The Dark Side

L.A., California (AP) - Tonight in Ann Arbor the sixth overall pick Evan "The Emperor" Warner looks to prove he's deserving of that pick and OSA's ranking as the #6 SP in ABL. "The Emperor" has gotten off to a rough start (1-2, 5.12 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 22 K's, 8 BB, 36 HA in 31 2/3 IP) to begin his ABL career, but GM Hays has all the confidence in him: "He's young and only has five starts under his belt. He has the stuff and tools to be an Ace in this league. He will be fine."

A win tonight will give the Evil Empire a very impressive 19-9 record in April.  Win or lose the Evil Empire will finish the first-ever month in ABL history with the lead in the Earl Weaver Division.

After a 3-game set with Ann Arbor, L.A. comes home for the only home series in midst of a 17-game stretch without a day off. Right now L.A. has a 2 game lead over Boston, but the winner of the 4-game series could add some distance. The key matchup will be in game 2 as L.A.'s Ace King "Fish" Crawford will got toe-to-toe with Boston's Ace Norm "Cheers" Jackson.

King "Fish"

W/L: 5-0
ERA: 1.60
WHIP: 0.89
K/BB: 37/2
IP: 39.1
HA: 33
QS: 6 for 6

"Cheers" Jackson

W/L: 4-0
ERA: 1.69
WHIP: 0.98
K/BB: 39/8
IP: 42.2
HA: 34
QS: 5 for 6


Side Notes:

• L.A. is in middle of a 17-game stretch where 13 are on the road!
• Starting RF Neil Adams (.481/545/.778, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 2B in 9 gms) is due to come of DL in 2 days.
• L.A.'s pitching is #1 in the ABL in HR's allowed at 13. Versus Boston's feared lineup, can they keep it in the park?