 6 weeks
CIENFUEGOS - When it rains, it pours. Cienfuegos' southpaw Mateo Guerrero will not pitch for at least 6 weeks, handing the team a huge setback. He suffered a serious injury in a game against Mumbai where he left the field in the 9th inning. Doctors examined him after the game and diagnosed a Strained Elbow Ligament which will require surgery. In 0 starts this year Mateo struck out 55 batters in 99.1 innings of work. His ERA is 4.62, his record 6-5.
|
Saturday 10/7/2009: Fredrich Cepeda on fire, crushes three
XALAPA - Fredrich Cepeda powered Matanzas to a 15-0 win over Xalapa. He did it in style by homering three times. A 375 foot drive to left field marked his 1st bomb, a solo homerun off Gilberto Apodaca in the 3rd inning. His 2nd shot, a two-run homerun off Gilberto Apodaca in the 5th inning, cleared the fence in center field. A pitch from Roberto Chavez in the 7th inning left his bat for a solo homerun, landing 410 feet from home plate in right-center.
|
Monday 10/2/2009: Pascual Perezchica out for 8 weeks
TABASCO - Tabasco is without its left-hander Pascual Perezchica for at least 8 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Yoandry Urgelles in a game against Havana. His face showed signs of pain immediately after the ball left his hand. After being examined by several specialists the diagnosis is clear: Strained Tricep Muscle. Pascual has a record of 7-15 this season, with an ERA of 4.27. In 221.1 Innings he was able to strike out 121 batters.
|
Monday 10/2/2009: Sydney's Poon out for 7 weeks
SYDNEY - Being hit with a pitch is no fun at all. Especially when you get injured. Sydney's catcher Matt Poon will miss about 7 weeks after being hit by Takeshi Tanaka in the 8th inning of the game between Sydney and Nippon Ham. Poon was rushed to an hospital near the ballpark, where doctors took x-rays. Those revealed the serious injury, Fractured Hand. His season features a batting average of .205 (106 hits in 516 AB), 19 doubles, 5 triples and 14 homeruns. Poon collected 53 RBI and 47 runs as well.
|
Monday 10/2/2009: Kaza (CHU) and Longoria (HER) win P.O.W. award
The Player of the Week award in the Pan Asian League goes to Chunichi's Sakaru Kaza this time, as the third baseman displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Sakaru was on fire, hitting .615 with 6 HR and 18 RBI. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 8 game hitting streak right now. He now has homered in 3 consecutive games as well! Sakaru has gone 164 for 544 (.301) this season, hitting 40 longballs and driving in 134 runs. He has scored 125 runs on his own. He's 2nd in the Pan Asian League in RBIs and 3rd in homeruns! Hermosillo's shortstop Jose Longoria had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the La Liga Latina Player of the Week. Jose was on fire, hitting .500 with 4 HR and 8 RBI. While compiling an on base percentage of .302, Jose hit .257 and slugged .399. He has collected 68 runs batted in this year.
|
Sunday 10/1/2009: Pitcher of the Month award winners announced
Shuai Li pitched like a legend in September, and the Pan Asian League named him Pitcher of the Month for his extraordinary performance. His record of 4-1 in 6 was among the leagues best this month. In 44.2 innings of work he allowed just 47 hits while striking out 15, compiling an ERA of just 2.01. Shuai pitched a shutout as well. This season Li compiled an ERA of 2.61, going 12-10 in 33 starts. He fanned 73 while giving up 256 hits in 238 innings. He has 4 complete games and one shutout. Mexico City's pitcher Che Pajaro is the La Liga Latina winner of the Pitcher of the Month award in September. He started 6 games in September, going 3-1 and compiling an ERA of 1.12 in 40.1 innings. Che fanned 26 hitters. Che pitched a shutout as well. His ERA of 1.96 helped him to a 14-12 record this year. He struck out 139 and walked 32 in 224.2 innings. Che has pitched one shutout and one complete game.
|
Sunday 10/1/2009: Red hot Kaza and Mosca win Batter of the Month award
Chunichi's third baseman Sakaru Kaza had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the Pan Asian League Batter of the Month. Sakaru was on fire, hitting .394 with 16 homeruns and 43 RBI. His season numbers are: .299 AVG, 161 hits, 23 doubles, 3 triples and 38 taters, along with 130 RBI and 122 runs scored. He's 2nd in the Pan Asian League in RBIs and 3rd in homeruns! Tabasco's third baseman Juan Mosca had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the La Liga Latina Batter of the Month. Juan pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .340 with 12 and 26 RBI while slugging .794. He has hit 38 taters while batting .239 this season. His 136 hits and 39 walks add up to a .285 on-base percentage. He's 6th in the La Liga Latina in RBIs and 5th in homeruns!
|
Saturday 9/30/2009: Ildefonso Castillo (ARE) will miss 6 weeks
ARECIBO - When it rains, it pours. Arecibo's right-hander Ildefonso Castillo will not pitch for at least 6 weeks, handing the team a huge setback. He suffered a serious injury in a game against Licey where he left the field in the 9th inning. After x-rays were taken the diagnosis did not surprise many: Ruptured Elbow Ligament. Surgery will be performed next week. His ERA of 4.93 helped him to a 5-2 record this year. He struck out 34 and walked 50 in 80.1 innings.
|
Saturday 9/30/2009: Bhooshit Ogra turns in great performance against Melbourne
MELBOURNE - It was a great day for Mumbai's right-hander Bhooshit Ogra. The 26-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 1-hitter, against Melbourne on Saturday. With one out in the 8th inning Sonny Zelasko doubled to break up the no-hitter. Ogra (11-10) was overpowering, fanning 10 while walking none, throwing 93 pitches. 'I was hitting my spots. Now I'll start concentrating on my next start, and hopefully it will work again.' Mumbai's third baseman Jugnu Mahatma finished 3 for 4, stroking a double. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Ogra. The final score of the game was 8-0.
|
Friday 9/29/2009: Nippon Ham's Nishimoto severely injured
NIPPON HAM - When it rains, it pours. Nippon Ham's ace Takashi Nishimoto will not pitch for at least 5 weeks, handing the team a huge setback. He suffered a serious injury in a game against Chunichi where he left the field in the 1st inning. After x-rays were taken the diagnosis did not surprise many: Strained Tricep Muscle. Surgery will be performed next week. Takashi has a record of 14-6 this season, with an ERA of 3.22. In 231.2 Innings he was able to strike out 189 batters. Takashi has pitched one shutout and one complete game.
|
Wednesday 9/27/2009: Long-Wei Bing socks five hits for Beijing
BEIJING - 'Wow, five hits in one game is something special, isn't it?' said Beijing's second baseman Long-Wei Bing after the 23-2 win over Yakult. Number 1 in the 3rd inning, a shot estimated at 398 feet, cleared the wall in left-center. A pitch from Tetsuo Dan in the 6th inning left his bat for a three-run triple. He collected singles in the 4th inning , in the 7th inning (two RBIs) and in the 7th . Long-Wei did drive in 6 while scoring 3 runs on his own. He now has a total of 105 hits this season, accounting for a .276 batting average.
|
Tuesday 9/26/2009: Del Merrick ropes 2000th career hit
SYDNEY - Sydney's rightfielder Del Merrick was in good mood after the game against Delhi, and he had every reason as he made some history while collecting his 2000th career hit. His best year so far was 2000 where he hit .342 with 60 homeruns and 146 RBI. 'Baseball is a great game, and adding something to it's history is smething I've always wanted. What a great day!' With two outs in the 3rd inning, Del drilled a double, causing a standing ovation from the crowd.
|
Monday 9/25/2009: Tanaka and Maqueira win Player of the Week award
Toro Tanaka from Yomiuri wins his 20th Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the Pan Asian League. In 24 at bats he hit .458 with 5 HR and 11 RBI. He has hit 41 longballs while batting .353 this season. His 191 hits and 91 walks add up to a .443 on-base percentage. He's 4th in the Pan Asian League in batting, 2nd in homeruns and 1st in RBI! The La Liga Latina's best player of the week was Monterrey's Santiago Maqueira, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. He hit .545 with 6 RBI and slugged .909 in 33 at bats.
|
Saturday 9/23/2009: Santiago Maqueira collects five hits against Chihuahua
CHIHUAHUA - Santiago Maqueira hits 'em where they ain't. Chihuahua certainly agrees as Monterrey's second baseman unloaded five hits, adding to his reputation of being one of the best pure hitters in the game. His 1st hit was a double off Freddie Samayoa in the 1st inning. A double off Freddie Samayoa in the 3rd inning accounted for his 2nd hit. A double off Freddie Samayoa in the 6th inning accounted for his 3rd hit. A 399 foot drive to left-center marked his 4th hit, a solo homerun off Jorge Bilbao in the 8th inning. He had a single in the 9th, driving in one run. Santiago did drive in 2 while scoring 3 runs on his own. This season has been a good one for him so far, as he has 203 hits in 597 at bats, resulting in a .340 batting average. The final score of the game was 9-5.
|
Saturday 9/23/2009: Hiroshima's Yuuta Watanabe has great day, hits three longballs
NIPPON HAM - Hitting homeruns is one of the most difficult things in sports. To hit three of them in one game is almost sensational. Hiroshima's first baseman Yuuta Watanabe accomplished that feat in a 14-2 win over Nippon Ham. Number 1 in the 5th inning, a shot estimated at 385 feet, cleared the wall in left-center. His 2nd blast, a two-run homerun off Atasuke Kasamatsu in the 6th inning, landed an estimated 412 feet from home plate. A 438 foot drive to center field marked his 3rd bomb, a solo homerun off Shoyo Otake in the 8th inning. Yuuta got 3 hits in 6 AB, with three runs scored and driving in 5 runs. The final score of the game was 14-2.
|
Friday 9/22/2009: Toro Tanaka homers three times against Nippon Ham
YOMIURI - Toro Tanaka can hit'em a long way, and Nippon Ham pitchers couldn't smile about that today. Yomiuri's leftfielder unloaded three bombs, adding to his reputation of being one of the best power hitters in the game. His 1st blast, a solo homerun off Mushanokoji Suzambo in the 1st inning, landed an estimated 364 feet from home plate. In the 7th inning he unloaded a solo homerun off Takeshi Tanaka. His 3rd shot, a solo homerun off Okita Yoson in the 9th inning, cleared the fence in left-center. Overall he collected 4 hits in 5 trips to the plate, scoring three runs and collecting 3 RBI. Yomiuri improved its record to 90-64, scoring 14 runs on 20 hits.
|
Monday 9/18/2009: Melbourne's Storm wins Player of the Week award
It's the 2nd time that the Pan Asian League Player of the Week award goes to Melbourne's third baseman Russell Storm. Russell was on fire, hitting .542 with 4 HR and 17 RBI. The La Liga Latina's best player of the week was Tabasco's Juan Mosca, who wins the award for the 2nd time in his career. Juan went 13 for 24 (.542), while hitting 3 HR and collecting 8 RBI.
|
Sunday 9/17/2009: Sydney's Borsick severely injured
SYDNEY - Sydney's right-hander Cale Borsick suffered a severe injury on Sunday and will be out for at least 5-6 weeks. In the 7th of the game against Mumbai he experienced pain in his throwing arm and had to leave the game. After being taken to a local hospital, Borsick was examined by specialists. The diagnosis revealed the sad truth, a Pulled Tricep Muscle. Cale has a record of 3-4 this season, with an ERA of 2.99. In 84.1 Innings he was able to strike out 66 batters.
|
Monday 9/11/2009: Masuko and Huergas win Player of the Week award
Chunichi's second baseman Noburo Masuko had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the Pan Asian League Player of the Week. Noburo went 14 for 28 (.500), while hitting 5 HR and collecting 21 RBI. Noburo managed to drive in at least one run in every game he played this week. The La Liga Latina Player of the Week award goes to Carlos Huergas, Monterrey's starting shortstop. He hit .382 with 11 RBI and slugged .765 in 34 at bats. He hit in every game this week and extended his hitting streak to 10 games.
|
Saturday 9/9/2009: Season ending injury strikes Delhi's Bhoola
DELHI - Delhi's southpaw Charak Bhoola experienced probably the worst case scenario for a pitcher, a season ending injury. After pitching in the 8th inning of the game against Beijing, Bhoola complained about serious pain in his throwing arm. He had to leave the game. Torn Bicep Muscle was the diagnosis after x-rays were taken in a nearby hospital. The message shocked teammates and team officials. Opposing players hit .209 against Charak this season. While posting an ERA of 3.29 he went 7-1 in 0 starts, fanning 41 and walking 60 hitters.
|
Thursday 9/7/2009: Ramiro Mijares on fire, laces five hits
CARACAS - Ramiro Mijares punished Caracas' pitching today, collecting five hits in 6 AB. That definitely helped Santurce, they won the game 15 to 6. In the 1st inning he belted a two-run double off Roberto Ortega. A double off Luis Tejeda in the 9th inning accounted for his 4th hit. His 5th hit, a solo homerun off Eduardo Lobo in the 9th inning, cleared the fence in left field. He collected singles in the 2nd (one RBI) and in the 4th inning . Ramiro did drive in 4 while scoring 4 runs on his own. His 5 hit performance increases his batting average to .335.
|
Thursday 9/7/2009: Chunichi's Sakaru Kaza unloads three times
YAKULT - Chunichi beat Yakult 18-3, but that was not the real story of the game. Sakaru Kaza was, as he went deep three times. His 1st blast, a solo homerun off Saionji Buncho in the 4th inning, landed an estimated 349 feet from home plate. In the 5th inning he unloaded a two-run homerun off Saionji Buncho. Number 3 in the 8th inning, a shot estimated at 377 feet, cleared the wall in right field. Sakaru collected 3 hits in 3 trips to the plate, with 6 RBI. On 4/21/2009, Wilmer Gatos was the last player to hit 3 dingers in a single game.
|
Monday 9/4/2009: Sakata and Guante win Player of the Week award
Go Sakata wins his 2nd Player of the Week award. Pan Asian League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. Sakata helped his team with an average of .400 and 8 RBI in 20 at bats. While compiling an on base percentage of .427, Go hit .275 and slugged .562. He has collected 86 runs batted in this year. The La Liga Latina Player of the Week award goes to Benicio Guante, Caracas' starting leftfielder. In 26 at bats he hit .385 with 6 HR and 14 RBI. Guante has hit for a .273 average this season. He has 52 extra base hits along with 230 total bases, resulting in a .593 slugging percentage. He's 7th in the La Liga Latina in RBIs and 1st in homeruns!
|
Saturday 9/2/2009: Huge blow for Yakult's Tsushima, career over
YAKULT - It was one of baseball saddest days. Yakult's right-hander Sayaka Tsushima fell victim to a career ending injury in a game against Hiroshima on Saturday. He complained about pain after throwing a pitch to Miyazaki Yokoyama, then suddenly collapsed. Doctors examined him after the game and diagnosed a Ruptured Disc Back which will require surgery. Tsushima has hit for a .279 average this season. He has 41 extra base hits along with 201 total bases, resulting in a .483 slugging percentage.
|
Friday 9/1/2009: Sydney's Beaujean earns Pitcher of the Month award
Sydney's Darrick Beaujean had a terrific August, and it earned him the Pan Asian League Pitcher of the month award. His record of 4-0 in 5 was among the leagues best this month. In 39.2 innings of work he allowed just 31 hits while striking out 20, compiling an ERA of just 1.13. Opposing players hit .219 against Darrick this season. While posting an ERA of 1.91 he went 12-4 in 26 starts, fanning 107 and walking 33 hitters. He has 2 complete games and 2 shutouts. He's 3rd in the Pan Asian League in ERA and 7th in wins! Licey's Orlando Lagos had a terrific August, and it earned him the La Liga Latina Pitcher of the month award. He had an ERA of just 1.14 in 39.1 innings of work in which he struck out 39 hitters. His record in August is 4-0. Orlando also fired a shutout. His ERA of 1.55 helped him to a 13-5 record this year. He struck out 192 and walked 25 in 202.2 innings. Orlando has pitched 2 shutouts and 3 complete games.
|
Friday 9/1/2009: Nippon Ham's Chiba earns Batter of the Month award
The Pan Asian League's best player of the month was Nippon Ham's Zenko Chiba, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. In 82 at bats he hit .366 with 10 HR and 42 RBI. While compiling an on base percentage of .387, Zenko hit .264 and slugged .484. He has collected 99 runs batted in this year. He's 4th in the Pan Asian League in RBIs and 8th in homeruns! Caracas' leftfielder Benicio Guante had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the La Liga Latina Batter of the Month. Benicio went 27 for 85 (.318), while hitting 12 HR and collecting 25 RBI. Benicio is hitting .271 this year, with 103 hits in 380 at bats. He has driven in 76 runs, slugging .589.
|
Thursday 8/31/2009: Caracas' Marinero out for the season
CARACAS - Caracas' third baseman Fausto Marinero will miss the rest of the season. He injured himself running the bases in the game between Caracas and Mexico City. The injury didn't seem to be serious the moment it happened. But suddenly Marinero collapsed in pain and had to be carried off the field. After being examined by several specialists the diagnosis is clear: Ruptured Achilles Tendon. Fausto is hitting .246 this year, with 122 hits in 495 at bats. He has driven in 76 runs, slugging .438. He's 9th in the La Liga Latina in RBIs and 9th in homeruns!
|
Tuesday 8/29/2009: Masaru Mizuki socks seven hits for Orix
YAKULT - Masaru Mizuki is among the best pure hitters in the game, but his 7 hit performance seemed to surprise even himself. A pitch from Izo Oichi in the 2nd inning left his bat for a double. A pitch from Izo Oichi in the 5th inning left his bat for a two-run homerun, landing 369 feet from home plate in right field. He had singles in the 1st inning (two RBIs) , in the 3rd inning , in the 6th inning , in the 7th inning (one RBI) and in the 9th . Masaru did drive in 7 while scoring 3 runs on his own. He is hitting .275 this season, with 18 HR and 72 RBI. Orix improved its record to 61-71, scoring 32 runs on 18 hits.
|
Monday 8/28/2009: Havana's Sabado severely injured
HAVANA - When it rains, it pours. Havana's right-hander Teodoro Sabado will not pitch for at least 7 weeks, handing the team a huge setback. He suffered a serious injury in a game against Santurce where he left the field in the 2nd inning. Strained Bicep Muscle was the diagnosis after x-rays were taken in a nearby hospital. The message shocked teammates and team officials. His ERA of 3.05 helped him to a 11-6 record this year. He struck out 109 and walked 29 in 165.1 innings. Teodoro has pitched one shutout and one complete game.
|
Monday 8/28/2009: Cienfuegos' Maldonado out for 6-7 weeks
CIENFUEGOS - Cienfuegos' centerfielder Rigo Maldonado will miss about 6-7 weeks after he hurt himself badly in the 7th inning of the game between Cienfuegos and Licey. He dove for a drive off the bat of Wilmer Gatos, and immediately signaled that he's not OK after hitting the ground. Cienfuegos wasted no time and rushed him to an hospital. Team officials were informed later that Maldonado had suffered a Spasms Back. Rigo has gone 44 for 161 (.273) this season, hitting 6 longballs and driving in 20 runs. He has scored 21 runs on his own.
|
Monday 8/28/2009: Brother's Hung wins Player of the Week award
Brother's first baseman Sammo Hung had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the Pan Asian League Player of the Week. Sammo pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .440 with 3 HR and 7 RBI while slugging .880. The La Liga Latina Player of the Week award goes to Diego Fuego, one of Arecibo's best starting pitchers. Diego went 2-0 with an ERA of 1.69, while fanning 11 in 16 innings of work.
|
Tuesday 8/22/2009: Sydney's Hipelius severely injured
SYDNEY - Sydney's left-hander T.J. Hipelius suffered a severe injury on Tuesday and will be out for at least 6 weeks. In the 3rd of the game against Seoul he experienced pain in his throwing arm and had to leave the game. Spasms Back was the diagnosis after x-rays were taken in a nearby hospital. The message shocked teammates and team officials. T.J. has a record of 4-15 this season, with an ERA of 5.83. In 126.2 Innings he was able to strike out 89 batters.
|
Monday 8/21/2009: Licey's Salvaje wins Player of the Week award
It's the 1st time that the Pan Asian League Player of the Week award goes to Nippon Ham's centerfielder Kazuhiro Yamauchi. In 28 at bats he hit .500 with 2 HR and 15 RBI. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 9 game hitting streak right now. The La Liga Latina's best player of the week was Licey's Dario Salvaje, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. Dario pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .579 with 2 HR and 8 RBI while slugging 1.053. While compiling an on base percentage of .387, Dario hit .259 and slugged .379. He has collected 39 runs batted in this year.
|
Sunday 8/20/2009: Dario Salvaje drills 5 hits
LICEY - Dario Salvaje led Licey to a 10-7 win over Havana by squeezing five hits out of his bat. Number 1 in the 1st inning accounted for a RBI double. Number 2 in the 3rd inning, a shot estimated at 346 feet, cleared the wall in left field. A pitch from Septimo Rincon in the 5th inning left his bat for a two-run homerun, landing 373 feet from home plate in right field. He had singles in the 6th (one RBI) and in the 8th inning . Dario scored 3 runs, and he collected 5 RBI as well! He is hitting .259 this season, with 7 HR and 39 RBI.
|
Saturday 8/19/2009: Dalier Hinojosa (HAV) will miss 4 weeks
HAVANA - Havana is without its right-hander Dalier Hinojosa for at least 4 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Marcelo Marques in a game against Cienfuegos. His face showed signs of pain immediately after the ball left his hand. Hinojosa was rushed to an hospital near the ballpark, where doctors took x-rays. Those revealed the serious injury, Herniated Disc Back. Dalier has a record of 1-0 this season, with an ERA of 3.12. In 34.2 Innings he was able to strike out 21 batters.
|
Monday 8/14/2009: Jotaro Konami out for 5 weeks
HIROSHIMA - Hiroshima's third baseman Jotaro Konami will miss at least 5 weeks after he got hurt seriously while running hard toward second base. He began limping and then fell down, causing a scary moment for his teammates. He had to be carried off the field. After x-rays were taken the diagnosis did not surprise many: Inflamed Anterior Cruciate Ligament. Surgery will be performed next week. He has hit 31 longballs while batting .298 this season. His 118 hits and 76 walks add up to a .406 on-base percentage. He's 2nd in the Pan Asian League in RBIs and 1st in homeruns!
|
Monday 8/14/2009: Woo and Delfin win Player of the Week award
It's the 2nd time that the Pan Asian League Player of the Week award goes to Brother's leftfielder Sun-Chiao Woo. Woo helped his team with an average of .722 and 11 RBI in 18 at bats. Sun-Chiao is hitting .298 this year, with 96 hits in 322 at bats. He has driven in 56 runs, slugging .441. It's the 1st time that the La Liga Latina Player of the Week award goes to Caracas' leftfielder Odalis Delfin. Odalis went 12 for 21 (.571), while hitting 2 HR and collecting 9 RBI.
|
Wednesday 8/9/2009: Sammo Hung collects five hits against Yakult
BROTHER - Brother's first baseman Sammo Hung once again displayed his tremendous ability to make contact with that little white ball. He tore up Yakult's pitching staff with a 5 hit performance on Wednesday. His 1st hit, a two-run homerun off Nori Tanabe in the 1st inning, landed an estimated 353 feet from home plate. A pitch from Nori Tanabe in the 4th inning left his bat for a solo homerun, landing 371 feet from home plate in right field. His 5th hit was a double off Nori Tanabe in the 7th inning. He collected singles in the 2nd inning and in the 6th inning . Sammo did drive in 6 while scoring 7 runs on his own. He's having a very good season so far, batting .343. The final score of the game was 32-1.
|
Monday 8/7/2009: Zheng Xu shuts out Sydney on 2 hits
SYDNEY - Brother's right-hander Zheng Xu will never forget this day. The 23-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against Sydney on Monday. 'I really like to play baseball, and I love the way I was able to play it today.' Xu (10-3) struck out 4 and issued 2 BB, throwing 54 of 90 pitches for strikes. Chong-Yu Hwang helped Xu at the plate, he went 2 for 4. Brother improved its record to 66-44, scoring 1 run on 6 hits.
|
Monday 8/7/2009: Chihuahua's Galguera wins Player of the Week award
Takahashi Kobayashi from Yomiuri wins his 5th Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the Pan Asian League. In 18 at bats he hit .556 with 3 HR and 11 RBI. The La Liga Latina Player of the Week award goes to Martin Galguera, one of Chihuahua's best starting pitchers. Martin went 2-0 with an ERA of 0.00, while fanning 8 in 16 innings of work. Opposing players hit .249 against Martin this season. While posting an ERA of 3.87 he went 4-1 in 4 starts, fanning 36 and walking 27 hitters.
|
Saturday 8/5/2009: Tsujiro Tsukaya socks five hits for Yomiuri
YOMIURI - Tsujiro Tsukaya punished Yakult's pitching today, collecting five hits in 7 AB. That definitely helped Yomiuri, they won the game 22 to 7. His 2nd hit, a three-run homerun off Sayaka Tsushima in the 5th inning, landed an estimated 386 feet from home plate. Number 5 in the 7th inning, a shot estimated at 368 feet, cleared the wall in left field. He collected singles in the 4th inning , in the 6th inning and in the 7th inning (one RBI). Tsujiro scored 5 runs, and he collected 7 RBI as well! He now has a total of 27 hits this season, accounting for a .245 batting average.
|
Friday 8/4/2009: Rodrigo Malas fires 2-hitter against Matanzas
SANTURCE - Rodrigo Malas had some fun again. Matanzas hitters did not. Santurce's left-hander gave up just 2 hits in his 4th shutout of the season. He now has 7 career shutouts in 186 games started. Malas (11-9) showed excellent control, walking nobody and fanning 7. 'I had my stuff going. Everything I tried worked. What a day!' Ramiro Mijares provided Santurce with the offense Malas needed as he finished with 3 hits in 5 AB, going deep twice, scoring twice with 5 RBI. Santurce improved its record to 51-60, scoring 12 runs on 18 hits.
|
Thursday 8/3/2009: Havana's Urgelles severely injured
HAVANA - Havana's rightfielder Yoandry Urgelles hurt himself in the 7th inning while diving for a batted ball. He got up slowly and had to leave the game. Yoandry Urgelles will miss at least 5-6 weeks. Havana wasted no time and rushed him to an hospital. Team officials were informed later that Urgelles had suffered a Broken Finger. His season features a batting average of .235 (84 hits in 358 AB), 8 doubles, 3 triples and 15 bombs. Urgelles collected 60 RBI and 48 runs as well.
|
Thursday 8/3/2009: Xiao Wen-Lu stars with 2000th career hit
BROTHER - Brother's leftfielder Xiao Wen-Lu was in good mood after the game against Beijing, and he had every reason as he made some history while collecting his 2000th career hit. His best year so far was 2005 where he hit .272 with 40 homeruns and 107 RBI. 'My firends always told me that I will do it one day. I never believed it. Good that I was wrong!' He hit a single in the 4th off Lung-Wang Chien for number 2000.
|
Tuesday 8/1/2009: Treslove and Valdejuli receive Pitcher of the Month award
Winner of this months Pan Asian League Pitcher of the Month award is Melbourne's James Treslove. He had an ERA of just 1.14 in 47.1 innings of work in which he struck out 16 hitters. His record in July is 4-0. Opposing players hit .208 against James this season. While posting an ERA of 2.11 he went 9-5 in 24 starts, fanning 71 and walking 57 hitters. Renato Valdejuli couldn't have pitched much better than he did in July, and the La Liga Latina thought so as well, naming the left-hander Pitcher of the Month. He started 5 games in July, going 5-0 and compiling an ERA of 0.49 in 37 innings. Renato fanned 36 hitters. His ERA of 2.69 helped him to a 13-4 record this year. He struck out 112 and walked 29 in 127 innings. He's 3rd in the La Liga Latina in wins!
|
Tuesday 8/1/2009: Red hot Merrick and Nogales win Batter of the Month award
It's the 3rd time that the Pan Asian League Batter of the Month award goes to Sydney's rightfielder Del Merrick. Del was on fire, hitting .319 with 12 homeruns and 36 RBI. Merrick has hit for a .218 average this season. He has 50 extra base hits along with 167 total bases, resulting in a .542 slugging percentage. He's 4th in the Pan Asian League in RBIs and 5th in homeruns! The Batter of the Month award in the La Liga Latina goes to Hermosillo's Alberto Nogales this time, as the catcher displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. He had an on base percentage of .420 and hit .376, while driving in 23 runs. His season numbers are: .306 AVG, 109 hits, 22 doubles, 4 triples and 23 taters, along with 70 RBI and 59 runs scored. He's 9th in the La Liga Latina in batting, 4th in homeruns and 2nd in RBI!
|
Monday 7/31/2009: Havana's Puyol wins Player of the Week award
The Pan Asian League's best player of the week was Yomiuri's Tetsuo Hara, who wins the award for the 3rd time in his career. He had an on base percentage of .594 and hit .536, while driving in 10 runs. Fabricio Puyol from Havana wins his 3rd Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the La Liga Latina. Fabricio went 10 for 19 (.526), while hitting 3 HR and collecting 10 RBI.
|
Saturday 7/29/2009: Adolfo Caņizares uncorks five hits against Licey
LICEY - Adolfo Caņizares is among the best pure hitters in the game, but his 5 hit performance seemed to surprise even himself. A RBI double off Romelio Arcelay in the 3rd inning accounted for his 2nd hit. A pitch from Gervaso Pasquale in the 5th inning left his bat for a two-run homerun, landing 372 feet from home plate in left field. In the 9th inning he belted a two-run double off Pascal Cabaņa. He collected singles in the 2nd inning (one RBI) and in the 8th . Adolfo did drive in 6 while scoring 3 runs on his own. He now has a total of 32 hits this season, accounting for a .252 batting average. Havana scored 20 runs on 19 hits.
|
Friday 7/28/2009: Beijing's Ping out for 6 weeks
BEIJING - When it rains, it pours. Beijing's right-hander Lu Ping will not pitch for at least 6 weeks, handing the team a huge setback. He suffered a serious injury in a game against Mumbai where he left the field in the 5th inning. Doctors examined him after the game and diagnosed a Strained Rotator Cuff Muscle which will require surgery. Lu has a record of 8-8 this season, with an ERA of 3.28. In 137 Innings he was able to strike out 83 batters.
|
Monday 7/24/2009: Nippon Ham's Muraya wins Player of the Week award
It's the 5th time that the Pan Asian League Player of the Week award goes to Nippon Ham's first baseman Toju Muraya. He hit .484 with 9 RBI and slugged .839 in 31 at bats. His season numbers are: .332 AVG, 89 hits, 16 doubles, 4 triples and 11 homeruns, along with 48 RBI and 49 runs scored. He's 6th in the Pan Asian League in batting! The Player of the Week award in the La Liga Latina goes to Xalapa's Rolando Valdes this time, as the centerfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Rolando was on fire, hitting .500 with 4 HR and 10 RBI.
|
Monday 7/17/2009: Inukai (HAN) and Hernandez (YUC) win P.O.W. award
The Pan Asian League Player of the Week award goes to Ebizo Inukai, Hanshin's starting rightfielder. He hit .526 with 4 RBI and slugged .842 in 19 at bats. Yucatan's rightfielder Bernardo Hernandez had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the La Liga Latina Player of the Week. Hernandez helped his team with an average of .500 and 8 RBI in 18 at bats.
|
Monday 7/10/2009: Kido and Banderas win Player of the Week award
The Player of the Week award in the Pan Asian League goes to Chunichi's Yasutake Kido this time, as the first baseman displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Yasutake pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .522 with 1 HR and 8 RBI while slugging .739. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 8 game hitting streak right now. This year Kido drove in 41 and scored 25 runs while batting .328 with 3 bombs. Tabasco's leftfielder Rudolfo Banderas had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the La Liga Latina Player of the Week. He had an on base percentage of .583 and hit .565, while driving in 7 runs. His season numbers are: .374 AVG, 80 hits, 23 doubles, 2 triples and 15 homeruns, along with 32 RBI and 38 runs scored.
|
Friday 7/7/2009: Izo Oichi (YAK) will miss 7 weeks
YAKULT - Yakult is without its right-hander Izo Oichi for at least 7 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Kenjiro Hazuki in a game against Chunichi. His face showed signs of pain immediately after the ball left his hand. After being taken to a local hospital, Oichi was examined by specialists. The diagnosis revealed the sad truth, a Pulled Tricep Muscle. This season Oichi compiled an ERA of 6.99, going 7-5 in 11 starts. He fanned 73 while giving up 118 hits in 119.2 innings.
|
Friday 7/7/2009: Naag Tumkur dominates Yomiuri, throws NO-HITTER
MUMBAI - Mumbai's southpaw Naag Tumkur is a really great pitcher. And he once again showed his stuff while making history, blanking Yomiuri on no hits. Tumkur (6-5) fanned 5 and walked 4, throwing 111 pitches. 'I really like to play baseball, and I love the way I was able to play it today. I still cannot believe I did it.' Mumbai's first baseman Raajeev Shalaby stroked 3 hits in 4 AB. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Tumkur. Mumbai scored 3 runs on 5 hits.
|
Thursday 7/6/2009: Mexico City's Javier Hernandez gets milestone hit
HAVANA - Mexico City's first baseman Javier Hernandez already had some highlights in his career, and today he added another one, getting his 2000th career hit. With no outs in the 6th inning, Javier drilled a double, causing a standing ovation from the crowd. Along with his 2000 hits, Javier collected 469 homeruns and 1433 RBI in 15 seasons. 'Baseball is a great game, and adding something to it's history is smething I've always wanted. What a great day!'
|
Tuesday 7/4/2009: Hanshin's Ebizo Inukai slams five hits
YAKULT - 'You know, in batting practice I didn't really feel that comfortable about my stroke today, but baseball is more than hitting. Then, when you're not trying to force a hit, you slug them in droves,' says Ebizo Inukai after his 5 hit game, which Hanshin won 16-5 against Yakult. His 2nd hit, a GRAND SLAM off Tatsuzo Yada in the 2nd inning, landed an estimated 441 feet from home plate. In the 6th inning he unloaded a solo homerun off Tatsuzo Yada. A pitch from Tatsuzo Yada in the 8th inning left his bat for a RBI double. He had singles in the 1st and in the 7th inning (two RBIs). Ebizo did drive in 8 while scoring 2 runs on his own. He now has a total of 45 hits this season, accounting for a .263 batting average.
|
Monday 7/3/2009: Melbourne's Vigil wins Player of the Week award
The Pan Asian League's best player of the week was Melbourne's Bob Vigil, who wins the award for the 2nd time in his career. Bob went 13 for 26 (.500), while hitting 4 HR and collecting 14 RBI. Bob is hitting .295 this year, with 81 hits in 275 at bats. He has driven in 54 runs, slugging .505. Xalapa's rightfielder Benicio Leon had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the La Liga Latina Player of the Week. In 27 at bats he hit .407 with 3 HR and 8 RBI.
|
Saturday 7/1/2009: Hermelio Gatos out for 5 weeks
LICEY - When it rains, it pours. Licey's right-hander Hermelio Gatos will not pitch for at least 5 weeks, handing the team a huge setback. He suffered a serious injury in a game against Santurce where he left the field in the 2nd inning. Strained Elbow Ligament was the diagnosis after x-rays were taken in a nearby hospital. The message shocked teammates and team officials. This season Gatos compiled an ERA of 2.17, going 3-8 in 17 starts. He fanned 67 while giving up 80 hits in 99.1 innings.
|
Saturday 7/1/2009: Pitcher of the Month award winners announced
Beijing's pitcher Lao Hung is the Pan Asian League winner of the Pitcher of the Month award in June. He started 3 games in June, going 1-0 and compiling an ERA of 0.47 in 19 innings. Lao fanned 13 hitters. Opposing players hit .215 against Lao this season. While posting an ERA of 2.41 he went 4-3 in 10 starts, fanning 40 and walking 19 hitters. Oriol Rucavado pitched like a legend in June, and the La Liga Latina named him Pitcher of the Month for his extraordinary performance. He had an ERA of just 0.59 in 46 innings of work in which he struck out 36 hitters. His record in June is 5-0. Oriol also fired a shutout. Oriol has a record of 11-1 this season, with an ERA of 1.35. In 119.2 Innings he was able to strike out 94 batters. He has one complete game and one shutout. He's 1st in the La Liga Latina in ERA and 1st in wins!
|
Saturday 7/1/2009: Dan (YAK) and Hidalgo (MTZ) win monthly award
The Pan Asian League's best player of the month was Yakult's Tetsuo Dan, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. He had an on base percentage of .505 and hit .407, while driving in 13 runs. This year Dan drove in 38 and scored 46 runs while batting .332 with 10 longballs. He's 7th in the Pan Asian League in batting! Heliodoro Hidalgo of Matanzas wins his 1st Batter of the Month award for putting up the best numbers in the La Liga Latina. In 95 at bats he hit .316 with 10 HR and 17 RBI. Hidalgo has hit for a .260 average this season. He has 43 extra base hits along with 163 total bases, resulting in a .558 slugging percentage. He's 5th in the La Liga Latina in RBIs and 1st in homeruns!
|
Friday 6/30/2009: Freddie Samayoa dominates Mexico City, throws NO-HITTER
CHIHUAHUA - Chihuahua's right-hander Freddie Samayoa is a really great pitcher. And he once again showed his stuff while making history, blanking Mexico City on no hits. 'I felt early that I was on top of my game. Fortunately I was able to keep that feeling the entire game.' Samayoa (10-2) struck out an astounding 13 and walked 1, throwing 69 of 109 pitches for strikes. Seve Bruciaga provided Chihuahua with the offense Samayoa needed as he got 2 hits in 3 AB. Chihuahua scored 4 runs on 7 hits.
|
Wednesday 6/28/2009: Bob Vigil hits for the cycle against Sydney
MELBOURNE - Melbourne's centerfielder Bob Vigil accomplished a difficult feat in a game against Sydney, hitting for the cycle to improve his career batting average to .253! A single in the 5th off Monte Cook accounted for his 2nd hit. His 3rd hit, off Cale Borsick in the 6th inning, was a three-run homerun and cleared the fence in left-center. His 4th hit was a double off Joaquin Fernandez in the 8th inning. That drive completed the cycle, causing a smile on his face! Bob scored 2 runs, and he collected 4 RBI as well! His 4 hit performance increases his batting average to .277. He becomes the 161st player in league history collect at least a single, double, triple and a homerun in a single game. Carlos Huape was the last player to hit for the cycle, doing it 5/23/2009.
|
Monday 6/26/2009: Tsukada and Lagos win Player of the Week award
Hideki Tsukada from Hiroshima wins his 1st Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the Pan Asian League. He had an on base percentage of .571 and hit .556, while driving in 6 runs. Tsukada has walked 21 times this year and posts a .361 OBP. While batting .308, 74 for 240, he has driven in 22 runs. It's the 2nd time that the La Liga Latina Player of the Week award goes to Licey's pitcher Orlando Lagos. Orlando went 2-0 with an ERA of 0.53, while fanning 15 in 17 innings of work. He hurled a shutout as well. His ERA of 1.32 helped him to a 8-3 record this year. He struck out 109 and walked 13 in 116 innings. He has 2 complete games and one shutout.
|
Saturday 6/24/2009: Delhi's Razdan out for the season
DELHI - Delhi's second baseman Aakar Razdan suffered a season ending injury when he hurt himself firing a ball to first base. He collapsed in pain after the throw and was helped off the field. After being examined by several specialists the diagnosis is clear: Torn Ligament Elbow. Razdan has walked 30 times this year and posts a .323 OBP. While batting .245, 62 for 253, he has driven in 30 runs.
|
Friday 6/23/2009: Ronnie McNeal dominates Hanshin, throws NO-HITTER
HANSHIN - Melbourne's left-hander Ronnie McNeal made some history today, firing a no-hitter against Hanshin. Their hitters found out the hard way that he is among the leagues top pitchers, never having a chance against his overpowering stuff. 'Today I just felt great. I had a good feeling while warming up, and I knew something special was about to happen.' McNeal (9-5) struck out 8 and issued 4 BB, throwing 66 of 122 pitches for strikes. The hitting star for Melbourne was first baseman Robert Hoglund, he stroked 2 hits in 3 AB. The final score of the game was 1-0.
|
Monday 6/19/2009: Odaka and Rucavado win Player of the Week award
Hiroshima's catcher Toruji Odaka had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the Pan Asian League Player of the Week. He had an on base percentage of .667 and hit .579, while driving in 8 runs. It's the 1st time that the La Liga Latina Player of the Week award goes to Chihuahua's pitcher Oriol Rucavado. He was in a zone all week, compiling an ERA of 0.54 while going 2-0. He hurled a shutout as well.
|
Sunday 6/18/2009: Luis Barboza (CAR) will miss 8 weeks
CARACAS - Caracas is without its right-hander Luis Barboza for at least 8 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Alec Pale in a game against Licey. His face showed signs of pain immediately after the ball left his hand. Bone Chips Shoulder was the diagnosis after x-rays were taken in a nearby hospital. The message shocked teammates and team officials. Opposing players hit .307 against Luis this season. While posting an ERA of 6.04 he went 0-3 in 0 starts, fanning 22 and walking 15 hitters.
|
Sunday 6/18/2009: Oriol Rucavado NO-HITS Yucatan
YUCATAN - Chihuahua's southpaw Oriol Rucavado is a really great pitcher. And he once again showed his stuff while making history, blanking Yucatan on no hits. Eulogio Ortiz spoiled the bid for a perfect game when he walked with 2 away in the 8th inning. 'I felt early that I was on top of my game. Fortunately I was able to keep that feeling the entire game.' Rucavado (9-1) struck out 4 and walked 1, throwing 58 of 100 pitches for strikes. Chihuahua's leftfielder Benji Moreno finished 2 for 4, and driving in 2 runs. That was enough to support the brilliant performance of Rucavado. The final score of the game was 6-0.
|
Monday 6/12/2009: Chikafuji and Cintron win Player of the Week award
It's the 1st time that the Pan Asian League Player of the Week award goes to Hanshin's leftfielder Daichiro Chikafuji. He had an on base percentage of .500 and hit .435, while driving in 9 runs. The Player of the Week award in the La Liga Latina goes to Hermosillo's Barnaldo Cintron this time, as the leftfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. He had an on base percentage of .519 and hit .458, while driving in 9 runs. He has hit 6 homeruns while batting .303 this season. His 66 hits and 36 walks add up to a .403 on-base percentage. He's 10th in the La Liga Latina in batting and 6th in RBI!
|
Sunday 6/11/2009: Wily Laredo out for 6 weeks
CARACAS - Caracas' catcher Wily Laredo will miss at least 6 weeks after he got hurt seriously while running hard toward second base. He began limping and then fell down, causing a scary moment for his teammates. He had to be carried off the field. Strained Posterior Cruciate Ligament was the diagnosis after x-rays were taken in a nearby hospital. The message shocked teammates and team officials. His season features a batting average of .268 (42 hits in 157 AB), 4 doubles, one triple and 5 longballs. Laredo collected 17 RBI and 25 runs as well.
|
Friday 6/9/2009: Omesh Farash dominates Beijing, gives up just 2 hits
BEIJING - It was a great day for Delhi's right-hander Omesh Farash. The 23-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against Beijing on Friday. 'They took some ugly cuts at my breaking stuff, so I kept throwing it. Fortunately they were not able to adjust in time.' Farash (4-7) struck out 6 and walked 3, throwing 61 of 98 pitches for strikes. Sanju Bhagat provided Delhi with the offense Farash needed as he finished with 2 hits in 4 AB, hitting a homerun, and driving in 2 runs. Delhi scored 6 runs on 9 hits.
|
Wednesday 6/7/2009: Vasuroop Rangaswamy fires 1-hitter against Nippon Ham
MUMBAI - Great days are rare. But not for Mumbai's right-hander Vasuroop Rangaswamy. Nippon Ham found out the hard way that he is among the leagues top pitchers, getting just one hit. It's his 1st shutout this season, and the 6th time he has done it in his career. Rangaswamy (7-1) struck out 3 and walked 3, throwing 59 of 99 pitches for strikes. 'My catcher called a very good game. I have to give credit to him.' Dilawar Kaula helped Rangaswamy at the plate, he stroked 3 hits in 4 AB, homering once, with three runs scored and collecting 5 RBI. Mumbai scored 12 runs on 11 hits.
|
Monday 6/5/2009: Santurce's Guante wins Player of the Week award
The Pan Asian League's best player of the week was Delhi's Sanju Bhagat, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. Sanju was on fire, hitting .423 with 4 HR and 12 RBI. Juan Guante of Santurce wins his 1st Player of the Week award for dominating La Liga Latina's hitters the entire week. Guante was overpowering all week long, going 2-0 with an ERA of 0.53. Along the way he struck out 11 in 17 innings. He hurled a shutout as well.
|
Saturday 6/3/2009: Benicio Leon stars with 2000th career hit
XALAPA - Xalapa's players had every reason to congratulate Benicio Leon, who reached a milestone today, collecting his 2000th career hit! His best year so far was 2004 where he hit .401 with 26 homeruns and 88 RBI. 'Good things happen when you put the bat on the ball.' With no outs in the 5th inning, Benicio drilled a single, causing a standing ovation from the crowd.
|
Thursday 6/1/2009: Licey's Lagos named Pitcher of the Month
It's the 1st time that the Pan Asian League Pitcher of the Month award goes to Chunichi's pitcher Masakado Matsumoto. He had an ERA of just 0.47 in 38.1 innings of work in which he struck out 37 hitters. His record in May is 2-1. Opposing players hit .157 against Masakado this season. While posting an ERA of 0.74 he went 6-1 in 11 starts, fanning 62 and walking 9 hitters. He's 1st in the Pan Asian League in ERA and 3rd in wins! Licey's Orlando Lagos had a terrific May, and it earned him the La Liga Latina Pitcher of the month award. His record of 3-1 in 6 was among the leagues best this month. In 39.1 innings of work he allowed just 20 hits while striking out 50, compiling an ERA of just 0.46. His ERA of 1.38 helped him to a 5-3 record this year. He struck out 85 and walked 7 in 78.1 innings.
|
Thursday 6/1/2009: Red hot Tanaka and Puyol win Batter of the Month award
Toro Tanaka of Yomiuri wins his 12th Batter of the Month award for putting up the best numbers in the Pan Asian League. Toro was on fire, hitting .385 with 6 homeruns and 20 RBI. While compiling an on base percentage of .488, Toro hit .418 and slugged .793. He has collected 50 runs batted in this year. He's 1st in the Pan Asian League in batting, 1st in homeruns and 1st in RBI! The La Liga Latina's best player of the month was Havana's Fabricio Puyol, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. In 101 at bats he hit .327 with 9 HR and 27 RBI. Fabricio has gone 54 for 191 (.283) this season, hitting 14 bombs and driving in 41 runs. He has scored 31 runs on his own. He's 1st in the La Liga Latina in RBIs and 1st in homeruns!
|
Wednesday 5/31/2009: Alberto Nogales punishes Licey with five hits
LICEY - Alberto Nogales hits 'em where they ain't. Licey certainly agrees as Hermosillo's catcher unloaded five hits, adding to his reputation of being one of the best pure hitters in the game. A pitch from Fausto Ramirez in the 4th inning left his bat for a solo homerun, landing 485 feet from home plate in left field. His 4th hit, a solo homerun off Gervaso Pasquale in the 8th inning, landed an estimated 397 feet from home plate. In the 9th inning he belted a RBI double off Valerio Zedeņo. He collected singles in the 5th and in the 7th inning . Alberto did drive in 3 while scoring 3 runs on his own. He is hitting .251 this season, with 12 HR and 28 RBI. Hermosillo scored 15 runs on 16 hits.
|
Monday 5/29/2009: Tanaka (YOM) and Huape (MTZ) win P.O.W. award
Toro Tanaka wins his 19th Player of the Week award. Pan Asian League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. Tanaka helped his team with an average of .500 and 6 RBI in 22 at bats. He got at least one hit each game this week and is on a 10 game hitting streak right now. The La Liga Latina Player of the Week award goes to Carlos Huape, Matanzas' starting third baseman. Carlos went 14 for 28 (.500), while hitting 3 HR and collecting 8 RBI. Huape has hit for a .319 average this season. He has 24 extra base hits along with 106 total bases, resulting in a .639 slugging percentage. He's 6th in the La Liga Latina in batting, 1st in homeruns and 1st in RBI!
|
Friday 5/26/2009: Ricardo Lamboy pitches 1-hit shutout against Hermosillo
HERMOSILLO - Chihuahua's right-hander Ricardo Lamboy is a great pitcher. And he once again showed his stuff, blanking Hermosillo on just one hit. It's his 1st shutout this season, and the 2nd time he has done it in his career. 'I really like to play baseball, and I love the way I was able to play it today.' Lamboy (4-4) struck out 5 and walked 2, throwing 61 of 103 pitches for strikes. Hernando Guerrero provided Chihuahua with the offense Lamboy needed as he went 1 for 4, homering once, with 4 RBI. Chihuahua improved its record to 25-22, scoring 6 runs on 9 hits.
|
Tuesday 5/23/2009: Matanzas' Carlos Huape hits for the cycle
HAVANA - Carlos Huape hits 'em where they ain't. Havana certainly agrees as Matanzas' first baseman unloaded five hits and hitting for the cycle. A 420 foot drive to right-center marked his 1st hit, a two-run homerun off Roberto Doloroso in the 1st inning. Hit number 2 followed in the 5th inning, a triple. In the 7th inning he unloaded a solo homerun off Alberto Leon. A single in the 8th off Euclides Rojas accounted for his 4th hit. Number 5 in the 11th inning accounted for a double. That drive completed the cycle, causing a smile on his face! Carlos did drive in 3 while scoring 3 runs on his own. This season has been a good one for him so far, as he has 45 hits in 148 at bats, resulting in a .304 batting average. He becomes the 160th player in league history collect at least a single, double, triple and a homerun in a single game. Sergio Milhuesos was the last player to hit for the cycle, doing it 9/11/2008.
|
Monday 5/22/2009: Player of the Week honors go to Horn and Hernandez
The Pan Asian League Player of the Week award goes to Harry Horn, Melbourne's starting catcher. Harry pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .450 with 2 HR and 6 RBI while slugging .950. His season numbers are: .291 AVG, 41 hits, 10 doubles, no triples and 9 bombs, along with 29 RBI and 25 runs scored. He's 10th in the Pan Asian League in RBIs and 7th in homeruns! Yucatan's rightfielder Bernardo Hernandez had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the La Liga Latina Player of the Week. In 24 at bats he hit .458 with 3 HR and 11 RBI. Hernandez has hit for a .263 average this season. He has 11 extra base hits along with 67 total bases, resulting in a .429 slugging percentage.
|
Saturday 5/20/2009: Rudolfo Banderas out for 4 weeks
TABASCO - Tabasco's leftfielder Rudolfo Banderas will miss at least 4 weeks after he got hurt seriously while running hard toward second base. He began limping and then fell down, causing a scary moment for his teammates. He had to be carried off the field. After x-rays were taken the diagnosis did not surprise many: Strained Medial Collateral Ligament. Surgery will be performed next week. His season features a batting average of .361 (53 hits in 147 AB), 16 doubles, one triple and 10 homeruns. Banderas collected 20 RBI and 27 runs as well. He's 1st in the La Liga Latina in batting!
|
Wednesday 5/17/2009: Hanshin's Inukai out for 5-6 weeks
HANSHIN - Hanshin's players were scared when they had to watch Ebizo Inukai suffer a serious injury when he dove for a ball in the game against Chunichi. He collapsed in pain and was helped off the field. Inukai will probaby miss 5-6 weeks. After being examined by several specialists the diagnosis is clear: Dislocated Shoulder. This year Inukai drove in 24 and scored 17 runs while batting .234 with 7 homeruns.
|
Monday 5/15/2009: Baba (ORX) and Puyol (HAV) win P.O.W. award
Orix's rightfielder Keitaro Baba had some reason to celebrate, as the league named him the Pan Asian League Player of the Week. Baba helped his team with an average of .484 and 2 RBI in 31 at bats. Baba has hit for a .304 average this season. He has 6 extra base hits along with 48 total bases, resulting in a .356 slugging percentage. The La Liga Latina Player of the Week award goes to Fabricio Puyol, Havana's starting third baseman. He had an on base percentage of .440 and hit .435, while driving in 10 runs.
|
Saturday 5/13/2009: Johan Ramirez out for 4-5 weeks
TABASCO - Tabasco's catcher Johan Ramirez will miss at least 4-5 weeks after he got hurt seriously in a collision at home plate. He laid on the ground without movement for several minutes and had to be carried off the field. Doctors examined him after the game and diagnosed a Fractured Ulna which will require surgery. Johan is hitting .268 this year, with 26 hits in 97 at bats. He has driven in 14 runs, slugging .412.
|
Friday 5/12/2009: Marco Minjares (SAC) will miss 5 weeks
SANTURCE - Santurce's leftfielder Marco Minjares will miss at least 5 weeks after he got hurt seriously while running hard toward second base. He began limping and then fell down, causing a scary moment for his teammates. He had to be carried off the field. Doctors examined him after the game and diagnosed a Inflamed Posterior Cruciate Ligament which will require surgery. While compiling an on base percentage of .331, Marco hit .277 and slugged .529. He has collected 21 runs batted in this year.
|
Friday 5/12/2009: Yucatan's Quiroz out for 5 weeks
YUCATAN - Yucatan is without its right-hander Eduardo Quiroz for at least 5 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Olegario Garcia in a game against Tabasco. His face showed signs of pain immediately after the ball left his hand. Yucatan wasted no time and rushed him to an hospital. Team officials were informed later that Quiroz had suffered a Ruptured Bicep Tendon. In 0 starts this year Eduardo struck out 13 batters in 23.2 innings of work. His ERA is 3.04, his record 1-1.
|
Thursday 5/11/2009: Yomiuri's Toro Tanaka gets milestone hit
YOMIURI - Yomiuri's leftfielder Toro Tanaka already had some highlights in his career, and today he added another one, getting his 2000th career hit. Along with his 2000 hits, Toro collected 352 homeruns and 1195 RBI in 11 seasons. 'I still remember my first hit. But the one today is something special. I'll definitely keep that ball!' With two outs in the 3rd inning, Toro drilled a three run homerun, causing a standing ovation from the crowd.
|
Wednesday 5/10/2009: Argines Aguayo NO-HITS Monterrey
CARACAS - Argines Aguayo had some fun again. REAL fun. Monterrey hitters did not. Caracas' right-hander fired a no-hitter in his 2nd shutout of the season. He now has 2 career shutouts in 305 games started. 'Giving my team a chance to win is the most important thing for me. I was able to do it today, and it's especially nice to do it in such fashion.' Aguayo (3-1) fanned 4 and walked 2, throwing 101 pitches. Wily Laredo provided Caracas with the offense Aguayo needed as he finished with 1 hit in 2 AB, blasting a homerun. The final score of the game was 2-0.
|
Wednesday 5/10/2009: Yomiuri's Komuro severely injured, out for season
YOMIURI - Yomiuri's ace Junpei Komuro experienced probably the worst case scenario for a pitcher, a season ending injury. After pitching in the 5th inning of the game against Beijing, Komuro complained about serious pain in his throwing arm. He had to leave the game. Doctors examined him after the game and diagnosed a Torn Back Muscle which will require surgery. Junpei has a record of 4-0 this season, with an ERA of 3.33. In 48.2 Innings he was able to strike out 37 batters. He's 4th in the Pan Asian League in wins!
|
Monday 5/8/2009: Sakagami and Valdes win Player of the Week award
It's the 1st time that the Pan Asian League Player of the Week award goes to Yomiuri's pitcher Hiroyuki Sakagami. Hiroyuki went 2-0 with an ERA of 1.17, while fanning 8 in 15.1 innings of work. He hurled a shutout as well. Hiroyuki has a record of 2-2 this season, with an ERA of 3.05. In 41.1 Innings he was able to strike out 23 batters. Hiroyuki has pitched one shutout and one complete game. Xalapa's centerfielder Rolando Valdes had some reason to celebrate as well, as the league named him the La Liga Latina Player of the Week. He hit .364 with 9 RBI and slugged .818 in 22 at bats. Valdes has hit for a .255 average this season. He has 14 extra base hits along with 55 total bases, resulting in a .561 slugging percentage.
|
Saturday 5/6/2009: Beijing's Hung out for 5-6 weeks
BEIJING - Beijing is without its ace Lao Hung for at least 5-6 weeks. He injured himself while throwing a pitch to Charlie Cassity in a game against Melbourne. His face showed signs of pain immediately after the ball left his hand. After x-rays were taken the diagnosis did not surprise many: Strained Bicep Muscle. Surgery will be performed next week. In 7 starts this year Lao struck out 27 batters in 40.2 innings of work. His ERA is 3.32, his record 3-2. He's 8th in the Pan Asian League in wins!
|
Friday 5/5/2009: Argines Aguayo blanks Tabasco with a 1-hitter
TABASCO - Caracas' right-hander Argines Aguayo will never forget this day. The 27-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 1-hitter, against Tabasco on Friday. 'I had my stuff going. Everything I tried worked. What a day!' Aguayo (2-1) struck out 7 and walked 1, throwing 61 of 94 pitches for strikes. Benicio Guante provided Caracas with the offense Aguayo needed as he finished with 2 hits in 5 AB, doubling once, and collecting 3 RBI. Caracas improved its record to 15-13, scoring 5 runs on 12 hits.
|
Thursday 5/4/2009: Kunitaro Ha quiets Melbourne bats with shutout
NIPPON HAM - Nippon Ham's right-hander Kunitaro Ha will never forget this day. The 25-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 2-hitter, against Melbourne on Thursday. Ha (3-2) struck out 8 and walked 3, throwing 62 of 105 pitches for strikes. 'Today I just felt fine. I had a good feeling while warming up.' Tetsuo Koyama helped Ha at the plate, he went 2 for 3, and driving in 3 runs. Nippon Ham scored 7 runs on 11 hits.
|
Wednesday 5/3/2009: Caracas' Lobo severely injured
CARACAS - When it rains, it pours. Caracas' right-hander Eduardo Lobo will not pitch for at least 7 weeks, handing the team a huge setback. He suffered a serious injury in a game against Tabasco where he left the field in the 7th inning. Doctors examined him after the game and diagnosed a Bone Chips Shoulder which will require surgery. Opposing players hit .195 against Eduardo this season. While posting an ERA of 6.57 he went 1-0 in 0 starts, fanning 11 and walking 9 hitters.
|
Monday 5/1/2009: Santurce's Malas named Pitcher of the Month
It's the 1st time that the Pan Asian League Pitcher of the Month award goes to Brother's pitcher Zhu-Cheng Tzu. He started 4 games in April, going 3-0 and compiling an ERA of 0.28 in 32 innings. Zhu-Cheng fanned 15 hitters. Zhu-Cheng also fired a shutout. Winner of this months La Liga Latina Pitcher of the Month award is Santurce's Rodrigo Malas. His ERA of just 0.71 helped him to a 5-0 record in April. He worked 38 innings, striking out 40 hitters while walking 3. Rodrigo pitched a shutout as well.
|
Monday 5/1/2009: Yomiuri's Tanaka earns Batter of the Month award
The Pan Asian League's best player of the month was Yomiuri's Toro Tanaka, who wins the award for the 11th time in his career. Tanaka helped his team with an average of .455 and 30 RBI in 88 at bats. Rudolfo Banderas of Tabasco wins his 1st Batter of the Month award for putting up the best numbers in the La Liga Latina. Banderas helped his team with an average of .400 and 14 RBI in 80 at bats.
|
Monday 5/1/2009: Tanaka (YOM) and Banderas (TAB) win P.O.W. award
Toro Tanaka wins his 18th Player of the Week award. Pan Asian League pitchers couldn't figure out how to retire this guy all week long. Toro pounded opposing pitchers, hitting .577 with 3 HR and 13 RBI while slugging 1.038. Tanaka has walked 8 times this year and posts a .495 OBP. While batting .455, 40 for 88, he has driven in 30 runs. He's 1st in the Pan Asian League in batting, 1st in homeruns and 1st in RBI! The Player of the Week award in the La Liga Latina goes to Tabasco's Rudolfo Banderas this time, as the leftfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. In 22 at bats he hit .545 with 5 HR and 6 RBI.
|
Saturday 4/29/2009: Seoul's Fat out for the season
SEOUL - Seoul's third baseman Dang-Dang Fat will miss the rest of the season. He injured himself running the bases in the game between Seoul and Sydney. The injury didn't seem to be serious the moment it happened. But suddenly Fat collapsed in pain and had to be carried off the field. Fat was rushed to an hospital near the ballpark, where doctors took x-rays. Those revealed the serious injury, Torn Calf Muscle. Fat has hit for a .287 average this season. He has 15 extra base hits along with 59 total bases, resulting in a .738 slugging percentage. He's 6th in the Pan Asian League in RBIs and 1st in homeruns!
|
Wednesday 4/26/2009: Arecibo's Torres severely injured, out for season
ARECIBO - Arecibo's ace Velasco Torres experienced probably the worst case scenario for a pitcher, a season ending injury. After pitching in the 4th inning of the game against Cienfuegos, Torres complained about serious pain in his throwing arm. He had to leave the game. Doctors examined him after the game and diagnosed a Torn Bicep Muscle which will require surgery. In 5 starts this year Velasco struck out 22 batters in 26.2 innings of work. His ERA is 3.71, his record 1-2.
|
Monday 4/24/2009: Player of the Week honors go to Kudo and Pajaro
The Player of the Week award in the Pan Asian League goes to Hanshin's Tetsuzan Kudo this time, as the pitcher displayed the best pitching perfomance in his league. Tetsuzan went 2-0 with an ERA of 1.15, while fanning 7 in 15.2 innings of work. He hurled a shutout as well. The La Liga Latina's best player of the week was Mexico City's Che Pajaro, who wins the award for the 1st time in his career. Pajaro was overpowering all week long, going 2-0 with an ERA of 0.60. Along the way he struck out 7 in 15 innings.
|
Friday 4/21/2009: Rodrigo Malas fires NO-NO against Xalapa
SANTURCE - Rodrigo Malas had some fun again. REAL fun. Xalapa hitters did not. Santurce's left-hander fired a no-hitter in his 1st shutout of the season. He now has 4 career shutouts in 166 games started. Malas (4-0) struck out an astounding 14 and walked none, throwing 73 of 111 pitches for strikes. 'My catcher called a very good game. I have to give credit to him. He was the main reason I accomplished this feat.' Marcel Espiņo provided Santurce with the offense Malas needed as he finished 1 for 2, hitting a homerun. Santurce scored 2 runs on 3 hits.
|
Friday 4/21/2009: Wilmer Gatos pounds three dingers
TABASCO - Hitting homeruns is one of the most difficult things in sports. To hit three of them in one game is almost sensational. Licey's catcher Wilmer Gatos accomplished that feat in a 11-3 win over Tabasco. His 1st shot, a three-run homerun off Ruben Ortega in the 3rd inning, cleared the fence in left-center. His 2nd shot, off Eduardo Socorro in the 7th inning, was a solo homerun and cleared the fence in left-center. His 3rd blast, a two-run homerun off Eduardo Socorro in the 8th inning, landed an estimated 373 feet from home plate. Overall he went 4 for 5, scoring FOUR times and driving in 6 runs. In 55 career at bats, he has hit 4 homeruns and collected 7 RBI. The final score of the game was 11-3.
|
Monday 4/17/2009: Tetsuzan Kudo blanks Chunichi with a 1-hitter
CHUNICHI - Tetsuzan Kudo had his best stuff going, and Chunichi hitters had nothing to cheer about. Hanshin's right-hander pitched a 1-hitter, his 1st shutout of the season. 'I didn't feel that I had good stuff while warming up. But it got better the more I threw the ball. I guess I was lucky.' Kudo (1-2) fanned 4 and walked 1, throwing 107 pitches. Ebizo Inukai helped Kudo at the plate, he finished with 3 hits in 5 AB, blasting a homerun, and driving in 3 runs. Hanshin improved its record to 7-5, scoring 5 runs on 10 hits.
|
Monday 4/17/2009: Del Merrick unloads, hits number 500
SYDNEY - Sydney's rightfielder Del Merrick made baseball history today, collecting his 500th career homerun! A 378 foot drive to right-center marked his 500th career bomb, a three-run homerun off Bhadrak Kaboo in the 6th inning. In 14 years of big league action so far, Del has compiled a batting average of .282, along with 1901 hits and 1386 RBI. Del hit 30+ homeruns in a season 10 times, hitting 40 bombs 7 times. 'I guess I'll celebrate a bit today. But the most important thing is winning, and my whole career I gave everything I could to help my team.' It's no secret that he will one day be in the Hall of Fame!
|
Monday 4/17/2009: Tanaka (YOM) and Leon (XAL) win P.O.W. award
The Player of the Week award in the Pan Asian League goes to Yomiuri's Toro Tanaka this time, as the leftfielder displayed the best offensive perfomance in his league. Toro went 16 for 29 (.552), while hitting 3 HR and collecting 8 RBI. He hit in every game this week and extended his hitting streak to 7 games. The La Liga Latina's best player of the week was Xalapa's Benicio Leon, who wins the award for the 7th time in his career. He hit .417 with 6 RBI and slugged 1.000 in 24 at bats.
|
Sunday 4/16/2009: Hiroshima's Yamaha out for 6-7 weeks
HIROSHIMA - Hiroshima's pitcher Yoichi Yamaha was part of a scary incident that saw the right-hander being hit by a line drive in the 7th inning of the game between Hiroshima and Yakult. Team trainers immediately rushed onto the field after the frightening scene. Yamaha will miss about 6-7 weeks. Hiroshima wasted no time and rushed him to an hospital. Team officials were informed later that Yamaha had suffered a Broken Hand.
|
Monday 4/10/2009: Hanshin's Igawa out for the season
HANSHIN - Hanshin's right-hander Ryu Igawa experienced probably the worst case scenario for a pitcher, a season ending injury. After pitching in the 9th inning of the game against Orix, Igawa complained about serious pain in his throwing arm. He had to leave the game. Igawa was rushed to an hospital near the ballpark, where doctors took x-rays. Those revealed the serious injury, Ruptured Disc Back.
|
Monday 4/10/2009: Xi Li (BEI) will miss 4-5 weeks
BEIJING - Beijing's pitcher Xi Li was part of a scary incident that saw the lefty being hit by a line drive in the 3rd inning of the game between Beijing and Delhi. Team trainers immediately rushed onto the field after the frightening scene. Li will miss about 4-5 weeks. Doctors examined him after the game and diagnosed a Broken Hand which will require surgery.
|
Monday 4/10/2009: Seoul's Lee wins Player of the Week award
Jung-Boom Lee from Seoul wins his 1st Player of the Week award for putting up the best numbers this week in the Pan Asian League. In 22 at bats he hit .409 with 2 HR and 6 RBI. It's the 3rd time that the La Liga Latina Player of the Week award goes to Arecibo's leftfielder Cisco Cisneros. Cisco was on fire, hitting .500 with 2 HR and 4 RBI.
|
Thursday 4/6/2009: Pablo Cabrales shuts out Tabasco on one hit
TABASCO - It was a great day for Monterrey's southpaw Pablo Cabrales. The 22-year old recorded his first career shutout, a 1-hitter, against Tabasco on Thursday. Cabrales (1-0) showed excellent control, walking nobody and fanning 6. 'I had a good grip on the ball today and I was able to put it where I wanted. That kept them out of balance.' Carlos Huergas helped Cabrales at the plate, he went 2 for 4, blasting a homerun, doubling once, with 3 RBI. Monterrey improved its record to 2-0, scoring 7 runs on 10 hits.
|