Javelina Take 7-5 Bite Out of Swarm

The Julian Javelina entered week six in need of a divisional victory and ultimately used a solid, balanced attack to earn a 7-5 series win over the Arizona Desert Swarm. For really the first time since the first week of the season, the Javelina got very good production from both the offense and the pitching staff, and they needed every bit of it.

The offense was very good from start to finish despite losing Ike Davis to injury on Monday, hitting .333 as a group. The offensive onslaught was led in large part by newly acquired outfielder Matt Joyce, who hit an eye-popping .450 (9/20, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 6 R, 4 BB, 1 2B) to raise his season average to a league-leading .368. Alexei Ramirez and Paul Konerko chipped in with two home runs and three runs batted in apiece.

"Matty has been very good for us," said GM Jamie Hoyle. "He's stepped right in, provided some power and really looks like he's coming into his own. He carried us this week."

As has been the case since the start of the season, the Javelina pitching proved the difference between winning and losing. The pitching staff combined for a 3.38 ERA (4 W, 3 S), 1.22 WHIP, 51 K and 5 holds. Leading the way for the pitching staff was the newly acquired Jake Arrieta. Arrieta made the most of his first turn in the Javelina rotation by going 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 13 strike outs (12.0 IP). Yovani Gallardo and Ryan Dempster both continued their recent runs of good starts by going a combined 2-0 (3.00, 1.25 WHIP, 16 K, 12 IP).

"It's no secret our pitching has been a thorn in our sides," said Hoyle. "Based on what we've seen from Yo and Ryan the last ten days or so, I think things are about to get a lot better. Add Jake to that and I think we have a lot to look forward to."

The Javelina entered play Sunday morning trailing the series 7-5, but within reach in three crucial "swing" categories (R, HR, SV). The offense responded by hitting a combined .467 on Sunday (7/15, 2 HR, 4 R, 3 RBI). Alexei Ramirez went 3-4 with a HR and two runs scored, providing all the cushion the Javelina needed.

"Good teams find ways to win, and that's what we did," said team captain Ryan Zimmerman. "I think this team is just getting started."

Swings and Misses....

The Javelina currently lead the league in home runs and batting average despite McCutchen, Kelly Johnson, Choo, Soto and Ryan Zimmerman all either struggling or dealing with injuries...RHP Ryan Dempster appears to be rebounding from his rocky start to 2011, going 1-1 in his previous three starts (20IP, 2.50ERA, 20K, 3 BB)....OF Matt Joyce's 7th inning homer off Mike Gonzalez on Sunday was the first of his career off a LHP....RHP Jake Arrieta (5-1, 4.03, 46K) is 4-0 with 36K over his previous 36IP (6 starts)....RP Ryan Madson has converted all six save opportunities without allowing a run since being named the closer on April 20th (9IP, 4 H, 4 BB, 0 ER, 10K).