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.

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.