West Allis NATIONALS Baseball

The Cubs demonstrated Saturday that they have no plans of letting their title go undefended. Last year's champions came ready to play and handed the Nationals their first doubleheader sweep in over a year. Game one was decided late. The Cubs scored first on a bases loaded walk in second inning. The Nationals reciprocated with an RBI single by Jake Paige, but the score remain tied 1-1 until the bottom of the seventh. Pat Bovee, in relief of starter Jim Dettman, allowed a bases loaded single and sending the Nationals to a tough 2-1 defeat. The Nationals failed to capitalize on a golden scoring opportunity in the sixth when James Herkowski lined into a double play with no outs and runners on first and second. Game two was decided earlier. The Cubs took advantage of starter Nick Kibler's wildness in and out of the strike zone to jump to a 3-0 lead. After the Nationals battled back to narrow the margin to 3-2, Kibler was touched for a four run fourth inning. The key blast was a bases clearing double from Cub Mark Tomczak. The 7-2 margin proved too much to overcome, though Kibler did help his own cause with a two run homer late. Despite these runs, the Nats succombed 7-5. Next up are McGuire's Cats in a Saturday doubleheader at Kuenn Field in Rainbow Park. The Nationals can clinch a playoff spot with two victories in their final four games.

SUNDAY JULY 20 Milwaukee Athletics 10 McGuire's Cats 2 Milwaukee Athletics 10 McGuire's Cats 6 8 innings SATURDAY JULY 19 Milwaukee Angels 5 Kingpins 3 Milwaukee Angels 7 Kingpins 3 West Allis White Sox 14 Jetsetter Pilots 7 West Allis White Sox 5 Jetsetter Pilots 4

In a close vote, Joe Kissler has been named Player of the Week. The honor is Kissler's second of the season, and one that is well deserved. Kissler pitched 10 innings last weeks, allowing 6 hits, 6 walks, and his first 2 earned runs of the season. Kissler's victory during the period improved his season record to 6-0 while his once-perfect ERA skyrocketed to 0.33. Joe's hard work over the past year is certainly paying dividends. Now if he can only get his priorities straight, we might have something. With hobbies like softball and "Country Thunder," Kissler is no Koufax. But...he's certainly been our Drysdale.

Joe Kissler continues to impress on the mound and his efforts have not gone unnoticed. Kissler was voted player of the week again this week after more impressive mound work. During the week, Kissler pitched 11 innings, including a complete game victory over the Racine Kiwanis. He allowed only 6 hits and 6 walks during his stints while striking out 6. Though Joe allowed his first two earned runs of the season against Racine, his ERA remains a sparkling 0.33.

A safety squeeze by Mike Wajerski scored Jason Koconis in the fifth inning and proved to be the decisive run in Monday's 3-2 victory over the Kiwanis. With two outs and Koconis on third, Wajerski surprised Racine with a well-placed bunt down the third base line. Racine's catcher broke from behind the plate to make the play, but Koconis successfully eluded his tag and scored standing. The hustle play gave the Nationals a 3-0 lead at the time. The Nationals scored their first run in the first inning. After Wajerski flew out to lead off the game, Jake Paige singled, Alex Franson reached on an error, and Erik Dunn ripped an RBI single to left. The Nationals second run scored on a sacrifice fly by Tom Donovan in the third. That offense proved adequate for starting pitcher Joe Kissler. Kissler battled for all nine innings and was supported by error-free defense that included two outfield assists from Erik Dunn. Kissler's record improves to 6-0, though he did allow his first two earned runs of the season. The rival Cubs are next for the Nationals. The two teams square off in a Milwaukee Independent League doubleheader on Saturday night at Harden Field. First pitch is 6PM.