batteh blog-o-rama

Excellent comeback tonight against the Roys with a 14-11 win. They started off well and had a couple of big innings. We had 4 in the first but Danny killed our rally with a bases-loaded DP (on a 3-0 pitch no less). Our bats went silent for a while before busting out with an 8 run inning keyed by John-Mark hitting the ball over the left fielder’s head after they intentionally walked Jesse again. Sweet!! John-Mark’s hit also made them pitch to Jesse in the bottom of the 6th when he hit a deep HR to provide some added insurance. Great finish to the regular season: 8-2 record. Good luck in the intraleague tournament!!

Here are this week’s points. Let me know if there are any edits or additions via the comments.

John B. (4.5)
Chris W. (3)
Ben W. (3)
Chaz (3)
Pete (2.5)
Matt (2.5)
Ron (2)
Dan W. (2) [+2 for GIDP and failing to score runner from 3rd]
Jon L. (0.5)
Todd (0.5)
John-Mark (-0.5)
Jesse (-1.5) [-0.5 for HR]
Tony (-4.5)
Charlie (-7) [-1 for 2 Ks]

Tough game against Fender’s this week. We started hot with a nice 4 run first but then managed not to score the rest of the game. We held them down for a while but they had a big 5 run 6th to take a 6-4 lead and then added 3 more in the 7th to win 9-4. Jesse and John-Mark proved they don’t need fences for HRs with two deep blasts in the 1st. Jesse probably got robbed of another HR later in the game without the fences. Perhaps we’ll get another shot at them in the intra-league.

Here are this week’s points. Thanks to Charlie for bringing beverages- I think he should get -6 for bringing beverages even though he wasn’t even close? Did I miss something? If not, looks like you’ve got a bunch of negative points in your bank.

John B. (4.5) [+1 for missed ground ball]
Chris W. (3)
Ben W. (3)
Chaz (3)
Pete (2.5)
Matt (2.5)
Ron (2)
Jon L. (0.5)
Todd (0.5)
John-Mark (-0.5) [-0.5 for HR]
Dan W. (0)
Jesse (-1) [-0.5 for HR]
Tony (-4.5)
Charlie (-6) [+1 for walk, -6 for beverages]

Excellent work in a 19-0 mercy of Chico’s. Brian was bringing the wicked stuff on the mound- after pitching out of a 2 out bases loaded jam in the first, there were very few baserunners the rest of the game. We started with 10 runs in the first, including a towering HR from Jesse, and kept hitting from there. John-Mark had a deep HR to straight away center which he followed up with a ground rule double to the same spot. Everyone had a ton of hits- lots of good work down the lines from Matt, Brian, Chaz, and Tony. The gloves were solid too- Chaz handled a ton of chances at third and Chris W. ended the game by snagging a liner in the RC gap that preserved the shutout. Let’s keep up the hot hitting next week against long-time rival Fenders.

Here are this week’s points. Not a lot to assess. Also, make sure to visit last week’s post to vote on Tony’s status relative to the “Jesse Rule.” And thanks to Jesse for bringing the quality beverages this week. No one up next week? Pre-emptive strike from anyone?

John B. (3.5)
Chris W. (3)
Ben W. (3) [+2 for DP and failing to score runner from 3rd]
Chaz (3) [+1 for failing to score runner from 3rd]
Pete (2.5)
Matt (2.5)
Ron (2)
Jon L. (0.5)
Todd (0.5)
John-Mark (0) [-0.5 for HR]
Dan W. (0)
Jesse (-0.5) [-0.5 for HR, -5 for beverages]
Charlie (-1)
Tony (-4.5)

Nice work in an easy victory over a clearly overmatched ProQuest team. Kinda felt bad for them- especially since the 3rd baseman took a few balls off his body as did the short stop. I think we played pretty reasonably given the circumstances so thanks for that. Even in a short game there were some highlights- Jesse hit a long HR and Jon snagged a ball to his glove side to start a 5-4-3 twin killing. And then there was Tony’s throw to 2nd (kinda)?

Here are this week’s points along with a poll for a rules clarification. Thanks to Dan for bringing beverages this week and it looks like Jesse has abs(5) so he can be up next week.

John B. (3.5)
Chris W. (3)
Pete (2.5)
Matt (2.5)
Chaz (2)
Ron (2)
Ben W. (1) [+1 for walk]
Jon L. (0.5) [-0.5 for 5-4-3 DP]
John-Mark (0.5)
Todd (0.5
Dan W. (0) [-5 for beverages]
Charlie (-1) [-0.5 for K]
Tony (-4.5) [+1 for wild throw, -0.5 for 5-4-3 DP]
Jesse (-5) [-0.5 for HR]

Stirring victory this evening against the Men Without Clues. The bats started off really slow but we finally had a big inning in the 5th. But they battled back and we had to rely on Jesse’s 2-run HR in the top of the 7th to take a one run lead. Oddly they walked Jesse all evening (with 2 outs and the bases empty?) but gamely pitched to him in the 7th. We then held on in the bottom of the 7th with the tying and winning runs on 2nd and 3rd. Nice win!! Overall the bats came around- John-Mark hit some screaming liners that were caught, Brian painted the line several times, Ben knocked in some key runs, and Cole stole a run with a hustle tag up from 2nd to 3rd (with a great slide without shorts). We nearly made some tremendous plays in the OF with Pete and Todd coming up just short on diving plays and Tony and Pete both nearly making a diving play in short RF (and managing to avoid each other). An exciting win for sure.

Here are this week’s points- only negative points this week? Huh? Ben finally brought his long overdue beverages and it looks like the other Wu is up next week.

Dan W. (5)
John B. (3.5) [-0.5 for 6-4-3 DP]
Chris W. (3)
Pete (2.5)
Matt (2.5)
Chaz (2)
Ron (2)
Jon L. (1)
John-Mark (0.5)
Todd (0.5)
Ben W. (0) [-7 for beverages]
Charlie (-0.5)
Jesse (-4.5) [-0.5 for HR]
Tony (-5) [-0.5 for 6-4-3 DP]

Excellent work in a DH sweep, including the bonus ball for the suspended game. Then we took care of business against the Roys by breaking a close game open late. Solid gloves and bats all night. Danny started off the first game with a tremendous catch in deep RC, Tony was diving all over the place making plays, and Chaz turned a nice DP at 3rd along with a fine stab on a hard grounder down the 3rd base line. Bats were solid too- Jesse hit two bombs, Chris W. backed up Jesse with lots of hits, and John-Mark hit the gap in LC with a ball that scooted under the fence. Nice work all around!!

Here are the points as best I can remember. Please chime in via the comments for any additions, edits, etc. Looks like a Wu should be bringing beverages next week.

Ben W. (7) [+1 for not bringing beverages (again)]
Dan W. (5) [-0.5 for catch, +2 for DP and failing to score runner from 3rd]
John B. (4) [+2 for hitting Jon with line drive and failing to score runner from 3rd]
Chris W. (3)
Pete (2.5) [+1 for OF fly]
Matt (2.5)
Chaz (2) [-0.5 for DP]
Ron (2)
Jon L. (1) [+1 for failing to score runner from 3rd (apparently an injured hand doesn’t keep you from a point when Todd is on 3rd]
John-Mark (0.5)
Todd (0.5)
Charlie (-0.5) [+1 for failing to score runner from 3rd, -1 for 2 Ks, -0.5 for CGSO]
Jesse (-4) [-1 for 2 HRs]
Tony (-4.5) [-0.5 for diving plays]

Again, Charlie’s summary and the updated points.

Tough loss tonight. They hit a lot of balls where we weren’t, including three that we got finger-tips on but scooted by; add in Jesse’s bid for a second home run missing by inches, the two strike pitch that found the third base line, and of course Jon’s 5-3 double play that wasn’t, and it’s clear that they were in control of the might have beens. My hunch is that we’ll see them again in the playoffs.

Thanks to Ron and Brian for subbing, particularly given the 6:15 start time.

Any other points will be by self-confession!

Ben W. (6)
Dan W. (3.5)
Chris W. (3)
Matt (2.5)
Chaz (2.5) [+1 for stranding runner at 3B with < 2 outs (tough point - it was a line drive at the pitcher)]
John B. (2)
Ron (2)
Pete (1.5)
John-Mark (0.5) [-.5 for outfield assist]
Todd (0.5)
Charlie (0) [-5 for beverages]
Jon L. (0)
Jesse (-3) [-.5 for home run]
Tony (-4)

Here is Charlie’s update from the game and the updated points. Good job!!

We’ve traditionally been a good bad-weather team, and tonight’s performance did nothing to tarnish our reputation. The outfielders caught everything that was catchable, and one or two balls that didn’t seem catchable as they left the bat. On a muddy, barely playable field we had three guys diving in the infield — Tony to start a 6-4-3 double play, Chaz stretching out for another grounder… and John-Mark hitting a really slippery spot between first and second. Chris Wooley provided the offensive highlight, with a line drive home run to left.

Ben wisely decided that a cold, drizzly night was not promising weather for drinking beer in the parking lot. He’ll be away next week, so I’ve got beer next week and Ben the week after that.

Ben W. (6) [+1 for failing to score runner from third]
Charlie (5) [+1 for failing to score runner from third, -1.5 for three K’s]
Dan W. (3.5)
Chris W. (3) [-.5 for home run]
Matt (2.5)
John B. (2)
Ron (2)
Chaz (1.5) [-.5 for double play]
Pete (1.5)
John-Mark (1)
Todd (0.5)
Jon L. (0)
Jesse (-2.5)
Tony (-4) [-.5 for double play]

Excellent use of the bats tonight. We hit pretty consistently even though they aided us with some questionable fielding. Even though it was cold, the nanotubes were in mid-summer form. Gloves were solid too- lots of plays for the infield and outfield.

And the points just keep on coming. Looks like either Ben or Charlie could bring for next week. Here are the updated points- be sure to edit/add via the comments.

Charlie (5.5) [-0.5 for K]
Ben W. (5) [+2 for K, -0.5 for 2 POs at catcher]
Dan W. (3.5)
Chris W. (3.5) [+1 for getting doubled off, -0.5 for HR]
Matt (2.5)
John B. (2) [-0.5 for catch]
Chaz (2)
Ron (2)
Pete (1.5) [-0.5 for assist]
John-Mark (1) [+1 for lining into DP (this is a tough point for sure!!)]
Todd (0.5)
Jon L. (0)
Jesse (-2.5) [+1 for breaking SS finger on line drive]
Tony (-3.5)

The votes are in and the verdict is clear- the points count!! So here are the updated points from last week’s rainout. Be sure to edit/add via the comments.

Charlie (6) [+2 for K, -0.5 for tag at home]
Dan W. (3.5) [-0.5 for assist]
Ben W. (3.5) [+2 for K, +1 for failing to score runner from 3rd]
Chris W. (3)
Matt (2.5)
John B. (2.5) [+1 for throwing error, -0.5 for assist, -0.5 for DP]
Chaz (2) [-0.5 for DP, -0.5 for assist]
Ron (2)
Pete (1.5) [-0.5 for assist]
Todd (0.5)
Jon L. (0)
Tony (-3.5)
Jesse (-3.5)

Nice start to the softball season tonight. Unfortunately we hit too much to get our 5 innings in before getting washed out. So, let’s take this opportunity to revisit the polls. Feel free to provide justification for your vote via the comments.

Nice win (12-7?) last night. Though they helped us out with some shaky defense, we hit the ball pretty well. We managed to survive a wicked sun that pretty much kept Jon from seeing the ball for the first 4 innings. Man, the ball was flying out of the park last night, must be the cold weather. Chaz was an RBI machine including an inside the park HR. Ron also added another inside the parker to pick up more key RBIs. Jon nearly made an amazing play by fielding a ball off the third base bag and gunning to first to just miss getting the out. Next week we’ve got our rematch with the good hitting team.

Here are the updated points. Be sure to edit/add via the comments.

Jon L. (5) [+2 for K]
Charlie (4.5) [+1 for failing to score runner from 3rd]
Dan W. (4)
Chris W. (3.5)
Chaz (3) [-0.5 for HR]
Matt (2.5)
Ron (2) [-0.5 for HR]
Pete (2)
John B. (2.5) [+1 for booted grounder]
Ben W. (0.5)
Todd (0.5)
Tony (-3.5)
Jesse (-3.5)

On a night when we didn’t hit much we managed to scrap out a split. The first game required a 4 run comeback in the bottom of the 7th to win but Ron delivered the gamewinner. We turned 4 DPs and overall were pretty solid. The bats just were quiet for a good part of the game. In the second game, we got outhit badly and mercied by the team we split with last week. They are in first and we are locked into second so we’ll get another shot at them in two weeks. Hopefully we can give them more of a game next time- they were very lippy this evening so it’d be nice to knock them down to earth a little.

Here are the updated points. Thanks to Todd for supplying this week’s beverages. As always, be sure to help me out as there were lots of points.

Dan W. (4) [+1 for failing to score run from 3rd (tough point as I think Ron was under the tag)]
Chris W. (3.5)
Chaz (3.5)
Charlie (3.5)
Jon L. (3) [-0.5 for 5-4-3 DP, -0.5 for 10-6-fence-5-2 putout (thanks for saving me a point)]
Matt (2.5) [-0.5 for DP]
Ron (2.5) [+1 for missed pop up]
Pete (2)
John B. (1.5) [+1 for booted grounder, +1 for jackass baserunning, -1 for 2 DPs]
Ben W. (0.5) [+1 for walks, -0.5 for DP]
Todd (0.5) [-5.5 for beverages, +1 and -0.5 (see comments)]
Tony (-3.5) [-1.5 for 3 DPs]
Jesse (-3.5) [-0.5 for HR]

Excellent work in another earning a tough split against a really good hitting team. The first game was a close 15-13 loss while the second game was a 17-16 win with a stirring comeback in the bottom of the 7th down 6 runs. The bottom of the order got hit after hit and the top continued the rally. Todd was the winning run and did some excellent baserunning (including beating out a potential DP ball to prolong an inning after which we scored several more runs) to get into position to score. Tony was intentionally walked (rightfully so after the inside the park HR). I got a hit to bring Jesse up with the bases loaded and 1 out. Jesse delivered the walkoff hit and we proceeded to the parking lot to enjoy Ben’s beverages. Excellent work with the bats. Jesse hit two bombs including one to straight away center that cleared the grassy knoll and the car on the road. Wow!! Tony went deep over the RF’s head for an inside the park HR (wow, we might need to invoke the Jesse rule on you too). Overall, a fun night at the park. Nice work earning the split.

Here are the updated points. Thanks to everyone who commented on the last week’s post. I think I have updated accordingly in last week’s post. As always, be sure to help me out as there were lots of points

Todd (5.5)
Chris W. (3.5)
Jon L. (4) [+1 for GIDP, -0.5 for 5-4-3 DP that wasn’t]
Chaz (3.5)
Charlie (3.5) [+2 for K, -0.5 for 1-3 DP]
Pete (2)
Dan W. (3) [+1 for dropped fly ball]
Matt (2.5) [+1 for missed throw at 2B]
Ron (1.5)
John B. (0.5) [-0.5 for 6-4-3 DP, -0.5 for throwing runner out at home]
Ben W. (0) [-8.5 for beverages]
Tony (-2) [-0.5 for HR, -1 for 5-4-3 and 6-4-3 DPs]
Jesse (-3) [-1 for 2 HRs, +1 for wild throw to 3B]

Excellent work in another DH sweep. First game was a mercy and the second was a nice 14-5 win. Jesse used up our 3 HRs in the first game and Todd and Tony sprayed line drives all over the field. Chaz made a triumphant return with some big hits too. Gloves were pretty solid all night. We had one rough inning but otherwise made play after play. Chris W. had a great diving catch in the OF and the infield got lots of work, particularly Jon L. at 3rd who snagged lots of balls going down the line. Nice!!

Here are the updated points. Wow, lots of points this week, both positive and negative. Be sure to correct/add via the comments as I’m sure I lost track of something. Hopefully Ben’s flu-like symptoms will subside so that he can bring beverages next week. Ben: FYI- the team voted to give you another point but don’t worry- you’ll reset to zero after the beverages.

Ben W. (8.5) [+1 for not making arrangements for beverages (your brother plays on the team after all)]
Todd (5.5) [+1 for not scoring run from 3rd, +1 for errant throw]
Chris W. (3.5) [-0.5 for diving catch, -0.5 for force out at 2B]
Jon L. (3.5) [+1 for GIDP, all other plays a wash giving the number of putouts recorded]
Chaz (3.5) [+2 for K, +1 for misplayed grounder]
Charlie (2) [+1 for walk, -0.5 for K]
Pete (2)
Dan W. (2)
Matt (1.5)
John B. (1.5) [+1 for booted grounder, -0.5 for 6-3 DP]
Ron (1.5) [+1 for calling off Chris and not catching ball]
Tony (-0.5) [+1 for leaving runner on 3B]
Jesse (-3) [-1.5 for 3 HRs]

Nice work in the intraleague tourney this evening. It was a great comeback win in the first game. We were down early 9-1 after their big 7 run inning and managed to keep clawing back. Jesse dragged us along with two solo HRs and Brian shut them down only allowing 1 run through the latter half of the game. We went into the bottom of the 7th down 10-5. Tony led off with a hit to get us started. After some debate with two outs, they pitched to Jesse with a runner on and he tomahawked another HR to center. Then the hit parade started- Chris W. got a triple, Chaz got a hit, and everyone kept passing the bat. Danny delivered a big blow scoring the two tying runs with a triple deep to CF. We held in the extra frame and then Ben started the bottom with a hit, advanced crazily to second on a hit from Charlie, and then scored the winning run as Tony continued to hit line drive after line drive. Sweet comeback- way to use the hammer!!

The big comeback win got us another meeting with Fenders. It was a classic matchup with lots of good defense and timely hits. They just got a few more than we did, squeaking out a 5-3 victory. Tony continued to hit like a demon and the defense was solid all night. We turned two DPs and Danny made a great throw to get a runner advancing to 3rd. Pete made some nice catches in RF and managed to fight through a leg injury. Jesse made some great picks at 1B, saving me at least one point and the team two runs. Tough loss but glad we got a chance to play two.

Now that the summer season is over, it’s time to start thinking about the end of the year BBQ. We can host. After the games this evening, I threw out a date but we have commitments on 8/8 and 8/22. I heard a few folks say that 8/15 was bad for them. Let’s do this to find a suitable date- please leave a comment on this post with your BBW availability for the Sat. afternoons in August. We’ll then shoot for one that works for the most folks.

Here are the updated points. Wow, look at all those negative points. We’ll carry these over to the fall.

Ben W. (4)
Todd (3.5)
Chris W. (3.5) [+1 for failing to score runner from 3rd]
Pete (2)
Charlie (2) [+1 for walks]
Matt (1)
John B. (0.5)
Dan W. (0.5) [-0.5 for clutch triple, -0.5 for OF assist, +1 for grounding into DP]
Chaz (0.5) [-0.5 for 6-4-3 DP]
Ron (0)
Jon L. (-0.5) [-0.5 for 5-4-3 DP]
Tony (-1) [-1 for 6-4-3 and 5-4-3 DPs]
Jesse (-0.5) [-1.5 for 3 HRs]

Just realized I didn’t post after our loss a few weeks ago to Fenders. We just didn’t hit enough and they had a big inning. We’ll hopefully get another shot at them in the tourney next week.

Here are the updated points. Thanks to Jon for bringing a large quantity of delicious beverages.

Ben W. (4)
Todd (3.5)
Chris W. (2.5)
Pete (2) [+1 for misplayed ground ball]
Matt (1)
Chaz (1)
Charlie (1)
Jesse (1)
John B. (0.5) [-0.5 for 4-6-3 DP]
Tony (0) [-0.5 for 4-6-3 DP]
Dan W. (0.5)
Jon L. (0) [-5 for beverages]
Ron (0)

Excellent mercy win over the Roys this evening. The game was close for a while and then we broke it open with some big innings late. Thanks to Pete for his walk off single just as it started raining. The gloves were solid- Pete started us off on a good note with a diving catch in CF for the first out of the game. Matt made a great diving play in RF and kept the ball in front of him, saving at least a run. Jesse made some nice plays at 1B, including snagging a wild throw from me that only he could get. The bats were solid- Jesse hit the ball hard all over the field (including into me at 2B- my bad!!), Matt had his line drive stroke going, and the two lefties at the top of the order kept getting on base and scoring runs. Nice work!! Gotta gear up for the last game of the year against Fenders!!

Here are the updated points. Jon probably doesn’t deserve a point since he is injured but hey, we enjoy beverages.

Jon L. (5) [+1 for grounding into DP (this one is dubious due to injury but our next game is at 6:15 against Fenders…)]
Ben W. (4)
Todd (3.5)
Chris W. (2.5)
Matt (1)
Pete (1)
Chaz (1)
Charlie (1)
Jesse (1) [+1 for failing to score runner from 3rd]
John B. (1) [+1 for throwing error, +1 for getting hit by Jesse’s ground ball]
Tony (0.5)
Dan W. (0.5)
Ron (0)

Nice 8-4 win tonight. It seems as if we hit just enough- 5 runs in the first and then 3 in the 6th. It was a tight 5-4 game for most of the affair. Jesse hit some BBs down the 3B line and just missed a HR. Ben drove in a couple of runs with SF (and didn’t earn any points). The gloves were solid too- Tony made a nice play on a grounder in the hole near first, Chaz had a great pickup and force at 2B on an in-between hopper, and the OF tracked everything down. Nice work!!

Here are the updated points. I am perplexed by the scarcity in points this year. We are just too good? In an effort to take advantage of the nice weather and an early game, I brought beverages in a proactive strike. I think we should initiate a new scoring rule to encourage this behavior in the future- anyone that brings beverages before required gets -6. What do you think?

Jon L. (4)
Ben W. (4)
Todd (3.5)
Chris W. (2.5) [+1 for failing to score runner from 3rd]
Matt (1)
Pete (1)
Chaz (1)
Charlie (1)
Tony (0.5)
Dan W. (0.5)
Ron (0)
Jesse (0)
John B. (-1) [-5 for beverages]

Tough two run loss tonight to our archrival Fenders. It was a tight game- a few plays here and there and the outcome might have been different. I felt like we hit lots of line drives right at them (plus Mel kept catching everything up the middle!!). I sure hated making the last out as I would have loved for them to have to deal with Jesse and Chris with the tying run on base. Doh!! Gloves were solid- Tony made a nice catch of a line drive and Jesse caught a pop foul crashing through the fence.

Here are the updated points for this week based on what Jon L. noted in the scorebook and subsequent explanation.

Jon L. (4)
John B. (4) [+1 for lining into DP]
Ben W. (4) [+0.5 for bad baserunning, +1 for harping on Jon L. to “give more points!” for the first half of the game, then complaining about his base-running point, and begging Chris to take half of it. (the word was “begging”)]
Todd (3.5)
Chris W. (1.5) [+0.5 for coaching error]
Matt (1)
Pete (1)
Chaz (1)
Charlie (1) [+1 for walks]
Tony (0.5) [+1 for failing to score run from 3rd, -0.5 for great catch]
Dan W. (0.5)
Ron (0)
Jesse (0)