MLB: Neck and Neck in AL East

By Matthew Sullivan, WSOE Sports

Yankees-Red Sox do I need to say more. These two franchises have been going at it since the early 1900s and have evolved into the greatest rivalry in all sports. This year is no different. After today’s Yankee win over the Twins and the Red Sox blowing a four run lead (for the fifth time this year) to the Royals, they are tied in first place in the American League East. These two teams have met up this year eight times, with Boston taking all eight. This is saying something about the New York Yankees. Since the last Yankee lost to Boston, they won 17 of their last 25 and have taken six of eight series (including five in a row). They will start a tough series with the Angels before the All Star break. Meanwhile, Boston has won 15 of their last 25 and has won seven of eight series. Both teams have the best records in the AL and tied for second best in the MLB (Dodgers having the best record in all of baseball).

The Yankees already has made one trade this season to bolster their bench. They acquired Eric Hinske from the Pirates for two minor league players. In his first start for the Yankees (July 6^th), he went 2-4 with solo home run in a 7-6 loss to the Blue Jays. Alex Rodriguez has been swinging the bat well in recent weeks after having two days rest in Florida. Also, since interleague play, Hideki Matsui has played a lot better with getting regular at-bats. In the month of July he is hitting .455 with an on base percentage of .519. He has hit three homeruns and driven in eleven RBIs. However, Robison Cano has not been hitting well with runners in scoring position. Even though, Cano is batting .304, he will need to come through in the clutch if he wants his team to succeed.

David Ortiz finally woke up for the Red Sox. In the month of June he batted .320 and hit seven homeruns. So far in July he has hit three home runs. Their All Star pitcher, Tim Wakefield, will need to continue to throw his knuckleball well. Jason Bay with his league high of 72 RBIs will need to continue his trend as well.

It will be fun to watch once the second half of the season begins.

Contact Information:
Matthew Sullivan
WSOE Sports
msullivan9@elon.edu

Baseball: Former Elon Baseball Stars Hoping to Make Impact in the Minors

By Matthew Sullivan, WSOE Sports 

Great college baseball players are drafted and they are never heard of again. Take for instance Stephen Strasburg, the number one overall pick in this year’s MLB draft taken by the Washington Nationals; all you know is he will get a large contract (considering Scott Boras is his agent) and you will not hear of him again until he reaches the majors. Otherwise, you and I will not hear of a single stat of his in the minors until he gets to the “Big Show”. I wanted to update all of you on two former Elon baseball players: Chase Austin and Pat Irvine, who are both playing in the New York-Penn league which is a short-season single A league.

The Florida Marlins selected Chase Austin in the fifth round. He is playing for the Jamestown Jammers. They are currently 6-11 and four games behind Mahoning Valley Scrappers in the Pinckney division. Austin has been playing shortstop for them. He has appeared in 15 of their 17 games, batting .231, with an on base percentage of .310. He is second on the team with 52 at-bats. In those 52 at-bats, he has belted one home run and has driven in three RBIs. He has successfully stolen two bases, which is tied for the team high. However, he will need to improve his defense if he wants to advance in the Marlin’s farm system. He has a team high of seven errors.

The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Pat Irvine in the 33rd round. He is currently on the State College Spikes. They also, compete in the Pinckney division and they have a record of 9-8 that leaves them one game behind the Scrappers. Irvine has played in 14 games so far. His offense has struggled in the early part of the season. He is batting .195 with an on base percentage of .294 and has struck out 12 times. However, all is not that bad. He has a team high of nine RBIs and three stolen bases. In the field, he has only created two errors, while splitting time between left field and third base.

I will be updating you periodically on their journey through this season.

Contact Information:
Matthew Sullivan
WSOE Sports
msullivan9@elon.edu