Friday, September 2, 2011

Goodbye from South Bend

Now that the team has been eliminated from playoff contention, I wanted to address something that has been floating around for the last few weeks.  Unfortunately, the rumors are true and I will be leaving the South Bend Silver Hawks at the end of this season. 

Without going into too much detail, this was not entirely my decision.  The team is moving in a different direction in regards to the broadcast position, turning it from a full-time job into a seasonal one and I'm the odd man out.  Rather than complain and argue about it, I've accepted their decision and look forward to pursuing other opportunities in the near future.

I came to South Bend in March of 2009 eager to begin my first job as the play-by-play voice of a Minor League Baseball team.  After spending three years as an assistant with the Dayton Dragons, I felt that I was ready to assume control of a broadcast position, and I was honored to be given that chance by the Silver Hawks.

Now, three seasons later, I leave the team knowing that my talents as a broadcaster and Media Relations Director are much stronger and I am still very thankful for the opportunity provided to me by the Silver Hawks. 

More than that, however, I am thankful for the wonderful people I've been in contact with over the past three seasons.  From the coaching staff to the players, from the front office of South Bend to those in other cities around the league, and from the fans both locally and afar, everyone has welcomed me (or at least my voice) with open arms (and ears).

As a special note to the families of the players and to the loyal listeners of my broadcasts, I hope that in some way I was able to make the games come alive for you.  I hope that my words became your eyes.  I hope that my voice allowed you to "watch" as your sons, or your grandsons, or your brothers, or your friends, or your favorite players came alive on the radios and computers at your home.  In short, I hope that I provided the connection between fans and players that is the main reason why baseball on the radio has been so successful for so long. 

I hope that the Silver Hawks realize what a great marketing tool radio can be and continue to be broadcast both online and on local radio in future years.  It was disappointing to be online only this season, but I'm glad that I was still able to serve as the voice of the Silver Hawks.

I don't know what the future holds for me from a professional standpoint.  I will pursue other broadcasting jobs this offseason and hope to continue my dream of being a baseball broadcaster.  From a personal standpoint, I am blessed to be marrying the love of my life on October 15th.  Trust me when I say that I am the luckiest man to have found Jenny, the most caring and supportive person I've ever met.

Finally, this will be the final post on this blog for this season as it relates to the South Bend Silver Hawks.  There is always a chance this blog continues should I land with another team, but that remains to be seen as it will be an interesting offseason to say the least.

And with that, I say good bye.  Thank you for your support, your comments, and for listening for the past three seasons.  Let's enjoy the final few games and may God bless you all.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Tonight's Lineup - September 1st at Fort Wayne

Ender Inciarte - CF
David Narodowski - DH
Raywilly Gomez - C
Matt Helm - 3B
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Ramon Castillo - 1B
Roberto Ortiz - RF
Roberto Rodriguez - LF
Niko Gallego - SS

Mike Bolsinger - P

Pregame interview is with Randy Hamrick. First pitch at 7:05 PM. Pregame coverage at 6:45 PM

Arbelo Suspended for Three Games

Yazy Arbelo has been suspended three games for his role in Tuesday's brawl with Lake County.  He will begin serving that suspension today and will miss through Saturday's game at Great Lakes.

The suspension will keep Arbelo from setting the franchise record for most games played in a season.

Playoff Race - 5 To Play

West Michigan keeps winning, so that's hurting the Silver Hawks a bit more right now since the Whitecaps hold the tiebreaker and they play the TinCaps for the final three games.  If the Silver Hawks lose either of the next two games, or if West Michigan wins either of the next two, it will eliminate the Silver Hawks due to the tiebreaking scenarios and those final three games with the Whitecaps and TinCaps going head-to-head.

(If South Bend wins the next two, they'll be one game behind Fort Wayne.  However, if West Michigan wins one of the next two, then the Whitecaps will remain at least two games ahead of the Silver Hawks.  Thus, in order to surpass the Whitecaps over the final three, Fort Wayne would have to sweep the head to head series.  If Fort Wayne does that, the Hawks will jump West Michigan but stay behind the TinCaps by a game.  A bit confusing, but that's how it works.)

The playoff picture is listed below...

Eastern Division First Round
Dayton (Second Half Champ) vs. Lansing (First Half Wild Card)
Bowling Green (First Half Champ) vs. TBA (Second Half Wild Card)

Western Division First Round
Burlington (First Half Champ) vs. TBA (Second Half Wild Card)
Quad Cities (First Half Wild Card) vs. TBA (Second Half Champ)
*Clinton and Kane County have clinched spots, but it's not determined which one will be the champion yet.

**Eastern Division Wild Card Race** (Note, this is only for the wild card since Dayton has clinched the championship)

TeamWLGB
Fort Wayne3530--
West Michigan3530--
South Bend3233-3.0
Lake County and Great Lakes have been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention.

Western Division (Both Clinton and Kane County have clinched a playoff spot, they are now fighting for who will be the champ and who will be the wild card)

TeamWLGB
Clinton3727--
Kane County3530-2.5
Peoria, Wisconsin, Beloit, and Cedar Rapids have all been mathematically eliminated.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Tonight's Lineup - August 31st at Fort Wayne

Happy Birthday to my Dad! 

Ender Inciarte - CF
Niko Gallego - SS
Raywilly Gomez - DH
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Matt Helm - 3B
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Roberto Rodriguez - RF
Ramon Castillo - C
Marc Bourgeois - LF

Tyler Green - P
Pregame interview is with manager Mark Haley.  First pitch at 7:05 PM. Pregame coverage at 6:45 PM

Playoff Race - Six Games Remain

A golden opportunity missed last night, as West Michigan and Fort Wayne both lost, but so did the Silver Hawks in extra innings.  Technically the elimination number is 3, but because of the tiebreakers, if the Hawks lose one game to Fort Wayne, they would be mathematically eliminated.  (If South Bend only took 2 out of 3 from Fort Wayne, they'd be 3 games back of the TinCaps, but they'd also be at least one game back of West Michigan.  Since West Michigan plays Fort Wayne over the final weekend, the Hawks would need a Whitecaps sweep to tie Fort Wayne, but that would then leave South Bend a game back of West Michigan.  Understand?   Good).

The playoff picture is listed below...
Eastern Division First Round
Dayton (Second Half Champ) vs. Lansing (First Half Wild Card)
Bowling Green (First Half Champ) vs. TBA (Second Half Wild Card)

Western Division First Round
Burlington (First Half Champ) vs. TBA (Second Half Wild Card)
Quad Cities (First Half Wild Card) vs. TBA (Second Half Champ)
*Clinton has clinched one of the two remaining spots, but it is not decided which one yet.

**Eastern Division Wild Card Race** (Note, this is only for the wild card since Dayton has clinched the championship)

TeamWLGB
Fort Wayne3529--
West Michigan3430-1.0
Great Lakes3133-4.0
South Bend3133-4.0
Lake County has been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention.

Western Division (Top Two Make Playoffs - Clinton has clinched at least one spot)

TeamWLGB
Clinton3726--
Kane County3430-4.0
Beloit2835-9.0
Peoria, Wisconsin, and Cedar Rapids have all been mathematically eliminated.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Tonight's Lineup - August 30th vs. Lake County

Ender Inciarte - CF
David Narodowski - 3B
Raywilly Gomez - C
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Matt Helm - DH
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Roberto Rodriguez - LF
Roberto Ortiz - RF
Niko Gallego - SS

J.R. Bradley - P
No pregame interview tonight.  We'll update the playoff race and talk about today's roster move. First pitch at 6:30 PM. Pregame coverage at 6:10 PM

Midwest League Post-Season All-Stars

As promised, below is the list of Post Season All Stars in the Midwest League.  These are voted on by the 16 league managers and managers cannot vote for their own players.  Unfortunately, South Bend was shut out.

Catcher - Rob Brantly (West Michigan)
First Base - Jesus Aguilar (Lake County)
Second Base - Hernan Perez (West Michigan)
Third Base - Nick Castellanos (West Michigan)
Shortstop - Billy Hamilton (Dayton)
Outfielder - Michael Crouse (Lansing)
Outfielder - Jake Marisnick (Lansing)
Outfielder - Rymer Liriano (Fort Wayne)
Designated Hitter - Josh Whitaker (Burlington)

RHP Starter - Greg Billo (Kane County)
LHP Starter - C.J. Riefenhauser (Bowling Green)
RHP Reliever - Drew Hayes (Dayton)
LHP Reliever - Chris Rearick (Bowling Green)     

MVP - Rymer Liriano (Fort Wayne)
Prospect of the Year - Rymer Liriano (Fort Wayne)
Manager of the Year - Mike Redmond (Lansing)

Playoff Race - One Week Remains

A little bit of a different format today, since some things we already know:

Eastern Division First Round
Dayton (Second Half Champ) vs. Lansing (First Half Wild Card)
Bowling Green (First Half Champ) vs. TBA (Second Half Wild Card)

Western Division First Round
Burlington (First Half Champ) vs. TBA (Second Half Wild Card)
Quad Cities (First Half Wild Card) vs. TBA (Second Half Champ)
*Clinton has clinched one of the two remaining spots, but it is not decided which one yet.

**Eastern Division Wild Card Race** (Note, this is only for the wild card since Dayton has clinched the championship)

TeamWLGB
Fort Wayne3528--
West Michigan3429-1.0
Great Lakes3132-4.0
South Bend3132-4.0
Lake County has been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention.

Western Division (Top Two Make Playoffs - Clinton has clinched at least one spot)

TeamWLGB
Clinton3726--
Kane County3429-3.0
Wisconsin2835-9.0
Beloit2835-9.0
Peoria and Cedar Rapids have been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention.

Today's Roster Move - August 30th

We start today's posts with a roster move.

LHP Eury De La Rosa promoted to high-A Visalia.

No corresponding move has been announced, nor is one expected.  This move is a bit of a head scratcher for me.  Visalia is not in the playoff hunt, and while the Silver Hawks chances are slim, they are still mathematically alive.  Why take the closer and arguably best reliever from this team at this point in the season?

Obviously, there are reasons for everything, and congratulations to Eury on the promotion. 

Monday, August 29, 2011

Tonight's Lineup - August 29th vs. Lake County

Ender Inciarte - CF
David Narodowski - SS
Raywilly Gomez - C
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Matt Helm - 3B
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Jhoan Pimentel - C
Marc Bourgeois - LF
Roberto Ortiz - RF

Bradin Hagens - P
Pregame interview with Ender Inciarte.  First pitch at 6:30 PM.  Pregame coverage at 6:10 PM.

From the Notes - August 29th

South Bend Silver Hawks (30-32 Second Half, 64-67 Overall)
vs. Lake County Captains (21-41 Second Half, 49-82 Overall)


Coveleski Stadium, South Bend, Indiana – 6:30 PM Eastern Time


Season Series: 11-2 Silver Hawks
@ Coveleski Stadium: 7-0 Silver Hawks
@ Classic Park: 4-2 Silver Hawks

Silver Hawks Team Hitting: .244 – T-12th                           
Silver Hawks Team Pitching: 3.64 ERA – T-4th

Captains Team Hitting: .247 – 10th                                     
Captains Team Pitching: 4.15 ERA – 16th

LAST GAME:  The Silver Hawks extended their winning streak to three games, holding on to defeat the Lake County Captains 3-2 on Sunday afternoon.  Ender Inciarte homered and Raywilly Gomez added a RBI single to lead the offensive attack for South Bend.  Jeff Shields (WP, 9-12) allowed only one run on three hits in 6.0 innings for the victory.  The Captains rallied in the ninth, scoring one run but left the tying run at third when Kable Hogben (SV, 2) pitched out of the jam.  Aaron Fields had three hits to lead Lake County.

TEAM NOTES:

·          Playoff Race: The Silver Hawks are five games out of the wild card spot with eight to play in the second half. 

·          Silver Hawks pitchers have issued only 356 walks this season – the second fewest in the MWL.  They have the second fewest strikeouts.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES:

·          Yazy Arbelo leads the league in homers, RBIs, extra base hits, and games played.  He is second in TB, third in walks, fourth in slg.

·          Raywilly Gomez has 35 walks and 34 strikeouts in 2011.  He has the best K to PA ratio in the MWL this season (11.76 PA per K).


Playoff Race - 8 To Go

South Bend has won four out of five, so the playoff hopes remain alive.  The elimination number is still four, meaning any combination of South Bend losses or Fort Wayne wins that total up to four would eliminate the Hawks.

By the way, Dayton has clinched a playoff spot, and have a magic number of one to clinch the second half title.  Also, in the West, Clinton has clinched a playoff spot as well.

Here are the standings with eight games to go in the second half.  Remember, Lansing and Bowling Green have already qualified in the East, while Quad Cities and Burlington made it in the West, so they've been taken out of the mix.

Eastern Division (Top Two Make Playoffs)

TeamWLGB
Dayton4319--
Fort Wayne3527-8.0
West Michigan3329-10.0
Great Lakes3131-12.0
South Bend3032-13.0
Lake County has been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention.

Western Division (Top Two Make Playoffs)

TeamWLGB
Clinton3725--
Kane County3329-4.0
Wisconsin2834-9.0
Beloit2735-10.0
Cedar Rapids2537-12.0
Peoria has been eliminated from playoff contention.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Today's Lineup - August 28th vs. Lake County

Ender Inciarte - CF
David Narodowski - 2B
Raywilly Gomez - C
Yazy Arbelo - DH
Matt Helm - 3B
Roberto Rodriguez - RF
Ramon Castillo - 1B
Marc Bourgeois - LF
Niko Gallego - SS

Jeff Shields - P

No time to update the playoff race on the blog today, so we'll do that in the pregame show instead.  First pitch at 2:00 PM.  Pregame coverage at 1:40 PM.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Tonight's Lineup - August 27th vs. Lake County

Ender Inciarte - CF
David Narodowski - DH
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Matt Helm - 3B
Jhoan Pimentel - C
Roberto Ortiz - RF
Roberto Rodriguez - LF
Niko Gallego - SS

Mike Bolsinger - P

Tonight's pregame interview is with Fran McDonald, a sponsor of tonight's game. First pitch at 5:30 PM Eastern Time. Pregame coverage at 5:10 PM Eastern Time.

Playoff Race - 10 To Go

The Silver Hawks took two out of three from Fort Wayne, and have kept the very slim playoff hopes alive for another few days.  The elimination number is 5, meaning any combination of Fort Wayne wins or South Bend losses that total up to 5 would eliminate the Hawks.

Here are the standings with 10 games to go in the second half.  Remember, Lansing and Bowling Green have already qualified in the East, while Quad Cities and Burlington made it in the West, so they've been taken out of the mix.

Eastern Division (Top Two Make Playoffs)

TeamWLGB
Dayton4119--
Fort Wayne3426-7.0
West Michigan3327-8.0
Great Lakes3030-11.0
South Bend2732-13.0
Lake County has been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention.

Western Division (Top Two Make Playoffs)

TeamWLGB
Clinton3525--
Kane County3327-2.0
Beloit2733-8.0
Wisconsin2634-9.0
Cedar Rapids2535-10.0
Peoria has been eliminated from playoff contention.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Tonight's Lineup - August 26th vs. Fort Wayne

Ender Inciarte - CF
David Narodowski - 3B
Raywilly Gomez - C
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Matt Helm - DH
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Roberto Ortiz - RF
Marc Bourgeois - LF
Niko Gallego - SS

Tyler Green- P

Tonight's pregame interview is with official scorer Pete Yarbro. First pitch at 6:30 PM Eastern Time. Pregame coverage at 6:10 PM Eastern Time.

Playoff Race -- 11 To Go

Tough day yesterday. 
Here are the standings with 11 games to go in the second half.  Remember, Lansing and Bowling Green have already qualified in the East, while Quad Cities and Burlington made it in the West, so they've been taken out of the mix.

Eastern Division (Top Two Make Playoffs)

TeamWLGB
Dayton4019--
Fort Wayne3425-6.0
West Michigan3227-8.0
Great Lakes3029-10.0
South Bend2732-13.0
Lake County has been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention.

Western Division (Top Two Make Playoffs)

TeamWLGB
Clinton3425--
Kane County3326-1.0
Beloit2633-8.0
Cedar Rapids2534-9.0
Wisconsin2534-9.0
Peoria2237-12.0

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Tonight's Lineup - August 25th vs. Fort Wayne

Ender Inciarte - CF
David Narodowski - SS
Raywilly Gomez - C
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Matt Helm - 3B
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Roberto Ortiz - RF
Ramon Castillo - DH
Roberto Rodriguez - LF
J.R. Bradley - P

Tonight's pregame interview is with pitching coach Wellington Cepeda. First pitch at 6:30 PM Eastern Time. Pregame coverage at 6:10 PM Eastern Time.

Playoff Race - A Dozen Remain

A good win yesterday kept the very slim playoff hopes alive for South Bend.  The elimination remains at 7 with 12 to play (and combination of a Fort Wayne win or a South Bend loss that adds up to seven eliminates the Hawks).

Here are the standings with 12 games to go in the second half.  Remember, Lansing and Bowling Green have already qualified in the East, while Quad Cities and Burlington made it in the West, so they've been taken out of the mix.

Eastern Division (Top Two Make Playoffs)

TeamWLGB
Dayton3919--
Fort Wayne3325-6.0
West Michigan3127-8.0
Great Lakes3028-9.0
South Bend2731-12.0
Lake County2137-18.0

Western Division (Top Two Make Playoffs)

TeamWLGB
Kane County3325--
Clinton3325--
Beloit2632-7.0
Cedar Rapids2533-8.0
Wisconsin2434-9.0
Peoria2236-11.0

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Tonight's Lineup - August 24th vs. Fort Wayne

Ender Inciarte - CF
David Narodowski - DH
Raywilly Gomez - C
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Matt Helm - 3B
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Roberto Rodriguez - LF
Roberto Ortiz - RF
Niko Gallego - SS

Bradin Hagens - P

No pregame interview tonight. First pitch at 6:30 PM Eastern Time. Pregame coverage at 6:10 PM Eastern Time.

Elimination Number

I got to talking about elimination numbers on the air last night.  For those of you that don't know what that is, it's basically the magic number in reverse -- or the number of wins/losses that would eliminate a team from postseason contention.

The Silver Hawks elimination number is currently seven, which means that any combination of Fort Wayne wins or Silver Hawks losses that total up to seven would eliminate the Hawks from postseason contention.

In other words, South Bend desperately needs to sweep this series because any loss would reduce that number by two (because it would be BOTH a Fort Wayne win and a South Bend loss).

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Tonight's Lineup - August 23rd vs. West Michigan

Ender Inciarte - CF
David Narodowski - 3B
Raywilly Gomez - C
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Matt Helm - DH
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Roberto Rodriguez - RF
Marc Bourgeois - LF
Niko Gallego - SS

Jeff Shields - P

Tonight's pregame interview is with outfielder Marc Bourgeois. First pitch at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. Pregame coverage at 6:40 PM Eastern Time.

Playoff Race - 14 To Play

Yesterday was a crushing blow to the playoff hopes for South Bend. 
Here are the standings with 14 games to go in the second half.  Remember, Lansing and Bowling Green have already qualified in the East, while Quad Cities and Burlington made it in the West, so they've been taken out of the mix.

Eastern Division (Top Two Make Playoffs)

TeamWLGB
Dayton3818--
Fort Wayne3224-6.0
Great Lakes2927-9.0
West Michigan2927-9.0
South Bend2630-12.0
Lake County2135-17.0

Western Division (Top Two Make Playoffs)

TeamWLGB
Kane County3224--
Clinton3125-1.0
Beloit2630-6.0
Cedar Rapids2432-8.0
Wisconsin2333-9.0
Peoria2234-10.0

Monday, August 22, 2011

Tonight's Lineup - August 22nd vs. West Michigan

Ender Inciarte - CF
David Narodowski - SS
Raywilly Gomez - DH
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Matt Helm - 3B
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Roberto Ortiz - RF
Marc Bourgeois - LF
Jhoan Pimentel - C

Mike Bolsinger - P

Tonight's pregame interview is with manager Mark Haley.  First pitch at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. Pregame coverage at 6:40 PM Eastern Time.

From The Notes - August 22nd

South Bend Silver Hawks (26-29 Second Half, 60-64 Overall)
@ West Michigan Whitecaps (28-27 Second Half, 60-64 Overall)
 
Fifth Third Ballpark, Comstock Park, Michigan – 7:00 PM Eastern Time

Season Series: 10-7 Whitecaps
@ Coveleski Stadium: 6-2 Whitecaps
@ Fifth Third Ballpark: 5-4 Silver Hawks

Silver Hawks Team Hitting: .243 – T-13th                           
Silver Hawks Team Pitching: 3.74 ERA – 7th

Whitecaps Team Hitting: .256 – 3rd                                    
Whitecaps Team Pitching: 3.87 ERA – 13th

LAST GAME:  West Michigan’s Kyle Ryan (WP, 5-9) combined with Kevan Hess (ND) and Michael Torrealba (SV, 6) on a four-hit, 2-0 shutout of the South Bend Silver Hawks on Sunday afternoon.  The Whitecaps basicially dominated from the start, but had trouble scoring runs with 12 runners left on base as they went just 1-for-13 with RISP.  Dixon Machado picked up the lone RBI for the Whitecaps while Nick Castellanos had three hits.  Tyler Green (LP, 3-8) suffered a tough loss, allowing only one earned run in 5.0 innings on the hill.

TEAM NOTES:

·          Playoff Race: The Silver Hawks are five games out of the wild card spot with 15 to play in the second half.

·          Silver Hawks pitchers have issued only 341 walks this season – the third fewest in the MWL.  They have the second fewest strikeouts.

·          South Bend has been held to just four hits twice over the past three games (won on Friday vs. Lake County, lost Sunday @ WM).

INDIVIDUAL NOTES:

·          Yazy Arbelo leads the league in homers, extra base hits, games played, and strikeouts.  He is second in RBIs and walks and third in TB.

·          Arbelo’s current seven game hitting streak ties his season’s best.

·          Raywilly Gomez has 32 walks and 32 strikeouts in 2011.  He has the best K to PA ratio in the MWL this season (11.72 PA per K).

MILESTONE WATCH:

·          Yazy Arbelo has set a new franchise single season record with 27 homers.  He’s tied for second on the career home run leader board.

·          Arbelo also is seventh on the single season RBI leader board with 86 this season.  Billy Martin (2000) ranks sixth with 90. 

·          He is also fourth with 56 extra base hits.  He needs two to tie Daniel Perales for third on the single season leader board.

Playoff Race - 15 Left

Yesterday was a missed opportunity for South Bend, with all the teams they are chasing losing as well.  The Silver Hawks are still five games out of the wild card spot.

Here are the standings with 15 games to go in the second half.  Remember, Lansing and Bowling Green have already qualified in the East, while Quad Cities and Burlington made it in the West, so they've been taken out of the mix.

Eastern Division (Top Two Make Playoffs)

TeamWLGB
Dayton3718--
Fort Wayne3124-6.0
Great Lakes2926-8.0
West Michigan2827-9.0
South Bend2629-11.0
Lake County2134-16.0


Western Division (Top Two Make Playoffs)

TeamWLGB
Kane County3223--
Clinton3025-2.0
Beloit2629-6.0
Wisconsin2332-9.0
Cedar Rapids2332-9.0
Peoria2233-10.0

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Today's Lineup - August 21st at West Michigan

Ender Inciarte - CF
David Narodowski - DH
Raywilly Gomez - C
Matt Helm - 3B
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Roberto Ortiz - RF
Ramon Castillo - 1B
Marc Bourgeois - LF
Niko Gallego - SS

Tyler Green - P

Yazy Arbelo is out with a sore hand after being hit by a pitch last night.  Hopefully he only misses one game.

In the pregame show this afternoon, we'll update the playoff race for both the Midwest and Major Leagues.. First pitch at 1:00 PM Eastern Time. Pregame coverage at 12:40 PM Eastern Time.

Playoff Race - 16 Remain

Yes another mixed day for South Bend on Saturday, as the Silver Hawks won but so did Great Lakes and Fort Wayne.  South Bend remains five games out of the wild card.

Here are the standings with 16 games to go in the second half.  Remember, Lansing and Bowling Green have already qualified in the East, while Quad Cities and Burlington made it in the West, so they've been taken out of the mix.

Eastern Division (Top Two Make Playoffs)

TeamWLGB
Dayton3717--
Fort Wayne3123-6.0
Great Lakes2925-8.0
West Michigan2727-10.0
South Bend2628-11.0
Lake County2034-17.0

Western Division (Top Two Make Playoffs)

TeamWLGB
Kane County3222--
Clinton2925-3.0
Beloit2628-6.0
Wisconsin2232-10.0
Peoria2232-10.0
Cedar Rapids2232-10.0

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Tonight's Lineup - August 20th at West Michigan

Ender Inciarte - CF
David Narodowski - SS
Raywilly Gomez - C
Yazy Arbelo - 1B
Matt Helm - 3B
Gerson Montilla - 2B
Roberto Ortiz - RF
Roberto Rodriguez - LF
Ramon Castillo - DH

J.R. Bradley - P

For tonight's pregame interview, we'll talk to West Michigan broadcaster Ben Chiswick to get a scouting report on the Whitecaps.   First pitch at 7:10 PM Eastern Time. Pregame coverage at 6:50 PM Eastern Time.