West Allis NATIONALS Baseball

Few players have had seasons like Joe Kissler did in 2003.  Last week Joe set out to prove that it was no fluke.  Teammates honored Joe accordingly for his performance during the extended-to-ten-day period.  For the first time in 2004, Kissler was voted the Nationals' Player of the Week.

Kissler earned two starts on the bump during this period.  In an eight inning stint against the White Sox, Kissler showed grit and leadership as he overcame several defensive errors and miscues.  Of the 4 runs he allowed, only one was earned.  Nonetheless, the Nationals found themselves in a tight, extra-inning contest against their cross town rivals.  Time and again, Kissler made critical pitches to get out of tight situations, allowing his team to eventually prevail 5-4.

Against Racine, Joe again demonstrated fine stuff.  Unfortunately, the bats were not to come alive on this day.  A single run allowed did Joe in. 

For the "week" Kissler threw 15 innings, allowing 13 hits, 2 earned runs, 3 walks, and struck out 10.  Congratulations to Joe and the others who earned votes from teammates.