September 14
MSB Results – September 14, 2024
League recaps with detailed summaries
🏆 **GAME OF THE DAY:** Bums Outlast Hammers 11-10 in Offensive Slugfest at Angel Stadium
ANGEL STADIUM - In a wild back-and-forth affair that featured 21 runs and 22 hits, the Bums edged the Hammers 11-10 in one of the season's most thrilling contests. The visiting Bums jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on Alonso's first-inning two-run homer, but the Hammers responded with a devastating five-run second inning highlighted by Yepez's three-run blast. The offensive fireworks continued throughout as both teams combined for eight home runs, with Torres leading the way with two homers for the Bums.
The Hammers appeared to seize control with their second-inning explosion, taking a 5-2 lead, but the Bums showed tremendous resilience. Alonso's second homer of the game capped a four-run fourth inning that gave the visitors a 9-6 advantage. The Hammers kept fighting back, with Alvarez and Hampson providing clutch hits to keep the game close. In the end, it was the Bums' superior offensive depth that made the difference, as nine different players recorded hits in the victory. "That's the kind of game that reminds you why you love baseball," said Bums manager after the wild contest.
Final: Bums 11, Hammers 10
Brewers Fall to ACL's 5-4 Despite Hinds' Heroics
TROPICANA FIELD - Turner's clutch two-run homer in the eighth inning broke a 4-4 tie and lifted the ACL's to a 5-4 victory over the Brewers in a tightly contested affair. The Brewers got off to a solid start with Henderson's doubles and strong pitching from deGrom, but couldn't quite close out the victory. Hinds provided the offensive spark for the visitors with a solo homer and two RBIs, while Altuve contributed with his 25th stolen base of the season.
The game remained close throughout, with both teams trading runs in the middle innings. The Brewers appeared to gain momentum in the fifth when Hinds' second-inning homer tied the game at 2-2, but the ACL's answered back each time. Turner's decisive blast in the eighth proved to be the difference-maker, as the ACL's bullpen shut down the Brewers' offense in the final frames. The loss was particularly frustrating for the Brewers, who out-hit their opponents 11-7 but couldn't convert their opportunities with runners in scoring position.
Final: ACL's 5, Brewers 4
Argonauts Cruise Past Rum Runners 6-3 Behind Birdsong
FENWAY PARK - Birdsong was dominant on the mound, allowing just one run over eight strong innings as the Argonauts defeated the Rum Runners 6-3 in convincing fashion. The right-hander scattered six hits while striking out nine, earning his third victory of the season. The Argonauts broke the game open with a four-run third inning, highlighted by Lowe's RBI double and strong clutch hitting throughout the lineup.
The Rum Runners managed to keep pace early, with Schwarber's solo homer providing their lone bright spot through seven innings. However, they couldn't generate enough offense against the stellar Argonauts pitching staff. Jansen's solo homer in the fourth extended the lead to 5-1, effectively putting the game away. The Rum Runners made a late push in the ninth with Fry's two-run homer, but it was too little, too late. "Birdsong gave us exactly what we needed tonight," said Argonauts manager. "When he's commanding the strike zone like that, he's tough to beat."
Final: Argonauts 6, Rum Runners 3
Dogs Dominate Kraken 6-1 Behind Harper's Grand Slam
AMERICAN FAMILY FIELD - Harper's mammoth grand slam in the third inning broke open what had been a close game, propelling the Dogs to a convincing 6-1 victory over the Kraken. The Dogs took an early 1-0 lead on Marte's RBI single, but it was Harper's bases-clearing blast that provided the decisive blow in a four-run rally that put the contest away. Kirby was masterful for the Dogs, working eight strong innings while allowing just one run to earn his ninth victory of the season.
The Kraken managed just six hits against the dominant Dogs pitching staff, with Bleday's solo homer in the eighth providing their only run. The loss was particularly disappointing for the Kraken, who had been playing well entering the contest but couldn't generate any sustained offense. Ohtani and Diaz provided the early offense for the Dogs, setting up Harper's heroics. "That's the kind of clutch hitting we need from our veteran guys," said Dogs manager after Harper's performance.
Final: Dogs 6, Kraken 1
Sweets Rout Rattlers 10-3 in Offensive Explosion
ORIOLE PARK AT CAMDEN YARDS - The Sweets exploded for ten runs, including a decisive six-run fifth inning, to defeat the Rattlers 10-3 in a game that was much closer than the final score indicated. The contest remained scoreless through four innings before the Sweets broke through with their offensive barrage. Conine's clutch two-run single highlighted the fifth-inning rally, while Gimenez contributed three doubles to lead the offensive attack.
The Rattlers kept pace early behind solid pitching from Elder, but their bullpen couldn't contain the Sweets' potent lineup once the floodgates opened. Meadows' solo homer in the seventh extended the lead to 8-0, effectively putting the game away. The Rattlers managed to score three runs in the ninth on O'Hearn's three-run homer, but it was far too late to mount a meaningful comeback. "Sometimes the hits just start falling all at once," said Sweets manager after the decisive victory.
Final: Sweets 10, Rattlers 3
Landlubbers Edge Koi 7-6 in Thrilling Contest
KAUFFMAN STADIUM - Cabrera's go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning proved to be the difference as the Landlubbers held off a late Koi rally to win 7-6 in a back-and-forth battle. The Koi jumped out to an early lead with a five-run third inning that seemed to put them in control, but the Landlubbers showed tremendous resilience in fighting back. Ortiz led the offensive charge with three RBIs, while Tovar contributed with timely hitting and solid defense.
The game featured multiple lead changes and clutch performances from both sides. The Landlubbers' early three-run first inning set the tone, but the Koi's explosive third-inning rally gave them a 5-3 advantage. From there, it became a battle of attrition as both bullpens were tested. d'Arnaud's solo homer in the sixth cut the deficit to one run, setting up the dramatic finish. Roupp earned his first save of the season with two scoreless innings to close out the victory.
Final: Landlubbers 7, Koi 6
Auk Rally Past Sea Wolves 3-2 on Ozuna's Heroics
WRIGLEY FIELD - Ozuna's two home runs, including the game-winner in the eighth inning, powered the Auk to a 3-2 comeback victory over the Sea Wolves in a classic pitcher's duel. The Sea Wolves took an early 1-0 lead on Stanton's solo homer in the second, but Ozuna answered back in the fourth to tie the game. Wagner's RBI double in the fifth gave the Sea Wolves a 2-1 advantage, setting up Ozuna's heroics.
Lugo was outstanding for the Auk, working seven innings while allowing just two runs to earn his 15th victory of the season. The veteran left-hander battled through tough situations and kept his team in position to win despite falling behind. "Ozuna showed why he's such a clutch performer tonight," said Auk manager. "When we needed a big hit, he delivered twice." Hoffman earned his 31st save with a perfect ninth inning to preserve the hard-fought victory.
Final: Auk 3, Sea Wolves 2
Yetis Hold Off Rougarou 6-3 in Weather-Affected Contest
CITIZENS BANK PARK - Alexander's clutch two-run double in the seventh inning broke open a close game and helped the Yetis defeat the Rougarou 6-3 in a contest played under challenging weather conditions. The Yetis took control early with Rocchio's solo homer in the second inning, then added insurance runs throughout to build a comfortable lead. Maeda was solid on the mound for the Yetis, working 5.1 innings while allowing just one run to earn the victory.
The Rougarou mounted a late rally in the sixth inning with two runs to cut the deficit to 3-2, but the Yetis responded immediately with key hits from Alexander and Cowser. The visitors' bullpen combination of Varland, Neris, Spence, and Mlodzinski combined to hold the Rougarou scoreless over the final 3.2 innings. Despite the challenging conditions, both teams played solid baseball throughout. The Yetis' superior depth and clutch hitting made the difference in the end.
Final: Yetis 6, Rougarou 3
Madmen Top Miners 6-3 Behind Garcia's Power
COMERICA PARK - Garcia's three-run homer highlighted a dominant five-run second inning as the Madmen defeated the Miners 6-3 in front of their home crowd. The Miners actually struck first with three runs in the second inning, but the Madmen responded immediately with their explosive rally. Butler's solo homer and Heim's clutch RBI single also contributed to the decisive frame that put the home team in control.
Eflin was masterful for the Madmen, working six innings while allowing just three runs to earn his tenth victory of the season. The right-hander kept the Miners off balance with his changeup and location, inducing weak contact throughout his outing. "Eflin gave us exactly what we needed after falling behind early," said Madmen manager. "He settled in and let our offense take over." The Madmen bullpen combination of Jarvis and Knack combined for three scoreless innings to preserve the victory.
Final: Madmen 6, Miners 3
Thunder Dominate Robots 7-2 Behind Ramirez's Explosive Night
ROGERS CENTRE - Ramirez erupted for two home runs and four RBIs as the Thunder cruised to a 7-2 victory over the Robots in the day's most lopsided contest. The Thunder took control early with runs in the first two innings, then pulled away with Ramirez's second homer in the eighth inning. Williams was outstanding on the mound for the Thunder, working seven innings while allowing just two earned runs to earn his fourth victory of the season.
The Robots managed to make it interesting briefly with two runs in the fourth inning, but they couldn't generate enough offense against the stellar Thunder pitching staff. Arozarena added a solo homer in the seventh to extend the lead to 6-2, effectively putting the game away. The Thunder's balanced offensive attack featured contributions throughout the lineup, while their pitching staff dominated from start to finish. "When we execute our game plan like that, we're tough to beat," said Thunder manager after the convincing victory.
Final: Thunder 7, Robots 2
📈 Statistical Highlights
Home Run Leaders:
• Ozuna (2 HRs), Ramirez,J (2 HRs), Torres (2 HRs), Alonso (2 HRs), Harper (grand slam), Yepez (3-run HR), Hinds, Turner,J (2 HRs), Jansen,D, Schwarber, Fry (2-run HR), Stanton, Bleday, O'Hearn (3-run HR), Meadows, d'Arnaud, Rocchio, Garcia,LV (3-run HR), Butler, Arozarena
Multi-Hit Performances:
• Witt Jr (3 hits), Torres (3 hits), Ortiz,J (3 hits), Ramirez,J (3 hits), Correa (2 hits), Sosa,L (2 hits), Alexander,B (2 hits), Conine (3 hits), Gimenez (3 hits), Burleson (2 hits), and 15 others with two hits
Pitching Gems:
• Birdsong (8 IP, 1 ER), Kirby (8 IP, 1 ER), Williams,T (7 IP, 2 ER), Lugo (7 IP, 2 ER), Eflin (6 IP, 3 ER), Maeda (5.1 IP, 1 ER)
Offensive Explosions:
• Bums and Hammers combined for 21 runs and 22 hits
• Sweets scored 6 runs in the fifth inning to break open their game
• Madmen answered Miners' 3-run second with 5 runs of their own
Weather Conditions:
• Clear skies and mild temperatures at most venues
• Some wind effects noted at Citizens Bank Park
• Perfect playing conditions at Comerica Park and Rogers Centre
Save Situations:
• Kopech (2nd save), Jimenez,J (25th save), Fairbanks (save), Kinley (save), Roupp (1st save), Hoffman (31st save), Mlodzinski (hold), Knack (3rd save)
Notable Achievements:
• Harper's grand slam highlighted dominant Dogs victory
• Ozuna's clutch two-homer performance leads Auk comeback
• Ramirez,J's explosive four-RBI night powers Thunder rout
• Multiple games decided by superior offensive depth and timely hitting