Publico 17 - La Familia 5

After a rare 1-2-3 inning, the Publico offense got on track in the bottom of the second and began their assault against pitcher Alex Nazzaro. With one on and one out, Chase Pratt tied the game (2-2) with a two-run home run. Paul Iasiello (3 hits) then doubled, Terrance Doonan (3 hits) singled, Bun Stratton singled home Iasiello, and Nick Slevoski (3 hits) singled home Doonan, 4-2.

Pitcher Alberto Vasquez then through a scoreless third inning and Publico was back on the attack in the home half of the inning. Singles by Jamie Faber (3 hits) and Vasquez set the stage for Andrew Grant and he cashed in, smashing a three-run homerun, 7-2. Iasiello doubled and Doonan brought him home for another run as this one was starting to get away, 8-2.

However, the friendly faces in red fought back in the top of the fourth. With two outs, Edward Rosario singled, Juan Baez singled, Nazzaro singled to load the bases for Francisco Martinez (2 hits, 3 RBI) who cleared them with a stand up triple, 8-5. Unfortunately, that would be as close as La Familia would get as Publico was back on the attack in the bottom of the fifth.

Faber led off with a double, Dazzo singled, Vasquez brought them both home with another double, Grant singled, Iasiello hit a sacrifice fly to score Vasquez, Doonan doubled home Grant, and Stratton singled home Doonan - it all added up to another six runs for Publico and a commanding 14-5 lead.

Vasquez threw another shutout inning in the sixth and Publico ended the game by way of the mercy rule in the bottom of the inning. In game two, La Familia will look to quickly put this one in the rear view mirror and Publico will try to continue swinging the hot bats.

Jamie Faber	Alberto Vasquez	Terrance Doonan	Francisco Martinez	Nick Sloveski	Paul Iasiello

Game 2: Wednesday, Sep. 7 @ 6:30  

La Familia 17 - Publico 10

Both clubs came out swinging the bats tonight as eight runs were scored in the first inning (4-4). Publico continue to rip away in the top of the second when Bun Stratton tripled home three runs to give his squad an 8-4 lead. However, that would be their last lead as La Familia came roaring back.

In the bottom of the second, La Familia loaded the bases with one out. Ray Mejia (3 hits) then doubled home a pair to make it 8-6. La Familia was not done scoring as Juan Salcedo followed with a two run single to tie it up, 8-8. RBI singles by Lenny Baez (3 hits) and Francisco Martinez capped the six run inning as the men in red shirts had taken the lead, 10-8.

The teams then scoreless in the third and then team captain, Chris Peris started the fourth off with a homerun to cut the lead to a run, 10-9. However, La Familia got the run back when Lenny Baez wrapped his second hit of the game to right center which drove home Nairo Mejia (4 runs scored), 11-9.

Publico scored an unearned run in the fifth and they were back within a run, 11-10. La Familia wasn't going to be denied in this one as they cranked up the offense in the bottom of the inning.

Ruben Baez led off with a souble to center, Juan Cruz Beaz then reached on an error, and Alez Nazzaro walked which loaded the bases for Ariel Matos. The burly slugger wasted little time as he jumped on a 1-0 pitch and hammered it to deep left center clearing the bases, 14-10. Matos then scored on Eric Pinales ground out to second, 15-10. La Familia wasn't done scoring as they loaded the bases again for Jason Brewer who promptly doubled home a pair, 17-10.

Publico couldn't get anything going in the sixth and seventh innings as pitcher Alex Nazzaro had slipped into his groove. The series was now tied and we were heading to game three.

Nairo Mejia	Ray Mejia	Lenny Baez

Publico 17 - La Familia 5

Steve Dazzo hit a three-run homerun in the bottom of the fifth to put Publico ahead by twelve and the game was called due to the "12-run deficit rule." Prior to the game, the two clubs agreed that this would be the last game of the series due to time constraints and schedule conflicts. Although this was originally scheduled as a five game series it was now a three game series. The two clubs gave the OK to play this as the last game and we began.

La Familia had the early momentum when Juan Salcedo launched a two-run homeun to deep left field, 2-0. Little did they know that would be the last play they would celebrate as the game took a downward turn for them in the bottom of the first and they never recovered.

Publico quickly got to work in the home half as they loaded the bases with just one out. Andrew Grant singled home Ryan McManus, Terrance Doonan singled home Steve Dazzo (3 hits), Chris Peris singled home a pair of runs, and Nick Sloveski capped the scoring off with a sacrifice fly, 5-2 Publico after one inning complete.

Pitcher Albert Vasquez then retired the side in order in the second and Publico increased their lead to 6-2 on a Ryan McManus homerun to deep center. Vasquez then shutdown the La Familia attack in the third and suddenly their championship hopes were beginning to slip away. Publico added two more runs in the bottom of the third on a key throwing error - 8-2.

Through three innings, the momentum had totally swung - Publico was in control and they were not relenting. However, La Familia fought back in the fourth when they loaded the bases with one out. Francisco Martinez then hit a sacrifice fly to make it 8-3. Ruben Cruz-Baez gave his team even more of a lift when he cleared the bases with a double, 8-5. Vasquez then got the third out on a fly ball to right.

Publico went down in order in the bottom of the fourth and La Familia couldn't push any runs across the board in the top of the fifth - we moved to the bottom of the fifth where Dazzo and company would flex their muscles one last time.

Steve Dazzo started the nine run rally with a double to right center - he would later end the rally and game with a three run homerun. Vasquez doubled and scored Dazzo, Grant doubled and scored Vasquez, 10-5. Paul Iasiello singled and scored Grant, 11-5. Chris Peris single, Sloveski single, Bun Stratton singled home two more runs (13-5), fly out, error on the shortstop, fly out, Dazzo....three run homerun! That's ball game and that's a wrap. Publico wins the "B" championship.

After the game, the Publico squad were a bit subdued in their celebration but did take the M Street Cup to their establishment and I'm hoping they got to enjoy their well earned victory. They have been close for several years but always seem to falter when it mattered most - not this season. They are the champs! On the flip side, some of the La Familia players were quite upset with how the series ended. They questioned the agreement on why the series was shortened and wasn't very gracious in defeat. I can certainly understand being upset about the loss but I don't understand how you can agree to playing one "winner take all" game and then have an issue with it when it doesn't go you way.

Alberto Vasquez	Steve Dazzo	Juan Salcedo

Back row (L-R): Ryan McManus, Steve Dazzo, Hunter Hagdorn, Jamie Faber, Alberto Vasquez, Nick Sloveski, Andrew Grant, and Bun Stratton.

Front row (L-R): Chris Peris and Zach Rothschild Presentation of the "M Street Cup" and the "John Feeney trophy" was made by Commissioner Mark Senna, while individual awards were as follows: The Silver Slugger for best batting performance in the playoffs went to several Publico players: Jamie Faber (.558 23 RBI), Steve Dazzo (.474 19 RBI), Andrew Grant (.650 19 RBI) and Ryan McManus (.463 15 RBI). The Most Valuable Player was pitcher Alberto Vasquez who batted .528 while going 8-4 with a 6.34 ERA.

Handdukies 11 - Publico 8

In a rematch of last year's quarter final series that was won by Handdukies, the boys from Dorchester continued to match up well with Publico as they took the first game of this best of five series.

Publico pulled ahead in the fourth on a two-run homerun by Terrance Doonan, 5-4. However, Dukies were not going to be denied tonight as James Moccio and Mike Durant both reached safely putting runners on the corners with one out in the fifth. Kevin Moran then put Dukies on top with a sharp single to the outfield, 6-5. Moran scored two batters later when Mike Moran (3 hits, 2 HR's) connected for his second homerun of the game, 8-5.

Handdukies added another run in the sixth and tacked a couple on in the seventh on RBI singles by Brian Walsh and Moccio, 11-5. The game moved to the bottom of the seventh and it was last call for Publico. Bun Stratton and Nick Sloveski started the inning with back-to-back singles which gave Publico some life. A sacrifice fly brought Stratton home but Publico needed more from the at bat by slugger Ryan McManus, 11-6. Back-to-back singles by Jamie Faber (3 hits) and Steve Dazzo scored Sloveski, 11-7. Publico's lefty power hitting pitcher, Alberto Vasquez, then had a chance to tie it but again, Publico would have to settle for a sacrifice fly, 11-8. Now down to their final out, Mike Ball went right after the next batter and got an easy fly ball to center field that ended the game.

Mike Moran	Jamie Faber	Mike Ball

Game 2: Tuesday, Aug. 16 @ 7:00 

Publico 13 - Handdukies 1

Alberto Vasquez tossed a three-hitter at the Handdukies as Publico evened this best of five series at a game a piece. The Dukies scored the first run of the game but after that, it was all Publico.

In the top of the second, Ryan McManus (2 hits, 4 RBI) ripped a bases clearing double to put Publico in front to stay, 3-1. An inning later, Paul Iasiello (2 hits) drove Andrew Grant home in the third making it 4-1. Vasquez continued to stymie the Dukies offense as the game moved to the fifth inning.

In the fifth, a dropped ball in center field and another in left resulted in nine unearned runs and a 13-1 lead. Vasquez then took the mound and and quickly retired the side which ended the game via the "slaughter rule." It was an embarrassing loss for the Dukies club but if there is any team that knows how to put such a loss behind them, it's this group. Publico wins this one in convincing fashion.

Alberto Vasquez	Ryan McManus	Paul Iasiello

Game 3: Wednesday, Aug. 17 @ 8:30 (N Street)

Handdukies 12 - Publico 8

Trailing 8-5 in the top of the seventh inning with one out, the Handdukies offense erupted for seven runs to steal game three from a shell-shocked Publico squad.

After getting trounced (13-1) in game two, the Handdukies found themselves in a tighter game but were still trailing most of the way. Publico had taken over the game in the bottom of the fourth with a seven run inning. Jamie Faber and Steve Dazzo had struck the big blows in the rally, 8-4.

James Moccio got one of the runs back in the fifth with a solo homerun, 8-5. Pitcher Mike Ball then shutdown the Publico attack in the fifth and sixth innings which gave his squad a chance in the seventh.

Pitcher Alberto Vasquez then took the mound in the seventh and needed just three outs to earn the victory. He quickly recorded the first out on a grounder to third but then the lineup flipped over to the top of the order. Billy Kiley singled, Moccio was walked, Jacky Higgins then drew a walk to load the bases. The cleanup hitter, Michael Durant, then singled to make it 8-6. Colin McNeil (3 hits) then stepped into the box and tied the game with a double in the gap, 8-8. Hot hitting Kevin Moran followed with his third hit of the game and Dukies was now in front, 9-8! Mike Moran drove home another run and then Anthony Flaherty put the exclamation point on the rally with a two-run double, 12-8. The final two outs were recorded and the Publico players trudged off the field knowing what they had just given away.

In the bottom of the seventh, pitcher Mike Ball took the mound and quickly retired the first batter on a fly ball to center field. Then back-to-back singles by Vasquez and Andrew Grant (3 hits) gave Publico a glimmer of hope. But Ball then got a grounder and finally a fly out to center and that was the ball game folks. The never say die Dukies had done it again.

Colin McNeil	Kevin Moran	Mike Ball	Andrew Grant

Game 4: Wednesday, Aug. 24 @ 7:00

Publico 9 - Handdukies 2

Publico and pitcher Alberto Vasquez forces a game five with a convincing win here tonight. Vasquez scattered seven hits while giving up just two runs, both coming in the seventh inning.

This game lacked the intensity of other playoff games as Publico quietly and methodically went about their business with their top of the order (Ryan McManus 2 hits) doing most of the heavy lifting. Back-to-back RBI singles by Andrew Grant and Chase Pratt gave them a 2-0 lead in the first and they never trailed.

Two innings later, Vasquez tripled home a pair of runs in the third and then scored on a fly ball to right, 5-0. At that point we were all waiting for a late Dukies rally that just never came. Instead, Steve Dazzo (2 hits) put the game out of reach with a moon shot grand slam in the fourth, 9-0.

Dukies finally cracked the code to Vasquez in the seventh when James Moccio and Jacky Higgins led the frame off with singles and later scored on Pat O'Sullivan's single. However, it was too little too late - game five will be played on Thursday at 7pm with the winner earning a trip to the finals.

Alberto Vasquez	Steve Dazzo	Ryan McManus

Game 5: Thursday, Aug. 25 @ 7pm

Publico 14 Handdukies 13

Trailing by two, stocky righty Terrance Doonan (#29) hit a three-run homerun to the opposite field in the bottom of the seventh to win the series for Publico in a thrilling M Street classic. The Dukies had just taken a two-run lead the inning before and were trying to close out the series but with one swing, the speedy Doonan broke their hearts.

Terrance Doonan homers to right field (ball is in flight - top right)

Prior to Doonan's heroics, we saw the Handdukies build a 11-0 lead over a Publico team that looked uninterested. Already ahead 3-0, Pat O'Sullivan ripped a triple in the top of the third to clear the bases and give the Dorchester boys a 5-0 lead. RBI singles by Mike Durant, Mike Moran, and a two-run homerun by Marcus Egan gave the Dukies a commanding 9-0 lead. Publico didn't respond in the home half as pitcher Mike Ball was shutting them down through the first three innings of play. Colin McNeil (2 HR, 4 RBI) added to the cause with a two-run homerun in the fourth and the Dukies were pulling away here in game five, 11-0!

Finally, in the bottom of the fourth Publico's offense woke up from their nap and came to life. Jamie Faber (3 hits) tripled home Ryan McManus and later scored on Andrew Grant's single, 11-2. Alberto Vasquez then kept Dukies off the board in the fifth and Publico went back to work in the home half of the inning. With two runners on and one out, Ryan McManus went deep making it 11-5. Publico wasn't done scoring. Hits by Faber, Dazzo, Vasquez, Chase Pratt all led to three more runs and we now had a ball game, 11-8 after five innings.

Vasquez then threw another goose egg by stranding a Dukies runner at third in the sixth. In the bottom of the sixth, with two runners on and two out, Steve Dazzo hit a no doubter that cleared the Edison wall by twelve feet and we were tied, 11-11!

In the seventh, Jacky Higgins singled and then Colin McNeil hit his second homerun of the game - this one was a towering drive to left that was gone the second he swung the bat, 13-11 Dukies! Kevin Moran followed with a single and then O'Sullivan reached with a walk. Dukies was looking for more but then two consecutive fly outs brought Sean Provenzano to the plate. On a 2-2 counbt, the powerful righty ripped a low line drive to left that was sure to clear the bases but it was caught to end the inning. We were on to the bottom of the seventh.

Grant led off with a sharp single to right and then Pratt flew out to center. Everyone took a deep breath as the tension was mounting. Paul Iasiello then singled which brought up Doonan and the rest is history. Publico earns a trip to the finals and will play the winner of Monday's game five between La Familia and Sperry's Liquors.

Terrance Doonan	Steve Dazzo	Colin McNeil	Jamie Faber

La Familia 10 - Sperry's 9

Juan Cruz-Baez doubled home Lenny Baez in the top of the seventh inning to give La Familia a 10-9 lead. Pitcher Adam Nazzaro retired the side in order to preserve the game one victory. Although the score was tight at the end, this game wasn't as close in the early frames.

In the first inning, Sperry's couldn't get an out as La Familia hitters took their swings and connected - often. When all was said and done, La Familia had built a 6-0 lead.

Sperry's now were faced with the tough task of scoring runs off Alex Nazzaro which isn't easy as he led the "B" division with the lowest ERA (4.70). However, with two outs Sperry's Vic Kozica and Ryan McKenna came through with clutch singles making it, 6-2.

Juan Salcedo homered in the second and Nazzaro helped himself with a two-run homerun in the third, 9-2. At this point, we were looking at an early game as La Familia was pouring it on.

The game moved to the bottom of the fifth with the score still 9-2 in favor of La Familia when it took a quick turn. With runners on first and second, Adam Camilli (4 hits) hit a RBI single, 9-3. Two batters later Tom Andrews singled home another and Kozica followed with an RBI single of his own, 9-5.

Sperry's pitcher Max Eidelman held La Familia off the board again in the sixth which gave his offense another shot a tying it up. In the bottom of the sixth, Jimmy Temte hit a solo homerun to cut into the lead, 9-6. Two-out singles by Mike Armanini and Brett Sperrenzella kept the inning alive for Sperry's and in stepped Camilli. With his team needing a big hit, Camilli delivered with his fourth hit of the game - a game tying three run homerun, 9-9!

The game moved to the seventh where Juan Cruz-Baez doubled home the game winner. If this first game is any indication of how the rest of the series will go, then we are in for a long series here folks as the two teams are evenly matched.

Adam Camilli	Juan Cruz-Baez	Alex Nazzaro

Game 2: Tuesday, Aug. 16 @ 7:30 (N Street)

Sperry's 21 - La Familia 19

La Familia had built a 14-8 lead and were looking to take a commanding two game lead in this best of five series but Sperry's offense erupted in the top of the fifth to flip the script.

Ryan McKenna struck the first blow when he smacked a two-run homerun, 14-10. Pitcher Alex Nazzaro then retired the next two batters and for a moment, it appeared that La Familia would carry the lead into the sixth. However, singles by Brian Tambeau, Chris Coppola (3 hits), Brett Sperrenzella, Mike DiMatteo, and Tom Andrews eventually led to seven runs and a slim 15-14 lead. The scoring was far from over in this one though.

Sperry's hurler, Max Eidelman, then did his part and shut down the La Familia's offense in the home half of the inning. The Sperry players raced off the field as they couldn't wait to continue their attack at the plate. A one out triple by John Rumney was followed by an RBI single by Timmy Benson (4 hits) making it 16-14. A walk and another single loaded the bases for Chris Coppola (3 hits) who delivered in the clutch with a two-run single, 18-14.

Ryan McKenna	Chris Coppola	Timmy Benson

Game 3: Wednesday, Aug. 17 @ 7:00 (N Street)

Sperry's 7 - La Familia 6

For six full innings, pitcher Alex Nazzaro had his knuckleball dancing and had the Sperry hitters in fits. Inning after inning, they would get a couple of runners on with two outs and then Nazzaro would get the last out on a routine fly ball. This went on for six innings folks...but softball games are seven innings long.

While Nazzaro was conducting his business of shutting down the Sperry attack, La Familia wasn't having an easy time against Max Eidelman either. Max, who had been warned about his on field conduct by the plate umpire, was pitching his best game when his team needed him the most. He had simply flipped the switch and got back to pitching. However, La Familia took advantage of two key infielder miscues in the fourth and plated four unearned runs, 4-0. Ariel Matos (3 hits), Nazzaro, Edwin Rosario, and Lenny Baez all had RBI singles.

The score remained that way until the top of the sixth when La Familia would strike again. Francisco Martinez (SAC fly) and Nazzaro (single) each drove a runner home and La Familia was comfortably in front, 6-0. Nazzaro then retired the side in the bottom of the sixth and we were moving to the seventh.

Although trailing by six and not getting any run support at all, Eidelman kept hit composure and made quick work of the La Familia hitters. The game moved onto the bottom of the seventh when EVERYTHING would dramatically change for both clubs.

Ryan McKenna led off with a homerun, 6-1. John Rumney and Timmy Benson followed with singles which brought up Jimmy Temte. Temte was hitless at this point but he saw one he liked and ripped a triple that scored both runners, 6-3. Suddenly, Sperry's had life and the La Familia fielders began to get tight. Nazzaro dug in and got a shallow fly to left for the first out. Chris Copolla was up next and he singled sharply which scored Temte, 6-4. Nazzaro then retired the next batter on an easy infield pop up, two outs with a runner on first. It was looking like La Familia was going to survive the attack and win game three.

However, Sperry's had the top of the order now up that featured some of the league's most patient and talented hitters. Adam Camilli singled, Mike DiMatteo singled to load the bases for Tom Andrews. The team captain didn't miss the opportunity to shine and singled, 6-5 with the bases still loaded. Vik Kozika (31 RBI, led team) did his thing and doubled, game over, 7-6! Sperry's down six in the seventh score seven runs to win it and now are just a win away from the finals. La Familia will need to put this one in the rear view mirror and quickly regroup. They played flawless for six innings but will need a full seven inning effort in game four.

Max Eidelman	Vik Kozika	Ariel Matos	Alex Nazzaro

Game 4: Wednesday, Aug. 24 @ 8:30

La Familia 13 - Sperry's 9

La Familia gives up another late lead but rallies for the series tying victory in game four. They led for most of the game but Sperry's scored five runs in the top of the sixth inning to tie it up only to watch La Familia answer with four runs of their own in the bottom of the sixth.

La Familia had built a 6-4 lead heading into the bottom of the fifth inning. At this point, the game was anybody's as both teams were showing that they could make plays in the field and come up with the clutch hit when needed. In fact, two runners (one from each side) were cut down at the plate on spectacular throws from the outfield. However, in the bottom of the fifth the boys in red got their offense clicking again when they sent eight batters to the plate and scored three runs, 9-4. Lenny Baez (2 hits, 3 RBI) and Eddie Rosario had the big hits in the inning.

Now running out of outs, the Sperry's scoring machine also cranked it up. With two outs and a runner of first base, the next seven batters reached safely which produced five runs and a TIED game. Zach Larabee struck the big blow when he hit a two-run pinch hit double. Brett Sperenzella stroked and RBI single and later, Timmy Benson added to the cause and tied the game, 9-9.

In the bottom of the sixth, Sperry's pitcher Max Eidelman got tossed from the game. A disagreement between Max and the plate umpire had been brewing all game long but this was the most inappropriate time to get tossed out. Perhaps the pressure of the situation got to the pitcher and he just couldn't contain himself. In any case, Sperry's replaced Max with Mike Armanini, who had not thrown one pitch all season long. La Familia took advantage and plated four runs off of a couple of hits and some untimely walks, 13-9.

There was no comeback in the seventh as Sperry's went down in order on three straight fly balls to center field. The deciding game five of this series will be played on Monday at 6:30pm and it should be a great one.

Nairo Mejia	Lenny Baez	John Rumney

Game 5: Monday, Aug. 29 @ 6:30pm

La Familia 16 - Sperry's 8

The La Familia batters found their groove at the right time tonight as they batted around the order in the top of the seventh while scoring seven runs to pull away from Sperry's here in game five. Prior to the offensive eruption, this was a back and forth game that was hanging in the balance right until the very last inning.

La Familia's Nairo Mejia (4 hits) started the scoring when he led the game off with a solo homerun, 1-0. Sperry's countered with three runs in the bottom of the inning on a homerun by Ryan McKenna (3 hits, 2 HR, 6 RBI), 3-1. However, that lead didn't last long as Ariel Matos answered with a bases clearing double in the top of the third, 4-3 La Familia. Sperry's tied it up on a sacrifice fly and we were even after three innings of play.

With two out and two runners on base in the fourth, Nairo and Rey Mejia hit back-to-back RBI singles that put La Familia back on top, 7-4. Pitcher Alex Nazzaro did everything he could to keep Sperry's from scoring in the next frame but his will wasn't enough, 7-5 after four.

Up until this point, everything was fairly even as neither team could take control nor pull too far ahead. It was looking as the outcome was going to come down to the very last out. Keeping with the script, La Familia scored a run on a sacrifice fly in the fifth to make it 8-5 but Sperry's McKenna hit another three run homerun in the bottom of the fifth to tie it up, 8-8!

In the sixth, pitcher Max Eidelman was doing his best to keep his team in this one and was in a bit of a jam with two outs and runners on the corners when Rey Mejia poked a single through the left side to put La Familia back on top, 9-8. Eidelman retired the next batter on a ground ball to third.

Now holding a slim one run lead, Nazzaro went to work against the bottom of the order in the sixth. The knuckleballer made quick work of the Sperry's trio as he retired the side on three fly balls and we were onto the seventh where this one would get away from Eidelman and Sperry's.

Jason Brewer led off with a single and was followed by Lenny Baez who also singled. Eidelman then got the next batter on a pop out but couldn't retire Ruben Baez as the righty ripped a two-run double to left center, 11-8. Nazzaro then helped his own cause with an RBI single, 12-8. Sperry's needed to stop the scoring here and get out of the inning. Instead, La Familia continued the rally as Francisco Martinez singled and scored on Ariel Matos two-run double, 14-8. Another single, Nairo banged out his fourth hit, then a ground out, and then Juan Salcedo brought two more home and this one got away, 16-8.

In the home half of the seventh, Nazzaro gave up a couple of singles but then retired the last two batters to end a very well played series that could have gone either way. La Familia won't have much time to rest and enjoy this victory as they will now take on Publico in a best of five series final beginning tomorrow (Tuesday).

Nairo Mejia	Ryan McKenna	Alex Nazzaro	Tom Andrews

PowTown 7 - Publico 4

After pulling off the upset of the season two nights ago, could PowTown have it in them to pull off an even bigger one? YES! For the second time this week, PowTown has sent shock waves through the league with two improbable victories. Tonight, it was the number one seed Publico who were silenced by the growing tidal wave of momentum that is behind PowTown right now. Folks, to understand what took place tonight you have to look at the numbers. PowTown gave up 212 runs this season - that was fourth WORST in the entire 27 team league. On the flip side, Publico gave up just 100 runs against which is good enough for first in the "B" division and third best in the entire league.

Yet, here they were - the two teams scoreless after two innings until Carter Swaebe (new household name) doubled home Mike Dalessio (3 hits) and Ryan Wynns (3 hits), 2-0. Publico answered with a pair of runs of their own in the bottom of the third and it was 2-2 after three complete.

Steve Dazzo put Publico ahead in the bottom of the fourth with a homerun but PowTown responded to tie the game in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Ryan DiSilva, 3-3. Wait a second, we are this late in the game and the heavy underdog PowTown is tied and has given up just three runs? YES! Pitcher Mike Keough was at his very best tonight as he was rarely in trouble and kept his composure under the mounting pressure.

In the top of the sixth inning, whatever it is that is fueling PowTown, showed up again. With Mike Nelson (3 hits) and John Maroney on base, their ninth batter in the order, Quillen Bradlee, checked in with a clutch double to score Nelson, 4-3. Dalessio followed with another RBI hit and it was 5-3. In the bottom of the sixth, Keough set down the Publico offense again. They were just three outs away from victory.

In the top of the seventh, Nelson saved his best for his last at bat as he singled home a pair of runs making it 7-3 PowTown. The impossible was suddenly possible, again. Now taking the field with some swagger in their step, PowTown would find it wouldn't be easy closing this one out. Leadoff singles by Ryan McManus and Jamie Faber brought the tying run into the on deck circle. Keough got a fly ball out and then yielded a run on a Alberto Vasquez sacrifice fly, 7-4. With two outs and a runner on first, Andrew Grant kept Publico's chances alive with a single. With the tying runner at the plate, Keough got the last out on a ground ball hit right back to him which he easily flipped to first and that was the ball game. Wow!

Game two on Monday should be a good one - Publico will need to put this one behind them and get their powerful offense cranked up. PowTown will look to ride the momentum wave and continue their magical run with stellar play on both sides of the ball.

Mike Keough	Mike Nelson	Mike Dalessio	Ryan Wynns

Game 2: Monday, Aug. 8 @ 8:15 (N) Publico 22 - PowTown 7

Needing a victory to keep their championship hopes alive, Publico's offense scored thirteen runs over the final three innings which was more than enough to get them over the finishing line.

Prior to the onslaught, PowTown got out of the gate quickly as they plated four runs in the first inning. Publico was unfazed though as they responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first, four in the second, two more in the third, and one in the fourth on a homerun by Ryan McManus (4 hits), 9-6 after four complete.

Once again, PowTown was proving that they belonged on the same field as the league's heavyweights and were looking to pull off another upset. However, the Publico offense wouldn't comply on this night as Chase Pratt (4 hits, 5 RBI) got things started in the three-run fifth, 12-6.

Now with a six run lead, pitcher Alberto Vasquez' task became easier - just stay out of the big inning. Vasquez managed to do that and more as he yielded just four hits and a single run over the final three innings of play to set up a winner take all game three on Thursday night.

Chase Pratt	Alberto Vasquez	Ryan McManus

Game 3: Thursday, Aug. 11 @ 8:30

Publico 18 - PowTown 1

Goliath Publico left no doubt as to who was the better team as they finish off the scrappy underdog PowTown squad in game three. Ryan Wynns scored the game's first run in the top of the first for PowTown but then from that point on it was all Publico. Three runs in the bottom of the first, six in the second, three in the third, and six in the fourth led to eighteen runs and the slaughter rule was in effect after five innings of play. Jamie Faber (4 hits, double, homerun, 8 RBI) was the hitting leader for Publico but they got solid contributions from several others - Chris Peris (3 hits), Chase Pratt (3 hits), and Steve Dazzo (3 hits). While their offense was firing on all cylinders, their pitcher, Alberto Vasquez, was busy on the mound firing strikes and retiring batters. Publico will now take on the Handdukies in a best of five semi-final.

Jamie Faber	Alberto Vasquez	Mike Nelson

Publico wins series 2-1

Sperry's 14 - L Street Tavern 13

In the bottom of the seventh inning with the score tied 13-13, Sperry's John Rumney singled sharply to score Tom Andrews from second base with the game winning run. Prior to Rumney's walk off hit this was a game that was up for grabs as neither team could establish control. L Street played a man down (9) but can hold their head high as they hung in there with one of the league's best teams.

With Sperry's holding a 3-2 lead after two innings of play, L Street cranked up the offense in the top of the third. Homeruns by Mike Dodokian and Sam Novicki gave them an 8-3 lead. However, it wouldn't last long as Sperry's countered in the home half of the inning by scoring a six spot themselves. Jimmy Temte (3 hits, double, triple, 4 RBI) struck the big blow in the inning when he cleared the bases with a triple, 9-8 Sperry's.

We were tied 13-13 after five innings complete as this one was going down to the wire. In the top of the sixth, Sperry's pitcher Max Eidelman worked around a leadoff walk and retired the next three batters on fly outs. Sperry's didn't score in the bottom of the sixth and we were still tied and moving to the top of the seventh.

Facing the top of the order, Eidelman got two quick outs on a grounder to third and a fly out to center. However, M Street veteran player Andrew Peabody wouldn't let his team down as he promptly doubled. Sean Moran, who had already hit two homeruns, was then walked and the game hung in the balance with Sam Novicki digging into the batter's box. Eidelman won the battle this time as Novicki flew out to left. The game moved onto the bottom of the seventh where Rumney ended it with a clutch game winning single. The two clubs will be back at it on Tuesday where L Street will hopefully have a full squad.

Jimmy Temte	Sean Moran	Max Eidelman

Game 2: Tuesday, Aug. 9 @ 7:00 (N) Sperry's 14 - L Street Tavern 11

L Street showed up with a full team who were looking to send the series to a deciding game three. However, Sperry's had other ideas in this back and forth affair.

After falling behind by a run, Mike Dodokian (3 hits, 4 RBI) launched a two run home run to put L Street back on top 4-2 after two innings complete. But Sperry's countered in the third with four runs of their own behind RBI hits by Tom Andrews and Mike Dimatteo (3 hits, 4 runs), 6-4.

After a scoreless bottom of the third and top of the fourth, L Street came out swinging in the home half of the fourth and regained the lead. Dan O'Connell drove home a pair and Dodokian hit his second homerun of the game as L Street hung a six spot on the scoreboard and were back on top, 10-6.

Before they could get comfortable with their lead, Sperry's send the next ten batters to the plate in what mounted to a five run fifth. Tim Benson, Vic Kozica, and Dimatteo all had RBI hits in the inning for Sperry's, 11-10. Needing a shutdown inning in the home half, Sperry's got it from their pitch Max Eidelman as he retired the side.

Sperry's hitting attack sensed blood and went back to work in the top of the sixth. Adam Camilli led off with a single and then scored on Dimatteo's third hit of the game, this a triple. He would score from third on Tom Andrews sacrifice fly and Sperry's was pulling away, 13-10.

With two outs in the bottom of the sixth, L Street put a couple of runners on but they were left stranded. Sperry's added another run in the seventh on Jimmy Temte's single, 14-10. In the home half of the seventh it was last call for L Street but they had little response. A leadoff single by Sam Novicki gave them a glimmer of hope but then a fly out, ground out, and ground out put a quick ended to their season. Sperry's will now await the winner of the PowTown/Publico series. If PowTown complete the upset, then Sperry's would draw Publico, otherwise they will take on La Familia in a best of five series.

Mike Dimatteo	Mike Dodokian	Tim Benson

Sperry's wins series 2-0

Handdukies 24 - Fat Baby 23

The NFL pre-season kicked off tonight in Canton, Ohio and from all reports, it was a typical pre-season game with lots of flags, missed tackles, and poor QB play. Here in South Boston, the Handdukies and Fat Baby took the field for game one of their best of three series and played it much like the above mentioned "game." Between the two teams, thirty-six hits were recorded, forty-seven runs were scored, 20 walks were issued, 8 errors committed, and 20 unearned runs were allowed. It was an ugly games folks but in the end, somebody had to win it and didn't care how they got the job done.

Let's pick it up in the bottom of the third inning with Dukies ahead 10-5. In the uprising, Fat Baby sent fourteen batters to the plate which amounted to eleven runs and a 16-11 lead. Derek Coderre (4 hits, 2 HR, 5 RBI) and Steve Leavitt (HR, 6 RBI) struck the big blows in the inning.

The game crawled into the top of the fourth where the Dukies responded with an uprising of their own. A touchdown and a field goal later we had Dukies ahead, 20-16. Pat O'Sullivan (2 hits, HR, 6 RBI) and Brian Walsh were the big run producers in the inning for the Dukies. However, the lead wouldn't last a half inning as Fat Baby answered in the bottom of the fourth with four more runs, 20-20. This could be a league record for the most runs scored in a game - I don't recall a game like this, especially in the playoffs.

Eventually, Fat Baby took a 23-20 lead into the top of the seventh inning and were hoping to hang on for the win. However, the "Dukies Never Die" had other ideas as Jacky Higgins (4 hits), Mike Durant, and Anthony Flaherty all reached base to load them up for O'Sullivan. With one swing of the bat, Dukies were now a run ahead on a dramatic and clutch grand-slam! The game moved into the bottom of the seventh and Fat Baby needed a run to keep it going.

Dukies pitcher, Mike Ball, who had been victimized by poor defensive play behind (20 unearned runs allowed) him all game long, finally got a break. Facing the heart of the order, Ball retired the side in short order and Dukies had outlasted Fat Baby in a football like score, 24-23.

Pat O'Sullivan	Derek Coderre	Andrew Stover	Mike Ball

Game 2: Monday, Aug. 8 @ 7:00 Handdukies 9 - Fat Baby 4

James Moccio hit a homerun in the bottom of the first inning that put the Dukies on top and they never trailed. After dropping the first game of the series, Fat Baby were faced with a must win but couldn't get their offense on track. Instead, Dukies pitcher Mike Ball stayed out of trouble as he weaved in and out of the innings and left the Fat Baby offense looking for answers.

The answers never came as Dukies added a paid of runs in three straight innings to pull away and finish off an impressive two game sweep of the series. I don't know where Fat Baby goes from here as I thought this version of the team was enough to make a very deep playoff run. Coach Dave Piccarilli is going to have to take a long look at the roster come next season.

It was a total team effort by the Dukies players on both sides of the ball this evening as they will now rest up and await their next opponent which at this point, is anyone's guess.

Mike Ball	James Moccio	Kyle Capaldo

Handdukies win series 2-0

La Familia 8 - Shannon Tavern 2

For the first two and a half innings here in game one, pitchers Alex Nazzaro and Ray Brewer were on top of their game and shutting down the offense. However, Brewer and Shannon Tavern ran into trouble in the bottom of the third when La Familia loaded the bases for leadoff batter, Nairo Mejia.

Mejia didn't disappoint his followers as he delivered a clutch bases clearing triple to put La Familia ahead, 3-0. Ray Mejia then followed with a sacrifice fly and it was 4-0 after three complete.

Shannon Tavern needed to respond and did when Frank Lemieux drove home David Kurey but Nazzaro limited the damage and retired the next two hitters, 4-1. In the bottom of the fourth, La Familia used their pattented singles attack that resulted in two more runs, 6-1.

Shannon was feeling the pressure now as Nazzaro was having an easy time on the mound and had given up just the one hit to Lemieux. However, the ERA champ showed what he is made of as he struck out the last Shannon batter of the inning while retiring the side in order.

The game moved to the sixth where again, Shannon couldn't solve Nazzaro and went down 1-2-3. In the home half of the sixth, Lenny Baez put an exclamation point on the win and sent his home crowd cheering with a homerun to deep center, 8-1. Shannon would scrape together a few hits in the seventh to score their second run but it was much too late and much too little in this one.

Alex Nazzaro	Ray Mejia	Lenny Baez

Game 2: Tuesday, Aug. 9 @ 8:15 (N) La Familia 16 - Shannon Tavern 13

After being held in check by La Familia and their ace pitcher, Alex Nazzaro, for their two meetings this season, Shannon Tavern regrouped and threw everything they had in a must win game but would it be enough?

Unlike game one where runs were a premium, this one saw both teams score early and often. With La Familia ahead 4-3, we'll pick up the action in the top of the fourth inning. With a runner on first and one out, Nazzaro helped himself with a two run homerun to make it 6-3. Afterwards, an error, single, and single loaded the bases for Juan Salcedo. Juan promptly doubled to clear the bases and it appeared the rout was on, 9-3. However, Shannon had fight in them tonight and quickly responded.

In the bottom of the fourth, Trent Sinatro (4 hits, 3 runs) led off with a triple and scored on a homerun by Scott Morrison, 9-5. Drew Ryan followed with a solo blast and Shannon was rallying, 9-6. A single by Ian Campbell followed by and infield error, set the tables for pitcher Ray Brewer (3 hits, 5 RBI). Brewer saw one he like and singled home both runners, making it 9-8. Shannon had answered with a five running inning themselves.

In the fifth, Nairo Mejia (3 hits, 4 runs) cleared the bases and put La Familia on top by four, 12-8. Shannon Tavern responded but was held to just a run, 12-9. The game moved to the sixth inning where Brewer and the Tavern squad needed to keep the La Familia attack from scoring. Brewer did just that as La Familia failed to score.

In the bottom of the sixth, back to back singles set the table for David Kurey but the slugger was denied by Nazzaro who was clearly winning the battle in this one. Brewer was next up and the tall righty didn't miss as he singled to the outfield which plated both runs, 12-11. Nazzaro retired the next two batters and the game headed to the seventh where the pressure was put on Brewer again.

Great teams continue to attack and that is what La Familia did tonight. In the top of the seventh, a leadoff single to Ariel Matos, followed by a walk to Mejia, allowed Rey Mejia (4 hits, 2 RBI) to single home Matos, 13-11. Juan Salcedo singled but then Brewer retired the next two batters and for a moment it looked like they would escape the inning with minimal damage. However, before the inning came to an end RBI singles by Lenny Baez and Juan Crus-Baez increased the lead to 16-11.

It was last call for Shannon Tavern - a fly out followed by a single and a walk gave the Tavern some hope. Drew Ryan and Campbell then came through with clutch RBI singles making it 16-13. With the tying run at the plate, Nazzaro retired Will Sleeper on a fielder's choice and Shannon was down to their last out. Dom DiSano (.571 hitter with 21 RBI's) stepped into the box and was looking to even things up. For a moment he thought he may had done just that as he hit a towering drive to deep center field. However, the La Familia outfielders were aware of the power and were playing him VERY deep. What might have been a game tying homerun on the M Street diamond fell into the center field's glove for the final out on the N Street diamond. La Familia holds off Shannon and moves onto the semi-finals where they will play either Sperry's Liquors or the Handdukies.

Nairo Mejia	Rey Mejia	Trent Sinatro	Ray Brewer

La Familia wins series 2-0

Publico 17 - Roza Lyons 1

In the March Madness basketball tournament, the 16th seed was 0-132 when going against the number one seed until UMBC beat Virginia in 2018. Roza Lyons were hoping they were going to capture some March magic tonight and knock off the powerful Publico squad. Well folks, we will have to wait another season for that upset because Publico flexed their muscles by hammering four homeruns while leaving no doubt in this 17-1 trouncing. Ryan McManus (2 hits, HR, 3 RBI), Andrew Grant (3 hits, HR, 3 RBI), Hunter Hagdorn (HR, 4 RBI), and Jamie Faber (3 hits, triple, HR, 4 RBI) were the hitting stars while pitcher Alberto Vasquez tossed a strong game on the mound for Publico.

Alberto Vasquez	Andrew Grant	Jamie Faber

Publico advances to round of 8

PowTown 19 - Broadway Brew Crew 17

Do you believe in Miracles? That was the famous line from announcer Al Michaels call in 1980 when the USA hockey team took down the heavily favored USSR squad. Well, we may not have had a miracle but we did have a softball upset. The fifteenth seeded PowTown knocked off the second seeded Broadway Brew Crew in extra innings behind a nine run seventh inning rally for the ages. Before we cover how it ended, let's look at how it all began. PowTown showed right away that they were here to play and that their 20-5 win over Broadway earlier in the season wasn't a fluke. They scored five runs in the first highlighted by a Mike Nelson three-run home run. Broadway wasn't too fazed as their bats answered in the home half and we had a 5-3 game. After a scoreless second, Broadway continued to flex their muscles in the third and fourth innings as they swatted four homeruns (Ryan Farrell, Glenn Parsons, Brendan Skehill 2), and plated THIRTEEN runs to take a commanding 16-6 lead. In that same span, PowTown's offense could only muster a pair of runs on Alex Bergeron's two run homerun, 16-8. The teams went scoreless in the sixth and this fairly one-side game moved onto the seventh inning.

How does a team respond when losing by eight runs and down to their last three outs? Four straight singles ignited a rally that seemed like it would never end, especially if you were wearing a Broadway jersey. With the scored now 16-10 up to the plate strode Carter Swaebe (4 hits). Considering PowTown is only in their second season and missed the playoffs last season, this is the first I'm writing about Carter but it surely wont be the last. Anyway, Swaebe jumped on a pitch and ripped a three-run homerun making it 16-13. The wheels were started to squeak and the crowd that was on hand was starting to get behind the underdogs. They continued to swing and they continued to find holes - Ryan Wynns (4 hits), Mike Dalessio (4 hits) and Mike Keough (3 hits) provided the added punch. When all was said and done they had scored NINE runs and carried a 17-16 lead into the bottom of the seventh.

With the pressure mounting and the nerves likely getting the best of them, some how Broadway found a way to get the game tied on a sacrifice fly by Adam Reise, 17-17 but that was all they could muster. The game moved into extra innings. With a runner on first and one out, Mike Nelson delivered again with a RBI double, 18-17. Quillen Bradlee added to the lead with a RBI single, 19-17 and PowTown were three outs away from the upset.

In the bottom of the eighth, Broadway got a lead off single to give them life but it quickly faded when the next two batters flew out. It was down to Zach Stromberg who kept their hopes alive with another single. With the tying runs on base and the winning run at the plate, Broadway rested their hopes on Dave Milano. The slugger was third on the team in RBI's (17) and fourth in hitting (.535 average) so he was accustomed to producing. However, this was different as pitcher Mike Keough got Milano to hit a sky high fly out and that was it - game over!

Mike Nelson	Mike Keough	Ryan Farrell

 PowTown advances to round of 8

Sperry's Liquors 18 - Big Ballers 9

Successful teams always find a way to respond when scored upon. Tonight, that's exactly what Sperry's used to knock off a very decent Ballers team. The Ballers struck first when they took advantage of a couple of infield errors and plated three runs on timely hits by Eric Braun (4 hits) and Derek Engel, 3-0. Sperry's quickly regrouped and went to work in the home half of the inning. With runners on first and second and two outs, Sperry's next six batters would reach base safely producing six runs, 6-3.

After a scoreless second inning, Sperry's went back to work in the home half of the third which would pretty much put this game out of reach. With two runners on base, Jimmy Temte (3 hits, 3 RBI), Brian Andrews (2 hits), and Bryan Tambeau (4 RBI) all knocked in runs making it 11-3 after three complete.

The Ballers tried to climb back into the game in the sixth when they scored four runs highlighted by Mike Keleher's three-run homerun, 13-8. However, Sperry's again responded with five runs of their own in the bottom of the inning and that was all pitcher Max Eidelman would need. Vik Kozica (2 hits, 3 RBI) and Temte were the run produces in the inning.

Eric Braun	Jimmy Temte	John Rumney

Sperry's advances to round of 8

Fat Baby 8 - McCann/Joyce Club 7 (9 innings)

With the score tied 7-7 with two outs in extra innings, Fat Baby's Gil Ward (3 hits) singled home Sean O'Brien from second base with the game winning run. This was a low scoring affair for most of the way as pitchers Keith Savage and Drew Atton kept batters off balance with quick pitches and high fly ball inducing strikes. However, McCann struck in the top of the seventh with four runs to take a 7-6 lead behind RBI singles by John Walsh, Joe Provenzano, and Kyle Cheever (3 hits, double, HR, 3 RBI). Fat Baby's season was running out in the bottom of the seventh as they were down to their last out with nobody on base. In a blink of an eye, their fortunes were quickly turned as Brendan Morrison came through with a clutch single and then scored on Cam Frary's third hit of the game, 7-7. The teams went scoreless in the eighth which set up Ward's heroics in the ninth.

Gil Ward	Kyle Cheever	Cam Frary

Fat Baby advances to round of 8

La Familia 23 - Silkworms 4

In last seasons round of single elimination games, the highly seeded La Familia squad was upset and knocked out of the playoffs by Dukies. Well, they didn't forget about that loss as they came ready to play tonight. This was a one-sided affair from the outset as their ace pitcher, Alex Nazzaro, kept the Silkworms in check and scoreless while the La Familia bats lit up the scoreboard.

In the bottom of the first, La Familia got RBI hits from Juan Salcedo, Ruben Baez, Eddie Rosario (4 hits), and Lenny Baez that amounted to a quick 5-0 lead. They would add another run in the second and then pour it on in the third. A homerun by Baez was the highlight of the four run third, 10-0.

The Silkworms didn't have an answer on this night as they couldn't produce runs and were not stopping the La Familia hitting attack. In the end, it was all La Familia as they redeemed themselves from a tough loss last season and are now ready to make more noise in the quarter final round.

Eddie Rosario	Alex Nazzaro	Jason Brewer

La Familia advances to round of 8

With the score tied 5-5 in the top of the seventh inning and two outs, the 11th seed L Street Tavern rallied to plate four runs. Sam Novicki doubled home the first run and scored on Rob O'Neil's fourth hit of the game, 7-5 L Street. However, the rallied continued when Mike Dodokian made up for a hitless night by swatting a two-run homerun, 9-5 L Street. The game would move to the bottom of the seventh where it was last call for the 5th seed Pastoral squad. With two outs and two runners on, Andrew Deloury delivered with a clutch three run homerun making it 9-8. Tim Awisus followed with a single and suddenly the game was slipping away from the Tavern. Pitcher Sam Novicki grinded it out and got the final out on a fly ball to left. L Street squeaks out the victory and advances to the round of eight while Pastoral comes up just a run short in a heartbreaker.

Mike Dodokian	Andrew Deloury	Rob O'Neil

L Street advances to round of 8 

Shannon Tavern 13 - Southside Tavern 12

Southside Tavern and Bill Lambert (double, triple, 2 RBI) took a 10-2 lead into the bottom of the fourth inning when the script was suddenly flipped. Dom Disano began the turn around when he connected for his first home run of the night, this one was a three-run homerun, 10-5. Shannon's continued to attack as they scored two more before Drew Ryan connected on another home run - just like that we had a 10-9 game. Pitcher Trent Sinatro then threw a scoreless fifth which set up for more heroics from Disano in the home half of the inning.

With a runner on first, Disano (7 RBI) clubbed his second homer of the game giving Shannon a 11-10 lead. Before the inning concluded, they would add another on a sacrifice fly, 12-10. Southside needed a strong response as the game moved to the top of the sixth.

With one out, they had runners on first and second when Kevin Chennette singled, 12-11. However, Sinatro minimized the damage as he produced two pop outs to end the rally. Shannon was held scoreless in the bottom of the sixth and it was last call for Southside in the seventh.

With two outs and runners on first and second, Zac Manning lifted his team's spirits with a game tying single, 12-12. Charlie MacGinnis followed with another single which loaded the bases but that's as far as they would get. In the bottom of the seventh, pitcher Steve Shattuck got two quick outs before disaster would strike behind him. A sharp grounder to third was mishandled and then thrown away. With victory in his sights, Sinatro helped himself by delivering the game winning hit that sent his Shannon Tavern teammates into a celebration.

Trent Sinatro	Dom Disano	Bill Lambert

Handdukies 12 - Telegraph Hill 11

Through five and a half innings of play, Telegraph Hill had everything going for them and nothing going against them. Leading 11-3, with their MVP pitcher Mike Arajou on the mound, they were in cruise control. Then everything changed in the bottom of the fifth. The "Never Say Die" Dukies were about to steal the show.

The bottom of the order managed to load the bases for Anthony Flaherty who hit a sacrifice fly making it 11-4. Jacky Higgins quickly followed with a single that scored pair of runs, 11-6. Billy Kiley continued the rally with an RBI hit making it 11-7. The scales were tipping. Telegraph went quietly in the sixth which set up for more excitement in the bottom half of the inning.

Mike Durant led off with a home run, 11-8. Back to back singles by James Moccio and Mike Moran were followed by a walk to Marcus Egan. Pat O'Sullivan made it 11-9 with a single and Brian Walsh cut the lead to a run with a sacrifice fly, 11-10. Flaherty then tied it up with a clutch single, 11-11. Again, Telegraph's offense didn't respond and went quietly in the seventh.

In the bottom of the seventh, Billy Kiley led off with a walk and went to third on Mike Ball's (winning pitcher) single. Mike Durant was then walked which loaded the bases for Moccio. I would like to write that Moccio singled sharply to the outfield but that wasn't the case this time. Instead, he waited out Arajou who fell behind in the count and ultimately lost him on a game winning walk scoring Kiley from third and setting off a wild celebration at home plate. The "Never Say Die Dukies" had done it again.

Billy Kiley	Mike Ball	Mike Durant

 Handdukies advance to round of 8