Zog: Team Photo

Zog: Hounds Lose a Heartbreaker 7-6; Season Over

After having finished the regular season an impressive 9 and 3, the Hounds were back in the playoffs looking to make it to the final. For this semi-final matchup, we were faced against Who's On First, a team we had already beaten handily(twice). It was a very hot day in New York and we were playing on one of the best fields you could hope for. 

WOF jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the 1st off Mega, our starting pitcher. He did very well to hold WOF in check after that until our offense exploded for 4 runs in the bottom of the 4th. Iain was the catalyst, hitting a Grand Slam home run to put us in front 4-2.  WOF then scored some key runs that put us down 7-4 heading into the bottom of the 7th. We then staged a quick rally to make it 7-6 with no outs and the tying run on 2nd. But out hopes of a comeback were dashed  with a double play and a harmless fly ball to left. Just like that, our season is over. Final Score: WOF 7, Hounds 6.

We have to just tip our cap to WOF. They must have been preparing for this opportunity, and more power to them. They hardly made any mistakes, made great plays in the field, and had timely hitting. We can hold our heads up high knowing that this game could have gone to either team give or take a few breaks. This marks the 2nd season in a row that we lose 7-6 at the semi-final stage. It's frustrating, but I intend to channel all that frustration into improving my game for next season, and to improving the team in general.

That marks the end of the season but not the end of the Hounds. We shall be back to fight for that championship again. We shall take the lessons learned from this campaign and build on them. It was an honor to have played alongside you, we had a great season and we should all be proud.

MAJA: Hounds Prevail on an Epic Playoff Saturday

Quarterfinal

After a very successful regular season, the 2nd season was upon us. We were faced with a challenge right off the bat, forced to play a single-elimination first round game against the 8th-seeded team, WOJ. The field was immaculate, the sun was shining bright, and we were eager to get on the field. Amy H. came out despite still nursing an ankle injury to support us. After a testy pre-game exchange between the two teams, it was time to play ball.

We were home team, so we took to the field first. Margaret was our starting pitcher and she had a quiet top of the first. Then it was our turn to bat, and we quickly got on the board through a base hit from Jason T. and a home run by Dave. However, after that, we found it difficult to score. Their pitcher was arcing the ball well and handcuffing our batters. Luckily, Margaret continued to pitch very well and the defense behind her was outstanding. 

WOJ found a way to tie the game on a 2-run home run midway through the game. Then the contest became an exchange of great defensive play. WOJ stayed with us blow for blow. We entered the bottom of the last inning tied at 2-2. Iain came up with one out and nobody on. He then drove a ball deep to right, and once it got over the rightfielder's head, we knew the game was over. He circled the bases for a game-winning solo home run. We mobbed him at home plate and all let out a huge sigh of relief as we knew our season would continue. Alan had been saving some shaving cream just for a moment like this, and we all had some fun with Iain as you can see below. Final Score: Hounds 3, WOJ 2.

Semi-Final

Our victory against WOJ meant that we moved on to the best-of-three semi-final against Double D's. They were the defending champs and had given us a tough game in our regular season meeting, so we knew we were in for a fight. Some members of their team had been talking a lot of smack in the build up to this meeting, so the tension between the two teams was high. No one had any way of knowing though the battle that would ensue.

For Game 1, Margaret once again got the starting nod. Double D's was up to bat first, and they came out strong with the help of some suspect Hounds defense. Before we knew it, we were in a 10-3 hole in the 2nd inning and it looked like the game might be getting out of our reach. Fortunately, Double D's pitchers could not find the plate and they walked us back into the game. We exploded for 8 runs in the bottom of the 2nd to storm out in front. We would never look back. The defense settled down, we tacked on some more runs, and we entered their last turn at bat with a 15-10 lead. They scored a couple of meaningless runs before we closed it out. Final Score Hounds 15, Double D's 12.

For Game 2, George took to the mound looking to continue the momentum we had from our big comeback in Game 1. This time, we were up to bat first, and jumped out to a big lead. Dave and Jason C. each had a home run in the top of the 1st, a 3-run shot and 2-run shot respectively. Unfortunately, George's command was off and he walked too many batters. This allowed Double D's to get back in the game. They made it close before the skipper decided to put Margaret in the game in the bottom of the 5th to close it out. She did a phenomenal job, inducing their best player to pop the ball up to 3rd with the bases loaded and two outs. In the 6th, we closed them out 1-2-3 to seal the win and the series. Final Score Hounds 12, Double D's 10.

This was a hard fought series between two good teams. I tip my cap to Double D's as they pushed us to the limit. It's unfortunate that some of their guys chose to act like complete jerks, but that was beyond our control. I am just glad we were all able to keep our cool and let our play do the talking. 

The only thing left between us and the championship is a 3-game series next Saturday afternoon. I know that if we play up to our capabilities that no team in this league can keep us from the Chip. Onward to glory, Hounds.

MAJA: Game vs SCN 8/1/09

Zog: Final Regular Season Stats

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Zog: Hounds Handle Who's On First(Again)

With a playoff berth already clinched, the Hounds took the field at Riverbank looking to finish off the regular season strong. Who's On First once again lay before us. We had already defeated them a few weeks back, so we knew they would be eager to avenge that loss. This game also held significance in terms of playoff positioning. The air was thick and both teams were primed for a fight.

As the away team, we were up to bat first. and scored 3 quick runs in the 1st inning. Dave and Braden each had RBI singles. Margaret got the call on the mound, and pitched well. We had some defensive miscues that allowed WOF to hang around and keep it close. They scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 1st, then we exploded for 7 runs in the top of the 2nd. Wink, Dave, and Braden each had 2-RBI hits. 

We built up a 10-3 lead before they changed their erratic pitcher. Their new pitcher did some good work, and their shortstop made some outstanding defensive plays. They then mounted a rally in the 5th inning to make the score very close. They were threatening with two runners on base and the top of the order coming up with no outs. We then turned a fantastic 4-3-5 triple play, aided by two absent-minded base runners. Just like that, we were out of a potentially big inning. That proved to be the turning point of the game. We added a couple more runs off a solo home run by Mega and an RBI single by Karim. We then closed them out with authority in the 7th. Going back to last season, this is the 3rd time in a row we have beaten WOF. They must hate us by now. Final Score: Hounds 12, WOF 8.

We finished up the season with a solid 9-3 record, which is good enough for either 2nd or 3rd place. Now the playoffs are upon us, and our record counts for nothing. Every team in it is back to square one, and it's win or go home. It's going to come down to which team makes less mistakes. I know if we play to our capabilities that we can win the whole damn thing.

MAJA: Final Regular-Season Player Stats

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MAJA: Hounds Cruise Into Playoffs with a Sweep

The final weekend of the MAJA regular season was upon us, and we took to the field knowing we just needed a split to clinch first place overall. Our opponents were Roseman's Ringers, a middle of the road ballclub that was fighting for their playoff lives. Unfortunately for them, they proved to be little challenge for the Hounds.

For Game 1 George took the mound looking to build on his recent strong outings. He pitched well, and did not walk too many batters. The defense behind him was solid. On offense, Jason C. led the charge, going 3 for 3 with a solo HR in the leadoff spot. Jason T. also homered. Pat and Karim drove in 3 runs each. We grabbed a big lead and the skipper decided to put Margaret in the game in the 5th inning to close it out. She did a great job and the result was never really in doubt. Final Score: Hounds 9, Roseman's 4.

For Game 2 , Margaret got the starting nod. She did her thing and kept their hitters off balance. On offense, we had a very solid game, with everyone contributing to the cause. We exploded for 9 runs in the first inning, and we soon realized it was not a matter of if, but when we would mercy them. Our answer came in the 4th inning, when Iain capped off a 3 for 3, 4 RBI game with a 2-run home run. Final Score: Hounds 12, Roseman's 2.

We finished the season with an outstanding record of 13 and 1. No other team displayed such dominance throughout the season. This team was built to win a championship, and we have put ourselves in a very good position to do so. But we have to stay humble as next week we face a single elimination first round playoff game. We have to be prepared for anything, including the possibility of our opponents bringing in ringers. I am confident we will be up to the challenge. 

Zog: Hounds Lose

There is no need to dwell on what happened out there tonight. We do need to learn from this though. I don't ever want to feel this way again and I hope none of you do either. It's one thing to lose, but to lose the way we did tonight should not be acceptable to us at this point. 

MAJA: Hounds Sweep; Snatch Victory From the Jaws of Defeat

Coming into the penultimate weekend of the regular season, the Hounds were looking to solidify their position at the top of the standings. In the opposing dugout was SCN, a cellar dwelling club with little left to play for but pride. After a brief weather-related delay, it was time to play ball...

Game 1

For the opener, George took the mound and asserted himself right from the start. The spinner was working and the control was also there. Defensively we were tight, and didn't allow SCN any extra outs or bases. On offense, we scored early and often. Dave and Amelia went 3 for 3 in the third and fourth spots respectively. Amelia had 5 RBIs in the game. Jason C. hit his third home run of the season, a solo shot. It all added up to a mercy victory in the 4th inning. Final Score: Hounds 11, SCN 1.

Game 2

This would prove to be the more exciting of the two games, perhaps our most exciting of the season. We came in with a lot of swagger after having mercied them, but our play was not up to par. Our bats fell silent for long periods and we weren't as tight on 'D' as in the first game. Let's give SCN credit though, they played us very tough. This was clearly their championship game. We exchanged runs before they strung together some solid hits and took a 6-5 lead into the top of the 6th. We were down to our last out of the game with no runners on when we suddenly staged a miraculous rally. Wink, Kari, and Jason all managed to get on base, albeit on bloops. Push was now up with the bases loaded and two outs. She came through with one of the most clutch hits of the year, a clean single to left that scored the tying run. Then our pitcher Prashant laced a fly ball to left that gave their outfielder all kinds of problems. It fell in for a 3 RBI triple and it looked like we were on our way to victory. 

George came into the game in relief, and this time, his control was not as sharp as in game one. He walked a couple, they scored a run, and the winning run was now at the plate with two outs. Luckily, their hitter hit a fly ball to left that was handled easily by Jason C. It was a real nail-biter. Final Score: Hounds 8, SCN 6.

11 and 1. I repeat ,11 and 1. It will all be for nothing though unless we keep playing good ball. We have been having some shaky moments the past few weeks. Let's come out next week with the goal of putting in two solid performances.

Pictures from game vs SCN (8/1/09)

Here are some great shots from our game today. Big up to all those who passed the camera around and made these happen.