MAJA: Hounds Split But Lose More Than a Game

Having won 4 in a row to start the season, The Hounds were looking to keep the magic going against an outfit called Grass Stains. They were also 4 and 0 coming in, so we knew they would probably be a tough opponent.

For Game 1, Margaret took the mound and showed why she is the anchor of our starting rotation. She pitched brilliantly, not walking a single hitter. Behind her, the Hounds played tremendous defense. On offense, Jason C. set the tone with a leadoff home run. We scored 5 runs in the top of the first and that would be all we would need. However, we continued to pound out hits. George, Alan, Amelia, and Dave each went 3 for 3. Jason C., Iain, and Karim also had a multiple-hit game. Ultimately, our lead got too big and the game was called after the 5th inning due to mercy rule. Final Score: Hounds 16, Grass Stains 2.

Game 2 was a different story altogether. George got the nod at starting pitcher. He had a few good moments, but his control was inconsistent, and he walked too many batters. Grass Stains took advantage of their opportunities and built up a 6-2 lead. Fortunately their pitcher was wild too and we stormed back to take the lead. The 2(Amelia), 3(Iain), 4(Dave) hitters led the attack, combining to go 5 for 6 with 3 walks, a homer, and 8 RBIs. The game was very exciting, we went into the top of the last inning leading by 1. We then let the game get out of hand by allowing them to score 7 runs. We were able to get 2 runs on the board before they closed us out to win it. Final Score: Grass Stains 16, Hounds 12.

The end of the game was marred by an injury that struck one of our fellow Hounds. Amy H. hurt her ankle pretty badly as she slid safely into 3rd during a critical juncture of the game. Needless to say our wishes for a complete and speedy recovery are with her, but we have most likely lost her for the season. It's a tough blow for our team, as it will be impossible to replace Amy's tenacity, team spirit, and heads-up play. Get well soon Amy!

Zog: Team Stats & Standings after 8 Games

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Zog: Hounds Handle Who's On First, 9-3

For the 8th game of our Zog season, we headed to Harlem River Park on 128th Street. We had never been to this field before, and when we got there, we were excited to see that it was all-turf. Just the kind of field that the Hounds excel on...

Our opponents were Who's On First, an established team that we had played(and beaten) the previous season. They are in the top half of our division, so we knew a tough game was ahead of us.

Wink was the catalyst in the top of the first, hitting a leadoff home run, part of a 3 for 3 night for the Winkster. Dave then followed up with a 2-run home run. We tacked on a couple of more runs in the inning, and those 5 runs would be all we would need.

Mega was starting pitcher and did a great job out there. He didn't walk anybody and forced WOF to put the ball in play. Behind him, the Hounds defense was outstanding. Wink, Jason, Dave, and Murph each had a couple of web gems. The offense continued to pound out hits. Murph went 4 for 4. Amelia continued to rake, going 3 for 4. Dave hit another 2-run bomb. Mega helped his own cause with two big RBIs. We would have scored more runs had it not been for some terrible calls made by the umpire, the Patrick Swayze look alike. However, we didn't let his blown calls frustrate us, and we continued to stymie the WOF bats. Mega shut them down after a slight scare in the last inning. Final Score: Hounds 9, Who's On First 3.

I am very proud of the job we did last night. We look better and better as the season goes along. Let's remember though that we have to play Who's On First again in a few weeks, and they will be eager to avenge this loss. 

Our record is now 6 and 2. I would feel really good about our playoff chances, but one look at the standings tells me that the top teams are packed tightly together. The next couple of games will be critical in determining whether we get in our not. Let's keep our focus over the long break. Enjoy the 4th, Hounds!

MAJA: Hounds Put The Smack-Down on The Jerks

For Games 3 and 4 of our MAJA season, it was over to the Great Lawn to take on the self-described "Crosstown Jerks." We can usually size up an opponent pretty well before the game, and by looking over at their group, we knew we had a shot of sweeping them.

For Game 1, George took the mound and was effective if somewhat erratic. His trademark spinner pitch was not finding the strike zone, so he chose to rely on his simple arc ball and let the defense behind him handle the job. The Hounds rose to the challenge, playing solid 'D' and not giving the Jerks any extra outs to play with. On offense, the production was spread around, and Dave hit another big home run. We built up a big 11-2 lead heading into the bottom of the last inning. George then proceeded to walk the bases loaded, so Margaret came in to close out the game before the damage got any worse. She did a great job of putting out the fire, showing she can be effective as both a starter and as a reliever. The Jerks scored two inconsequential runs before it ended, Final Score: Hounds 11, Jerks 4.

For Game 2, George took the mound again, looking to shake off his control issues from the first game. This time, the Jerks jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead. However, their top-heavy lineup was no match for The Hounds balanced attack over the course of the game, and we quickly turned that 5-run deficit into a lead of our own. The defensive highlight was Diana's nifty double play at 2nd base. Margaret relieved George again, this time in the top of the 4th, and she pitched 3 great innings to get the save. Final Score: Hounds 11, Jerks 7.

The MAJA Hounds are now 4 and 0 and in prime position heading into the July 4th break. If there is one thing we have to watch, it's our attitude towards the ump. I know the ump for these two games was awful, but we have to be careful about antagonizing him. We will definitely see him again this season, and constantly arguing with him will only ensure that the close calls will not go our way. We should let the manager handle any complaints we have going forward.

All in all, a solid effort by the Hounds. Let's stay focused over this long break, because this game can humble you at the drop of a dime. Have a good one.

Zog: Hounds Put Maroons to the Sword, 16-7

For game 7 of our Zog season, it was over to DeWitt Clinton Park in Hell's Kitchen. It wouldn't be a Hounds game without some pre-game rain drama, and Mother Nature did not disappoint. The turf field held up really well though and it was game on. The first place Maroons were in the opposing dugout anxiously watching our b.p. as they waited for their players to arrive. We were able to warm up nicely and went into the game knowing we needed to win and with lots of confidence that we could do it.

Margaret was starting pitcher and as usual she set a great tone. She got ahead in counts and never let the Maroons get comfortable. The defense behind her was stellar, and for the first 3 innings we were able to shut them out. Meanwhile, Home Runs from Dave and Mega got us on the board. 

From there both teams exchanged blows, they cut the score to 3-2 before we stormed out in front again. They again made it close at 8-7. We never let them take the lead though and we then blew the game open in the 6th inning. In the top of the 7th we shut them down 1-2-3. Final Score: Hounds 16, Maroons 7. Our two game losing streak is over and our record now stands at a very respectable 5 and 2.

Props have to go all around. I think this was our most complete team victory yet. Everybody scored a run in this game, that kind of balanced attack can lead us all the way to the promised land. Well done, Hounds.

Zog All Star Break: Team Stats & All-Star Nominees

Team Stats for the first half of the season now ready. I nominate the following for the Zog All-Star Team:

1. Cindy - Been getting on base like crazy. Has a ridiculous On-Base Percentage of .875. Has flashed the glove too.

2. Amelia - Has found her hitting groove and has become a big-time run producer for this team. Her solid fielding has also gotten us out of some tight spots.

3. Justin - Hasn't been around a lot, but has made his swings count. Hit the dramatic game-winning HR in Game 2.

4. Mega - Has produced as both a hitter and pitcher. Batting .687 with 12 RBIs while also leading the team with a sparkling 5.25 ERA.

5. Margaret - Her brilliant control on the mound and heads-up play have made her an indispensable part of our team.

6. Karim - An honorary mention has to go to Karim, who has come out to every single game and supported the team, even when he was injured and could not play. Whether it was keeping score, being a base coach, or just rallying the team, he has been a great teammate to all of us.

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.