Team News

Browns win division title with 15-5 win over Hounds, clinch first round bye!

How consistant were the Browns from the 2007 season? (26 games played both seasons) Look and see:

OBA: 2007-.247 2008-.250

Jim Braun Pitching: 2007-12 BBs 37 Ks 2008-12 BBs 38 Ks

Team ERA: 2007-3.66 2008-3.70

Earned Runs Allowed: 2007-90 2008-92

Walks Allowed: 2007-81 2008-80

Team Hits: 2007-236 2008-233

Team RBI: 2007-155 2008-157

Runs Scored: 2007-196 2008-195

Stolen Bases: 2007-32 2008-31

Mets Maul Browns 8-0

There were no highlights to retell in this one. The Browns were shut out for the second time this season. This game marked the first time in this decade that the Browns went scoreless in two games in one season.

Browns Give One To Yankees 8-6

The Yankees defeated the Browns 8-6 in a game this writer would just as soon forget than write about. The Browns mental blunders gave the Yankees the opening they needed to hand the Browns their fourth loss in the last six games. Reliever Jeff Pratt (0-1) took the loss in relief of starter Jim Braun who pitched six plus strong innings but got little help. The Yankees scored two runs in the fourth, helped by two Browns errors, to take a 3-1 lead. The Browns got one of those runs back in the bottom of the fourth on Eric Hemesath's single to score Matt Markowicz. But the Yankees scored an unearned run in the sixth to make the score 4-2. Hemesath's double to score Tim Griffith and Markowicz tied the game and Ted Haralson's single scored Scott Zimmer to give the Browns a 5-4 lead. But the Yankees scored four runs in the seventh with the help of two more errors to go up 8-5. The Browns made it interesting by loading the bases and stealing a run on an error by the Yankees' catcher, but the rally fell short to make the final 8-6. The game was marked by missed opportunities both in the field to prevent runs, and at the plate to score them. If one needed an object lesson on how to loose a game by players not using their heads to play team ball, one need look no further. A very winnable game became just another “L” in the books.

Browns Wash Red Sox 15-7

The Browns overcame some early struggles and defensive lapses to ease past the Red Sox 15-7 at Walther. Starting pitcher Joe Ullman (5-2) worked five innings, allowing just one earned run on three hits with five strikeouts to earn the win. Jeff Pratt pitched the final two frames to pick up his first save of the season. TJ McLaughlin (4 for 4) led the seventeen-hit parade, and Matt Markowicz supplied the power with two home runs. The Browns spotted the Red Sox four unearned runs in the first, but got two of those back in the bottom of the frame on Markowicz's two-run home run. The Browns tied the game in the second on RBI singles by McLaughlin and Pete Touff. The Red Sox got one back in the third to take a 5-4 lead, but the Browns took a 6-4 lead with two runs on an RBI single by Jeff Pratt to score Tim Griffith, and on a error by the second baseman on Ted Haralson's ground ball to score Markowicz. Ullman shut the Red Sox down in the fourth and the fifth and the Browns added a seventh run in the fourth. Then things got fun in the fifth. After Markowicz led off the inning with a home run, the Browns scored six more runs to make the score 14-5 and essentially put the game away. The two runs the Red Sox scored in the final two innings made the score closer than the game actually was, as the Browns dominated the Red Sox to sweep the season series.

Braun's Bunt Beats Cubs 1-0

(No game review available)

Fish Squish Browns 10-1

The Marlins easily defeated the under-manned Browns at Grosche field 10-1. Starter Jim Braun (3-2) allowed just one earned run in five innings of work but took the loss. Ted Haralson's single to lead off the seventh was the Browns' only hit in the game. The lone run scored in the sixth when Matt Marowicz scored on a wild throw to first on Tim Griffith's ground ball to short.

Hounds Bite Browns 11-5

The Hounds evened the season series against the Browns by scoring a 10-5 win at Walther. Starter Joe Ullman (4-2) took the loss. The Hounds scored early and often with four runs in the first, one in the second, and two more in the third. The Browns lone run through the first four innings came across in the first when Jim Braun scored on Eric Hemesath's ground ball to short. The Browns finally rallied to cut the Hounds' lead to 7-4 when they tallied three runs in the fourth. Paul Vacca scored on Jim Braun's ground out to short, and Braun scored on Tim Griffith's double. Griffith scored on Hemesath's triple, but the inning ended when Hemesath was cut down trying to score. The Hounds extended their lead to 10-4 by scoring four runs in the seventh. The Browns managed one more run in the bottom of the seventh when Vacca scored on Griffith's ground ball to short. The Browns left the bases loaded to end the game, as the clutch hitting that had been the trademark of the team during their winning streak was no where to be found for the second game in a row.

Rangers Rip Browns 8-2

The Rangers beat the Browns at Winnimac in a game that featured far more raindrops than highlights. Emergency spot starter David Dobbs (0-1), working in his fourth game in a row, took the loss The best that could be said is that the Browns averted being shut out for the second time this season when they managed two runs in the seventh on Ted Haralson's sacrifice fly to score John Bowden, and Bill Gerny's RBI ground out to score Scott Zimmer. The Browns had their chance early on. They loaded the bases with no outs in the third on consecutive singles by Kevin Quay, Bill Gerny, and Jim Bruan. But the rally ended before it began when the next two batters struck out and the inning ended on a ground ball to the pitcher. The Browns never seriously challenged the Rangers after that inning. In the meantime, the Rangers batters pounded out fourteen hits against a tired Browns pitching staff and team that was happy to see the All-Star break.

Browns Avenge Aviators 16-5

The Browns got revenge against the Aviators, defeating them 16-5 at beautiful and spacious Altgeld Park. Starting pitcher Joe Ullman (4-1) allowed only one run on three hits with six strikeouts in five innings of work. David Dobbs picked up his second save of the season by finishing the final two innings. Tim Griffith continued his assault on CMBA pitching with four hits, including three doubles. Jim Braun also picked up four hits, and drove in a season high four runs. Kevin Quay broke out of his slump by reaching base three times, scoring three runs, and stealing two bases. The outcome was never in question. The Browns were leading 9-0 before the Aviators scored a solo run in the fourth, and were up 16-1 by the seventh inning before the Aviators manged to take advantage of an error and score four unearned runs. The sixteen runs scored was a season high, and the seventeen hits was second highest single game total on the season.

Browns Master Mets 6-1

The Browns defeated the Mets 6-1 at Maywood park to win the season series and the all-important tie breaker. Starter Mike Garber (3-0) allowed one run in six innings of work, giving up just five hits with five strike outs. David Dobbs pitched a scoreless seventh to nail down the win. The Browns jumped on the Met with four runs in the third. Jim Braun doubled home Bill Gerny and Braun scored on Tim Griffith's single. Eric Hemesath scored the third run of the inning on Matt Markowicz's single, and Markowicz scored on John Bowden's single. The Browns added two more runs in the fifth when Markowicz scored on Scott Zimmer's ground out, and Ted Haralson doubled home Zimmer to finish the scoring. Garber held the Mets in check the whole way, giving up just the one run in his last inning of work.

Browns Clean Red Sox 10-6

The Browns defeated the Red Sox 10-6 at Walther on the strength of three home runs and strong relief pitching. The Browns jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first on Tim Griffith's three run home run and Jeff Pratt's RBI single to score Eric Hemesath. They added four more in the second on back to back home runs by Hemesath with two runners on, and John Bowden. The Red Sox scored a single run in the second, but the Browns got two more in the third when Scott Zimmer scored after a Paul Vacca single and an error on the center fielder. Vacca later scored on yet another error. While the Browns wasted more scoring opportunities, the Red Sox battled back. They added another run in the fourth, and then scored four in the fifth off of starter Joe Ullman (3-1). But David Dobbs slammed the door on the Red Sox by pitching two and one third innings of scoreless relief to earn his first save. Dobbs allowed just one hit, and struck out five.

Browns Tie Vikings 5-5

The Browns tied the Vikings at Taft. The game will be continued at a date to be determined. A full game review will be posted when the game is completed.

Browns Come Back Against Yankees 14-10

The Browns came from behind to beat the Yankees 14-10 at Winnimac Park. The twenty one hits was the most in one game since June 30, 2005 when the Browns got twenty two hits against the Electrons. Jim Braun (3-1) earned the win in relief of Joe Ullman by pitching one and two thirds scoreless innings of relief. Jeff Pratt pitched a scoreless seventh to give the bullpen a perfect day. The Browns jumped out to a 2-0 lead on Pratt's (4 for 5, 4 RBI) single to score Pete Touff (4 for 5) and Tim Griffith's sacrifice fly to score Braun. But the Yankees scored six runs in the first off of Ullman to take the lead 6-2. The Browns got two runs back in the third on Pratt's two-run home run, and tied the game at six with two runs in the fourth. Scott Zimmer scored on Touff's single, and Braun drove home Ted Haralson with a single. The Yankees answered with four more runs in their half of the fourth to take a 10-6 lead. With Braun holding the Yankees in check, the Browns narrowed the gap to one run when they scored three in the sixth. Touff scored on Pratt's single, and Pratt scored on Griffith's double. John Bowden's sacrifice fly drove home Eric Hemesath and score was 10-9. Matt Markowicz put the Browns in front 11-10 on a two-run home run in the top of the seventh. The Browns added three more insurance runs when Pratt drove in his fourth run to score Touff. Griffith singled home Hemesath, and John Bowden doubled home Griffith. Pratt finished the game by pitching a scoreless seventh inning to put the finishing touches on what started out to be a long, hard day but finished with a Browns victory.

Aviators Shoot Down Browns 4-3

The Aviators defeated the Browns 4-3 at Maywood Park to earn their first victory over the Browns since they came into the league. The Browns took an early 2-0 lead with two runs in the second. Scott Zimmer singled home Tim Griffith and John Bowden scored on a passed ball. The Aviators scored a solo run in the fourth, and the Browns added one in their half of the frame when Bill Gerny doubled home Paul Vacca. But the Aviators scored three times in the fifth of starter Jim Braun (2-1) to take a 4-3 lead. Reliever David Dobbs worked two perfect innings to keep the Browns in the game, but after Tim Griffith doubled to lead off the sixth, the Browns made six straight outs to end the game.

Electrons Equal Browns 2-2

The Browns tied the Electrons on Wood Bat Day at a very wet Walther. The game will be continued at a date to be determined. A full game review will be posted when the game is completed.

Marlins Leave Browns In a Fog 7-0

In a setting more suited for a murder mystery novel, the Marlins defeated the Browns 7-0 at a very foggy Grosche Field in Waukegan. Starting pitcher Joe Ullman (2-1) took the loss, but there was little he could have done to have prevented it. The Browns managed just one infield single by Matt Markowicz in the fourth as the Browns were shut out for the first time since June 5, 2003. The game was called in the sixth inning due to the thick fog which prohibited the game from safely continuing.

Garber's Gopher Gives Browns Win 9-4

Mike Garber's pinch hit three-run home run in the fourth inning gave the Browns the margin of victory over the struggling Rangers at Walther. The Browns got out to an early lead with two runs in the first on an RBI single by Eric Hemesath to score Jim Braun and Tim Griffith's sacrifice fly to score Matt Markowicz. Starting pitcher Jim Braun (2-0) held the Rangers in check until the third when the Browns committed four errors in the inning. By the time the Browns were finished throwing the ball all over Melrose Park, two runs had scored and the game was tied. In the Brown's half of the fourth, Griffith and Scott Zimmer walked, and Garber launched a towering home run to right field to give the Browns a 5-3 lead. The five runs were enough for Bruan who scattered three hits over six innings, while striking out five against one walk. The Browns added insurance runs on RBI ground outs in the fifth and sixth to take a comfortable lead into the seventh. The Rangers managed two runs off of David Dobbs, but it was too little too late. The Browns took advantage of eleven walks by Ranger pitching, and save for the fourth inning played solid defense throughout the game.

Browns Clip Cups 5-4

No game review available.

Browns Fun Fact: Joe Ullman earned the save in the game today giving the Browns' pitching staff two for the season. The Browns' pitching staff earned two saves during the entire 2007 season.

Browns Rip Red Sox 12-0

By Ron Markowicz

It was a beautiful day for baseball at Walther, pitting the refurbished Red Sox against the 3-0 Browns. There were a lot of new faces for the Red Sox, and new uniforms to boot. Joe Ullman (2-0) took the mound for the Browns and retired the side in order in the first, and Red Sox pitcher Ryan Hunter faced only four batters in his half. But after a minor threat by the Sox in the second, the Browns exploded for a seven-spot in their half. Tim Griffith singled to start the inning, and with one out Aaron Stoll reached on an error by the Sox center fielder. Scott Zimmer promptly doubled in two runs. Paul Vacca singled placing runners at first and third. After a passed ball, Ted Haralson struck out on a ball in the dirt but the catcher launched the ball into right field scoring both Zimmer and Vacca. Jim Braun singled placing runners at first and third, and then Pete Touff singled in Haralson. Markowicz proceeded to single tallying Braun, and Eric Hemesath hit into a 4-6 FC placing runners on first and third. Griffith crushed a single to score Touff with the seventh run of the inning on seven hits. The Browns scored five more in the third. Stoll singled and with one out Vacca did the same. Haralson followed with a long home run to left field that landed across the street. With two outs Touff tripled to deep center field. Markowicz reached on an error scoring Touff, and than Hemesath singled in Matt with the final run. Ullman was breezing along, and when the final pitch was thrown in the fifth inning he surrendered only two hits and struck out five. The game lasted an hour and fifteen minutes.

Browns Mash Mets 10-4

No game summary is avaiable.

Browns Hold Off Hounds 15-10

The Browns defeated the Hounds 15-10 in a wild game at Taft to earn their second straight win to start the season. Jeff Pratt led the hitting attack with three base hits and four RBI. Pratt also helped nail down the win by pitching a scoreless sixth inning. The Browns scored two runs in the first on Jim Braun's single to score Pete Touff. Braun later scored on Pratt's sacrifice fly. The Hounds answered right back with two runs of their own off of Braun (1-0), but the Browns countered with a five-run third thanks in part to RBI singles by Pratt and Ted Haralson. But the Hounds refused to quit. They scored three runs in their half of the third to close the gap to 7-5. Tim Griffith's two-run home run in the fourth gave the Browns a 9-5 lead, but the Hounds made it a one run game when they scored three runs in their half of the fourth. Pratt's third and fourth RBI of the game to score John Bowden and Eric Hemesath gave the Browns two more insurance runs going into the sixth. Pratt's scoreless sixth inning featured a 4-3 double play on a pop up started by Duane Rouse who had just entered the game to play second base. The Browns put the game completely out of reach in the seventh with four runs including three on Bowden's bases loaded triple. The Hounds salvaged a pair of runs in the seventh off of rookie pitcher David Dobbs who was making his Browns debut, but it was too little too late for the never say die Hounds.

Browns Victorious Over Vikings 9-5

The Browns defeated the Vikings 9-5 a