Hammer Time - 23 Sep 2054

[Jess64]

Finally Some Things to Smile About (Hebrew Hammer Training Complex) The Jerusalem Hebrew Hammers have had a rocky start to new General Manager Jesse Stollings' tenure at the helm. They had struggled to win more than 2 games a week and continued to drop further behind league leading London. The Hammers have been battling Cairo to move out of 7th place in the GBC. Luckily for the Hammers, Cairo has been dealing with the same issue.

But the Hebrew Hammers finally had some good results, partially as a result of the call-ups earlier this month. The Hammers are still struggling with the majority of the GBC roster being angry and unwilling to even discuss contract extensions. However, the recent results have brought smiles to many in the Hammers organization, including many of the younger players who will be called on to lead the Hammers as they move into next season.

The Hammers welcomed the Buenos Aires Brisas for a 3-game home stand and the first game was definitely something to motivate the Hammers as they earned a 6-0 victory. The bullpen was able to hold on to the victory as the pitching rotation fanned 9, walked 1 and gave up 3 hits. 22 year-old Paris Zervakos, who was called up at the beginning of September had a great effort as he struck out 3 in 1 and 2/3 innings while not giving up any hits.

The Hammers newest signing, SP Clyde Garrison, earned the victory, giving up 3 hits in 5 innings, while sending 4 back to the dugout as they saw 3 strikes cross the plate. Veteran catcher Alonso Castaneda ensured the win when he had a run-scoring sacrifice fly in the 2nd inning to give the Hammers a 2-0 lead on their way to the 4-1 win.

Unfortunately the Hammers could not get the sweep as they lost the final game of the home stand 6-9. Buenos Aires CF Roberto Torres ensured the game would stay out of reach with a 3-run home run in the top of the 6th to increase the lead to 8-1, a deficit the Hammers were unable to overcome.

The Hammers welcomed league-leading London for another 3-game home stand. When the Hammers took the field on 20 Sep for the opening game, there was a determination in the team, to show the league that this team, who is struggling to get out of 7th place, has not given up and would not just roll over for the visiting Monarchs. This was proven by the 12-inning thriller that London was finally able to win with a 2-run home run by veteran, 32 year-old 1B Abay Azzouzj.

The next game saw the Hammers leave the stadium as the victors in a tightly fought 5-4 win. Two-way player Adel bin Husam al Din, not only threw 5 innings of the game where he gave up 3 runs while walking 1 and striking out 1, he broke the tie with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 8th inning.

The rubber match of the series saw the Hammers humble London with a 7-1 victory. The win was a total team effort with 35 year-old CF Jose Leyva going 2-4 with a home run and 3 RBIs, 35 year-old LF Masamichi Kubo getting his 22nd home run of the season with a 3-run shot in the bottom of the 5th inning. The solid offensive showing was supported with strong pitching as Narihari Shini, who was just signed on 4 Aug, improved to 3-2 after throwing 5 1/3 innings, giving up 1 run and striking out 4.

The Hammers travel to Athens next before heading down south to take on Sydney.

While the Hammers have already been eliminated from the playoffs, the strong play of the team has raised the spirits around the organization and has started to shed some light on the future of the club...and it is looking brighter every day.

[Jwalk100]

The pitching staff is full of low work ethic guys. The position players are a good group though.