...and Then There Were Eight.

Another day is in the books here at the 2008 NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championships. The creme of the crop seemed to rise to the top this afternoon, as names like Ivey, Hansen, Ferguson and Bloch fill out half of the quarterfinal bracket.

The name that stole the show, however, is not typically associated with poker. One Orel Hershiser of MLB fame won his third straight match, besting Ted Forrest, Allen Cunningham and Freddy Deeb en route to the quarterfinals. Already guaranteed a payday of at least $75,000, Hershiser looks to get a fourth signature on his game ball when all is said and done in his match against Andy Bloch.

Day three will recommence at 11:00 a.m. PST tomorrow afternoon, at which time the following matches will take place:

Jonathan Little vs. Chris "Jesus Ferguson

Gus Hansen vs. Phil Ivey

Andy Bloch vs. Orel Hershiser

Huck Seed vs. David Benyamine

Tune in tomorrow when we find out who will take down the championship and $500,000 grand prize. Until then, good night and good luck!

Tags: Doyle Brunson