SANTA FE'S SEVEN-RUN SECOND INNING LEADS THE SLAMMERS TO VICTORY

Santa Fe, NM (7M7AP): Rafael Franco had two home runs and knocked in six runs on four hits as the Santa Fe Slammers decisively defeated the Scranton Scrubs, 14-8, in the opening round of the American League Division Playoffs this morning.

The Slammers wasted no time putting runs on the board with a four spot in the first inning. Franco hit a 3-run homer to center field and designated hitter Willis McGee tased a laser beam double into center field.

After a three-up, three-down inning for Santa Fe winning starter, Joaquin Ayala, the Slammers tagged the Scrubs for seven more runs. With a man on first and second base with two outs, Franco came through big with a single. After a single by Santa Fe first baseman, Norm LaRocca, Scranton losing pitcher, Fred Flores, walked in center fielder Buddy West. After McGee grounded a single to score Franco and LaRocca, third baseman Luis Cortes crushed a three-run homer to right center to give the Slammers the commanding 11-0 lead.

The Scrubs posted their first two runs in the third inning off of an error by Slammers shortstop Taylor that plated Ray Elster. Tony Justice smoked a line drive single to left field to bring in Omar Cross. The Scrubs tried to stage a late-game comeback, scoring three runs in the eighth and two runs in the ninth, but the Slammers held them off, posting the 14-8 victory.

Santa Fe leads the series, 1-0.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Rafael Franco Santa Fe Slammers Age: 30 B/T: L/R Born: Moca, DO Position(s): 2B/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

4-FOR-5, TWO HOME RUNS, THREE RUNS SCORED, SIX RBI