Clock Tavern 9 - Pat Simpson Club 0

Erik Mercedes...Erik Mercedes...Erik Mercedes...was dominant here in game one tonight. While most of the fanfare was centered around PSC's pitcher, Jimmy Pinkston, it was Mercedes who was the number one star. Inning after inning it was three up and three down. In fact, the Simpson Club didn't get a base runner to second base until the fourth inning and didn't see third base until the sixth.

Opposing him was Pinkston, who wasn't having his best night on the mound but was still shutting out the Sluggers through the first three innings, 0-0. The telltale sign was the fact that Pinkston hadn't struck anyone out and had walked three batters at this point. This coming from a pitcher who averaged a strikeout per inning (74 k's) and had only issued eight free passes all season long (70 innings).

It all came apart for Pinkston and PSC in the top of the fourth inning. With one out and runners on first and second, Clock's tenth batter in the lineup, Nolan Freeman line a double that plated both runners to make it 2-0. Clock wasn't done as they now had the top of the order up. Tad Gold singled home Freeman, 3-0. EJ Martinez walked which brought up Juan Herrera. With Phil Sciretta waiting on deck PSC didn't have a choice - they had to pitch to the power hitting shortstop. Herrera made them pay and sent one deep into the night, 6-0!

That score stood until the top of the seventh when Chris Amate hit a three-run homerun to give Clock and Mercedes more than enough run support, 9-0. Mark Goodman led the way for PSC with two hits.

So many puzzling thoughts about this one - the first being the two pitchers. It was a role reversal that many didn't see coming. The offense - where was PSC's? Clock Tavern - they now have a deadly 3-4 punch with Herrera in front of Sciretta. How does PSC bounce back from getting punched in the nose? Game two is going to be must watch - get your cold drinks and head to M Street Tuesday night.

Erik Mercedes	Juan Herrera	Chris Amate	Mark Goodman

Pat Simpson Club 16 - Clock Tavern Sluggers 4

After getting trounced in game one, the Pat Simpson Club flipped the script here in game two and laid a beat down on the Sluggers to even this best of five final at a game a piece.

The Simpson offense quickly ended all doubt about being shut out again as they put their foot on the gas pedal and plated two runs in the top of the first. Yeiler Peguero (3 hits, HR, 3 runs, 3 RBI) and Brett Carriker (3 hits, HR) were the table setters for Brian Goodman and Albert Tejeda who singled them home, 2-0.

In the top of the second, the Simpson offense extended the lead with a big inning. Danny Settipani singled, Patrick Triggs singled, Mike Bulman (3 hits) singled home a run, Matt Savage doubled home a pair, and then Carriker ripped his homerun to make it 7-0. It was looking like we were in for another playoff rout.

The Clock Tavern offense didn't have an answer as pitcher Jimmy Pinkston was now in front with a comfortable lead. The Simpson offense continued their assault in the third as they loaded the bases with nobody out. At this point, the decision was made to pull starter, Eric Mercedes, who tossed a two-hit shutout in game one. His stuff was good but the balls were finding the holes and the Simpson hitters were not being fooled tonight. Tom Kazanowski was brought in relief and got the three outs but not before all three inherited runners scored, 10-0.

Clock's offense finally responded in the bottom half of the inning when EJ Martinez (2 hits, 3 RBI) and Phil Sciretta drove in runs but it was too little too late, 10-2. It was academic at this point and the two squads were just playing out the innings.

However, the Simpson offense erupted again in the seventh when Peguero hit a three-run homerun to left. The ball that left the park had been beaten (it was mush) but some how the wiry shortstop got enough of it to clear the fence down the left field line. He also made an incredible play at shortstop to take away a sure hit from Jimmy Jankowski in the sixth.

The series is tied and thankfully, the pivotal game three is just a few hours away. Clock will have to turn the page on this one while the Simpson Club will look to continue their assault on the scoreboard. The game will be broadcast live on Facebook - follow the "M Street Softball League" page and look for us around 710pm.

Yeiler Peguero	Brett Carriker	Jimmy Pinkston	EJ Martinez

Clock Tavern Sluggers 4 - Pat Simpson Club 2

After back-to-back one sided games, this third installment of the series was a close contest that featured great pitching, clutch hits, and great defense. It was another M Street Softball playoff classic. Let's get to the action.

After getting lit up in game two, Eric Mercedes bounced right back and was the difference tonight. He started the game off by retiring the first nine Simpson batters - he was cruising. His counterpart, Jimmy Pinkston, was cruising too while giving up a hit here and there but no runs.

Finally, in the top of the fourth inning Clock got a one out single by Chris Amate and then an RBI double by Kyle Desjardins, 1-0. Desjardins wasn't on second long as the next batter, Jack Hocking, homered to deep left center giving Clock Tavern a 3-0 lead. Pinkston then retired the next two batters.

We moved onto the home half of the inning where Matt Savage led off and promptly singled - Simpson's first hit of the game. Yeiler Peguero followed with a booming drive that left the park - 3-2! Peguero is something else - he makes the plays in the field and hit with power. One wouldn't think he has that power as he's not a big strong guy...all bat speed and a great swing.

We saw a scoreless fifth and suddenly this one run game was getting to the late innings. You could feel the stress, the pressure mounting on both clubs. Clock was trying to hold on while the Simpson contingent was urging for more hits.

In the sixth, Chris Amate found the gap in deep left center that went for a one out triple. Kyle Desjardins followed and hit a hard grounder to third that was mishandled allowing Amate to score the fourth run, 4-2.

In the home half of the sixth, Matt Savage came up big for his team again with a one out single. In stepped Peguero who represented the tying run. Eric Mercedes called his catcher (Desjardins) out to the mound for a brief chat. There was some thought about a possible intentional walk but it didn't happen as Mercedes fired the next pitch over for a strike. Two straight balls followed...then Peguero ripped a hard grounder to short, that was cleanly handled by Robb Scott who turned and fired to EJ Martinez at second and onto first for the incredible double play 6-4-3! Both runners (Savage and Peguero) are fast so it had to be a quick turn and it was - this would prove to be the defensive play of the game.

Tad Gold (3 hits, 2 doubles) singled in the seventh but then Pinkston set the side down. We were onto the bottom of the seventh = the Simpson Club's last call. With their 2-3-4 hitters due up, they had to like their chances against Mercedes who on back-to-back nights, could possibly be running out of gas.

Wishful thinking, F7, F8, F8 - the ball game was over and the Clock Tavern Sluggers moved to within a game of taking the championship. Interestingly enough, the home team has yet to win a game in this series. IF this continues, then the Simpson Club will take game four tomorrow and Clock will take game five on Friday. The "Moran Cup" will be at the field, tune in at 8pm (Thursday) to see if it's presented or does Simpson keep the visitor streak alive.

Erik Mercedes	Jack Hocking	Chris Amate	Yeiler Peguero

Pat Simpson Club 2 - Clock Tavern Sluggers 6

Kevin Miller, the longest tenured Clock Tavern/STATS player on the roster, hit a bases loaded two-out single to right center that scored two and proved to be the game winning hit.

Prior to Miller's heroics, the Simpson Club were all fired up and immediately started their assault against pitcher, Chris Pope, in the first inning. Yeiler Peguero singled and then Albert Tejeda homered deep to left-center to make it 2-0 in the top of the first inning. The script was holding true to the previous three games as the visiting team had jumped out to an early lead which led to a victory.

However, tonight would be different as the Clock Tavern did not want to play a game five on Friday and all but promised a victory here in game four. In the bottom of the second, they had the bases loaded with one out and Robb Scott at the plate. Scott sent a fly ball to left that was deep enough to score Kyle Desjardins (3 hits), 2-1. Nolan Freeman drew a walk which brought up Miller who delivered the go ahead hit, 3-2.

Clock had their lead but their was so much softball to be played. Chris Pope, who was making only his second start in the playoffs, had settled down and retired seven in a row since giving up the homerun. His teammates gave him more run support when Tad Gold singled to start the third and Juan Herrera followed with a booming two-run homerun to left, 5-2.

With the Simpson Club yelling for their guys to hit, Pope calmly walked to the mound to start the top of the fourth. He got Peguero to ground out and for a brief moment, PSC seemed defadeflatedwever, Mark Goodman got them excited again when he doubled to deep left. It didn't faze Pope as he was locked in - fly ball and a ground out later and we were onto the bottom of the fourth.

PSC's pitcher, Jimmy Pinkston, gave up a couple of singles which led to Mike Garland warming up but he got out of it and we were heading to the fifth.

Pat Dolbeare singled but was erased on a fielder's choice as the PSC batter's were having a difficult time figuring out what Pope was going to throw. He had a sweeping curve working, a low knuckleball, a slow riser...he was throwing everything at the batters.

In the bottom of the fifth, with two outs in the book, Chris Amate singled. Desjardins collected his third hit of tthegame moving Amate up to third base. Again, the PSC coach, Shawn Feeley, began kicking at the dirt and giving a lot of thought to pulling his starter. He stayed with him and the move backfired as Phil Sciretta singled home Amate making it 6-2. It was only a four run game but it felt like ten - that's how good Pope was pitching and how good the Clock defense was playing.

It was now getting late and the Simpson Club put a couple of runners on in the sixth with one out but Pope produced to consecutive routine fly ball outs. After all their playoff attempts that came up just short, the M Street championship was right there within their grasp.

In the top of the seventh, PSC had the heart (3-4-5) of their order due up. Clock Tavern's coach, Tom Kazanowski, didn't think twice about warming up his ace pitcher, Eric Mercedes, just in case things went wrong here in the seventh. Pope took the mound and Mercedes and several others stood in the bench area watching and cheering on their teammates.

Brian Goodman stepped into the box and fouled off two pitches and was down in the count. The next offering was inside but too close to take so he put a bat on it and grounded towards tthird baseman Chris Amate, who picked it up and fired to Robb Scott for the first out. The Simpson sideline was quiet as they could see their hopes slipping away. Albert Tejeda, who homered in the first and grounded out in the fourth, was next up and he jumped at the first strike he saw and lined out to Amate at third base - two outs. Miguel Dupree was PSC's last chance - on a 2-1 count, Dupree hit a sharp grounder at shortstop, Juan Herrera, who fielded it cleanly and fired a strike to Scott for the series ending out. Clock Tavern rushed to the field and began celebrating a most impressive playoff run. The coaching decisions made by Tom Kazanowski to pitch Pope in this game proved to be the difference as he was dominant. Actually, Kazanowski made several decisions, including sitting himself, all for the betterment of his team's chances.

Later, the team gathered in front of the mound for the presentation of the "Moran Cup." Before the trophy was handed over, the league announced that pitcher, Eric Mercedes, who was 6-1 in the playoffs, was named the MVP. Well deserved!

The team celebrated briefly on the M Street diamond and then took the trophy and party to the Clock Tavern where the drinks and toasts continued late into the night. Finally, the "Moran Cup" made it to the Cape on Friday for long time teammate, Eric Thomas' wedding. It was a big hit to say the least.

Chris Pope	Tom Kazanowski	Kevin Miller	Kyle Desjardins

Stew Jays 0 - Pat Simpson Club 7

Jimmy Pinkston tossed seven shutout innings while striking out six Stew Jays as the Simpson Club cruises to an easy 7-0 victory here in game one of their best of five semi final series.

The Simpson Club scored two runs in the bottom of the first on Yeiler Peguero's triple, Albert Tejeda's RBI single, and Miguel Dupree's RBI double - it turns out that would be all the runs they would need in this one.

Danny Settipani led all batters with three hits but the story here tonight was Pinkston's dominance. The Stew Jays managed to get a runner on third in the top of the first but that would be the closest they would come to scoring a run. It was pretty much, two outs, a single, then a third out inning after inning.

For what it's worth, the Stew Jays decided to bat thirteen players tonight. Granted the thirteen are all good hitters and had a good season at the plate. I guess in game one you can roll everyone out there to see if someone can rise to the top and get hot at the plate. However, moving forward they will need to give their top hitters (Gino Fordiani, Max Troiani, Charles Hopkins, Ronnie Orie) more at bats against Pinkston or this is going to be a very short series. Just an observation from afar.

Jimmy Pinkston	Danny Settipani	Albert Tejeda

Pat Simpson Club 10 - Stew Jays 3

Pat Dolbeare got the scoring started for PSC when he lined a two-run homerun to right center in the top of the first. The Simpson Club added a pair of runs in the third and scored four more in the fourth to make it 8-0. Jimmy Pinkston (3 hits, 4 RBI) clubbed a two-run homerun in the fourth inning rally.

That was more than enough run support for Pinkston as he was his usual dominating self on the mound - allowing just six hit while tossing five scoreless innings. PSC rolls to another easy victory here in game two of the Moran semi-finals, 10-3.

Right now this appears to be two teams playing on two different levels - some thought the youth of the Stew Jays would be a positive factor but that hasn't been the case. They have been outscored 17-3 and will need a dramatic turnaround in game three to get back into this series. I'm told that morale is still high and they believe in their team.

Jimmy Pinkston	Yelir Peguero	Pat Dolbeare

Stew Jays 7 - Pat Simpson Club 8

Yelir Peguero was 0-3 on the night but came up clutch when they needed him most as he delivered the series ending hit in the bottom of the seventh inning to give the Pat Simpson Club a dramatic come from behind victory here in game three.

Long before Peguero's hit the Stew Jays were riding high behind a six run second inning that chased starting pitcher, Mike Garland. In the uprising, the Jays had two outs and two runners on base when Joe Smith tripled them both home, 3-0. Ronnie Orie followed with a single making it 4-0. Gino Fordiani followed with a homerun to deep left, 6-0. Max Troiani followed with another long ball to deep center and that was it for Garland, 7-0 Jays!

However, it was still early in the game and when PSC's bullpen door swung open in rode the White Knight, Jimmy Pinkston. What followed next is the stuff of folklore - Pinkston tossed five straight scoreless innings which gave his club ample time to get back into the game.

Brett Carriker (2 hits, 3 RBI) quickly got two runs back when he doubled home Miguel Dupree and Stiben Sanchez (3 hits), 7-2. Patrick Triggs singled home Carriker later in the bottom of the fifth to make it 7-3.

The game moved to the latter stages and the Stew Jays were close to victory but the pressure on them was mounting as they were trying to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Brian Goodman led the bottom of the sixth off with a double and scored when Albert Tejeda launched one onto First Street, 7-5. Oh boy! Dupree singled, Pat Dolbeare singled, Sanchez singled to load the bases with nobody out. It was slipping away and the Jays were in deep trouble. Carriker made it 7-6 when he hit a sacrifice fly to center with the runners advancing on the fly out. Mike Lush tied it when he followed suit, 7-7! Pitcher Brian Pacheco escaped further damage as he got another fly out to retire the side.

The game moved to the seventh where Pinkston would complete his fifth straight scoreless inning and then Peguero would double home Matt Savage with the series winning run. The Pat Simpson Club is back in the finals.

Jimmy Pinkston	Brett Carriker	Stiben Sanchez

La Familia 2 - Clock Tavern 6

Defense and pitching were on display here in game one tonight as the Clock Tavern rode seven strong innings from Eric Mercedes to a 6-2 victory.

It wasn't easy though as La Familia twice had the lead in the early innings. Jose RRodriguezdoubled home Nairo Mejia in the first to make it 1-0 and then Junior Tejeda (3 hits) scored in the second to give tie the game, 2-2.

Clock struck back in the bottom of the third when they loaded the bases with two outs. Chris Amate found the gap for a two-run double scoring Phil Sciretta (3 hits, 2 2B) and Kyle Desjardins. Jack Hocking then drove home the third run of the inning making it 5-2. EJ Martinez (2 hits, 2BB, HR) launched a homerun in the fifth to make it 6-2.

From there it was all Mercedes as he was a man in control - limited the power hits against (one double), didn't walk many (2), stayed away from the big innings (5 scoreless), and got great defense (no errors) behind him. One would expect to see more offense from both clubs in game two.

Eric Mercedes	Phil Sciretta	Junior Tejeda	EJ Martinez

Clock Tavern 19 - La Familia 6

La Familia scored first and led 1-0 after one inning of play before it all imploded on them here in game two. Kyle Dejardins got the rally started in the second when he led off with a booming homerun to left, 1-1. The next four batters reached by walk or hit before La Familia's defense could get an out. Another walk followed to Tad Gold (4 hits, 3 runs), RBI single by EJ Martinez, another RBI single by Juan Herrera (4 hits, 4 RBI), another RBI by Phil Sciretta, a walk, a two-run single by Jack Hocking and Clock was well out in front, 9-1.

The onslaught continued in the third when Clock batted around the order, again...Herrera cleared the bases with a triple and Sciretta doubled him home. Five more runs came across the plate and this one quickly got away from La Familia. For a semi-final series that was expected to be tightly contested, this one isn't living up to it at all. Clock Tavern is dominating and showing that they are the superior team that is on a mission to get to the Moran division finals.

Junior Tejeda (3 hits, 3 runs) and Jason Brewer (2 doubles) were the lone bright stars for the beleaguered La Familia squad. The team will need to regroup and get an excellent start from their star pitcher, Juan Santana, in order to climb back into this series.

Tad Gold	Juan Herrera	Junior Tejeda	Eric Mercedes

La Familia 8 - Clock Tavern 1

Pitcher Juan Santana threw six scoreless innings in a must win game for La Familia as they win game three to fight another day.

La Familia's Freymar Pena doubled home two unearned runs in the top of the first inning which set the tone early on. Angel Mejia ripped a two-run homerun over the fence in left in the top of the third to make it 5-0 and with the way Santana was throwing, the game already seemed out of reach.

The Sluggers finally got on the board in the bottom of the fifth when Phil Sciretta singled home Conor Ressell who had walked, 5-1.

However, if that lone run had given Clock hope, then it was taken away an inning later. Juan Santana helped himself with a two-run homerun which gave La Familia a 8-1 lead.

The righty then took the mound to pitch the bottom of the sixth and struck out the side. He was on top of his game and wasn't going to be beaten on this night. Ariel Matos had two hits for La Familia while EJ Martinez led Clock's offense by reaching base three times (all walks).

The teams will square off in game four tomorrow night (8:45) which should be a great game.

Juan Santana	Angel Mejia	Ariel Matos	EJ Martinez

Clock Tavern 8 - La Familia 4

With two on and nobody out, Slugger Juan Herrera hit a three-run homerun to open the scoring in the top of the first inning and the Clock Tavern never looked back here in game four.

Herrera (3 hits, 2 HR, 4 RBI) would go deep again in the fifth as La Familia and pitcher, Juan Santana, couldn't find a way to get the big man out. The Sluggers got all of their offense from the top four hitters tonight as Tad Gold, EJ Martinez, Herrera, and Phil Sciretta (2 hits, HR, BB) scored all eight runs.

While the offense was producing runs, pitcher Erik Mercedes was sharp and didn't allow La Familia to get back into the game. I would like to tell you more about the game in this space but I don't have La Familia's scoresheet.

Clock Tavern advances to the finals to face the Pat Simpson Club who are led by pitcher, Jimmy Pinkston. Clock was there last season too but fell to Lincoln in three straight games - a series they would like to forget about. For them to have a chance in this one they will need Mercedes to have his best stuff and the Clock hitters will need to figure out how to consistently put the barrel on the ball against Pinkston. The Simpson Club hasn't played since last Thursday so game one could be Clock's best chance.

Juan Herrera	Erik Mercedes	Phil Sciretta

Ochoa Brew Crew 5 - La Familia 9

A game that started on August 1st was finally completed 19 days later as La Familia upended the Brew Crew and will move on to play the Clock Tavern Sluggers in the semi finals. The game was initially eighthed when La Familia didn't have enough players to field a team. Eventually, their eigth player showed up and the game started. Due to the late start, the lights went on before the game was completed. At the time, the Brew Crew led 10-7 heading into the bottom of the seventh.

Prior to the restart, the Brew Crew inquired with the league about the rules with teams playing with eight players. Teams can play with eight players but must take the automatic outs in the 9th and 10th batting positions. The coach told the league that they asked the umpire what the rule was and got the wrong information. Furthermore, the umpire didn't penalize La Familia the two outs during the six innings played. The Brew Crew protested and eventually lost 13-10 when the game resumed. Because the league rule wasn't followed by the umpire, we had to turn the game back to the point where the league rule was broken - bottom of the second inning with the Brew Crew ahead 3-1.

On the restart, La Familia quickly pounced when Vladi Camacho singled home Frankie Reyes and Ruben Baez, 3-3. Junior Tejeda singled and then Freymar Pena (3 hits, 5 RBI) smoked a three-run home run over the fence in left and La Familia was ahead to stay, 6-3.

Juan Santana brought his best stuff in this one as he limited the Crew attack to just three hits while striking out five. Santana will need to bring his best against the talented Clock Tavern squad in a best of five semi-final series that starts on Wednesday.

Freymar Pena	Juan Santana	Jason Brewer	Junior Tejeda

Game 2: Monday, Aug. 12 @ 830 

La Familia 10 - Brew Crew 7

La Familia scored four runs in the top of the first and got clutch offensive performances from Eddie Rosario (4 hits), Ariel Matos (4 hits), Jason Brewer (3 hits), Angel Mejia (3 hits, HR), and Juan Santana (3 hits, HR) which was enough to outlast the Brew Crew here in game one, 10-7.

On the mound, Juan Santana pitched well enough to earn the victory but once again struggled with control as he allowed eleven walks. Only four of those free bases came around to score but this will change for sure in the next round IF La Familia and Santana advance. On the flip side, Glen Parsons didn't allow any walks but gave up twenty hits - far too many for a playoff game.

The Brew Crew got a home run from slugger Jake Farrell (2 hits, 2 BB, 2 runs) in the first but then Santana was careful with him the rest of the way - walking him twice and allowing a single. They will need more from Farrell, Parsons and the rest of the Crew when the series resumes on Monday.

Angel Mejia	Juan Santana	Jake Farrell	Eddie Rosario

Telegraph Hill 4 - Clock Tavern Sluggers 8

After an eventful and high scoring first inning, the Clock Tavern Sluggers got back to what they do best and that's play great defense behind strong pitching. Their counterpart, Telegraph Hill, is built the same way which makes this an intriguing pairing.

Telegraph opened the scoring in the first inning after Tom Kazanowski allowed three straight walks (uncharacteristically). Those walks turned to runs on RBI hits by Luke Serra and Matt Barnes. However, the lead didn't last long as the Sluggers responded in the bottom half of the inning with four runs of their own, 4-3. Phil Sciretta hit a three-run home run and Jack Hocking drove home Kyle Desjardins.

An inning later, the Sluggers added a pair of runs when Tad Gold (2 triples, double) tripled home a run and later scored, 6-3. Gold tripled home another run in the fourth to make it, 7-3. While Gold and the Sluggers offense were hitting their stride, Kazanowski (6 hits allowed, 5 scoreless innings) had found his groove on the mound and wad shutting down the Hill's offense.

Telegraph finally put another run on the board in the seventh but it was too little too late, 8-4. They will need another great effort from pitcher Mike Araujo and play their best softball of the season in a must win game two.

Tad Gold	Phil Sciretta	Tom Kazanowski	Mike Araujo

Game 2: Monday, Aug. 12 @ 730 

Clock Tavern Sluggers 15 - Telegraph Hill 2

Looking to punch their ticket into the Moran Semi-Finals, the Clock Tavern Sluggers scored seven runs in the top of the second inning and then rode the arm of pitcher, Eric Mercedes to series clinching victory.

With a run already in and the bases loaded, Tad Gold singled home a pair and then scored on Juan Herrera's (3 hits, 2 RBI) double, 5-0. Phil Sciretta then followed with a homerun and the Sluggers were feeling good about their chances.

Meanwhile, it wasn't going Telegraph's way as they couldn't get any offense mounted against Mercedes. Mike Araujo finally broke through in the bottom of the fifth with a solo homerun but by then it was 12-1.

It was a sudden and rough end to what was a very good season for the Telegraph (11-5) squad. Clock Tavern will now wait for the other series to conclude to find out who their next opponent will be.

Erik Mercedes	Juan Herrera	EJ Martinez

Loco Stew Jays 10 - Lincoln Tavern 6

With the Stew Jays clinging onto a one run lead, Joe Smith lined a three run homerun in the top of the seventh to cement the Jays impressive game one victory. Pitcher, Brian Pacheco threw four scoreless innings and got hurt in a fifth inning collision while covering second base. He stayed in the game and secured the victory but his availability for game two remains in question.

This was a tight one all the way through...3-3 after the first inning and 5-5 after the fifth. Ronnie Orie (3 hits), and Gino Fordiani (3 hits, 2B, 3B) paced the Jays attack while Jeff While (2 hits, 2 RBI) led the way for Lincoln.

The two time defending champions have their backs against the wall and will need two straight wins to advance. It's a position they have been in before and everyone can expect a great effort in game two.

Brian Pacheco	Gino Fordiani	Ronnie Orie

Game 2: Tuesday, Aug. 13 @ 715 

Stew Jays 16 - Lincoln Tavern 4

The three-time defending champion and number two seed of the playoffs, Lincoln Tavern, were knocked out by the Stew Jays tonight in spectacular fashion. Perhaps it was the time off between the season ending and the playoffs starting or the time between games, whatever the case may be the champs never got on track against this young and very talented Stew Jays squad.

After retiring the side in the top of the first, the Jays quickly pounced on the champs and then never took their foot off the gas pedal. Max Troiani (HR, 3 RBI) sent a ball over the fence in left for three runs and the Jays were ahead to stay. They scored four more runs in the second on RBI hits by Charles Auditore (2 hits, 2 RBI) and Jacob Pierce (2 hits, 3 RBI), 8-0.

Realizing the game and season was slipping away, the champs answered in the top of the third when Taylor Ferguson (2 hits, 3 RBI) hit a three-run home run making it 8-3. However, they couldn't get a stop in the bottom of the inning as Joe Smith countered with a two-run blast, 10-3.

Pitcher Brian Pacheco retired the side in the fourth and then took a seat at the end of the bench to see if his offense had anything left to give. The bottom of the order loaded the bases with nobody out which chased Lincoln's starting pitcher, Gerry Sarro. The Jays continued to hammer away as Ronnie Orie, Gino Fordiani, Troiani, and Chris Hopkins all drove in runs in a six run uprising that put the champs on life support, 16-3.

Needing at least two runs to avoid the mercy rule and keep the game going, Ferguson singled and Drew Blake singled. However, Pacheco then got a ground out and a sacrifice fly and Lincoln was down to their last out. The task was too tall on this night as Pacheco produced another infield ground out and that was it - series over!

Brian Pacheco	Max Troiani	Jacob Pierce	Taylor Ferguson

Publico 3 - Pat Simpson Club 15

After having to wait almost a month to play their first playoff game, one would think the Simpson Club might be a little rusty. However, if you followed the team closely then you would know that this team is active on the softball circuit and has been playing in tournaments and meaningful games while they waited. With that said, it didn't take them long to get it all going here tonight.

The offense was ignited in the first inning when Brian Goodman put PSC on top with a double and later scored on Brett Carriker's bases loaded walk, 2-1. After a scoreless second inning, Publico took a 3-2 lead on a two-run double by Alberto Vasquez. The lead didn't last long as PSC played long ball in the home half of the third when Pat Dolbeare (2 hits, 3 RBI) and Stiben Sanchez (2 hits, 2 RBI) went deep, 5-3.

For a moment, it was looking like Publico was going to have enough to match PSC's firepower but that thought would quickly change. After pitcher Jimmy Pinkston tossed a scoreless fourth inning, the Simpson Club's offense erupted in the home half.

Yelir Peguero led off with a homerun over the left field fence, 6-3. Then a run of doubles took place that we haven't seen in some time - Goodman, Miguel Dupree, Sanchez, and Danny Settipani each doubled and scored. Matt Savage (3 hits, 3 RBI) added his third hit of the night and by the end of the inning, PSC had plated ten runs and were now well out in front, 15-3.

The demoralized Publico squad took their cuts in the top of the fifth but Pinkston retired the side on three straight fly ball outs. Game one was in the books and the two teams wouldn't have much time to think about it either as they would be back at it in less than 24 hours.

Jimmy Pinkston	Matt Savage	Pat Dolbeare

Game 2: Wednesday, Aug. 14 @ 630

Pat Simpson Club 9 - Publico 5

The Simpson Club relied on the strong pitching of Mike Garland (5 shutout innings) while their offense struggled to get on track. Granted, they did get solo home runs from Stiben Sanchez, Yelir Peguero, and Pat Dolbeare but after five innings it was only 4-0.

Publico's offense was no better as they couldn't solve Garland as he allowed just three hits through five innings of play. Finally, PSC doubled their lead in the top of the sixth when Mike Bulman (4 hits), Miguel Dupree, Dolbeare, and Sanchez each drove a run in which seemed to put the game out of reach.

However, Publico took advantage of a pitching change as they jumped all over the reliever. AFter a leadoff single to Terrance Doonan, Nick Slevoski went deep and Publico was finally on the scoreboard, 8-2. They weren't done - with two outs and two runners on base, Chase Pratt found the gap and cut the lead to 8-5. Suddenly, there was life!

Danny Settipani got one run back for Simpson when he hit a sacrifice fly that scored Pegeuro, 9-5. In the bottom of the seventh, Publico had the table set as the first two hitters reached base but then Jimmy Pinkston got the next three batters and that was the game and series.

The Simpson Club will now take on the Loco Stew Jays who just finished knocking out the defending champs, Lincoln Tavern. This semi-final series is a best of five that is scheduled to play Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday next week. It should be a good one.

Mike Garland	Mike Bulman	Chase Pratt

Shamrock Pub 1 - Clock Tavern Sluggers 15

Pitcher Chris Pope tossed five inning of three hit ball as the Sluggers took out Shamrock Pub, 15-1 here in game one of their best of three series. Tad Gold (2B, HR, 3 RBI) and Kevin Miller (2 hits, 3 RBI) paced the offense for the Sluggers, who will look to complete the sweep on Thursday. On the other side, Shamrock has dropped eight in row and we're told that team morale is at an all time low.

Chris Pope	Tad Gold	Kevin Miller

Game 2: Thursday, Jul. 25 @ 9pm

Clock Tavern 21 - Shamrock Pub 13

The Clock Tavern Sluggers opened up a 17-1 lead before the Shamrock Pub climbed back in and made the game somewhat interesting. Kyle Desjardins, Kevin Miller (3 hits, HR, 3 RBI), and Phil Sciretta (3 hits, HR, 5 runs) each went deep for Clock.

Shamrock made a pitching change in the fourth and gave the ball to Jimmy Crowther who hadn't thrown a pitch from the mound all season long. Crowther held his own throwing a scoreless fourth and kept the Clock's offense quiet the rest of the way. During that time, Shamrock scored five in the fourth and four more runs in the sixth to get within striking distance. But that would be as close as it got as Clock Tavern Sluggers sweep the series and move on to the next round.

Kevin Miller	Phil Sciretta	Jimmy Crowther

Sluggers win series 2-0

Ballers 4 - La Familia 12

After a scoreless first inning, Ryan McGloin put the Ballers in front with a towering homerun to deep center field. Unfortunately for the Ballers, that would be their last lead as La Familia answered with a Juan Santana two-run homerun in the bottom of the second. Angel Mejia (4 RBI) homered in the third and again in the fifth as La Familia takes game one, 9-4. Jimmy McGrath (2 hits) led the Ballers who will try to bounce back in game two.

Juan Santana	Angel Mejia	Jimmy McGrath

Game 2: Wednesday, Jul. 24 @ 6pm

La Familia 9 - Ballers 5

With the score tied 3-3 in the top of the fifth, La Familia's top of the order went to work by reaching with four straight hits that led to five runs and eventually was the difference in this game. Junior Tejeda (3 hits, 2B) and Freymar Pena (HR) had the clutch hits in the inning while Jason Brewer (3 hits) contributed to the cause. With the score now 9-3, La Familia's pitcher Juan Santana kept the Baller's offense in check while giving up solo runs in the sixth and seventh innings. Jimmy Butler (3 hits, HR) and Ryan McGloin (2 hits, 3B) paced the Ballers who's season comes to a disappointing end.

Junior Tejeda	Jason Brewer	Jimmy Butler	Ryan McGloin

La Familia wins series 2-0

Playwright 18 - Ochoa Brew Crew 20

The Brew Crew built an early 7-1 lead only to watch the Playwright erase it with four runs in the third and four more runs in the fourth, 9-7. In the high scoring fifth inning, both team's offenses erupted for sixteen runs as the Playwright were matching the higher seed Brew Crew stride for stride, 17-15. However, the Brew Crew's Jake Farrell tied it up with a two run home run in the bottom of the sixth, 17-17. Two outs later, Will Smith went deep and the Crew were back on top. They would add two more runs and carry a 20-17 lead into the seventh. The Playwright had the top of the order up but could only scratch across a run and feel, 20-18. If this was any indication of what's to come, then we are in for a long grinding series.

Dave Milano (2B, 6 RBI) and Derek Curley (3 hits, 3 runs) led the Brew Crew while Chris Mancini (3 hits, 2B, 3B) and Tim Naser (3 hits) led the Playwright.

Dave Milano	Chris Mancini	Derek Curley	Tim Naser

Game 2: Thursday, Jul. 25 @ 7:30 Ochoa Brew Crew 14 - Playwright 17

After a scoreless first inning, we saw an eruption of hits and runs in the second inning from bot teams. The Brew Crew batted around the order while scoring eight runs. Playwright, sensing their season was getting away from them, responded with six runs of their own. Sean Higgins and Dan Rosen went deep in the third and just like that, the Playwright were on top 9-8.

Sean Clarke (3 hits, 2HR, 8 RBI) belted a two-run homerun in the bottom of the fourth and the Playwright were feeling good. However, Dan Metzdorph responded for the Brew Crew in the top of the fifth when he connected and sent a three-run homerun over the fence in left, 11-11! The Crew then added three more runs in the sixth and were six outs away from advancing to the second round, 14-11.

In the bottom of the sixth, an infield error helped load the bases with one out for the Playwright. Chris Mancini drew a walk to make it 14-12. Sean Clarke then hit a dramatic grand slam to put the Playwright back in front, 16-14! Pete Franchi followed with another long ball over the fence, 17-14. Sean Higgins then retired the side in the seventh and that was it - the series is tied with the deciding game set for Tuesday. Don't miss it!

Sean Clarke	Sean Higgins	Dan Metzdorph

Playwright 6 - Ochoa Brew Crew 19

The Brew Crew finished in fifth place but were having difficulties putting the pesky Playwright squad away, until tonight. The Brew Crew launched seven home runs while pounding out twenty-one hits on their way to an easy 19-6 game three victory.

This one wasn't close as Ochoa scored four in the first, six in the second, four in the fourth, and five in the fifth to end it early. Kyle White (4 hits, 3 runs), Ryan Farrell (2 HR), Dan Metzdorph (4 hits, 2 HR, 5 RBI), and Will Smith (3 hits, HR) did the majority of the damage. Playwright's offense managed to put up sixteen hits but most of them were singles and many of them came with two outs.

The stakes get higher for the Brew Crew as they will now face the 4th seed, La Familia, in a best of three series starting this Thursday night.

Ryan Farrell	Dan Metzdorph	Will Smith

Ochoa Brew Crew wins series 2-1

Sam Adams 9 - Telegraph Hill 10

The Sam Adams squad built a 6-0 lead only to see Telegraph rally late in the game and steal game one, 10-9. With the score 3-0 and their pitcher, Marcello Cunha hanging zeroes on the scoreboard, Sam Adams got back-to-back home runs from Chris Rupp (2 HR, 5 RBI) and Ryan Tettemeyer to increase their lead to 6-0 in the fifth.

Sensing the game was getting away, Telegraph's offense responded in the home half of the inning when Derek Bauer (3 hits, HR, 5 RBI) launched a three-run home run and Jamie Breed later doubled home a pair, 6-5. Telegraph scored four more runs in the bottom of the sixth on RBI hits by Bauer, Matt Casieri, and Scott Howard, 10-6.

It was last call in the seventh and Sam Adams responded all coming with two outs. Zach Barnhart (3 hits, 3 runs) singled, John Rumney walked, and then Chris Rupp hit his second home run of the game to make it 10-9. Pitcher Mike Araujo and Telegraph survived the inning by getting the final out on an infield fly. Great game!

Derek Bauer	Chris Rupp	Zach Barnhart

Game 2: Wednesday, Jul. 24 @ 7:30

Telegraph Hill 14 - Sam Adams 11

Telegraph Hill built a comfortable 10-3 lead before all hell broke loose in a wild seventh inning. Derek Bauer (2 HR, 6 RBI) and Matt Doyle (3 hits) had clutch hits to help build the lead. Scott Howard doubled home a pair of runs and later scored to make it 14-3. Sam Adams had three outs left in their season and they made the best of them. They loaded the bases for Cam Perry who singled home a pair of runs, 14-5. They loaded the bases again and scored another run when John Rumney drew a bases loaded walk, 14-6. Chris Rupp followed with another RBI walk, 14-7. Then it got really interesting when Ryan Tettemeyer ripped one in the gap for a grand slam, 14-11! However, that would be as close as they would get as Telegraph recovered and retired the next three batters for the series clinching win.

Matt Doyle	Derek Bauer	Timmy Benson

Telegraph Hill wins series 2-0

Chemist Cocktail Club 11 - Stew Jays 21

The Loco Stew Jays' offense erupted in the bottom of the sixth when they scored ten runs to break away from the Chemist Cocktail Club and win, 21-11. The Jays collected twenty hits while plating twenty-one runs. Every player in the lineup had a hit but Liam Sears (4 hits, 2B, HR, 6 RBI), Jacob Pierce (3 hits), and Max Troiani (3 hits) were the main run produces in this one. Bennett Coe (4 hits, 2B, HR) led Chemist, who were forced to use a pitcher that hadn't thrown from the mound once this season.

Liam Sears	Bennett Coe	Jacob Pierce	Max Troiani

Game 2: Tuesday, Jul. 23 @ 9pm

Loco Stew Jays 21 - Chemist Cocktail Club 5

The Loco Stew Jays flexed their muscles and hit their way into the next round of the playoffs tonight when they dismantled the Chemist Cocktail Club, 21-5. Chemist made it very easy for the Jays as they committed nine fielding errors leading to ten unearned runs being scored. Brian Pacheco didn't allow an earned run while picking up his second playoff win on the mound while Brandon Grover collected 5 RBI in the winning cause. The Stew Jays advance to the next round where they will likely face the two-time defending champion, Lincoln Tavern.

Brian Pacheco	Brandon Grover	John Lastoria

Loco Stew Jays wins series 2-0

Publico 6 - Fat Baby 4

In a tensely played game, Publico scored three runs in the top of the second inning and then rode the pitching arm of Alberto Vasquez to victory here in game one. Terrance Doonan's (2 hits, 3 RBI) bases loaded single in the third put Publico ahead to stay. They added another run in the fourth on a Ramirez homerun making it 4-2. With the outcome very much up in the air, Vasquez then tossed four straight scoreless innings (3rd-6th). During that time Publico added a run in the fourth and another in the sixth, 6-2.

It all came down to the seventh where closing games seems to be Publico's achilles heal. Once again they ran into trouble - Chris Fray (2 hits, HR) and Scott Hayward (3 hits) both reached and scored making it 6-4. With the tying runners on base, Vasquez and Publico reset and got the last three outs to secure the win. Game two should be a beauty!

Alberto Vasquez	Terrance Doonan	Scott Hayward

Game 2: Wednesday, Jul. 31 @ 730

Fat Baby 11 - Publico 8

Scott Hayward hit a first inning grand slam and then Greg Bosse threw seven strong innings (0 earned runs) as Fat Baby kept their season alive with a 11-8 victory over Publico here in game two. It wasn't easy though as Fat Baby committed several untimely errors which kept Publico hanging around until the very end.

Mike Dodokian responded for Publico in the bottom of the second with a grand slam making it 5-4 Fat Baby. Cam O'Brien responded with a long ball in the third and then Fat Baby plated four more runs in the top of the fourth. Publico again answered with a pair of runs making it 10-6. After a scoreless fifth inning we moved into the later stages of the game.

Kyle Cheever made it 11-6 when he hit a RBI single in the sixth. Greg Bosse then threw another scoreless inning (4) in the bottom of the sixth. It was last call for Publico and it had the makings of a big inning. An error, single, and a walk brought the top of the order up. Paul Iasiello drew a bases loaded walk to make it 11-7. Another walk to Dodokian made it 11-8 but then Bosse got three outs (L6, 6-4-3) and that was the ball game.

Greg Bosse	Scott Hayward	Mike Dodokian

Publico 26 - Fat Baby 12

Defense does win championships and a lack of defense will cost you a playoff game while puting an end to your season. That's what took place here tonight - not to take anything away from Publico as they got the hits (28) and pitching when needed but Fat Baby's errors were the story. Here's a stat for you, their pitcher, Greg Bosse, threw six innings while giving up 27 runs! Yes, 27...sounds like they hit him all over the park. However, only four of those runs were earned and they came in the last inning when the game was already well out of reach. The errors came from all over too (E5, E7, E10, E4, E6) and it's got to be frustrating for the group.

This one got away from Fat Baby quickly as they gave up nine runs in the top of the third and it just snowballed from there. Chase Pratt (4 hits, HR, 5 RBI) and Jose Vasquez (4 hits, 3 RBI) were the hot hitters for Publico. Alberto Vasquez, who walked the first four Fat Baby batters (all scored), settled down and pitched effectively enough to earn the win.

Although they won the series and will move on in the playoffs, the victory puts them on a collision course with first place finisher, Pat Simpson Club. They will have their hands full in this series and will need clutch performances from their star players.

Chase Pratt	Jose Vasquez	Greg Bosse

Publico wins series 2-1