September 15
MSB Results – September 15, 2024
League recaps with detailed summaries
🏆 **GAME OF THE DAY:** Dogs Demolish Kraken 12-3 in Offensive Explosion at American Family Field
AMERICAN FAMILY FIELD - The Dogs put on an absolute clinic, crushing the Kraken 12-3 in a game that featured 18 hits from the victors and showcased some of the finest offensive baseball of the season. Ohtani led the charge with a spectacular 4-for-5 performance that included his 53rd home run and a double, driving in two runs while scoring three times. The Dogs jumped out early with a two-run first inning behind Devers' mammoth two-run homer, then never looked back despite an early three-run response from the Kraken.
The turning point came in the fourth and fifth innings when the Dogs exploded for seven combined runs to blow the game wide open. Seager provided the fireworks with two home runs, including a two-run blast in the fourth and a three-run shot in the fifth that put the game away at 9-3. Harper added his 26th homer of the season in the eighth to cap the scoring parade. "When our offense gets going like that, it's special to watch," said Dogs manager after the demolition. "Ohtani set the tone early and everyone just fed off that energy." The 18-hit attack was a season high for the Dogs, who showed why they're among the league's most dangerous offensive teams.
Final: Dogs 12, Kraken 3
ACL's Edge Brewers 1-0 in Pitchers' Duel
TROPICANA FIELD - In stark contrast to the offensive fireworks elsewhere, the ACL's and Brewers engaged in a classic pitcher's duel that was decided by a single run, with the ACL's prevailing 1-0 behind outstanding pitching performances from both sides. Arrighetti was masterful for the ACL's, working six shutout innings while striking out six and allowing just three hits. The veteran right-hander kept the potent Brewers lineup off balance throughout his outing, earning his third victory of the season.
Darvish matched Arrighetti nearly pitch for pitch, scattering six hits over five innings while striking out eight. The only run of the game came in the fourth inning when Manzardo's RBI double drove home Perkins with what proved to be the game-winner. The Brewers had their chances but couldn't break through against the ACL's bullpen combination of Herrin and Dominguez, who combined for three scoreless innings to preserve the victory. "In games like this, one mistake can cost you," said Brewers manager. "Credit to their pitching staff for executing when it mattered."
Final: ACL's 1, Brewers 0
Rum Runners Rally Past Argonauts 5-4 in Late-Inning Drama
FENWAY PARK - Siani's clutch RBI single in the eighth inning capped a dramatic three-run rally that lifted the Rum Runners to a thrilling 5-4 comeback victory over the Argonauts. The visitors appeared to be in control after Lowe's three-run homer in the fourth gave them a 4-1 advantage, but the Rum Runners showed tremendous character in mounting their late surge. The eighth-inning rally began when Morel launched a game-tying two-run homer, then Siani delivered the decisive blow moments later.
The Argonauts got solid production throughout their lineup, with Lowe's blast serving as the offensive highlight. However, their bullpen couldn't hold the lead when it mattered most, as Maton struggled in the crucial eighth inning. "That's baseball - you have to execute for 27 outs," said Argonauts manager after the heartbreaking loss. Diaz earned the victory for the Rum Runners with two scoreless innings of relief, while Martinez notched his 29th save to close out the dramatic victory.
Final: Rum Runners 5, Argonauts 4
Hammers Walk Off Bums 5-4 on Machado's Heroics
ANGEL STADIUM - Machado's dramatic walk-off solo homer in the bottom of the ninth inning lifted the Hammers to a stunning 5-4 victory over the Bums in a back-and-forth contest that featured multiple momentum swings. The Bums appeared to have control after building a 4-2 lead through seven innings, highlighted by Lewis' solo homer and strong situational hitting throughout the lineup. However, the Hammers refused to go quietly in their final at-bat.
The game remained competitive throughout, with both teams trading runs and key hits. Santander's solo homer in the sixth tied the game at 4-4, setting up the dramatic finish. The Bums got excellent production from their veterans, with solid contributions up and down the lineup, but couldn't find the crucial insurance runs needed to put the game away. "Machado has been clutch for us all year," said Hammers manager after the walk-off victory. "In a situation like that, you want your best hitters at the plate."
Final: Hammers 5, Bums 4
Sweets Rout Rattlers 11-0 in Weather-Delayed Blowout
ORIOLE PARK AT CAMDEN YARDS - Despite an 87-minute rain delay that interrupted play, the Sweets showed no rust in demolishing the Rattlers 11-0 in a game that was never competitive after the early innings. Houck was dominant on the mound, working seven shutout innings while allowing just two hits to earn his tenth victory of the season. The right-hander was in complete control throughout, striking out six and walking just one in a masterful performance.
The offensive barrage began early with runs in the first two innings, then exploded with a six-run eighth inning that put the game completely out of reach. Conine homered for the second straight game, while Lee delivered a two-run blast in the fourth. The weather conditions created challenging playing conditions with wet fields and threatening skies, but the Sweets adapted better and never let up. "Sometimes everything just clicks," said Sweets manager after the dominant victory. "Our pitching set the tone and the offense took care of the rest."
Final: Sweets 11, Rattlers 0
Landlubbers Hold Off Koi 6-5 in High-Scoring Affair
KAUFFMAN STADIUM - The Landlubbers survived a late Koi rally to edge out a thrilling 6-5 victory in a game that featured outstanding individual performances from both sides. Del Castillo was the offensive star for the Koi, delivering a clutch three-run homer in the seventh inning that brought his team back from a 4-1 deficit. However, the Landlubbers answered immediately with key hits in the bottom half to maintain their advantage.
The contest was a classic back-and-forth battle with both teams generating scoring opportunities throughout. Cabrera's go-ahead RBI single in the eighth proved to be the difference-maker, giving the Landlubbers the cushion they needed. The Koi made it interesting with a run in the ninth, but Sands shut the door to earn his fifth save of the season. "Games like this are why we love baseball," said Landlubbers manager. "Both teams played hard and gave the fans quite a show."
Final: Landlubbers 6, Koi 5
Auk Edge Sea Wolves 4-3 Behind Miller's Gem
WRIGLEY FIELD - Miller was outstanding on the mound, working seven strong innings to lead the Auk to a hard-fought 4-3 victory over the Sea Wolves in a well-played contest at Wrigley Field. The veteran left-hander scattered five hits while striking out seven to earn his 17th victory of the season, the most in the league. Ozuna provided the offensive spark with his 28th home run, a solo shot in the seventh that proved to be the game-winner.
The Sea Wolves kept pace early with Stanton's solo homer in the second inning, and made things interesting late with a run in the eighth to cut the deficit to 4-3. However, Hoffman came on to earn his 32nd save with a scoreless ninth inning, working around a walk to preserve the victory. "Miller gave us exactly what we needed tonight," said Auk manager. "In close games like this, having your ace step up makes all the difference."
Final: Auk 4, Sea Wolves 3
Rougarou Stun Yetis 8-7 in Extra-Inning Thriller
CITIZENS BANK PARK - Rivera's clutch RBI single in the bottom of the tenth inning capped an incredible comeback as the Rougarou stunned the Yetis 8-7 in one of the most dramatic games of the season. The Yetis appeared to have the game well in hand, building a 7-3 lead through eight innings behind strong performances from Judge and Swanson, who delivered key home runs. However, the Rougarou mounted an extraordinary four-run rally in the ninth inning to force extras.
The comeback was highlighted by Sanchez's two-run single that tied the game at 7-7, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Both teams had chances in the extra frame, but Rivera came through in the clutch with the game-winner. "That's why you play until the final out," said Rougarou manager after the stunning victory. "Our guys never gave up and found a way to get it done." The loss was particularly heartbreaking for the Yetis, who had multiple opportunities to close out the victory.
Final: Rougarou 8, Yetis 7 (10 innings)
Madmen Shut Out Miners 2-0 Behind Gomber's Masterpiece
COMERICA PARK - Gomber delivered a complete-game shutout masterpiece, scattering just three hits over nine innings as the Madmen blanked the Miners 2-0 in a dominant pitching performance. The veteran left-hander was in complete control throughout, striking out seven while walking just one to earn his tenth victory of the season. It was the kind of vintage performance that reminded everyone why Gomber has been one of the league's most consistent starters.
The Madmen provided just enough offense with single runs in the first and eighth innings, highlighted by Westburg's RBI single and solid situational hitting. The Miners managed only three hits against Gomber's masterful effort and couldn't generate any sustained rally against the crafty southpaw. "When Gomber is commanding his fastball and changeup like that, he's nearly unhittable," said Madmen manager. "That's as good as we've seen him pitch all year."
Final: Madmen 2, Miners 0
Thunder Top Robots 5-3 Behind Rafaela's Power Display
ROGERS CENTRE - Rafaela erupted for two home runs and four RBIs to power the Thunder to a 5-3 victory over the Robots in an entertaining contest that featured several momentum shifts. The Thunder got on the board early with two runs in the second inning, then extended their lead with Rafaela's solo homer in the fourth. However, the Robots kept fighting back with late rallies that made things interesting.
Steele earned the victory with 5.2 strong innings for the Thunder, working around several tough situations to keep his team ahead. The Robots made it interesting with two runs in the sixth inning and another in the ninth, but the Thunder bullpen held firm when it mattered most. "Rafaela had a special night at the plate," said Thunder manager. "When he gets locked in like that, he can carry the offense." Scott earned his fourth save with a scoreless ninth inning to preserve the hard-fought victory.
Final: Thunder 5, Robots 3
📈 Statistical Highlights
Home Run Leaders:
• Rafaela (2 HRs, 4 RBIs), Ohtani (53rd HR), Seager (2 HRs, 4 RBIs), Devers,R (2-run HR), Harper (26th HR), Varsho (17th HR), Judge (53rd HR), Swanson,D (3-run HR), Lowe,B (3-run HR), Ozuna (28th HR), Del Castillo (3-run HR), Conine, Lee,K, Meadows (9th HR), Lewis (14th HR), Santander (33rd HR), Machado (walk-off HR), Chisholm (2-run HR), Frazier, Tovar (23rd HR), Stanton (13th HR), Adames (21st HR), Guerrero,V (20th HR)
Multi-Hit Performances:
• Ohtani (4 hits), Cronenworth (4 hits), Rafaela (3 hits), Doyle (3 hits), Ozuna (3 hits), Bart (3 hits), Seager (3 hits), Lee,K (3 hits), Gorman (2 hits), Del Castillo (2 hits), Albies (2 hits), and 12 others with two hits
Pitching Gems:
• Gomber (9 IP, 0 ER, CG shutout), Houck (7 IP, 0 ER), Arrighetti (6 IP, 0 ER), Miller,Br (7 IP, 2 ER), Steele (5.2 IP, 2 ER)
Offensive Explosions:
• Dogs' 18-hit attack led by Ohtani's 4-for-5 performance
• Sweets scored 11 runs despite 87-minute rain delay
• Multiple games decided by clutch late-inning hitting
Weather Conditions:
• 87-minute rain delay affected Sweets-Rattlers game at Camden Yards
• Wet field conditions but clear skies at most other venues
• Wind factors noted at Citizens Bank Park (15 MPH gusts)
Clutch Moments:
• Rivera's walk-off RBI single in 10th inning for Rougarou
• Machado's walk-off homer caps Hammers comeback
• Siani's go-ahead RBI single sparks Rum Runners rally
• Multiple extra-base hits in crucial situations throughout the day
Save Situations:
• Dominguez,S (1st save), Martinez,J (29th save), Cousins (2nd win), Hoffman (32nd save), Sands (5th save), Scott,Tan (4th save)
Notable Achievements:
• Ohtani reaches 53 home runs with dominant 4-hit performance
• Gomber tosses complete-game shutout for tenth victory
• Multiple walk-off finishes provide dramatic endings
• Several players achieve career-high RBI totals in single games