American League Baseball

[tomsawyer-finn]

The Lopez League American League division has not settled down yet in the opening stages of the new season. Kansas City has the early lead with a 6-2 record winning their sixth consecutive game after two opening losses. Kansas City defeated Anaheim 5-1 to keep their streak alive.

Homeruns made a big difference in this one. Walter Richards hit a solo homer for Kansas City in the second inning off starter Ollie Machemer (WP 1-0) that gave Anaheim the initial lead 1-0.

A two run home run by Kansas City's Pat Bahnson added to a two run fourth inning to put Kansas City ahead 4-1 and a solo homerun by Ed Maranda in the 8th made the final 5-1.

Washington 9 Detroit 5
Six homeruns in this game, three by each team. Washington got a three run round tripper in the bottom of the first by Jason Perrin, his second this season as well as solo shots by Len Westlake and Ed Coggin.

Washington's long balls came from Clyde McConnell, Gus Clark, and Bob McClure.

Joe Bates got the win with five and two thirds innings of work, allowing six hits and five runs.

Minnesota 5 Los Angeles 1

Los Angeles dropped to 1-7 with their sixth straight loss after finishing last season 54-27.

Tampa Bay in the midst of a nine game home stand to start the season improved to 4-4 thanks to Steve Hale's second win of the season, a five hit eight inning effort in which he walked one and struck out six. Hale gave way to closer Tommy Olson in the ninth as Olson picked up his fourth save, 100% of Tampa's win.

First baseman Bob Breeding has forced his way into the lineup with a hot bat and a good glove at first base went three for three including his second homerun of the season that provided the only run of the game.

Rookie Lixan Preonza started in center field and looked comfortable there handling two chances flawlessly going o for 3 dropping his batting average to .136.