The Unbelievable Albert Pujols

Tournament Standings and Leaders can be found here: http://home.comcast.net/~etoppsfan/2008TO/index.html

In a 4 game series between Boston and Sussex, Albert Pujols had one of the greatest 4 games runs ever. In the 4 game series Pujols went 13 for 19 with 4 doubles, 7 homers and 9 rbi's.

Pujols in Game 1: 2-4, 2 HR's
Game 2: 3-4, 2B, HR
Game 3: 4-6, 2B, 2 HR's
Game 4: 4-5, 2 2B's, 2 HR's

Another highlight of the series was 24th round pick Felix Hernandez improving his record to 6-0.

Game 1

First baseman Albert Pujols cracked 2 homeruns at Nationals Park where the Boston Challengers beat the Sussex Skylanders 3 to 1. Jake Peavy(3-2) delivered a fine performance for Boston. He surrendered 4 hits and 4 walks in 6 and 2/3 innings. Peavy whiffed an impressive total of 7 Sussex batters improving his ERA from 3.82 to 3.38. Brian Fuentes earned the save with a perfect ninth, his 2nd save. Roy Halladay(0-1) was charged with the loss. He gave up 6 hits and 2 walks in 6 innings.

Game 2

First baseman Albert Pujols went yard as the Boston Challengers won in dramatic fashion over the Sussex Skylanders by a score of 3 to 2 at Nationals Park. Boston had the winning rally in the bottom of the 9th inning scoring 2 runs using 2 hits. Aubrey Huff started the inning off right when he doubled. Shin-Soo Choo stepped into the batter's box and he drew a walk. Asdrubal Cabrera then laid down a sacrifice bunt. Jack Wilson followed and he doubled resulting in an exciting win for Boston and a raucous post-game celebration by the home town fans. Boston finished with 8 hits in the victory. The win went to Leo Nunez(1-0) who allowed no runs in 1 inning. Manny Delcarmen(0-1) ended up with the loss in relief. He allowed 1 run and 1 hit in 1/3 of an inning. 'Now that is what I call fun! I just love baseball, especially games like this, of course,' Larry Bellar offered. 'Everyone at the stadium had a great time - did you see the fans go wild there at the end?!'


Game 3

Albert Pujols ripped 2 homeruns and had 3 RBI at Progressive Field where the Boston Challengers beat the Sussex Skylanders in 11 innings 7 to 6. The score was tied at 5 after nine. Boston ended up winning it in the 11th inning. Jack Wilson reached on an error. Brian Giles followed and he laced a base-hit. Two outs later Victor Martinez came to the plate and drew a walk. Pujols was up next and he ripped a base-knock. Boston had 11 hits for the night while Sussex had 8. Grant Balfour(1-0) was the winner allowing 1 run in 1 inning. Balfour was helped out by Brian Fuentes who recorded his 3rd save. Roy Corcoran(0-1) was given the loss in relief.

Game 4

First baseman Albert Pujols ripped 2 homeruns and had 3 RBI as the Boston Challengers outscored the Sussex Skylanders 11 to 3. Pujols was unconscious all day. The Sussex fans hated to see him approaching the batter's box as he just kept delivering base hits! He doubled in the 1st inning, doubled in the 3rd inning, cleared the fences for a two-run home run in the 4th inning and smashed a solo-shot out of the park (his 13th of the season) in the 9th inning. Boston dominated offensively as they scored in 6 different innings. Felix Hernandez(6-0) got credit for the victory, pitching 7 innings and allowing 3 runs. Josh Beckett(0-1) was the losing pitcher. He was knocked around, surrendering 7 runs in 3 innings. 'I was in my hotel room the other night, working on my swing and made some adjustments,' Pujols said. 'I'm always working on it. If they are getting you out certain ways, you've got to make changes.'