The rookie captains versus the sophomores.
The Tap Masters have had a nice start to the season, posting a 4-2 record. At game time they were the only team score 100 runs and were second in the league in plus / minus. On the field they are getting some great performances from Paul Doyle (.870, 10); Geoff Keogh (.810, 14); Tim Schrank (.778, 12); Dan Routledge (.762, 14); and Mike Roche (.733, 5). The pitching of Sandy Bell in addition to his .100 point improvement in average has payed dividends as well. Their last game saw them score 32 runs and they've announced themselves as an offensive machine.
The Beer Bros. entered this one at 2-3 and very 'middle of the pack' in the standings. According to my standings, they're tied for 8th; according to league standings their 9th. Its splitting hairs, but they are definitely in the mix. So far, through 5 games, The Bros. offense has been led by rookie Peter Holmann (.824, 6); Neil Pendlebury (.800, 7) and Paul Piellusch (.778, 9). Lou Conforti has been pretty consistent pitching from what I've seen thus far and is settling into the P1 role nicely. Overall, the Beer Bros are struggling to score runs, but defending very well. So well that they have held their opponents to under 10 runs for the last two games. If that seems like a lot, remember that only one team was able to do that for the duration of the season last year. Rest assured, this team can play some "D".
This promised to be a match up of a potent offense and a strong defense.
Promises aren't always kept, but this one had some fine moments. The game opened with the visiting beer Bros. scoring two in the first inning as Dan Routledge and Randy Rose counted on a sac fly from Geoff Keogh and an RBI single from Tim Osmond. The Beer Bros were quick to answer with Captain's Steve Ross and Paul Piellusch scoring on RBI hits off the bats of Peter Holmann and Al Bales.
Tied at two after two the predicted Beer Bros. defense took over. They faced only 4 Tap Masters in the 2nd, gave up two runs in the 3rd and faced only 4 batters again the 4th inning giving up nothing.
On offense, the Beer Bros. were lighting it up. They scored another 2 in the 2nd inning, then rang up 5 in the 3rd and 4 in the 4th.
The score was 13-4 after four and the Beer Bros. looked rock solid. The Tap Masters looked listless. To be honest, the game looked pretty much over.
Then the 5th inning happened. Brian Kononiuk, Mike Roche, Dan Routledge and Paul Doyle all reached safely. Randy Rose chipped in a Sac Fly before Keogh, Schrank, Osmond, Bowers, Lewin and Bell all reached consecutively. The aftermath was a 7 run 5th and the score being narrowed 13-11.
But the Beer Bros. didn't have a lot to worry about. They had last at bats, it was only the 5th inning, they had the lead; and if that wasn't enough, they had the best part of their order up. Steve Ross led off and grounded out to 2nd, making him a rare 2/4 thus far on the evening. Neil Pendlebury flew out to right center field making him an equally rare 2/4 on the night. And Paul Piellusch was had been 3/3 with 3 runs scored to that point grounded out to short.
What the Tap Masters did here was hugely significant and should be remembered in those periods when their defense struggles, as happens to all teams. After coming off a 7 run inning and making a game of it, they faced three formidable hitters who are consistently well over .700. And these aren't high average hitters that slap it around; they hit with authority. I would be willing to bet that you won't see Ross, Pendlebury and Piellusch retired in order again this year without the benefit of a force out at least.
Even though still trailing by 2, the Tap Masters felt the game swing to their favour entering the 6th. Dwayne Comer, Brian Kononiuk and Mike Roche reached base consecutively. A fly out by Routledge and a fielders choice by Doyle tied the game. With two out, Rose and Keogh were scored on a clutch RBI from Captain Tim Schrank.
It got worse for the Beer Bros. They had a chance to push back in their half of the 6th, loading the bases with one out. But Brad Smith hit a bullet to left field that was handled flawlessly by Tim Osmond and Len Wercholoz lined out to first base.
When the dust had cleared, the vaunted Tap Masters offense proved to be who we thought they were. They had come back from down 13-4 to take a 16-13 lead in only two innings.
Its funny how these games have multiple swings. Just when you think you've got it figured out, something happens to make you say, "maybe there's a chance". And its funny how both teams can prove to be who you thought they were in the same game.
The Tap Masters needed a little insurance in the top of the 7th, but the Beer Bros. defense came out calm and assured. The inning started with a ground ball to Steve Ross at Short who made the play with ease. That was followed by single. Then a little flare to Ross at short and a fielders choice handle by Ross getting the out at second. Not further damage.
Last call for the Beer Bros.
Because the baseball gods wouldn't have it any other way, it would be an inning of vindication. With one out, Dennis Short singled to center. Next up was Steve Ross who singled Dennis to third. They tying run was now at the plate with one down in the person of Neil Pendlebury.
It wouldn't be there for long.
Neil hit a tricky sidewinder down the left field line that eluded the Left Fielder. Short scored, Ross scored and Neil who was flying around the bases seemed to find yet another gear coming around third to score the tying run. Scott Peters and I were in the middle of a "who's the fastest guy in the league" conversation just before this happened. I don't think either of us will be voting against Neil.
With the game now tied, Piellusch ripped a line drive just to Sandy Bell's right. Sandy made a fantastic stab on it to get the out. And the Tap Masters ended the game on a very nice 3rd to first out on a sharp grounder off the bat of Holman.
Final score 16-16.
Points of Interest
- Al Bales was 4/4 with 2 runs scored.
- Al also had a great defensive play saving runs in the 6th when he made great play at first on a hard hit ball by Randy Rose and had the presence of mind to get the lead runner at 2nd.
- Larry Goosney, Neil Pendlebury and Paul Doyle all had 3 RBI nights.
- Tim Schrank was 4/4 with a run scored and played great at Short and 3rd.
- Tim Osmond continues impress with excellent fielding and heads up play.
- This game had another home run hitter as Dennis Short clubbed a two run round tripper in the second inning. Dennis also played well all over in the infield.
Players of the Game
Players of the game are chosen for all 'Games of the Week' and are not necessarily driven by stats. Thanks for submitting to the pics gentlemen.
No comments:
Post a Comment