West Allis NATIONALS Baseball

The Nationals wasted a strong effort by starting pitcher, Ben Banning, Friday night in Menasha. 4 defensive miscues and several mental errors contributed to the team's 7-3 loss. Banning held the Macs hitless for three innings and four in the game, but was doomed by unearned runs. The Macs tallied single unearned runs in the third and fifth innings before breaking the game open in the sixth. Eleven men went to the plate that inning, with 5 scoring on only three hits. The Nationals offense produced seven hits in the contest. Chris Marks led the way with two hits and James Herkowski knocked in two runs with an RBI double. The team travels to Manitowoc Saturday for a double dip against the Bandits. Tickets are still available

Shaky defense once again doomed the Nationals as they were swept by the Manitowoc Bandits Saturday, losing 5-2 and 5-4 in 9 innings. Despite outhitting the opposition for the third straight game, the team committed nine costly errors in the DH leading to 6 unearned runs by the Bandits. Wasted were strong outings by Joe Kissler and Tim Spata. Each pitcher was a hard luck loser, giving up only 2 earned runs in 6 and 8.3 innings, respectively. Offensive leaders on the day were Jim Dettman with three hits and two RBI, Mike Czarnecki with three hits, and James Herkowski with two hits-including his second RBI double of the road trip. The Nationals will be back at it again Sunday afternoon with a twinbill versus the Sheboygan A's. First pitch is slated for 1PM.

Today the Nationals will travel north in the team's traditional season opening road trip. This 2002 team faces a daunting task, playing an ambitious 5 game schedule in three days. This year's opponents, the Menasha Macs, Manitowoc Bandits, and Sheboygan A's all compete in the Wisconsin State League-generally regarded as the finest competition the state has to offer. Keep posted to this site for updated scores and results throughout the trip. Those interested in the "real" story must make the commitment to travel north and participate. You'll never know what you miss if you don't-for what happens on the road stays on the road.

The Nationals conclude their brief exhibition season with a game versus the Milwaukee Orioles on Saturday at Zirkel Field. The team will take the field to practice fundamentals at noon with the first pitch expected around 2PM. Anyone interested in trying out for the team is welcome to attend. THE TEAM WILL NOT PROVIDE BATTING TEES. IF NECESSARY, PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN.

The Nationals and Dodgers met Saturday afternoon in a pre-season tilt designed to prepare players for the upcoming season. Nick Kibler, Jim Dettman, and Tim Spata combined to pitch 8 innings of shutout ball. The Dodgers broke through for three runs in the ninth after the team lost its ninth fielder. Joe Kissler led the offense with two doubles and Jim Dettman added two knocks. The Nationals take on the Langsdorf League's Milwaukee Orioles next Saturday in their final warm up before the season opener in Menasha.