With notable pitching performances by the New York Yankees' Roger Clemens and the Boston Red Sox' Hideo Nomo, the American League was full of excitement this week. In the NL, however, it was much of the same. Atlanta's John Rocker stirred up trouble, Colorado's sluggers flexed their muscles, and the Braves and Mets resumed their showdown for control of the NL East.
The mighty Colorado Rockies had no problem getting into gear this week, as the machine of Todd Walker, Juan Pierre, and Larry Walker lead an offense capable of cranking out runs. The three went a combined 16 for 32 during the Rockies' three wins over St. Louis to open the season. Colorado starters Mike Hampton, Denny Neagle, and Pedro Astacio were equally dominant, and the three combined for a 1.69 ERA in 21and one-third innings in the hitters' paradise of Coors Field.
Colorado was one of three teams in the NL West to remain undefeated as of yesterday afternoon, as both the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Francisco Giants won their first two games. Giant Barry Bonds moved one step closer to the 500-homer milestone slamming number 495 against the San Diego Padres on Monday.
The NL East is expected to be another showdown between the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets, but this week, it was the Philadelphia Phillies who came out on top. The Phillies, who many critics predict will spend the season trying to brush off the cobwebs of the NL East, surprised baseball fans with a three-game sweep of the Florida Marlins to open the season. While the first two games were won by a one-run margin, the Phillies broke out with a late-game rally in the eight inning on Wednesday to beat the Marlins 7-3. Outfielder Bobby Abreu lead the team's offense with six hits in 15 at-bats in the series.
The pitching rotation of the Atlanta Braves has become a dynasty in baseball during the last ten years, but injuries have made the staff vulnerable this season. Greg Maddux missed his scheduled opening day start against the Cincinnati Reds because of a sore left foot, but the Braves still managed a win. Starter John Smoltz will be out until May with an injury
Closer John Rocker returned to standard form, but unfortunately for the stress level of the Braves' manager, that form is wild. In Wednesday's game, Rocker allowed the Mets to tie the score in the top of the ninth but was saved by pinch-hitter Keith Lockhart in the bottom half of the inning. The Braves won 3-2.
In the NL Central, the Houston Astros opened their season with two wins over the Milwaukee Brewers. Second-baseman Craig Biggio marked his return to play after knee surgery with a five-for-five opening day performance, as Daryle Ward drove in six runs in the game. On Wednesday night, Richard Hidalgo hit two homers and drove in five runs, including a three-run shot in the 12th inning to give the Astros the 8-6 win.
