NETWORK SWEEPS DOUBLEHEADER DAY TWO

After our humiliating lost to the dominant Tuzos last night Network found themselves in two must win situations on Day Two. With an inspiring visit from ex-major leaguer, ex-Atlanta Braves All-Star Brett Butler, Network jumped all over the California Zephyrs with 4 runs in the first inning. The hitting display didn't end there. A 7-run 4th put the game out of reach early and enabled Rick to get playing time for everybody.

Everyone contributed to the romp, including three hits a piece by Robert Wasmund and Jim Davidson. We switched the infield around and we played flawlessly. With his family watching from the stands, Ken Lorow went the first five innings. Although he gave up 11 hits, they were scattered, and he consistently got the big out when we needed it.

The same went for Game Three against last year's 35A runner-ups, the Portland Red Sox. The Red Sox were considered the #3 seed in the tournament and strong contenders for the title. Network jumped all over them in the first inning with hits by Cohen, Schaefer, Armstrong and Kasin, and walks to Bailey, Veronesi and Brown. At one time, Network lead 13-1, so the final score wasn't indicative of our domination. This wasn't a weak team and just as we were stunned by our loss to the Tuzos, Portland was shocked at their own weak play. Brian Schaefer lead the hitting attack going 4 for 5 with a triple and double, and Pat Armstrong went 3 for 4. Six players in the line-up had 2 hits or more and the field was solid as well.

The pitching was handled by Mike Moore, Jeff Wells and Robert Wasmund. This enabled Rick to continue to save his big arms for later in the week. It's all about pitching in the end, and Network has yet to use their big guns Bill Filippone and DJ Austin. Hopefully they will be used for our semi-final and final appearances.

The Schedule doesn't ease up tomorrow. In Goodyear Stadium, home of the Reds and Indians, the #4 seeded Colorado Bulls, last year's 35R semi-finalists (Network beat them 7-3) wait. Network can assure ourselves of a #2 seed with a win and a small runs allowed. That would enable us to have a bye for the playoffs Thursday morning (meaning no quarterfinal game) and a trip back to the semi-finals. Our goal is to get the Tuzos in the final and pay them back in the worst way.

GAME FOUR - 12 noon PCT - Goodyear Stadium - Colorado Bulls vs. National Network.

RC