YSA: Final Stats

It's always interesting to see the stats at the end of the season. Memory doesn't always coincide with the cold, hard numbers.

Props to MikePa for capturing the batting crown, and in a bit of an upset the Winkster for leading the team in HRs with a mere 2. The fact that number is so low speaks to the quality of softball being played in this league. Pat and Mano tied for the RBI lead while for the ladies, I gotta give the batting crown to Juice because even though Allie had the higher number, she didn't have enough Games Played...you gotta play at least 8 games to qualify. A solid season nonetheless from Allie and all the rookies, Rebecca, Paige, Sam, and Joe, whose bat was really heating up towards the end of the season.

Wink had the dazzling 5.33 ERA. Could Juice have some competition on the mound this fall?

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YSA: Hounds Finish in Style

For our final game of the season it was over to Thomas Jefferson Field again to take on the team from Bloomberg. Unfortunately, they did not have the guts to show up. Our season ends with the much-hated forfeit victory. Final Score Hounds 7, Bloomberg 0.

Fortunately, there were enough Hounds at the field to get an intra squad game going. It was a thrilling game, with Cap's Hounds 'Orange' taking an early lead on Iain's Hounds 'Blue'. The Blue team came back though and built up a lead of their own. Fittingly, Orange was able to tie in their last licks, but they could score no more and we all had to kiss our sister. Final Score: Hounds Orange 10, Hounds Blue 10.

YSA: Playoffs? You Want to Talk About Playoffs!??

A question I've been getting a lot recently is where we stand with regards to the playoffs. It's kind of surprising to me that some Hounds would have playoffs on their minds after some of the stink bombs we've laid this season. The answer is that while we are not mathematically eliminated, it would take a miracle for us to qualify. Take a look at the standings (does not yet reflect our latest victory). The way I see it, the only way we can make the playoffs is if we win our last game AND any two out of these three teams lose all of their remaining games: Chico's, Paragon, and Fish. These are all pretty good teams, so them having a total collapse is unlikely. Still, it can't hurt to say some prayers..?

Top Six Make It

On a side note, here is a little video which I can relate to.

YSA: Hounds Pull Out a Gutsy Win

After a blowout win in our last game it was time to head over to scenic Central Park for our penultimate game of the season. The opponents were the Weisermazers, and they gave us a good game. Again, we were short-handed and were not able to have enough people to field a full team. We were short one fielder and had to take an automatic out. However, we fought valiantly to keep the game close. We played impeccable ball, save for some unfortunate base-running blunders which cost us a couple of chances at big innings. Juiena was our starting pitcher and she was in her zone, playing heads up defense as well as going 2-4 with a run scored. After a back and forth contest, we were down 4-3 entering our last licks in the top of the 7th. MikePa led off with a walk, then the next two batters popped out. Things were looking bleak but Weiser's pitcher couldn't find the strike zone and walked the next two to load the bases. After a pitching change, Cap was up and tied the game with a single. Next was Wink who stroked a two-strike pitch into right-center to drive in the go ahead runs. After another RBI by Rebecca we were now up by three heading into the bottom of the frame. After a bit of a scare in which the tying run came to the plate, Juiena was able to get the last out and this one was the most rewarding win of the season. Final Score: Hounds 7, Weisers 4.

YSA: Stats thru 10

It's interesting to look at the stats as we head into the final stretch of the season. Some new names have emerged in the team leaders category. Props to Mano and Rebecca for being Iron Hounds and making it to every game.

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YSA: Hounds Strike Back

With our backs against the wall and seemingly little to play for but pride, the Hounds took the field at the Queensboro Oval. The clay field is not ideal for the game we love, but we made the best of the situation. Our opponents were the team from Ralph Lauren, and they gave us a pretty decent fight for a few innings. Margaret was the starting pitcher and she threw strikes early and often. Meanwhile, the offense was led by Pat and Mano, who each went 5 for 5. Wink also chimed in with a 3 run jack and 6 RBIs in total. Our defense had some gaffes but we also made some solid plays, including some nice relays to the plate by Juice and Paige. We broke the game open in the late innings and the tension from the losing streak was finally released. Final Score: Hounds 24, Ralph Lauren 9. (mercy)

Hounds Fall Again

On a hot summer evening, the Hounds took the field at DeWitt looking to get off the schneid. It was not meant to be though, and the losing streak now stands at 5. We got beat by a team that hit, fielded, and played better than we did, so there is really not much to analyze here. We can now truly say that all hope to make the playoffs is lost and the final three games are all about pride at this point. Final Score: Hounds 5, Amalgamated 13.

YSA: Worst. Loss. Yet.

Just when it seemed like things could not get worse for the Hounds, we showed up to DeWitt tonight and laid a big fat egg. The game started out rough and we were quickly down 8-1. It was a complete team failure, with our defense being particularly horrid. At times, I did not recognize the team on the field. It was an embarrassing night. You know it is bad when the only silver lining is that we did not get mercy-ed. Despite putting up some runs in the middle innings, the result was never really in doubt. I can't see how we can go anywhere but up after this evening. Final Score: Hounds 7, Chico's 18.

YSA: Vote for Hounds All-Stars

Hounds All-Stars (1 male, 1 female)
	Allie
	Amy
	George
	Iain
	Jason
	Joe
	Juiena
	Karim
	Mano
	Margaret
	Mike
	Paige
	Pat
	Push
	Rebecca
	Sam
	Wink
pollcode.com free polls

YSA: Hounds Drop 3rd in a Row

On a beautiful June evening, the Hounds took to the field to try to get back on the winning track. We were up against the team from The Stumble Inn, who are in the top tier of the league. Unfortunately, we were short-handed for this game, and it would prove to be costly. Wink was our starting pitcher and he pitched and fielded his position very well. He deserved the victory, but we were not able to muster enough offense. It did not help that we had to take an automatic out each time through the order due to the fact we were short-handed. It was hard to get any type of rally going and let's give credit to Stumble Inn as they have some impressive players. Their SS was particularly dominant.

This would prove to be an epic ballgame. We held a 5-3 lead until the bottom of the 6th, when Stumble tied it on a cheap 2-run home run. The game was played on a razor's edge for the next few innings, with each team refusing to give an inch. Ultimately, Stumble had runners on 2nd & 3rd with 2 outs and their clean-up hitter due up. After an intentional walk to load the bases, the next hitter stroked one up the middle and off the glove of the diving Iain for the game-winning, walk-off hit. Final Score: Hounds 5, Stumble Inn 6. (10 innings)

This is one of those games that only those that were there can truly appreciate. I hope we will bring the same spirit and defensive cohesion we had for this game to our remaining games. If we do that and can produce just a little more offense, we will be very hard to beat. There is still hope to make the playoffs.

YSA: Stats Thru MidWay Point

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YSA: Hounds Fall Again; Season in Turmoil

After a strong 3-1 start to the season, we dropped another one today to make it two losses in a row and a .500 record. The opponent was Paragon Sports, and although they played with great spirit, they are a team we should beat handily when we are playing like we can. Last week, our defense was strong and our offense was weak, while this week it was vice versa. Margaret was the starting pitcher and she did her job and gave us a chance to win. We let her down defensively though and gave Paragon way too many extra outs. The bottom of the 5th was particularly bad as we gave up 6 runs to cough up a 5-4 lead. The one silver lining is that we mounted a gallant comeback in the bottom of the 7th and even had the tying run on base, but it was too little, too late. Final Score: Hounds 8, Paragon 11.

We are in the doldrums team but there is still time to turn this thing around.

YSA: Hounds Stumble

After winning easy in our last game, we were faced with a greater challenge at Central Park's North Meadow. The Citrin Cooperman team is solid all the way around. They played us very tough, and even though we took a 3-0 lead in the top of the 1st, we would not score again the entire game. Juice was on the mound for us and she did everything she could to keep us in the game as she always does, but we did not do enough on the offensive end. It was a humbling game and a reminder we have work to do if we are to compete with the elite. Final Score: Hounds 3, CC 6.

We have now lost 2 of our last 3(both losses by a score of 6-3). We are now 3-2 and at a crossroads to our season. Will we drop to .500 or will we go to 4-2? I refuse to even entertain the possibility of the former. The way I see it, we will need to go at least 8-4 to ensure a spot in the playoffs and with this latest loss we are leaving ourselves little room for error. I am confident though we can get a winning streak going. Our defense is good but we need to do a better job at the plate. We had too many pop ups today and that doesn't do anything for us. Pop ups don't move the runners along and put no pressure on the defense. I know we can do better.

YSA: Hounds Destroy The Misfits

With Wink on the mound the Hounds got back to their winning ways against the Misfits. The game was close until about the midway point when we blew it open with some timely hitting. Karim led the way going 2 for 2 with a walk and 3 RBIs. Meanwhile, our defense was tight, stifling the Misfits at every turn. They got so frustrated that things got a bit testy but fortunately cooler heads prevailed. The game was closed out with a slick 10-4 double play orchestrated by rookie Rebecca. Final Score: Hounds 15, Misfits 5.

YSA: Stats Thru 3 Games

Hard to believe, but 3 games are in the bag already. Now is a good time to look at the stats.

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YSA: Hounds Fall to Wolves

For Game 3 of the season Juiena took the mound for us as we were hoping to go 3-0. We were up against one of if not the best team in the League, the Citywolves. We played well and held our own against the champs, but we did commit some miscues which cost us dearly. Juice was in full Houdini mode, getting out of jam after jam. She gave us a chance to win the game but we did not do enough to get her the win. The Wolves are a complete team and were able to prevail this time, but we can take some comfort in knowing we kept it close. Final Score: Hounds 3, Citywolves 6.

Let's shake off this first loss and come out strong next week. Same time, same place.

YSA: Hounds Fry the Fish

Wink took the mound looking to give us back to back wins to start the season. He pitched brilliantly, allowing only 3 runs through the first 4 innings. The defense behind him was much improved from Opening Day. Meanwhile, our bats were disciplined and every Hound was able to contribute to the scoreline in some way. Allie and Pat each had 3 RBIs, with The Bopper going yard for the first time this season. We let in some cheap runs in the last inning, but the game was well in hand at that point. Final Score: Hounds 14, Fish 5.

We're off to a 2-0 start and are improving week to week. Hopefully we can keep building on this as more difficult games lie ahead.

Hounds Win On Opening Day

With Juiena on the mound, the Hounds prevailed in a close one against Top of the Rock. The umpire blew a few calls but fortunately it did not cost us the game. We had some standouts like JT (2-2, BB, 2 RBIs, 2 RS), Iain (3-3, RBI, RS), Pat (2-2, 2 RBI), Karim (1-1, RS,RBI), and rookie Sam (3-3, 2 RS). Our defense was solid for the most part even though there were a couple of miscues. Juiena aided her own cause with a 2 RBI single. The game was called early due to darkness, and it was not too soon. Final Score: Hounds 12, Top of the Rock 10.


The season starts on a high note but we are going to have to make some improvements if we are to hang with the elite in the division.