LONG BEACH (AP) - One of the more quiet rivalries over the seasons has been between the Long Beach Lobsters Franchise (also residing in Buenos Aires and Madrid) and the Edmonton Orcas Club (previously the Planet-X Aliens and Taegu Tigers). The 'worst to first' scenario for these two teams has virtually swapped, making competition hotter between these divisional foes.

"I didn't really know much about it," remarked Edmonton GM Wurz, "until Ken (Paplanus, Long Beach GM) brought it to my attention. After checking the history books, there was a bit of something from the past. I admit I've been complaining about his financial practice of throwing ungodly sums of money at players to woo them from other teams, especially sitting on the bottom looking up with the team I inherited. But now I understand how it must have been for him all those years working from this position. It still doesn't make anything better, just different."

This weekend was sold out at the Lobster Tank for the four game series, and fans had their money's worth in game two. After a low scoring affair on Thursday which was over in the 4th inning, Bret Wagner stepped onto the mound. Twenty-seven batters and 100 pitches later, Wagner would be lofted into the air by team-mates as he pitched a perfect game.

"He was, like they say on Sportscenter, 'en fuego'," commented Lobster manager Lucious Harris. "He was hitting his spots with the fastball and changeup, and his slider was the best I've ever seen it."

An elated Wager had this to say when asked about how he felt. "I felt good all night, the temperature was great, and Edmonton has a ton of young hitters who haven't learned what they need to know yet. I was a little nervous every time (Orca second baseman Todd) Walker came to the plate because he always makes contact, but after we scored that run in the seventh I knew I could do it."

The first and only run of the game came in that seventh inning. After Lobster first baseman Eric Gomez hit a two out double, right fielder Donovan Barnett singled him in. Although Ocra starter Clarence Mazzilli scattered seven other hits, no other baserunners would cross home plate, and they didn't need to.

Long Beach completed the rivalry sweep with a 4-0 shutout on Saturday featuring home runs by Gomez, third baseman Brad Stewart, and veteran center fielder Willie Mays, while Sunday showcased a 2-1 battle against Edmonton's number one pitcher, Pete Alexander.

"This was a great series for us," said Manager Harris. "We just took a beating from the divison leading (Rio de Janero) Capybaras, and if we hadn't taken this series with the Orcas, I'd be thinking up all sorts of strange things to boost moral."

Orca Manager Robin Yount shrugged when asked about the weekend. "We're in last place with the youngest club in the league. To play that well against that kind of a team says alot. It would have bene nice to win one, but I think there will be pleanty of time for winning many many games against Long Beach later."