52.06 London Line Drives Aug 28, 2052: One Out of Three Ain't Good

[Trebro]

Losses Mount as Monarchs Prove to be Swines among the Pearls
by Niles Standish

London – The glimmer of hope was nearly extinguished this week, as the Monarchs returned to their typical losing ways, going another 2-4 in the past six games. After a promising win 9-6 (I much prefer those numbers reversed, personally) despite Jordan Knowles throwing slop across 6 innings, the Monarchs looked poised to do great things. But Knowles's line of crap, giving up 5 runs whle allowing 11 hits, should have been a sign. A day off brought a 4-2 loss to the Hammers, despite Byron Cooper only giving up 1 unearned run across nearly six innings. The poor work of recently demoted David Prigent, 3 runs in 2 innings, sunk any chance of hope as the team managed only 6 hits.

Game two of that set was a heartbreaker. In fact, I am pretty sure I actually saw several players in tears, devastated after clawing back into the game in the bottom of the ninth. The Monarchs went down early, 3-0, in the fourth inning. And it was a messy one-a home run, then a score on an error by struggling center fielder Freddy Ayala, then a sacrifice fly score that beat left fielder Guillen's throw. But the Monarchs didn't give up, scoring in the 4th, 5th, and 9th innings to tie things up. Then it was down to the bullpen, and that's not a good place for London. Eventually, after Don Thomas couldn't keep going after three scoreless, waiver claim Su-Yeung Pak came in, and gave up a dinger to Ortiz with a man on, and the Hammers nailed the victory after London went three and out in the bottom of the frame.

"How do you deal with a loss like that?" I asked the team's suffering manager, Leon Sandcastle. "Well, it's no day at the beach," he replied, "but we'll keep fighting."

Fight they did, winning the following game 10-3, behind a robust offense that had 11 hits and 2 walks. Better yet, 10 of those batters came around to score, a veritable orgy of offense for a team that often can't manage to string together hits. Perhaps most notable is Prigent going another 3 innings, but this time scoreless. But for London, that was the last good news. A delayed flight into Tokyo found them dragging and lagging, and despite a strong overall pitching performance (Between Knowles and Pak, 9.1 innings of only 3 hits and 2 walks, the offense was as offensive as a shock comedian. Despite 8 hits, including 3 by Guillen, no one scored for the Monarchs, either. Such a boring party couldn't last forever and eventually the Pearls got back to home plate, winning 1-0 in 10 innings. Another extra-inning loss!

Deflated, the team limped into their next game and lost 7-2. Another failed(?) waiver claim, Itze Woertgen, performed poorly in his second start, giving up another four runs in five innings. He does good at striking batters out, but not much else, it seems.

Things look dire for the Monarchs. They are officially eliminated from the playoffs, as 100 losses and a likely GBC record number of losses awaits.

News and Notes:

• Rumour has it that GM Rob McMonigal has signed some players for the team, including a big name outfielder, but there appear to be some VISA issues. The team refused comment through a spokesperson.
• Guillen and the team are also rumored to be discussing an extension.
• Guillen's 7 Triples put him in tie for 7th place on the single-season record board for the Monarchs. What a neat coincidence!


Until next time, I'm Niles Standish, reminding you that scoring regularly is good for your health and your team's winning percentage. Ta ta for now!

[Jwalk100]

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