MVN: Most Valuable Network

RF Miles Durham led the way as the Cane Fires put up 14 hits and 13 runs.  Durham's 2-RBI single put the Cane Fires on the scoreboard in the first inning. They added two more runs in the third, as Durham walked, went to third on 1B Adam Loewen's (Blue Jays) single, and scored on 3B Tyler Henson's (Orioles) double.  CF Kyle Peter (Tigers) singled to get things started in the 4th inning.  Peter advanced to second base on a wild pitch and stole third, then scored on Durham's second RBI single of the game.  The Cane Fires sealed the deal with 5 runs in the 5th inning.  Henson walked and C James Skelton (Tigers) was hit by a pitch, and both scored on DH Wally Crancer's (Orioles) single.  SS Haruki Kurose (Saitama Seibu Lions) singled, Peter reached on a fielder's choice, and 2B Mark Halberg (Diamondbacks) singled, all bringing in two more runs.   Durham was hit by a pitch, and was removed for a pinch runner, and Loewen's sacrifice fly scored Peter with the 5th run of the inning.   The 'Fires added 3 more insurance runs i the 8th inning on consecutive singles by Henson, Skelton, and Schafer, and a double by Crancer. 

Waikiki picked up one run in the 4th inning and 3 more in the 5th off Cane Fires starter Chris Salberg (Orioles).  Harrison Bishop relieved Salberg to finish the 5th inning, giving up a walk, but then helping to turn a fielding error into a run-down and tag out at home to end the inning.  Bishop gave up three singles in the 6th, but a double play and a strikeout got him out of the jam. He gave up two walks in the 6th, but then struck out three batters.  Brian Parker (Orioles) gave up 4 more runs in the 8th on 5 straight hits, but Moises Robles came in and got two ground outs to finish the 8th, then retired the side in the 9th, earning his 3rd save.  

The Scorpions were held to only 4 hits on Saturday night.  Their only run came in the 4th inning.  3B Chris Johnson (Astros) singled, and C Steve Lerud and RF Brian Bogusevic (Astros) both walked, loading the bases.  Johnson scored on a passed ball, and that was all the Scorpions could manage.  DH Mark Ori (Astros) had a double, and SS Kevin Frandsen (Giants) and 1B Mark Trumbo (Angels) had the Scorpions' other two hits.  

Jared Hughes suffered the loss, as he gave up 4 runs in the 1st inning on a walk, a single, a double, and a 3-run homer, and then a solo homer in the 2nd inning.  Jeff Sues pitched the 4th inning.  He loaded the bases with a walk and a single and a hit batter, but then got a fly out to end the inning.  

Steve Pearce sat this one out, so it was Pirate teammates facing one another from the bullpen.  Mazatlan, led by CF Eric Reed and his 4 hits, was leading 5-4 going into the bottom of the 7th inning.  After three straight singles, two walks, and two outs, Los Venados had added another run, and Dave Davidson took the mound for Culiacan.  He walked the first batter he face, forcing in a run, and then Reed singled, bringing in another run (neither run charged to Davidson).  A strikeout ended the inning, and that was all for Davidson.  Neither team scored in the 8th, but Culiacan threatened in the top of the 9th.  A single and two walks loaded the bases and brought the tying run to the plate, and Evan Meek was summoned from the bullpen.  Meek struck out Dionys Cesar to end the inning and earn his 5th save. 

C Raul  Chavez singled and came around to score in Aragua's 2-homer 5-run 2nd inning.  He also doubled in the 8th inning, but was left on base.  

C Carlos Maldonado singled in Caracas' 2nd inning rally, though he didn't score.  A 4-run 5th inning gave Los Leones a lead they would not give up.

This was a battle of former Indy Indians starters.  Michael Tejera (2007) started for Los Caribes, going 5.1 innings and allowing 3 runs on 6 hits with 4 strikeouts.  Geovanni Carrara (1996-97, 99, 2006) pitched 5.1 innings for Lara, and allowed 2 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks, with one strikeout.  Rajai Davis doubled, went to third on an error, and scored on an RBI single in the top of the 6th, as Carrara was chased from the mound.  In the bottom of the inning, a triple, a hit batter, and a 3-run homer sent Tejera to the showers.  LF 

Jose Tabata was 0-for-3 for the night.