Monday, August 10, 2009
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: 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.
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