Telegraph Hill's offense batted through the order in the bottom of the first inning when they erupted for five runs and appeared to have control of game one. However, the scrappy Dukies eleven stayed with the game plan as they hung in until an opportunity presented itself.

In Hill's first inning, Brendon Canavan got the scoring started with a two out double. A walk, an error, and three hits later Hill had quickly and efficiently put up five runs, 5-1. Dukies responded in the top of the third when Mike Durant (3 hits) connected for a two run homerun, 5-3. The score would stand until the fifth when the two teams traded runs, 6-4.

With Dukies still within striking distance and the game getting late, the sixth inning seemed like a perfect time to turn the tables. With one out in the books, four straight singles including one by Kevin Moran tied the game at six. After a ground out, Dukies got three more RBI singles by Mike Jay, Shawn McDonagh (3 hits), and Marcus Egan to make it 9-6. They had completed the comeback and were now confidently pumping their chests.

In the home half of the sixth, Telegraph's Alex Cooper answered back with a solo blast to make it 9-7. However, that would be the last of the scoring as burly pitcher Shawn McDonagh wasn't going to be knocked off his game on this night. In their race to win three games, the Handdukies had kept the scoring down and got timely hits when needed to pull off an impressive game one victory.

Dukies Marcus Egan takes aim at a pitch in game one of the finals.

The Handdukies came out with purpose again tonight as they took the lead and carried it through four innings of play. However, it was Telegraph's turn to flip the script and earn the victory.

With Dukies leading 8-4 heading in the top of the fifth inning, Telegraph had runners on first and second with two outs when the flood gates opened. A two run single by Brendon Canavan made it 8-6 which brought the bench to life. Another single and a walk loaded the bases and Telegraph went to work. RBI singles by Ryan McCarthy, Sean Hill, Joe McMahon, Mike Araujo, and Robert Jones put Telegraph ahead 10-8. From that point forward, pitcher Araujo was in shut down mode as the Dukies batters couldn't find the green pasture as they had in the earlier innings.

Instead, Telegraph added three more insurance runs in the top of the seventh on another clutch two run single by Araujo. The game would end with Dukies being outscored 9-1 over the last three innings of play. If they didn't learn that Telegraph was not going to fold last night, then they did tonight. The win evened the series and promised the fans that there would be at least four games needed to find our champion but I'm thinking this is going the distance.

  
Pitchers Mike Araujo (left) and Brian Walsh (in green) battle in game two of the Feeney/Moran Finals.

Telegraph Hill moved a step closer to capturing their first M Street championship when they pulled off a 7-6 nailbiter over the Handdukies in game three of the Feeney/Moran finals.

Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the third, Telegraph scored two runs to pull ahead and then never trailed. It was Matt Barnes' RBI triple and Luke Serra's sacrifice fly that plated the two runs. Telegraph went back to work the following inning when Kyle Dell'Arciprete single scored Brendon Canavan from second, 3-1. Now with two outs in the inning the scoring continued. Ryan McCarthy chased a run home with another RBI single and then scored on Mike Araujo's two run triple, 7-1.

With a comfortable lead in hand, the last thing Telegraph wanted to do was hand the Dukies any runs or momentum but they were not going to be denied. Chris Burns led off with a single and took second on Pat O'Sullivan's one out walk. Shawn McDonagh then made it a 7-2 game when he ripped a single up the middle. A pop out and then a walk left the bases loaded with two outs for the Dukies best hitter, Mike Durant. Telegraph pitched him carefully and Durant worked an RBI walk, 7-3. Not a bad strategy if you get the next batter out but that didn't happen as Mike Jay made them pay with bases clearing triple, 7-6. The hit brought the Dukies bench to life and put the outcome of the game back in question - momentum had swung.

In the bottom of the fifth, pitcher Shawn McDonagh knew he couldn't allow the Telegraph offense to put any runs on the board. The big righty came through with an easy inning and had his teammates racing in from the field looking to get their licks in. It was hitters 4-5-6 in the lineup but just as fast as they raced in, they were back in the field after three straight ground outs.

McDonagh gave the Dukies a fighting chance by throwing a scoreless sixth inning. It was on to the seventh and last call for Dukies. Araujo quickly got a ground out and then a pop out before surrendering a walk (his 8th) to O'Sullivan. Dukies had life but it was short lived as an easy infield fly ending things and put Telegraph Hill back on top in this best of five series.

Trailing 6-3 in the top of the sixth inning, Telegraph Hill scored three to tie it in the sixth and then added three more runs in the seventh to win their first M Street Softball championship in their first year of league play - impressive!

Before the late inning heroics, it was looking good for Dukies as they jumped out to a 4-0 lead through two innings of play. Richie Paris opened the scoring with a RBI triple and then scored on Shawn McDonagh's single, 2-0. Dukies then got some help when back-to-back infield errors led to two more runs.

However, Telegraph wasn't about to let the game get away from them as they answered with two runs of their own in the top of the third. With the bases loaded and two outs, Luke Serra roped a single to center that scored Ryan McCarthy and Kyle Dell'Arciprete. Telegraph added another run in the top of the fourth when Scott Howard singled home Brendan Fox, 4-3.

Again, Dukies had an answer as they loaded the bases for Paris who quickly drove a single through the infield that scored Billy Kiley, 5-3. Unfortunately for Dukies, they couldn't get any more runs as pitcher Mike Araujo worked some magic an escaped the jam without further damage. The failure to score in that situation became even more important as the Dukies had pushed across another run on Colin McNeil's single, 6-3 after five innings of play.

Everything changed in the top of the sixth when lefty Matt Doyle's one out line drive to short was mishandled. Instead of having two outs and nobody on base, there was one out and a runner on first. Fox collected his second hit of the game and made Dukies pay for the error when he split the outfield center gap for a two run home run, 6-5. Suddenly, Telegraph had the momentum and were feeling it again. It was now Alex Cooper's turn and the tall righty didn't miss the opportunity. Cooper fouled off the first pitch then hammered an outside pitch to deep center. As he made his way to first, he raised his right hand up and extended his index finger making a #1. The ball cleared the trees in center and the game was tied 6-6. The Telegraph players and fans were enjoying every bit of the moment.

In the bottom of the sixth, Dukies put two runners on but the inning and threat ended on a routine fly to right. The pressure was now back on Dukies and pitcher Shawn McDonagh.

In the top of the seventh, the hot hitting Araujo led off with a sharp single through the infield on the right side. Sean Hill followed with another single to right and Telegraph had the makings of a big inning. However, McDonagh got the next batter on an infield pop out and was suddenly a ground ball away from getting out of the jam.

The burly right hander got the ground ball he needed off the bat of Dell'Arciprete but it was just out of the reach of the diving short stop and went into center for a single. Araujo, with his speed and head's up base running had already been sprinting for third and easily scored on the play, 7-6 Telegraph. Catcher Matt Barnes was up next and on a 1-1 count, Barnes lined a double down the left field line that scored Hill and Dell'Arciprete - it was a crushing blow for Dukies who now trailed by three with one more inning to play.

It was last call for Dukies and they would need some luck to go along with some timely hits. Unfortunately for them, they would get neither. First up was Mike Jay who ripped a line drive that was destined for the outfield gap but was snagged by the shortstop for the first out of the inning. The ball was hit so hard that Jay didn't get two steps out of the box before it was caught. Colin McNeil was next and swung at the first pitch he saw - it was a good one too and he handled it perfectly. McNeil had laced another line drive but the third baseman caught it about two inches off the field for the second out of the inning. No luck - two hard hit balls that went for outs.

One out away from a championship is all that stood in the way for Araujo and Telegraph. Perhaps the excitement of the moment got to the pitcher as he walked Kiley on four pitches. Mike Ball was next and saw that Araujo was struggling with his control. He let the first two sail by and both were called balls...six balls in a row thrown out of the strike zone. Dukies needed base runners so Ball must have been thinking he needs to take a couple of pitches to try and draw the walk. Araujo's next offering was a strike and the fourth pitch of the at bat was right down the middle for strike two. Dukies hopes are now back on Ball's shoulders and he just let a very good pitch sail by. Araujo rocked and then fired and outside waist high pitch that Ball lunged for and came up empty. Telegraph Hill had completed a magical season by winning the Feeney/Moran ("B") championship in their very first year of playing at M Street. Impressive!

After a brief celebration at the mound the boys in black and gold broke away to meet Dukies and exchange handshakes. They then lined up along the first base line for a team photo and to receive the "M Street Cup" from the league commissioner (yours truly). Pitcher Mike Araujo was announced as the finals MVP which brought a roar of approval from his teammates. Team captain Scott Howard was then presented with the championship prize money to again, more applause and approval from the Telegraph players. The team didn't want to part with the "Cup" just yet so they decided to take it to their sponsor on Dorchester Street and continue the party. At around 10pm, Cooper and Hill brought the trophy back to the field and were all smiles. One of the classiest teams at M Street were now also champions. Congratulations!

Telegraph Hill 2019 Feeney/Moran "B" Champions
Front row kneeling (L-R): Matt Barnes and Luke Serra
Back row (L-R): Brendon Canavan, Matt Doyle, Kyle Dell'Arciprete, Brendan Fox, Alex Cooper,
Joe McMahon, Matt Casieri, Scott Howard, Ryan McCarthy, Mike Araujo, and Sean Hill.

Telegraph wins series 3-1

Colin McNeil hit a three run homerun in the bottom of the second and the Handdukies took game one of their best of five series. Pitcher Brian Walsh was stellar on the mound for the Dukies as he scattered five hits while giving up just the one run. His counterpart, Gil Ward, was just as good but was the tough luck losing pitcher in this one. These two teams are very evenly matched and this should be just the start of a long and great series.

Game 2 - Thursday, September 5th @ 730
Fat Baby 12 - Handdukies 4

Fat Baby got an excellent performance from pitcher Gil Ward last night but tonight, they got an even better one. Ward limited the Handdukies hitting attack while doing his own damage at the plate. In the fourth inning, Ward's bases clearing triple was the key hit in a six run inning which gave Baby a 9-0 lead. An inning later, Ward drove a pair of runs home on a double making it 12-2 and the outcome of the game was in the books as we now have a tied series.

Gil Ward continued to swing a hot bat for Fat Baby as he opened the scoring in game two with a 2-run doubled in the top of the first inning. Ward later scored on Ross Fino's single making it 3-0, Baby. The lead held into the bottom of the fourth when Pat O'Sullivan tied it with a sacrifice fly and was followed by a RBI single by Billy Kiley, 4-3. The game moved to the sixth where Kevin Lambert put Baby back on top with a 2-run double, 5-4. The game then followed the script of the previous contest between Telegraph and Backyard Betty's where the visiting team ran into fielding problems which resulted in a big inning. Handdukies scored nine runs behind three errors and eight hits. Colin McNeil struck the key blow in the inning when he doubled home a pair of runs for Dukies. In the end, pitcher Shawn McDonough was the one standing on the mound and celebrating another win as the Dukies now hold a 2-1 series lead with game four scheduled for Wednesday. Kyle Capaldo, Keith Savage, John Rigopoulos each had three hits for Baby while Richie Paris (3 hits) led the way for Dukies.

Game 4 - Wednesday, September 11th @ 6pm
Handdukies 11 - Fat Baby 9

Handdukies are your Feeney division champions! The Dukies put up seven runs in their first two innings but then saw Fat Baby race back to take the lead. However, the Dukes answered with four runs in the top of the fifth inning and that would prove to be enough for the series ending victory.

Trailing 7-2, Fat Baby's Tim Gazard put them back in the game with a two run single in the third inning. In the fourth, Johnny Rigopoulos made it a one run game when he also hit a two run single, 7-6. Baby's offense was coming to life as Kevin Lambert (3 hits) followed with an RBI single to tie the game and then scored on Larry Longo's (3 hits) single, 8-7! However, the lead wouldn't last long as Handdukies took advantage of poor defense (5 errors) and plated four hope crushing runs in the fifth. With runners on the corners, Richie Paris reaches on an error which ties the game, 8-8. Pitcher Gil Ward then retires the next two batters and should have been out of the inning with no runs against. But gritty Brian Walsh drew a walk to load the bases for Kevin Moran who wasn't going to let the opportunity pass him - Moran roped a bases clearing double to put the Dukes up 11-8. Baby would score a run in the seventh but it was too little too late. Pitcher Shawn McDonagh and the Handdukies squad are on to the finals to face the winner of the Telegraph Hill/Backyard Betty's series.

Handdukies win series 3-1

Backyard Betty's got a two run homerun from Jose Vasquez in the fourth inning and carried a 6-4 lead into the bottom of the sixth when everything went south for them in game one. In the dreaded sixth, Telegraph Hill managed to plate six runs behind one single...three errors....and NINE walks. Ouch! Was it nerves that got the best of Betty's pitcher? Or was it the cold and windy weather? Unfortunately, the game ended before he could toe the rubber again so those bad memories will be carried through the weekend and onto the mound for game two, which is Monday @ 6pm. On the other side of the field, Hill got another great performance from their pitcher, Mike Araujo, who didn't give any free passes and yielded only three earned runs.

Game 2 - Monday, September 9th @ 6pm
Backyard Betty's 10 - Telegraph Hill 6

Backyard Betty's held off Telegraph Hill and evened the series tonight with a late inning rally. Betty's was holding on to a slim 6-5 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, when Steve Dazzo and Sam Klefstad hit back to back doubles to make it 7-5. Ryan McManus then connected for his third hit of the game which drove in Klefstad, 8-5. Brett Handell capped the inning with a two run homerun to left and Betty's had literally flipped the script to even the series. Pitcher Alberto Vasquez retired the side in order to start the game and left no doubt that he had put the sixth inning of game one behind him. Luke Serra (4 hits), Brendon Canavan (3 hits), and Jose Vasquez (3 hits) were your hitting stars.

Game 3 - Tuesday, September 10th @ 9pm
Backyard Betty's 15 - Telegraph Hill 7

The second batter of the game, Erick Ramirez, launched a solo homerun over the fence in left jump starting Backyard Betty's offense which exploded for nine runs in the inning. Nick Sours and Andrew Grant also homered in the uprising. But to their credit, over the next six innings Telegraph recovered and began to chip away at the large deficit. Ryan McCarthy drove two home in the first making it 9-4. Hill added another run in the fifth and two more in the sixth, 9-7. With Telegraph back in the game and momentum back on their side, Betty's offense woke up again and began another assault. The crushing blows came from Tim Stoops and Steve Dazzo who both hit 2-run homeruns in the inning giving Betty's a comfortable lead which they didn't relinquish. Down a game and in a must win situation, Hill has their hands full now but has the offense and pitching to even the series in game four.

Game 4 - Thursday, September 12th @ 7:30pm
Telegraph Hill 16 - Backyard Betty's 11

In a must win game, Telegraph Hill used a steady and resilient hitting attack to outpace Backyard Betty's and force a winner take all game five.

From the very first inning the Hill offense showed they were not going to be denied as they sent eight men to the plate and scored three runs. However, Betty's were also game and answered with two runs of their own on a double by Alberto Vasquez (4 hits), 3-2. Hill responded with a pair of runs in the second but again Betty's answered when Nick Sours hit a grand slam, 6-5 Betty's after two innings of play.

After Telegraph tied the game in the third, Ryan McManus hit a two run homerun to put Betty's back in front, 8-6. But like any great story with plot twists and turns, this game was about to turn again. In the bottom of the fourth, Telegraph pulled ahead when they plated four more runs. Matt Barnes (4 runs scored) homered to lead off the inning and then Telegraph got RBI hits from Matt Doyle (3 hits, 4 RBI) and Sean Hill, 10-8 through four complete.

With the pressure now mounting, Betty's defense caved in the fifth as they committed three errors that lead to five unearned runs. The big blow in the inning came from Brendan Fox who hit a three run home run to left center, making it 15-8 Telegraph. McManus answered in the bottom of the inning with a solo homerun but time was running out for Betty's.

After a rare scoreless inning between these two clubs, Telegraph tacked on an insurance run in the seventh and then had to get three outs to secure the win. As expected, those outs wouldn't come easy as Betty's put two runners on base with one out for Erick Ramirez who singled both in making it a 16-11 game. However, the rally would fall short on this night as a fly out and a ground out ended it and the teams were now setting their sights on game five.

Game 5 - Friday, September 13th @ 7pm
Telegraph Hill 19 - Backyard Betty's 18

Sometimes in sports a game comes along that has a bit of everything and becomes an instant classic. Tonight, game five between Telegraph Hill and Backyard Betty's will go down as one of the very BEST playoff games in the league's 49 year history. It's going to be written about here to the best of my ability but the details of the game will be talked about for many years to come. If you were lucky enough to play in the game, then you will have a great softball story to tell...forever.

In the beginning...the two high scoring offenses were kept quiet by pitchers Mike Araujo and Alberto Vasquez and after four innings of play with the score tied 2-2, we were just getting going.

In the top of the fifth, Vasquez helped himself with a big two run homerun to center as Betty's scored five runs in the inning, 7-2. However, with the full moon shining brightly in the distance and the fact it was Friday the 13th, Telegraph answered with five runs of their own...a sign of things to come. With two out and a run already in, Betty's defense couldn't handle some hot grounders which led to four unearned runs, 7-7 through five innings.

In a rarity on this night, Betty's didn't score a run in the sixth. In the bottom of the inning, it was Hill's pitcher Araujo (4 hits, 4 RBI) who came through with the clutch hit as he lined a triple that scored two runs but was cut down at the plate himself. Hill would score another run in the inning on an RBI single by Matt Doyle (3 hits), 10-7 Telegraph.

The game moved to the top of the seventh inning and Betty's is three outs away from defeat but has the top of the order due up. One-two-three they each reach with singles to load the bases for Tim Stoops. The team RBI leader doesn't miss as he hammers the ball to deep left and over everything - see ya, grand slam, 11-10 Betty's! Vasquez follows with a double and scores on a Ryan McManus double, 12-10. Araujo then wiggles his way out of the inning without further damage.

With batter's 4-5-6 due up and trailing by two runs, Telegraph realizes they need their power guys to get the job done or their season is over. It's not to be, Vasquez quickly produces two routine fly ball outs and Betty's is an out away from moving on to the finals. Not so fast says Alex Cooper who rips a triple to give Telegraph life. Pitcher Vasquez then gets a ground ball to short but the ball is mishandled and the play isn't made. Cooper alertly stayed at third as his run meant nothing. With runners on the corners Joe McMahon (5 hits) gets his fourth hit of the game, a RBI single that scores Cooper, 12-11. It was now pitcher versus pitcher as Mike Araujo stepped in and delivered the game tying hit - a RBI single. Vasquez got the next batter on a fly out and we were heading to extra innings - just as a game five should.

In the eighth, the hard hitting Erick Ramirez (4 hits) led off with a solo homerun over the fence in left, 13-12. Two batters later, Tim Stoops follows suit and hits another solo homerun, 14-12. Telegraph is on the ropes again. In the bottom of the eighth, Vasquez gets the first two outs on a pop out and a fly ball to right - for the second time in the game, Betty's is just an out away from winning. But Matt Doyle keeps hopes alive when he singles - the anticipation and nerves are now firing on all cylinders. Next up is Brendan Fox who is red hot tonight with three hits and three RBI's. He's the guy they want up in this spot and he doesn't let his team down - Fox launches one over the fence in left to tie the game, 14-14 Can you believe it? Vasquez gets a ground out and we move onto the ninth. Unreal!

In the top of the ninth, Brett Handell led off with a single and was followed by a two run homerun by Andrew Grant, I can't make this up - it happened tonight. A hit, an error, and a fielder's choice brought Nick Sours home with the third run of the inning, 17-14 Backyard Betty's. Remember folks, it's a full moon on this night so expect the unexpected.

We move to the bottom of the ninth where Telegraph has two runners on base with one out for Joe McMahon. Bang! Bang! Double, McMahon drives two runs in and scores the game tying run on Araujo's (again!) single. The game slips out of Betty's fingers again as Vasquez retires the next two batters and we are tied 17-17 and moving onto the tenth inning. Mercy!

With the teams mentally and physically exhausted, the play is sloppy in the tenth and Betty's takes advantage as they plate the go ahead run behind two errors, a walk, and a single to McManus, 18-17 moving onto the bottom of the tenth.

Luke Serra (3 hits) leads off with a triple and for the first time all game, Telegraph Hill is feeling like they are finally in position to win the game. Matt Doyle (3 hits) follows with an RBI single to tie the game, 18-18. Brendan Fox then singles and with nobody out, it's finally looking like we will have a winner. Vasquez bears down and gets an anxious Hill batter on a pop out to third. Scott Howard then hits a grounder to third that forces the runner out at second. Doyle takes third on the play. With two outs Alex Cooper, the same batter who was in the middle of the 7th & 9th inning come from behind rallies, delivers the series winning hit.

All winners in this one folks as both teams gave it their absolute best and each deserves to be recognized. With that, I'm going to list everyone who played in this historic game so it's never lost. Years from now you can look this article up and point to your name and remember the night that you played in one of the greatest games ever at M Street Park.

Backyard Betty's: Chris Peris (coach), Nick Sours, Erick Ramirez, Jose Vasquez, Tim Stoops, Alberto Vasquez, Steve Dazzo, Ryan McManus, Brett Handell, Andrew Grant, and Mike Butterfield.

Telegraph Hill: Scott Howard (coach), Luke Serra, Matt Doyle, Brendan Fox, Brendon Canavan, Alex Cooper, Sean Hill, Joe McMahon, Mike Araujo, Kyle Dell'Arciprete, and Matthew Barnes.

Telegraph wins series 3-2

Conclusion of a great, great series.

The red hot Fat Baby squad hands the Smoke Shop their first loss of the season in game one of their best of three series. From the very first inning, Baby sent notice that they meant business as they plated four runs in the first inning. Smoke Shop cut the lead in half in their first turn at the plate but the tone was already set - after two one run losses, Fat Baby would not be denied tonight. They scored two more in the third and fourth innings and then completed their scoring on Larry Longo's homerun in the fifth to make it 9-2. Smoke Shop went undefeated for a reason and they were not ready to go without a response. In the sixth, Jamil Moquete (3 hits & 3 RBI) got the rally going with a big triple which led to a five run inning, 9-7. However, that would be as close as Smoke would get as pitcher Gil Ward retired the side in order in the seventh.

Game 2 - Tuesday, August 27th @ 7:30 PM
Fat Baby 8 - Smoke Shop 7

Larry Longo drove Kyle Capaldo home from second with a double in the bottom of the seventh to win game two and sweep their series against Smoke Shop BBQ. Longo, who had homered in game one, also hit a three run homerun back in the third inning. Prior to Longo's heroics, there was plenty of back and forth action in this one. Smoke Shop had built a 5-1 lead only to see Baby score four in the bottom of the third inning to tie the game, 5-5. Then in the fifth, Jamil Moquete smacked a homerun over the fence in left to put Smoke back on top, 6-5. The lead didn't last long as Baby's Tim Gazard responded in the bottom of the inning with a 2-run homerun, 7-6! It was last call for Smoke in the seventh and they promptly responded. Evan Dowd (3 hits) singled to lead off and was followed by Kyle Szatrowski's double - the makings of a big inning were set. However, pitcher Gil Ward produced a fly ball that plated Dowd with the tying run and that was all Smoke would get as Longo came through half an inning later.

Fat Baby wins series 2-0

Trailing 3-1 in the bottom of the third inning, VMT took advantage of two errors and scored four runs to take a 5-3 lead. Adam Boghosian had the clutch 2-run single in the inning. From that point on it was all VMT as pitcher Luke Palma threw four straight scoreless innings to secure the victory.

Game 2 - Tuesday, August 27th @ 6:00 PM
Handdukies 13 - VMT 7

Facing elimination, the Handdukies coach Marcus Egan shakes up the batting order and it pays off as the Dukies prevail to even the series and force a deciding game three. VMT had struck first by scoring three runs in their first at bat but from that point on it was all Handdukies. In the second, Kevin Moran tied the game with a 2-run homerun and Richie Paris hit a 2-run double in the same inning to put Dukies on top to stay. An inning later, Pat O'Sullivan increased the lead with a big 3-run homerun that pretty much sealed the win. Shawn McDonough picked up his first playoff win on the mound for the Dukies. Sam Novicki led all hitters with four hits. The teams will rest up over Labor Day and then return for battle on Tuesday in a winner take all game.

Game 3 - Tuesday, September 3rd @ 9pm
Handdukies 11 - VMT 8

In the top of the sixth inning, Pat O'Sullivan hit a 2-run homerun over the fence in left to put the Handdukies up 8-6 in a must win game. With the pressure mounting, the Handdukies added three more runs when they took advantage of a couple of seventh inning miscues sandwiched by two walks. Trailing 11-6 in the last of the seventh, VMT rallied to score two runs and had the bases loaded. But it wasn't to be on this night as pitcher Shawn McDonough got a ground out to the shortstop to end the game and the series.

Handdukies win series 2-1

With the score tied 4-4 in the bottom of the third, Joe McMahon hit a 2-run double to put Telegraph Hill in front to stay in their game one victory over Southside B. McMahon scored a batter later when Kyle Dell' Arciprete homered as Hill scored runs in every inning but the sixth.

Game 2 - Thursday, August 29th @ 7:00 PM
Telegraph Hill 13 - Southside B 6

Matt Barnes hit a two run homerun in the fifth inning which gave Telegraph Hill the breathing room they needed as they coasted to a well earned series ending victory in game two. Hill would add five more runs in the sixth which capped the scoring and ended Southside's championship hopes. Pitcher Mike Araujo was very effective on the mound as he scattered just six hits while tossing three scoreless innings. John Manning (3 hits, HR, 3 RBI) did everything in his power to will Southside to victory but it just wasn't enough on this night. Scott Howard (4 hits, 2 doubles) and Ryan McCarthy (3 hits) were the batting stars for Telegraph.

Telegraph wins series 2-0

The Banshee scored eight runs in the bottom of the second to take an 8-7 lead but from that point forward it was all Betty's in game one. The outcome turned in the fourth when Jose Vasquez hit a three run homerun which put Betty's on top, 11-8. An inning later it was the tenth batter, Sam Klefstad, who hit his first of two homeruns making it 15-8. Klefstad added another homerun in the eight run sixth and the onslaught was on. Alberto Vasquez (4 hits, HR, 4 RBI), Ryan McManus (4 hits), Nick Sours (5 hits, 3 doubles, 5 runs), and Erick Ramirez ( 4 hits, 4 runs) all made for a miserable night of pitching for the Banshee hurler.

Game 2 - Wednesday, September 4th @ 7:30 PM
Backyard Betty's 18 - Banshee 6

Trailing 8-1 heading into the fourth inning, the Banshee rallied to score four runs behind Brian Stanton's bases clearing single. However, that would be as close as they would get as Betty's put the "pedal to the metal" and scored the next eleven runs to end the game in the sixth. Hitting the long ball continued to be Betty's weapon as they launched seven (7) homeruns over the fence in left. Andrew Grant, Steve Dazzo, Mike Butterfield, Erick Ramirez, Ryan McManus (2), and Jose Vasquez all went yard. Betty's will now take on Telegraph Hill in a best of five series where the league just may run out of softballs as both clubs feature tremendous power. That series starts this Friday at 730. You don't want to miss it!

Betty's wins series 2-0

The Handdukies took a 7-3 lead into the fifth inning of game one only to watch it slip away in the late innings. Colin MacNeil hit an RBI single that scored Marcus Egan with the go ahead run in the fifth and Mike Durant homered in the sixth. DRC will need to quickly regroup in game two tonight to extend their season. Jacky Higgins (3 hits) led the way for the Dukies while Jonathan Soto (4 hits) and Dave Brolin (3 hits) were the hitting stars for DRC.

Game 2: Tuesday, August 20th @ 9:00 PM  
Handdukies 7 - DRC 3

Richie Paris his a two run single to give the Handdukies a 5-2 lead in the fourth and they never looked back as they completed the two game sweep over DRC. This was a game of missed opportunities as DRC had outhit the Dukies and had multiple runners on base in every inning. However, pitcher Shawn McDonough didn't break as he got the big outs when needed. The Dukies will now face VMT in a best of three quarter final series.

Handdukies win series 2-0

Keith Savage and Tim Gazard hit RBI singles in the first inning and Fat Baby never trailed as their pitcher, Gil Ward, scattered seven hits and allowed just one earned run. Facing elimination in game two, the Bombers will have to tighten their defense to extend their season. Baby's Kevin Lambert (4 hits) and Larry Longo (3 hits) were your top hitters.

Game 2: Tuesday, August 20th @ 7:30 PM  
Fat Baby 11 - Broadway Bombers 2

In a must win situation, Chris Joyce hit a 2-run homerun in the first inning to give the Bombers a 2-0 lead. For a moment, things were looking good for the Bombers. However, Fat Baby and pitcher Gil Ward quickly turned the tables. Ward didn't give up another run the rest of the way and Baby's offense erased the lead and then some. Ward also was hot at the plate as he led all hitters with four hits. In the fourth, Ward and Tim Cheney both hit RBI singles to give Baby a 4-2 lead. Tim Gazard then put the outcome on ice as he smoked a three run double in the seven run sixth inning. Fat Baby completes the sweep and will be a tough opponent for the undefeated Smoke Shop BBQ.

Fat Baby wins series 2-0

Tim Stoops put Backyard Betty's on top when he opened the scoring with a homerun in the second inning and Betty's never trailed from that point forward in game one. Down 5-0, the Shamrocks pulled closer in the fifth when Cam Miller drove home a pair with a single making it a 5-3 game. However, Betty's responded with a five run fifth and that was the ball game. Alberto Vasquez was picked up the win allowing only three earned runs.

Game 2: Thursday, August 22nd @ 9:00 PM  
Backyard Betty's 23 - Playwright 2

Betty's left no doubt on who was the better team in this series as they pounded the Shamrocks into submission in game two to complete the series sweep. Betty's bats broke the game open in the third when they plated nine runs then followed an inning later with ten more. Mike Butterfield led the way with three hits while Alberto Vasquez picked up his second win of the playoffs. Betty's will now take on the Banshee in the quarter finals.

The Southside B offense went to work early and often in game one as they blasted twenty-two hits while scoring nineteen runs. More impressively was their 72 year old pitcher, Jack Manning. Jack has been throwing strikes for at least six decades!! The strike throwing machine limited the Silkworm attack to nine runs while picking up a strikeout. Rob Lerro (5 hits, 2 HR), John Manning (3 hits, HR), and Scott Tarantino (double and grand slam) led the way for Southside while Sean Moyer (4 hits) was the hot hitter for the Silkworms.

Game 2: Thursday, August 22nd @ 7:30 PM  
Southside B 8 - Silkworms 1

Southside B completed the series sweep by riding the arm of pitcher Jack Manning, who tossed a three hitter! While dad Jack was retiring batter after batter, the Manning trio was attacking at the plate: John two hits, a homerun and 2 RBI, Nick two hits, and Zack three hits and a RBI. Southside B will have their hands full when they take on Telegraph Hill in the quarter finals.