Manager Paul Engelhart, Coach Jason Engelhart, Coach Jeff Rossiter
Losses: Andy Starczewski, Dave Stevens.
Returning Players: Tyler Beck (OF/2B), Jim Engler (3B/OF), Mike Fasolo (P/2B), Alex Ferenti (P/SS), Conner Flisnik (SS/2B), Chris Flynn (1B), George Hajjar (OF), Dan Krol (P), Mike Mahay (P), Mike Nassar (OF), Paris Rich (OF), Zack Swider (P), Chris Vomer (C), Matt Wilk (3B).
Newcomers: Scott Barry (C), Matt Engler (P/1B), M.J. Hajec (P/OF), Jim Klauser (OF).
I e-mailed Whitestown manager Paul Engelhart these questions a couple weeks ago in hopes to have a season preview on Post 1113 for you guys. However, due to the extended season of the Whitesboro High School team, it wasn't possible. However, Paul wrote back to me a few days ago with some great, in-depth responses. I figured I should share them with you guys as it will give you a great idea of what he expects from his team this summer (and it should be even more interesting at this point, considering they've already played six games).
AD: The Utica and Watertown Tournaments and other non-league games – what do they do for your team?
PE: They allow us the chance to play our young players side-by-side with our veteran players in order for them to gain the necessary game experience, which in turn adds depth to our squad as well as providing a solid foundation for the following season. Every year we play quite a few non-league games because of this philosophy. Most of our veteran players this season have been on the team for two or three years and went through the same process when they were "rookies" on the team. It keeps everybody hungry since every player will get a chance to play at least a few games each week throughout the season.
AD: You lose a big bat and emotional leader in Andy Starzcewski. How much does that hurt the club? Do you lose anyone else (who)?
PE: I wouldn't say that Andy's loss will necessarily "hurt" the club, because what he left behind was very deeply instilled in all of our returning players - his work ethic and lead-by-example attitude. Even though he had a monster year for us last season statistics wise, his intensity and wanting the game to "rest in his hands" mentality will be missed the most. He did his loudest talking with his bat, glove, and arm, not by any words. We also lose Dave Stevens. Dave did not play baseball this spring as a freshman at Utica College and also has a mild wrist injury due to soccer, so he decided not to play this summer.
AD: You have returning all-stars in Mike Mahay (10-1, 1.79 ERA), Zack Swider (9-1, 2.38 ERA), Alex Ferenti (.392, 39 RBIs) and George Hajjar (.369, 49 RBIs). They all had some great numbers last year. What do you expect out of these guys this year?
PE: I expect quite a bit from these guys and always do from our returning all-stars. First and foremost, they need to give 100% effort every single day during practices and games, as well as provide leadership for the rest of the team when in the game as well as on the bench, especially since Mike and Zack are exclusively pitchers. Secondly, they also have to stay "hungry" and try to build upon the success of last season. We definitely are not going to sit back and expect good things to happen just because of our playoff run last year. It took our program over 50 years to win Whitestown Post's first District V title and first appearance in the New York State Tournament. This year's team is determined to do whatever it takes to participate in both tournaments again this summer. These guys know that we have a bulls eye on our backs and they relish the the opportunity to get back to the County playoffs and hopefully play into August again.
AD: Who are the newcomers?
PE: We picked up four new players as a result of our tryouts last week - Jim Klauser, Scott Barry, Matt Engler, and M.J. Hajek. Jim will be moving over to our team from Adrean Post, where he has played the past two summers. Jim transferred back to Whitesboro High School this past fall after attending Notre Dame for 9th and 10th grade. He started in centerfield on Whitesboro's Varsity baseball team this spring and will provide us with added depth in the outfield as well as at the top of the batting order. Scott will primarily be our back-up catcher and work with the pitchers in the bullpen. M.J. is a hardworking young right-handed pitcher and outfielder. Matt is a very young left-handed pitcher and first baseman who has a big upside. Both M.J. and Matt played on Whitesboro's JV team this spring and provide us with needed pitching depth.
AD: What do you like most about this team?
PE: Team chemistry and "never-say-die" attitude. They proved to themselves last summer throughout the three weeks of playoff games that they could fight back in every game they played if they continued to work hard, stayed focused, and remained positive.
AD: What does your team need to work on the most?
PE: Consistency. First and foremost, we need to bring a strong work ethic and desire every single day, whether it's for a game or practice. We also need to stop playing to the level of competition and instead play to the best of our ability all the time instead of just "getting up for the big games" against the top teams we play.
AD: Your coaching staff – how much does it help to have the extra guys around to help out?
PE: It helps tremendously. My son and former WP 1113 player, Jason Engelhart (1998-2000), has been my assistant coach since 2001 and he helps out in all facets on the field. Another former player, Jeff Rossiter (1996-1998), joined us as an assistant coach last summer and has been a big asset to the team as well, jumping right into the fray during practices and games.
AD: What is this team’s ultimate goal?
PE: To build upon last year's success and qualify for Oneida County Playoffs. If we're fortunate enough to make "Counties" coming out of the tough Blue Division, we should have the necessary depth and experience to advance to the District V Tournament and hopefully the New York State Tournament again.
AD: You guys finally got over the hump in the playoffs last year. How much does last year’s experience in the state tournament help you out this year?
PE: The "experience factor," in my opinion, is a huge advantage. We proved last year what we could accomplish if we played as a team and stayed focused. They know what it took and what it feels like to make it to the state tournament. It provides us with a very attainable goal since we have most of the team back and they are all eager to make another run this year.
AD: Who do you see as being the major contenders this year?
PE: I see a number of contenders, obviously starting with Smith Post since they reached the state finals and only lost four players. With the return of Garrett Baker and the possible addition of Joe Melioris to the pitching staff, they add two of the area's bigger guns to an already solid pitching staff led by Kyle Richardson. New Hartford, Adrean, Utica, and Sherrill all have many of their core players returning as well and should compete for division crowns. Helmuth-Ingalls, Parkhurst, and Love didn't lose a lot either and should be able to improve upon their records from last year. From top to bottom, I think this year's league has much more parity than in recent years, which should lead to exciting action every single league game.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
FINAL: Utica 12, Clonan 1
Hey legion fans. I'm here at Murnane Field at Donovan Stadium to cover today's Gold Division match-up between Clonan Post 1000 and Utica Post 229. Clonan comes into the game with an 0-3 league record. Utica sits at 2-0, just half a game behind first place New Hartford.
I'll be providing live updates again today and, as always, feel free to chime in with any thoughts, questions or comments in the comment section. Also, be sure to check out my post from yesterday. It includes my thoughts on what I've seen from the areas legion teams to this point. I'd also like to hear your thoughts on the discussed topics. Check it out here: http://adonovan-uticaod.blogspot.com/2008/06/some-notes.html
Today's game is pretty cool for me. It marks the first time that I'll be covering a game at the stadium named after my late grandfather, Senator James H. Donovan. I've been to games here in pretty much all other capacities. I used to come to plenty of Utica Blue Sox games each summer as a fan of our local team back when they were in town. We had season tickets behind home plate. Those games were a blast. I've also been here multiple times as a player. The last time I played on this field was surely the most memorable. It was the day, as a member of New Hartford Post, my team won the state championship in 2006. I've been here as a reporter once before as well. It was last summer when I interviewed former MLB All-Star Dave Cash and broke the story on the cancellation of the less-than-one-month-old New York State Professional Baseball League. But, today will be the first time I'm covering a game as a reporter. It's pretty cool thinking back on all the different roles I've played inside this stadium.
But, enough about me already. Let's get going with today's game.
Starting lineups:
Utica (2-0)
1. Devin Warmack, CF
2. Mike Scotellaro, 1B
3. Mark VanDreason, 2B
4. Ryan Donovan, P
5. Joe Perrotta, SS
6. Joe Mazzara, RF
7. Mike King, 3B
8. Vin Gaetano, LF
9. Mike Obernesser, C
Pitcher: Ryan Donovan, RHP
Clonan (0-3)
1. Adam Dee, LF
2. Ryan Critelli, 2B
3. Gary Puleo, 3B
4. Brian Gaskell, P
5. Steve Ball, CF
6. Ed Constantine, C
7. Dominick Masi, 1B
8. Nick Critelli, SS
9. Brandon O'Conner, RF
Pitcher: Brian Gaskell, RHP
Top 1st: Adam Dee struck out looking at a 3-2 curveball for the first out. Ryan Critelli looked a third struck for the second out. Gary Puleo drew a two-out walk. Brian Gaskell grounded out to Mike Scottelaro at first for the inning's final out.
Bottom 1st: Devin Warmack led off by beating out a grounder to the shortstop for an infield single. Scotellaro walked to put runners on first and second with no outs. Mark VanDreason hit an RBI single up the middle, scoring Warmack. Utica 1, Clonan 0. Scotellaro went to third on the play. VanDreason stole second to put runners on second and third with no outs. Donovan hit a grounder at third and Puleo tried to cut down Scotellaro at home, but the throw was low, allowing Scotellaro to score and Donovan to reach on a fielder's choice (VanDreason went to third). Utica 2, Clonan 0. Joe Perrotta grounded out to short for the first out, but picked up an RBI as VanDreason scored from third. Utica 3, Clonan 0. Joe Mazzara grounded out to short for the second out. Mike King reached on an error by the second baseman, putting runners at first and third with two outs. Vin Gaetano struck out swinging to end the inning.
Utica 3, Clonan 0
Top 2nd: Donovan struck out Steve Ball swinging for his third strike out of the game and the inning's first out. Ed Constantine drew a one-out walk. Dominick Masi grounded into a routine 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.
Bottom 2nd: Mike Obernesser hit a single up the middle to lead it off, bring up the top of the order with no outs. Warmack hit a line drive single to left. A passed ball allowed the runners to move up to second and third (Constantine, Clonan's catcher, looked distracted by Scotellaro squaring to bunt). Scotellaro drew a walk to load the bases with no outs. VanDreason hit a sac fly to right field to score Obernesser. Warmack went to third and Scotellaro advanced to second as the right fielder's throw flew way over the cut off. Utica 4, Clonan 0. Donovan struck out looking for the second out. Perrotta then hit a two-RBI single up the middle. Utica 6, Clonan 0. Perrotta stole second and then scored on a Mazzara RBI single. Utica 7, Clonan 0. King hit a single through the left side of the infield to put runners on first and second with two outs. Gaetano grounded out to short to end the inning.
Utica 7, Clonan 0
*QUICK NOTE: I just noticed that the field umpire is a former acquaintance (if you will) of mine. I'm sure my former NH Post teammates with appreciate this one. Back when I played for NH, I was batting in a game and this particular umpire just happened to be behind home plate. Well, I called timeout and stepped out to take a practice swing. As the umpire came out of his crouch to call time, he stepped directly into the end of my swing and my bat caught him right in the jaw. He dropped to the ground with a yell. It was a very scaring moment, but, thank God, it turned out that he was okay - no broken bones, just a bruised jaw. When he got up, he promptly turned to me and said, "You swing like a horse." That's a joke that still lingers with my former teammates today. But, don't think I'm that cold hearted - I called him at his home the next day to check in on him.
Top 3rd: Nick Critelli walked to lead it off. Brandon O'Conner popped out to the shortstop, Perrotta, for the first out. Dee then grounded into a 6-4 fielder's choice for the second out. Dee was caught stealing by Obernesser to end the inning.
*Lots of changes for Clonan: Ryan Critelli has come on to pitch. Justin Hall moved to second in his place. Gaskell went from the mound to first base (Masi is now out of the game). Craig Siuta came in at shortstop (in place of Nick Critelli). Dan Zayas came in to right field (in place of O'Conner).
Bottom 3rd: Obernesser led off with a walk. Warmack popped out to second for the first out. Scotellaro walked (he's shown a lot of patience at the plate - that's his third free pass of the game). VanDreason walked to load the bases. Donovan popped out to the pitcher for the second out. Perrotta hit groundball to third that looked like it would end the inning, but Puleo bobbled it and all the runners advanced safely, allowing a run to score and the bases to be re-loaded. Utica 8, Clonan 0. Mazzara ripped a bases-clearing triple to the right-center field gap to pick up three RBIs (he now has four on the day). Utica 11, Clonan 0. King hit a grounder to second, but Hall couldn't handle it, allowing Mazzara to come home and King to reach safely. Utica 12, Clonan 0. Gaetano walked to put runners on first and second with two outs. Clonan Post manager Mike McRorie just came out to the mound to relieve Ryan Critelli. Tyler Miles is the new Clonan pitcher. Miles induced an Obernesser pop out to second on his first pitch to end the inning.
Utica 12, Clonan 0
Top 4th: Miles gave Clonan its first hit of the game with a leadoff double that one-hopped to the fence in right-center field. Puleo drew a walk to put runners on first and second with no outs. Gaskell flew out to Mazzara in right for the first out. Ball got plunked in the head on a wild curveball from Donovan to load the bases for Clonan with one down. Donovan squashed Clonan's best chance to score thus far by getting back-to-back strike out of Constantine and Hall.
Bottom 4th: Mike Lackey entered the game, taking Warmack's place in the UP lineup. Lackey reached base on a groundball an error by the shortstop. Scotellaro reached on a walk (that's four walks in four at-bat for him). VanDreason flew out to right field for the inning's first out. Donovan popped out to the first baseman in foul territory for the second out. Perrotta grounded out to short to end the inning.
Utica 12, Clonan 0
*Clonan must score at least three runs this inning to avoid the game ending by the mercy rule.
Top 5th: Craig Siuta hit a double the other way, down the right field line, to give Clonan a runner in scoring position with no outs. Siuta then went to third on a wild pitch. Dan Zayas brought with runner home with an RBI single to center field. Utica 12, Clonan 1. Donovan struck out pinch hitter Keith Morgan to record the inning's first out and then got the next batter, Miles, looking for the second out. Puleo flew out to the right fielder to end the game.
FINAL: Utica 12, Clonan 1
I'll be providing live updates again today and, as always, feel free to chime in with any thoughts, questions or comments in the comment section. Also, be sure to check out my post from yesterday. It includes my thoughts on what I've seen from the areas legion teams to this point. I'd also like to hear your thoughts on the discussed topics. Check it out here: http://adonovan-uticaod.blogspot.com/2008/06/some-notes.html
Today's game is pretty cool for me. It marks the first time that I'll be covering a game at the stadium named after my late grandfather, Senator James H. Donovan. I've been to games here in pretty much all other capacities. I used to come to plenty of Utica Blue Sox games each summer as a fan of our local team back when they were in town. We had season tickets behind home plate. Those games were a blast. I've also been here multiple times as a player. The last time I played on this field was surely the most memorable. It was the day, as a member of New Hartford Post, my team won the state championship in 2006. I've been here as a reporter once before as well. It was last summer when I interviewed former MLB All-Star Dave Cash and broke the story on the cancellation of the less-than-one-month-old New York State Professional Baseball League. But, today will be the first time I'm covering a game as a reporter. It's pretty cool thinking back on all the different roles I've played inside this stadium.
But, enough about me already. Let's get going with today's game.
Starting lineups:
Utica (2-0)
1. Devin Warmack, CF
2. Mike Scotellaro, 1B
3. Mark VanDreason, 2B
4. Ryan Donovan, P
5. Joe Perrotta, SS
6. Joe Mazzara, RF
7. Mike King, 3B
8. Vin Gaetano, LF
9. Mike Obernesser, C
Pitcher: Ryan Donovan, RHP
Clonan (0-3)
1. Adam Dee, LF
2. Ryan Critelli, 2B
3. Gary Puleo, 3B
4. Brian Gaskell, P
5. Steve Ball, CF
6. Ed Constantine, C
7. Dominick Masi, 1B
8. Nick Critelli, SS
9. Brandon O'Conner, RF
Pitcher: Brian Gaskell, RHP
Top 1st: Adam Dee struck out looking at a 3-2 curveball for the first out. Ryan Critelli looked a third struck for the second out. Gary Puleo drew a two-out walk. Brian Gaskell grounded out to Mike Scottelaro at first for the inning's final out.
Bottom 1st: Devin Warmack led off by beating out a grounder to the shortstop for an infield single. Scotellaro walked to put runners on first and second with no outs. Mark VanDreason hit an RBI single up the middle, scoring Warmack. Utica 1, Clonan 0. Scotellaro went to third on the play. VanDreason stole second to put runners on second and third with no outs. Donovan hit a grounder at third and Puleo tried to cut down Scotellaro at home, but the throw was low, allowing Scotellaro to score and Donovan to reach on a fielder's choice (VanDreason went to third). Utica 2, Clonan 0. Joe Perrotta grounded out to short for the first out, but picked up an RBI as VanDreason scored from third. Utica 3, Clonan 0. Joe Mazzara grounded out to short for the second out. Mike King reached on an error by the second baseman, putting runners at first and third with two outs. Vin Gaetano struck out swinging to end the inning.
Utica 3, Clonan 0
Top 2nd: Donovan struck out Steve Ball swinging for his third strike out of the game and the inning's first out. Ed Constantine drew a one-out walk. Dominick Masi grounded into a routine 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.
Bottom 2nd: Mike Obernesser hit a single up the middle to lead it off, bring up the top of the order with no outs. Warmack hit a line drive single to left. A passed ball allowed the runners to move up to second and third (Constantine, Clonan's catcher, looked distracted by Scotellaro squaring to bunt). Scotellaro drew a walk to load the bases with no outs. VanDreason hit a sac fly to right field to score Obernesser. Warmack went to third and Scotellaro advanced to second as the right fielder's throw flew way over the cut off. Utica 4, Clonan 0. Donovan struck out looking for the second out. Perrotta then hit a two-RBI single up the middle. Utica 6, Clonan 0. Perrotta stole second and then scored on a Mazzara RBI single. Utica 7, Clonan 0. King hit a single through the left side of the infield to put runners on first and second with two outs. Gaetano grounded out to short to end the inning.
Utica 7, Clonan 0
*QUICK NOTE: I just noticed that the field umpire is a former acquaintance (if you will) of mine. I'm sure my former NH Post teammates with appreciate this one. Back when I played for NH, I was batting in a game and this particular umpire just happened to be behind home plate. Well, I called timeout and stepped out to take a practice swing. As the umpire came out of his crouch to call time, he stepped directly into the end of my swing and my bat caught him right in the jaw. He dropped to the ground with a yell. It was a very scaring moment, but, thank God, it turned out that he was okay - no broken bones, just a bruised jaw. When he got up, he promptly turned to me and said, "You swing like a horse." That's a joke that still lingers with my former teammates today. But, don't think I'm that cold hearted - I called him at his home the next day to check in on him.
Top 3rd: Nick Critelli walked to lead it off. Brandon O'Conner popped out to the shortstop, Perrotta, for the first out. Dee then grounded into a 6-4 fielder's choice for the second out. Dee was caught stealing by Obernesser to end the inning.
*Lots of changes for Clonan: Ryan Critelli has come on to pitch. Justin Hall moved to second in his place. Gaskell went from the mound to first base (Masi is now out of the game). Craig Siuta came in at shortstop (in place of Nick Critelli). Dan Zayas came in to right field (in place of O'Conner).
Bottom 3rd: Obernesser led off with a walk. Warmack popped out to second for the first out. Scotellaro walked (he's shown a lot of patience at the plate - that's his third free pass of the game). VanDreason walked to load the bases. Donovan popped out to the pitcher for the second out. Perrotta hit groundball to third that looked like it would end the inning, but Puleo bobbled it and all the runners advanced safely, allowing a run to score and the bases to be re-loaded. Utica 8, Clonan 0. Mazzara ripped a bases-clearing triple to the right-center field gap to pick up three RBIs (he now has four on the day). Utica 11, Clonan 0. King hit a grounder to second, but Hall couldn't handle it, allowing Mazzara to come home and King to reach safely. Utica 12, Clonan 0. Gaetano walked to put runners on first and second with two outs. Clonan Post manager Mike McRorie just came out to the mound to relieve Ryan Critelli. Tyler Miles is the new Clonan pitcher. Miles induced an Obernesser pop out to second on his first pitch to end the inning.
Utica 12, Clonan 0
Top 4th: Miles gave Clonan its first hit of the game with a leadoff double that one-hopped to the fence in right-center field. Puleo drew a walk to put runners on first and second with no outs. Gaskell flew out to Mazzara in right for the first out. Ball got plunked in the head on a wild curveball from Donovan to load the bases for Clonan with one down. Donovan squashed Clonan's best chance to score thus far by getting back-to-back strike out of Constantine and Hall.
Bottom 4th: Mike Lackey entered the game, taking Warmack's place in the UP lineup. Lackey reached base on a groundball an error by the shortstop. Scotellaro reached on a walk (that's four walks in four at-bat for him). VanDreason flew out to right field for the inning's first out. Donovan popped out to the first baseman in foul territory for the second out. Perrotta grounded out to short to end the inning.
Utica 12, Clonan 0
*Clonan must score at least three runs this inning to avoid the game ending by the mercy rule.
Top 5th: Craig Siuta hit a double the other way, down the right field line, to give Clonan a runner in scoring position with no outs. Siuta then went to third on a wild pitch. Dan Zayas brought with runner home with an RBI single to center field. Utica 12, Clonan 1. Donovan struck out pinch hitter Keith Morgan to record the inning's first out and then got the next batter, Miles, looking for the second out. Puleo flew out to the right fielder to end the game.
FINAL: Utica 12, Clonan 1
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tomorrow's game and early impressions
First off, I'll be at the Utica vs. Clonan game tomorrow at Murnane Field at Donovan Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. I'll blog throughout the game with updates for you guys.
Other than that, I want to know your thoughts on what we've seen from the league thus far. Who's been the biggest surprise? Who's been the biggest dissapointment? Who is the frontrunner? What do you expect the rest of the way? Please share your thoughts. I'd love to hear what you guys think.
Here's my take:
Biggest surprise - Roberts Post. I don't know if anyone saw this one coming. Roberts is 5-1 and sits just 1 game behind Smith for first place in the Blue Division. They're doing it with good pitching, solid defense and a balanced offensive attack. That sounds like a good formula to me. The only question now is will they continue their early success? I guess we'll have to wait and see, but from the game I saw them play and the box scores I've followed, I don't see any reason why Roberts doesn't stay near the top of the league for the rest of the summer.
Biggest Dissapointment - Whitestown Post. This is a no brainer. Whitestown is 0-5 overall and 0-2 in the league. Who would have thought they'd be winless after five games following the great success of the Whitesboro High School team in the spring? With all that talent, you have to think that they'll get it together and charge back toward the top of their division, but they better do it sooner rather than later. They don't want to have to be squeezing for wins at the end of the year. I'm interested to see if we'll see any panic out of these guys with their recent slump. Afterall, this is a team full of players who aren't used to losing.
Frontrunner - Smith Post. I've seen two of their games thus far and they are skilled at every position and can hit one through nine. Not to mention, they didn't even have the Rome Catholic kids through their first three games. The addition of Melioris and some of the other stars of the RCH team should only make them more of a force to reckon with. I don't expect them to slow down anytime soon. Mark this date down on your calendar - Monday, June 23. That's the day Smith and New Hartford will meet. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top when these two rivals clash. New Hartford is on top of the Gold Division and if both teams can continuing their winning ways through the rest of the week, it will be a showdown between No. 1 in the Blue and No. 1 in the Gold.
The Rest of the Way - I expect Whitestown to right the ship. With all that talent, there's no way that this team can keep losing. But, when it's all said and done, I still think Smith walks away with the Blue Division regular season title. On the other side (the Gold Division), I think New Hartford is going to run away with it. I really do. They have a balanced lineup and they're 3-0 when they could just as easily be 0-3 after some less-than-spectacular pitching performances. But, that's what the top teams do - they win games even when they're not at their best.
Having said that, let the debate begin. What do you guys think? And you're not limited to these questions. Feel free to include any other thoughts on the league if you like.
PS. My Canes were eliminated from the College World Series tonight :(
I'm curious - are you guys following along with the CWS? With the nation's top-ranked team out (Miami), who do you think will take the title?
Other than that, I want to know your thoughts on what we've seen from the league thus far. Who's been the biggest surprise? Who's been the biggest dissapointment? Who is the frontrunner? What do you expect the rest of the way? Please share your thoughts. I'd love to hear what you guys think.
Here's my take:
Biggest surprise - Roberts Post. I don't know if anyone saw this one coming. Roberts is 5-1 and sits just 1 game behind Smith for first place in the Blue Division. They're doing it with good pitching, solid defense and a balanced offensive attack. That sounds like a good formula to me. The only question now is will they continue their early success? I guess we'll have to wait and see, but from the game I saw them play and the box scores I've followed, I don't see any reason why Roberts doesn't stay near the top of the league for the rest of the summer.
Biggest Dissapointment - Whitestown Post. This is a no brainer. Whitestown is 0-5 overall and 0-2 in the league. Who would have thought they'd be winless after five games following the great success of the Whitesboro High School team in the spring? With all that talent, you have to think that they'll get it together and charge back toward the top of their division, but they better do it sooner rather than later. They don't want to have to be squeezing for wins at the end of the year. I'm interested to see if we'll see any panic out of these guys with their recent slump. Afterall, this is a team full of players who aren't used to losing.
Frontrunner - Smith Post. I've seen two of their games thus far and they are skilled at every position and can hit one through nine. Not to mention, they didn't even have the Rome Catholic kids through their first three games. The addition of Melioris and some of the other stars of the RCH team should only make them more of a force to reckon with. I don't expect them to slow down anytime soon. Mark this date down on your calendar - Monday, June 23. That's the day Smith and New Hartford will meet. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top when these two rivals clash. New Hartford is on top of the Gold Division and if both teams can continuing their winning ways through the rest of the week, it will be a showdown between No. 1 in the Blue and No. 1 in the Gold.
The Rest of the Way - I expect Whitestown to right the ship. With all that talent, there's no way that this team can keep losing. But, when it's all said and done, I still think Smith walks away with the Blue Division regular season title. On the other side (the Gold Division), I think New Hartford is going to run away with it. I really do. They have a balanced lineup and they're 3-0 when they could just as easily be 0-3 after some less-than-spectacular pitching performances. But, that's what the top teams do - they win games even when they're not at their best.
Having said that, let the debate begin. What do you guys think? And you're not limited to these questions. Feel free to include any other thoughts on the league if you like.
PS. My Canes were eliminated from the College World Series tonight :(
I'm curious - are you guys following along with the CWS? With the nation's top-ranked team out (Miami), who do you think will take the title?
FINAL: Sherrill 4, Moran 2
Hey guys. I'm here at Camden Yards for tonight's game between Sherrill Post and Moran-Meeker O'Rourke Post. Sherrill has yet to play a game on the season. Moran is 0-3 and find themselves 3.5 games back of Blue Division leader Smith.
I'll be providing live updates throughout the game. I'll also be here to answer any questions you might have about the game, the league or anything else baseball.
Starting lineups:
Moran (0-3)
1. D.J. Forbragd, RF
2. Dylan Smith, SS
3. Dave Stanton, 3B
4. Jamie Coriale, 1B
5. Holden Coon, LF
6. Andy Benedetto
7. Josh Seymour, RF
8. Jake Clark, 2B
9. Angelo Gonzalez, CF
Pitcher: D.J. Forbragd, RHP
Sherrill (0-0)
1. Jermey Roden, SS
2. Ryan Dungey, P
3. Mitch Iseneker, CF
4. Mark Dixon, 3B
5. Matt Sayles, C
6. Robert Sweet, 1B
7. Mike Blair, 2B
8. Luke Volker, LF
9. Jamie Cielinski, RF
Pitcher: Ryan Dungey, LHP
Top 1st: Jermey Roden popped out to Moran first baseman Jamie Coriale for the first out. Ryan Dungey struck out swinging at high fastball from D.J. Forbragd. Forbragd then went full on the next batter, Mitch Iseneker, before striking him out swinging to end the inning.
Bottom 1st: Forbragd whiffed on a high heater for the first out. Dylan Smith hit a grounder to Roden at short, but his throw was short of first and got by first baseman Robert Sweet, allowing Smith to reach safely and advance to second. Dave Stanton struck out swinging for the inning's second out. Smith advanced to third on a wild pitch (runner on third, two outs). Dungey struck out Coriale to end the inning and strike out the side.
Moran 0, Sherrill 0
Top 2nd: Mark Dixon led off with a single up the middle. Matt Sayles followed with a walk (first and second, no outs). Sweet fouled off a two-strike bunt for the first out of the inning. Dixon was then gunned down by Moran catcher Andy Benedetto when he tried to steal third (runner on second, two outs). Forbragd got Mike Blair swinging to end the inning.
Bottom 2nd: Holden Coon grounded out to short to lead off the inning. Dungey struck out Benedetto and Josh Seymour to end the inning.
Moran 0, Sherrill 0
Top 3rd: Luke Volker reached on an error by the first baseman (groundball tipped off his glove and away from him). Jamie Cielinski popped out to third for first out. Roden took an outside fastball the other way for a single and Volker went from first to third. (runners on first and third, one out). Dungey popped up to the catcher near home, but it tipped off Benedetto's glove and into fair territory. Dungey wasn't running as he expected it to a sure out or a foul ball, and Benedetto picked the ball up and fired to first for the second out of the inning. Coriale then threw back to Benedetto as Volker was trying to score from third. Volker got caught in a run down and was eventually tagged out by Forbragd to end the inning. To recap, it was a 2-3-2-5-1 double play (yes, it was entertaining).
Bottom 3rd: Jake Clark led off with a dribbled toward second that he beat out for an infield single. Dungey picked Clark off of first just seconds after he reached for the inning's first out. Angelo Gonzalez then grounded out to Sweet who tossed it to Dungey (he was covering first) to get the second out. Forbragd reached on a walk and then stole second. But he was stranded there as Smith grounded out to the second baseman to end the inning.
Moran 0, Sherrill 0
Top 4th: Iseneker lined out to Gonzalez in center for the first out. Dixon walked. Sayles popped out to Coriale in foul territory for the second out. Dixon stole second on the next pitch (runner on second, two outs). Sweet hit a pop-up into right-center that looked like it might drop, but Clark ran out from second and made a phenomenal over-the-shoulder grab in the shallow outfield to end the inning and keep the game tied.
Bottom 4th: Stanton grounded out to third for the inning's first out (the Moran fans didn't like the call...I might have to agree - I'm in the press box next to first and it sure looked like Sweet's foot was off of first base). Coriale drilled a one-hopper off the center field wall for a double (runner on second, one out). Coon struck out looking for the second out. Benedetto grounded out to short on a 3-2 pitch to end the inning. Coriale was stranded at second.
Moran 0, Sherrill 0
*Through four and we still have no score and only four hits between the two teams (two each). This has been a pitcher's duel - Dungey and Forbragd have each done a good job of limiting baserunners and getting out of jams when need be.
Top 5th: Forbragd struck out Blair for the first out. Volker flew out to left. Forbragd then struck out his sixth batter of the game, getting Cielinski swinging to end the inning.
Bottom 5th: Jaime Cielinski has come on to pitch in relief of Dungey for Sherrill. Dungey moved to center field and Iseneker moved over to right. Seymour laid down the first pitch he saw and beat it out for a bunt single. Clark flew out to left for the first out. Seymour moved to second on a wild pitch from Cielinski. Seymour tried to take third on the next pitch when it bounced in the dirt, but Sayles smothered it and hosed the runner out at third. Gonzalez then lined out to third to end the inning.
Moran 0, Sherrill 0
Top 6th: Roden hit a deep fly ball to Coon in left for the first out. Dungey hit a bloop to the gap in right-center and legged out a double (runner on second, one out). Iseneker walked to put runners on first and second with one out. Moran coach Steve Holstein just ran out to the mound to have a quick chat with his pitcher. Dixon grounded out to short for the second out, but the runners moved to second and third. Sayles hit an RBI single through the left side, scoring Dungey from third and ending the scoreless drought. Iseneker went to third on the play and Sayles advanced to second when the cutoff man couldn't handle the throw from the left fielder. Sherrill 1, Moran 0. Iseneker scored on a wild pitch. Sherrill 2, Moran 0. Sweet grounded out to third to end the inning.
Bottom 6th: Forbragd - who musn't have been happy with Sherrill's two runs in the top half of the inning - led off with a homerun to cut the lead in half. Sherrill 2, Moran 1. Smith popped out to Sweet for the first out. Stanton flew out to Iseneker in right for the second out. Coriale struck out swinging to end the inning.
Sherrill 2, Moran 1
Top 7th: Blair walked to lead it off. Volker bunted and the third baseman's throw to second was late, allowing both runners to reach safely. Anthony Rocco came on to pinch hit and struck out for the first out, but Blair moved to third and Volker went to second on the pitch. Roden walked to load the bases with one out. Dungey hit a bloop fly ball to shallow left field that dropped in between three Moran players for an RBI single. Sherrill 3, Moran 1. Another runner scored on a wild pitch (runners on second and third, one out). Sherrill 4, Moran 1. Iseneker grounded out to Forbragd on a 2-2 pitch for the second out. Dixon grounded out to third to end the inning.
*Moran has their 5-6-7 hitters coming up. It is their last chance to extend the game.
Bottom 7th: Sherrill has brought Iseneker in to pitch with a save on the line. Coon grounded out to Dixon at third for the first out. Benedetto hit a line drive single to right to give Moran a baserunner with one down. After falling in the count 1-2, Seymour took the next three pitches to earn a walk and put runners on first and second. Clark hit an infield single to load the bases with one out. Angelo Gonzalez represents the winning run at the plate. Gonzalez hit a grounder to second that Blair couldn't handle, allowing Benedetto to score from third and the bases to be re-loaded. Sherrill 4, Moran 2. Forbragd popped out to Dixon at third for the second out. Smith then hit a grounder at Dixon who stepped on third to end the game.
FINAL: Sherrill 4, Moran 2
I'll be providing live updates throughout the game. I'll also be here to answer any questions you might have about the game, the league or anything else baseball.
Starting lineups:
Moran (0-3)
1. D.J. Forbragd, RF
2. Dylan Smith, SS
3. Dave Stanton, 3B
4. Jamie Coriale, 1B
5. Holden Coon, LF
6. Andy Benedetto
7. Josh Seymour, RF
8. Jake Clark, 2B
9. Angelo Gonzalez, CF
Pitcher: D.J. Forbragd, RHP
Sherrill (0-0)
1. Jermey Roden, SS
2. Ryan Dungey, P
3. Mitch Iseneker, CF
4. Mark Dixon, 3B
5. Matt Sayles, C
6. Robert Sweet, 1B
7. Mike Blair, 2B
8. Luke Volker, LF
9. Jamie Cielinski, RF
Pitcher: Ryan Dungey, LHP
Top 1st: Jermey Roden popped out to Moran first baseman Jamie Coriale for the first out. Ryan Dungey struck out swinging at high fastball from D.J. Forbragd. Forbragd then went full on the next batter, Mitch Iseneker, before striking him out swinging to end the inning.
Bottom 1st: Forbragd whiffed on a high heater for the first out. Dylan Smith hit a grounder to Roden at short, but his throw was short of first and got by first baseman Robert Sweet, allowing Smith to reach safely and advance to second. Dave Stanton struck out swinging for the inning's second out. Smith advanced to third on a wild pitch (runner on third, two outs). Dungey struck out Coriale to end the inning and strike out the side.
Moran 0, Sherrill 0
Top 2nd: Mark Dixon led off with a single up the middle. Matt Sayles followed with a walk (first and second, no outs). Sweet fouled off a two-strike bunt for the first out of the inning. Dixon was then gunned down by Moran catcher Andy Benedetto when he tried to steal third (runner on second, two outs). Forbragd got Mike Blair swinging to end the inning.
Bottom 2nd: Holden Coon grounded out to short to lead off the inning. Dungey struck out Benedetto and Josh Seymour to end the inning.
Moran 0, Sherrill 0
Top 3rd: Luke Volker reached on an error by the first baseman (groundball tipped off his glove and away from him). Jamie Cielinski popped out to third for first out. Roden took an outside fastball the other way for a single and Volker went from first to third. (runners on first and third, one out). Dungey popped up to the catcher near home, but it tipped off Benedetto's glove and into fair territory. Dungey wasn't running as he expected it to a sure out or a foul ball, and Benedetto picked the ball up and fired to first for the second out of the inning. Coriale then threw back to Benedetto as Volker was trying to score from third. Volker got caught in a run down and was eventually tagged out by Forbragd to end the inning. To recap, it was a 2-3-2-5-1 double play (yes, it was entertaining).
Bottom 3rd: Jake Clark led off with a dribbled toward second that he beat out for an infield single. Dungey picked Clark off of first just seconds after he reached for the inning's first out. Angelo Gonzalez then grounded out to Sweet who tossed it to Dungey (he was covering first) to get the second out. Forbragd reached on a walk and then stole second. But he was stranded there as Smith grounded out to the second baseman to end the inning.
Moran 0, Sherrill 0
Top 4th: Iseneker lined out to Gonzalez in center for the first out. Dixon walked. Sayles popped out to Coriale in foul territory for the second out. Dixon stole second on the next pitch (runner on second, two outs). Sweet hit a pop-up into right-center that looked like it might drop, but Clark ran out from second and made a phenomenal over-the-shoulder grab in the shallow outfield to end the inning and keep the game tied.
Bottom 4th: Stanton grounded out to third for the inning's first out (the Moran fans didn't like the call...I might have to agree - I'm in the press box next to first and it sure looked like Sweet's foot was off of first base). Coriale drilled a one-hopper off the center field wall for a double (runner on second, one out). Coon struck out looking for the second out. Benedetto grounded out to short on a 3-2 pitch to end the inning. Coriale was stranded at second.
Moran 0, Sherrill 0
*Through four and we still have no score and only four hits between the two teams (two each). This has been a pitcher's duel - Dungey and Forbragd have each done a good job of limiting baserunners and getting out of jams when need be.
Top 5th: Forbragd struck out Blair for the first out. Volker flew out to left. Forbragd then struck out his sixth batter of the game, getting Cielinski swinging to end the inning.
Bottom 5th: Jaime Cielinski has come on to pitch in relief of Dungey for Sherrill. Dungey moved to center field and Iseneker moved over to right. Seymour laid down the first pitch he saw and beat it out for a bunt single. Clark flew out to left for the first out. Seymour moved to second on a wild pitch from Cielinski. Seymour tried to take third on the next pitch when it bounced in the dirt, but Sayles smothered it and hosed the runner out at third. Gonzalez then lined out to third to end the inning.
Moran 0, Sherrill 0
Top 6th: Roden hit a deep fly ball to Coon in left for the first out. Dungey hit a bloop to the gap in right-center and legged out a double (runner on second, one out). Iseneker walked to put runners on first and second with one out. Moran coach Steve Holstein just ran out to the mound to have a quick chat with his pitcher. Dixon grounded out to short for the second out, but the runners moved to second and third. Sayles hit an RBI single through the left side, scoring Dungey from third and ending the scoreless drought. Iseneker went to third on the play and Sayles advanced to second when the cutoff man couldn't handle the throw from the left fielder. Sherrill 1, Moran 0. Iseneker scored on a wild pitch. Sherrill 2, Moran 0. Sweet grounded out to third to end the inning.
Bottom 6th: Forbragd - who musn't have been happy with Sherrill's two runs in the top half of the inning - led off with a homerun to cut the lead in half. Sherrill 2, Moran 1. Smith popped out to Sweet for the first out. Stanton flew out to Iseneker in right for the second out. Coriale struck out swinging to end the inning.
Sherrill 2, Moran 1
Top 7th: Blair walked to lead it off. Volker bunted and the third baseman's throw to second was late, allowing both runners to reach safely. Anthony Rocco came on to pinch hit and struck out for the first out, but Blair moved to third and Volker went to second on the pitch. Roden walked to load the bases with one out. Dungey hit a bloop fly ball to shallow left field that dropped in between three Moran players for an RBI single. Sherrill 3, Moran 1. Another runner scored on a wild pitch (runners on second and third, one out). Sherrill 4, Moran 1. Iseneker grounded out to Forbragd on a 2-2 pitch for the second out. Dixon grounded out to third to end the inning.
*Moran has their 5-6-7 hitters coming up. It is their last chance to extend the game.
Bottom 7th: Sherrill has brought Iseneker in to pitch with a save on the line. Coon grounded out to Dixon at third for the first out. Benedetto hit a line drive single to right to give Moran a baserunner with one down. After falling in the count 1-2, Seymour took the next three pitches to earn a walk and put runners on first and second. Clark hit an infield single to load the bases with one out. Angelo Gonzalez represents the winning run at the plate. Gonzalez hit a grounder to second that Blair couldn't handle, allowing Benedetto to score from third and the bases to be re-loaded. Sherrill 4, Moran 2. Forbragd popped out to Dixon at third for the second out. Smith then hit a grounder at Dixon who stepped on third to end the game.
FINAL: Sherrill 4, Moran 2
LIVE updates: Sherrill at Moran tonight
I'll be up in Camden to cover the Sherrill-Moran game at 6 p.m. tonight. I'll be providing live updates here for those of you who can't make it out to the game. See you tonight.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
FINAL: New Hartford 9, Whitestown 7
Hey guys. I'm here at Joe Corr Memorial Field for today's game between New Hartford and Whitestown. This is Whitestown's first league game of the season (they dropped three games this weekend in UP's Father's Day Classic tournament and will be looking to get back on track against their biggest rival). New Hartford is 2-0 and sits atop the Gold Division.
As always, feel free to share any thoughts, comments or questions in the comment section - whether you want to talk today's game, the league in general, the College World Series or anything else.
Starting Lineups:
New Hartford (2-0)
1. Joe Carcone, 2B
2. Steve Bieganowski, DH
3. Joe Betar, SS
4. Mike Matt, CF
5. Eric Verbickas, 1B
6. Mike Doyle, C
7. Pat Calli, RF
8. Joe Desens, 3B
9. Erik Sheridan, LF
Pitcher: Alex Giovannone, LHP
Whitestown (0-0)
1. Connor Flisnik, SS
2. Jim Klauser, CF
3. George Hajjar, RF
4. Alex Ferenti, DH
5. Tyler Beck, 2B
6. Chris Flynn, 1B
7. Jim Engler, LF
8. Matt Wilk, 3B
9. Chris Vomer, C
Pitcher: Zack Swider, RHP
Top 1st: Whitestown leadoff man Connor Flisnik reached on a groundball that took a huge hop over NH second baseman Joe Carcone. Alex Giovannone struck out the next batter, Jim Klauser, on three straight pitches (he swung at all three). George Hajjar took a two-strike pitch the other way for a groundball single through the hole between first and second (runners on first and second, one out). Alex Ferenti singled to left to load the bases. Tyler Beck hit a sharp grounder on the first pitch he saw that NH shortstop Joe Betar made a great play to snag, but his throw sailed wide of Carcone at second, allowing Hajjar to score from second (in addition to Flisnik scoring from third) and Ferenti to reach third. Whitestown 2, NH 0. Giovannone picked up his second strikeout for the second out, getting Chris Flynn to whiff at a high fastball. Jim Engler then flew out to center field to end the inning, stranding runners at first and third.
Bottom 1st: Joe Carcone led off with a line drive single over the shortstop, but he was thrown out at second trying to stretch it to two when Klauser bobbled the ball in center field. Klauser picked it up and hit the relay man who got it to second to record the first out. Steve Bieganowski was hit by the next pitch. Betar followed with a single to left (runners on first and second, one out). Mike Matt hit the second pitch he saw right at Matt Wilk, the third baseman, who tagged Bieganowski and fired over to first to get the double play to end the inning.
Whitestown 2, New Hartford 0
Top 2nd: Wilk, the eight hitter, popped out to NH catcher Mike Doyle for the first out. Chris Vomer hit the first pitch he saw for a single down the left field line, just out of the reach of diving NH third baseman Joe Desens. Flisnik drew a walk (runners at first and second, one out). Klauser popped out to Matt in center for the second out. Giovannone got Hajjar swinging on a curveball for the third out, stranding two Whitestown runners for the second straight inning.
Bottom 2nd: Eric Verbickas led off with a bloop single into center field. Doyle was hit by a 2-2 pitch, putting runners on first and second with no outs. Pat Calli struck out looking on a 3-2 pitch for the inning's first out. Dave Desens followed with a two-strike single up the middle to load the bases with one out. Nine-hitter Erik Sheridan then worked a seven-pitch walk, picking up an RBI and keeping the bases loaded with one out. Whitestown 2, NH 1. Carcone ripped a liner right at Engler in left for the second out, but Doyle tagged from third to tie the game. NH 2, Whitestown 2. The runners moved to second and third on a wild pitch. Bieganowski struck out looking for the third out, stranding runners on second and third.
New Hartford 2, Whitestown 2
Top 3rd: Ferenti reached on an errant throw by Carcone to lead off. Beck popped out to Carcone for the first out. Flynn popped out to Betar at short on the next pitch. Giovannone struck out Engler for his fourth K and the inning's final out.
Bottom 3rd: Betar struck out swinging for the first out. Matt reached on an error by Beck at second (he bobbled the ball then pulled the first baseman off the bag on the throw). Matt moved to second when Zack Swider tried to pick him off at first and threw it away (runner on second, one out). Verbickas sawed off another single into center field (almost identical to his first hit) and the speedy Matt came around from second to beat the throw to home to put New Hartford ahead. Verbickas went to second on the throw home. NH 3, Whitestown 2. Doyle struck out looking for the inning's second out. Calli then hit the first pitch from Swider deep to right field and off the wall for a two-out, RBI triple. NH 4, Whitestown 2. Desens smoked an RBI, line drive single to left to score Calli. NH 5, Whitestown 2. NH manager John Randall then put on the hit-and-run - Sheridan singled up the middle and Desens went from first to third (Sheridan advanced to second on Klauser's late throw to third). Carcone popped a foul ball toward the first base dugout, but the catcher dropped it, giving the batter new life. Carcone made Whitestown pay with an RBI infield single on the next pitch (runners on first and third, two outs). NH 6, Whitestown 2. Bieganowski drove a ball to the gap in right-center for a 2-RBI triple (NH's second triple of the inning). NH 8, Whitestown 2. Bieganowski scored on a wild pitch. NH 9, Whitestown 2. Betar, hitting for the second time in the inning, legged out an infield single on a chopper toward third. He then stole second on a curveball to Matt. Matt struck out swinging for the third out.
New Hartford 9, Whitestown 2
Top 4th: Wilk flew out to Sheridan in left for the first out. Vomer golfed a bloop single to left (I think it was a nine iron) to put a runner on for Whitestown. Flisnik drew a four-pitch walk to put runners on first and second with one out. Klauser loaded the bases with a fly ball single to center that was misjudged by Matt. Giovannone threw eight straight curveballs to Hajjar - after fouling off three with two strikes, Hajjar drove an RBI single to left. NH 9, Whitestown 3. With the bases loaded and one out, Ferenti hit a grounder to Desens at third. He stepped on third for the out, but his throw to first was late and Hajjar advanced to third. Flisnik scored on the play. NH 9, Whitestown 4. SORRY FOR THE DELAY - I HAD TO SEEK SHELTER FOR THE COMPUTER AS IT STARTED TO RAIN. Beck ripped a 2-RBI triple in the right-center field gap, scoring Hajjar from third and Ferenti from first. NH 9, Whitestown 6. Flynn flew out to right field for the third out.
Bottom 4th: Whitestown brought in M.J. Hajec to pitch. He induced a 1-3 groundout from Verbickas on his first pitch. Doyle reached on an error by the second baseman. Calli then grounded into a 1-6-3 double play to end the inning.
New Hartford 9, Whitestown 6
Top 5th: Engler doubled to lead it off. Giovannone struck out Wilk for the first out. Vomer then flew out to Matt in center. Flisnik grounded out to Desens at third, stranding Engler at second, for the inning's final out.
Bottom 5th: Desens grounded out to third for the first out. Sheridan reached first after being hit by the first pitch. Carcone grounded to the shortstop who threw to second to get the lead runner. The second baseman's throw to first for the double play was late, but Sheridan was called for interference at second, making Carcone out too and ending the inning.
New Hartford 9, Whitestown 6
Top 6th: Klauser led off with a line drive single down the left field line. Hajjar grounded to Desens on what looked like it might be a double play for New Hartford, but Desens throw to second was wide and allowed both runners to reach safely (first and second, no outs). Ferenti flew out to center for the first out. Beck grounded into a fielder's choice as Desens touched third for the force out (first and second, two outs). Hajec (batting for Swider) grounded out to Betar at short for the third out.
Bottom 6th: Bieganowski struck out swinging to start the inning. Betar flew out to right field for the second out. Matt drew a two-out walk and stole second on the first pitch to Verbickas. Verbickas lined out to Hajec for the third out.
New Hartford 9, Whitestown 6
Top 7th: 7-8-9 hitters coming up for Whitestown - they must score at least three to extend the game. Engler led off with a homerun over the left field wall on a 3-2 pitch. NH 9, Whitestown 7. Wilk grounded out to Verbickas at first on the first pitch he saw. Paris Rich entered the game to hit for Vomer. Rich singled to left field (runner on first, one out). Flisnik (leadoff hitter) grounded into a 4-6 fielder's choice. Flinisk advanced to second on a wild pitch - his 132 pitch of the game (runner on second, two out). Giovannone struck out Klauser swinging to end the game.
FINAL: New Hartford 9, Whitestown 7
As always, feel free to share any thoughts, comments or questions in the comment section - whether you want to talk today's game, the league in general, the College World Series or anything else.
Starting Lineups:
New Hartford (2-0)
1. Joe Carcone, 2B
2. Steve Bieganowski, DH
3. Joe Betar, SS
4. Mike Matt, CF
5. Eric Verbickas, 1B
6. Mike Doyle, C
7. Pat Calli, RF
8. Joe Desens, 3B
9. Erik Sheridan, LF
Pitcher: Alex Giovannone, LHP
Whitestown (0-0)
1. Connor Flisnik, SS
2. Jim Klauser, CF
3. George Hajjar, RF
4. Alex Ferenti, DH
5. Tyler Beck, 2B
6. Chris Flynn, 1B
7. Jim Engler, LF
8. Matt Wilk, 3B
9. Chris Vomer, C
Pitcher: Zack Swider, RHP
Top 1st: Whitestown leadoff man Connor Flisnik reached on a groundball that took a huge hop over NH second baseman Joe Carcone. Alex Giovannone struck out the next batter, Jim Klauser, on three straight pitches (he swung at all three). George Hajjar took a two-strike pitch the other way for a groundball single through the hole between first and second (runners on first and second, one out). Alex Ferenti singled to left to load the bases. Tyler Beck hit a sharp grounder on the first pitch he saw that NH shortstop Joe Betar made a great play to snag, but his throw sailed wide of Carcone at second, allowing Hajjar to score from second (in addition to Flisnik scoring from third) and Ferenti to reach third. Whitestown 2, NH 0. Giovannone picked up his second strikeout for the second out, getting Chris Flynn to whiff at a high fastball. Jim Engler then flew out to center field to end the inning, stranding runners at first and third.
Bottom 1st: Joe Carcone led off with a line drive single over the shortstop, but he was thrown out at second trying to stretch it to two when Klauser bobbled the ball in center field. Klauser picked it up and hit the relay man who got it to second to record the first out. Steve Bieganowski was hit by the next pitch. Betar followed with a single to left (runners on first and second, one out). Mike Matt hit the second pitch he saw right at Matt Wilk, the third baseman, who tagged Bieganowski and fired over to first to get the double play to end the inning.
Whitestown 2, New Hartford 0
Top 2nd: Wilk, the eight hitter, popped out to NH catcher Mike Doyle for the first out. Chris Vomer hit the first pitch he saw for a single down the left field line, just out of the reach of diving NH third baseman Joe Desens. Flisnik drew a walk (runners at first and second, one out). Klauser popped out to Matt in center for the second out. Giovannone got Hajjar swinging on a curveball for the third out, stranding two Whitestown runners for the second straight inning.
Bottom 2nd: Eric Verbickas led off with a bloop single into center field. Doyle was hit by a 2-2 pitch, putting runners on first and second with no outs. Pat Calli struck out looking on a 3-2 pitch for the inning's first out. Dave Desens followed with a two-strike single up the middle to load the bases with one out. Nine-hitter Erik Sheridan then worked a seven-pitch walk, picking up an RBI and keeping the bases loaded with one out. Whitestown 2, NH 1. Carcone ripped a liner right at Engler in left for the second out, but Doyle tagged from third to tie the game. NH 2, Whitestown 2. The runners moved to second and third on a wild pitch. Bieganowski struck out looking for the third out, stranding runners on second and third.
New Hartford 2, Whitestown 2
Top 3rd: Ferenti reached on an errant throw by Carcone to lead off. Beck popped out to Carcone for the first out. Flynn popped out to Betar at short on the next pitch. Giovannone struck out Engler for his fourth K and the inning's final out.
Bottom 3rd: Betar struck out swinging for the first out. Matt reached on an error by Beck at second (he bobbled the ball then pulled the first baseman off the bag on the throw). Matt moved to second when Zack Swider tried to pick him off at first and threw it away (runner on second, one out). Verbickas sawed off another single into center field (almost identical to his first hit) and the speedy Matt came around from second to beat the throw to home to put New Hartford ahead. Verbickas went to second on the throw home. NH 3, Whitestown 2. Doyle struck out looking for the inning's second out. Calli then hit the first pitch from Swider deep to right field and off the wall for a two-out, RBI triple. NH 4, Whitestown 2. Desens smoked an RBI, line drive single to left to score Calli. NH 5, Whitestown 2. NH manager John Randall then put on the hit-and-run - Sheridan singled up the middle and Desens went from first to third (Sheridan advanced to second on Klauser's late throw to third). Carcone popped a foul ball toward the first base dugout, but the catcher dropped it, giving the batter new life. Carcone made Whitestown pay with an RBI infield single on the next pitch (runners on first and third, two outs). NH 6, Whitestown 2. Bieganowski drove a ball to the gap in right-center for a 2-RBI triple (NH's second triple of the inning). NH 8, Whitestown 2. Bieganowski scored on a wild pitch. NH 9, Whitestown 2. Betar, hitting for the second time in the inning, legged out an infield single on a chopper toward third. He then stole second on a curveball to Matt. Matt struck out swinging for the third out.
New Hartford 9, Whitestown 2
Top 4th: Wilk flew out to Sheridan in left for the first out. Vomer golfed a bloop single to left (I think it was a nine iron) to put a runner on for Whitestown. Flisnik drew a four-pitch walk to put runners on first and second with one out. Klauser loaded the bases with a fly ball single to center that was misjudged by Matt. Giovannone threw eight straight curveballs to Hajjar - after fouling off three with two strikes, Hajjar drove an RBI single to left. NH 9, Whitestown 3. With the bases loaded and one out, Ferenti hit a grounder to Desens at third. He stepped on third for the out, but his throw to first was late and Hajjar advanced to third. Flisnik scored on the play. NH 9, Whitestown 4. SORRY FOR THE DELAY - I HAD TO SEEK SHELTER FOR THE COMPUTER AS IT STARTED TO RAIN. Beck ripped a 2-RBI triple in the right-center field gap, scoring Hajjar from third and Ferenti from first. NH 9, Whitestown 6. Flynn flew out to right field for the third out.
Bottom 4th: Whitestown brought in M.J. Hajec to pitch. He induced a 1-3 groundout from Verbickas on his first pitch. Doyle reached on an error by the second baseman. Calli then grounded into a 1-6-3 double play to end the inning.
New Hartford 9, Whitestown 6
Top 5th: Engler doubled to lead it off. Giovannone struck out Wilk for the first out. Vomer then flew out to Matt in center. Flisnik grounded out to Desens at third, stranding Engler at second, for the inning's final out.
Bottom 5th: Desens grounded out to third for the first out. Sheridan reached first after being hit by the first pitch. Carcone grounded to the shortstop who threw to second to get the lead runner. The second baseman's throw to first for the double play was late, but Sheridan was called for interference at second, making Carcone out too and ending the inning.
New Hartford 9, Whitestown 6
Top 6th: Klauser led off with a line drive single down the left field line. Hajjar grounded to Desens on what looked like it might be a double play for New Hartford, but Desens throw to second was wide and allowed both runners to reach safely (first and second, no outs). Ferenti flew out to center for the first out. Beck grounded into a fielder's choice as Desens touched third for the force out (first and second, two outs). Hajec (batting for Swider) grounded out to Betar at short for the third out.
Bottom 6th: Bieganowski struck out swinging to start the inning. Betar flew out to right field for the second out. Matt drew a two-out walk and stole second on the first pitch to Verbickas. Verbickas lined out to Hajec for the third out.
New Hartford 9, Whitestown 6
Top 7th: 7-8-9 hitters coming up for Whitestown - they must score at least three to extend the game. Engler led off with a homerun over the left field wall on a 3-2 pitch. NH 9, Whitestown 7. Wilk grounded out to Verbickas at first on the first pitch he saw. Paris Rich entered the game to hit for Vomer. Rich singled to left field (runner on first, one out). Flisnik (leadoff hitter) grounded into a 4-6 fielder's choice. Flinisk advanced to second on a wild pitch - his 132 pitch of the game (runner on second, two out). Giovannone struck out Klauser swinging to end the game.
FINAL: New Hartford 9, Whitestown 7
Monday, June 16, 2008
Game blog tomorrow
Hey guys. I'll be at Joe Corr Memorial Field for tomorrow's game between New Hartford and Whitestown. I'll be providing live updates throughout the game.
Come on and follow along to keep up with the game. As always, feel free to share any thoughts, comments or questions in the comment section - whether you want to talk about the game, the league in general, the College World Series or anything else.
See you guys tomorrow at 6 p.m.
Come on and follow along to keep up with the game. As always, feel free to share any thoughts, comments or questions in the comment section - whether you want to talk about the game, the league in general, the College World Series or anything else.
See you guys tomorrow at 6 p.m.
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