Zog: Final Regular Season Stats

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Zog: Hounds Handle Who's On First(Again)

With a playoff berth already clinched, the Hounds took the field at Riverbank looking to finish off the regular season strong. Who's On First once again lay before us. We had already defeated them a few weeks back, so we knew they would be eager to avenge that loss. This game also held significance in terms of playoff positioning. The air was thick and both teams were primed for a fight.

As the away team, we were up to bat first. and scored 3 quick runs in the 1st inning. Dave and Braden each had RBI singles. Margaret got the call on the mound, and pitched well. We had some defensive miscues that allowed WOF to hang around and keep it close. They scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 1st, then we exploded for 7 runs in the top of the 2nd. Wink, Dave, and Braden each had 2-RBI hits. 

We built up a 10-3 lead before they changed their erratic pitcher. Their new pitcher did some good work, and their shortstop made some outstanding defensive plays. They then mounted a rally in the 5th inning to make the score very close. They were threatening with two runners on base and the top of the order coming up with no outs. We then turned a fantastic 4-3-5 triple play, aided by two absent-minded base runners. Just like that, we were out of a potentially big inning. That proved to be the turning point of the game. We added a couple more runs off a solo home run by Mega and an RBI single by Karim. We then closed them out with authority in the 7th. Going back to last season, this is the 3rd time in a row we have beaten WOF. They must hate us by now. Final Score: Hounds 12, WOF 8.

We finished up the season with a solid 9-3 record, which is good enough for either 2nd or 3rd place. Now the playoffs are upon us, and our record counts for nothing. Every team in it is back to square one, and it's win or go home. It's going to come down to which team makes less mistakes. I know if we play to our capabilities that we can win the whole damn thing.

MAJA: Final Regular-Season Player Stats

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MAJA: Hounds Cruise Into Playoffs with a Sweep

The final weekend of the MAJA regular season was upon us, and we took to the field knowing we just needed a split to clinch first place overall. Our opponents were Roseman's Ringers, a middle of the road ballclub that was fighting for their playoff lives. Unfortunately for them, they proved to be little challenge for the Hounds.

For Game 1 George took the mound looking to build on his recent strong outings. He pitched well, and did not walk too many batters. The defense behind him was solid. On offense, Jason C. led the charge, going 3 for 3 with a solo HR in the leadoff spot. Jason T. also homered. Pat and Karim drove in 3 runs each. We grabbed a big lead and the skipper decided to put Margaret in the game in the 5th inning to close it out. She did a great job and the result was never really in doubt. Final Score: Hounds 9, Roseman's 4.

For Game 2 , Margaret got the starting nod. She did her thing and kept their hitters off balance. On offense, we had a very solid game, with everyone contributing to the cause. We exploded for 9 runs in the first inning, and we soon realized it was not a matter of if, but when we would mercy them. Our answer came in the 4th inning, when Iain capped off a 3 for 3, 4 RBI game with a 2-run home run. Final Score: Hounds 12, Roseman's 2.

We finished the season with an outstanding record of 13 and 1. No other team displayed such dominance throughout the season. This team was built to win a championship, and we have put ourselves in a very good position to do so. But we have to stay humble as next week we face a single elimination first round playoff game. We have to be prepared for anything, including the possibility of our opponents bringing in ringers. I am confident we will be up to the challenge. 

Zog: Hounds Lose

There is no need to dwell on what happened out there tonight. We do need to learn from this though. I don't ever want to feel this way again and I hope none of you do either. It's one thing to lose, but to lose the way we did tonight should not be acceptable to us at this point. 

MAJA: Hounds Sweep; Snatch Victory From the Jaws of Defeat

Coming into the penultimate weekend of the regular season, the Hounds were looking to solidify their position at the top of the standings. In the opposing dugout was SCN, a cellar dwelling club with little left to play for but pride. After a brief weather-related delay, it was time to play ball...

Game 1

For the opener, George took the mound and asserted himself right from the start. The spinner was working and the control was also there. Defensively we were tight, and didn't allow SCN any extra outs or bases. On offense, we scored early and often. Dave and Amelia went 3 for 3 in the third and fourth spots respectively. Amelia had 5 RBIs in the game. Jason C. hit his third home run of the season, a solo shot. It all added up to a mercy victory in the 4th inning. Final Score: Hounds 11, SCN 1.

Game 2

This would prove to be the more exciting of the two games, perhaps our most exciting of the season. We came in with a lot of swagger after having mercied them, but our play was not up to par. Our bats fell silent for long periods and we weren't as tight on 'D' as in the first game. Let's give SCN credit though, they played us very tough. This was clearly their championship game. We exchanged runs before they strung together some solid hits and took a 6-5 lead into the top of the 6th. We were down to our last out of the game with no runners on when we suddenly staged a miraculous rally. Wink, Kari, and Jason all managed to get on base, albeit on bloops. Push was now up with the bases loaded and two outs. She came through with one of the most clutch hits of the year, a clean single to left that scored the tying run. Then our pitcher Prashant laced a fly ball to left that gave their outfielder all kinds of problems. It fell in for a 3 RBI triple and it looked like we were on our way to victory. 

George came into the game in relief, and this time, his control was not as sharp as in game one. He walked a couple, they scored a run, and the winning run was now at the plate with two outs. Luckily, their hitter hit a fly ball to left that was handled easily by Jason C. It was a real nail-biter. Final Score: Hounds 8, SCN 6.

11 and 1. I repeat ,11 and 1. It will all be for nothing though unless we keep playing good ball. We have been having some shaky moments the past few weeks. Let's come out next week with the goal of putting in two solid performances.

Pictures from game vs SCN (8/1/09)

Here are some great shots from our game today. Big up to all those who passed the camera around and made these happen.