2009 Pikesville Men's Softball League
 Week 14:  July 5, 2009

Highlights submitted by all teams.

 Northwest Regional Park Field 1:    Umpire- Reggie Grant
 Game 1: Stingers 16 (WP-Albert Hoffman 2-3) Northwest Corridor 12 (LP-Howard Goldberg 6-9) 

Stingers looked to get back on track from their previous venture. Albert Hoffman took the mound and shut down NWC 1-2-3 to start things off. Stingers came to bat and took advantage of Goldberg’s wildness up front. After loading the bases, Mike Randall got a deep ball for a SAC and put the Stingers ahead on the morning. IN the t-2nd NWC tried working on the Stingers outfield, but was only able to score one and tie things up. B-2nd Stingers’ bats got hot and gave Hoffman support as they strung together singles through the NWC infield, going ahead Multi RBIS from Brett Eisenberg and Nate Meyl. Stinger and NWC would battle the 3rd as both the score would become closer. However it would be the Stingers doing it again with the top of their line-up through Lee Lieberman’s in the park grand slam. This would give a good cushion over NWC at 14-7 Stingers.

NWC would try to work some more on the outfield of the Stingers, they would manage 4 more runs and then held off the Stingers bats with only one run. After 4 both teams were hitting, but the Stingers kept the lead at 16-11 after 5 innings of play. Hoff man would then shut down the bats with the arms of the Stingers’ outfield keeping any of the NWC runners in check. Stingers would take the win in the morning and another in the win column.

The Stingers and NWC met for the second time this season and both teams came out swinging. Both teams combined for 30 hits and 28 runs in a high scoring game #1 shootout. NWC went to bat 1st versus Albert Hoffman and went down a quick 1-2-3. The Stingers took advantage of a wild Goldberg and advanced runners around via walks, scoring 1 run off a sac fly. Goldberg led off the 2nd drilling a double to left center and coming around to score and even the game after a Matt bell base hit. Aaron Birenbaum followed Bell with a base knock but both runners were stranded and NWC came away with just one run. The Stingers then exploded for 7 runs in the bottom of the inning. One after another The Stingers continuously hit balls into gaps and in front of NWC outfielders. Bloopers and half swings seemed to always fall for hits and they came out of the inning leading 8-1. NWC got right back into the game in the top of the 3rd with a 6 run rally of their own. Scott Sweren doubled in Lee Pollak and Jon Herbst. Gabe Unterman doubled Sweren home and Goldberg followed with a line drive to center. Brad Rosenberg then doubled in both runners and Joey Liner’s sac fly brought Rosenberg home. Now trailing 8-7 NWC went into the bottom of the inning trying to hold the Stingers off. They responded with yet another 6 run big inning. Same thing again as The Stinger hitters were dialed in. Stringing together consecutive base knocks over and over again while finding the holes and gaps in the NWC defense. Now down 14-7 NWC put 4 more up in the top of the 4th. Pollak, Herbst, Sweren and Unterman had four base hits in a row and Goldberg sent a 2 run double into the gap in left center. The Stingers added more insurance runs in the 4th and 5th but NWC couldn’t put together another big rally to take the lead. Stingers 16 – NWC 12

Hitting Highlight NWC:
Scott Sweren 2-4 2r 2b 3rbi
Jon Herbst 2-3 BB 2r
Gabe Unterman 3-4 3r 2-2b 2rbi
Howard Goldberg 4-4 2r 2-2b 2rbi
Lee Pollak 2-3 2r

Game 2:   Northwest Corridor 15  (WP-Howard Goldberg 7-9)  Stingers 10 (LP-Mike Beverly 1-6)

Game 2 came with a little different feel. Stingers tried getting the bats back on track, but were silenced by Goldberg. NWC would jump out in front with a 5-0 lead after one. Beverly would work back into form and the Stingers defense would stave off another large scoring inning. NWC would jump out ahead after four innings with a 14- 5 lead. Stingers would battle back in the t-7th after keeping NWC at bay. Using the middle of their line-up, Stingers would load up the bases for a Mike Randall crushed double off the top of the left center fence. Stingers would come within 6 of NWC, but would be unable to overcome the large lead of NWC and split the day.

The Stingers batted 1st trying to earn a doubleheader sweep but were shut down in the top of the 1st without scoring. NWC jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the 1st. Herbst led things off with a base hit and Sweren drew a walk off of new Stingers’ pitcher Mike Beverly. Unterman followed with an rbi base hit and Goldberg delivered a 2rbi double to left center. Brad Rosenberg drilled an rbi triple to left field and NWC enjoyed an early 5-0 lead. The Stinger’s bats wouldn’t be quiet for long putting together a 4 run 2nd inning. NWC added to their total in the bottom of the 2nd scoring 3 more runs. Lee Pollak led off with a long triple and the middle of the order strung together 3 consecutive hits and one walk. Ahead 8-4 NWC went out to add to their lead and try and put the game away quickly. Goldberg would contain the Stinger offense for a few innings before leaving the mound to give Matt Silverman some pitching work. Silverman and Jon Goldman had back to back singles in the 3rd and Gabe Unterman crushed a line drive 2rbi double to right field to give NWC an 11-4 lead. Aaron Birenbaum smacked a 2rbi triple in the 4th inning and Jon Goldman’s sac fly brought him home for NWC’s 14th run. They’d get one more in the 5th and The Stingers managed a nice comeback with Silverman on the mound. However, NWC came out the victor in another high scoring affair 15-10.

Hitting Highlights NWC:
Gabe Unterman 4-4 2r 3b 3rbi
Howard Goldberg 2-3 2r BB 2b 3rbi
Aaron Birenbaum 2-4 r 3b 2rbi
Brad Rosenberg 2-3 r BB 3b 3rbi
Jon Herbst 2-3 2r rbi

Northwest Regional Park Field 3:    Umpire- Scott Snyder
 Game 1: Kings 10 (WP-Mike Herr 3-0)  Sky & Sky Inc. 6 (LP-Alex Newman 4-3) 

Game 1 was a pitcher's duel for the first 5 1/2 innings between the Kings Mike Herr and Sky & Sky Alex Newman. The Kings held a 6-3 lead heading into the b-6th when they opened the game with 4 runs to build a comfortable 10-3 lead. Sky scored 3 runs in the t-7th and got the tying run into the on-deck circle, but fell short as the Kings took the opener 10-6.

Arin Gelletly hit a 2 out RBI single and Alan Varhaftik followed with a 2 RBI 3B to give Kings an early 3-0 lead in b-1st. Sky's Andy Bloom doubled to lead off t-2nd and scored on a 1 out, bases loaded, fielder's choice groundout to make score 3-1. The Kings scored an unearned run in b-3rd when Jeff Slutzker reached on a 2 out muffed flyball and scored following singles by Shilo Merwitz and Gelletly (RBI).

Sky muscled up to start the t-4th as Andrew VanLandingham and Pat Wilcox homered to start inning. Still with 0 outs, Andy Bloom doubled, but Mike Herr was able to settle down and retire the next 3 hitters, keeping the Kings ahead 4-3. The Kings bottom of the order extended the lead as Keegan Rettaliata walked, Rob Barrow singled, Chuck Grant hit a SF, and Mike Herr smacked a clutch 2 out RBI 1B.

The Kings held the 6-3 lead into b-6th and scored 4 runs on RBI 1B by Rob Barrow, 2 RBI 1B by Grant, and 2 out RBI 1B by Dave Sandler. Trailing 10-3 into the 7th, Sky did not give up easily. Brian Sky and Elliot Blank started the inning with singles. Following a flyout, Alan Friedman hit an RBI 1B and Alex Newman reached on an RBI infield error. Following a strikeout, Mike Brown kept Sky alive with another 1B, but Mike Herr was able to induce Andrew VanLandingham into a flyout to LCF to close out the game for the Kings 10-6.

Sky offensive leaders in game 1:
Andy Bloom (2-3,1 R, 2 2B)
Elliot Blank (2-3,1 R)

Kings offensive stars:
Arin Gelletly (2-3,1 R,2 RBI)
Alan Varhaftik (2-3,1 R,2 RBI,3B)
Rob Barrow (2-3,2 R,1 RBI)
Chuck Grant (1-1,1 R,3 RBI,W,SF)
Mike Herr (2-3,1 RBI)

Game 2: Kings 15 (WP-Mike Herr 4-0)  Sky & Sky Inc. 13 (LP-Alex Newman 4-4)  8 Innings

With his father enjoying a vacation at the beach, Sky starter Alex Newman was pressed into his first career doubleheader start. Newman had survived a game 1, 7th inning barrage when 3 straight Kings hitters hit balls thru the box, with 1 of the groundballs striking him on the ankle. Newman toughed out that injury and another ball of his leg in game 2 to keep his team ahead most of game 2, but the Kings scored 3 runs in t-7th to tie the score to send the game into extra innings. Meanwhile on the Kings side, #1 starter Chuck Grant was again unable to pitch due to a lingering upper body injury. Game 1 starter Mike Herr had the luxury of having Rob Barrow take the hill to begin the nightcap. Herr did enter in relief in b-5th with the Kings trailing 11-9 and finished the game as the Kings came from behind 15-13 in 8 innings.

In b-1st, 1 walk and 3 singles led to 2 runs with RBI's by Pat Wilcox (1B) and Andy Bloom (FC). RBI hits in t-2nd by Alan Varhaftik (2B), Keegan Rettaliata, Chuck Grant, and Mike Herr put the Kings up 4-2. Barrow struggled with the holes on the mound as he walked the bases loaded with 0 outs. That usually spells trouble and indeed it led to significant damage as Steve Truitt followed with a 2 RBI 1B. Mike Brown was next and reached on a fielder's choice to load the bases, still with 0 outs for Andrew VanLandingham. VanLandingham did not disappoint as he hit a fence clearing grandslam to RCF. Sky was not through as Andy Bloom hit a 1 out 1B and Elliot Blank a 2 out RBI 2B. When the damage was done, Sky led 9-4.

The Kings in their next at bat in t-3rd scored twice on 1B by Jeff Slutzker, opposite field 2B by Shilo Merwitz, SF by Arin Gelletly, and 2 out RBI 1B by Alan Varhaftik. Leading 9-6 in b-3rd, the bottom of the Sky order, Alan Friedman and Alex Newman both singled to start rally. A SF by Mike Brown put Sky further ahead 10-6. A leadoff 1B by Andy Bloom and 1 out SF by Alan Friedman extended lead 11-6 in b-4th.

The Kings whittled away at the Sky lead in t-5th with 1 out 1B by Kenny Salzman, RBI 3B to deep RF by Dave Sandler, another RBI 3B by Jeff Slutzker, and SF to left field by Shilo Merwitz. With the Kings now back in the ballgame down just 11-9, the call was made to the bullpen for Mike Herr to enter to start the b-5th inning.

Herr held Sky off the scoreboard for the first time in the game in b-5th. The Kings were unable to dent the Sky lead in t-6th as they went down in order. Singles by Andy Bloom, Brian Sky, and Eric Hanson in b-6th put Sky ahead 12-9 headed to the Kings 7th inning.

With Alex Newman limping on the mound and fighting through injuries, the Kings battled from the batter's box. With 1 out, Chuck Grant singled and Mike Herr hit a ground ruled 2B off the leg of Sky thirdbaseman Elliot Blank that ended up over the retaining fence. This brought the tie run to the plate in Kenny Salzman. Salzman coaxed a walk to load the bases. Dave Sandler singled off the glove of Sky firstbaseman VanLandingham to push across 1 run and keep the bases loaded with 1 out. Jeff Slutzker's 2 RBI 1B to CF tied the game 12-12.

The Sky top of the order went down in order in b-7th, sending the teams into extra innings. With the Kings the visiting team, Kings manager Mike Herr was unable to convince Sky manager Alan Friedman to make the overtime sudden death. In Kings t-8th, Alan Varhaftik singled to start inning. With 1 out, Troy Hendricks singled, sending Varhaftik to 3B and moving to 2B on throw to thirdbase. Rob Barrow singled to score both runners and Barrow himself scored when a wild throw went past the thirdbaseman.

The Kings were now ahead for the first time in the game 15-12. Pat Wilcox started the b-8th for Sky with a 3B to LCF. Wilcox came home on a SF by Andy Bloom. Brian Sky doubled with 1 out, but her was able to retire the next 2 Sky hitters on flyouts, giving the Kings a come-from-behind 15-13 win in 8 innings.

Sky offensive leaders in game 2:
Andrew VanLandingham (4-5,2 R,4 RBI,HR)
Pat Wilcox (2-5,1 R,1 RBI,3B)
Andy Bloom (3-4,3 R,2 RBI,SF)
Brian Sky (3-4,2B,W)

Kings multi-hit players were:
Dave Sandler (2-4,1 R,2 RBI,3B)
Jeff Slutzker (3-4,2 R,3 RBI,3B)
Shilo Merwitz (2-3,1 R,1 RBI,2B,SF)
Alan Varhaftik (3-4,2 R,2 RBI,2B)
Chuck Grant (2-4,1 R,1 RBI)
Mike Herr (2-4,1 R,1 RBI,2B)

Kings game notes:

Northwest Regional Park 4:    Umpire- Lane Gordon
 Game 1: Cannons 10 (WP-Lee Densky 2-0) Raptors 4 (LP-Jeff Harris 11-4) 

Game one saw Lee Densky take the hill for the Cannons for the 2nd straight week. 3 runs were scored by the Raptors in the first 3 innings (all unearned) as some sloppy Cannon defense gave the Raptors the early lead. The Cannons got two back in the bottom of the 2nd after back to back doubles by Schwartzberg and Edelman and a SAC fly by Julio Hernandez. The Cannons took the lead for good in the 3rd as 2 Raptor errors lead to 3 runs for the Cannons highlighted by a Tim Grap double off the wall in left. 4 more Cannon runs in the 4th blew the game open highlighted by triples by Kreitzer and Charkatz and a mammoth HOMERUN shot to right by Jeff Kurland. Densky slammed the door on the Raptors to win the game and improve to 2-0

It appeared that both teams were still barbequeing for game one, as both teams usually solid on defense, misplayed multiple balls. The Raptors outfielders especially seemed to struggle on the rocky turf allowing the cannons some extra bases. Although both teams had 11 hits, the Cannons capitalized on the Raptors issues more than the reverse.

The Raptors took the early lead when Ryan Wilner hit a sac fly to score Eric Radom who walked to leadoff and got to third on a missed fly ball. Lee Densky was able to strand the bases loaded though. The next inning the Raptors took a 2-0 lead when Jeff Harris (single) got to third on Roy Mack's misplayed double, and then scored on Radom's RBI groundout. Two doubles, a groundout, and a sac fly tied the game in the bottom of the inning for the Cannons. The Raptors took the 3-2 lead in the top of the third when Jeff Brauer singled in Chris Canosa (walk). The Cannons took the lead in the third 5-3 on only 2 hits due to 2 infield errors and a badly misplayed ball by Eric Radom in left. After the Raptors went down 1-2-3 in the fourth, the Cannons broke it open with 4 in the bottom. Some hard hit balls by the Cannons in combination with more ugly Raptor outfielding led to a single, 2 triples, a HR, a sac fly, and a 9-3 Cannon lead. The Raptors tried to rally in the fifth. Jon Mandras (single) scored on a Brett Canosa single. With one out, Brauer walked to load the bases, but some confusion with the count forced him to stay in the box and hit after the fourth ball. He then hit into a double play on a very close call to end the inning. The Raptors did not threaten after that and the score ended up 10-4.

Game 1 Raptors hitting stars:
Jon Mandras: 2-3, BB, R
Chris Canosa: 2-3, BB, R
Jeff Harris: 2-3, R
Jeff Brauer: 2-3, RBI

Game 1 Cannons hitting stars:
Chuck Easter 2-3, 2 runs, 2 RBI's, 2B, 3B
Jason Schwartzberg 3-3, R, 2 RBI's, 2B
Julio Hernandez 2-2, 2 RBI's, R, SAC
Neal Charkatz 2-3, R, 3B, RBI

Game 2: Raptors 6 (WP-Jeff Harris 12-4) Cannons 3 (LP-Tom Paulshock 5-3)

Game 2 saw Tom Paulshock match up against Jeff Harris. The Cannons jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the 2nd. A Kreitzer single, Charkatz BB and a Drew Thomman RBI single accounted for the run. The Raptors scored 6 in the bottom of the 2nd which would prove to be all they needed. The Raptors brought their bag of ducks, squibs and bloopers to score 6 off of Paulshock. The Cannons chipped away for 2 in the top of the 4th but that was all they could muster against Harris. Final score 6-3 Raptors.

July 4th celebration appeared to end when the second game began, and both teams were ready to play, with only one error made in the game. Tommy and the Cannons defense were on, turning two double plays, and allowing 0 hits and 2 walks in the game... except for the second inning. After the Cannons took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second, the Raptor's Roy Mack led off with a hard single to left. After a flyout, Brett Canosa singled. Both runners scored on a "smashed" triple to right by Jeff Brauer. Eric Zelik walked to put runners on 1st and 3rd with one out and 2 in. Then the Raptors 9 and 10 hitters, Jeff Harris and Jeremy Zinn, came through with RBI singles. After a Radom flyout, 2 out RBI singles up the middle from Mandras and Wilner made the score 6-1. The Cannons would add 2 in the fourth 2 doubles and a single, but that would be all they could muster. Harris and the Raptors defense stepped up to hold the lead, making the plays on numerous hard hit balls by the Cannons.

Game 2 Raptors hitting stars:
Jeff Harris: 1-2, R, RBI
Jeremy Zinn: 1-2, R, RBI
Jeff Brauer: 1-2, 3B, 2 RBI

Game 2 Cannons hitting stars:
Julio Hernandez 2-3
Evan Kreitzer 2-3, R
Neal Charkatz 1-2, RBI, R, BB