Playwright Shamrocks 14 - Handdukies 2

Sean Higgins kept the Handdukies' bats quiet while his teammates scored enough to take any suspense out of game one.

The first game of the Feeney/Moran ("B") finals started quietly. Higgins allowed no runs through two, while his Dukies counterpart, Brian Walsh, likewise held the Shamrocks scoreless. That would change in the third. After Higgins tossed another shutout frame, Playwright's offense came to life. A walk to Antonio Corbia started things innocently enough. A fielder's choice followed, then a Chris Murphy single. Coach Steve Folan stepped to the plate and put his team on the board with a two-run double. Mike Blackman reached on an error (the first of two in the inning by the Dukies infield) and then Matt Aucoin (5 RBI) singled in another run. A double by Chris Mancini followed. When the damage was done, it was 5-0, Playwright.

Handdukies rallied for one in the top of the fourth when Marcus Egan scored on Walsh's (2-for-2) single. Playwright, however, basically put the game away in the bottom of the inning with seven more runs, highlighted by Aucoin's grand slam that made it 10-1, then Sean Clarke's (4 RBI) two-run blast that upped the tally to 12-1. From there, it was a matter of getting outs and Higgins did that, allowing a lone score in the top of the sixth before his buddies closed it out with two runs in the lower part of that inning.

1-0, Playwright Shamrocks, in the best-of-five finals, and the Dukies will have to regroup and find their offense.

Matt Aucoin	Sean Higgins	Steve Folan

Game 2: Tuesday, Sep. 15 @ 7:15 (N Street) 

Playwright Shamrocks 19 - Handdukies 17

Playwright outslugs the Dukies and moves within a win from winning their first championship.

After a quiet first inning, the bats got going for both teams in the second inning. Playwright got it going with singles by Dan Rosen (4 hits), Chris Lang, and Sean Higgins who all came around to score, 3-1. Dukies answered in the bottom of the second with a pair of runs by Matt Murphy and Kevin Durant, 3-3.

In the third, both teams plated five runs each as getting outs was becoming increasingly difficult for pitchers Shawn McDonough and Sean Higgins. Rosen and Antonio Corbia had the big hits for the Playwright while Colin McNeil and Kevin Moran came through for Dukies, 8-8 after three innings of play.

McDonough faced the top of the order in the fourth but only yielded a run, 9-8 Playwright. The Dukies raced off the field and quickly went to work at the plate. After two straight hit, a walk to McNeil loaded the bases for Marcus Egan. The Dukies leader didn't let his team down as he singled home a pair of runs putting Dukies back in front, 10-9. Murphy, Moran, and Anthony Flaherty would all come through with RBI hits to increase Dukies lead to 14-9 after four innings.

The teams traded runs in the fifth (15-10) and we moved onto the top of the sixth where the game took a hard left. When they're locked in, the Playwright offense can put runs on the board in bunches and they did it again here tonight. After a lead off singles by Steve Folan and Mike Blackman, Matt Aucoin ripped a triple to plate two runs, 15-12. An out then a walk to Sean Clarke put runners on the corners for Pete Franchi who delivered a sacrifice fly making it 15-13. But Playwright wasn't done scoring. Singles by Rosen, Chris Lang, and Sean Higgins led to three more runs and a 16-15 lead for Playwright.

Pat O'Sullivan's double in the bottom of the sixth tied the score (16-16) and the game moved to the seventh. After a walk to Murphy, Dukies defense buckled up and got two outs. However, Mike Blackman delivered a clutch double to put them back in front, 17-16. Blackman then scored on Aucoin's single, 18-16. Playwright would add one more run for good measure and take a 19-16 lead into the last frame.

The never say die Dukies got back-to-back singles by Higgins and McNeil and things were looking up for them. However, the Playwright defense wasn't about to let this one slip away as Chris Lang made two nice plays at short to kill the rally as the Playwright holds on, 19-17.

Matt Aucoin	Dan Rosen	Chris Mancini	Jacky Higgins

Handdukies 14 - Playwright 8

With their backs against the wall, the Handdukies needed a strong game from the right arm of Brian Walsh, and they got it.

Playwright opened the scoring in the first when Pete Franchi (3 hits) drilled a three-run homerun, 3-0. Dukies answered in the top of the second with a pair of runs on RBI hits by Anthony Flaherty (3 hits) and Walsh (3 hits), 3-2.

Playwright got one of the runs back in the bottom of the second on an RBi single by Steve Folan, 4-2. However, the Dukies were not going to die in this one as they answered the bell again in the top of the third. With two outs and bases loaded, Matt Murphy, Kevin Moran, and Flaherty came through with clutch RBI hits to put their club back on top, 7-4.

However, the Playwright showed they were not going anywhere as Chris Lang hit a three-run homerun to deep right tying the game, 7-7. The two squads then took a breath in the fourth as neither team plated a run.

We moved onto the top of the fifth inning where the outcome was decided. With one out and a runner on first, the Dukie offense got single by Marcus Egan, Murphy, Moran, Flaherty, and Walsh which led to five runs and a 12-7 lead. From there, the ballgame was in pitcher Brian Walsh's hands and he minimized the damage by allowing just one run over the final four innings.

There was a very scary moment in this one when pitcher, Sean Higgins took a line drive off his head (Watch Here). Thankfully, Higgins is one of our pitchers who accepted the face mask provided by the league which lessened the blow. After a few moments, he was able to collect himself and finish the game. His counterpart, pitcher Brian Walsh, was one of the first to race to his aid. That's great sportsmanship right there folks!

Brian Walsh	Anthony Flaherty	Pete Franchi	Jacky Higgins

Playwright Shamrocks 20 - Handdukies 7

Sean Higgins gave up only three earned runs as the pitcher, and he drove in three times that amount as a batter, leading Playwright to the series-clinching victory.

Playwright scored early and often, leaving Handdukies to play catch-up all night. Mike Blackman started the game with a triple. Matt Aucoin (4 RBI) singled him home. After one out, Sean Clarke singled, then Pete Franchi singled to score Aucoin, 2-0. An error allowed Dan Rosen to reach. Chris Lang singled, sending Clarke and Franchi across the plate, 4-0. Then Higgins hit a sac fly to score Rosen. It was 5-0 with Handdukies yet to bat.

Higgins didn't allow any scoring, and then his teammates resumed their offensive attack. With one out, coach Steve Folan doubled. Blackman walked, then Aucoin stepped in and drove one out of the park, making it 8-0. Chris Mancini singled, Clarke walked, and Franchi singled, scoring Mancini. That was enough to send Dukie starter Brian Walsh to the bench, replaced by Sean "Deeza" McDonagh. Deeza stopped the bleeding, but it was 9-0, Playwright, and an uphill climb for the Dukies to get back into it. In the bottom of the inning, there was some hope provided, as Kevin "K-Mo" Moran and Anthony Flaherty singled. A hard hit ball resulted in Walsh reaching, loading the bases. Deeza hit a sac fly to get the Dukies on the board, and Pat O'Sullivan walked to re-load the bases. A two-out Mike Durant single plated another, but that was the end. 9-2, Playwright, after two complete.

Now Higgins continued his own personal assault. Leading off, he homered, making it 10-2. Another score made it 11-2. The Dukies were still ready to go. Marcus Egan's two-run homer cut the gap to 11-4, and Deeza McDonagh singled in another to make it 11-5. However, that was as close as the boys from Dorchester would get for the rest of the evening.

Bottom four, Mancini singled. After two outs, Rosen and Lang singled, loading the bases for Higgins. Bang! Higgins launched one onto East First, his second home run of the night, a grand slam that gave the Shamrocks a 10-run cushion, 15-5. The Dukies still fought on, as they do, scoring two on a Jacky Higgins' single, 15-7, but, after a scoreless fifth, Sean Higgins struck again. With two runs already in (17-7), Higgins blasted his THIRD consecutive round-tripper, a three-run shot this time, upping the score to what would be the final of 20-7. He now had NINE runs batted in! Taking the mound once again, he retired the Dukies 1-2-3 to set off a joyous celebration (WATCH HERE) by the now-champions of the Feeney/Moran Division, the Playwright Shamrocks!

Commissioner Mark Senna brought the M Street Cup to the center of the diamond and presented it to the well-deserving champs. Sean Higgins was named Most Valuable Player. The Silver Slugger award was presented to Chris Mancini (.750), Matt Aucoin (.688), Sean Clarke (.480), and Pete Franchi (.643) - all four having done big damage with their bats. As is the custom here in the MSSL, Playwright will now move up to compete in the Lucas ("A") Division next season.

Congratulations to the Playwright Shamrocks!

Sean Higgins	Matt Aucoin	Chris Lang

Fat Baby 13 - Handdukies 1

This one was close early, but in the end it was a mercy killing.

Through 3-1/2, the Dukies had a 1-0 lead. Brian Walsh had given up one hit and he had also driven in the only run scored, via a second-inning two-out, two-on single. However, it was the other pitcher's birthday and Drew Atton was about to get some gifts. After a Pete Mariner walk and a Phil Stubblefield single that sent Mariner to third, Eric Prue tied the game with a sacrifice fly. Steve Leavitt singled. Then things fell apart for the Dukies. Three of the next five Fat Baby batters reached via infield errors. Walsh struck one out, but also walked one. Add in another single and Fat Baby had scored six times (one earned) and that was enough to take the wind out of the Dukies. They tried to get something going with two consecutive singles to start the fifth, but after that six straight outs recorded by Atton. Meanwhile, Eric Prue (4 RBI) hit a three-run homer in the fifth to make it 9-1, then Fat Baby plated four more in the sixth, with Steve Leavitt (4-for-4) driving in the run that closed it out.

Going back to the regular season, this is Fat Baby's 16th consecutive win. They're hotter than Hell on the Fourth of July

Drew Atton	Eric Prue	Steve Leavitt

Game 2: Tuesday, Sep. 7 @ 7:00 (N Street)

Handdukies 17 - Fat Baby 12

The Handdukies were firing on all cylinders tonight as they jumped out to a 8-0 lead in the first inning and then never looked back.

Fat Baby tried to respond in the second when they loaded the bases but were limited to a couple of runs, 8-2. However, the Dukies got those runs back and more in the home half when Pat O'Sullivan (2 hits) hit a grandslam that flew over the First Street fence in center field, 12-2.

Dukies added to their lead in the third when pitcher Brian Walsh (3 hits, 5 RBI) cleared the bases with a two-run single and scored on Kevin Moran's (2 hits, 3 RBI) single.

Fat Baby didn't quit though and used a late seventh inning charge, highlited by a Brendan Morrison homerun, to make the score respectable.

Mike Jay (3 hits), Colin McNeil (3 hits) also contributed to the offensive output while Walsh handled the pitching duties.

Fat Baby has been on a roll and this is their first game in a very long time where they were totally outplayed. Will they be able to bounce back? They won't have much time to dwell about the loss as game three is just a few hours away - it should be a great one.

Brian Walsh	Pat O'Sullivan	Colin McNeil

Game 3: Wednesday, Sep. 8 @ 8:30 (N Street)

Handdukies 23 - Fat Baby 7

The Handdukies brought their "A" game tonight and are one win away from a return trip to the finals.

The boys wearing the red jerseys their statement early when they sent nine batters to the plate in the first inning and came away with five runs. Fat Baby responded over the next two innings and got within a run, 5-4.

However, the top of the fourth was the Baby's undoing in this one as the Dukies plated another seven runs, 12-4. Timely hits sandwiched between three infield errors prolonged the inning long enough for Marcus Egan to clear the bases with a triple. Frustrations boiled over leading players from both teams into a verbal dispute.

After tempers cooled down, the Dukies continued their assault on the softball and scoreboard as every batter came through with a hit in the game. Colin McNeil (4 hits and 4 runs) and Kevin Moran (3 hits, 4 RBI, 3 runs) led the way in their twenty-two hit attack. Shawn McDonough picked up the win to move the Dukies within a game of pulling off another series upset by knocking out the number two seed.

Colin McNeil	Kevin Moran	Shawn McDonough

Game 4: Friday, Sep. 10 @ 8:30 

Handdukies 14 - Fat Baby 12 (extra innings)

This one had a finish for the ages. Handdukies showed why their slogan all year has been "Dukies never die!"

In the bottom of the first, Colin McNeil's homer put Handdukies up 2-0. Top of the second saw Fat Baby generate some offense. With one out, Gil Ward and Kris DaRosa singled. Brendan Morrison knocked one out of the park for a 3-2 Baby lead. After a second out was recorded, coach Dave Piccirilli kept the inning alive with a base on balls. Steve Leavitt stepped in and took one deep, upping the Fat Baby advantage to 5-2. In the bottom of the inning, Pat O'Sullivan (3 RBI) singled one home to cut it to 5-3.

After a scoreless third, Fat Baby produced again. DaRosa and Morrison singled. Following two outs, Leavitt walked, loading the bases for the always-dangerous Eric Prue. Prue (5 RBI) delivered, clearing the bases and then scoring himself via a throwing error. 9-3, Fat Baby. The Dorchester boys got one back via Matt Murphy's triple and a sac fly by O'Sullivan, 9-4, Fat Baby. Top of the fifth, DaRosa drove one in to make it 10-4. In the lower half, Murphy drove in two for the Dukies, closing the gap to 10-6, but Fat Baby got those back in the top of the sixth when A.J. Kotkowski and Piccirilli singled, Leavitt walked (accompanied by jeers for Dukie pitcher Shawn "Deeza" McDonagh from Fat Baby's bench area), and Prue delivered again, singling to drive in Kotkowski and Piccirilli. The score was now 12-6, Fat Baby, and they had runners on first and second with nobody out. From this point, Deeza shut the door. Fat Baby didn't get another baserunner in the game. Deeza retired nine straight (helped on one by a fine catch in right center by Murphy).

Bottom six, Dukies were blanked. As mentioned, Deeza retired Fat Baby in order in the top of the seventh. It was 12-6, Fat Baby, and they needed just three outs to even the series.

The boys in red had something else in mind. James Moccio singled. After one out, Colin McNeil sent one to deep left center, where it was not caught. Marcus Egan singled to load the bases. Tim Wilson walked, scoring one to make it 12-7. Murphy singled, scoring another, 12-8. O'Sullivan singled, 12-9, still bases loaded. Deeza McDonagh stepped to the plate and delivered all three runners to tie the game! Fat Baby got two more outs, escaping with a tie, and we headed to extra innings.

Again, Deeza stoned Fat Baby. And then Moccio reached on an error before Mike Jay crushed one, putting it out onto East First Street and causing the Dukies bench to explode. 14-12, Dukies, in an improbable comeback extra-innings victory that sends them into the "B" finals.

Shawn McDonough	Matt Murphy	Mike Jay

Playwright 5 - Shannon Tavern 0

Sean Higgins threw a shutout gem as the Playwright drew first blood in their best of five series against the Shannon Tavern.

Playwright's first batter of the game, Mike Blackman, sent one over the right field fence for a home run and little did we know that would be all the scoring Higgins would need on this night. The tall pitcher scattered five hits while allowing only one base runner to reach second base. He worked quickly and very effectively.

Playwright added two more runs in the first on a double by Sean Clarke and a single by Dan Rosen (2 hits), 3-0. Opposing pitcher, Pete Lanoo would then settle down himself but the Shannon offense never got going.

Rosen's RBI double in the fourth followed by Chris Lang's sacrifice fly made it 5-0 and that would be all the scoring in this game. Lang was his usual self, making several stellar plays at shortstop. By the way, with big Tom working behind the plate and keeping the game moving, the seven innings were played in 50 minutes...wow!

Sean Higgins	Dan Rosen	Chris Lang

Game 2: Tuesday, Sep. 7 @ 8:30 

Playwright 21 - Shannon Tavern 6

After scoring only five runs combined in game one, Playwright's offense showed up in game two and hammered the Shannon Tavern squad into an early submission.

However, the game didn't start out one-sided as Shannon got doubles from Mike Hughes and Ray Brewer to take a 6-2 lead after the first inning of play.

In the top of the second, Sean Higgins lead off with a double and then his Playwright teammates strung together seven straight hits that led to seven runs and a 9-7 lead.

Shannon didn't respond in the home half of the inning and in fact, Higgins and his defense limited their offense to just three hits over the next four innings of play. While the Shannon offense was stuck in neutral, Playwright's offense erupted.

The game changer and perhaps, the series defining moment came in the fourth when extra base hits by Mike Blackman (4 hits), Matt Aucoin (4 hits, 5 RBI), Chris Mancini, Pete Franchi (3 hits), Chris Lang, Tom Moody, and Steve Folan led to eleven Playwright runs, 20-6. Shannon will need to quickly regroup and play their best game of the year to keep their season alive.

Sean Higgins	Matt Aucoin	Mike Blackman

Game 3: Wednesday, Sep. 8 @ 7:00 

Playwright 13 - Shannon Tavern 7

The third seeded Playwright Shamrocks advanced to the finals tonight behind a three game sweep of Shannon Tavern.

Continuing the theme that has been set in this season's playoffs, Playwright jumped out to an early lead and then hung on for the victory. After blanking Shannon in the top of the first, Matt Aucoin got the hit parade started with a triple. The next four batters reached on hits which led to four runs, 4-0.

Chris Lang doubled home a pair of runs in the bottom of the third as Playwright continued to tack on runs, 6-1. Shannon scored in the fourth on Ray Brewer's double (3 hits) but pitcher Sean Higgins minimized the damage, 6-2.

Needing to keep the score close with a hold in the bottom half of the inning, Shannon's defense didn't comply as a lead off error followed by a walk put added pressure on the team. Mike Blackman then singled to load the bases. Shannon was in a deep hole now but managed to get the next batter on a shallow fly to center - no damage. It was only temporary as Chris Mancini (3 hits, 3 RBI) stepped into the box and ripped a double into the outfield that scored two runs, 8-2. A sacrifice fly and a single later, Playwright was now comfortably in front 10-2.

After a scoreless fifth inning for both squads, Shannon's offense sprung to life in the top of the sixth when they sent nine batters to the plate and came away with five runs, 10-7. Pete Lanoo and Brewer had the clutch hits in the rally.

With their season on the line and desperately needing a hold here, the Playwright offense wouldn't comply. Lead off singles by Blackman and Aucoin set the tables for the big hitters and they delivered, again. Sean Clarke and Pete Franchi drove the insurance runs in making it 13-7. Pitcher Sean Higgins then retired the Shannon order in the seventh and that is the way the series ended.

Chris Mancini	Sean Higgins	Ray Brewer

Publico 20 - Handdukies 12

With the score tied 12-12 entering the bottom of the sixth, Publico's offense erupted for eight runs which was the difference in this game. Andrew Grant led the sixth off with a homerun to center which put the pressure on the Dukies defense. A couple of walks and errors led to the heart of Publico's order and they don't usually miss. Steve Dazzo (3 hits, 7 RBI) tripled home three runs and scored on Alberto Vasquez' homerun to right field.

Vasquez then retired the side in order to earn the victory. The Dukies won't have much time to think about this one as they are back at it tonight. They are also facing elimination and will need to play their best ball of the season. Jacky Higgins (4 hits) and Colin McNeil (3 hits) were the hitting stars for the Dukes.

Steve Dazzo	Alberto Vasquez	Jacky Higgins

Game 2: Tuesday, Aug. 17 @ 6:30 (N) Handdukies 11 - Publico 9

With their backs against the wall and needing a win to keep their season alive, the Dukies got a gutsy performance from pitcher Brian Walsh and pulled out a late inning victory in game two.

The Publico offense attacked in the fifth with five runs to take a 7-4 lead. At that point, most onlookers were probably thinking this is going to be another typical Publico win. However, Walsh threw two straight scoreless innings giving his offense a boost as they began to chip away at the lead.

In the bottom of the fourth, Jacky Higgins his a sacrifice fly that scored Walsh to tie the game, 7-7. After a walk to Marcus Egan, Kevin Moran lifted a fly ball to right that scored Mike Durant to put Dukies in front, 8-7.

However, Publico finished in first for a reason as they were not done either. In the fifth, with two outs an in field error kept the inning alive for Tim Stoops who doubled home the run and scored on the throw, 9-8.

The score remained that way until the bottom of the sixth when Egan singled home Moccio to tie it back up, 9-9. Two batters later, James O'Sullivan singled home Jacky Higgins who had reached on a walk, 10-9. The Dukies would add an insurance run for Walsh when Matt Murphy knocked home Kevin Moran, 11-9.

In the seventh, Publico put the tying runners on with two straight singles to start the inning but Walsh and his defense didn't cave as they prevail, 11-9 and force a series deciding game next week.

Brian Walsh	James Moccio	Ryan McManus

Game 3: Thursday, Aug. 26 @ 7pm

Handdukies 11 - Publico 9

#12 seed Handdukies finishes off #1 seed Publico via a gutty 11-9 decision in the third game of their quarter-final series. It wasn't easy. Here are the highlights.

The boys from Dorchester opened the scoring in the top of the first when Kevin Moran singled with one out, went to third on Jacky Higgins' single, and scored on Colin McNeil's fielder's choice. After a walk by Marcus Egan pushed C-Mac to second base, Mike Jay's single scored him. 2-0, Dukies. Publico got one back in the bottom of the inning on a solo shot homer by Ryan McManus, but a couple of fine catches in left averted any further damage. The Dukies then made it 3-1 in the top of the second on Brian Walsh's RBI single. Publico came right back when, with two on and two out in the bottom of the second, Jake Foster (5 RBI) plated both with a triple. 3-3 after two complete.

Both teams were scoreless in the third. The Dukies loaded the bases in the fourth and James Moccio cleared them with a triple. 6-3, Handdukies. Publico took the lead in the bottom of the fourth. A leadoff homer by Tim Stoops made it 6-4, then a three-run blast by Jake Foster made it 7-6, Publico. The Dukies were not to be denied tonight, though, as they got clutch performances up and down the lineup. In the fifth, with two out, McNeil singled, Egan singled, Jay walked, and Pat O'Sullivan tripled to bring all three across, 9-7, Dukies. In the bottom of the inning, Andrew Grant homered to close the gap to 9-8.

Two more runs in the top of the sixth - Walsh and Mike Ball scored - brought it to 11-8. Then Publico made a strong bid to overcome. After two outs to begin the inning - including a sweet 5-to-3 groundout that involved sterling glovework on both ends - Brian Walsh walked two, then gave up a single to Bun Stratton, making the score 11-9. When he walked McManus to load the bases, coach Skippy Leary called time and visited Walsh on the mound. Whatever he said worked. Walsh regained his control and induced a grounder back to himself, which he threw to first for the third out. After a scoreless top of the seventh, Walsh returned to the hill and gave up a single to the first batter, but then retired the next three on cans of corn to the outfield for a well-deserved Handdukies victory. They now face Fat Baby in what should be a very spirited and loud semi-final series.

Brian Walsh	James Moccio	Jake Foster

Handdukies win series 2-1

Fat Baby 7 - VMT 6

Steve Leavitt hit an infield single that drove in Jake Venuti from third with the game winning run in the bottom of the seventh to give Fat Baby the game one victory. Taking away some of their delight over the win was the controversy surrounding the safe call at first base. [[Watch it here (YouTube)]] VMT fielders felt they had clearly thrown out Leavitt that would have ended the inning. Ahhh, the playoffs...

It should be noted that VMT's pitcher, Dave Wasylak, did everything in his power to deliver a victory for his team in this one. Wasylak blanked the Fat Baby offense for four straight innings to start the game before Baby's offense broke through. He even added three hits including a clutch RBI triple in the seventh.

While Wasylak was throwing zeroes to start, his counterpart Drew Atton found his groove after the second inning and yielded just a single run over the last five innings of play to pick up the win. Gil Ward was a productive 3 for 3 with a run scored and RBI.

Steve Leavitt	Dave Wasylak	Drew Atton

Game 2: Wednesday, Aug. 18 @ 8:15 (N)

Fat Baby 22 - VMT 10

At this point in the playoffs, there have been very few pitching duels. It has been an offensive show by the hitters and tonight was no different. After just one inning of play, getting an out was a premium as we watched ten runs come across the plate. Fat Baby scored five on clutch hits by Kris DaRosa and Brendan Morrison only to see VMT respond with five of their own.

In the top of the second, Fat Baby showed that they were not going to make any easy outs in this one as they batted around the order while plating six more runs, 11-5. In the rally, Derek Coderre (5 hits, double, 2 triples, 6 RBI) hit the first of his three extra base hits to drive in two runs and Ross Fino (4 hits, 4 RBI) singled home another.

VMT didn't respond in the home half of the inning and Baby went to work again in the top of the third. With two outs, a double by Steve Leavitt and another triple by Coderre led to three more runs, 14-5.

Sean MacPhee gave VMT some hope when he homered over the fence in right making it 14-9. However, that would be as close as they would get as the Fat Baby offense (27 hits) was just too tough to tame for any defense.

Derek Coderre	Ross Fino	Sean MacPhee

Fat Baby wins series 2-0

Trailing 4-2 heading into the bottom of the third, the Playwright offense sprung to life and showed what they were capable of as they plated eight runs. Mike Blackman (3 hits, HR, 3 RBI) and Pete Franchi (3 hits, HR, 3 RBI) homered in the inning and it was lights out for the Bombers after that point.

As the Bombers were being handed their "standing eight count", the Playwright offense continued to pummel their opponent. Chris Mancini (triple, HR, 3 RBI) connected for a two run bomb in the fifth making it 12-5. The hits kept coming in the sixth where RBI doubles by Franchi, Chris Murphy, and Steve Folan led to five more runs and sent the Bombers sprawling to the canvas.

There were some bright spots for the Bombers in the early going. Adam Camili set the tone of the game when he homered to lead off in the first inning. The offense also broke through and plated three runs in the third but it just wouldn't be enough in this power fueled game.

Pete Franchi	Sean Higgins	Mike Blackman

Game 2: Thursday, Aug. 19 @ 8:30 (N) Playwright 17 - 224 Bombers 5

Needing a victory to keep their season alive, the Bombers jumped out to a 5-0 lead through three innings of play. Pitcher, Max Eidelman had breezed through the entire Playwright order and was dealing.

However, it was only a matter of time before the talented hitters in the Playwright lineup would zero in and get to work. That came in the top of the fourth when they sent thirteen batters to the plate and scored nine runs, 9-5. As he did in game one of the series, Pete Franchi delivered again - this time it was a three-run homerun to right center.

Now with the lead, Playwright's pitcher, Sean Higgins, put his reverse spinner to work as he induced seven fly ball outs over three shutout innings. The Bombers still had a pulse heading into the seventh but that would quickly change.

After back to back singles by Matt Aucoin and Chris Mancini (4 hits), Sean Clarke dashed the Bombers hopes with another bomb of a homerun. Playwright continued the assault behind doubles by Dan Rosen, Franchi, Chris Lang, and Antonio Corbia which would complete the scoring for the night and the series.

Playwright will now wait to see who their semi-final opponent will be as there are two series to conclude.

Chris Mancini	Sean Higgins	Pete Franchi

Playwright wins series 2-0

Dorchester Brew Crew 16 - Shannon Tavern 7

In the feeling out process, the two teams were even (5-5) through five innings of play. During that time we saw a 3-run homerun by Brendan Skehill (3 hits, 2 HR, 6 RBI) and two outstanding defensive plays by centerfielders Ray Brewer and Alex Berluti.

The outcome was settled in the top of the sixth when the Brew Crew batted through their order while plating six runs. After a one out single by Will Smith (3 hits, HR), lefty Ryan Farrell (3 hits) muscled one over the right field fence to put the Crew in front, 7-5. A walk, and a single led to another lefty, Skehill, who had already homered back in the first inning. With a quick swing of the bat the ball went sailing onto First Street and the Crew were now up 10-5. They added another run in the inning to make it 11-5.

From that point, Shannon was held in check by pitcher, Glen Parsons. Parsons caught a break in the sixth when a hard grounder struck the base runner at third for an out. Shannon went quietly in the seventh and will now need to regroup to get back and make this a series.

Brendan Skehill	Glen Parsons	Ryan Farrell

Game 2: Monday, Aug. 23 @ 7:00

Shannon Tavern 11 - Dorchester Brew Crew 10

The field was a bit waterlogged, but Shannon Tavern (and our commissioner) got the M Street diamond ready to go. Then Shannon was rewarded for their groundskeeping work with a series-evening 11-10 victory.

It was a back-and-forth contest, with some nice fielding plays keeping things close. In the top of the first, Brett Egizi robbed Shannon's David Kurey, making a fine catch up against the left field fence to keep Shannon scoreless. His teammates then opened the scoring on Ryan Farrell's sac fly wherein Bo Berluti hustled and scored from second. Kurey got some revenge by starting a pretty 5-4-3 double play that kept the damage to that single run. 1-0, Brew Crew.

Shannon took advantage of a couple of Dot errors in the top of the second, with Mike Hughes' two-rbi double being the big blow. The Tavern led 4-1. DBC came back, plating five of their own. Coach Bill Murphy's double brought in two of them. 6-4, Brew Crew, after two. Shannon then took the lead, 7-6, with three doubles in the top of the third. No more scoring until the top of the fifth, when Shannon got three consecutive singles to start the inning and plated the first two to make it 9-6. Back came the Brew Crew with a leadoff home run from Glenn Parsons, then a single from Kyle White (3-for-4) who eventually scored on Pat (3-for-4) Curran's single. 9-8, Shannon, after five.

No scoring in the top of the sixth. Then DBC scored two, the go-ahead run coming when Alex Berluti's single scored Ryan Farrell. It was now 10-9, Brew Crew, and they were three outs from eliminating Shannon. The green team wasn't dead, though. After one out, Trent Sinatro (3-for-4) singled and Pete Lannoo tripled him in for a tie ballgame! A Ray Brewer grounder to short was mishandled, Lannoo scored, and Shannon had an 11-10 lead. On to the bottom of the seventh where Lannoo, having provided the heroics in the top of the inning with his bat, now set down the Brew Crew 1-2-3 to preserve the win.

Pete Lannoo	Kyle White	Glenn Parsons

Game 3: Wednesday, Aug. 25 @ 7pm

Shannon Tavern 17 - Dorchester Brew Crew 11

Shannon Tavern moves on to the semi-finals on the strength of a five-home-run attack.

Dorchester Brew Crew scored two in the top of the first, but Shannon answered with five in the bottom half of the inning. Three of those came on Dave Kurey's home run to left. Dot exploded for seven in the second, a Ryan Farrell grand slam accounting for four, followed by a two-run shot from Kyle White. The boys from Shannon came right back in their half of the frame, a single and two errors preceding a grand slam by Ray Brewer (three hits, two HR, 6 RBI). It was a 9-9 game after two complete.

After a scoreless top of the third, Shannon pulled ahead by virtue of a three-run Scott Morrison round-tripper. After DBC got one of those back in the fourth, Shannon added three to their total in the fifth, this time on a three-run shot by Nick Venora, 15-10, Shannon. The green team lengthened their lead to 17-10 in the sixth when Brewer hit his second home run of the evening, good for two more runs.

Top of the seventh, the Brew Crew tried to mount a comeback, the first three men singling, making it 17-11, but Pete Lannoo set down the next three to finish the game. Shannon Tavern awaits the result of the Handdukies-Publico series to find out if they face Publico or Playwright in the next round

Pete Lannoo	Ray Brewer	Ryan Farrell

Shannon wins series 2-1

Publico 20 - Local 149 8

When the 16th seed takes on the 1st seed, everyone is expecting a one-sided game. Well, that's pretty much what we got here on Thursday night as Publico made quick work of Local 149, 20-8. In all fairness, this is Local's first season so the expectations were low coming into the season. They can now exit knowing they have experienced what it will take to be a competitive team in the M Street Softball League.

On to the action...Publico's offensive machine got cranked up in the bottom of the second inning when they batted around the order and plated six runs to make it 9-1. Alberto Vasquez (3 hits, 5 RBI) led the way with a bases clearing double in the uprising. Ryan McManus (3 hits), Andrew Grant (3 hits), Bun Stratton (4 hits), and Steve Dazzo (2 hits, 4 RBI) also had a productive game.

From that point on Publico continued to add runs every inning and the game was well in hand - they were just counting down the outs. However, Local showed some life in the top of the fifth when they loaded the bases with nobody out. Matt Bave then cleared the bases with a double and scored on Sam Kasten's third hit of the game, 15-8. But that would be as close as they would get as Publico answered with five runs of their own in the home half of the inning to end the game by "mercy rule."

Alberto Vasquez	Bun Stratton	Sam Kasten

Publico advances to round of 8

Fat Baby 19 - Boston Sausage 7

In what might be described in hockey parlance as a "chippy" game, FAT BABY took care of business via a 19-7 mercying of BOSTON SAUSAGE.

The evening began with Fat Baby challenging Sausage's only bat. The bat was ruled out of the game, which led to some words when it was also ruled that, being batless, Sausage could use any Fat Baby stick they chose. Things deteriorated from there with both teams obviously not being fans of the other. There were patches of guys trying to lighten things up here and there, but mostly it was not a lovefest.

OK, on to the game. Baby took a 1-0 lead in the first on Steve Leavitt's sacrifice fly. The lengthened the lead to 6-0 after two, the big blow being a home run from Eric Prue. The bright-red-clad Sausage guys showed lots of spirit, bringing it back to a 6-5 game in the top of fourth, but Fat Baby made more breathing room for themselves in the bottom of the frame, scoring three for a 9-5 advantage. Sausage again made a game of it, 9-7, after the top of the fifth, but Baby blew it open in the bottom of the inning, plating nine runs. Three came on bases-loaded walks (with accompanying jeering by Sausage about how they should swing the bats) and then four or five more when they DID swing the bats (with accompanying jeering from Fat Baby.) A Ross Fino two-run homer topped things off in the inning.

Sausage was scoreless in the sixth, setting the table for a Fat Baby walk-off. Gil Ward singled with one out, Kris DaRosa reached on an error, Brendan Morrison walked, and an A. J. Kotchkowski fielder's choice scored Ward for the 12-run mercying.

Eric Prue finishes 3-for-3 with a homer, a triple and six RBI. Jake Venuti adds four RBI from the leadoff spot. Drew Atton (12-2 during the regular season) picks up the win.

Eric Prue	Jake Venuti	Drew Atton

 Fat Baby advances to the round of 8

Playwright 17 - Pastoral 9

With the "live" Facebook camera rolling, the Playwright offense and Sean Clarke wasted little time making their presence felt as they jumped out to a 9-1 lead after two innings of play. Clarke put three softballs onto First Street (homeruns) to accumulate for seven RBI's for the night. Wow!

Pastoral tried to push back in the third when Coleman Barnes (3 hits) doubled home a pair of runs but that would really be as close as they would get. Playwright plated five more in the fourth and then put it in cruise control for the rest of the game.

Player/coach Steve Folan returned to the lineup in this one - it was his first game since injuring his shoulder on June 21st.

Sean Clarke	Chris Mancini	Coleman Barnes

Playwright advances to round of 8

Shannon Tavern 14 - Big Ballers 13

Shannon Tavern's Kevin Linehan collected his fourth single of the game in the bottom of the seventh that scored Trent Sinatro from second with the game winning run as Shannon avoids the upset. With Shannon trailing 13-12 heading into the bottom of the seventh, Nick Venora led off with a double, followed by a single by Sinatro. Mike Hughes then hit a sacrifice fly that tied the game.

The thirteenth seeded Ballers were more than ready to pull off the upset tonight as they rallied from behind to take a 10-7 lead into the fifth inning. Brad Holland (2 doubles, HR, 5 RBI), Mike Coffman (double, HR, 4 runs), Eric Braun (3 hits), and Mike Keleher (double, HR) were doing the heavy lifting at the top of the order for the Ballers.

However, with their season slipping away, Shannon Tavern rallied in the bottom of the fifth for five runs to take a 12-11 lead. A triple by Sinatro followed by a double by Hughes were the key hits in the inning.

Their lead wouldn't last as the Ballers answered in the sixth with a pair of runs on doubles by Holland and Keleher, 13-12. From there it was onto the seventh where Linehan's hit ended this great back and forth game.

Kevin Linehan	Brad Holland	Mike Hughes

Shannon Tavern advances to round of 8

Handdukies 15 - La Familia 4

While Mike Durant (4 hits, 2 HR, 5 RUNS, 5 RBI) was doing destruction at the top of the batting order, pitcher Shawn McDonough was throwing his best game of the season for the Handdukies and they rolled easily, 15-4 over La Familia. Although on paper this may seem like an upset, in reality, the Dukies may not have finished this season with an impressive record (10-8) but this is the same team that made it to last year's finals. They are still very good!

The Dukes came out firing and caught La Familia with a surprising five run salvo in the top of the first inning. Quite frankly, they never really recovered from that inning - they made it closer in the bottom of the second (7-4) but then couldn't keep the Dukies off the scoreboard. Meanwhile, McDonough could taste victory and went into shutdown mode as he threw five straight scoreless innings to close it out. Dukies advances in impressive fashion.

Mike Durant	Shawn McDonough	Colin McNeil

Handdukies advances to round of 8

VMT 9 - Malachys 8

VMT came out of the gate swinging as they sent nine men to the plate while scoring five runs in the top of the first inning. Malachys put a couple of runs on the board but then Rob O'Neil homered in the third to make it 7-2 VMT.

Pitchers, Dave Wasylak and Steve Shattuck kept both offenses in check as they threw scoreless fourth and fifth innings. Shattuck retired the side in the top of the sixth which fired up the Malachy offense. With two outs and runners on second and third, Glen Peterson made it 7-4 with a single to center. Kevin Chenette followed with a double, and then James Murphy ripped a double that plated two more runs, 7-6! Malachy's wasn't done scoring as Bill Lambert followed with the third double in a row, 7-7! Wasylak finally got out of the inning but the game was tied.

In the top of the seventh, perhaps feeling he may have let his team down, Wasylak stepped up to the plate and hammered a drive the fell for a lead off triple. Forrest Kimball followed with an RBI single giving VMT the lead, 8-7! Two fly outs later and all eyes were set on Greg O'Neil. The veteran player who has been a steady contributor with VMT since 2016, came through with a clutch RBI double to give VMT a much needed insurance run, 9-7.

Wasylak needed three outs for the victory but they were not going to come easy. He retired the first two batters before yielding a single to Shattuck. Charlie McGinnis followed with another single. Marc McGinnis then doubled home Shattuck making it 9-8! Wasylak then retired the final out on a hard grounder to short sending VMT to the next round.

Greg O'Neil	Dave Wasylak	Steve Shattuck

VMT advances to the round of 8 

Dorchester Brew Crew 22 - Silkworms 14

The slight underdog SILKWORMS took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first. However, Ryan Farrell of DORCHESTER BREW CREW then started his personal laser show. Farrell's three-run homer gave DBC a 3-2 lead. Before the inning was over, it would be 5-2.

The Dorchester boys added to their advantage with six more runs in the second (Farrell tripled in two) and two additional in the third (Farrell's second home run of the evening, a solo shot, followed immediately by one from Glenn Parsons) making it 12-2.

The Worms were game, though, and didn't give up. They made it closer, 14-8, after four complete, and got within two again, at 16-14, after 5-1/2. That was as close as it would get. The Brew Crew erupted for six more runs in the bottom of the sixth and closed it with a Silkworm killing double play in the seventh. Final score, 22 - 14, DORCHESTER BREW CREW.

Ryan Farrell finishes 5-for-5 with two home runs, a triple, and seven runs batted in. Glenn Parsons and Dave Milano add home runs of their own and three RBI each. For the Silkworms, coach Dan Barzottini led by example, 5-for-5 including a home run.

Ryan Farrell	Glen Parsons	Dave Milano

Boston Bombers 9 - Roza Lyons 8

Mike Armanini hit the game winning single in the bottom of the seventh to give the Bombers a thrilling victory over Roza Lyons. Before Armanini's heroics, the Bombers had built a 7-1 lead through two innings of play when Roza struck back.

The Dave Franco led crew plated three runs in the top of the third (7-4) and four runs in the top of the fifth to take a 8-7 lead. Chris Fowler had a homerun and RBI double in the uprising. However, the lead wouldn't last long as the Bombers answered in the home half of the fifth when Ryan McKenna tripled and scored the tying run, 8-8. Both pitchers, Max Eidelman and Kyle Szatrowski threw a scoreless frame in the sixth...it was onto the seventh where Jimmy Temte doubled and then scored the game winner on Armanini's single.

Mike Armanini	Max Eidelman	Jimmy Temte

 Bombers advance to round of 8