Sunday, August 1, 2010

Gotham City: Hounds Sweep



With our playoff possibilities firmly locked up, it was time to return to Heckscher Field and return to our sweeping ways. The weather was finally something other than stifling hot, and that was a much welcome change. In the opposing dugout was a scrappy and fun-loving team called We Slap Ballz. 

In Game 1, Margaret was our starting pitcher. As the away team, we came up to bat first. MikePa, Wink, & Camille proceeded to hit back-to-back-to-back singles, and Dave followed with a 3-run home run, his first of two in the game. We would score 5 in the first, and Margaret held WSB to just one homer off a clean shot by their leadoff hitter. There is nothing you can do but tip your cap to the guy, it was a well hit ball. At least it was only a solo shot, and we still had plenty of time to impose our will. We added 1 in the second, 1 in the third, and 2 in the 4th, all the while playing magnificent defense. Cardillo and Jessie had some nice plays in the outfield, and the rest of the team looked really good too. In the 5th, we blew the game open with another big inning, Wink ending it on mercy rule with a 3-run blast. Final Score: Hounds 16, WSB 1.

For Game 2, Wink made his first start for the Hounds after some campaigning, and he backed up his self-confidence with a solid outing. This time, we were home team and we entered the bottom of the first down 0-2. The captain set the table and ledoff with a lucky shot that turned into a solo homer. We scored a quick 5 in the first and would never look back. MikePa hit a solo homer and had a spectacular catch in center, and Diana scored her first run of the season. But the game stayed close throughout, and with the score at 7-5, Margaret came in to pitch the last two innings and sew up the victory. We added to our lead in the top of the 5th, with Iain hitting a 3-run homer. Wink's first victory as a pitcher means we are 10-2 and in great shape heading into the final week of the regular season. Final Score: Hounds 10, WSB 5. Afterwards, we celebrated at our annual team bbq.

I think this was our most solid all-around performance of the season. The defense was really stellar and our hitting was also very good. We are clicking like a well-oiled machine. Let's keep the momentum going into the final week of the regular season. Reliable sources tell me we will be playing one of the top-ranked teams in the league next week.


Zog: Final Regular Season Stats

The final regular season stats have been compiled and it must be said we had a very strong offensive season. All the Hounds single-season records came crashing down. Iain took the triple crown, hitting .844 with 10 Homers and 32 RBIs. Wink set new marks in At Bats and Hits, a testament to his exemplary attendance and consistency. Juiena closed out the season as team leader in Wins, and she won the ladies batting title with a .486 average, almost .200 points higher than her average last spring/summer.

We have to put the regular season behind us now. None of what happened then will count towards what happens next. The two teams that beat us this season lay ahead of us in the playoffs. I have no doubt we are up for the challenge, but we must stay humble, hungry, and smart in order to pull it off.


(click to enlarge)