Thome, Vlad, and dramatics help to cool off Kinnicks

A team expected by its owner to pack plenty of offensive punch, The Big Hebs (Detter West) had failed to meet expectations through the first nine games of the season. However, a possible solution to their offensive woes may have been solved when second round pick Jim Thome returned from injury after missing most of the first three series. In Round 4, it was Thome who combined with Vladimir Guerrero to help their Hebrew squad to two out of three against the red-hot Clean Sweep Kinnicks (Kyle West). If you read nothing else, check out the game two report.

Game 1: Kinnicks - 8, Hebs - 1
WP: Casilla (2-0)
LP: Benoit (0-2)

Heb starter Kyle Davies was spectacular, but got a no-decision after leaving the game with a 1-0 lead. With the Hebs clinging to the one-run lead, the Kinnicks poured it on with an 8-spot in the eighth off of reliever Joaquin Benoit. Thome had three of the five Hebs hits as Santiago Casilla retired one batter to pick up the win.

Game 2: Hebs - 7, Kinnicks - 6
WP: Weaver (2-1)
LP: F.Rodriguez (0-1)

After dominating the series and catching seemingly every break for 17 innings, Kyle saw things take an abrupt and decisive turn in the ninth inning of game two. Behind Johan Santana, the Kinnicks led 6-2 entering the final half inning, but a couple of hits and a walk brought the tying run to the plate against reliever Francisco Rodriguez. After Thome's pinch-hit, bases loaded walk brought the tying run to first base, Vladimir Guerrero hit a two-out, walk-off grand slam off K-Rod to give the Hebs their most dramatic win of the year.

Game 3: Hebs - 11, Kinnicks - 8
WP: Banniser (2-1)
LP: Vazquez (1-1)
Sv: Oliver (1)

This one wasn't nearly as close as the score appears as Jose Guillen's four hits keyed a 17-hit Hebrew attack. Thome, Orlando Cabrera, and Guillen all smashed long balls as Darren Oliver retired the final hitter in the ninth to quell a 4-run Kinnick rally.

Notes:
*Thome practically lived on the basepaths, going 5-for-7 with three walks on the series.

* The Big Hebs have won three of their four series played, yet only have a 6-6 record to show for it.

* Gary Matthews Jr. was injured for 8 games, the third time a Big Hebs starter has been lost for the maximum length this season.