The Greatest Bar 3 - Chemist Cocktail Club 6

In the bottom of the sixth, Scott Holzwasser hit a three-run homerun over the fence in left to put Chemist ahead 6-3 while crushing the spirits of The Greatest Bar.

Prior to Holzwasser's go ahead home run, The Greatest Bar had just scored two runs to take a 3-2 lead. They couldn't get anything going against pitcher, Steve Michienzi, but finally caught a huge break in this inning as an infield error led to the two runs scoring.

Before the memorable sixth inning, there wasn't much to report other than both pitchers, Michienzi and Devin Jensen, were controlling the hitters while tossing scoreless innings. From the second to the sixth it was nothing but zeroes on the scoreboard.

Neither team will have much time to think about what could have been as they will be back on the field in less than 24 hours for game two. Will it be another pitcher's duel or will the offense get going?

Scott Holzwasser	Steve Michienzi	Devin Jensen

Chemist Cocktail Club 3 - The Greatest Bar 8

The Greatest Bar scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning and then rode the arm of pitcher, Devin Jensen, to a series tying win here in game two of the semi-finals. Their first five batters reached base and scored with Jon Parsons and Ryan Sheldon (2 hits, 2 RBI) each delivering two-run doubles.

Chemist got an RBI double in the third from one of last night's hero's, Scott Holzwasser, but that would be it for scoring. Jensen allowed only two hits over the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings. At that point, The Greatest Bar had increased their lead to 8-1.

The Chemist offense finally got on track in the top of the seventh as Jack Donius (2 hits) and Miles Coe each doubled which led to two runs being scored, 8-3. However, it was too little too late as Jensen got the next two batters on routine plays and that was the ballgame. We saw another great pitching performance in this series which only builds the interest for game three.

Devin Jensen	Ryan Sheldon	Jack Donius

The Greatest Bar 9 - Chemist Cocktail Club 4

The Greatest Bar moved a game closer to the finals with an impressive game three victory over the top-seeded Chemist Cocktail Club. Sean Gatsogiannis got the scoring started with a solo home run in the top of the third inning. Two batters later, Patrick Silk (4 hits, 2B, 2 HR) followed with the first of his four hits on the night, a homerun to left center, making it 2-0 The Greatest Bar.

Once the runs were pasted on the scoreboard, The Greatest Bar's offense made sure to keep them coming. Although they didn't put up any big numbers, they did manage to score a run or more in every remaining inning. Silk went deep again in the seventh when The Greatest Bar tacked on three insurance runs.

With the offense clicking, pitcher Devin Jensen did his part as he controlled the Chemist lineup scattering ten hits while yielding just four earned runs. Chemist will have a couple of days to figure out what it's going to take to even the series as the two teams will play game four on Thursday.

Patrick Silk	Devin Jensen	Sean Gatsogiannis

Chemist Cocktail Club 13 - The Greatest Bar 6

Facing a must win situation, the Chemist Cocktail Club scored six runs in the top of the first and never looked back. In the rally, Scott Holzwasser hit a three-run homerun and Jordy Allard (3 hits, 2B, HR) doubled home a pair for Chemist as they were off and running.

Pitcher Steve Michienzi then tossed a scoreless frame for Chemist and followed it up by helping himself by swatting a two-run homerun over the fence in left, making it 8-0. The stunned Greatest Bar squad tried to respond but could only manage a pair of runs in the bottom of the second, 8-2.

The two teams exchanged single runs in the fourth and then we saw a scoreless fifth inning. The Greatest Bar was clinging to hope but needed to hold the Chemist offense in check. That proved to tall of a task in the top of the sixth as Holzwasser, Michienzi, and Allard went back-to-back-to-back hitting shots over the fence and onto First Street, 12-3.

Michienzi (3 hits, 2 HR, 3 runs, 3 RBI) then tossed another scoreless frame and we had ourselves a tied series with only game five left to decide which team moves on to face Shea's Tavern in the finals.

Steve Michienzi	Scott Holzwasser	Jordy Allard

The Greatest Bar 7 - Chemist Cocktail Club 26

Chemist advances to the finals with a crushing game five victory...details to follow.

Silkworms 9 - Shea's Tavern 13

Shea's Tavern brought their bats tonight as they jumped out to a 10-2 lead after just two innings of play. During the eruption they took advantage of a couple of errors but it was the barrage of hits (10) that plated the runs. Brendan Welch (3 hits, 3B, HR, 3 RBI) had two extra base hits in the early going.

After taking it on the jaw for two innings, the stunned Silkworms squad were unable to put up a big number against pitcher, Will Murray. However, Mark Carlson and Drew Naisuler (2 hits, 2 RBI) managed to square up a Murray offering for a homerun but that was pretty much it.

The Silkworms committed five errors that led to six unearned runs - they will have to clean that up to have a chance of winning game two which will take place after the Labor Day weekend.

Brendan Welch	Will Murray	Drew Naisuler

Shea's Tavern 23 - Silkworms 9

Shea's offense erupted for thirty hits on their way to scoring twenty three runs here in game two as they go up 2-0 in the series. The scoring started early as they plated five in the top of the first inning highlighted by a key hit by Garrett Colantino (4hits, 2B, HR, 5 RBI). The Silkworms answered with a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning and then the teams both scored three each in the second, making it 8-5 Shea's after two complete.

Pitcher's Tom Fitpatrick and Austin Fanning then briefly quieted the offense and threw scoreless innings in the third and fourth frames. However, the offense returned in the fifth when Shea's batted around the order. Mike Nelson (4 hits, 3 runs) and Ben Fischer (4 hits) both came through with key hits in the inning.

Leading 12-6, Shea's put their foot on the gas pedal and in doing so, put the game out of reach in the top of the sixth. Alex Bergeron (4 hits, HR, 3 runs, 5 RBI) and Ryan Wynns had key hits in the eleven run inning for Shea's as they cruised to an impressive victory. It's an uphill battle now for the Silkworms as they will need to quickly bounce back and save their season with a victory in game three which is set for Thursday.

Garrett Colantino	Alex Bergeron	Mike Nelson	Ben Fischer

Silkworms 4 - Shea's Tavern 16

Shea's Tavern completed the three-game sweep tonight and are on their way to the Feeney division finals. Shea's banged out twenty hits while scoring sixteen runs as their offense is firing on all cylinders and is going to be very difficult to contain.

Facing elimination, the Silkworms got the start they needed as they took advantage of an error and scored four runs in the top of the first inning. However, it would be all downhill from their for the Worms.

Shea's responded in the bottom of the first with five runs of their own, 5-4. Mike Nelson struck the big blow in the inning with a bases clearing double. Shea's added a pair of runs in the bottom of the second, 7-4. Pitchers Austin Fanning and Will Murray kept the offense in check in the third and we moved onto the fourth.

Murray threw his third straight inning of scoreless ball for Shea's and then their offense caught fire again. Murray (3 hits, 3 runs), Brendan Welch (3 hits, 3 runs, 3 RBI), and Alex Bergeron (3 hits, HR, 3 RBI) each came through with RBI hits in the inning as they moved ahead, 10-4.

Murray threw another scoreless inning in the fifth and then the game got away for good for the Silkworms. A leadoff homerun by Nick Oneil (4 hits, HR, 3 RBI), a bases clearing double by Welch, and a two-run homerun by Bergeron closed the curtains on the Silkworms' season. Shea's was just too much to handle in this series as their offense and pitching shined in all three games.

Will Murray	Nick Oneil	Brendan Welch	Alex Bergeron

Shamrock Pub 9 - Chemist Cocktail Club 11

The Chemist Cocktail Club finished the season in first place but had to shake the rust off as they had two weeks off before their first playoff game. They fell behind in the fourth inning when Shamrock sent eleven batters to the plate while scoring seven runs. Jack Hern struck the big blow in the inning when he cleared the bases with a home run to left, 9-5.

In the bottom of the fifth, Chemist plated two runs to get closer, 9-7. Jack Donius (3 hits, 3 RBI) had the clutch hit in the inning.

Clinging to a two-run lead, Shamrock was looking to add some more runs but pitcher, Stephen Michienzi was now dialed in. Michienzi was making his first start of the season. It was a big gamble by coach Jack Donius but Michienzi rewarded him with three straight scoreless innings (5,6 & 7).

Chemist flipped the script in the bottom of the sixth when Brian Antonelli led off with a double and scored on Ryan Tropeano's third hit of the game, 9-8. Singles by Scott Holzwasser, Jordy Allard, Matt Simon, and Donius led to three more runs scoring and a 11-9 Chemist lead. Michienzi retired the side in the seventh and Chemist had the comeback win here in game one.

Jack Donius	Stephen Michienzi	Ryan Tropeano

Game 2: Tuesday, Aug. 19  @ 8:30 pm

Chemist Cocktail Club 6 - Shamrock Pub 8

Facing elimination, Shamrock Pub got seven strong innings from pitcher Jason Marino and rode it to victory here in game two. Marino stayed out of the big inning and allowed just five earned runs on fourteen hits.

With the score tied 2-2 in the third, Nate Ingalls (2B, HR, 2 RBI) put Shamrock ahead to stay with a double. Shamrock would add two more runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth on clutch hits by Connell Maclean and James Welch, making it 8-4.

Brady Crepeau (2 hits, 3 RBI) got Chemist closer in the seventh with an RBI single but would be left stranded on base and that would be the ballgame. Shamrock was the eighth seed and had to win an elimination game to get here. A win in game three over the top-seeded Chemist squad would be quite the upset.

Jason Marino	Nate Ingalls	Brady Crepeau

Game 3: Thursday, Aug. 21  @ 8:30 pm

Shamrock Pub 0 - Chemist Cocktail Club 11

Pitcher Stephen Michienzi tossed a six-hit shutout to lead the Chemist Cocktail Club over the Shamrock Pub here in game three of their series. Michienzi, who was making just his third start of the season (all in the playoffs), has arrived late on the scene as a secret weapon. The suddenly pitching rich Chemist squad has two other very capable arms in Miles Coe (5-3, 6.67 era) and Jack Donius (5-1, 6.07 era). It will be very interesting to see how they approach the next series. Onto the details of the game.

Chemist got the scoring started in the bottom of the first when Ryan Tropeano tripled home Scott Holzwasser and later scored on Brady Crepeau's single, 2-0. Chemist would add another pair of runs in the third when Jordy Allard (3 hits, 3 RBI) went deep, 4-0.

Shamrock was still in the game and was getting a good performance out of pitcher, Jason Marino. However, their defense let Marino and Shamrock down in the bottom of the fourth when they committed two errors that led to six runs scoring. Tropeano had the big hit in the rally to put Chemist out front 10-0 and that was the ball game. Michienzi finished the night without allowing a single baserunner to advance to second base - wow!

Stephen Michienzi	Jordy Allard	Ryan Tropeano

Seapoint 8 - Shea's Tavern 9

The Seapoint Slammers batted around the order and raced out to a 6-0 lead in the second inning before letting the game get away from them here in game one of their best of three series.

Trailing 6-3 in the home half of the fifth, Shea's attack responded to their veteran pitcher's plea to not swing at the first pitch. It must have worked as the offense sent eleven batters to the plate and scored six runs to take a 9-6 lead. Mike Dalessio (3 hits, 2 doubles, 3 RBI) had a key hit in the rally.

Now with his first lead of the game, pitcher Tom Fitzpatrick wasn't going to let the game slip away as he held the Seapoint offense in check the rest of the way. Leadoff hitter, Jack Cook, had 3 hits and a walk while Pat Pickup (4 earned runs) was the tough luck losing pitcher for Seapoint. Game two, scheduled for Monday, should be another good one.

Mike Dalessio	Jack Cook	Pat Pickup

Game 2: Monday, Aug. 18 @ 7:30pm  

Shea's Tavern 11 - Seapoint Slammers 8

Garrett Colantonio hit a three-run homerun onto First street to open the scoring for Shea's and they never looked back as they take game two and the series over the Seapoint.

In the bottom of the fourth, Seapoint trailed 7-3 and would rally for three runs to get within striking distance. Owen Bligh homered and Blake Delisle (3 hits) singled home a pair of runs in the inning. Seapoint's defense then held up in the top of the fifth and they planned to go to work in the bottom of the inning. However, they were now facing a new pitcher, Tom Fitzpatrick, who came in relief for Will Murray.

It didn't matter as Fitzpatrick was greeted by several hard hit balls that led to two runs and a blown lead, 8-7 Seapoint. In the top of the sixth, Shea's had two runners on base with one out. A dropped ball in the outfield loaded the bases for Brendan Welch (3 hits, 3 RBI) who didn't let his chance pass by - single to the outfield put Shea's back on top, 9-8. They would score two more runs in the inning to take an 11-8 lead.

Now warmed up and into the game, Fitzpatrick breezed through the final two innings of relief allowing just two singles and no runs. Shea's was moving onto the semi-final round.

Garrett Colantonio	Brendan Welch	Blake Delisle

Ochoa Brew Crew 6 - Silkworms 10

Silkworms pitcher, Austin Fanning, allowed just one hit through the first three innings which gave his team a needed boost in the field. In that span, the Worms put two runs on the scoreboard to lead 2-0 but Ochoa's Kyle White tied the game in the fourth with a two-run homerun, 2-2.

However, the Worms got both runs back in the home half of the fourth when Kevin Terban doubled home a run and scored on Fanning's single, 4-2.

Fanning (allowed only three earned runs) threw another scoreless inning in the fifth and then the Worms rewarded his efforts with a four run inning. RBI hits by Jared Bacon, Steve Lambe, and Drew Naisuler made it 8-2.

Ochoa chipped away at the lead when they were aided by an outfield error in the sixth but it wasn't enough as the Worms hung on and took game one in convincing fashion, 10-6.

More on Fanning...this is his sixth year of pitching at M Street and he has elevated his game and all aspects. It's finally coming together for him as he allowed fewer hits, fewer runs, fewer walks, struck out more batters, and cut his ERA (6.09) nearly in half. He is a perfect example of a home grown pitcher, a positional player who took the ball and worked his ass off season after season and has steadily developed into a gamer.

Austin Fanning	Greg Laubenstein	Kyle White

Game 2: Tuesday, Aug. 19 @ 7:00pm 

Silkworms 12 - Ochoa Brew Crew 13 (8 innings)

With one out in the bottom of the eighth, Ochoa Brew Crew's Brendan Skehill singled home James Murray from second in extra innings to force a series deciding game three. Prior to those heroics, this game had plenty of drama and was hanging in the balance from the second inning onward.

Ochoa jumped out to a 9-3 lead after two innings of play. It was the top of the order that did all the damage as they were 8 for 10 with 9 runs scored. Dan Metzdorph's three-run home run in the second was the highlight and it was exactly what Ochoa needed as they were fighting to stay alive.

However, the Silkworms scored a pair in the third, another run in the fourth, and then added four more in the top of the fifth to take a 10-9 lead. Greg Laubenstein (4 hits, 3 runs) was the clutch performer in the turnaround.

Ochoa responded with a tying run (10-10) in the home half of the inning and then decided to change pitchers. Glenn Parsons took over in the top of the sixth with little room for error.

After Parsons retired the side in order, Skehill put Ochoa ahead in the sixth with a RBI single. They would score another run on an infield error, 12-10. The lead didn't last long though as the Silkworms struck for two runs in the top of the seventh, 12-12. Laubenstein and Drew Naisuler had the clutch RBI hits.

In the bottom of the seventh, Ochoa's Kyle White hit his second double of the game but would be left stranded. We moved to extra innings where Parsons retired the side before James Murray hit a one out double and scored the game winning run on Skehill's third hit of the game.

Brendan Skehill	Greg Laubenstein	Glenn Parsons

Game 3: Monday, Aug. 25 8:30pm

Ochoa Brew Crew 8 - Silkworms 17

Austin Fanning pitched, hit, and ran the Silkworms into a date in the semi-finals tonight by leading his squad to victory here in game three against the Ochoa Brew Crew.

Behind the hot hitting of Dan Metzdorph (2B, 3B, HR, 5 RBI), Ochoa held a slim 5-4 lead heading into the bottom of the fourth inning. With the bottom of the order up, the Worms quickly loaded the bases on singles by Fanning (4 hits, 2B, 2HR, 4 RBI), Max Hall (4 hits), and Connor Whooley (4 hits). Now it was the top of the order's turn and they didn't miss. RBI singles by Jared Bacon, Mark Carlson, and a sacrifice fly by Steve Lambe (3 hits, 2HR, 6 RBI) put the Silkworms in front, 8-5.

Ochoa fought back with two runs in the top of the fifth via a Metzdorph two-run blast, 8-7. However, Ochoa needed a hold in the home half of the inning but couldn't get one as Fanning and Kevin Terban went deep, 10-7 Silkworms.

In the top of the sixth, Ochoa managed to scratch across another run but needed more as they were running out of time, 10-8. Once again, they would need another hold to have any chance. It didn't come as it all fell apart for them in the bottom of the sixth inning.

A leadoff walk, followed by a Greg Laubenstein single brought Steve Lambe to the plate. Bamn! Three-run home run and it was curtains at that point. The Silkworms would tack on four more runs in the inning to take a 17-8 lead into the seventh inning.

Fanning, the pitcher, then retired the first two batters on routine fly balls. Dan Metzdorph was Ochoa's last chance and he was a single away from completing the cycle. However, in a cruel twist, he would be the batter to make the last out of the game as Fanning and the Silkworms are heading to the semi-finals.

Austin Fanning	Steve Lambe	Dan Metzdorph	Connor Whooley

Shannon Tavern 20 - The Greatest Bar 21

Shannon Tavern's backup place kicker missed the extra point with time winding down to give The Greatest Bar a thrilling 21-20 victory here in game one. Well, that's not quite what happened but we did have a thriller here and we ended up with a "football like" final score. Let's get to the details:

Shannon struck first when they built a 4-0 lead heading into the bottom of the second. However, GBar answered with an eight run inning highlited by a grand slam by Ryan Sheldon and a homerun by Cody Demers (4 hits), 8-4.

GBar led 12-6 heading to the top of the fifth when Shannon's offense erupted for seven runs. Jake Brawley (4 hits, 3 RBI) had the key hit in the uprising, 13-12 Shannon. This was already a game of major momentum swings which would continue.

In the bottom of the sixth, GBar jumped back in front when they plated four runs, 16-13. Demers and Billy Fairweather (4 hits) had the key hits in the inning.

It was last call for Shannon in the top of the seventh and they made the best of it by plating SEVEN runs. David Kurey, Ray Brewer, and Nick Venora all contributed to the game turning rally, 20-16 Shannon was back in front!

With the script flipped, it was now GBar's last call and they too made the best of it. They opened the bottom of the seventh with three straight singles (all scored). A sacrifice fly and RBI hits by Ryan Sheldon and Cody Demers tied the game up at 20-20. Shannon escaped further damage but limped into extra innings.

With the heart of their order up, Shannon only managed two walks and the inning was quickly over. After a lead off fly out, The Greatest Bar's Andrew Grinnell singled and later scored on Billy Fairweather's fourth hit of the game and the celebration was on. WOW, another M Street Softball playoff classic!

Cody Demers	Billy Fairweather	Jake Brawley

Game 2: Monday, Aug. 18 @ 9:00pm 

The Greatest Bar 12 - Shannon Tavern 8

The Greatest Bar came out swinging tonight as they scored four runs in the first, followed up with five more runs in the second, and then cruised to a series clinching victory over Shannon Tavern.

Cody Demers (4 hits) and Patrick Silk (4 hits) both reached and scored in the first and second innings as they were a force at the plate (8 for 8, 5 runs scored, 5 RBI, 2B, HR). Shannon tried to keep pace but found themselves down, 9-5 after two innings.

In an interesting decision, Shannon went with Pat Larkin on the mound in this one. Larkin had the fewest innings pitched (7) on the team. Paul Chartier (6-2, 60 IP) and Ray Brewer (2-3, 32 IP) were passed on for Larkin.

After the wild start, both offenses were held in check as there were a total of six runs scored over the last five innings of play (three for each side). Shannon just couldn't get a timely hit when it needed against pitcher Devin Jensen. Tom Kessler and Ray Brewer had three hits each for Shannon.

Cody Demers	Patrick Silk	Tom Kessler

Roza Lyons 8 - Seapoint Slammers 9

Owen Bligh hit a walk off two-run homerun in the bottom of the seventh to win it for Seapoint. Before Bligh's heroics, there was a dramatic shift in the game that would classify this as another M Street Softball playoff classic.

Seapoint built a 5-1 lead through four innings of play. Ross Mandigo (2 hits, 3 RBI) and Billy O'Neill (2 hits, HR, 2 RBI) had the key hits to help build the lead. The Feeney defending champions struck back in the fifth with a pair of runs, 5-3. They made it 5-4 in the sixth on Liam Attridge's (4 hits) third hit of the night.

However, that would be as close as they got...for the moment. In the bottom of the sixth, Seapoint scored a pair of insurance runs on RBI hits by Alex Herbst (2 doubles) and Mandigo, 7-4. That would only set the stage for what was to follow.

In the top of the seventh, pitcher Pat Pickup was just three outs away from advancing his squad into the quarter finals. Roza had other ideas. Anthony O'Leary led off with a single. Mark Gerard walked and Coleman O'Toole singled home O'Leary, 7-5. Pop out to third, one out. The sands of time were running out on Roza's season when James Long came to the rescue. Bamn! Long delivered with a clutch three-run homerun to put Roza on top, 8-7! Pop out, single, pop out.

Roza was in front for the first time all game long but could they hold it? Cole Tognarelli led off with a walk and then Blake Delisle followed with a fielder's choice (out at second). The pressure was on as the leadoff hitter, Owen Bligh, stepped into the batter's box. He didn't miss his chance and with one big swing, Seapoint had captured the dramatic victory.

Owen Bligh	Ross Mandigo	James Long

The Spot 3 - Shamrock Pub 11

Shamrock Pub flexed its muscles when they connected for three homeruns as they cruised to victory over The Spot Clothing here in their elimination game. The scoring started in the second inning as Shamrock sent twelve batters to the plate while scoring seven runs. Ryan Black (3 hits, HR, 3 RBI) struck the big blow in the inning, a three-run homerun.

From that point, pitcher Jason Marino never let The Spot offense get on track as he scattered nine hits while allowing just three runs. Vinny Nardone (3 hits, HR, 4 RBI) had a very productive game at the plate for Shamrock while James Gibson (2 hits, HR) led the way for The Spot. Shamrock Pub will now face the #1 seed, Chemist Cocktail Club, in a best of three quarter-final.

James Marino	Vin Nardone	James Gibson