West Allis NATIONALS Baseball

Though the team came out flat in a doubleheader loss to the Cubs on Saturday night, two players continue to provide steady and reliable leadership. Because of this, both have been named this week's players of the week. Alex Franson and Mike Wajerski have started all 22 of the team's games this year and both have shown versatility and unselfishness, playing a variety of positions based upon team need. Thanks to Alex and Mike for providing a steadying influence in a season filled with injuries and personal conflicts of all types.

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.