Moran Division

  Feeney Division

Game 1: Stadium 1 vs. Lynx 4 (8 innings)
WP: Dominic Lemarra (2-0) LP: John Gregorio (3-2) GW RBI: Toco Soto

Aug. 21, 2007 - Toco Soto hit a walk off extra inning 3-run homerun to give the Lynx the dramatic victory in game one of the finals. On a 1-1 count, Soto smashed a low line drive that soared over the left field fence and into the trees. View it here!

But before Soto's game winning hit this was a classic pitchers duel between John Gregorio and Dominic Lemarra, who had matched each other pitch for pitch through seven innings of play.

Lemarra allowed a first inning homerun to Javier Colon then shut down the Stadium offense over the next seven innings. In that span he only allowed one hit while striking out two batters. He ended the night throwing 107 pitches while topping the radar gun at 61 MPH.

Gregorio, who was the tough luck loser in this one, was just as impressive as he was tossing a shutout until the fifth when the Lynx took advantage of two miscues and scored an unearned run to tie the game.

Aug. 21, 2007 - the Stadium's Sammy Acevedo may have pitched the best game of his career tonight as he scattered seven hits, struck out eight batters, while limiting the Lynx to just three runs. Acevedo had all of his pitches working tonight as he threw hard and mixed his rise ball in effectively.

Chris Martin put the Stadium on the board in the first inning when he doubled home Rob Rogers, who had singled. The Stadium would jump out to a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the third when they took advantage of three errors and got another timely hit by Tim Walsh (1 hit, 2 RBI). Javy Colon made it 6-0 in the fourth when he smoked a homerun down the right field line and the Stadium were in control.

But the talented Lynx team were not going to make it easy as they battled back in the top of the sixth inning. With runners on the corners Juan Sanchez put the Lynx on the board with an RBI single, 6-1. Acevedo then got two key outs but couldn't escape further damage before Jason Allen delivered with a 2-RBI triple, 6-3. However, that would be as close as the Lynx would get as Acevedo got the next batter then retired the side in the seventh.

Before Acevedo retired the second batter in the seventh, a troubling scene was taking place in the stands behind home plate. A fan sitting in the stands was attacked from behind by a bat wielding youth. The fan took several blows to the back, arms, and head before he slumped to the ground. Amazingly, he didn't lose consciousness and was alert after the beating. The attacker was last scene running away with the bat still in his hand. The two, who do not play in the league and are not associated with league, apparently knew each other as the one-sided fight was over a girl. While all of this was taking place the players and umpires on the field were watching in silence...shocked at what they were seeing.

Aug. 22, 2007 - a great defensive play and a tough bounce resulted in the Stadium having to watch their tying run get erased from the scoreboard in the seventh inning.

With the Lynx leading 4-2 in the top of the seventh, Dominic Lemarra was called upon to finish the game. Lemarra got the first out on one pitch then got some help when Toco Soto made an outstanding catch to rob Matt Traft of a sure hit. With his back turned to the play, Soto sprinted from the second base position to right field and made an over the shoulder catch. The play would be a key in the inning as the Stadium's offense would continue to press.

With two outs and the bases empty, Charlie Conners worked a five pitch walk that put the tying runner on base. Javy Colon then followed and smashed the first pitch he saw down the right field line. However, the sure homerun landed foul and Colon was sent back to the batters box. On a 1-1 count, Colon ripped the next pitch to right center that was falling fast and was sure to tie the game. As Conners raced home the ball landed a few feet from the center field fence then skidded out onto the street through the opening in the fence for a "Ground Rule" double. Conners, who easily scored the tying run on the play, was sent back to third base. Rob Rogers then followed and hit a grounder to shortstop Dielo, who threw to first just getting Rogers for the out ending the well played game.

Before the seventh, the Lynx would score all four of their runs in the second inning when Juan Sanchez (3 hits, triple, run), Dielo, and Jason Allen all reached with extra base hits, 2-0. Al Martin then came through with the clutch hit of the game when he smacked a two-out 2-run homerun to center field, 4-0.

Overshadowed by the events in the seventh was the pitching of the Lynx's Jerry Thomes. The wiley veteran proved that he can still elevate his game when called upon as he scattered six hits, struck out four Stadium batters, and allowed three runs in six strong innings of work. Sammy Acevedo was just as impressive as he came in relief in the third and threw four innings of shutout softball for the Stadium.

Aug. 27, 2007 - the Stadium got another great pitching performance from Sammy Acevedo (7 IP, 5 hits, 1 ER) and led this one from wire-to-wire. The best of seven series is now even at 2-2.

The Stadium got on the board in the first inning when Charlie Conners scored on a double play, 1-0. The slim lead didn't last long as Juan Sanchez answered with a tying homerun to left in the top of the second inning. However, that would be the last run the Lynx would score as Acevedo was on his game and had the Lynx batters talking to themselves.

Acevedo helped himself in the third when he reached with a single and later scored on Greg Carter's double. The Stadium would score two runs in the inning making it 3-1. The score would remain tight until the fifth when the Stadium bats came to life again.

With two outs, Javier Colon (2 hits), Rob Rogers, and Greg Carter (2 hits) all singled and would score in the inning when the Lynx shortstop made a crucial throwing error to first base. With the way Acevedo was pitching the three runs put this one away.

The Lynx tried to claw back in the sixth but Dave Blandino and Charlie Conners made a couple of nice catches in the outfield to prevent any damage.

Aug. 27, 2007 - Toco Soto did it again for the Lynx as he ended game five with a 2-run walk off homerun giving the Lynx a 3-2 lead in their best of seven series. Soto connected on a 2-2 pitch and left no doubt as the ball sailed high over the trees in left center field for the game winner.

Long before Soto's seventh inning heroics, the Stadium were clinging to a 3-0 lead in the third and had the Lynx on the verge of self destruction. But as he has done in the past, Al Martin led the rally with a walk and scored on Mike Hoadley's homerun to deep left, 3-2. The Lynx had picked themselves up and quickly got back into the game.

Pitchers Dominic Lemarra and John Gregorio would both throw a scoreless fourth moving the game into the later innings. But in the fifth Al Martin started another rally when he led the inning off with a single to center field. Danny Ekasala followed with a single moving Martin over to third. With the table setters now on base the Stadium's slim lead was in jeopardy as they were now facing the heart of the Lynx lineup.

On the first pitch he saw Mike Hoadley lined a single off the fence in left scoring Martin to tie the game. Gregorio then reached down and got Soto and Juan Sanchez to hit pop up outs in the infield and was an out away from getting out of the jam. But Dielo wouldn't let Gregorio and the Stadium off the hook as he lined a double to left that scored Ekasala with the go ahead run, 4-3. Gregorio got another fly ball to get out of the inning and would then turn the ball over to Sammy Acevedo.

Now trailing for the first time in the game the Stadium needed a run in the seventh to keep the game going. Charlie Conners gave them a chance when he reached with a one out single to right and raced to third on Javier Colon's single. Suddenly, the Stadium had runners on the corners with one out and were looking for the big inning. On a 1-2 pitch, Rob Rogers tied the game with a single to left, 4-4. But that would be all the Stadium would get in the inning as Lemarra got out of the inning with some key pitches.

The game moved onto the bottom of the seventh inning with Sammy Acevedo pitching his first inning of relief for the Stadium. Acevedo quickly fell behind in the count to Mike Hoadley which resulted in a walk. Knowing Hoadley represented the winning run at first, Acevedo had to throw strikes and on a 2-2 count to Soto, the former Kansas City Royal smacked his second walk off homerun of the series.

Aug. 28, 2007 - the Lynx scored five runs in the top of the first inning then cruised to their first M Street Softball title. With runners on the corners and two outs, Diello ripped the first pitch he saw from Sammy Acevedo off the fence in left that scored Mike Hoadley and Toco Soto, 2-0 Lynx. Kevin Ohara then followed with an RBI single and scored when Jerry Thomes Jr homered to right center making it 5-0.

However, the Stadium fought back in the bottom of the first as Charlie Conners led off with a triple to left. Javier Colon then followed with his own triple but was thrown out at home on a mis communication. That would be as close as the Stadium would get in this one as the Lynx's pitcher, Domenic Lemarra, would get stronger as the game progressed.

The Lynx a pair of runs in the second when Juan Sanchez tripled off the left field fence that brought Toco Soto in making in 6-1. Sanchez then scored on Diello second RBI hit making it 7-1 and that would be the last run scored of the game.

Unfortunately, game six would end up being the least competitive game of the series. The first five games were great games but this one just never lived up to expectations. As great and effective of a pitcher Acevedo was in the series he just didn't have his best stuff in this one and the Lynx hitters took advantage.

In the end, the Stadium gave the Lynx a good run but it was the stronger and better prepared team that prevailed. The league commissioner selected Toco Soto and Domenic Lemarra as CO-MVP's as both were at the top of their game throughout the playoffs.

2007 Champions - front left to right: Kevin Ohara, Danny Ekasala, Jason Allen, Al Martin, and Toco Soto (Co-MVP).
Back left to right: Jerry Thomes Sr., Jerry Thomes Jr., Mark , Diello, Juan Sanchez, Domenic Lemarra, Billy Megan, and Nick French.

Game 1: Sidewalk Cafe 4 vs. Lynx 10
WP: Jerry Thomes (1-0) LP: George Pratt (1-1) GW RBI: Mike Hoadley

Aug. 13, 2007 - the rematch of last year's heated finals got underway tonight with little fanfare. Pitchers Jerry Thomes and George Pratt were locked in a pretty good game through five and a half innings before the Lynx flexed their muscles in the sixth and powered their way to a 10-4 win.

Trailing 2-0 in the third, Bryan Ellsworth lined a Thomes offering to left center then raced home for the game tying homerun. The Lynx didn't let the game stay tied for too long as they answered with their own homerun, a 2-run blast by Juan Sanchez that put the Lynx back on top at 4-2.

Sidewalk kept the pace though and answered with a run in the third on Jeremy Beauchemin's RBI double, 4-3. The Lynx got the run back in the fifth inning when Kevin Ohara smoked a single to left that scored Sanchez from second, 5-3.

Peter John then answered the call in the sixth when he homered to deep center making it a 5-4 game. Sidewalk was hanging in there and exchanging blows with the Lynx. But back to back triples by Danny Ekasella and Mike Hoadley put Sidewalk behind and in a tight spot. Toco Soto followed with an RBI single and suddenly it was 7-4. A few batters later Jerry Thomes Jr delivered the final blow of the inning with a 2-run single to right center making it 10-4.

Aug. 13, 2007 - the Lynx showed why they easily won the division as they led in this one from wire to wire. The 2-0 series lead puts Sidewalk in a must win situation for the remainder of the series.

Toco Soto got the Lynx on the board in the first inning when he hit a 2-run homerun to deep center field and they never looked back. Although it was only a two run lead it could have been ten as lefty Nick French overpowered the Sidewalk lineup tonight allowing only two insignificant runs late in the game. French helped himself in the sixth when he alertly covered third base and tagged out a sliding Sidewalk base runner.

The Lynx gave French more than enough runs when they broke the game wide open with a five run sixth that was highlited by Juan Sanchez's 2-run homerun to left field. Mike Hoadley and Toco Soto (4 hits, 3 RBI) added RBI hits in the big inning.

Aug. 15, 2007 - with the score tied 4-4 in the bottom of the seventh inning, Jerry Thomes Jr delivered a series ending base hit to right that scored Toco Soto from third giving the Lynx the three game sweep over the Sidewalk Cafe.

The Lynx's Danny Ekasella started things off when he homered to deep center on the first pitch of the game. Two walks and two errors later the Lynx had a 3-0 lead which put Sidewalk in a very tough position.

The score remained 3-0 though the fourth inning as pitchers Dom Lemarra and Mark Senna were keeping the bases clear. Sidewalk then fought back in the top of the fifth inning when Brian Goodman tripled to left. Goodman then scored Sidewalk's first run when Bryan Ellsworth singled. Two outs later, Sidewalk caught a rare break when a Lynx infielder committed an error allowing two runs to score and for the inning to continue. Mike Smith took advantage and put Sidewalk ahead, 4-3, when he roped a single to right.

The Lynx took advantage of two more Sidewalk errors and tied the game on Toco Soto's double to center. However, Senna would escape the inning without any further damage and the tied game moved on to the sixth inning.

Lemarra remained strong and set down the punchless Sidewalk attack, 1-2-3. The Lynx were looking to jump ahead in the bottom of the sixth but Senna got two quick fly ball outs. But Ekasella kept the inning alive with a hard double to left center. With the season on the line, Senna then got the next batter to fly out and the game moved on to the seventh, 4-4.

In the seventh, Lemarra gave up a two out single to Jeremy Beauchemin before retiring the side. Sidewalk had put themselves in a very difficult position with the 3-4-5 hitters due up in the bottom of the inning. On an 1-0 count, Senna got Soto to pop out to left but the ball bounced off the fielder's glove allowing Soto to reach base. Juan Sanchez followed with a single to left and the Lynx had a runner on third with nobody out. Sidewalk elected to intentionally walk Dielo to load the bases and set up a force play at home. Jerry Thomes Jr then wasted little time stroking a single past the second baseman and into right field for the game winner.

Game 1: El Presidente 7 vs. Stadium Sports Bar 8
WP: Sammy Acevedo (1-0) LP: Alberto Perez (2-1) GW RBI: Greg Carter

Aug. 14, 2007 - trailing 7-4, the Stadium rallied and scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to steal a victory away from El Presidente in game one of their best of five series. As thrilling of a win this was for the Stadium it was just as much as a heartbreaking loss for pitcher Alberto Perez and El Presidente.

Perez was nursing a 3-2 lead into the fifth when his teammates took advantage of a couple of Stadium errors and rewarded him with a four run inning making it 7-2. Enrique and Eduardo Leon came up with clutch RBI singles to push El Presidente comfortably ahead.

But the Stadium chipped away at the lead scoring a run in the fifth and another in the sixth on a RBI double by Rob Rogers, 7-4. The game moved onto the seventh when the complexion of the game dramatically changed.

After Perez retired the first batter, Matt Traft sparked the comeback with a walk. The underrated Tommy Russell the lined a single to center. Coach Paul Gurley then lifted himself from the game and put in pinch hitter Dave Blandino. Blandino made the move pay off with an infield single that loaded the bases for the Stadium. With the pressure now turned up, Perez might have tried a little too hard and overthrew on four straight fastballs that resulted in a walk to Tim Walsh, 7-5. Javy Colon then stepped into the batter's box and on an 0-2 count punched a blooper just over the second basemen's head. But out of nowhere came the hard charging center fielder, Francisco Leon. Somehow Leon made a shoestring catch for the out then nearly ended the game when he threw to first to double off the runner. However, the play went as a sacrifice fly as Russell scored making it a 7-6 game. With just an out to go and the game on the line Perez was left to face the very selective Charlie Conners. The patient hitter watched four balls sail by to work his third walk of the game that load the bases. With the pressure now at a season high, the Stadium players were all on their feet screaming for their star Rob Rogers to deliver the game winner. Rogers didn't get a chance to swing the bat as he walked on four pitches to tie the game, 7-7. Perez and El Presidente were still confident they could get the next batter and take the game into extra innings. Greg Carter was thinking differently as he lined an 0-1 pitch to left setting off a wild celebration at home plate. What a game!

As the Stadium high fived each other Perez trudged from the mound, found a quiet place near the end of the bench, and buried his head in his hands. But his teammates wouldn't let him take the loss by himself. Coach Cliff Ansara was the first person to extend his hand and console his deflated pitcher. Moments later several more of his teammates joined in and offered encouraging words for Perez. It seemed to work as Perez lifted himself from the ground and shook hands with his teammates stating that he was OK and would give them everything he had in game two.

Aug. 14, 2007 - coming off their dramatic come from behind game one win, the Stadium had all of the momentum on their side and quickly put it to good use. Again it was the hot hitting Greg Carter who delivered the blow as he smashed a 3-run homerun to deep right in the top of the first inning to give the Stadium a 4-0 lead. Alberto Perez was on the mound for game two and one had to be thinking that he didn't have anything left to give.

However, his teammates answered back with three runs of their own in the bottom of the first, 4-3. Ryan Shefferman and Miguel Robles delivered the RBI hits that sent the message to the Stadium that they were not going to go away quietly.

But this was Greg Carter's night as he connected again in the second inning with a 2-run double to right making it 6-3 Stadium. It seemed at that point a pitching change was going to be made but coach Ansara showed confidence in Perez by sticking with him.

Francisco Leon (3 hits, 2 RBI) made it a 6-4 game in the second when he connected for his second extra base hit of the game. The game moved on to the fourth when this writer feels the momentum swung in favor of El Presidente. With runners on first and second, Rob Rogers hit a deep fly to right that was caught by Enrique Leon with both runners tagging up on the play. Ansara then instructed Perez to intentionally walk Carter to load the bases for Matt Traft. With teammate Jay Esposito constantly cheering him on, Perez got Traft to fly out and end the threat without giving up another run.

Their defensive stand would quickly pay dividends as Raoul Acosta and Eduardo Leon started the fourth off with back to back singles and later scored to tie the game, 6-6. With runners in scoring position, Ryan Shefferman (2 hits, 3 RBI) put El Presidente ahead with a two out bloop single to right, 8-6.

With his first lead of the game, Perez fed off the energy and got stronger as the game proceeded. In the end, Perez would not give up another run (5 scoreless innings) and would strike out the heart of the order to end the game. It was a miraculous performance from a guy who just lost the previous game. It proves that Perez either has amnesia or is a fierce competitor. Maybe both!

After the game, coach Ansara was elated with the outcome and stated how great it was to play these games under such intensity. As a first year coach, his troops got their first taste of what's it's like to be in the playoffs at this time of the year. Now just six wins away from the title, it gets tougher and tougher but the rewards are that much sweeter...with that said, games three and four should be great ones.

Aug. 15, 2007 - things were looking up for the Stadium when they jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning on RBI singles by Chris Martin, Tommy Russell, and Danny Nash. But El Presidente fought back with four runs in the second on triples by Miguel Robles and Enrique Leon that silenced the Stadium squad. From that point forward El Presidente took control of the game with very little fight from the favored Stadium club.

Looking for the knockout punch, El Presidente found it in the fourth when they scored five more runs to take a 10-3 lead. With the bases loaded, Franco tripled off the diving center fielder's glove and later scored on Pedro Subervi's single. Alberto Perez followed with another triple to send the Stadium reeling.

Coach Paul Gurley tried to rally his troops when he doubled in the home half of the inning. Gurley then scored on Javy Colon's triple making it 10-4. Colon made it 10-5 when Charlie Conners lined a single to left but that would be as close as the Stadium would get.

El Presidente then made a pitching change in the fifth when they removed started Joey Venuti and brought in game #1 & #2 winner, Alberto Perez. Now realizing they were in a difficult position the Stadium bench looked defeated. Sammy Acevedo tried his best to keep his team in the game as he held the El Presidente attack to one run over the last three innings, 11-5.

Trailing by six runs and needing a spark, lefty Greg Carter quickly delivered in the bottom of the seventh when he hit the first pitch to deep center for a homerun, 11-6. Chris Martin then lined out to right for the inning's first out. Tommy Russell kept it alive with a single and later scored on Danny Nash's double, 11-7. Perez then got tough again and retired the next two batters to preserve the win and put El Presidente ahead in the series, 2-1.

This is an amazing turn around for El Presidente as the Stadium dominated their foes during the regular season winning all four meetings. With the momentum now in El Presidente's favor, it will be key for the Stadium to jump ahead in game four.

Aug. 16, 2007 - facing elimination, the Stadium responds with a team effort and evens the series. With the score tied 3-3 in the top of the third, Rob Rogers put the Stadium ahead to stay with a long homerun to left field.

El Presidente didn't play their best defensive game of the year as they committed six errors that lead to six runs. Errant throws were costly in this one as the Stadium's aggressive base running was forcing the fielders to hurry. However, even playing as poorly as they were El Presidente got within striking distance in the fourth when Enrique Leon doubled home two runs making it 8-6.

Now feeling they were back into the game El Presidente got a 1-2-3 inning out of pitcher Alberto Perez in the fifth. After a lead off walk to Ryan Shefferman the Stadium made the plays behind their pitcher Sammy Acevedo. Javy Colon snagged the first out off the bat of Pascual Franco, who had homered earlier in the game. Charlie Conners ended the threat when he made a nice running catch to take away a sure double from Pedro Superbvi.

The game moved on to the sixth inning with the Stadium looking to add to their narrow lead. But Perez was still firing hard and struck out the first batter of the inning then got an easy pop fly for the second out. Dave "Funky" Blandino kept the inning going with a big two out hit setting the stage for rookie Tim Walsh. On a 1-1 count, Walsh hammered the next pitch to deep center for a clutch two out two run homerun, 10-6!

Pitching with a four run lead, John Gregorio retired the side in order in the sixth and got out of a small jam in the seventh to record the series tying victory. The momentum had clearly swung in favor of the Stadium and to stand a chance in game five El Presidente would need to quickly put game four behind them.

Aug. 16, 2007 - the Stadium dug themselves out of a hole and completed the comeback with a triumphant win over El Presidente in game five. The scoring started in the bottom of the first inning when Rob Rogers lined a double of the fence in left that scored Charlie Conners from first. Chris Martin then followed with a base hit that scored Javy Colon and Rogers giving the Stadium a 3-0 lead. Martin made it 4-0 when he scored on El Presidente's second error in the inning.

Eddie Leon got El Presidente on the board in the second with an RBI single but that is all pitcher Sammy Acevedo would allow. The Stadium went back to work in the bottom of the second as they loaded the bases with nobody out. Pitcher Joey Venuti got Rogers to hit a sacrifice fly to center making it 5-1. With El Presidente on the ropes the Stadium was looking for the knock out punch but couldn't deliver but they did score another run in the inning on Tommy Russell's fielder's choice, 6-1.

Knowing his lead wasn't safe Acevedo stayed sharp and mixed his pitches well. Acevedo retired the side in order in the third then got a gift in the fourth when an EL Presidente base runner forgot to tag up and was doubled up at second.

Feeding off that miscue and three more in the field, the Stadium took advantage and scored five more runs in the fourth. Rogers and Russell provided the big RBI hits that put the game away as the Stadium and Acevedo were in control, 11-1.

Knowing that the season was getting away from them El Presidente responded with a rally in the sixth. Miguel Robles delivered the clutch hit when he cleared the bases with a 3-run double making it 11-4. But two fly outs and another base running miscue would end the rally leaving El Presidente with plenty of frustration.

The Stadium scored three of their own in the bottom of the sixth on more errors, walks, and a timely hit by Colon, 14-4.

Chasing ten runs and needing a miracle El Presidente loaded the bases before Acevedo struck out the fourth batter of the inning. With one out, Pascual Franco smacked a single to center that scored Matt Abbott and Eddie Leon, 14-6. The always hustling Pedro Subpervi then reached on an error that led to two more runs and suddenly the Stadium was feeling a little pressure. But Acevedo got a pop out and a routine grounder and the game and series was over.

With the off night for the Red Sox, pitcher Manny del Carmen was in attendance and sat behind home plate for both games. He was very gracious to those who approached him as he signed autographs and posed for photos.

Lilly Senna and Red Sox pitcher, Manny del Carmen

Game 1: L Street Tavern 4 vs Lynx 13
WP: Nick French (1-0) LP: Joe Pillar (0-2) GW RBI: Al Martin

Aug. 7, 2007 - the Lynx scored five runs in the first inning then put it in cruise control while taking the first game of the best of three series. Pitcher Nick French looked sharp and ready for the stretch drive as he struck out four while scattering eight hits.

On the offensive side of things, Toco Soto was the hitting star of the game as he collected five hits while driving in three runs. Eric Hines and Daryl Leland gave the L Street crew something to cheer about in the seventh when both connected for homeruns. Leland's homerun eluded the center fielder (Danny Eckasella) who had his back turned to the play as he was having a friendly chat with the fans gathered in the outfield. I'm sure Eckasella caught some flack from the boys after the game.

Aug. 7, 2007 - the Lynx sweep the series. Details to follow.

Lynx wins series 2-0

Game 1: Brewers 8 vs. Stadium Sports Bar 15
WP: John Gregorio (1-0) LP: Greg D'Antona (2-2) GW RBI: Paul Gurley

Aug. 6, 2007 - after nearly three weeks of waiting around the Stadium finally took the field for their first playoff game of the season. Their opponent in this series is the Brewers, a team that has been playing a lot of softball lately. Unfortunately, the Stadium proved to be too much to handle tonight as they pounded the ball (9 extra base hits) and built a 12-0 lead before the Brewers were able to make the final score respectable with a five run seventh inning.

This was a game of long balls as the Stadium connected for five long ones (Rob Rogers 2, Chris Martin, Javy Lopez, and Paul Gurley) while the Brewers smashed four (Billy Skinner, Greg D'Antona, Dan Brown, and Derrick Smith). However, it was Chris Martin's homerun in the first inning that had the crowd buzzing. Martin's missle was still rising when it struck the pole in left just under the bank of lights. The homerun was a carbon copy of Jimmy Burgio's 1995 homerun off Mark Biele.

Aug. 8, 2007 - pitcher John Gregorio hurled a four hit shutout leading the Stadium Club to a series ending sweep over the Brewers. Gregorio had a great curve ball working tonight as he struck out five while allowing only one base runner to get into scoring position.

Gregorio got plenty of offensive support as the Stadium Club pounded out nineteen hits including five extra base hits. Charlie Conners (3 hits, 2B, HR, 3 RBI) and Rob Rogers (3 hits, 2 2B, HR, 5 RBI) were the hitting stars along with Joey Burke who collected two hits in limited duty.

Stadium Club wins series 2-0

Game 1: Tweeter 7 vs. El Presidente 8
WP: Alberto Perez (1-0) LP: Eric Malerba (1-1) GW RBI: Matt Abbott

Aug. 8, 2007 - El Presidente avoided a game one upset by scoring two runs in the bottom of the sixth to snatch a victory away from Tweeter. Coach Dave Conti and his group of sound technicians silenced the critics as Tweeter kept pace with one of the leagues best teams.

Trailing by a run in the third inning, Tweeter's offense exploded for five runs and chased El Presidente's starting pitcher from the game. Jose Almanzar's 2-run double was the big hit in the inning making it a 7-4 game. However, coach Cliff Ansara's decision to pull his pitcher would loom largely in this one as Tweeter's offense was shutdown the rest of the way.

In the sixth, El Presidente's Raoul Acosta and Enrique Leon led off with singles to left field that put Tweeter back on their heals. Eddie Leon then followed with another single that tied the game, 7-7, and El Presidente was looking for more. But Tweeter's pitcher, Eric Malerba, got Matt Abbott to ground into a double play which turned out to be the turning point of the game. Unfortunately for Tweeter, Enrique Leon scored on the play putting his team ahead by a run, 8-7. Francisco Leon (3 hits, 2 2B, 1 3B) followed with a double before Malerba got the last out of the inning and escaped further damage.

The game moved on to the seventh inning with Alberto Perez working on his fourth inning of relief for El Presidente. Perez (4 IP, 3 hits, 0 runs) proved he was just too much to handle tonight as he retired the side on three ground outs to the second baseman to end the game.

Aug. 8, 2007 - flame throwing Alberto Perez continued to dominate as he scattered six hits while pitching seven strong innings to lead El Presidente over Tweeter in the two game sweep. Perez was throwing a shutout until Joe Cavaleri (2 hits, 2B, 3B) tripled to right that plated Jose Almanzar in the sixth.

Tweeter didn't help themselves or their pitcher, Steve Mills, in this one as they committed seven errors that led to eight runs. Although Mills was the tough luck loser in this one he handled the poor play of his teammates with professionalism - a true team player to the end.

Perez was easily the star of the series - pitching 11 innings, allowing 8 hits, 2 ERuns, and striking out 3 batters. Perez will need to continue to perform at a high level to give El Presidente a shot at taking down the Stadium in the best of five semi-finals.

El Presidente wins series 2-0

Game 1: Boston Beer Garden 3 vs. Sidewalk Cafe 5
WP: George Pratt (1-0) LP: Keith Ziewey (1-1) GW RBI: Bryan Ellsworth

Aug. 9, 2007 - game one of the series became a pitchers duel between George Pratt and Keith Ziewey. After a rocky first inning for both pitchers (5 runs total) they settled down nicely and gave their respective teams several strong innings to get their offenses going.

Pratt was nursing a 3-2 lead into the fourth inning when Sidewalk's bats would give him a few insurance runs to work with. With runners on second and third, Bryan Ellsworth stroked a 2-run single to center field that put Sidewalk up 5-2. Pratt would need those runs as the Beer Garden mounted an attack in the sixth.

Pete Hourihan started the rally with a lead off single to right. Hourihan would score later in the inning on Mark Landolfi's single through the infield making it 5-3. Pratt, the tall right-hander, then got stingy and got out of the jam with three fly ball outs.

Mario Perella gave the Beer Garden one last chance in the seventh when he smacked a one out single to right. But again Pratt was there to snuff out the rally with effective pitching and good overall defensive play by Sidewalk.

Sidewalk's Mark Senna and Bobby Dobay led all hitters with three hits apiece. Matt Keating collected two hits for the Beer Garden.

Aug. 9, 2007 - both teams came out swinging and traded ten runs in a wild first inning of game two, 5-5. The Beer Garden then went ahead 7-5 in the second inning when they took advantage of some poor pitching and got the much needed timely hit. Jon Batchelder and Danny McElaney struck the big blows in the inning for the Beer Garden. The score would remain 7-5 in favor of the Beer Garden until the fifth.

With two outs and a runner on first, Sidewalk would score five runs to take a 10-7 lead and never look back. Bobby Dobay, Mike Smith, Mark Senna, Brian Goodman, and Bryan Ellsworth hit consecutive singles and all scored in the inning that seemed to break the spirit of the Beer Garden.

Now pitching with his second lead, Sidewalk's Mark Senna was not about to let this one slip away. After two tough innings, Senna threw five scoreless frames and limited the Beer Garden attack to just five hits as he cruised to the series clinching victory.

Sidewalk's Brian Goodman showed true grit tonight when he ran into the light pole while hustling for a fly ball in left. Although he suffered a bruised cheek, Goodman stayed in the game and collected two hits and two RBI. On the other side of the diamond, Keith Ziewey was just as gritty as he pitched both games (14 straight innings) for the Beer Garden.

Sidewalk Cafe moves on to face the Lynx in a rematch of last year's finals. The sweep put all four Lucas Division teams into the semi-finals.

Sidewalk Cafe wins series 2-0

July 30, 2007 - after a gut wrenching loss in last year's playoffs the L Street Tavern team had been waiting all year for a shot at redemption. Showing that they belong the boys in blue came out swinging and scored seven runs in the first two innings to jump all over Il Giardino and led 7-1. Josh Ray struck the big blow in the second when he smacked a three run homerun.

Il Giardino showed signs of life in the bottom of the third when Christian Frattassio lined a double to right that resulted in three runs making it 7-4. But L Street's pitcher, Trevor Donelan, wiggled out of another jam later in the inning that kept his team ahead on the scoreboard.

L Street was looking for more runs in the fourth but shortstop, Mark Stagno, made two great plays that ended the rally. To the best of my knowledge Stagno hasn't played much shortstop but easily stood out as the defensive star of the night.

L Street scored a run in the sixth when Jay Duguay knocked in Josh Ray making it 8-4 L Street. But Il Giardino answered in the home half of the inning when Andy Breda tripled home two runs to get his team within a pair at 8-6. Feeling like the game was slipping away L Street put runners on in the seventh but Nick Kleimola silenced the bats with a strikeout and ground out. After a tough start to the game Kleimola settled in nicely allowing only one run through the last five innings.

It was on to the bottom of the seventh inning of a well played game. With two outs and a runner on first base pitcher Trevor Donelan walked Dave Ribeiro to put the tying runs on base. Coach Joe Pillar then made a tough decision and pulled Donelan from the game. The crowd of onlookers questioned the call as Donelan had been pitching well and didn't seem to be laboring. Pillar then fell behind in the count to the first batter and walked him on five pitches to load the bases and add more drama to the game. But the move paid off as Pillar bounced back and fired two strikes to get ahead of the Giardino batter. Then on a 2-2 count Pillar produced a ground out to second base that ended the exciting and well played game. L Street takes a 1-0 lead in the best of three series.

July 30, 2007 - after a ten minute rest between games and Il Giardino facing elimination the two teams took the field for game two of the series. Observers felt they would see plenty of offense in this one and they would not be letdown.

Pillar, who started the game for L Street, pitched himself into a jam in the second inning when he hit the lead off batter then walked the next two he faced. Looking for the big inning, Il Giardino got a 2-run single by Nick Kleimola and scored another run but left the bases loaded.

L Street's offense then picked up Pillar in the second as they quickly went to work against Dave Ribeiro. Erik Dilger had the big hit in the inning as his two run singled tied the game at 3-3.

Pillar then struggled to find the plate in the third and fourth innings and Il Giardino made him pay by scoring six more runs to take a 10-4 lead. They would add three more runs in the fifth before a pitching change was made. Andy Breda and Christian Frattassio had the big hits with each smacking hard RBI doubles making it 13-4. L Street fought back with three of their own in the home half of the inning highlited by Aron Jacobson's 2-run double, 13-7. In the bottom of the fifth, Pillar and Erik Dilger stroked singles that scored three runs and suddenly L Street was right back into the game, 13-10.

But Il Giardino ended any hopes of a comeback in the seventh as they sent fourteen batters to the plate while scoring ten runs, 23-10. Kevin Cronin, Bryan and Marc Cerone struck the big blows in the inning for Il Giardino. Marc's blast cut through the dense fog and struck the top of the fence in left - just missing a homerun. Il Giardino would finish off the game by flashing some leather - Mark Stagno made an over the shoulder (Willie Mays style) catch that could barely be seen because of the fog. Mike Kenny followed that up with a great running catch that nearly had him running through the backstop.

With the series now even (1-1) the deciding game will be played on Friday at 6:30pm and it should be a good one. I'm sure both coaches will have plenty to think about over any lineup changes in the coming days.

Aug. 3, 2007 - the L Street Tavern upset Il Giardino tonight winning the best of three series with a thrilling come from behind victory.

Il Giardino lit up the scoreboard in the bottom of the third inning when they plated twelve runs to take an 18-6 lead. Christian Frattasio struck the loudest blow in the inning when he smashed a grand slam to right field. With the game slipping away L Street's coach, Joe Pillar, pulled himself from the game and brought in game one winner Trevor Donelan.

Trailing and needing base runners, L Street loaded the bases in the top of the fourth before Kleimola retired Donelan for the first out of the inning. However, L Street was not to be denied as the next three hitters followed with RBI singles making it 18-10. Amazingly, seven more runners crossed the plate before Pillar was thrown out attempting to stretch a single into a double ending the inning with Il Giardino clinging to an 18-17 lead.

After allowing a leadoff single to Andy Breda, John Gallagher drilled a Donelan offering up the middle where Brendan Welteroth fielded the ball stepping on second base and firing to first to complete the clutch double play. Welteroth's play turned out to be enormous for L Street as the next hitter, Frattasio, drilled another home run to right putting Giardino up 19-17.

After pitcher Nick Kleimola silenced the L Street bats in the fifth inning Mike Kenny scored another insurance run in the home half of the inning making it 20-17.

The high scoring game moved on to the sixth inning with L Street quickly plating two more runs. However, with two runners on base Kleimola reached down and found a little extra as he was able to get out of the jam by striking out Pillar and Josh Ray to preserve the one run lead, 20-19.

Donelan, who came in relief in the third inning, was breezing through the Il Giardino lineup as he limited them to just two runs over three innings of work. He would have an easy sixth inning as he retired the side in order.

The seventh inning finally arrived and L Street saw themselves staring at a two run deficit. Until this point the boys had refused to go away making great defensive plays and were getting another key pitching performance from Donelan. It would be Donelan who would lead things off in the seventh with a single to left. Eric Hines followed with another single and L Street had the go ahead runners on base with nobody out. Again, Kleimola reached down and retired the next two hitters. The outcome of the series came down to one last batter, Daryl Leland. With his team cheering him on Leland came through big when he stroked a 2-run double to the left center gap putting L Street Tavern ahead, 21-20. The next batter was retired and the game moved onto the bottom of the seventh inning with the heart of Il Giardino's offense due.

Christian Frattasio proved why he is one of M Street's top hitters as he started things off with a single to right. But Donelan got one big out out of the way when he retired Pat Gallagher (team leader in homeruns and RBI) with a fly out to center. With one on and one out Donelan produced two straight infield pop outs to end the game and series. What a game!

L Street Tavern wins series 2-1

July 31, 2007 - in a game where the outcome hung in the balance to the very last pitch was thrown, Tweeter escaped with a 5-4 win in game one of a best of three series.

This game was like a three part story - the first part was Tweeter jumping out to a 5-2 lead through six innings. Jose Almanzar (4th inning homerun) and Joe Cavaleri's 2-run double in the fifth provided the highlites to this point. While Tweeter's offense was flexing it's muscles, part two of the story was unfolding as pitcher Steve Mills was dominating the Murphy's lineup. Mills retired 16 batters in a row while allowing only two runs (unearned) on two hits through six innings of play. Like any good book, the best part is saved for the last chapter and this game was no different.

Trailing 5-2 and with very little offense, Murphy's Leo Greeley lined a hard single to right to lead off the seventh. Mills then got the next batter to fly to center for the first out of the inning. Brian Fromm followed with an infield single that brought the tying run to the plate in Jimmy Glynn. Glynn wasted little time lining a Mills offering back through the box. Mills made an attempt but the ball struck the pitcher's arm and bounced into left field. With the bases now loaded the Murphy players were now standing and encouraging their lead off batter (John Young) to come through with a much needed hit. Young smashed the first strike he saw to center field for a single that scored two runs and suddenly it was a 5-4 game. With runners on first and second Timmy Malley lined a 3-2 pitch just out of the reach of Tweeter's shortstop, Steve Stalcup. Glynn, who was on second, had to wait to see if the ball was going to be caught before he broke for third. On his way to the bag the third base coach gave him the green light and Glynn raced for home. At that point Tweeter's center fielder, Dave Conti, fired the ball home to catcher Neil Schnurbach who made the tag on the sliding Glynn. Out at home! With their number three batter due, Murphy's still had life. But on a 2-2 pitch, Mills threw a sinking fastball that the Murphy hitter couldn't lay off and went down swinging to end the game.

Although his team lost, Mike Curran pitched a great game for Murphy's. Dave Conti was the hitting star of the game - 3 hits. For their efforts, both will receive a gift certificate to Eastern Clothing.

July 31, 2007 - this one started off just like game 1 where both pitchers were the dominating factors. Eric Malerba and Jay Malley tossed three scoreless innings before Murphy's offense broke the game open in the bottom of the fourth inning.

With one out in the books, Malerba got leadoff hitter John Young to hit a lazy pop up to second base. The Tweeter infielder nonchalantly lined up the fly for the easy catch but dropped it for an error. Malerba then got Timmy Malley to line out which should have been the third out. The error would loom largely as Pat Pickup and Ed Yalmokas singled which brought Young home with the games first run. Christian Lynch then stepped in the batters box and made Tweeter pay as he launched a deep drive to right center for a 3-run homerun. Another error, a double (Chico Silva), and single by Sean Dooley led to two more runs and a 6-0 Murphy lead.

The sloppiness seemed to be contagious as Murphy's defense then went out in the fifth and committed their own miscues which led to three unearned runs, 6-3. Tweeter's defense made a few more errors in the sixth that led to three more Murphy runs. Lynch again came through in that inning with a 2-run double, 9-3.

More errors in the sixth and seventh innings led to more unearned runs. By this point, both Malley and Malerba must have been wondering if their fielders suddenly forgot how to play defense.

In the end, Tweeter made a run at catching Murphy's with a four run seventh but fell, 10-9. Hopefully, game three will be played more like the first game (error free) in this series and match the same drama - a one run game.

Yankee cap wearing Steve Stalcup was the defensive star of the night as he made several outstanding plays at shortstop for Tweeter. Stalcup also was the hitting star with four hits including an RBI double in the seventh. Murphy's Christian Lynch led all batters with five RBI.

Aug. 3, 2007 - Tweeter advances to the Quarter-Finals. Story to follow.

Tweeter wins series 2-1

Aug. 1, 2007 - when your pitcher walks 18 batters through four innings of play your chances of winning the game are dramatically decreased. Unfortunately, that's what happened in game 1 of the playoffs for the Greatest Bar as they took it on the chin, 28-8.

The Brewers scored early (2 runs in the first) and often (scored runs in every inning) as this one was pretty much over after the second inning, 14-0 Brewers. Dan Brown paced the attack with 4 hits and 6 RBI. Greg D'Antona picked up his second win of the playoffs throwing six innings and allowing three runs.

Not to take anything away from the Brewers win but it should be noted that this was not the same Greatest Bar lineup that produced a 15-3-1 record this year. They were without their starting or second string pitcher and were also missing coach Kevin Sheppard and his brother Mark.

Aug. 1st & 6th, 2007 - it's amazing how quickly a series can turnaround. After getting their tails kicked in game one, the Greatest Bar rebounded and played well in game two. They got an obvious emotional lift when Kevin and Mark Sheppard sprinted from their cars to the field just before the start of Game 2. It was reported that the two missed the first game as they were attending their grandmothers wake - we are sorry for your loss boys.

Playing with inspiration on their side, the Greatest Bar played like a different team which helped them jumped out to a 6-2 lead after one inning in the books. Kevin Snow struck the big blow in the inning with a bases clearing double. However, the Brewers were not impressed and answered back with 6 runs of their own to start the third and led, 8-6. Again walks led to the runs as the Greatest Bar allowed 5 in the inning.

The see-saw game would move onto the sixth inning tied at 11-11. The Greatest Bar got themselves in trouble when they walked the bases loaded to start the sixth - a certain recipe for disaster. However, a strikeout and a shallow fly later they were an out away from escaping the jam. The Brewers Chris King made sure that wouldn't happen as he lined a double to left that cleared the bases making it 14-11. Two walks later and a bases clearing single by "Rockin" Robin Blatt-Eisengart increased their lead to 17-11. The Greatest Bar's offense couldn't respond and went down 1-2-3 in the sixth. Though they played hard to this point it was not looking good for the Bar boys.

However, they got a lift in the seventh inning when they turned a nice double play to get out of a jam and it was on to their last at bats for the season. With one out Chris Sylvia singled to center and shouted for his team to get it going. Five straight hits and a SAC fly later the game was tied and the Greatest Bar had just completed a great comeback.

The game moved to extra innings and Chris King again put his team ahead with a triple and later scored on a SAC fly by Mike Hourihan, 19-17 Brewers! After consecutive walks by Greg D'Antona (who was pitching his 14th inning) coach Tom Yeo took the ball and walked the next batter to load the bases with nobody out. Yikes! Alex Olsen then made sure his team would continue their season and promptly singled to left that tied the game, 19-19! The Brewers dodged the loss when they intentionally walked Mike Falzone (good move as he had 5 hits) and got the next batter to fly out to center. The game moved on to the ninth inning.

In the ninth, Greg D'Antona doubled off the pitchers arm and later scored on Tom Yeo's single, 20-19 Brewers. They nearly added more in the inning when Dan Brown smacked a line drive to center that was destined for extra bases but Dan Pencinger made the catch to keep it a one run game.

In the bottom of the ninth, the first two Greatest Bar batters were retired on two pitches and it was looking like curtains again. But Mike Boles hit a rocket to left center that went for a double and gave his team life. With the season again hanging in the balance, Andrew Christopher delivered with a clutch single down the left field line scoring Boles from second, 20-20!

At the completion of the inning the game was halted by the commissioner as it was 10:40pm and the lights were minutes away from turning off for the evening. The two teams then shook hands and agreed to pick up the game on Monday at 6:15pm. Great stuff!!

Aug. 6th - after a weekend away from the diamond the two teams returned to the field on Monday evening to try and finally settle this one. Surprisingly, there were no changes or substitutions made with either team. Brett Belcastro returned to the mound for the Greatest Bar and made quick work of the Brewers as he picked up a strikeout while sitting them down 1-2-3. The Brewers workhorse, Greg D'Antona, kept the pace as he set down the order in the bottom of the 10th inning on three ground outs.

It was on to the 11th inning of this marathon playoff game with no end in sight. After a lead off walk to Derrick Smith, Belcastro got the next two batters out. But coach Tom Yeo kept the inning alive with a bloop single to right and suddenly the Brewers were threatening and had the leadoff batter up. Kevin Coyle wasted little time and smashed and 0-1 pitch to left center that scored Smith and Yeo making it 21-19 Brewers. Belcastro struck the next batter out to escape further damage but found his team down by a pair and the season again on the brink.

But the Bar fought back when Mike Falzone doubled off the fence in left to start the inning. Mike Sheppard then followed with a single putting the tying runs on base with nobody out. Kevin Sheppard was then hit by a pitch to load the bases for Belcastro. On a 1-1 offering, Belcastro hammered the ball to left center that scored two runs and tied the game. After an intentional walk, Tony Helinski stepped in and delivered with a clutch single to left finally ending one of the longest games in M Street playoff history.

Aug. 6, 2007 - the Brewers wins series and advance to quarter finals with a game three victory. More details to follow.

Brewers wins series 2-1

Game 1: Isotopes 0 vs. Boston Beer Garden 7
WP: LP: GW RBI: None

Aug. 2, 2007 - the Isotopes could not field a team by game time resulting in a forfeit.

Aug. 2, 2007 - Beer Garden sweeps series...details to follow.

Boston Beer Garden wins series 2-0

Game: Full Tilt 4 vs. Brewers 5
WP: Greg D'Antona (1-0) LP: John Gulino (0-1) GW RBI: Robin Blatt-Eisengart

July 30, 2007 - after a twenty minute delay to the start of the game, Full Tilt and the Brewers quickly got down to business scoring six runs in the first inning. Full Tilt's Dan Constantine got things started with a triple in the first and later scored on Eric Ayer's single, 2-0. But the Brewers answered right back by smacking four doubles (Kevin Coyle, Dan Brown, Robin Blatt-Eisengart and Leon Corey) in the inning that put them ahead, 4-2.

Both pitchers settled down nicely after that first inning as Full Tilt's southpaw John Gulino matched the Brewers lefty Greg D'Antona pitch for pitch. The Brewers threatened to score in the fifth but Full Tilt's left fielder made a great catch to take away a hit from Mike Hourihan.

The game moved on to the bottom of the sixth inning with the Brewers looking for an insurance run or two. Robin Blatt-Eisengart provided that with one swing of the bat as he homered to left making it 5-2. The Brewers were looking for more runs and had runners on the corners but Gulino wiggled out of the jam.

Now trailing by three runs and staring at the end of their season, Full Tilt mustered together one last attack. Jay Egan led off with a bloop single to left and was followed by Gulino reaching base on an error. Jeremy Covino was next and he delivered as he has all season long - Covino smoked a single to right that scored Egan from second. Jason Scarfo then reached on a fielders choice that put runners on the corners with one out. Adding to the drama was a 3-2 count to Dan Constantine that resulted in a walk to load the bases. With the pressure mounting on both sides Full Tilt's Eric Ayers lined a D'Antona offering to left that was snagged by Kevin Coyle. The play went as a SAC fly making it a 5-4 game. D'Antona then got the next batter to pop up to third ending the well played game.

Full Tilt's Jeremy Covino led all hitters with three singles and a RBI. Robin Blatt-Eisengart's double and homerun provided the needed punch for the Brewers.