2009 Pikesville Men's Softball League
Playoffs 2009

Week 19:  August 9, 2009
Round 1

Cannons and Kings Advance in Winner's Bracket
The seedings held for the entire 1st round. In the 2nd round, LOFT (7) eliminated NWC (6) in the only game of the day where the seeds did not hold. NWC was playing at a disadvantage however with only 9 players dressed for their 2 games. The Cannons (1) and NEK/ESB Bombers (4) went into extra innings when the Cannons scored twice in the bottom of the 7th inning to tie Round 2 score. The Cannons finally won the game in the b-9th when Chuck Easter leadoff with a 3B and scored on a SF. The Kings (2) scored 5 runs in b-5th to come back and win against the Raptors (3) 6-4. A banged up Sky (5) team survived the 1st week of the Playoffs with a game 2 victory over the Stingers (8).

Northwest Regional Park Field 1: Umpire- Rick Simmons
Round 1: Kings (2) 15 (WP-Mike Herr 7-2)  LOFT (7) 3 (LP- Matt Boden 0-1)  5 Innings

The Kings took advantage of 4 LOFT errors in b-1st, scoring 9 runs and winning the Round 1 Playoff opener 15-3 in 5 innings. Kings Mike Herr was starting his 1st playoff game on the mound since August 4, 1991 (6-4 Kings loss to Rudo).

LOFT took quick 2-0 lead in t-1st on leadoff singles by Michael Bowen and Brandon Mabry, followed by sacrifice fly by Matt Boden and bloop RBI 2B by Matt Monto. Rick Winepol relieved LOFT starter Matt Boden in the b-2nd and both teams remained off the scoreboard in the 2nd and 3rd innings.

The Kings added 4 runs in b-4th on 2 RBI 2B by Alan Varhaftik, SF by Koby Sarubin, and RBI 1B by Mike Herr. LOFT scored an unearned run in t-5th, making score 13-3. The Kings ended the game early when Jan Katzen delivered a 2 out 2 RBI bases loaded single in b-5th.

LOFT offensive leaders:
Michael Bowen (2-3,1 R)
Brandon Mabry (1-1,1 R,1 RBI,W,SF)

Kings offensive leaders:
Arin Gelletly (2-3,3 R,1 RBI,W)
Alan Varhaftik (2-3,2 R,3 RBI,2B)
Jan Katzen (1-1,2 R,2 RBI,3 W)
Keegan Rettaliata (2-2,1 R,1 RBI,2B)
Troy Hendricks (1-2,1 R,2 RBI,W)

Northwest Regional Park Field 2: Umpire- Kory Rosenberg
Round 1: Raptors (3) 7 (WP-Jeff Harris 15-6) Northwest Corridor (6) 4 (LP-Howard Goldberg 8-15)   

The Raptors and NWC met for the second straight week after last week's rainout for their first round matchup. NWC was extremely shorthanded, playing with only 9 and missing some of their best hitters, but that did not stop them from giving the Raptors everything they could handle.

Howard Goldberg came out dealing, giving up only 4 hits and a walk while shutting the Raptors down the first four innings with only 3 outfielders. Jon Herbst doubled to lead off the game for NWC. Jeff Harris retired the next two batters, but on an Aaron Birenbaum's pop to first, Herbst faked running home, inducing a comical throwing error in which the ball ended up in the other field. This gave NWC the 1-0 lead. Howard Goldberg and Brad Rosenberg singled to start a two out rally and a raptors error loaded the bases. Harris was able to induce a flyout though to end the rally. NWC would add another run in the third when Birenbaum singled home Scott Sweren who tripled down the left field line. NWC made the score 4-0 in the top of the fifth. Birenbaum doubled to leadoff, Goldberg doubled him in, and Joey Liner singled Goldberg in.

The Raptors made their move in the bottom of the fifth. Justin Nusz walked to leadoff followed by a Jon Singer single and a Jeff Brauer 2 RBI double, taking advantage of the opening in right field. Jeff Harris then reached on an error allowing for 1st and 3rd with 0 outs with a 4-2 score. Eric Radom then ripped a line drive off of Goldberg's pitching wrist which scored Brauer, but Goldberg was able to recover and get the out at second. Goldberg showed great toughness pitching the rest of the game, but he walked Jon Mandras to make first and second with 1 out and a 4-3 score. He was close to getting out of it after striking out the next batter. Chris Canosa picked the Raptors up though with 2 outs with a 2 RBI triple to provide the 5-4 lead for the Raptors. NWC stranded two in the top of the sixth. In the bottom, the Raptors added two more when Brett Canosa (1B) and Justin Nusz (1B) scored on Roy Mack's pinch hit hard hit ground ball error by NWC. NWC went down 1-2-3 in their last at bat and the final was 7-4.

Hitting stars for Raptors:
Chris Canosa 2-3, 3B, 2 RBI
Jeff Brauer 2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, R
Justin Nusz 1-2, BB, 2 R

Hitting stars for NWC:
Aaron Birenbaum 3-4, 2B, RBI, R
Howard Goldberg 2-3, 2B, RBI, R
Scott Sweren 1-3, BB, 3B, R
Brad Rosenberg 2-4

Northwest Regional Park Field 3: Umpire- Scott Snyder
Round 1: NEK/ESB Bombers (4) 3 (WP-Ted Winner 7-8) Sky & Sky Inc. (5) 2 (LP-Larry Newman 4-8) 

Despite loading the bases with the first 3 batters, a 6-4-3 DP got Ted Winner out of a jam in the t-1st. Sky & Sky only managed 2 runs in this pivotal first inning and the question became would that be enough to hold up. Winner retired 14 of the next 15 hitters, as his teammates tied things up in the b-5th. Sky & Sky again loaded the bases with 2 outs in the t-6th but could not break through to score leaving Ted Winner to take home MVP honors. An error in the b-7th by Alan Friedman at first base with two outs and the bases loaded skirted into RCF, as Winner collected the game-winning rbi. Winner over Larry Newman 3-2 as Andy Bloom and Alan Friedman each split 4 of Sky & Sky’s meager 7 singles in the game.

Game one renewed the friendly rivalry between Sky and Sky and the Bombers. Both teams sent out their starting veteran pitchers, Larry Newman and Ted Winner to get it on. The Bombers started off the game in a bad way when their RCF dropped an easy fly ball on the first play of the game. Sky and Sky turned this into two runs. The Bombers had a hard time breaking through against Newman but finally scored single runs in the third and fifth innings to tie the score at 2. Winner worked out of several jams. The Bombers defense came to play and LF Mikey Georgie made several nice catches to keep Sky and Sky at bay. In the seventh inning 1B Tzvi Friedman led off with a double. It was Friedman who hit a long triple to the LCF fence and scored the tying run on a single by catcher Marquix Garrett that tied the score at 2-2. Then manager Dave Finkelstein pinched ran Yisroel Katz for Friedman and sent pinch hitter Damon Corbin (big sexy) to pinch hit for Brown. Sky and Sky walked Corbin intentionally. Chaim Finkelstien then hit a line drive single to get Katz to third base. Ted Winner came up to the plate and on the first pitch hit a hard shot that got past Sky and Sky’s first baseman Matt Friedman and the Bombers came away with a huge victory.

Kudos to pitcher Newman who pitched a great game and to 2B Brian Sky for playing with a broken finger. This victory sent the Bombers against the Cannons for game two.

Northwest Regional Park Field 4: Umpire- Lane Gordon
Round 1: Havana Club Cannons (1) 15 (WP-Tom Paulshock 9-3) Stingers (8) 0 (LP-Mike Beverly 2-7)  4 Innings

The Cannons opened up the 2009 playoffs against 8 seeded Stingers. This game was all Cannons from the start. They plated runs of 5 in the first, 7 in the 2nd and 3 in the 3rd to win 15-0 in 4 innings. Tom Paulshock got the win throwing a 1 hitter.

Stingers opened the playoffs with a retake of last week’s rain out. Mike Beverly took the mound for the Stingers in the absence of Albert Hoffman. Stingers had a positive warm up with batter getting on base against a Tom Paulchuck who had his fastball going full throttle. Cannons would break the bats out against Beverly though as they would take advantage of the Stringers and a quick 15-0 first game of the day.

Hitting stars for Cannons:
Chuck Easter 3-3 3 runs, RBI
Steve Hayes 1-1 2 BB's 3 runs, RBI
Shawn Warner 3-3, 3 runs, 4 rbi's , 3B
Jim Davis 2-2, R, 3 Rbi's, Sac

Week 19:  August 9, 2009
Round 2

Northwest Regional Park Field 1: Umpire- Rick Simmons
Round 2: Kings (2) 6 (WP-Chuck Grant 9-5)  Raptors (3) 4 (LP- Jeff Harris 15-7) 

The Kings scored 5 runs in b-5th to come from behind in a 6-4 Round 2 win over the Raptors. The game had a reality check during the b-5th inning when Kings Dave Sandler collapsed shortly after scoring the 5th run of the inning for the Kings. Sandler is now in stable condition at the University of Maryland Medical Center and his health update will be given on the league home page.

Kings game 2 starter Chuck Grant set down the side in order in t-1st. In Kings b-1st, Kenny Salzman walked, Dave Sandler singled, and following  an infield popout and outfield flyout, Arin Gelletly knocked in Salzman to put the Kings on the board 1-0.

The Raptors loaded bases with 0 outs in t-2nd on singles by Chris Canosa, Greg Wingate, and Brett Canosa. Grant escaped the inning without yielding a run on an infield lineout, forceout at home plate and flyout. In Raptors t-3rd, singles by Jeff Brauer and Eric Radom set the table for RBI 2B by Jon Mandras and SF by Ryan Wilner, giving Raptors 2-1 lead.

In t-4th RBI singles by Jon Singer and Brauer extended Raptors lead to 4-1. The damage could have been worse to the Kings because on Brauer's 2 out RBI 1B, Kings LCF Arin Gelletly nailed Singer at the plate for the final out of the inning. The Kings also escaped a Raptors rally in t-5th as Harris and Radom reached on hits and were on 2nd and 3rd base with 0 outs. Jon Mandras hit a flyball into shallow rightfield. Kings 2B Kenny Salzman made the catch going away from the infield and fired home to Keegan Rettaliata to nail Harris at the plate for a doubleplay.

Raptors starter Jeff Harris had limited the Kings to just 4 hits thru 4 innings, holding a 4-1 lead into b-5th. In b-5th, Jan Katzen drew a leadoff walk. 1 out singles by Troy Hendricks and Rob Barrow (RBI) gave the Kings runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out. Chuck Grant flew out to deep leftfield, allowing Hendricks and Barrow to move up 1 base each. Kenny Salzman drew a walk to load the bases with 2 outs. Dave Sandler delivered a clutch 2 out 2 RBI single into CF to tie the score 4-4. Jeff Slutzker reached on an outfield error, with Salzman scoring the go ahead run. Shilo Merwitz followed with an RBI 1B to score Sandler from second base putting Kings ahead 6-4.

Immediately after crossing the plate with the run, Sandler collapsed along the fence. CPR was immediately administered and Sandler became responsive within minutes. Kings reserve infielder Scott Katzen happened to be in attendance and Katzen, a practicing cardiologist assisted in stabilizing Sandler. Paramedics took Sandler to Northwest Hospital Center where he was in stable condition. Later in the afternoon, Sandler was transferred to University of Maryland Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

When action resumed, a flyout ended the Kings rally, but they held a 6-4 lead after 5 innings. In t-6th, the Raptors again rallied. Singles by the Canosa brothers and Roy Mack loaded bases with 1 out. Justin Nusz hit a hard grounder to Kings 3B Jan Katzen who stepped on 3rd base for out #2 and fired home to Rettaliata who tagged out the runner for out #3. In the game, the Raptors had a total of 3 baserunners put out on tag plays at the plate and an additional runner put out on a forceout at the plate.

Chuck Grant retired the side in order in t-7th, preserving a 6-4 Kings win. The win for the Kings set up a re-match with the Cannons in the Round 3 winner's bracket game for the 4th season in-a-row.

Raptors multi-hit players in Round 2:
Eric Radom (2-3,1 R)
Chris Canosa (2-3)
Greg Wingate (2-3)
Brett Canosa (2-3)
Roy Mack (2-3,1 R)
Jeff Brauer (2-3,1 RBI)

Kings multi-hit players in Round 2:
Dave Sandler (2-3,1 R,2 RBI)
Troy Hendricks (2-2,1 R)

Star of the game:
Scott Katzen, M.D. 

Northwest Regional Park Field 2: Umpire- Kory Rosenberg
Round 2: LOFT (7) 6 (WP-Rick Winepol 7-9) Northwest Corridor (6) 1 (LP-Howard Goldberg 8-16)   

LOFT came out in game 2 just looking for their franchises first playoff win. They got out to an early lead with a small 2 out rally after Matt Boden reached base on an infield single, Matt Monto ripped a ball down the right field line for a triple scoring Boden, when the throw came in slow it allowed Monto to then score from 3rd base on the play giving LOFT a quick 2-0 lead. Rick Winepol was able to retire the NWC without scoring in the bottom half. Both teams went scoreless in the 2nd inning, but in the top of the 3rd LOFT widened the lead by plating 4 runs, highlight by a Brandon Mabry 2 RBI single. LOFT scored 2 more in the inning giving them a 6-0 lead. Winepol was able to shut down the NWC hitters through 5 innings, but then in the bottom of the 6th NWC finally plated their first run of the ball game. LOFT was unable to add on any runs after the 3rd inning, but they did not need to as they held the lead and won the ball game 6-1 to earn the franchises 1st playoff victory!

LOFT Round 2 offensive leaders:
Matt Monto: 2-3; 3B, 1B, RBI, R
Brandon Mabry: 2-3; 2 1B, 2 RBI, R
Mark Wienner: 2-3; 2 1B, RBI

Northwest Regional Park Field 3: Umpire- Scott Snyder
Round 2: Sky & Sky Inc. (5) 17 (WP-Larry Newman 5-8)  Stingers (8) 8 (LP-Brett Eisenberg 1-3) 

The Stingers and Sky & Sky were busy trading the lead back and forth through the opening innings. Mark Goldstorm singled home the second of 2 runs in the t-1st, and was credited with the first rbi of three runs in the b-3rd. In the b-4th Sky & Sky sent 11 batters to the plate, and took the lead for good with 6 runs, including another Goldstorm rbi single. Unfortunately he injured himself on the next play and Sky & Sky played with only 9 fielders for the last 3 defensive innings. In the b-5th the Sky & Sky batters hit for the cycle as a leadoff single was followed by a 2B, 3B, and capped off with an in-the-park HR. Amazingly Goldstorm singled to dead CF following the cycle, (as the 5th batter in this inning) but was almost thrown out at first running on just one leg. Two meaningless runs in the 6th allowed Larry Newman to get the win over Eisenberg 17-8. 9 of 10 Sky & Sky batters reached base safely at least two times in the game.

Game two was a bit more realistic for the Stingers as Brett Eisenberg took to the hill for the Stinger against Sky and Sky. Eisenberg held sky to only 5 runs through 3 innings. The Stingers’ bats helped support Eisenberg’s effort with doubles from Sheridan, McGee and Meyl to keep things close at a 5 all ball game. IN the b-4th Sky would find the gaps in the Stingers defense and break out a 6 run inning. IN the t-5th, the Stingers would battle back with Sheridan’s hot bat ( 3-4, 2b, 2RBI) in the game to pull within 3 runs. Sky had other ideas as their bats continued to find the gaps and jump out to a 15- 8 lead through 5 innings of play. Allan Friedman kept things going through the unfortunate fall of Dave Sandler as his team went on to win the day.

The Stingers wish Dave Sandler a speedy recovery and look forward to meeting with him next year in regular season play.

Northwest Regional Park Field 4: Umpire- Lane Gordon
Round 2: Havana Club Cannons (1) 8 (WP-Tom Paulshock 10-3) NEK/ESB Bombers (4) 7 (LP-Tzvi Friedman 7-6)  9 Innings

The heavily favored Cannons came into game two after an easy five inning victory over the Stingers. They realized very quickly that the Bombers were going to give them all they could handle from the get go. In a very tense back and forth game that went into extra innings the Cannons squeaked by with a one run victory 8-7. Manager Dave Finkelstein a former teammate of Cannons first baseman Jason Schwartzberg was determined not to let him beat them. He knew that he led the team in home runs and RBI’s. The Bombers even put on a special shift for slugger Jim (Gabe) Davis, another former teammate.

The Bombers jumped on the Cannons for an early 4-0 lead. The Cannons fought back with a run and then in one of the biggest plays of the game, with the bases loaded an error by the Bombers first baseman on a relay throw from shortstop Dan Gutman allowed two runners to score. The Bombers held a one run lead going into the bottom of the sixth. Play then stopped when David Sandler suddenly went down on the opposite field. We as a team are very happy to hear that Dave is recovering and our prayers are with him.

After play resumed the Cannons scored two runs to take a one run lead. The Bombers weren’t done and scored a run to tie the game and send it into extra innings. The Bombers scored two runs in the top of the eighth and had the bases loaded and were looking to do some more damage. Dave Pridgen hit a hard shot to Davis at third. He stepped on the bag and threw home. Catcher Hayes for the Cannons went to tag 3B Flamm coming home and Umpire Lane Gordon ruled that Flamm lowered his shoulder and threw him out of the game. This proved to be very costly for the Bombers. Flamm had been playing a great third base all day and the Bombers had to move some players around. In the bottom of the eighth with men on for the Cannons and two outs, Davis hit a grounder past the Bombers new third baseman and tied the score. In the bottom of the ninth the Cannons scored a run and took a hard fought victory against the Bombers. Simply put, the Cannons know how to win and step up and make it happen when they need to. They earned the win and now move on to play the Kings while the Bombers get a rematch against Sky and Sky.

Game 2 saw the Cannons match up against 4th seeded ESB. ESB jumped out to an early 4-0 lead with 1 in the first and 3 in the 2nd. The Cannons came back with 3 of their own in the 2nd. Warner lead off with a BB. John Edelman singled. After a Davis FC, Evan Krietzer singled home a run. After Neal Charkatz BB loaded the bases, Dan Kassel hit a come backer to the mound. After getting the force at 2nd, the ESB firstbaseman couldn't handle the relay throw. This allowed two Cannon runs to score on the error. Both pitchers settled down to throw a few scoreless innings. In the bottom of the 6th tha Cannons took the lead. Four singles in a row by Warner, Edelman, Davis and Kreitzer scored two runs. ESB came back in the top of the 7th to score 3 runs and take a 7-5 lead. In the bottom of the 7th, Chuck Easter singled with one out. With two outs Steve hayes singled to left to score Easter. After a BB to Warner, Edelman lined a single to left to plate Hayes with the tie run. After 8 solid innings Dan Kassel gave way to Paulshock. Paulshock held ESB scoreless in the 9th. In the bottom of the inning Easter lead off with a 3B to right. After consecutive intentional BB's to Schwartzberg and Hayes, Warner delivered with a walk off single to win the game. Final score 8-7 Cannons. Paulshock picked up both wins on the day for the first time this season.

Cannons Round 2 hitting stars:
Chuck Easter 3-4, 2 runs, 2B,3B, BB
Shawn Warner 2-3, R, 2BB's, RBI
John Edelman 3-3, 2 runs, BB
Evan Kreitzer 2-4, R, 3 RBI's

Week 20:  August 16, 2009
Round 3

August 16, 2009 Playoffs Highlights Part 1 of 2

Cannons, Kings and LOFT advance to Finals Week
The LOFT (7) shocked the 3rd seed Raptors and 2nd seed Kings in the tournament today to advance to the Semi-Final Round. They will play the Kings (2) in Round 5, with the winner of that game meeting the Cannons (1) in the Finals.
LOFT (7) surprised the Raptors(2) in Round 3, 6-3.

The Kings (2) and Cannons (1) battled thru a terrific 9 inning game 1 with the Kings coming out the victors 12-9. The Kings were exhausted after their game 1 efforts and fell flat in Round 4, losing 3-1 to LOFT (7).

The Cannons also came out slow against NEK/ESB Bombers (4), but did prevails with a come-from-behind 9-8 victory. Johnny Edelman singled home the tie run in the bottom of 7th and Shawn Warner knocked the game winner.

NEK/ESB (4) got to Round 4 after defeating Sky & Sky Inc. (5) 8-4 in Round 3.

Northwest Regional Park Field 1:  Umpire- Reggie Grant
Round 3: NEK/ESB Bombers (4) 8 (WP-Ted Winner 8-8)  Sky & Sky Inc. (5) 4 (LP-Larry Newman 5-9)

Sky & Sky failed to capitalize on two leadoff walks, While Marc Loeb's 3B in the first made a sizeable statement leading to 3 runs in the b-1st. A bases loaded opportunity was basically squandered in the t-2nd, except for an ill-advised throw, which led to one unearned run Winner surrendered in the inning. Sky& Sky managed two more runners in the following two innings, but could not cash in either opportunity. Meanwhile NEK/ESB Added two runs in each of the second and third innings. Sky & Sky needed two errors and a BB to close the gap to 7-3, but again were answered with 1 run in the b-5th. Andrew VanLandingham tripled home one in the t-7th, but Sky & Sky simply got outhit, out played, and out-enthused for 7 innings. Winner picked up the victory over Larry newman 8-4. VanLandingham added a single, 2 rbi and BB to pace the offense in his 4 plate appearances, while Erik Hanson went 2-3.

Northwest Regional Park Field 3: Umpires- Scott Snyder (HP), Kory Rosenberg
Round 3: Kings (2) 12 (WP-Chuck Grant 10-5)  Cannons (1) 9 (LP-Dan Kassel 4-1)  (9 Innings)

The Kings and the Cannons met for the 4th consecutive season in the Round 3 Winner's bracket game. In a thrilling back and forth game, the Kings came out ahead in 9 innings 12-9. Both teams overcame 3 run deficits and both teams had 15 hits in a very evenly played contest.

The Kings took the lead in their first at-bat. Kenny Salzman led off the game with a walk off of Cannons starter Tom Paulshock.  With 2 outs, Arin Gelletly and Alan Varhaftik both doubled, with Varhaftik getting with 2 RBI. In the bottom of the 1st the Cannons answered right back. Jeff Kurland led off with a single. After Mike Dubansky lined out to 2nd, Shawn Warner stepped to the plate. Warner delivered a booming 2 run HR down the right field line to tie the score.

In the bottom of the 3rd, the Cannons took a 4-2 lead. Warner led off with a single. Steve Hayes promptly doubled. After a walk to Jon Edelman loaded the bases, Jim Davis stepped to the plate. Davis hit a ground ball to thrird base. Kings 3B Jan Katzen decided to come home, but his throw home for the easy forceout was over the head of Kings C Mike Herr, allowing Warner to score the lead run. Evan Kreitzer hit a sharp grounder up-the-middle, but Kings 2B Kenny Salzman made a diving stop and, from his knees, threw out Kreitzer at first base. Kreitzer did get an RBI, but Salzman prevented significant damage from following. Kings starter Chuck Grant walked Neal Charkatz to load the bases, and was then able to retire the next 2 hitters on a popout to SS and groundout to 3B.

The Cannons added another run in the 5th on a lead off double by Edelman and a single by Krietzer. Score after 5 was Cannons 5 and the Kings 2. Tom Paulshock who took the hill for the Cannons settled down after the 1st inning, throwing 4 straight scoreless innings and took the 5-2 lead into 6th inning.

The Kings rallied in t-6th as pinch-hitter Scott Katzen and Kenny Salzman drew lead off walks. Jeff Slutzker hit an RBI 1B to score Katzen. With 1 out, Arin Gelletly hit an RBI 1B to score Salzman. Alan Varhaftik followed with a SF to RCF to knot score 5-5.

In the bottom of the 6th, Kurland lead off with a BB. Dubansky singled and the runners advanced on a Warner ground out to first. After an intentional BB to Hayes, Edelman lifted a Sac Fly to left to give the Cannons a 6-5 lead heading to the 7th.

In t-7th, with 1 out Troy Hendricks singled. Rob Barrow forced out Hendricks on a grounder, putting the Kings down to their final out. Grant kept the game alive with a 1B to LF. Barrow held up at second base. Scott Katzen delivered a 1B to LF and Barrow was sent home. The throw to the plate from Shawn Warner was on target, but Barrow scored just ahead of the tag on a very close play at the plate, tying the game 6-6.  In b-7th, Grant was able to retire the Cannons in order.

The Kings came out swinging and scored 3 in the 8th. The first 3 hitter in the inning Jeff Slutzker, Shilo Merwitz, and Arin Gelletly (RBI) all singled, putting Kings in lead for first time since 1st inning. Following a flyout and popout, Keegan Rettaliata drew a rare walk to load the bases. Troy Hendricks came thru with a clutch 2 RBI 1B that LF Shawn Warner made a great attempt to catch, but ultimately was ruled a trap.

With their backs against the wall the Cannons needed 3 to answer. With one out, Kurland singled up the middle. Dubansky followed with a single to center. After a fielders choice put runners on the corners with two out, Hayes doubled to the wall in center plating two runs. Now down by one and the tie run at 2nd Edelman hit a clutch two out single to tie the game.

In t-9th, Grant and Katzen led off with singles. Kenny Salzman flew out to RF, but Grant was able to move up to 3rd base. With runners on the corner and just 1 out, the Cannons walked Jeff Slutzker to load the bases.. Shilo Merwitz hit a SF to LF to again give Kings 1 run lead.. Arin Gelletly was then given the 2 out intentional walk to again load the bases. Alan Varhaftik made the Cannons re-think their strategy when he hit a 2 RBI 1B to put the Kings ahead again by 3 runs in the extra frame.

Grant was able to set down the Cannons 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 9th and keep the Kings undefeated headed into their Round 4 game against LOFT.

Cannon hitting stars:
Jeff Kurland 3-4, 2 runs, BB
Steve Hayes 3-4, 2 runs, 2rbi's 2 2bs
Jon Edelman 2-3, run, 2rbi's, BB, Sac, 2B

Kings offensive leaders:
Jeff Slutzker (2-4,3 R,1 RBI,W)
Arin Gelletly (3-4,2 R,2 RBI,2B,W)
Alan Varhaftik (3-4,5 RBI,2B,3B,SF)
Troy Hendricks (2-4,2 RBI)
Chuck Grant (2-3,1 R)
Scott Katzen (2-2,2 R,1 RBI,W)

Northwest Regional Park Field 4: Umpire- Lane Gordon
Round 3: LOFT (7) 6  (WP-Rick Winepol 8-9) Raptors (2) 3 (LP-Jeff Harris 15-8)

LOFT entered the elimination game against the Raptors having yet to defeat the new team on the season.  LOFT jumped on the Raptors quickly by scoring 3 runs in the top of 1st inning off of a RBI single  from BB Flynn and a 2 RBI triple from Matt Monto.  Rick Winepol took the mound and got some shaky defense in the 1st inning as the Raptors were able to plate 2 runs cutting the lead to 3-2.  In the bottom of the 3rd inning the Raptors were able to plate another run off of a costly LOFT mistake to tie the game 3-3.  In the top half of the 4th though LOFT got that run back of an RBI single from Matt Monto to retake the lead 4-3.  Winepol got dialed in as did the LOFT defense from there on out as they were able to retire Raptors hitters and not allow them to reach on errors any longer.  In the top of the 6th LOFT added 2 more insurance runs off a Matt Boden RBI trple and BB Flynn RBI single.  LOFT took that 6-3 lead and held on to it to record the victory and stay alive in the playoffs and eliminate the Raptors from contention.  It was also LOFT's 1st victory over the Raptors, but it came at the best time possible.

LOFT Offensive Highlights:
Brandon Mabry: 2-3; 2 1B
Matt Boden: 2-3; 1B, 3B, R, RBI
BB Flynn: 2-3; 2 1B, 2 RBI, R
Matt Monto: 3-3; 2 1B, 3B, 3 RBI

Week 20:  August 16, 2009
Round 4  

Northwest Regional Park Field 3: Umpires- Scott Snyder (HP), Kory Rosenberg
Round 4: LOFT (7) 3 (WP-Rick Winepol 9-9) Kings (2) 1 (LP-Mike Herr 7-3)

Rick Winepol limited the Kings offense to just 6 hits and 1 run in taking LOFT to the semifinals with a 3-1 win over the Kings. Kings starter Mike Herr allowed just 9 hits and 1 earned run in taking the loss. After a tough 9 inning battle with the Cannons in game 1, the Kings lacked energy and as a team batted just .222 (6-for-27).

Brandon Mabry reached on an infield error to lead off t-1st. With 1 out, Mabry scored on Matt Boden's bloop triple that landed in front of the Kings LCF and RCF, but bounced by them, allowing Boden to reach 3rd base with a stand-up 3B. BB Flynn brought home Boden to give LOFT 2-0 lead.

The only had 1 baserunner to reach second base thru 4 innings. The game remained 2-0 LOFT entering b-5th inning. Jan Katzen led off with a 2B, Troy Hendricks hit a single to put runners on the corners with 1 out. Rob Barrow hit a SF to deep LF scoring Katzen and moving Hendricks over to second base. Winepol was able to get the last out of the inning on a popout.

The Kings threatened again in b-6th with runners on 1st and 2nd base with 2 outs, but again Winepol put out the rally inducing a flyout. In t-7th, Matt Monto hit a leadoff 3B to RCF. Andy Peksa followed with an RBI single to put LOFT ahead 3-1.

Jan Katzen reached on a 1 out error in b-7th, however Winepol recorded the last 2 outs on a weak popup and flyout to LCF.

LOFT sat and waited as the Kings and Cannons battled through a 9 inning game.  LOFT had not beaten the Kings either on the season and had lost to them the week before the in playoffs.  LOFT jumped on the Kings with 2 1st inning runs off an error, a Matt Boden triple and a BB Flynn Sac Fly to put them up 2-0.  Rick Winepol continue to stay dialed in on the mound and the LOFT defense was very strong in this game.  Winepol held the 2-0 lead through 4 innings until the Kings were able to score a run in the bottom half of the 5th inning to cut the lead to 2-1.  That score remained the same until the top of the 7th when Matt Monto lead off with a triple and Andy Peksa drove in a big insurance run with a RBI single.  LOFT took that 3-1 lead into the bottom of the 7th looking to defeat the Kings and moved on to the final Sunday of play.  Winepol got the 1st out, but then LOFT had a minor defensive lapse which caused the Kings to get a runner on, but Winepol retired the next 2 batters to get LOFT the victory and advance them onto the final weekend, where they get the pleasure of facing the Kings for the 3rd time in the playoffs.

LOFT offensive leaders:
Matt Boden (1-3,1 R,1 RBI,3B)
Andy Peksa (2-3,1 RBI)
Michael Bowen (2-3)

Kings offensive leader:
Jan Katzen (2-3,1 R,2B, reached on error)

Northwest Regional Park Field 4:  Umpires- Reggie Grant (HP), Lane Gordon
Round 3: Cannons (1) 9 (WP-Dan Kassel 5-1)  NEK/ESB Bombers (4) 8 (LP-Tzvi Friedman 7-7) 

After game one's heartbreaking lose the Cannons had to go play an elimination game against ESB. ESB came out fighting and scored 4 runs in the top on the 1st. The cannons answered right back with 3 of their own. Kurland led off with a double to left. Dubansky doubled to score Kurland. After two flyouts to left, Edelman singled to score Dubanksy. After a Jim Davis single, Evan Krietzer singled home Edelman. ESB got one back in the 2nd. In the bottom of the 2nd Dan Kassel singled. after a flyout, Kurland singled to right to put runners on the corners. Mike Dubanksy then singled in Kassel to make it a 5-4 ballgame. ESB continued to hit and scored 3 in the 3rd to take an 8-4 lead. Tzvi Friedman kept the cannons scoreless until the bottom of the 6th. With the score still 8-4, Neal Charkatz walked. After a lineout to 2B, Dan Kassel walked. After a popout, Jeff Kurland went on the attack again. This time he hit one in the gap in right center that rolled all the way to the wall. The 3run HR gave life back to the Cannons. Kassel held ESB scoreless in the 7th. So down by one run the Cannons again looked to win it against EBS in walk off style. Warner started the inning with an infield single to second. Steve Hayes flied out to deep left advancing Warner to second. Then, Jon Edelman again hit a clutch single to tie the game. Edelman advanced to 2nd on the throw to the plate. After an intentional BB to Jim Davis, Evan Kreitzer singled to center to score Edelman for the 9-8 Cannon victory. Dan kassel got the win.

The Cannon win coupled with a King's loss to LOFT puts the Cannons in the title game next week.

Game two Cannons hitting stars:
Jeff Kurland 4-4, 2runs, 3rbi's, 2b, HR
Mike Dubansky 3-4, r, 2rbi's, 2B
Jon Edelman 2-2,2runs, 2rbi's, 2BB's
Dan Kassel 1-1, 2runs, 2BB's

Week 21:  August 23, 2009
Round 5
Round 6

Postponed Rain / Wet Fields

Week 22:  August 30, 2009
Round 5

August 30, 2009 Playoffs Round 5 Highlights

Northwest Regional Park Field 1:  Umpires- Reggie Grant (HP), Scott Snyder (1B), Kory Rosenberg (3B)
Round 5: Kings (2) 9 (WP-Chuck Grant 11-5)  LOFT (7) 8 (LP-Rick Winepol 9-10) 

The Kings met LOFT for the 3rd straight week in the Playoffs. The Kings won Round 1 15-3 while LOFT won Round 4 3-1. In this semifinal match-up the Kings overcame an 8-0 deficit, tying the game in the b-5th, and winning the game in b-7th 9-8.

Kings Chuck Grant squared off against LOFT's Rick Winepol. The game was scoreless thru the first 2 innings. In t-3rd, LOFT took advantage of 3 Kings infield errors, leading to 5 runs. An RBI 1B by Winepol and key 2 out RBI hits by Matt Boden (2 RBI 2B) and Matt Monto (RBI 1B) keyed the rally.

Brandon Mabry hit a 2 out bases loaded 2B in t-4th to extend LOFT lead to 8-0. The Kings had managed just 1 single in each of their first 3 at-bats. In b-4th, Arin Gelletly reached on a 1 out infield error. Alan Varhaftik hit an RBI 3B and Keegan Rettaliata hit a SF, with the Kings now trailing 8-2.

In b-5th, the Kings rally started with an infield error. An RBI 1B by Grant, walk to Koby Sarubin, and RBI singles by Mike Herr and Scott Katzen pulled the Kings to within 8-5. Jeff Slutzker singled to load the bases. Consecutive SF's by Shilo Merwitz and Arin Gelletly narrowed the lead to 8-7. Following a walk to Alan Varhaftik, Rettaliata singled home Slutzker with the tying run 8-8.

Both teams went 1-2-3 in the 6th and Grant was able to retire LOFT 1-2-3 again in t-7th. In Kings b-7th, Mike Herr led off with an infield single to the SS hole. Koby Sarubin drew a walk. Jeff Slutzker flew out to RCF, with Herr moving over to thirdbase on the flyout. Shilo Merwitz was walked intentionally to load the bases and set up a force at home plate. Arin Gelletly ended the game with an RBI 1B over the head of the drawn in LCF.

The win sent the Kings into the Finals for the 4th time in the past 5 seasons. The 4th year LOFT team, meanwhile were the surprise team of the Playoffs, advancing past the 2nd Round for the first time in their young team's history.

LOFT offensive leaders:
Matt Monto (2-3,1 RBI)
Mark Wienner (3-3,3B)
Rick Winepol (2-3,2 R,1 RBI)

Kings offensive leaders:
Scott Katzen (1-1,1 R,1 RBI,W)
Shilo Merwitz (1-2,1 RBI,W,SF)
Keegan Rettaliata (2-2,2 RBI)
Mike Herr (2-3,2 R,1 RBI)

Week 22:  August 30, 2009
Round 6

August 30, 2009 Playoffs Round 6 Finals Highlights

Northwest Regional Park Field 1:  Umpires- Scott Snyder (HP), Reggie Grant (1B), Kory Rosenberg (3B)
Round 6: Cannons (1) 6 (WP-Tom Paulshock 11-3) Kings (2) 5 (LP-Chuck Grant 11-6) 

The Cannons matched up against the Kings in the Pikesville softball league finals for the 3rd time in 4 seasons. Tom Paulshock took to the hill against Chuck Grant.

Paulshock was able to retire the Kings in the first without any runs. In the bottom of the first Jeff Kurland led off with a single to left. Chuck Easter then singled and moved to 2nd on a Mike Dubansky walk. With the bases loaded, Jason Schwartzberg brought the first run home with a fielders choice. Grant was able to retire Steve Hayes and Jon Edelman without any further runs being scored. The Kings came back with 3 runs in the 2nd to take the lead 3-1 after 2 innings. After Paulshock settled down hold the Kings scoreless in the 3rd, The Cannons took to the offensive again. Kurland once again led off with a single to left. Chuck Easter then drove one to the wall in RC for a run scoring triple. Dubansky then singled to score Easter. After a FC by Schwartzberg and a fly out by Hayes, Edelman lined a triple over RF Jeff Slutzker. This gave the Cannons the lead they would not give up. Evan Kreitzer followed with a single to right to score Edelman. Score after 3, Cannons 5 Kings 3. In the bottom of the 4th Paulshock grounded out to start the inning. Kurland followed with a single to right center. Easter then hit a mammoth drive to right center that was tracked down at the wall. Kurland tagged and advanced to second on the play. MIke Dubansky singles to center scoring Kurland and giving the Cannons a 6-3 lead. It remained that way until the top of the 7th. Paulshock was able to retire Scott Katzen on a ground out to 2nd. After issuing back to back walks, Paulshock was almost able to get Koby Sarubin on a game ending 4-6-3 double play. Sarubin beat the throw and put runners on the corners with 2 outs. Slutzker then walked to load the bases. Shilo Merwitz then lined a single to right scoring two runs making it a 6-5 game. Arin Gelletly the grounded a ball up the middle. The ball glanced off Paulshock's foot for an infield single loading the bases. Paulshock was then able to get Alan Varhaftik to fly out to right center to end the game. Final score Cannons 6 Kings 5.

Kings offensive leaders:
Arin Gelletly (3-4)
Alan Varhaftik (2-4,1 R)
Troy Hendricks (2-3,1 R,1 RBI)
Kenny Salzman (1-1,2 W)

Cannons hitting stars:
Jeff Kurland 3-4, 3 runs
Chuck Easter 2-4, run, RBI, 3B
Mike Dubansky 2-3, 2Rbi's, BB
Neal Charkatz 2-3

Championship game notes:
►This is the 4th straight Playoff Championship for the Cannons. Their first under the management of Jeff Kurland.
►It was great to see Dave Sandler out at the field today cheering his team on. Dave, the Cannons wish you a speedy and healthy recovery!
►Tom Paulshock will be going in on Tuesday for knee replacement surgery. Tom, here is to a speedy and healthy recovery as well.