MAJA: Hounds Sweep Opening Day Doubleheader

The MAJA Central Park season finally kicked off and the Hounds were ready to take the field. It was a rainy day in New York, but it never got heavy enough for the games to get called. We were faced against The Swingers, a solid team that finished in 3rd place the previous season. We knew there was a challenge before us, but we were eager to show what we can do.

For Game 1 starting pitcher was George and he got off to a good start. Our offense was quiet for the first couple of innings, only managing one run. We fell behind 4 to 1 but never felt like the game was out of our reach. Then the bats came alive, Jason T. and Dave leading the charge, each with a solo HR. We chipped away inning by inning before overtaking them in the big 6th. Meanwhile, the pitching and defense continued to stymie the Swingers and we closed the game out. Final Score Hounds 7, Swingers 4.

For Game 2 Margaret took the mound and was her usual consistent self. She stayed ahead in counts, and never let the Swingers string together more than a couple of hits. The defense was outstanding behind her, led by Iain and the two Jasons. On offense, we did just enough to win. Dave hit another solo HR but for the most part we scored our runs playing small ball. We closed it out with a 1-2-3 inning in the 6th. Final score Hounds 4, Swingers 1.

I think we should be very proud of our work out there today. We only gave up 5 runs total in two games, that is very impressive for softball. It's doubly impressive when you consider a lot of us never played together before. If we keep playing like that we will be unstoppable. Nice work, Hounds.

This is very funny...

...even though he is pretty much talking about me. I'm a cross between Angry Young Guy and Stat Dork.

Zog: Hounds Crash to 4 and 2

For Game 6, it was over to the infamous Colonel Charles Young Field in Harlem. This field has never been a Hounds favorite, but we showed up with our game faces on, ready to bounce back from our loss in the previous game. 

Our opponents were NY AILA(whatever that is), who were winless coming in. That was a bit misleading though, as they were actually a good ballclub. They had decent pitching, reliable fielding, and their hitters made their swings count.

George was starting pitcher and generally pitched well despite his usual control issues. Unfortunately our fielding was a bit suspect, aided in no small part by the field conditions. We let NY AILA take a huge lead on us, and it was bound to be an uphill struggle from there. We mounted a good comeback led by Amelia, Dave and Justin, who all hit big HRs to get us closer. Amelia was actually a double shy of the cycle. Diana made a critical catch at home to retire one of their sluggers. But both teams had been taking a lot of pitches, and eventually we ran out of time. The game was called after 4 innings due to time limit, final score: NY AILA 20, Hounds 16.

If we can take heart from one thing after tonight's loss, it's the great spirit we showed to fight back from that big deficit. Definitely a promising sign for the future. We are now halfway through the season with a record of 4 and 2. I would say it's been a good first half. We definitely need to regroup and come out strong for our next two games, which are in rapid succession on June 21 and June 24.

Last but not least, a fond farewell to Nina, who has to relocate and therefore won't be able to play with us anymore. We wish her nothing but the best and would welcome her back with open arms anytime. Good luck, Nina!

Hounds Lose 17-9

For Game 5 it was over to Roosevelt Island's Capoboanco Field. Capobianco must be Italian for "really messed up field" because it had a lot of problem areas and sure gave us a hard time.

Our Opponents were a team named Empty Pitchers and they were actually a pretty solid bunch. We jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead in the top of the first, but they matched us blow for blow and eventually went out in front. Once they got their big lead we were never able to make it close again. The bats fell asleep and the fielding was shaky, not a good combination. Final Score: Empty Pitchers 17, Hounds 9.

The disappointment of taking our first 'L' of the season was muted by an epic BBQ after the game. And I say epic because the burgers took a reeeally long time to cook. Thank God we had the Yuenglings to keep us company while we waited.

Hounds Officially Registered for MAJA Sports Central Park Summer League

Looks like opening day will be Saturday, June 20th.

Team Stats: Through First 4 Games

Here are the team stats through the first third of the season. Keep in mind that it was hard to accurately score those rain-drenched games. These stats are by no means 100% accurate, but they are pretty close. Send me a private message if you see something that needs to be corrected.

Hounds Crush NYIT 24-6

For Game 4, the Hounds headed to Chelsea Park to take on the NYIT Bears. Let's give the Bears credit, they were a good if somewhat inexperienced team. We came out strong though and never let up. Frankly, we cleaned their clocks, and the result was never really in doubt.

The offense was on point, scoring early and often. Every Hound contributed in some way. Wink had an outstanding game, going 4 for 4 in the leadoff spot and making a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch at short. Cindy did her usual thing of getting on base and she also made a couple of great catches in the outfield. She even had her own cheering section after a while. Braden had a huge game, hitting a home run and driving in 4. Mega hit a tape measure HR. Grant came in the game midway and went 2 for 2, playing a solid left. Karim did a great job, coming out despite his injury to support the team and keep score.

George was starting pitcher and pitched well despite some control problems. The defense behind him was tremendous from start to finish, never giving NYIT hope for a comeback. Complete. Team. Victory. Hounds win 24-6. We washed down the victory with some drinks and billiards at Billy Marks West.

The Hounds are now 4 and 0 and in prime position through the first third of the season. Let's stay humble though, because we all know what Yogi said.