Zog: Hounds Maul The Huskies

For our 6th game of the season, the Hounds headed over to Chelsea Park on 28th street. It was another overcast, cool evening in the big city, and we were ready to shake off that ugly loss in our previous game. In the opposing dugout were the UConn Huskies, a team we have handled in the past. It was an early weekday start time, but fortunately we came ready for business.

As the away team, we came up to bat first. We were only able to produce one run, with Amy getting the RBI. Margaret took the mound making her 2nd start of the season, and as always, she pitched brilliantly. Lots of first pitch strikes and no walks. We kept the Huskies to one run through the first few innings, and were able to tack on a few of our own each inning. Going into the top of the 6th inning, we were up 8-3, and it seemed like it could possibly be a nail-biting finish.

Then we blew the game open. 10 runs were scored in that fateful 6th, with everyone in the lineup either scoring a run or driving in one. The offensive standouts for the game were many: Mike(3-5, 3RS), Mega(2-3, HR, 4 RBI), Juiena(2-3, 2 RBI), Iain(4-5, 2 HR, 4 RBI), Murph(4-5, 3RS), & Wink(3-5, HR, 5RBI). Overall, our defense was tight. Even if we did have a couple of minor miscues, they didn't cost us much, and we looked much better out there than last game. Iain continued to flash the leather, although I think I might have seen a throwing error...? (Just kidding, Iain). Murph had the web gem of the game with a nifty diving catch of a weak flare in foul territory. We added another 4 runs in the top of the 7th, and the Huskies must have been left wondering what happened. Final Score: Hounds 22, Huskies 4.

This was an important win for us. We needed to bounce back from the debacle last game, and we did in a big way. As I watched the game from the dugout, I saw a team that was hitting line drives, minimizing the damage by playing great defense, and getting solid starting pitching. If we build on this and continue to follow that winning formula, we will be unstoppable.

Zog: Hounds Lay An Egg

It was an overcast, cool Spring evening in New York. The Hounds headed over to Roosevelt Island to face Who's On First, a team we have had several encounters with in the past. Both teams knew each other well and a close game was to expected. After the pre-game pleasantries were exchanged, it was time to play ball.

As the home team, we took the field first. Margaret was making her first start of the season, and as always, her pitching gave us a strong chance to win the game. Unfortunately, the defense behind her let her down, especially in the early innings. After retiring the 1st two batters of the game on routine ground balls, we proceeded to make some very curious errors. The type of errors a team of our caliber should not be making. Before you knew it, WOF had a five-run rally to jump out to a quick 5-0 lead. We got three runs back right away in the bottom of the 1st, with Iain, Mega, and Karim getting the RBIs. 

As the game went on, we would only allow three more runs. Our defense settled down and there were some defensive highlights, including outfield assists from MikePa & Juiena. Iain continued his dazzling play at short. We really had every opportunity to take the lead. Unfortunately, we shot ourselves in the foot with bad baserunning mistakes. Except for a certain few, we also did not hit very well. In the bottom of the 7th, we got a runner on, but again were not able to string together some hits. As the game ended, we couldn't help but feel that we let one get away. Final Score: WOF 8, Hounds 5.

Let's give WOF credit, they minimized their mistakes and capitalized on ours with some timely hits. But the truth remains that our talent level is higher than theirs. We just have to elevate our focus and work on our game as a team. I know that we can get where we need to be.

Zog: Hounds Squish the Spiders

It was a crucial game for the Hounds coming off their first loss of the season in the prior game.  It was another trek to Randall’s Island, this time a balmy 88 degrees.  After introductions and welcoming the newest Hound to the squad, Lisa, the team was ready to get down to business.

Wink did his job as Lead-off getting the Hounds off to a great start, and contributed to 1 of 3 runs scored in the first inning.  In the bottom of the first, once again, Juiena took the mound in her 4^th consecutive start.  The Hounds defense was a bit shaky in the first couple of innings, but they were able to keep the damage to only 4 runs.   After the bottom of the 2^nd, the Hounds stellar defense and consistent pitching from Juiena kept the Spiders scoreless.

The offensive stars were Wink, Iain, and Dave, combined hitting .833 and generating 10 RBIs.  Murph drove in the 11^th RBI with his triple. Final Score: Hounds 11, Spiders 4.

This was a critical win for our team. Massive props to Juiena for taking over and leading us to victory. We redeemed ourselves after coughing one up on Randall's a couple of weeks ago. Now we have some momentum heading into our next game.

Zog: Hounds Sign Up Lisa

The Hounds today signed up Lisa from Brooklyn. She's a cool girl that knows how to play the game. She will be a great addition to our ballclub. Step up and introduce yourself when you see her, show her how friendly Hounds can be...

Zog: Hounds lose Schimmy

It is my sad duty to report that the Zog Hounds have lost Schimmy for the season. She's movin' on up in the world and her new duties will prevent her from making any of the remaining games. Schimmy was an integral part of our Fall '09 championship, and she will be missed not only for her playing ability, but also her leadership and her laid-back Cali style in the clubhouse. I will also miss riding in her SUV to the games. That was always an adventure. Continued success Schimmy! Your #10 jersey is retired, the door is always open for you to come back...

Zog: Team Stats After 3 Games

Here are the stats through the first 3 games. Sure, it is still very early in the season, but then again, a quarter of the season is already behind us. There are way too many zeros in this stat sheet. Props to Mike, Wink, Dave, and Mega, who have been carrying our offense. The rest of us need to step it up.

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Zog: Hounds Cough One Up

For our 3rd game of the young season, it was over to the brand-new fields of Randall's Island. We had never played there before, so we were not sure what to expect. Luckily, the fields were in great shape and the weather was beautiful even if it was a bit windy. We came into this game riding high after two blowout victories to start the season. In the opposing dugout was an outfit called Empty Pitchers, all decked out in New York Yankees replica jerseys. We had already played(and lost) to them once before, so we knew we would be in for a tough game.

As the away team , we came up to bat first. Wink and Mike set the table, and we strung a bunch of hits together to jump out to a quick 6-0 lead. Juiena was once again our starting pitcher and she continued her dominance in the early innings. Our defense was in bend-don't-break mode, and we were able to hold off Empty Pitchers through the first 4 innings. After the top of the 5th, we were up 8-1, and it seemed like we were going to cruise to victory.

In the bottom of the 5th, things took a turn for the worse. Empty Pitcher's  hitters' started to make better contact with the ball, and our defense reverted back to keystone cops mode, stumblin' and bumblin' all over the field. By the time the 5th inning was over, the game was tied 8-8, and the momentum had swung over to the other side. Our offense was a bit anemic in the later innings, and we were only able to add on one more run. E.P. scored 4 in the bottom of the 6th, and we entered our last licks down by 3. We proceeded to meekly hit 3 easy ground balls to go out 1-2-3 and end the game. Final Score: Empty Pitchers 12, Hounds 9.

As I reflect on this game, I see good news and bad news. The bad news is that there is no way we are going to win the championship if we play the way we did yesterday. The competition this season is just too good. The good news is it is still very early in the season, and I know we can make adjustments and improve. But it's going to take some work. On defense, we need to do a better job of communicating with one another. So far our offense has been carried by a handful of people, we need to step it up and spread the production around. It's actually a good thing that we have a two week break. We now have some time to work on some things before our next game.