Week #2 -- April 14, 2013

Highlights submitted thus far by Stingers, Kings, Thunderbirds, Natty O's, NWC, Bombers, Green Machine

Northwest Regional Park Field 1:    Umpire- Reggie Grant
Game 1: Sky & Sky Inc. 4 (WP-Ken Zalis 2-0)  Northwest Corridor 3 (LP- Howard Goldberg 0-2) 

NWC met Sky & Sky in week #2 to engage in a long awaited rematch of the 2012 PMSL Finals. Both teams seemed to be missing key members of last season’s championship game. Neither team scored until the 3rd inning as Ken Zalis and Howard Goldberg were involved in somewhat of a pitcher’s duel. Elliot Blank drove in 2run in the top of the 3rd and Howard Goldberg knocked in the lone run for NWC to help in his own cause and score Chris Ammann. Pat Wilcox crushed a 3b to centerfield and scored from an Andy Bloom sac fly to add another one in the 4th. Elliot Blank led off the 6th inning with an inside the park blast to the fence in left center to score Sky & Sky’s 4th run. Matt Bell singled home Gabe Unterman in the 4th and Brad Rosenberg’s line drive to left field knocked in Goldberg for NWC’s last 2runs. NWC left the bases loaded in the 4th & 2 men on in the 5th but couldn’t manage more than 3 runs against Zalis. Sky & Sky took the opening game 4-3.

Hitting Highlights NWC:
Jeff Kurland 2-3
Gabe Unterman 2-3 R 2b
Chris Ammann 1-2 R BB

Game 2:  Northwest Corridor 16 (WP-Ted Winner 2-0)  Sky & Sky Inc. 15 (LP- Ken Zalis 2-1) 

Game #2 turned out to be a much different kind of battle with both teams combining for 31 runs. Once again neither team scored in the first inning but the next couple saw an explosion of runs. Sky & Sky put up an early 3-0 lead in the 2nd inning. NWC enjoyed 5 consecutive base hits from Goldberg, Adam Silverman, Rosenberg, Unterman and Jon Goldman leading to 5 runs in the top of the 3rd. Sky & Sky didn’t flinch a bit and came out in the bottom half of the inning swinging. NWC’s defense didn’t backup Ted Winner very well resulting in 3 errors in the inning. Sky & Sky took full advantage drilling multiple line drives into the outfield gaps and tagging on 7 more runs. Sky put up a few more in the middle inning and NWC went into the top of the 6th inning down 13-6.

Both teams had tough managerial roster decisions before the game. NWC had a player leave early and opted to play 10 men with zero subs. Sky & Sky opted to play 11 men with the hope of 2 guys who had to leave early could hold on before the game ended. Unfortunately NWC’s Jeff Kurland injured his side/oblique in the early part of the game resulting in a 3 man outfield. To prevent NWC from taking an automatic out Kurland still attempted to bat against Ken Zalis and managed to draw a walk in the 4th inning and another one in the 6th. Sky & Sky would not be as lucky as the game ran late, they had 2 players leave resulting in automatic outs for their last at bats.

Trying to salvage the game and the day, Jon Herbst led off the 6th inning with a double into the right centerfield gap. Kurland walked and Adam Silverman knocked in herbst with a hit up the middle. Gabe Unterman reached on an error scoring Goldberg and bringing NWC a couple runs closer. Now 13-8 into the 7th inning, Matt Bell doubled to lead off the inning and start an old school NWC rally. Ted Winner reached on a single and Chris Amman lined a hit to left to score Bell. Herbst singled in Winner bringing up Kurland with zero outs, 2men on, down by 3runs but a batter who’s unable to swing. Jeff tried to draw another walk but this time against Zalis he worked the count full. Zalis delivered a pitch down the middle clearly a strike so Kurland forced to swing or take a strikeout, buckled down, held one hand to his side holding his ribs and injury, his left hand braced the bat and in true tennis racket style, drilled a once handed base hit up the middle to score Ammann. Goldberg motivated by the clutch hit drilled a 3b to the fence in left to clear the bases. Silverman singled home Goldberg and NWC battled back with 5 more hits in the inning, 8 runs and a 16-13 lead despite leaving the bases loaded again. Sky & Sky wouldn’t give up as Blank & Van landingham’s extra base hits got them within one run of the lead but Winner was able to close the door and seal the victory.

Hitting Highlights NWC:
Ted Winner 4-5 R rbi
Matt Bell 3-4 R 2rbi SF 2b
Brad Rosenberg 3-5 3R 2rbi
Adam Silverman 3-4 BB 2R 3rbi
Howard Goldberg 3-4 3R Bb 2rbi 3b

Northwest Regional Park Field 2:    Umpire- Mark Radom
Game 1: Bombers 17  (WP-Tzvi Friedman 3-0)  Natty O's 5  (LP- Alan Monico 0-1) 5 Innings

The O's jumped out to a early 2-0 lead on a double down the line by Alan Monico. The lead was quickly erased however, as the Bombers bats found all the holes in the bottom of the first to score 8 runs of their own. After that the O's gloves let them down and multiple errors put the game out of reach despite a late homerun by Mike Connelly.

The Bombers swept the Natty O’s on this beautiful Sunday. The first game ended after 5 innings with a final score of 17-5. The score of the second game was 15-5. Tzvi Friedman improved his record to 4-0. He was dominating. Alan Monico and Jarrett Smith took the losses. The Bombers scored 8 in the first, and then erupted for 8 more in the 4th to take a 16-2 lead. The Bombers scored one more run in the 5th to complete the victory.

Hitting stars for the Bombers: Rashad Johnson (3-4, 3 runs)
Ben Gutman (3-4, 2-run HR, 2B)
David Flamm (3 RBI)
Chaim Finkelstein (2 doubles, 2 RBI’s)
Jason Gardner (2-run triple, 2 RBI’s , 2B)
Ryan Barnett (4-4, 4 RBI).

Natty O's offensive leaders:
Brian Horr 2-3, Run
Sean Connelly 2-3, HR, Run, RBI
Alan Monico 1-3, 2B, Run, RBI
John Murphy 2-3
Kristopher Stahle 2-3, 3B, Run

Game 2:  Bombers 15  (WP-Tzvi Friedman 4-0)  Natty O's 5  (LP- Jarrett Smith 0-1) 

Once again, inconstant defense took a game that was within reach and put it out of reach as the Bombers took game two by a final of 15-5. The O's put lots of runners on base and despite a HR by Jarrett Smith and Alan Monico's second ball over the fence in the third inning, the O's didn't hit well with RISP and ultimately fell short.

In game 2, the Bombers jumped on Smith for 4 runs in the top of the 1st. The big hits were a 2-run double by Brad Eyler and a 2-run single by Gershon Yakobovich. After the O’s scored 2 in the bottom of the 1st, the Bombers scored 2 more in the 2nd, 2 more in the 3rd, 2 more in the 4th, 4 more in the 6th, and 1 more in the 7th.

Natty O's offensive leaders:
Sean Connelly 2-4, 3B, 2 Runs, RBI
Jarett Smith, 2-3, HR, 3 RBI, Run
Alan Monico 2-3, HR, RBI, Run
Jason Smulson 1-2, BB

Bombers Hitting stars Game 2:
Johnson (4-4, 3 runs, 3 RBI)
Friedman (3-4, 2B, 3B, 2 Runs)
Yakobovich, Ben Gutman, Flamm, and Barnett each had 2 RBI.

The Bombers pitching and defense have been clicking and everyone is contributing offensively. They lead the league with 72 runs scored and only 15 runs against, and are currently in 1st place as they prepare to play defending champs NWC.

Northwest Regional Park Field 3:    Umpire- Scott Snyder
Game 1: Stingers 22 (WP- Larry Newman 2-0)   Green Machine 10 (LP- Andy Peksa 0-2) 6 Innings

Game one found the Stingers at bat to start off the game and Gary Bosley again did not disappoint. With a leadoff single followed by Brett Eisenberg’s single they set up Stuart Sheridan for a 1 out 2 rbi double to take the lead. Derrick Mason then jumped in with his bat and was able to bring in Sheridan with a solid shot into the Green machines outfield for a 3-0 start to the game. Gary Bosley and Sean Flyn paired up well and almost got the Green Machine in a few double plays to keep the game under control. In the t-3rd, Eiseberg and Flynn would jump on the bases from their singles followed by Mason again coming through with a rbi SAC that was almost in the triangle. Mike Beverly came alive next driving in Flynn. James Engler, Jr. kept his hitting streak up as he would place a solid single into the Green Machine defense which was quickly followed by Doug Conyers rbi triple to give the Stingers the lead. With a close ball game after 3 inning s of play, Larry Newman would keep his cause going as he would find his way on base. After the Green Machine played to win making Matt Friedman run for Larry Newman on their runner choice, Friedman, took second on Bosley’s fly out drive into medium center, followed shortly by Eisenberg’s rbi single to score Friedman. With runners on the corners, Mason came through again and brought another run in, followed by Beverly and Engler’s shots into right to give the Stingers the lead. Green Machine would not be able to do much on the bases thereafter. It was not until the t-6th as the Stingers held the lead and then added on to their lead from playing the small ball from the middle of their line-up to Gary Bosley’s second inside the park home run to take a HUGE lead. With Green Machine down by a ton in the b-6th and an injured Newman finishing out the game, the Stingers took the first game in 6 innings including Peksa and Winkel trying to make Friedman run numerous times in lieu of Newman.

Following a tough weekend against the Kings, Green Machine (GM) looked to record the new franchise's first victory against the Stingers. Andy Peksa took the mound to try and claim the honor, but it wasn't to be. A combination of dainty tapping and costly errors allowed the Stingers to take a 7-0 lead going into the bottom of the 3rd inning. The GM bats finally woke up thanks to new catcher Pete Sclafani's leadoff single and subsequent war cry. GM responded by following this up with 9 consecutive hits, the highlight of which was a Peksa 3 RBI triple to left field and then scored on a throwing error. Also in that inning were doubles by Brad Verbosky and Billy Giles, the latter of which drove in 2 runs. The 7 runs scored in the 3rd inning tied the game 7-7. The Stingers were able to single their way to 5 more runs in the 4th inning to take the lead back, started by a lead off single by pitcher Larry Newman, whom GM generously allowed a courtesy runner for throughout the game allowing the Stingers manager Friedman to actually get some time on the bases. But that lead was dwindled after a rally in the bottom of the 5th inning. GM newcomer Nick Serkes continued his hot streak with a lead off double, followed bit consecutive hits from Peksa, Joe Chambers, and Verbosky. Unfortunately the wheels fell off in the top of the 6th when the Stingers continued to bloop singles into play, along with a Bosley inside the park grand slam, manifested 10 runs for the Stingers. The GM bats were unable to answer in the bottom of the 6th, and the game ended in an enigmatic 22-10 score.

Green Machine offensive leaders:
Nick Serkes: 3-3, 1 2B, 2 R
Andy Peksa: 2-3, 1 3B, 1 R, 3 RBI
Joe Chambers: 2-3, 2 R, 1 RBI
Brad Verbosky: 3-3 1 2B, 2 R
Jonathon Stacey: 2-2, 1 R, 2 RBI
Billy Giles: 2-3, 1 2B, 3 RBI

Game 2:   Green Machine 8  (WP- Bob Mellonee 1-1)   Stingers 3 (LP- Tom Paulshock 0-2) 

The afternoon game was a complete revamp in the field for the Stingers as several players ended up playing in positions they had not played in many years. In the t-1st, Green machine found their way onto the board early as Pualshock got used to the feel of the game. However, Gary Bosley responded quickly for the Stingers with his leadoff double followed by Flynn’s single and Stewart Sheridan’s deep SAC to tie the game at 1 all. With a tight game going into the 2nd, Mike Beverly lead off with a skipping lined double followed by a James Engler SAC. Stingers would again add another run in the b-3rd as Brett Eisenberg doubled to get on the based and was driven in by Sheridan’s gaper, but the Stingers would give away this game to the Green Machine and split the day.

The night game started better for the GM bats as back to back doubles by Josh Vaeth and Serkes led to the early lead. However, 2 strike outs by Chambers and Verbosky prevented the proverbial big inning, a theme which would continue for much of the game. A lead off double by Bosley and subsequent run allowed the Stingers to tie the game in the bottom of the first. The top of the second saw another big opportunity squandered when GM got the bases loaded with only 1 out, and Mark Winkel struck out looking and pitcher Bob Mallonee grounded out. The Stingers took the lead in the bottom with a lead off triple and a fielders choice groundout by Engler. The 3rd inning was a case of deja vu as GM once again had the bases loaded with 1 out and failed to score a run. The Stingers tacked on another run in the bottom of the 3rd to make it a 3-1 Stingers lead. GM managed a run in the 4th inning after a Michael Bowen double followed by a Jeff Kapper single to drive him in. The 5th inning started with lead off hitter Vaeth getting his 3rd inning starting lead off hit of the game. Serkes followed this with a single of his own, and an RBI single by Chambers drove in a run. Next came slugger Verbosky who continued with his scorching start to the season by forcibly swatting a line drive to right field for a triple to drive in 2 runs. The 6th inning saw the franchise's manager Winkel finally make a contribution to the team by hitting a sac fly to drive in Bowen after the speedy outfielder hit his second double of the day. GM was able to pad their lead in the top of the 7th inning after Serkes got a hit for the 30th time for the day (or so it seemed), although got out on pinch hitter Rodney Baysmore's fielders choice ground. The bases were full after a Chambers single and a Verbosky walk, when Giles hit a clutch line drive single to score Baysmore and Chambers.


On the other side of the ball, pitcher Mallonee pitched an absolute gem for GM. He allowed only 7 hits and 1 walk over the 7 innings pitched, and didn't give up a run after the 3rd inning. While he enjoyed some much improved defense compared to Peksa's start, Mallonee did a great job of keeping the Stingers to only get weak contact throughout the game and to the well deserved first career victory for the new franchise. Special mention to the game's other pitcher, Tom Paulshock, for pitching a very good game himself, including 4 strikeouts, and proving once again that he is a symbol of hope in all of our battles against the unbeatable father time.

Green Machine Do Gooders:
Bob Mallonee: 7 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 1 BB
Josh Vaeth: 3-4, 1 2B, 2 R
Nick Serkes: 3-4, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI
Joe Chambers: 3-4, 2 R, 1 RBI
Brad Verbosky: 1-3, 1 3B, 1 BB, 2 RBI
Michael Bowen: 3-3, 2 2B, 2 R
Jeff Kapper: 1-2, 1 BB, 1 RBI
 

Northwest Regional Park Field 4:      Umpire- Lane Gordon
Game 1: Kings 15 (WP-Mike Herr 2-0, Save-Chuck Grant 1)  Thunderbirds 8 (LP- Jay Walle 0-3)  

The Kings came into the game seeking their 500th franchise win (Regular Season + Playoffs = 499 wins, 246 losses, .670 percentage). The Thunderbirds kept even with the Kings 6-6 thru 3 1/2 innings, but 4 runs in b-4th for the Kings and they never looked back in winning the opener 15-8.

Thunderbirds took 2-0 lead in t-1st keyed by John Roiy RBI 3B and David Woods SF/E7. Kings evened score in b-1st. Shilo Merwitz singled with 2 outs and Arin Gelletly followed with a 1B to RCF that got by the outfielder, allowing both Merwitz and Gelletly to score. The teams exchanged solo runs in 2nd as Tayvon Ervin tripled and scored on a Maurice Jamison 2 out RBI 1B. The Kings run came via a SF/E9 off the bats of Kings pitcher Mike Herr. After Herr was able to retire the TB side in order in t-3rd, Kings brought across 3 runs in bottom of inning. Singles by Merwitz, Gelletly (RBI), sacrifice fly by Alan Varhaftik, along with HR by Troy Hendricks producing the 3 runs.

In t-4th, RBI 1B by Tony Wiggs, SF by Ervin, and 2 out RBI 2B by Tony Barner again tied the score 6-6. In b-4th, with the bases loaded and 1 out, Arin Gelletly smashed a grandslam over the fence in LCF. With the Kings ahead 10-6 after 4 innings, Chuck Grant entered as a relief pitcher in t-5th. Grant should have been out of t-5th 3  up 3 down, but an infield error prolonged the inning. TB's took advantage with 2 out 1B by Roiy and 2 RBI 3B by Woods. Grant shut down TB's the rest of way and Kings added 1 run in b-5th on Koby Sarubin bases loaded infield hit and 4 runs in b-6th via Jan Katzen RBI 1B, Hendricks 2 RBI 3B, and Glenn Savage RBI 1B.

PMSL second week action started with The Thunderbirds going against The Kings. The Birds would take a 2 run lead in the top of the 1st with a single by Manny Fontanez, an RBI triple from John Roiy, and an RBI double from David Woods. The Kings would respond in the bottom half of theninning and tie the game heading into the 2nd.

The Birds OF Tayvon Ervin would score after his triple on an RBI single off the bat of Maurice Jamison. The Kings again would respond and tie the game up.

The Kings would hold The Birds scoreless in the 3rd while putting across 3 of their own and lead 6-3 heading into 4.

In the 4th, the second year Birds would get a rally started with single by Woods and pitcher Jay Walle. Next, outfielder Tony Wiggs would drive in Woods with a sinlge. Up next, Birds outfielder Tayvon Ervin would follow with an RBI sac fly scoring Walle. The rally would continue as Wiggs scored on Tony Barner's RBI double. Heading into the bottom half, it was tied again.

The Kings would get 4 more and take a 10-6 lead into the 5th. The Thunderbirds would nest up 2 more runs when Reggie Molock and Roiy would score on Woods' 2 RBI triple. After that, the PMSL "Royal Court" scored 1 and 4 runs over the next 2 innings to take the opener, 15-8.
 

Thunderbirds offensive leaders in game 1:
John Roiy (2-3,2 R,1 RBI,3B)
David Woods (2-2,1 R,3 RBI,3B,SF)
Tayvon Ervin (1-2,1 R,1 RBI,3B,SF)
Tony Wiggs (1-2,1 R,1 RBI,W)
Tony Barner (1-3,1 RBI,2B)

Kings game 1 offensive stars:
Shilo Merwitz (2-2,4 R,2 W)
Arin Gelletly (3-4,4 R,5 RBI,HR,RE)
Jan Katzen (2-4,1 R,1 RBI)
Troy Hendricks (2-4,2 R,3 RBI,3B,HR)
Glenn Savage (3-3,2 R,1 RBI,W)
Rob Barrow (3-3,W)

Game 2: Kings 17 (WP-Chuck Grant 1-0)  Thunderbirds 7 (LP- Jay Walle 0-4)