The battle for the M Street Cup got off to a disappointing start here tonight as Lincoln jumped all over a tired and weary STATS team in game one.

STATS opted to play their game five against La Familia on Tuesday instead of last Friday which meant if they won, they would have to immediately play (think doubleheader) the rested Lincoln team. Well, the decision helped get them into the finals as they clipped La Familia (5-4) in game five of their series but they had little fight left in them to go up against Lincoln.

Pitcher Erik Mercedes threw the last two innings against La Familia so STATS figured he was all warmed up and ready to go. Mercedes dug himself a deep hole as he walked the first three batters he faced - not a winning recipe in the championship. Drew Blake put Lincoln on the board with a sacrifice fly and Mercedes was a ground ball out from getting out of the jam with minimum damage.

However, Ryan O'Rourke (3 hits, 3 RBI) didn't let him off the hook that easily and ripped a pitch ito left center that plated two runs, 3-0. A sacrifice fly by Will Brennan made it 4-0. Brennan, who has played for Lincoln since the 2018 season, was making his season debut as he was out injured. Players are given exemption status if they are injured and are not held to the minimum at bat league rule for playoff eligibility.

As the inning concluded, the STATS players decided to let all their frustrations out on the league brass (me) in regards to Brennan playing. They didn't let it go and their play clearly suffered as a result. They were no longer playing for the league championship but instead were using whatever little energy they had left on voicing their displeasure - they were a defeated team with no leadership to rally the troops.

Picking up the action in the top of the third with STATS trailing 5-1, Lincoln poured on the offense which chased a bewildered Mercedes from the mound. The score was now 9-1 and it was just a matter of Lincoln recoding the necessary outs to claim victory.

Lincoln plated three more runs in the fourth, two in the fifth, and four in the sixth. The STATS pitching staff couldn't record back-to-back outs as this one was all Lincoln. While the offense was firing, Lincoln's pitcher Gerry Sarro was staying away from trouble. Sarro yielded a solo run in the first and three in the third and that was it.

It's going to be an uphill climb for STATS but they're a talented group that needs to get back to what they do best, play good defense, stay out of the big inning, and get timely hits from their star players.

STARS of the game:
Gerry Sarro	Ryan O'Rourke	Robb Scott

Game 2: Thursday, Sep 14 @ 7:00  - STATS 3 - Lincoln Tavern 11

If there was ever a game already decided before the first pitch was thrown, then this was it. STATS rolled out a starting lineup that was missing nine of their regular players and needless to say, they weren't very competitive.

The locked in and loaded Lincoln lineup wasted little time getting on the scoreboard as they went to work in the bottom of the first inning. Dave Corcoran (3 hits), Conor Gleason, and Taylor Ferguson all scored while putting STATS in a quick 3-0 hole.

Although it was very early in the game, the expressions on the STATS faces showed that they weren't going to rally and make a come back tonight - they were a defeated group. Lincoln added insult to injury in the bottom of the second when they plated five more runs, making it 8-0. With two on and two outs, Corcoran and Gleason belted RBI doubles and then Ferguson smashed a no doubter two run home run over the fence in left.

While the Lincoln bats were pounding out hit after hit, their pitcher Gerry Sarro was weaving in and out of minimal trouble. Sarro would give up a couple of hits each inning but then would get the important out and retire the side. Lincoln's defense also chipped in by turning two clean double plays that helped thwart any STATS attack.

Jake Smith finally got STATS on the scoreboard when he hit a line drive homerun down the left field line that took about a second and a half to get out of the park, making it 8-1. From there it was just a matter of completing the innings in this one-sided affair.

The frustration on coach and pitcher, Tom Kazanowski, is understandable. You play all season long with the goal of making it to the finals - you battle your way through the playoffs and then find out the team you thought you had to compete isn't coming with you for the remainder of the ride. We don't know all the reasons why several of these players couldn't make it here tonight but it's very disappointing for STATS and the league.

STARS of the game:
Gerry Sarro	Taylor Ferguson	Dave Corcoran

Game 3: Thursday, Sep 14 @ 9:00  - Lincoln Tavern 14 - STATS 6

Game three was the second game of a doubleheader tonight with STATS down in the series 2-0 and needing a win to keep their season alive. The game was scheduled to start at 9pm as the league wanted to give the teams enough time to recover between games. Well, STATS decided they didn't want to use the time and instead took the field to "get it over with." As mentioned above, you're understaffed, missing key players, going against a tougher and more talented opponent, but that doesn't mean you roll over and quit.

Lincoln could taste the championship and had no mercy for the starting ten players that STATS rolled with. In the top of the first, it was the same old song and dance - Dave Corcoran singled, Conor Gleason (4 hits) singled, Taylor Ferguson (3 hits) doubled them both home, Drew Blake doubled, and Ryan O'Rourke cleared the bases with a triple - it was 5-0 before the band even took the stage.

Lincoln started Jason Calnan and he ran into control trouble from the outset. Whether it was the mound or inability to warm up properly, Calnan walked the bases loaded in the home half of the first. However, STATS couldn't get the big hit and settled for one, 5-1.

Tom Kazanowski retired the side in order in the second and for a brief moment, some signs of "hey, were still in this" was seen on the faces of the STATS players. Then with two outs and nobody on base, they had more of a reason to get excited. Kazanowski singled, EJ Martinez singled, and Phil Sciretta hit a towering three-run homerun making it a 5-4 game. Two more STATS singles and a two run single by Kevin Miller put STATS in the lead, 6-5! Calnan got the final out but his night was over - Lincoln was not taking any more chances or waiting for him to find his control.

Unfortunately, a couple of STATS errors in the top of the third led to Lincoln tying the game - 6-6. One knew at this point that STATS needed another big inning on the offensive side to stay alive here in game three but now they were facing steady Gerry Sarro and it wouldn't come.

Lincoln nudged ahead in the fourth when Sean Gorman lined a single to left center that scored Chris Boyd who had drawn a walk, 7-6. STATS had no response in the home half of the inning - it was getting late and the sands of time was running out of their season.

In the top of the fifth, Lincoln gave Sarro some breathing room when Ryan O'Rourke ripped his second triple of the game which scored Gleason and Blake, making it 9-6. O'Rourke was cut down at the plate for the final out but STATS was now in another deep hole. While they were heading out to play defense in the sixth, the Lincoln supporters started handing over cases of celebratory drinks - as they could sense that this one was over and that the celebration was moments away.

STATS put a couple of runners on in the fifth but once again, couldn't come up with the clutch hit when needed. We were on to the sixth and STATS were now down to their final six outs and needing to hold the line. Kazanowski did his part and retired the side in order.

In the bottom of the sixth, Sarro set down the STATS side in order and we were onto the seventh where Lincoln would put a bow on their night. Jared Kelly led off with a triple to deep right field and then scored on Mike Kent's single, making it 10-6. Sean Gorman then doubled home Kent and Lincoln's victory was sealed. Gleason collected his fourth hit of the night, Ferguson singled, Blake singled, and O'Rourke singled which when all was said and done, added up to five more Lincoln runs and a 14-6 lead.

Tommy Sullivan led the seventh off with a single but was then cut down on Lincoln's fourth double play of the night. Pat Sweeney lined out to shortstop and that was it - twenty-eight teams started the season back in May and Lincoln Tavern had outlasted them all - they are the 2023 M Street Softball Champions!

After the game, the league presented the champions with the M Street Cup and announced that Gerry Sarro and Conor Gleason were named playoff co-MVP's. Gleason was as good as it gets during this playoff run. He led the team in batting during the playoffs with a .627 average, led the team in RBI's with 26, scored the most runs (22), and had the most hits, 27. Sarro, was 8-1 on the mound with a 6.28 ERA. He cemented his MVP nod when he came in relief during game three and shutout STATS over the final five innings to earn the victory.

One could make a good argument for Taylor Ferguson as he netted several MVP votes - Ferguson batted .512, had 22 RBI's, scored 20 runs, and led the team with 6 home runs. Dave Corcoran was also a solid contributor at the top of the order and also received some MVP votes - .560 batting average, 18 runs scored, and 11 RBI's. Sean Gorman received a vote or two with his .525 average, 20 runs scored, and a team leading 4 triples. Rounding out the nominees was rookie, Ryan O'Rourke who batted .550, had 10 extra base hits, with 14 RBI's.

This is Lincoln's third championship in the last four seasons. They have a great sponsor and will look to continue their dynasty run in 2024 as they are the team to beat until further notice. Along with rolling out a talented lineup, they also take winning seriously and know how to celebrate when it all pays off.

STARS of the game:
Gerry Sarro	Conor Gleason	Ryan O'Rourke

2023 M Street Softball Champions - Lincoln Tavern

Front row (left to right): Max Vigliotti, Gerry Sarro (MVP), Sean Gorman, Jared Kelly, Will Brennan, Conor Gleason (MVP), and Dave Corcoran

Back row (left to right): Jason Calnan, Mark Howell, Drew Blake, Taylor Ferguson, Chris Boyd, Ryan O'Rourke, and Mike Kent

Missing from the photo: Jeff White, JC Espanal, John Razzino, Amsler, Mike Goncalves, and Felix del Vecchio.

2023 M Street Softball MVP's - Gerry Sarro & Conor Gleason

 Lincoln wins series 3-0

The Simpson Club enjoyed a great regular season where they only had one slip, a late season loss to STATS but rebounded and won all four games in the playoffs. Between the end of the season and the start of the playoffs, this PSC squad even won the Canaan tourney in Vermont. It's been a rewarding ride for them with many great memories made along the way. However, last night's performance wasn't one of them.

With PSC leading 1-0 on a Mike Lush home run, the game moved to the top of the third inning where it would change course for the remainder of the night. It all began harmlessly too - with one out and a runner on first base, Dave Corcoran doubled, and then Conor Gleason hit a sacrifice fly that tied the game, 1-1. Taylor Ferguson singled home Corcoran, a double by Ryan O'Rourke brought up Max Vigliotti with runners on second and third and the score 2-1 in Lincoln's favor. Vigliotti hit a grounder to short that was mishandled and two more runners scored, 4-1. Chris Boyd brought another Lincoln runner home with a clutch double, 5-1. The game had flipped.

In the fourth, it was more of the same - Lincoln had runners on base with two outs and another untimely error was committed making it 6-1. PSC's offense responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth but would need some defensive stops, 6-3.

After a scoreless fifth inning, Lincoln took advantage of another PSC error making it 7-3. It was the fifth unearned run allowed by pitcher Mike Garland who was doing everything he could to keep his team in the game.

His efforts almost paid off as PSC loaded the bases (via walks) in the bottom of the sixth. Another walk brought home a run and now they were one big hit away from tying the game. Ryan Jones singled and brought home a run but a PSC base runner was cut down on the play, 7-5. That would be all the scoring in this one as pitcher, Jason Calnan survives some late control trouble to earn the victory.

The two squads will take a day of rest before resuming the series on Thursday @ 7pm.

STARS of the game:
Dave Corcoran	Mike Lush	Jason Calnan

Fog surrounds the field during game one of the Moran Finals

After dropping the first game of the series, the Simpson Club vowed to play better defense here in game two tonight and that's exactly what they did. Outstanding plays by Matt Savage in right center field and Mike Lush at shortstop prevented runs from scoring and put a stop to a possible Lincoln rally.

Prior to those defensive gems, Lincoln's brass had to scramble to figure out their lineup as their starting pitcher (Gerry Sarro) was stuck in the Callahan tunnel traffic. They tabbed Ryan O'Rourke which was an interesting pick considering they had two-time MVP pitcher Chris Boyd in uniform. We don't know if it's an injury that kept Boyd from taking the ball but Lincoln rolled with O'Rourke and the move paid off for the first inning and late into the second.

However, Stiben Sanchez didn't let Lincoln off the hook that easily as he launched a two-run homerun to deep left, making it 2-0. As O'Rourke retired the next batter Sarro pulled up and was inserted into the game with O'Rourke staying in as the EH. For those keeping track, Boyd was playing first base.

It turns out that the second inning home run by Sanchez was all PSC needed on this night as their own pitcher, Mike Garland, was locked in. Garland was hanging zeroes on the scoreboard while receiving a solid defensive effort behind him. Lincoln finally managed to get a runner on third base in the sixth but he was left stranded on a routine grounder to first.

Eventually the Simpson Club doubled their lead when they added insurance runs in the top of the seventh - Brett Carriker, Ryan Jones, Sanchez, and Matt Savage strung together four hits that led to three more PSC runs, making it 6-0. That would be all the scoring in this one as PSC leads the game wire-to-wire and evens the best of five series at a game a piece. Game three should be a dandy with both teams looking to take control of the series.

STARS of the game:
Stiben Sanchez	Mike Garland	Matt Savage

Game 3: Tuesday, Sep 5 @ 8:30 - Lincoln Tavern 17 - Simpson Club 16

Where to start? Hmmmm...Lincoln Tavern built a 15-5 lead through five and a half innings only to see the Simpson Club come roaring back to nearly steal the game. However, it wasn't to be on this night as Lincoln hangs on for a pivotal game three series win and puts all of the pressure on PSC for game four (Wednesday @ 7pm).

The Simpson Club pitching staff has been superb this season but they weren't tonight folks - eleven free passes (walks) were handed out to Lincoln batters and although only four of them came around to score, they each played a role in putting added pressure on the PSC defense. This is the winning formula for Lincoln Tavern - they roll with such a deep and patient lineup with players that can hurt you all through their order. If one fails, then the batter following picks him up.

Tonight, there was no stopping their attack as they scored runs in EVERY single inning. Drew Blake got it going in the first with a two-run homerun, 2-0. Jeff White doubled home Chris Boyd in the second, 3-0. Ryan O'Rourke and Max Vigliotti his sacrifice fly's in the third, 5-3. They batted around the order in the fourth and got clutch hits from Conor Gleason (4 hits) and Blake, 9-3.

At this point, the Simpson brass decided to give their started a rest and inserted a reliever. Vigliotti greeted him with a missle to left - home run - 10-5! Then they loaded the bases on three walks and the game quickly got away from PSC. Sean Gorman (3 hits) and Gleason added key RBI hits and it was all Lincoln, 15-5!

However, the scrappy and talented bunch wearing powder blue uniforms were not going to go quietly - there's too much pride on this team. Miguel Dupree doubled home a pair of runs making it 15-7. Ryan Jones (3 hits, 2 HR, 6 RBI) hit his first of two homeruns later in the inning and the Simpson Club had answered with a six run inning of their own, 15-11.

Needing a hold in the top of the sixth, Boyd and Mike Kent drew one out walks which brought up rookie JC Espanal. The burly and jovial player made his swing count and ripped an RBI single giving Lincoln a 16-11 lead. PSC would escape further damage.

In the bottom of the sixth, PSC picked up from where they left off in the fifth - they were back on the bats. Matt Savage led off with a home run, 15-12! Brian Hurld and Mark Goodman singled before Brian Goodman connected for a three-run home run to get them within a run - 16-15. They weren't done - it was another M STreet classic as the drama was only building. Pat Dolbeare reached on a fielder's choice and then advanced to third on Brett Carriker's single. Stiben Sanchez then lifted a ball to deep center that was caught but Dolbeare scored easily and we were all tied up, 16-16!

In the top of the seventh, Lincoln had the perfect lead off batter due - Conor Gleason. The lefty batter lined a double and then scored the go ahead run on Drew Blake's sacrifice fly, 17-16! PSC retired the next two batters and we went to the bottom of the inning, last call.

Pitcher Gerry Sarro was still on the mound for Lincoln but had thrown a ton of pitches in this one. He managed to get the first out on a grounder to second base but then walked Pat Triggs on five pitches - the pressure was back on. However, the burly right-hander hung in there and retired the next batter on a fly ball to center. He was one out away from victory. Brian Hurld wasn't going to make it easy and singled - the tying runner was in scoring position with two outs. It just doesn't get any better than this folks. Sarro dug in, the batter dug in - everyone in attendance and on the field watched with anxiety written all over their faces. F10 - Sarro won the battle and Lincoln would take control of the series.

Pat Dolbeare of PSC stares down a Gerry Sarro offering (photo credit: Max Vigliotti)

Lincoln's Conor Gleason (photo credit: Max Vigliotti)

STARS of the game:
Conor Gleason	Ryan Jones	Gerry Sarro

After a thirty-three run slugfest in game three, the series reversed course here in game four and we saw a classic pitching duel between Mike Garland and Gerry Sarro. The Simpson Club drew first blood in the opening inning when Pat Dolbeare singled home Chris Flaherty, 1-0. However, the lead would be very short lived as Lincoln answered in the home half of the first with a pair of runs. Chris Boyd singled home Dave Corcoran and Drew Blake, 2-1.

Garland and Sarro worked their magic through the second and third with each tossing zeroes on the board. After Sarro shut PSC down in the fourth, Lincoln extended their lead to 4-1 when Jared Kelly hit a two-run home run. The momentum was in Lincoln's favor and they were pushing hard to close out the series tonight.

However, PSC had other ideas and flipped the script in the top of the fifth. Stiben Sanchez singled and Mike Lush doubled to put runners on second and third with one out. Brad Morrill then hit a hard grounder to second that wasn't handled and the lead was cut in half, 4-2. Matt Savage followed with an identical result - E4 and another PSC run, 4-3. Chris Flaherty then made Lincoln's defense pay for the errors as he belted a two-run double that put Simpson Club on top, 5-4. Later, Brian Goodman singled home Flaherty making it, 6-4.

Sanchez completed the scoring when he led off the top of the seventh with a solo homerun, 7-4. Mike Garland then threw his best stuff at Lincoln in the seventh as he retired the side in order and the series was tied with game five looming.

STARS of the game:
Mike Garland	Chris Flaherty	Gerry Sarro

Lincoln Tavern flexed their muscles early and then hung on to clip the Simpson Club here in game five tonight. With the score 1-0 in Lincoln's favor, they loaded the bases in the top of the second with one out. Dave Corcoran (3 hits, 3 RBI) singled home a pair of runs before Conor Gleason sent one opposite field and over the fence in center for a three-run homerun, and just like that it was 6-0 Lincoln.

In the bottom of the third, PSC finally got their bats going and made some noise of their own by hitting three home runs. However, the problem for them was there was nobody on base when Stiben Sanchez, Mike Lush, and Chris Flaherty went deep, 6-3.

Just as PSC were climbing back into the game, Lincoln fired another crippling blow - with runners on first and second and two outs, Dave Corcoran shot a double in the gap that plated both runners making it 8-3. Conor Gleason was walked which brought up Taylor Ferguson - BAM! Ferguson sent an offering deep into the night - a no doubter and Lincoln was comfortably on top 11-3. Worried concern took over the faces of the PSC players and supporters.

However, PSC still had fight in them and answered the bell in the bottom of the fourth with a rally of their own. Three straight singles by Brian Goodman, Miguel Dupree, and Pat Dolbeare brought up batting crown winner, Brett Carriker. The .791 hitter didn't miss as he lined a RBI single to center, 11-4. Ryan Jones then followed with a clutch double and just like that PSC was back in the game, 11-6. Jones' double also chased starting pitcher Gerry Sarro from the game who couldn't get an out. The Lincoln brass sensed the game was turning and needed to put a stop to the Simpson attack - for the moment, the move worked as reliever Jason Calnan gave up an RBI single to Mike Lush and then retired the next three batters, 11-7.

PSC pitcher Mike Garland then threw a scoreless fifth giving PSC more life. After Brian Hurld reached on a dropped ball in center field, Calnan began to nibble at the corners but wasn't getting the calls - two walks followed to load the bases with nobody out. It was a huge moment in the game but just as quickly as Calnan got himself in a jam, he just as quickly got himself out of it too. F5, fielder's choice ground out, and a line out to center ended the inning with PSC only managing to scrape across a run, 11-8.

With the game getting late and tensions rising, Lincoln's Jared Kelly and Mike Kent hit back-to-back singles. However, Garland and PSC retired the next two batters which put the bat back in the hands of lefty, Conor Gleason. This was not the hitter Garland wanted to face in this situation but with Ferguson on deck, he had to go after him. Gleason (3 hits, HR, 4 RBI) won the battle and doubled home both Kelly and Kent making it 13-8. It would turn out to be a HUGE hit in the game.

In the bottom of the sixth, Calnan ran into more control trouble and walked two while yielding a single to pinch hitter, Tommy Clark. PSC had the bases loaded again with one away. Lincoln's defense didn't help matters either as Chris Flaherty lifted a routine fly ball to center that was dropped allowing two runners to score, 13-10. Brian Hurld followed with a sacrifice fly to center and it was 13-11. Calnan dug deep and won a full count battle against Brian Goodman, who grounded out to third baseman, Chris Boyd to end the inning. Calnan's balancing act was wearing thin - it was if he was walking a tight rope on a windy day.

In the seventh, Garland retired the side with ease and it we moved to the last call - bottom of the seventh down by two runs with the the middle of the order due up. More control trouble for Calnan as he walked the leadoff batter, Miguel Dupree, on four pitches. Stress was now all over the faces of the Lincoln infielders. However, Calnan battled back and produced a fly out to Dolbeare but then walked Brett Carriker on a nine pitch at bat. Two runners on with one out and power hitting Ryan Jones stepping into the box. Jones had doubled in the fourth and line out hard to center in the fifth. One had to think that PSC saw victory while Lincoln was sensing they were about to suffer a crushing defeat.

Not so fast, Calnan got the powerful righty to line out to left center and PSC was down to their last out - Stiben Sanchez. Calnan got ahead in the count 0-1 and then Sanchez lined a single to center that scored Dupree, 13-12! With runners on first and second and two outs, it all came down to the 2019 playoff MVP, Mike Lush. The lanky righty had homered in the third, singled in the fourth, and walked and scored in the sixth. Calnan quickly spun a pitch in that was called a strike - another followed and Lush was quickly behind 0-2. Another spinner from Calnan came his way, too close to take so he turned on it to foul it off but it kept carrying and stayed in the air - it was down the left field line, carrying, and carrying right into the glove of the Lincoln outfielder - the series was over.

Calnan had served up seven walks in just four innings of work, had two dropped fly balls behind him, but he didn't allow the big hit and that was the difference in the outcome of this game. On the other side, pitcher Mike Garland was so effective this season that no other team came close to scoring double digit runs against him. Lincoln's offense got to him in game three and here again in game five. In both defeats, Lincoln averaged three base runners per inning against the best pitcher in the league - that's how good this team is. The two-time champions (2020 & 2021) will be making their fourth straight trip to the finals which begins on Monday @ 845.

STARS of the game:
Jason Calnan	Conor Gleason	Dave Corcoran

Pat Simpson Club gave it their all here in the 2023 season

2023 SAM MORAN Division Champions - Lincoln Tavern

 Lincoln Tavern wins series 3-2

The Simpson Club flexed their muscles here in game one homering three times on their way to a 6-0 lead. Brian Goodman, Pat Dolbeare, and Brad Morrill all went deep for the heavy hitting PSC squad.

While the bats did the damage at the plate, pitcher Mike Garland was doing his own damage from the mound. The Ballers were held hitless by Garland until the fifth inning - in that span, the big righty picked up five strikeouts while walking just one batter.

To their credit, the Ballers didn't go quietly and began to take good swings on the ball. Finally, in the top of the sixth, they broke through scoring two runs on back to back walks with the bases loaded. They added another pair in the seventh when Colin O'Shea went deep, 9-4. That would complete the scoring in this one as PSC takes game one in convincing style.

Game 2: Wednesday, Aug 23 @ 9:00  - Pat Simpson Club 11 - Ballers 9

The Ballers were in a must win situation and were trailing 6-1 in the bottom of the seventh against the powerful PSC squad. The game was over, right folks? Not so fast! This is the playoffs where anything can happen and often does.

With Simpson comfortably ahead and pitcher Mike Garland in cruise control, the Ballers took advantage of three untimely miscues followed by a clutch hit by Matt Engel. When all was said and done, they had scored five runs in the bottom of the seventh on just a pair of hits and more importantly, had tied the game 6-6!

They were punched in the mouth but true champions can shake a blow like that off and that's what PSC did here tonight folks. In the top of the eighth, the first three batters reached and then the bottom of the order had some fun. Tommy Clark, Brad Morrill, and Matt Savage all came through with RBI hits that added up to a five run inning, 11-6.

However, the scrappy and feisty Ballers squad was not done fighting either. Pitcher Mike Keleher, helped himself with a leadoff homerun that cleared the right field fence, 11-7. A ground out, single and a fielder's choice put the Ballers hopes in Jimmy McGrath's hands. BAM!! McGrath clubbed a two-run homerun over the fence in right and we now had another close ball game, 11-9! However, Garland and PSC would retire the next batter to end the game and the series. There's was no doubt that the Ballers had earned themselves a lot of respect around the league with the way they battled in this series. PSC moves onto to the division finals.

 Simpson Club wins series 2-0

The Stew Jays have had a remarkable first season winning ten games and finishing in second place. They scored plenty of runs and often demolished their opponent into quick five-inning mercy rule contests. However, the playoffs are different and after getting through the first round they drew the 2020-2021 champion, Lincoln Tavern.

Lincoln plated three in the first and three more runs in the second but the Jays stayed with them as they were just slightly behind, 6-4 after two innings complete. Slugging it out may be the best chance the Jays have to winning this series. However, Lincoln's pitcher Gerry Sarro would have none of it. He settled down and threw four out of five scoreless innings of softball. While Sarro was locked in, Lincoln's offense continued to add a run here and there - in the end, Lincoln proved to be too much to handle in this one. Ryan O'Rourke (3 hits, 2 HR, 3 RBI) and Taylor Ferguson (2 hits, HR, 2 RBI) paced Lincoln's attack.

Game 2: Wednesday, Aug 23 @ 7:30  - Stew Jays 13 - Lincoln Tavern 25

Figuring they needed to outslug Lincoln, the sluggers on Stew Jays came out swinging in this one as Kyle Halloran and Max Troiani went deep in the first inning, 3-0. However, that lead wouldn't last very long as Lincoln's offense responded with a salvo of their own in the home half of the inning.

After a leadoff single to Conor Gleason (5 hits, 5 runs), Taylor Ferguson homered, 3-2. Drew Blake (4 hits, 3 RBI) then followed with another homerun to tie the game, 3-3. Ryan O'Rourke (4 hits, 2 RBI) completed the tri-fecta when he also homered putting Lincoln ahead...to stay. They added a couple of more runs before the scoring settled down and carried a 9-5 lead into the fifth.

Sensing their season was running out of time, the Jays rallied in the top of the fifth and scored three runs, 9-8. It was Halloran (4 hits, 3 RBI) again who was in the middle of the rally. Now they had them within sight but could they keep them off the scoreboard for the final three frames?

Not a chance! In the bottom of the fifth, Lincoln's offense sent thirteen batters to the plate while scoring eight runs to pretty much salt this one away. Jeff White and Mike Kent (3 hits, HR, 4 RBI) punctuated the inning when they both went deep.

Staying true to their style of softball, the Jays countered in the top of the sixth with a five run inning, 17-13! They still had Lincoln within striking distance...they still had hope.

Again, Lincoln's lineup is very tough to pitch against as they have super talent all they way through - top to bottom. One had to feel for the Stew Jays pitcher, Ty Jenkins, as he was now tasked with trying to tame this wild beast with nothing more than a leather ball. Standing on that mound can be a lonely place at times with no escape. They attacked again and again. Whap! Bang! Gone! Lincoln strung together nine straight hits which led to another eight runs and that was it folks - this series was over.

For the Stew Jays and Jenkins, they have nothing to be ashamed as this out of control beast (25 runs on 32 hits) couldn't be tamed; at least for now.

 Lincoln wins series 2-0

Perhaps a bit fatigued from their championship winning performance in Canaan over the weekend, the Pat Simpson Club just snuck by the very hungry PowTown squad here in game one. PowTown struck first when they plated three runs off ace, Mike Garland. They then got a great performance out of their pitcher, Mike Keough, who held the PSC attack to just a run over the first two frames.

However, they would get on track in the bottom of the third when Mark Goodman, (double, two triples), Ryan Jones (triple, 3 RBI), and Mike Lush (3 hits) all contributed to a five run inning and a 6-3 lead. Simpson added three more runs in the fourth but PowTown hung around and scratched runs across the board in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings. In the end, the Simpson Club proved to be much too talented to let a playoff game slip away but you have to give the PowTown team a ton of credit. Alec Bergeron led all batters with four hits.

Game 2: Monday, Aug 14 @ 6:00  Pat Simpson Club 14 - PowTown 0

Brad Morrill threw five scoreless innings on his way to a series clinching victory as the Simpson Club sweep PowTown here in game two.

The Simpson Club put this one away in the third when Brian Goodman (3 hits) connected for a grand slam making it 6-0 at the time. PSC would later add five more runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth and that was all she wrote. Chris Flaherty (3 hits) was the table setter at the top of the order. Simpson Club will now have to wait to see who their next opponent is in the division semi-finals.

 Simpson Club wins series 2-0

The first year Stew Jays played their first playoff game and performed much like they have all season long, impressively! They swung the bat well (19 hits) and scored runs early - plating two in the first, three in the second, and four in the third, 9-1. They nearly ended the game by mercy rule in the fifth when they scored another seven runs, 16-5.

However, Shamrock responded with a late rally and got within striking distance before running out of time, 16-13. Shamrock's leadoff hitter, Vin Nardone hit for the cycle when he singled in the first, doubled in the fourth, homered in the sixth, and tripled in the seventh. Way to go! Stephen Michienzi also contributed to the offense with three hits and five RBI for Shamrock. They will need to regroup and win game two to extend their season.

For the Stew Jays it was offense and their very deep and talented lineup that resulted in the win. Chris Hopkins, Austin Ferry, Jacob Pierce, and Kyle O'Halloran each had three hits and carried the torch for the Jays as their usual heavy hitters were walked and held in check in this one.

Game 2: Monday, Aug 14 @ 9:00   - Stew Jays 21 - Shamrock Pub 11

With their season on the line, the Shamrock Pub took a 7-3 lead into the bottom of the fourth when everything came apart for them. The Stew Jays exploded for thirteen runs and never looked back on their way to a series ending victory.

Although the Jays offense produced when needed, the Shamrock defense didn't help their own cause as they committed five untimely errors that led to fourteen (14) unearned runs. That's not winning softball on any level and the Jays made them pay. One player who they didn't let hurt them was slugger, Gino Fordiani. Shamrock elected to walk Gino four times in five plate appearances. However, the move didn't always work as several of the Jays players produced when called upon - Max Troiani (2 hits, 4 RBI), Jacob Pierce (3 hits), and many others chipped in with offense.

While the Jays take a few days to rest up before their next opponent is determined, Shamrock will use the off season to figure out what went wrong in the second half of their season.

 Stew Jays win series 2-0

Two former 2021 M Street softball champions squared off here on Monday and it was the Playwright Shamrocks doubling up on the Lincoln Tavern to take game one. This was not a typical well pitched playoff game by any stretch as the two teams combined for twenty walks. Yes, 20! Lincoln's starter, Jason Calnan, had footing issues with the N Street mound and couldn't figure it out as he allowed ten walks with the majority of them scoring. Meanwhile, Sean Higgins threw from that same mound and also walked a bunch (9) but then found his way and got stronger as the game went on - shutting down the Lincoln attack in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings.

In the end, the Playwright was the better team on this night but something tells me this series is going the distance. Dave Corcoran (4 hits, 3 RBI) led Lincoln's attack while Pete Franchi (3 hits, HR, 4 RBI) led the way for Playwright.

Game 2: Wednesday, Aug 9 @ 9:00  - Lincoln Tavern 22 - Playwright 2

With their backs against the wall, Lincoln Tavern responded like the champs they are and flipped the series on it's head. Lincoln's offense erupted by scoring five runs in the first and nine runs in the second and for all intents and purposes, it was over. They would later hang another eight runs on the scoreboard in the fifth and they win this one by mercy rule. The Playwright will have to regroup and play their best in the series deciding game three.

Drew Blake (4 hits, 4 RBI), Dave Corcoran (3 hits), and JC Espanal (double, HR, 6 RBI) led the attack for Lincoln while pitcher, Gerry Sarro, scattered seven hits to pick up the win.

Game 3: Wednesday, Aug 16 @ 7:30  - Playwright 5 - Lincoln Tavern 18

Playwright needed a win and came out swinging tonight plating five runs in the top of the first. However, that would be as good as it would get as it was all downhill for them afterwards.

Lincoln got to work in the bottom half of the inning, scoring three runs, 5-3. After pitcher, Gerry Sarro threw a scoreless second, Lincoln took the lead with a four run inning and never looked back. After an error and a couple of walks, Drew Blake delivered the clutch hit to put Lincoln on top.

The Playwright offense never got on track after that first inning as Sarro limited them to just three hits over the final four innings. Ryan O'Rourke (4 hits), Conor Gleason (3 hits), and Sean Gorman (3 hits) provided the punch tonight as Lincoln advances.

 Lincoln Tavern wins series 2-1

Fifty hits folks...that's correct, in a seven inning game the L Street Tavern banged out thirty-one hits while the Ballers smashed nineteen. The bats, bases, scorebook, and softballs took a beating in this one as it was purely an offensive show here in game one.

For a moment, it was looking good for the Ballers as they sprung out to a 7-0 lead. However, the L Street offense woke up in the third inning and then poured it on to the tune of twenty-four runs. While L Street's offense was firing on all cylinders, pitcher Dave Wasylak, shook off the rough start and settled in nicely yielding just five runs over the final five innings.

Game 2: Monday, Aug 14 @ 7:30  Ballers 10 - L Street Tavern 8

Forty-six hits folks but not as many runs tonight. Ballers' pitcher Mike Keleher gave up more than three hits an inning but managed to yield just eight runs. It was either a magic act or the L Street Tavern failed to produce the big hit when men were on base. In any case, we have a tied series and will get to enjoy one more game between these two evenly matched squads. Before looking ahead, lets recap game two.

The Ballers opened the scoring in the first when they plated two runs and then followed up with two more in the second inning, 4-0. L Street answered with a pair in the bottom of the second and that score would stand all the way until the top of the fifth.

The Ballers tacked on two more runs to push ahead 6-2 but L Street responded with a run in the home half of the inning, 6-3. Pitcher Dave Wasylak then threw a scoreless sixth inning and L Street sensed it was their time to attack. With two outs and two runners on base, Andrew Peabody (3 hits and 3 RBI) laced a triple to make it 6-5. Peabody then scored the tying run on Mike Dodokian's single, 6-6! Greg O'Neil walked and then Sean Moran singled home Dodokian and just like that, L Street was ahead 7-6 and three outs away from winning the series.

In the top of seventh, Ryan McGloin led off with a single and then Wasylak got a fly out for the first out. Mike Keleher then singled to put runners on the corners. Mark Difiore then tied the game with another single and the Ballers were looking for more. Nate Rock answered the call again with a two-run double and the Ballers had swung the game, 10-7!

It was last call for L Street in the home half of the seventh but they would hurt themselves by running into an out. Mark Goggin (3 hits) singled and scored on Brandon Johnson's (3 hits) double but Johnson got thrown out at third on the play. Wasylak and Cody Carlson (3 hits) followed with back to back singles before Keleher extinguished the rally with a pop out and a ground out. Game three is going to be a good one.

Game 3: Thursday, Aug 17 @ 6:30 pm - L Street Tavern 8 - Ballers 10

In a must win game for both clubs, the Ballers held on late and out paced L Street Tavern here in the final game of the series.

L Street jumped out to a 4-0 lead but could have had more runs if they hadn't left the bases loaded in the second inning. With two outs and nobody on base in the bottom of the fourth, the Ballers rallied and scored three runs which changed the direction of the game.

In the fifth, Jimmy McGrath put the Ballers ahead for the first time with a clutch double, 5-4. Pitcher Mike Keleher too the mound and continued to stifle the L Street attack as he threw his fourth scoreless inning in the top of the sixth. The Ballers offense rewarded Keleher by plating five more runs behind RBI hits by Nate Rock, Jimmy Butler, and Gil Adams, 10-4.

L Street had one last run in them and they nearly caught the Ballers. Brandon Johnson (4 hits) hit an RBI single to make it 10-5 with one out. Dave Wasylak singled and then Sam Novicki launched a three-run homer to make it 10-8. However, that would be their last gasp as the Ballers and Keleher retired the next two batters and that was the series.

 Ballers win series 2-1

Game 1: Thursday, Aug 31 @ 8:30  - La Familia 7 - STATS 12

Oliver Hart hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the second inning that gave STATS a 8-6 lead and they never looked back. It was a wild start to this ball game as STATS scored two in the first only to see La Familia answer with six runs in the top of the second. Hart (double, HR, 6 RBI) and STATS responded with six of their own and for a moment, it was looking like this was going to be a long night for the scorekeeper.

However, pitcher Erik Mercedes shook off the tough inning and settled in nicely as he yielded just one more run over the final five innings of play. His counterpart, Juan Santana, has been brilliant this season but this was not his night as STATS touched him up for twelve runs on fifteen hits. Phil Sciretta (STATS) and Steven Melo (La Familia) led all batters with three hits each.

The teams will break for the long weekend then resume the series on Tuesday where La Familia will try to even it up.

STARS of the game:
Oliver Hart	Steven Melo	Erik Mercedes

Game 2: Tuesday, Sep 5 @ 7:00 - STATS 8 - La Familia 9

With a runner on first and one out, La Familia's Juan Salcedo hit an infield single that was subsequently thrown away allowing the winning run to score in the bottom of the seventh inning here in game two. It was a dramatic ending to a game that was tight from beginning to end.

Prior to Salcedo's heroics, STATS erased a 4-1 La Familia lead in the top of the fourth when Steve Pesapane, Tad Gold, and EJ Martinez each had RBI hits, making it 5-4. STATS added another run in the fifth on Nolan Freeman's RBI single, 6-4. On the defensive side, pitcher Erik Mercedes threw three straight scoreless innings at a key moment in the game and we were on to the seventh with STATS still up by two runs.

The seventh inning was a classic M Street playoff game with so many dramatic plot twists and turns. STATS rewarded Mercedes efforts by scoring two for him in the top of the seventh on RBI hits by Kevin Miller and Tom Kazanowski, making it 8-4. It was the worst possible time for La Familia to give up runs as they were out of time and outs.

In the bottom of the seventh, with their festive music playing in the background, La Familia went to work - Jason Brewer led off with a single. Ray Mejia was inserted into the game as a pinch hitter and promptly doubled. Alex Nazzaro drew a walk which loaded the bases with nobody out. STATS still had the four run lead but it was starting to get very uncomfortable for STATS players and supporters. Nairo Mejia then worked a bases loaded RBI walk which made it 8-5. The tying runner was now on base and the STATS lead was in serious trouble. Junior Tejeda then singled home two more runs making it 8-7. Angel Mejia then bounced into a fielder's choice (out at second) with Nairo Mejia scoring the tying run on the play - 8-8!

Then it all came down to Salcedo who fought off a few pitches before hitting a slow bouncer to third which was fielded cleanly but the throw was hurried and short. The ball bounced about two feet in front of first baseman Jake Smith, and then carromed off the surrounding wall and into right field. Mejia raced around the bases and scored the winning run which set off a wild celebration at home plate - the series was tied.

STARS of the game:
Angel Mejia	Junior Tejeda	Juan Salcedo

STATS pitcher Tom Kazanowski threw four straight scoreless innings to start game three and that's all his team needed to take control of the game and series. KAZ, as he called throughout the league, worked as quick as any pitcher you'll see. For the La Familia hitters, it may have felt like he was already ahead in the count before they stepped foot into the box - he was working that quickly folks.

While KAZ was working his magic from the mound, Nolan Freeman (2 hits, 3 walks, 5 runs scored) was getting on base at the top of the order and EJ Martinez (4 hits, HR, 3 RBI) and Phil Sciretta (5 hits 3 RBI) were driving him home. After four innings, STATS had built an 8-0 lead mainly behind the work of those players mentioned.

La Familia finally caught a break in the top of the fifth when a couple of infield miscues by the STATS defenders led to four runs. Ray Mejia and Alex Nazzaro had clutch doubles that gave La Familia some life, 8-4. However, STATS countered with two more runs in the home half of the inning and the game felt like it was already over at this point.

It was last call for La Familia in the seventh - Ruben Baez and Ray Mejia hit back-to-back singles before Jason Brewer drove them home with a triple, making it 11-6. Steve Melo then reached on another infield miscue allowing Brewer to score which would cap the scoring in this one, 11-7.

Game four (Thur @ 730 pm) will be another great one as La Familia will try to extend their season and push the series to five games while STATS looks to punch their ticket to the league finals. It's going to be an intense night of softball at M Street Park.

STARS of the game:
Phil Sciretta	EJ Martinez	Tom Kazanowski

STATS and La Familia battle in the late innings of game 3

Game 4: Thursday, Sep 7 @ 7:30 - STATS 4 - La Familia 5 (9 innings)

Ariel Matos delivered the clutch hit of the season as the "never say die" La Familia squad fought off elimination and won game four in extra innings. This was a classic pitching duel between Erik Mercedes and Juan Santana as both men gave everything they had to their team while putting them in position to win. However, there can only be one winner and on this night it was Santana and La Familia who prevailed.

Prior to Matos' game winning hit we had some early drama. The STATS brass decided to bat nine in their lineup and La Familia objected. There was a discussion with the umpire and then a phone call to the league. Once the ruling was announced the teams got after playing softball and settling the score on the field.

STATS scored a run in the first on Conor Ressell's RBI single and then added another in the third on Oliver Hart's single, 2-0. We moved to the top of the fifth with STATS ahead 2-0 and pitcher Erik Mercedes in complete control, tossing a shutout. With two outs, EJ Martinez doubled and then Jake "The Rake" Smith clubbed a Santana offering deep into the night, it was 4-0 STATS!

As the La Familia players filed in from the field now down 4-0, it was noticeable that there was no panic or stress - everyone was calm - almost as if they knew they would get back in this game at some point. Ruben Baez then gave them something to get excited about as he led off the home half of the fifth with a single and took second on Ray Mejia's walk. A fly out to right field moved the two runners up giving Jason Brewer a chance to drive them in. Brewer connected and sent a drive to center that was deep enough to score Baez from third, making it 4-1. Mercedes then retired Edward Rosario on a line drive to second - La Familia was on the scoreboard but now running out of time.

Santana knew he couldn't all STATS to score another run and he blanked them in the top of the sixth. La Familia raced in, grabbed some warm up bats, and showed signs that this was going to be their inning. A leadoff walk to Nairo Mejia wasn't the way Mercedes or STATS wanted to start the bottom of the sixth. Junior Tejeda followed with a single to center. Angel Mejia, with his blonde hair flowing, cut the STATS lead in half with a RBI single to left, 4-2. Santana then flew out to center which moved Tejeda to third on the out. Steven Melo then hit a slow bouncer to second for an out but Tejeda raced home on the play and it was 4-3. Ruben Baez followed with another single, a clutch RBI hit at the most needed time, and we were tied, 4-4! Mercedes retired the next batter and the game moved to the seventh.

Santana allowed a single to MArtinez and then retired the side on three ground outs. La Familia was now batting in the seventh with a chance to win the game and tie the series. Matos led off and singled - the bells in the crowd began to clang. Jason Brewer followed with another single and La Familia had STATS and Mercedes on the ropes - two on with nobody out. However, Mercedes got the next out on a routine fly ball to center which brought up Nairo Mejia. On a 2-1 pitch, Mejia lined a game winner into short right but the tall and rangy Jake Smith, who was playing first, got a great jump and snared the game winner for the game saving out. Mercedes then got Tejeda on a grounder and we were on to extra innings.

STATS got a runner on and then were retired by Santana - it was his third straight scoreless inning. The burly righty was getting stronger as the game was going longer. Mercedes retired the side in order in the eighth and we were were on to the ninth.

Again, Santana gave STATS no hope of squaring up a ball against him - 1-2-3 - side retired and in quick fashion too. We moved onto the bottom of the ninth. Ruben Baez led off with a single - the bells clanged - La Familia was feeling it again. Ray Mejia drew a walk - clang, clang, clang! With no room for error, Ariel Matos smashed a Mercedes offering to right center and this series was tied.

STARS of the game:
Juan Santana	Ariel Matos	Erik Mercedes

La Familia

STATS

Trailing all game long, STATS scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth and two more runs in the bottom of the sixth to snatch a series winning victory from La Familia.

Junior Tejeda and Freymar Pena got the scoring started in the first when both men hit towering homeruns to left. STATS responded with a run of their own on Nolan Freeman's double, 2-1.

La Familia added another run in the third when Eddie Rosario led off with a single and scored on Angel Mejia's RBI single, 3-1. STATS offense was stuck in the mud as pitcher Juan Santana was keeping them off stride and unable to square up any Santana pitches.

However, Freeman led off the fifth with his third hit of the game and then scored on Robb Scott's single. STATS tied the game when Kevin Miller sent EJ Martinez home with a single to left center, 3-3. STATS was looking for more as they loaded the bases but Santana got a called third strike and retired the side, 3-3 after five complete.

In the top of the sixth with the pressure mounting, Nairo Mejia singled and Junior Tejeda collected his third hit of the game for La Familia. STATS decided to pull their starter, Tom Kazanowski, and brought in Erik Mercedes. Angel Mejia greeted Mercedes with a single and La Familia was back on top, 4-3. Mercedes then retired the next two batters on hard line drive outs to escape further damage.

In the bottom of the sixth, La Familia was forced to make some defensive changes as third baseman Nairo Mejia was ailing. Eddie Rosario slid over to third from second and Ray Mejia took over second. It was a tough time to make lineup changes as La Familia would quickly find out.

Steve Pesapane stepped into the box and hit a slow bounding ball to third. Rosario fielded it cleanly and had to hurry his throw. The throw was low and skipped by the first baseman as Pesapane raced past the bag - safe at first! Nolan Freeman, who was a perfect three for three, was next but Santana got the lefty to ground out forcing Pesapane at second. EJ Martinez then drew a walk and now STATS were into their heart of the order and Santana knew it. Phil Sciretta smoked a drive towards second that caught Mejia back peddling - he picked it up and threw to second but it was too late - STATS had the bases loaded without the aid of a hit.

Jake Smith who was hitless turned the game around with a line drive single into the outfield grass that scored two runs, 5-4 STATS. Santana retired the next hitter but STATS had done the damage and were now three outs away from punching their ticket to the finals.

Santana led off and grounded out to Martinez who threw to Smith for the key first out. Ruben Baez then gave La Familia something to get excited about as he reached on an error on the pitcher. However, Mercedes recovered and retired the next two batters on ground outs and the series was over.

Despite the loss, La Familia has a lot to be proud of as they were the last original "B" team to get knocked out. The other semi-finalists were all 2022 "A" teams (Lincoln, STATS, and the Pat Simpson Club). With Santana in the fold for a full season there's no question that they will only improve their standing in 2024.

As for STATS, they had about ten minutes to savior the victory before they had to play game one of the finals. It wasn't an ideal way to end a series but this is what they agreed to by not playing game five on Friday. From my standpoint behind the backstop, it really didn't seem like they celebrated the victory at all - the game was over and minutes later they were calling out the starting lineup. Again, it wasn't ideal and would only get worse.

STARS of the game:
Nolan Freeman	Junior Tejeda/b>	Juan Santana

 STATS win series 3-2

With two outs and nobody on base, the Braves then committed two errors that led to five unearned runs and the flood gates were opened early in this one. Chris Amate and STATS took advantage of the miscues as he hit a three run home run to get the scoring going. An inning later, Phil Sciretta (4 hits, 7 RBI) launched a no doubt grand slam that banged off the metal brown wall across the street from the park. It was deep folks!

The onslaught continued as STATS poured it on while the Braves looked uninterested and defeated tonight. With the length of each series, the team that is crowned the champion this season will have won the marathon; it's not a short sprint. It will take ten post season wins to lift the Cup as the playoffs are about to heat up.

Oliver Hart (3 hits) and Tad Gold (3 hits) were also the hitting stars tonight while Erik Mercedes picked up the win on the mound. The Braves will need to find some answers to quiet the STATS attack in game two but at this moment, it's looking like an uphill climb.

Game 2: Monday, Aug 28 @ 6:30  - STATS 12 - MJS Braves 7

STATS was looking for the sweep and jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first only to see the Braves erase the lead with five runs of their own. Frankie Reyes (2 hits, 4 RBI) hit a grand slam to put his club on top in a must win game, 5-3.

However, the Braves couldn't hold the lead for very long as STATS answered with three more runs in the top of the second. James Marcello doubled home Kevin Miller to cut into the Brave lead and then scored the go ahead run on Rob Scott's (3 hits, 5 RBI) two-run homerun, 6-5.

Pitcher Tom Kazanowski then threw back-to-back scoreless innings and we moved onto the fourth inning with STATS still ahead by a run. The top of the fourth would prove to be the dagger in the Braves season as the first four STATS batters reached base. Tadd Gold and then Robb Scott brought them all home and STATS was on top to stay, 10-5. From that point on it was STATS' game to lose and they were not in the giving mood. They will now face the winner of the La Familia and Publico series which was heading to a series deciding game three.

 STATS wins series 2-0

In a rematch of last season's finals, Publico left no doubt who was the better team tonight scoring seven runs in the bottom of the second inning and then cruised to an easy victory. Alberto Vasquez started the rally in the second with a leadoff double. Publico's offense then followed with five straight hits highlighted by Shane Haggerty's RBI double and Steve Dazzo's first of two homeruns on the night, 8-1.

Vasquez was also the pitcher for Publico in this one and he was locked in early. When all was said and done the big righty scattered eight hits while allowing just a solo homerun to Angel Mejia (3 hits) in the first inning and that was it - a truly dominating performance.

La Familia will need their best effort on Monday to extend their season another day.

Game 2: Monday, Aug 28 @ 8:30  - Publico 1 - La Familia 8

Pitcher Juan Santana was masterful in game two and La Familia forced a deciding game three. This was a pitcher's duel between two of the league's finest - lefty Alberto Vasquez and righty Juan Santana. After two scoreless innings, the offense finally showed some life in the bottom of the third when La Familia strung together four straight hits for the first run of the game, 1-0.

Santana hung another zero on the board and Publico was suddenly realizing they were up against a flame throwing ace. La Familia gave their ace a little more support in the bottom of the fourth when Angel Mejia connected for a two-run homerun, 3-0. Although the deficit was just three runs it felt like ten going against Santana.

Publico finally showed some signs of life in the fifth when Vasquez singled and scored on Andrew Grant's double, 3-1. However, their rally would fall a couple of runs short and they would need to hold La Familia from scoring again. It wouldn't happen.

La Familia scored two runs in the fifth and then Santana went yard himself in the sixth to put his squad up by seven runs and that's where this one would end. Publico was quickly on the defensive and in search of answers on how to solve Santana.

Game 3: Tuesday, Aug 29 @ 7:00  - La Familia 4 - Publico 1

In a season where lots of runs were scored, tonight we saw how beautiful the game of modified softball can be. Pitchers Juan Santana and Alberto Vasquez gave us an instant "M Street Classic" when they gave their clubs seven strong and memorable innings of tremendous pitching in a must win game for both.

The first four innings were totally dominated by both pitchers as we didn't see a base runner get past second base. Finally in the top of the fifth inning, La Familia got a leadoff single by Juan Salcedo followed by a single by Ruben Baez. Both runners moved up a base on a fly out to right - we were finally going to see some runs scored. Not so fast! Vasquez retired the next two batters on ground outs. Publico then raced in from the field and were eager to take their cuts at the plate. Hunter Hagdorn led off with a walk followed by Paul Iasiello's (3 hits) double. La Familia decided to intentionally walk Jamie Faber to load the bases with nobody out. La Familia and Santana were on the ropes. An infield pop out and two routine fly outs ended the inning and saw a great opportunity go by the boards.

Vasquez threw another scoreless frame - his sixth in a row! We headed to the bottom of the sixth still scoreless, 0-0. Santana quickly retired the first two batters before yielding a single to Nick Slevoski (3 hits). Terrance Doonan singled and brother Patrick Doonan followed with a RBI single to score Slevoski, 1-0! La Familia retired the next batter and we were heading to the top of the seventh where it would be last call.

Angel Mejia drew a lead off walk and suddenly La Familia knew they had a chance to at least tie the game. Juan Salcedo (3 hits) tied it with a clutch double and now Publico and Vasquez were in a jam with the season about to slip away. Baez singled home Salcedo giving La Familia their first lead, 2-1. Pitcher Juan Santana was then looking to help himself and he did just that in a BIG way. Santana ripped into a 2-1 offering and homered, 4-1 La Familia. Publico and Vasquez got the next two outs and we were now heading to the bottom of the seventh where it would be another last call.

Publico had the perfect batter up in Iasiello and he didn't disappoint with a lead off single. A fly out moved him up to second base but Publico would need more. Santana saw victory within sight and didn't budge - F4 and F9 - the series was over! Santana had thrown fourteen innings and had yielded just two runs to one of the best hitting teams in the league - he was simply magnificent!

La Familia stormed the field and crowded their star pitcher - they were going to the division finals to face STATS.

 La Familia wins series 2-1

In game that took less than fifty-minutes to play, STATS and ultra quick working pitcher, Tom Kazanowski, took game one in a workman like manner. They didn't embarrass their opponent with a big inning but instead showcased their strengths. Pitching, great defense, and timely hitting were on display but if you blinked, then you missed it.

STATS took the lead for good in the bottom of the second when Jake Smith went deep and Oliver Hart doubled home a pair. From that point on, STATS were in control of the game over the first year Frozen Ropes squad. Kazanowski was opposed by Justin Daileader, who pitched well (allowed 10 hits and 1 walk) and deserved a better outcome.

Coach Jack Donius and his Frozen Ropes squad will need to find some answers quickly as their backs are against the wall in a must win game two which is set for Wednesday.

Game 2: Wednesday, Aug 16 @ 6:00  STATS 13 - Frozen Ropes 3

STATS broke up a scoreless game in the third inning when they erupted for seven runs behind clutch hits by Robb Scott (3 hits, 4 RBI) and Phil Sciretta (2 hits). The first year Frozen Ropes squad stayed in the game as they had plenty of hits but couldn't string enough together to put any runs across the scoreboard.

Pitcher Erik Mercedes was brilliant, throwing six scoreless innings on his way to a series clinching victory. STATS will now have to wait awhile to see who their next opponent will be.

 STATS wins series 2-0

Perhaps realizing they were in the ring with a legitimate league heavyweight, the Silkworms played tight and it cost them on the scoreboard. Six untimely errors led to eleven unearned runs and an easy five-inning victory for Publico here in game one.

Publico took a 5-3 lead into the bottom of the fourth when the complexion of the game changed on a couple of key hits and some shoddy defense. With two outs and two runners on base by way of an error, Jeff Faber singled and was followed by Paul Iasiello (4 hits, 7 RBI) who collected his third hit of the game while scoring two, 8-3. Shane Haggerty added another pair of runs with a homerun to right-center, 9-3. Another hit and then a third error led to the tenth run, 10-3.

It was more of the same in the bottom of the fifth, a leadoff error and then five straight hits led to five more runs and the game was called, 15-3. Steve Dazzo (3 hits) had a nice game at the plate while pitcher Alberto Vasquez scattered four hits and yielded just one earned run.

Game 2: Wednesday, Aug 16 @ 9:00  Publico 19 - Silkworms 7

Jamie Faber hit for the cycle (5 hits, 4 runs, 5 RBI) and pitcher Alberto Vasquez shook off a rough first inning as Publico wins game two and sweeps the series.

After Publico's offense scored six runs in the first, the Silkworms responded with five of their own in the home half of the inning. For a brief moment, it was looking as if we were going to have a slugfest. However, Vasquez settled down and didn't allow another run until the game was well out of reach.

Faber singled in the first, doubled in the second, tripled in the third, singled in the fourth, and homered in the fifth. He is the second player to hit for the cycle this season (Vin Nardone was the other) and the eleventh player in league history (since 1998). Pat Curran led the Silkworms with three hits at the top of the order.

 Publico wins series 2-0

Down 5-0 while searching for offense in the bottom of the fourth, Telegraph Hill's John Stanton delivered with a three run double that flipped this tight M Street playoff classic on its heals.

With the Braves clinging to a 5-3 lead, both pitchers were perfect in the fifth as neither team scored. Mike Araujo then threw another scoreless sixth and the game moved onto the bottom of the inning with Telegraph running out of time and outs. Luke Serra (3 hits) led off with a single followed by singles by Scott Howard and Derek Bauer (3 hits). Bauer's single brought home Serra and it was 5-4.

Araujo threw another scoreless seventh which gave his team one last chance in the home half of the inning. Jamie Breed singled and then pitcher Jose Bonilla got the first out of the inning on a strikeout. With the pressure mounting, the Braves infielders folded and yielded two errors which allowed Breed to score and tie the game, 5-5.

Araujo threw a scoreless eighth (5 straight scoreless innings) and Telegraph was looking to steal one here. Bauer singled and then like the seventh, Bonilla got the first out on a strikeout. However, Telegraph didn't need help this time around as Sean Hill singled and Matt Doyle won it with a game ending hit. Mercy!

Game 2: Tuesday, Aug 22 @ 9:00   - Telegraph Hill 3 - MJS Braves 4

In one of the better played games so far in the playoffs, the Braves managed to hold onto victory and have forced a deciding game three. They jumped out to a 4-0 lead through two innings of play and then saw pitcher, Mike Araujo, halt their momentum as he threw four straight scoreless innings.

Running out of time and outs in the sixth, John Stanton hit a two-run homerun to get Telegraph Hill within a run, 4-3. However, that would be the last hit they would get as Braves pitcher, Jose Bonilla, retired the next five batters to earn the win. Scott Howard and Manny Pitre had two hits each.

Game 3: Thursday, Aug 24 @ 9:00  - MJS Braves 11 - Telegraph Hill 8

In a tightly contested series, the Braves came out on top here in game three and will be moving on to the division semi-finals. They set the tone early when they scored four runs in the first inning behind key extra base hits by Jose Rodriguez (3 hits) and Brandon Lee.

Telegraph then slowly began to chip away at the deficit with a run in the second and third innings. But with each run they scored, they left many base runners behind which would ultimately cost them this game.

The Braves struck for two more runs in the fourth and fifth innings behind clutch hitting by Mike Tejeda (4 hits). Again, Telegraph responded with a couple of runs but it was too little, 8-4 after five innings of play.

In the top of the sixth with two runners on base, Manny Pitre struck a big blow when he connected for a three-run homerun, 11-4. Telegraph scratched a run across the plate in the home half of the inning but they were now running out of outs.

The Braves were held scoreless in the seventh and we moved to the last call for Telegraph Hill. Two outs were quickly recorded before back-to-back walks were issued. Matt MacLean gave the Hill a glimmer of hope when he put them within reach on a three run homerun, 11-8. But that would be as close as they would get as pitcher, Jose Bonilla, fittingly retired the last batter on a strikeout...his only one of the game.

 Braves win series 2-1

Unfortunately, this series had a lot of off the field noise which eventually spilled onto the field. The two teams finished close in the standings and were evenly matched heading into the playoffs. The Pirates had roster issues all season long and played an ineligible player in their first game - a win against La Familia. The game was protested and the win was taken away. Before the game was replayed, the league notified the teams that pitchers can no longer take the ball over their head in the backswing. It was a move to eliminate the sling style pitching that was being utilized by a couple of pitchers. Lots of negative "talk" was happening on social media which only led to the animosity towards each other once the series resumed.

With the score tied 0-0, a few of the Pirates players were loudly "chirping" which is common here at M Street during the playoffs. However, later in the game after La Familia went ahead 4-0, they began to chirp back. One particular Pirate player took exception and decided he would physically confront the main "chirper." Well, there was a big shove and then a tackle from behind, a pile of players were spotted on the turf, and the benches emptied but then order was quickly restored.

In the aftermath, several of the Pirates players grabbed their equipment bags and left the field. At that point, the game was called a forfeit by the two umpires. In phone conversations with the league after the game, the Pirates brass made it official that they would not be returning to conclude the series. Not the way one would want to end their season especially considering they were one of the contenders for the M Street Cup.

Even though they had only played three innings, La Familia pitcher Juan Santana was brilliant again in this one as he didn't allow any hits while Angel Mejia had the clutch RBI double in the four run inning.

Game 2: Wednesday, Aug 23 @ 6:00 - Pirates 0 - La Familia 7 (forfeit) 

It's not the first time we have seen a team forfeit in the playoffs. In the past it was a schedule conflict or roster issues. However, it might be the first since 1994 that we had a legitimate contender quit instead of losing the series on the field.

In 1994, the South Boston Liquor Mart had a very talented team and were about to square off against the three-time champion, Ocean Kai in the M Street Finals. The Liquor Mart used a player in the semi-finals who hadn't played any games during the season. They claimed he was "injured" which bought them time, but only briefly. League officials did some digging and found stats on the player in question - he was playing daily in the Cape Cod Baseball League. Well, this caused the league to announce that he was ineligible (we have heard this before) for the remainder of the playoffs. The Liquor Mart brass were heated and felt it was personal (it wasn't) so they quit. The dream match up that was supposed to take place in the finals never happened.

I was standing at the M Street backstop waiting to watch the first game when word started spreading about Liquor Mart's decision to forfeit out of the finals. Just then, their shortstop, Jimmy Flaherty, appears in full uniform and ready to battle it out on the field. Apparently, his team forgot to tell him and he was upset - not at failing to get the word but in the fact that they quit instead of playing it out. In his anger, Flaherty took off his bright green game jersey and threw it on top of the backstop where it stayed.

I think the lesson of this story is that not everyone on that Liquor Mart team agreed with the decision to forfeit. If it's unanimous/fully in agreement, then go for it. Otherwise, you take the field and play for the guy who is next to you.

 La Familia wins series 2-0