When HSGN went online last year on August 1, it didn't have the benefit of a full baseball season. Now that the season is in full swing, it's the first installment of a new regular monthly baseball feature titled "Who's Hot and Who's Not", looking back at the ups and downs of each month.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
WHO'S HOT?
1. AL Central. Last season the American League East was the hot division, with four teams battling for a post season berth. The Indians remain on top of the division but the surprising White Sox are 1/2 game out. The Twins? Last year they won a record low 59 games and in April they have 12 victories to put them in third place. Also in contention is the Tigers with two behind the Tribe. Though it's early in the season, this could remain an interesting race come September.
2. Houston. The Astros have got off to a very solid start in the AL West with an outstanding blend of homegrown talent and veteran players such as Carlos Beltran. Another key has been their outstanding pitching staff that is third in ERA. Dallas Keuchel has been on a roll as he is the first five game winner in the major leagues. Could this be the year the Astros go far into October?
3. James Paxton. The British Columbia born pitcher has been a bright spot for the Mariners in April with a record of 3-0 and 39 strikeouts in 32 1/3 innings. He has also stepped up due to the Mariners ace Felix Hernandez going on the disabled list with a shoulder injury.
WHO'S NOT?
1. Kansas City, Two years ago, the Royals won their first World Series since 1985 over the NY Mets. What happened? The Royals are in the AL Central basement with the league's worst record of 7-16 and lost nine straight. There's plenty of season to go so they could turn things around and get back into the AL Central race.
2. Toronto. It was 40 years ago the Blue Jays joined the American League as an expansion team and finished last in the AL East under their first manager Roy Hartsfield. Forty years later, the Blue Jays are at the bottom due to the loss of Josh Donaldson and Troy Tulowitski to injuries. However, they won two straight games against the Rays but they are eight games behind the Yankees and Orioles.
3. Edwin Encarnacion. The Blue Jays loss is the Indians gain as Cleveland picked up the free agent with hopes that he could bring the Tribe back to post season player. Unfortunately, he's off to a slow start with a .210 batting average and four home runs.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
WHO'S HOT?
1. Washington. The Nationals have the best record in the National League and a high powered offense anchored by Ryan Zimmerman's 11 home runs. Bryce Harper has also been outstanding with eight home runs and a .386 batting average. They have a solid front four starting corps of Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasberg, Gio Gonzalez and Tanner Roark that if they stay healthy, they could rival their Beltway counterparts of 1971, the Baltimore Orioles when they had Jim Palmer, Mike Cuellar, Dave McNally and Pat Dobson. If the Nats plan to continue their quest for the franchise's first trip to the World Series and the District of Columbia's first championship since 1924, they need to get a lead off hitter to replace Adam Eaton, who is out for the season with a torn ACL.
2. Colorado. John Denver couldn't have described the Rockies hot start much better. It's been a "Colorado Rocky Mountain High" for Rockies fans as the Rockies are atop the NL West. The offense has been led by Mark Reynolds with eight home runs and Nolan Arenado and Charlie Blackmon have seven apiece. On the mound, the Rockies have three wins from Carlos Estevez, Kyle Freeland and Antonio Senzatela. The Rockies also have another showdown may 5-7 with the team that's hanging close in the division, the Diamondbacks. Could this have the makings of a season long pennant race?
3. Eric Thames. What a hot start for Thames, who has hit 11 home runs and April after playing the last four seasons in Korea. He has also been the key to the Brewers clinging close to the Cubs as they trail by one game in the NL Central. Thames is only one home run away from tying his career high of 12 in 2011 with the Blue Jays. Can he continue on his torrid pace?
WHO'S NOT
1. San Francisco. It's been a rough road for the Giants in April. First they lost their manager Bruce Bochy for two games due to heart trouble and now their ace Madison Bumgarner is on the disabled list due to injuries suffered in a dirt bike accident. The good news is that Bochy is back and he now has the most wins of any manager in SF Giants history, going back to 1958. They will need to go after pitching in order to battle the rockies and Diamondbacks.
2. NY Mets. Two years after advancing to the World Series and losing to the Royals in five games, the Mets are at the bottom of the NL East. Injuries have once again plagued the Mets pitching staff. Noah Syndergaard left Sunday's game against the Nats in the second inning and will have an MRI on Monday. There has been a rash of injuries for the Mets in April with Lucas Duda, Yoenis Cespides, Steven Matz and Wilmer Flores all on the disabled list. Can they get healthy and lead the Mets to their third straight trip to the post season.
3. Philadelphia. After winning six straight games to put them in second place in the NL East, the Phillies got swept by the surging Dodgers to fall into a tie for second wit the Marlins. They're a young team that's playing in their first season without veteran Ryan Howard at first base. He is now with the Braves AAA team in Gwinnett. The Phillies will miss his power and defense as they rebuild.
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Friday, April 28, 2017
SLP Orioles Comeback Falls Short Against Orono Spartans
Two goals apiece from Davey Burns, Ben Gross and Will Robinson led the Orono Spartans to a 12-9 win over the host St. Louis Park Orioles Friday night.
Both teams scored three goals in the first period. Brody Ilstrup began the scoring for the Orioles after intercepting a Spartan pass and firing a shot to the net. Orono evened the score as Jackson Zilverberg made an inside pass to Trevor Paul and he connected. Gross would put the Spartans ahead with a center slot goal :19 later. Ryan Lee would even the score at two for St. Louis Park. The Brothers Burns combined on Orono's third goal as Davey fed Paddy and he shot the ball into the net. The Orioles would tie the game at three as Jackson Lochan found an opening in the net and he would score with :14.6 left in the period.
Orono would surge into the lead in the second period with five unanswered goals. Davey Burns would fire a shot from 22 yards into the net. Then Zach Adams made a right side pass to to Drew Eiss and he put the Spartans ahead by two. Will Robinson would cause danger for the Orioles defense, going up field, through the center slot and putting the ball into the net. Davey Burns would score his second goal of the game and Gross followed :18 later. St. Louis Park would end Orono's run with two goals from Ilstrup. His first would come from the right side and the second would come as a result of great defense as he intercepted another Orono pass and found the net. The Spartans led 9-5 at halftime.
Both teams played tight and physical defense for much of the third quarter but it was the Spartans who would tally twice late in the period. Gus Hendrickson would score the first goal of the period and Bevan Sullivan scored on a rebound with :17 to go and Orono led 11-5.
Will Robinson began the fourth period scoring for the Spartans with a goal from the center slot. The Orioles would have momentum in the period with four consecutive goals. Zach Ryan would strike first and Jackson Lochan would add two more. The first came off a pass from Ilstrup and he lined a shot into the net. He used outstanding speed as he ran like traffic heading down Minnetonka Blvd. and fired the ball to the goal. They would wrap up the scoring on a goal from Flynn Spano from the left side.
Orono improved their record to 3-1 and hosts Hermantown/Proctor on Monday, May 1 at 6:30 PM. St. Louis Park falls to 1-4 and will also be in action on May 1 as they head up Highway 36 to Roseville to take on the Raiders.
Both teams scored three goals in the first period. Brody Ilstrup began the scoring for the Orioles after intercepting a Spartan pass and firing a shot to the net. Orono evened the score as Jackson Zilverberg made an inside pass to Trevor Paul and he connected. Gross would put the Spartans ahead with a center slot goal :19 later. Ryan Lee would even the score at two for St. Louis Park. The Brothers Burns combined on Orono's third goal as Davey fed Paddy and he shot the ball into the net. The Orioles would tie the game at three as Jackson Lochan found an opening in the net and he would score with :14.6 left in the period.
Orono would surge into the lead in the second period with five unanswered goals. Davey Burns would fire a shot from 22 yards into the net. Then Zach Adams made a right side pass to to Drew Eiss and he put the Spartans ahead by two. Will Robinson would cause danger for the Orioles defense, going up field, through the center slot and putting the ball into the net. Davey Burns would score his second goal of the game and Gross followed :18 later. St. Louis Park would end Orono's run with two goals from Ilstrup. His first would come from the right side and the second would come as a result of great defense as he intercepted another Orono pass and found the net. The Spartans led 9-5 at halftime.
Both teams played tight and physical defense for much of the third quarter but it was the Spartans who would tally twice late in the period. Gus Hendrickson would score the first goal of the period and Bevan Sullivan scored on a rebound with :17 to go and Orono led 11-5.
Will Robinson began the fourth period scoring for the Spartans with a goal from the center slot. The Orioles would have momentum in the period with four consecutive goals. Zach Ryan would strike first and Jackson Lochan would add two more. The first came off a pass from Ilstrup and he lined a shot into the net. He used outstanding speed as he ran like traffic heading down Minnetonka Blvd. and fired the ball to the goal. They would wrap up the scoring on a goal from Flynn Spano from the left side.
Orono improved their record to 3-1 and hosts Hermantown/Proctor on Monday, May 1 at 6:30 PM. St. Louis Park falls to 1-4 and will also be in action on May 1 as they head up Highway 36 to Roseville to take on the Raiders.
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Minneapolis Floods SLP Orioles in Boys Lacrosse Home Opener
As torrential rains pelted the turf field at St. Louis Park High School, Peyton Krause scored four goals to lead Minneapolis to a 13-6 win over the host St. Louis Park Orioles Tuesday night in the boys lacrosse home opener.
Minneapolis would score the first two goals of the first quarter that started with a center slot goal from Krause and a liner by Campbell Goff. The Orioles would get on the scoreboard on Brody Ilstrup's goal from the center slot but Minneapolis came back :14 later when Jack Pearson tallied. Ilstrup scored his second goal as he went around the left side of the net and put the ball in. It was 3-2 Minneapolis at the end of the first period.
St. Louis Park would strike early in the second period as Ilstrip got the hat trick with a shot from the 25 yard line. It wasn't all Ilstrup for the Orioles since Jackson Lochan would score from the right side and Minneapolis got a goal from Nat Shogren. Ilstrup would score his fourth goal with 1:10 left in the first half abd it looked like he would get his fifth with :06.5 to go but the official disallowed the goal due to an illegal stick, St. Louis Park led 5-4 at halftime.
The Orioles lead would be washed away in the third period as Krause would score two goals in a span of 1:12. His second came as he went through two St. Louis Park defenders and scored. Ilstrip would score his fifth goal to tie the game at six but that would be all the scoring for St. Louis Park as Minneapolis would begin a seven goal run in the period to put the game away. They would add a goal from Thomas Moreno with 1:51 left in the period to start the run.
Minneapolis would add six more goals to their ledger in the fourth period. Owen Kumasaka would begin the scoring, followed by Krause's fourth goal. Ben Neal would tally :16 later, followed by Pearson, Jackson Schueller and Henry Huibregtse.
Minneapolis improved their record to 2-2 and hosts the Apple Valley Eagles on Saurday, April 29 at 11 AM at Mpls. Southwest High School. St. Louis Park fell to 1-3 and hosts the Orono Spartans on Friday, April 28 at 7 PM.
Minneapolis would score the first two goals of the first quarter that started with a center slot goal from Krause and a liner by Campbell Goff. The Orioles would get on the scoreboard on Brody Ilstrup's goal from the center slot but Minneapolis came back :14 later when Jack Pearson tallied. Ilstrup scored his second goal as he went around the left side of the net and put the ball in. It was 3-2 Minneapolis at the end of the first period.
St. Louis Park would strike early in the second period as Ilstrip got the hat trick with a shot from the 25 yard line. It wasn't all Ilstrup for the Orioles since Jackson Lochan would score from the right side and Minneapolis got a goal from Nat Shogren. Ilstrup would score his fourth goal with 1:10 left in the first half abd it looked like he would get his fifth with :06.5 to go but the official disallowed the goal due to an illegal stick, St. Louis Park led 5-4 at halftime.
The Orioles lead would be washed away in the third period as Krause would score two goals in a span of 1:12. His second came as he went through two St. Louis Park defenders and scored. Ilstrip would score his fifth goal to tie the game at six but that would be all the scoring for St. Louis Park as Minneapolis would begin a seven goal run in the period to put the game away. They would add a goal from Thomas Moreno with 1:51 left in the period to start the run.
Minneapolis would add six more goals to their ledger in the fourth period. Owen Kumasaka would begin the scoring, followed by Krause's fourth goal. Ben Neal would tally :16 later, followed by Pearson, Jackson Schueller and Henry Huibregtse.
Minneapolis improved their record to 2-2 and hosts the Apple Valley Eagles on Saurday, April 29 at 11 AM at Mpls. Southwest High School. St. Louis Park fell to 1-3 and hosts the Orono Spartans on Friday, April 28 at 7 PM.
Monday, April 24, 2017
SLP Orioles Edge Armstrong Falcons
The St. Louis Park Orioles began the first of a busy four game week on a high note when Conner Cornell's bases loaded ground out scored Luke Mobley in the bottom of the sixth to lead them to a 4-3 win over the Armstrong Falcons Monday night at Derrick Keller Field.
The Orioles began the scoring with two outs in the bottom of the first on Riley Dvorak's RBI double that scored Cornell and Dvorak would come across on Julien Shadle's RBI single. They would come up big on defense in the top of the inning after an appeal that the Falcons leadoff batter Al Proctor left second base early to go to third and the base umpire Kyle Pieri ruled that he did jump the gun on the base so he was called out.
Better news would come for Armstrong in the top of the third when Proctor led off with a single and Braydon Gray lofted a two run home over the right field fence to tie the game. St. Louis Park would bounce back in their half of the inning as Cornell would score his second run of the game on a bases loaded wild pitch from Jered Kuznia.
The Falcons would even the score at three in the top of the fifth when they would load the bases with two men out. Dawson Dee walked, followed by a single from Mark Malik and Oriole starting pitcher Luke Boyum gave up another walk, this time to Nate Pertula. Head coach Brian Kelly came out to get the ball from Boyum and bring in Dvorak to try and stop the bleeding. He didn't on the first batter he faced, Eric Goldman as he walked him with the bases loaded. Things would get better when he retired Mitchell Waletzki to end a potential rally.
Dvorak would come up big on defense in the top of the sixth with Proctor on second and Michael O'Malley on third. a potential squeeze bunt to the Oriole pitcher would be foiled when Dvorak threw out O'Malley at the plate. St. Louis Park would score the game winning run in the bottom of the inning that started with singles by Mobley and pinch hitter Zach Listiak. Brent Ryan, who batted for catcher Sam Hunt would walk to load the bases and Cornell would ground out to second baseman Preston Reed to give the Orioles the lead.
The lead would hold up in the top of the seventh when Dee led off with a single but that was all the Falcons could do since Dvorak would retire the next three batters to pick up the first home win of the season.
St. Louis Park improved their record to 2-4 and hosts the Chanhassen Storm on Tuesday, April 25 at 7 PM at Derrick Keller Field. Armstrong fell to 3-3 and will also be in action on the 25th hosting the Totino-Grace Eagles at 4:30 PM.
The Orioles began the scoring with two outs in the bottom of the first on Riley Dvorak's RBI double that scored Cornell and Dvorak would come across on Julien Shadle's RBI single. They would come up big on defense in the top of the inning after an appeal that the Falcons leadoff batter Al Proctor left second base early to go to third and the base umpire Kyle Pieri ruled that he did jump the gun on the base so he was called out.
Better news would come for Armstrong in the top of the third when Proctor led off with a single and Braydon Gray lofted a two run home over the right field fence to tie the game. St. Louis Park would bounce back in their half of the inning as Cornell would score his second run of the game on a bases loaded wild pitch from Jered Kuznia.
The Falcons would even the score at three in the top of the fifth when they would load the bases with two men out. Dawson Dee walked, followed by a single from Mark Malik and Oriole starting pitcher Luke Boyum gave up another walk, this time to Nate Pertula. Head coach Brian Kelly came out to get the ball from Boyum and bring in Dvorak to try and stop the bleeding. He didn't on the first batter he faced, Eric Goldman as he walked him with the bases loaded. Things would get better when he retired Mitchell Waletzki to end a potential rally.
Dvorak would come up big on defense in the top of the sixth with Proctor on second and Michael O'Malley on third. a potential squeeze bunt to the Oriole pitcher would be foiled when Dvorak threw out O'Malley at the plate. St. Louis Park would score the game winning run in the bottom of the inning that started with singles by Mobley and pinch hitter Zach Listiak. Brent Ryan, who batted for catcher Sam Hunt would walk to load the bases and Cornell would ground out to second baseman Preston Reed to give the Orioles the lead.
The lead would hold up in the top of the seventh when Dee led off with a single but that was all the Falcons could do since Dvorak would retire the next three batters to pick up the first home win of the season.
St. Louis Park improved their record to 2-4 and hosts the Chanhassen Storm on Tuesday, April 25 at 7 PM at Derrick Keller Field. Armstrong fell to 3-3 and will also be in action on the 25th hosting the Totino-Grace Eagles at 4:30 PM.
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Bahr and Bergsland Lead BSM Red Knights to Rout
A wet and chilly Thursday night heated up for Ellie Bahr as she scored six goals and Anna Bergsland added four to lead the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights to a 12-4 win over the host St. Louis Park Orioles.
Bahr, who will play lacrosse next season at Northern Michigan University would would be a dominant force in the first half, scoring three of the Red Knights first four goals. Her first came from the left side of the net 1:36 into the game and her second goal was a center slot goal. Bergsland would score he first goal off a centering pass from Maria DeCaesare and Bahe would get the hat trick to put BSM up by four. The Orioles would end the Red Knights four goal run halfway through the first half on SJ's first goal. Caroline Pauly, daughter of long-time Red Knight boys hockey coach Ken Pauly would wrap up the first half scoring on a shot from the center slot with :11.5 to go to give BSM a 5-1 halftime lead.
The Red Knights broke out of the chute quickly in the second half when Bahr went around the left side of the net and put it past Oriole goalie Kenna Jacobson :42 into the half. Bergland would tally :36 later, circling around the net and scoring her second goal. Bahr and Bergland, two of seven BSM seniors would alternate the Red Knights next four goals. St. Louis Park would score three times in the second half. The first goal was a center slot goal from freshman Sarah McCallon. SJ would score her second goal on an underhand shot and Anna Roethler would conclude the scoring for the Orioles with 7:00 to play. It wasn't "The Bahr and Bergsland Show" for the Red Knights as Sally Calengor would score from the center slot to wrap up the scoring.
BSM improved their record to 2-0 and returns to action Friday, April 21 as they host the Orono Spartans at 7 PM. St. Louis Park falls to 0-2 and will head to Richfield on Tuesday, take on the Holy Angels Stars at 5:30 PM.
Bahr, who will play lacrosse next season at Northern Michigan University would would be a dominant force in the first half, scoring three of the Red Knights first four goals. Her first came from the left side of the net 1:36 into the game and her second goal was a center slot goal. Bergsland would score he first goal off a centering pass from Maria DeCaesare and Bahe would get the hat trick to put BSM up by four. The Orioles would end the Red Knights four goal run halfway through the first half on SJ's first goal. Caroline Pauly, daughter of long-time Red Knight boys hockey coach Ken Pauly would wrap up the first half scoring on a shot from the center slot with :11.5 to go to give BSM a 5-1 halftime lead.
The Red Knights broke out of the chute quickly in the second half when Bahr went around the left side of the net and put it past Oriole goalie Kenna Jacobson :42 into the half. Bergland would tally :36 later, circling around the net and scoring her second goal. Bahr and Bergland, two of seven BSM seniors would alternate the Red Knights next four goals. St. Louis Park would score three times in the second half. The first goal was a center slot goal from freshman Sarah McCallon. SJ would score her second goal on an underhand shot and Anna Roethler would conclude the scoring for the Orioles with 7:00 to play. It wasn't "The Bahr and Bergsland Show" for the Red Knights as Sally Calengor would score from the center slot to wrap up the scoring.
BSM improved their record to 2-0 and returns to action Friday, April 21 as they host the Orono Spartans at 7 PM. St. Louis Park falls to 0-2 and will head to Richfield on Tuesday, take on the Holy Angels Stars at 5:30 PM.
Thursday, April 13, 2017
End of an Era at DeLaSalle
The architect behind one of Minnesota's great basketball dynasties is leaving the state.
Dave Thorson, head boys basketball coach at DeLaSalle for 23 years resigned April 10 to become an assistant coach at Drake University in Des Moines, IA. He will join another Minnesotan on the Bulldogs coaching staff, head coach Niko Medved. Medved, a graduate of Roseville High School was previously the head coach at Furman University in South Carolina.
Thorson, who also served the Minneapolis based school as the Vice President of Development, came to DeLaSalle in 1994 after assisting then head coach Clem Haskins at the University of Minnesota. He would replace Ed Cassidy, Jr., who led the Islanders to the 1992 state Class A final, losing to the Austin Pacelli Shamrocks. Cassidy, Jr. would lead two other schools to state tournaments, Simley and St. Bernard's.
The islanders under Thorson's tutelage brought nine state championship trophies back to the Minneapolis campus, starting in 1998. Two more titles would follow in 1999 and 2006 before beginning one of the most notable dynasties in the history of Minnesota high school basketball that started in 2012 with the first of six consecutive state Class AAA boys basketball championships. The most recent was the 2017 title game with the Islanders pounding the Austin Packers 72-44. DeLaSalle would make 15 trips to the state tournament in Thorson's 23 year run.
When you look at the keys to Thorson's success at DelaSalle, he has had top quality players in his program including Reid Travis, who went on to Stanford and Jarvis Johnson, who signed with the Minnesota Golden Gophers but hasn't played due to a heart condition. Another key is a tough nonconference schedule that has also included schools from outside Minnesota. In the 2016-17 season, the Islanders have played against teams from Iowa, Wisconsin, Florida and South Dakota.
Last season, Thorson picked up his 500th career win as DeLaSalle beat the Fergus Fall Otters in the Class AAA championship game 79-65. This season, he led the Islanders to a 27-3 record, bringing his career total to 527-136.
As Thorson heads down I-35 to Des Moines, a big question remains for the school near the Mississippi River, who will take over for the coach that has built a stellar program in the state? Can his successor lead the Islanders to an unprecedented seventh consecutive state title at the newly renovated Target Center in 2018? The answer is coming soon.
Dave Thorson, head boys basketball coach at DeLaSalle for 23 years resigned April 10 to become an assistant coach at Drake University in Des Moines, IA. He will join another Minnesotan on the Bulldogs coaching staff, head coach Niko Medved. Medved, a graduate of Roseville High School was previously the head coach at Furman University in South Carolina.
Thorson, who also served the Minneapolis based school as the Vice President of Development, came to DeLaSalle in 1994 after assisting then head coach Clem Haskins at the University of Minnesota. He would replace Ed Cassidy, Jr., who led the Islanders to the 1992 state Class A final, losing to the Austin Pacelli Shamrocks. Cassidy, Jr. would lead two other schools to state tournaments, Simley and St. Bernard's.
The islanders under Thorson's tutelage brought nine state championship trophies back to the Minneapolis campus, starting in 1998. Two more titles would follow in 1999 and 2006 before beginning one of the most notable dynasties in the history of Minnesota high school basketball that started in 2012 with the first of six consecutive state Class AAA boys basketball championships. The most recent was the 2017 title game with the Islanders pounding the Austin Packers 72-44. DeLaSalle would make 15 trips to the state tournament in Thorson's 23 year run.
When you look at the keys to Thorson's success at DelaSalle, he has had top quality players in his program including Reid Travis, who went on to Stanford and Jarvis Johnson, who signed with the Minnesota Golden Gophers but hasn't played due to a heart condition. Another key is a tough nonconference schedule that has also included schools from outside Minnesota. In the 2016-17 season, the Islanders have played against teams from Iowa, Wisconsin, Florida and South Dakota.
Last season, Thorson picked up his 500th career win as DeLaSalle beat the Fergus Fall Otters in the Class AAA championship game 79-65. This season, he led the Islanders to a 27-3 record, bringing his career total to 527-136.
As Thorson heads down I-35 to Des Moines, a big question remains for the school near the Mississippi River, who will take over for the coach that has built a stellar program in the state? Can his successor lead the Islanders to an unprecedented seventh consecutive state title at the newly renovated Target Center in 2018? The answer is coming soon.
Second Half Comeback Leads Hopkins Royals in Girls Lacrosse Opener
The 2017 girls lacrosse season opened with goals by the gallon as Samantha Galinson scored five goals to lead the Hopkins Royals to a 9-7 over the host St. Louis Park Orioles Thursday night.
The Orioles got the early lead on Talia Simonet's goal from midfield. The Royals would strike twice Sadie Skadron's right slot goal and Samantha Galion's first goal. St. Louis Park would surge ahead as Simonet would get the hat trick with two more goals. The second came from the center slot and the third came when she went around the left side of the net and put the ball past Hopkins goalie Tara Lee. The Orioles would go up by two on a center slot goal by Anna Roethler. Simonet would score her fourth goal as she drove down the field like she was headed down Minnetonka Blvd, going through several Royal defenders, cut toward the center slot and sent the ball to the net. Samantha Galinson made things interesting in the first half's final minute with two goals. She scored the first with :49 left and the second with :07.5 to go and trim St. Louis Park's halftime lead to 5-4.
Hopkins would clinch in the second half with five unanswered goals. Samantha Galinson would score :11 into the half and pick up an assist on a goal from Sadie Skadron. Samantha Galinson would pick up her fifth goal to put Hopkins ahead by two goals. The would go up by three on Kylie Hanley's right side goal. There would be some good news for the Orioles when Sarah McCallon ended the Hopkins run scoring on a free shot. Luci Swift would concluded the scoring for the Royals and SJ got St. Louis Park's final goal as she went around the right side of the net, found an opening and put the ball in.
The Royals opened their season with a 1-0 record and host the Edina Hornets on Tuesday, April 18 at 5:30 PM. The Orioles began their season at 0-1 and return to action on Thursday, April 20 as they host the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights at 7 PM.
Former St. Louis Park girls hockey player Amy Goldfine is an assistant coach for Hopkins.
The Orioles got the early lead on Talia Simonet's goal from midfield. The Royals would strike twice Sadie Skadron's right slot goal and Samantha Galion's first goal. St. Louis Park would surge ahead as Simonet would get the hat trick with two more goals. The second came from the center slot and the third came when she went around the left side of the net and put the ball past Hopkins goalie Tara Lee. The Orioles would go up by two on a center slot goal by Anna Roethler. Simonet would score her fourth goal as she drove down the field like she was headed down Minnetonka Blvd, going through several Royal defenders, cut toward the center slot and sent the ball to the net. Samantha Galinson made things interesting in the first half's final minute with two goals. She scored the first with :49 left and the second with :07.5 to go and trim St. Louis Park's halftime lead to 5-4.
Hopkins would clinch in the second half with five unanswered goals. Samantha Galinson would score :11 into the half and pick up an assist on a goal from Sadie Skadron. Samantha Galinson would pick up her fifth goal to put Hopkins ahead by two goals. The would go up by three on Kylie Hanley's right side goal. There would be some good news for the Orioles when Sarah McCallon ended the Hopkins run scoring on a free shot. Luci Swift would concluded the scoring for the Royals and SJ got St. Louis Park's final goal as she went around the right side of the net, found an opening and put the ball in.
The Royals opened their season with a 1-0 record and host the Edina Hornets on Tuesday, April 18 at 5:30 PM. The Orioles began their season at 0-1 and return to action on Thursday, April 20 as they host the Benilde-St. Margaret's Red Knights at 7 PM.
Former St. Louis Park girls hockey player Amy Goldfine is an assistant coach for Hopkins.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Boltmann's Blast Helps Edina Hornets Batter SLP Orioles
A wet and chilly Wednesday got a lightning bolt from Brock Boltmann's grand slam that led the Edina Hornets to aan 11-1 win over the St. Louis Park Orioles at Derrick Keller Field at Dakota Park.
The Hornets opened the scoring with three runs in the top of the first inning when Charlie Fischer's drive to left field was dropped by the Orioles Brent Ryan that enabled Carter Theis and Boltmann to score after they reached base on a single and a double. Fischer would come across on a sacrifice fly to second baseman Riley Dvorak by Will Gudorf.
St. Louis Park would cut the lead to two in the bottom of the third as Connor Cornell and Johnny Sorenson reached base on one out singles and Dvorak would drive home Cornell on a sacrifice fly to Edina's right fielder Chester Dixon.
That would be as close as the Orioles would get since the Hornets would break the game open in the top of the fourth by batting around and scoring six runs. Dixon and Matthew Nunn would reach base on singles and Azar's RBI single scored Dixon. Logan Krenik would be the fourth straight Hornet to reach base. Then the damage would be done. Boltmann, who was also the quarterback on the Hornet football team, belted a grand slam over the left field fence and Fischer would follow with a solo shot over the right field fence.
Edina would wrap up the scoring in the top of the fifth with two more runs. Dixon would lead off with a double and Krenik's RBI single drove him home. Theis would bring home Krenik with an RBI double and St. Louis Park could only get a leadoff walk in the bottom of the fifth from Cornell before Jimmy Connell, pitching in relief of winning pitcher Jackson Slaney set down the next three batter to end the game.
The Hornets opened their season with a 1-0 record and host the Hopkins Royals on Thursday, April 13 at 6:30 PM at Braemar Park. The Orioles fell to 0-3 and return to action on Tuesday, April 18 at 6:45 PM against the Richfield Spartans at US Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis.
Eighth grade catcher Sam Hunt made his varsity debut against Edina.
The Hornets opened the scoring with three runs in the top of the first inning when Charlie Fischer's drive to left field was dropped by the Orioles Brent Ryan that enabled Carter Theis and Boltmann to score after they reached base on a single and a double. Fischer would come across on a sacrifice fly to second baseman Riley Dvorak by Will Gudorf.
St. Louis Park would cut the lead to two in the bottom of the third as Connor Cornell and Johnny Sorenson reached base on one out singles and Dvorak would drive home Cornell on a sacrifice fly to Edina's right fielder Chester Dixon.
That would be as close as the Orioles would get since the Hornets would break the game open in the top of the fourth by batting around and scoring six runs. Dixon and Matthew Nunn would reach base on singles and Azar's RBI single scored Dixon. Logan Krenik would be the fourth straight Hornet to reach base. Then the damage would be done. Boltmann, who was also the quarterback on the Hornet football team, belted a grand slam over the left field fence and Fischer would follow with a solo shot over the right field fence.
Edina would wrap up the scoring in the top of the fifth with two more runs. Dixon would lead off with a double and Krenik's RBI single drove him home. Theis would bring home Krenik with an RBI double and St. Louis Park could only get a leadoff walk in the bottom of the fifth from Cornell before Jimmy Connell, pitching in relief of winning pitcher Jackson Slaney set down the next three batter to end the game.
The Hornets opened their season with a 1-0 record and host the Hopkins Royals on Thursday, April 13 at 6:30 PM at Braemar Park. The Orioles fell to 0-3 and return to action on Tuesday, April 18 at 6:45 PM against the Richfield Spartans at US Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis.
Eighth grade catcher Sam Hunt made his varsity debut against Edina.
Monday, April 10, 2017
Bizarre Weather Postpones Edina Hornets-SLP Orioles Baseball
First came rain, then came snow as the culprit for postponing the Edina Hornets-St. Louis Park baseball game that was scheduled for Monday at Derrick Keller Field at Dakota Park.
The game will be rescheduled on Wednesday, April 12 at 4:30 PM.
The game was supposed to be the season opener for Edina. They will open up their season on Tuesday, April 11 against the Delano Tigers at 6:30 PM at Braemar Park in Edina.
The game will be rescheduled on Wednesday, April 12 at 4:30 PM.
The game was supposed to be the season opener for Edina. They will open up their season on Tuesday, April 11 against the Delano Tigers at 6:30 PM at Braemar Park in Edina.
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Park Center Pirates Scuttle SLP Orioles
Ryan Stachowski stacked the deck as he drove in three runs and Park Center took advantage of four St. Louis Park errors that led the Pirates to a 6-2 win over the Orioles Friday night at Derrick Keller Field at Dakota Park.
In the early days of the Metrodome, the old scoreboard would sometimes say "Walks will haunt!" and they would haunt the Orioles in the first inning when starting pitcher Johnny Sorenson walked four of the first five batters. After Sorenson walked the first three, Keller Tollefson hit into a fielder's choice to score Brenton Brakke. Stachowski would put the Pirates ahead by three with a two RBI single that scored Tanner Stein and Mitch Maier.
Both teams would tally in the third inning. Park Center got their run when Maier led off with a single then scored on Stachowski's single that gave him three RBI's that night. St. Louis Park would strike twice. It started with singles from Jacob Stillman, Connor Cornell and Sorenson. Sorenson would beat out a bunt to reach base. Then came a two RBI single by Riley Dvorak that scored Stillman and Cornell. They would have a chance to cut into the Pirate lead but Brent Ryan would hit into a 5-5-2 double play and jack elias was called out for runner's interference.
St. Louis Park's defense came apart in the top of the fourth with three errors. Noah Thompson reached base for Park Center on an error by Stillman and Brakke would draw his second walk. Stein would reach base on two throwing errors that scored Thompson and Brakke. The good news for the Orioles was that sorenson would end the inning by retiring the last two batters on called third strikes.
The Orioles would have only three base runners the remainder of the game. Cornell would single in the bottom of the fourth, Zach Listiak doubled in the bottom of the sixth and a leadoff single in the bottom of seventh by Stillman. But clutch Pirate pitching from Stein and reliever Matt Sporre prevented St. Louis Park's chance at a comeback.
Both the Pirates and the Orioles return to action on Monday, April 10. The Pirates began their season with a record of 1-0 and host the Andover Huskies at 4:30 PM. The Orioles fell to 0-2 and host the Edina Hornets at 6 PM at Derrick Keller Field.
In the early days of the Metrodome, the old scoreboard would sometimes say "Walks will haunt!" and they would haunt the Orioles in the first inning when starting pitcher Johnny Sorenson walked four of the first five batters. After Sorenson walked the first three, Keller Tollefson hit into a fielder's choice to score Brenton Brakke. Stachowski would put the Pirates ahead by three with a two RBI single that scored Tanner Stein and Mitch Maier.
Both teams would tally in the third inning. Park Center got their run when Maier led off with a single then scored on Stachowski's single that gave him three RBI's that night. St. Louis Park would strike twice. It started with singles from Jacob Stillman, Connor Cornell and Sorenson. Sorenson would beat out a bunt to reach base. Then came a two RBI single by Riley Dvorak that scored Stillman and Cornell. They would have a chance to cut into the Pirate lead but Brent Ryan would hit into a 5-5-2 double play and jack elias was called out for runner's interference.
St. Louis Park's defense came apart in the top of the fourth with three errors. Noah Thompson reached base for Park Center on an error by Stillman and Brakke would draw his second walk. Stein would reach base on two throwing errors that scored Thompson and Brakke. The good news for the Orioles was that sorenson would end the inning by retiring the last two batters on called third strikes.
The Orioles would have only three base runners the remainder of the game. Cornell would single in the bottom of the fourth, Zach Listiak doubled in the bottom of the sixth and a leadoff single in the bottom of seventh by Stillman. But clutch Pirate pitching from Stein and reliever Matt Sporre prevented St. Louis Park's chance at a comeback.
Both the Pirates and the Orioles return to action on Monday, April 10. The Pirates began their season with a record of 1-0 and host the Andover Huskies at 4:30 PM. The Orioles fell to 0-2 and host the Edina Hornets at 6 PM at Derrick Keller Field.
Thursday, April 6, 2017
DeLaSalle Islanders Freeze SLP Orioles
The St. Louis Park baseball team's season opener Thursday night was a chilly one as Thomas Bean drove in three runs, including a single in the top of the sixth inning with two outs turned out to be the game winner as the DeLaSalle Islanders beat the Orioles 5-4 at Derrick Keller Field at Dakota Park.
Bean would drive in the game's opening run with an RBI single in the top of the first that scored Leo Pfarr. After Leo Pfarr struck out the side in the bottom of the first, the Orioles would vault into the lead with two runs in the second as Jack Elias reached base on a throwing error by Sam Kulesa and Shea Pekarek blasted a two run homer over the left center field fence.
DeLaSalle would even the score in the top of the third that started with singles by Charlie Rubindall and Garth Taylor. After a wild pitch by Riley Dvorak advanced the runners a base, Bean would fortify the offense with a ground out to Dvorak that scored Rubindall. .
Dvorak would lead off the bottom of the fourth with a double and score when Pekarek reached base on a throwing error by third baseman Sam McNosky. Pekarek would come across on an RBI triple from Brent Ryan to put St. Louis Park ahead by two.
The Islanders would strike back in the top of the fifth as Leo Pfarr would cross the plate for the second time, this time on a double by Kulesa to cut the lead to one.
In the top of the sixth, it look like the Orioles were on their way to a one, two, three inning as Elias, who relieved Dvorak, struck out the first two batters. But it was Joe Parenteau who started to make things chilly for the Orioles as he hit a drive to right center field that Johnny Sorenson couldn't handle. He would score on Rubindall's single and Bean would also hit an RBI single to score Leo Pfarr and that would be the eventual game winner. The junior pitcher would not only score three runs, he would strike out nine Oriole batters and allow only one other base runner following Ryan's triple in the bottom of the fourth. He would be the only St. Louis Park base runner stranded the entire game.
St. Louis Park had a chance to tie or send the fans home happy with a walkoff win in the bottom of the seventh. Ryan drew a one out walk but Luke Mobley hit into a double play to end the game.
The Islanders open the season with a 1-0 record and return to action on Friday, April 8 as they take on the Bloomington Kennedy Eagles at 4:30 PM at Red Haddox Field in Bloomington. The Orioles fell to 0-1 and are also in action on the 8th, hosting the Park Center Pirates in a 6 PM game at Derrick Keller Field.
Bean would drive in the game's opening run with an RBI single in the top of the first that scored Leo Pfarr. After Leo Pfarr struck out the side in the bottom of the first, the Orioles would vault into the lead with two runs in the second as Jack Elias reached base on a throwing error by Sam Kulesa and Shea Pekarek blasted a two run homer over the left center field fence.
DeLaSalle would even the score in the top of the third that started with singles by Charlie Rubindall and Garth Taylor. After a wild pitch by Riley Dvorak advanced the runners a base, Bean would fortify the offense with a ground out to Dvorak that scored Rubindall. .
Dvorak would lead off the bottom of the fourth with a double and score when Pekarek reached base on a throwing error by third baseman Sam McNosky. Pekarek would come across on an RBI triple from Brent Ryan to put St. Louis Park ahead by two.
The Islanders would strike back in the top of the fifth as Leo Pfarr would cross the plate for the second time, this time on a double by Kulesa to cut the lead to one.
In the top of the sixth, it look like the Orioles were on their way to a one, two, three inning as Elias, who relieved Dvorak, struck out the first two batters. But it was Joe Parenteau who started to make things chilly for the Orioles as he hit a drive to right center field that Johnny Sorenson couldn't handle. He would score on Rubindall's single and Bean would also hit an RBI single to score Leo Pfarr and that would be the eventual game winner. The junior pitcher would not only score three runs, he would strike out nine Oriole batters and allow only one other base runner following Ryan's triple in the bottom of the fourth. He would be the only St. Louis Park base runner stranded the entire game.
St. Louis Park had a chance to tie or send the fans home happy with a walkoff win in the bottom of the seventh. Ryan drew a one out walk but Luke Mobley hit into a double play to end the game.
The Islanders open the season with a 1-0 record and return to action on Friday, April 8 as they take on the Bloomington Kennedy Eagles at 4:30 PM at Red Haddox Field in Bloomington. The Orioles fell to 0-1 and are also in action on the 8th, hosting the Park Center Pirates in a 6 PM game at Derrick Keller Field.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Picking the 2017 Pennant Races
As the 2017 baseball season gets underway, it's time for HSGN's first installment of Picking the Pennant Races.
American League Central
1. Cleveland. The addition of Edwin Encarnacion gives the Tribe another bat that could lead them toward post season play and maybe another World Series.
2. Detroit. Can Justin Verlander have another outstanding season to lead the Tigers into contention?
3. Kansas City. It could be a very close race for second between Detroit and Kansas City but the big question for the Royals is who will replace Wade Davis as closer?
4. Twins. Can Brian Dozier have another great season like last year? Is this the year Byron Buxton has a breakout season?
5. White Sox. The departure of Chris Sale and Adam Eaton indicates that this could be a pale season for the Pale Hose.
American League East
1. Boston. Keep an eye on the Red Sox. The lineup got stronger with Mitch Moreland coming from the Rangers and rookie outfielder Andrew Benintendi. On the pitching side, Sale could be the key to the Red Sox heading toward the World Series.
2. Toronto. The Blue Jays have one of the game's best players in Josh Donaldson and veteran shortstop Troy Tulowitski. Mix in a solid pitching staff and Canada's team could be a contender.
3. Baltimore. A strong lineup anchored by Chris Davis and Manny Machado could once again make the AL East a competitive race once again.
4. Yankees. They have a solid rotation with Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia and Michael Pineda but can their offense be productive?
5. Tampa Bay. They have good young talent such as Evan Longoria at third base but can their pitching get them out of the AL East basement?
American League West
1. Houston. The Astros have been a team on the rise the last two seasons and the additions of Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran and Lance McCullers joining home grown talent could solidify their third straight postseason berth.
2. Texas. Though the Rangers lost Moreland to the Red Sox, they still have an outstanding bat in Adrian Beltre.
3. Seattle. They've got a pair of Cs in Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz that gives their lineup plenty of power. Can Felix Hernandez have another outstanding season.
4. Angels. Though the Angels have perhaps they best young player in the majors in Mike Trout, they don't have a great supporting cast. Will this be the year Albert Pujols joins the 600 career home run club?
5. Oakland. They lost their ace sonny gray to an injury the first part of the season. It could be another long year for the green and gold.
National League East
1. Washington. If there's any team in the National League that can dethrone the Cubs, it's the Nationals. Can the additions of Adam Lind, Adam Eaton and Matt Wieters bolster the lineup and compliment a strong pitching staff that could finally earn the franchise's first trip to the World Series since they were born as the Montreal Expos?
2. Mets. Can the Mets young pitching staff stay healthy? Will David Wright return? Will Yoenis Cespides lead the Mets to another postseason berth? These questions will be answered as the Mets attempt to challenge the Nats for the NL East title.
3. Miami. They have one of the NL's best players in Giancarlo Stanton but will he enough to bring in fans to one of the major league's newer ballparks?
4. Atlanta. A new era begins for the Braves as they move into their third home since they moved from Milwaukee in 1966, Suntrust Park. They added knuckleballer R.A. Dickey and signed former Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki. Keep an eye on shortstop Dansby Swanson. He could be a Rookie of the Year candidate.
5. Philadelphia. How long will the Phillies hang on to Ryan Howard? They have a young team that will once again be at the bottom of the division.
National League Central
1. Cubs. What a season. The 2016 season ended the Cubs 108 year World Series drought and they have the talent to defend their title with the infield of NL MVP Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Anthony Rizzo and Ben Zobrist intact as well as the addition of Wade Davis in the bullpen.
2. St. Louis. They got Dexter Fowler from the cubs and their pitching staff gets a boost with the return of Lance Lynn from Tommy John Surgery. It could be another golden season for one of baseball's greatest franchises.
3. Pittsburgh The Bucs have a good, young pitching staff in Gerrit Cole and Jameson Tallon as well as veteran outfielder Andrwe McCutcheon. Will they be contenders or will McCutcheon be gone late in the season?
4. Milwaukee. Other than Ryan Braun, the Brew Crew doesn't have much to build around him in order to contend this season.
5. Cincinnati. They have outstanding power in Joey Votto and Billy Hamilton is a speedster that could put him on the leader board in stolen bases. But what about the rest of the Reds? They are a young team that could have it's fourth straight losing season under manager Bryan Price.
National League West
1. Los Angeles. They have one of baseball's best pitchers Clayton Kershaw and a rising star in third baseman Corey Seager. Can Kershaw stay healthy and lead the Dodgers into the playoffs?
2. San Francisco. The Giants have an outstanding rotation with Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto, Matt Cain and Jeff Samardzijia that could once again challenge their California rivals for a playoff spot.
3. Colorado. The Rockies singed Ian Desmond in the offseason to bolster their offense, but he was hit by a pitch in spring training that resulted in a metacarpal fracture. When he gets healthy. it could be (to quote John Denver) "A Colorado Rocky Mountain High" for Rockies fans. Can their pitching staff put them into contention with the Dodgers and Giants?
4. Arizona. Here's a team that had potential last season with the addition of pitcher Zach Greinke and one of the major's rising stars Paul Goldschmidt. They also have a new manager Torey Lovullo. Can the Diamondbacks shine in 2017 after a disappointing 2016?
5. San Diego. The Padres have had six straight losing seasons. It won't be easy in a competitive division.
American League Central
1. Cleveland. The addition of Edwin Encarnacion gives the Tribe another bat that could lead them toward post season play and maybe another World Series.
2. Detroit. Can Justin Verlander have another outstanding season to lead the Tigers into contention?
3. Kansas City. It could be a very close race for second between Detroit and Kansas City but the big question for the Royals is who will replace Wade Davis as closer?
4. Twins. Can Brian Dozier have another great season like last year? Is this the year Byron Buxton has a breakout season?
5. White Sox. The departure of Chris Sale and Adam Eaton indicates that this could be a pale season for the Pale Hose.
American League East
1. Boston. Keep an eye on the Red Sox. The lineup got stronger with Mitch Moreland coming from the Rangers and rookie outfielder Andrew Benintendi. On the pitching side, Sale could be the key to the Red Sox heading toward the World Series.
2. Toronto. The Blue Jays have one of the game's best players in Josh Donaldson and veteran shortstop Troy Tulowitski. Mix in a solid pitching staff and Canada's team could be a contender.
3. Baltimore. A strong lineup anchored by Chris Davis and Manny Machado could once again make the AL East a competitive race once again.
4. Yankees. They have a solid rotation with Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia and Michael Pineda but can their offense be productive?
5. Tampa Bay. They have good young talent such as Evan Longoria at third base but can their pitching get them out of the AL East basement?
American League West
1. Houston. The Astros have been a team on the rise the last two seasons and the additions of Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran and Lance McCullers joining home grown talent could solidify their third straight postseason berth.
2. Texas. Though the Rangers lost Moreland to the Red Sox, they still have an outstanding bat in Adrian Beltre.
3. Seattle. They've got a pair of Cs in Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz that gives their lineup plenty of power. Can Felix Hernandez have another outstanding season.
4. Angels. Though the Angels have perhaps they best young player in the majors in Mike Trout, they don't have a great supporting cast. Will this be the year Albert Pujols joins the 600 career home run club?
5. Oakland. They lost their ace sonny gray to an injury the first part of the season. It could be another long year for the green and gold.
National League East
1. Washington. If there's any team in the National League that can dethrone the Cubs, it's the Nationals. Can the additions of Adam Lind, Adam Eaton and Matt Wieters bolster the lineup and compliment a strong pitching staff that could finally earn the franchise's first trip to the World Series since they were born as the Montreal Expos?
2. Mets. Can the Mets young pitching staff stay healthy? Will David Wright return? Will Yoenis Cespides lead the Mets to another postseason berth? These questions will be answered as the Mets attempt to challenge the Nats for the NL East title.
3. Miami. They have one of the NL's best players in Giancarlo Stanton but will he enough to bring in fans to one of the major league's newer ballparks?
4. Atlanta. A new era begins for the Braves as they move into their third home since they moved from Milwaukee in 1966, Suntrust Park. They added knuckleballer R.A. Dickey and signed former Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki. Keep an eye on shortstop Dansby Swanson. He could be a Rookie of the Year candidate.
5. Philadelphia. How long will the Phillies hang on to Ryan Howard? They have a young team that will once again be at the bottom of the division.
National League Central
1. Cubs. What a season. The 2016 season ended the Cubs 108 year World Series drought and they have the talent to defend their title with the infield of NL MVP Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Anthony Rizzo and Ben Zobrist intact as well as the addition of Wade Davis in the bullpen.
2. St. Louis. They got Dexter Fowler from the cubs and their pitching staff gets a boost with the return of Lance Lynn from Tommy John Surgery. It could be another golden season for one of baseball's greatest franchises.
3. Pittsburgh The Bucs have a good, young pitching staff in Gerrit Cole and Jameson Tallon as well as veteran outfielder Andrwe McCutcheon. Will they be contenders or will McCutcheon be gone late in the season?
4. Milwaukee. Other than Ryan Braun, the Brew Crew doesn't have much to build around him in order to contend this season.
5. Cincinnati. They have outstanding power in Joey Votto and Billy Hamilton is a speedster that could put him on the leader board in stolen bases. But what about the rest of the Reds? They are a young team that could have it's fourth straight losing season under manager Bryan Price.
National League West
1. Los Angeles. They have one of baseball's best pitchers Clayton Kershaw and a rising star in third baseman Corey Seager. Can Kershaw stay healthy and lead the Dodgers into the playoffs?
2. San Francisco. The Giants have an outstanding rotation with Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto, Matt Cain and Jeff Samardzijia that could once again challenge their California rivals for a playoff spot.
3. Colorado. The Rockies singed Ian Desmond in the offseason to bolster their offense, but he was hit by a pitch in spring training that resulted in a metacarpal fracture. When he gets healthy. it could be (to quote John Denver) "A Colorado Rocky Mountain High" for Rockies fans. Can their pitching staff put them into contention with the Dodgers and Giants?
4. Arizona. Here's a team that had potential last season with the addition of pitcher Zach Greinke and one of the major's rising stars Paul Goldschmidt. They also have a new manager Torey Lovullo. Can the Diamondbacks shine in 2017 after a disappointing 2016?
5. San Diego. The Padres have had six straight losing seasons. It won't be easy in a competitive division.
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