Pei Cobb Freed/Hart Howerton and Polshek Partnership traded big innings and home runs last Thursday, but the potent PCF/HH offense would prove to be too much as S.L.A.M.'s only undefeated team remained so with a convincing 16-6 victory at the Hecksher ballfields.
PCF/HH's Juan Monahan, Mike Copeland, and Carlos Sagastume all homered and Polshek's Loren Supp contributed a booming 3-run shot of his own (that nearly hit a batter at the plate on the opposite field) in what proved to be an exciting offensive performance.
PCF/HH batters pulled their weight at the plate, hitting for average and, many, for extra bases. J. Strong was a perfect 4-for-4 on the day with a double, 3 runs, and 1 RBI. Mark Maljanian tripled in his second at-bat, going 2-for-3 with 3 runs and 1 RBI. Yusuke Okabayashi was 1-for-2 with a 2-RBI double, and Cate Foster finished 3-for-4 with an RBI. Aside from his homer, Copeland walked in each of his other three plate appearances.
For Polshek, left fielder Graeme Reed and right fielder Adam Sheraden led the way. Both batted 2-for-3 with Reed contributing a walk and 2 runs scored, while Sheraden added an RBI. Natasha Skogerboe finished 1-for-2 with a walk and shortstop Andre Soto displayed skill in both sides of the field, going 1-for-3 with 1 walk and 2 runs scored while robbing PCF/HH's Maljanian on a line drive in his only unsuccessful at-bat, as well as getting underneath a number of fly balls.
PCF/HH led Polshek 4-2 after one and took a 10-2 lead into the bottom of the third before Supp's interplanetary jolt and another Polshek fielder's-choice RBI closed the gap to 10-6. But PCF/HH held Polshek to just 4 more hits through the final three innings while piling on 6 additional runs of their own.
The victory extended PCF/HH's record to 3-0 while Polshek dropped to 1-2 with the loss.
PCF/HH Game Balls goes to Cate Foster, Juan Monahan, and J. Strong. Foster helped round out the bottom third of the order with a very respectable showing for all S.L.A.M. females at 3-for-4, Monahan had an average day on the mound but could have beat Polshek on his own by contributing 7 RBI, and Strong continues to be a rock in the heart of the lineup.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
BAKER'S DOZEN
For 90 minutes last night, the big city bore witness to a revival so moving and true to the original that one felt transported all the way back to 2006. No, we're not talking about "Legally Blonde: The Musical" returning to the Great White Way, we're talkin' the return of Skidmore, Swanke, Cooper softball - the way it used to be - brash, physical, unapologetic, and just a little bit vulnerable.
The swagger was back and the unfortunate recipients of the nostalgic 13-2 thrashing were the unsuspecting and undeserving kids of Perkins Eastman Kodak. Where the timely hitting and solid defense came from -no one was sure, but it felt like old times. Has the once feared (yet loveable) three-headed monster that once menaced the SLAM league recaptured it's signature form? Probably not, but for one night in early June, it sure felt that way.
Monday, June 1, 2009
TPG Beats RRA/DBB 12-8
The afternoon looked bleak for TPG as 3 all-star starters called in unavailable for the game. But once we got to the field, and soaked up the 70 degree sunshine, things changed for the better. TPG scored 4 in the first, and 5 in the second en route to a 12-8 victory over RRA/DBB.
TPG led of the game with four straight hits by David Beauchamp (3-4, RBI), Jigar Patel (3-4, 2B, RBI), Omar Cevallos (2-4, 2B, 2 RBI) and Justin Aharoni (2-2, 2 2B, BB). RRA/DBB fought back with 2 in the bottom of the first keeping the game close.
The second inning proved to be the turning point of the game when TPG EH Ron Alalouf (2-3, 2B, 3B, 4 RBI) came to bat with two outs and the bases loaded. Ron ripped a line drive to right field clearing the bases before he was thrown out at the plate trying to get TPG's first Grand Slam of the season (see video highlight below for replay of the bang-bang play at the plate where Ron was questionably called out).
TPG Pitcher Derrick Blocker had two key strikeouts of the number four and five hitters for RRA/DBB as he notched his first win of the season. RRA/DBB made it interesting as they scored 4 runs in the 6th, and time constraints kept the game from going into the 7th.
Game ball goes to Ron Alalouf for his 4 RBI performance.
TPG led of the game with four straight hits by David Beauchamp (3-4, RBI), Jigar Patel (3-4, 2B, RBI), Omar Cevallos (2-4, 2B, 2 RBI) and Justin Aharoni (2-2, 2 2B, BB). RRA/DBB fought back with 2 in the bottom of the first keeping the game close.
The second inning proved to be the turning point of the game when TPG EH Ron Alalouf (2-3, 2B, 3B, 4 RBI) came to bat with two outs and the bases loaded. Ron ripped a line drive to right field clearing the bases before he was thrown out at the plate trying to get TPG's first Grand Slam of the season (see video highlight below for replay of the bang-bang play at the plate where Ron was questionably called out).
TPG Pitcher Derrick Blocker had two key strikeouts of the number four and five hitters for RRA/DBB as he notched his first win of the season. RRA/DBB made it interesting as they scored 4 runs in the 6th, and time constraints kept the game from going into the 7th.
Game ball goes to Ron Alalouf for his 4 RBI performance.
Friday, May 29, 2009
PCF/HH Guts Out 6-5 Win Over PEA
On a dreary Thursday that saw just enough constant rain to cause problems in the field, Pei Cobb Freed/Hart Howerton and Perkins Eastman Architects traded big innings in a batter's duel en route to a come-from-behind victory in a battle of the two remaining undefeated S.L.A.M. teams.
It's not enough for a pair of teams to boast an "undefeated" 1-0 record in an amateur softball league, so I'm going to build on that by saying only in the S.L.A.M. league can the same teams play error-free softball in sloppy field conditions, particularly since this official scorer hasn't awarded any team an error in more than three years of managing.
But I digress. Cy Young certainly turned over in his grave last night, as he couldn't bare to watch the slugfest between the Black and Red of PCF/HH and the grey of Perkins Eastman. Still, PCF/HH pitcher Juan Monahan made up for his 17 hits allowed (a number of which weren't on his shoulders) by driving in three crucial runs for his home team. Monahan drove in two in the bottom of the first after three consecutive singles by Mark Maljanian, Yusuke Okabayashi, and J. Strong. Carlos Sagastume added a sacrifice fly to left field to help PCF/HH to a 3-0 lead after one.
Perkins Eastman followed up with some key two-out hits of their own, including a big two-run triple by left fielder Eric Brodfuehrer and an RBI single from pitcher Steve O'Reilly to knot the game at 3. PCF/HH narrowly escaped more damage by eliciting a fly ball out with the bases loaded to end the top of the second. After blanking the Black and Red in the bottom of the second, PEA pulled together some more clutch two-out softball, including four consecutive singles and Melissa Schroeder's 2 RBI to take a 5-3 lead.
Neither team scored in the fourth as the sprinkling of rain filled out to a constant drizzle. But in the bottom of the fifth, with time starting to become a factor and the top of their lineup coming to bat, the Black and Red took advantage of what may have been their final opportunity. Alternating singles and fielder's choices, PCF/HH found themselves down 5-4 with two outs. With Okabayashi on first as a courtesy runner for Strong, the tandem of Monahan and Sagastume teamed up again. Monahan boomed an RBI triple to right-centerfield to score Okabayashi and tie the game at 5, before Sagastume hatcheted a single over the heads of the infield to score Monahan and give PCF/HH their second lead of the game, which they would not relinquish.
Defensively, in spite of the sludge, both shortstops made particularly interesting plays to keep their teams in the game. PEA shortstop Mike Bruno pulled off a legitimate SportsCenter Web Gem of a diving catch to rob PCF/HH leadoff hitter Mike Copeland at the top of the first. Bruno received compliments from both teams on the play. Déjà vu struck in the bottom of the second, as Bruno again made a lunging stop to rob Teresa Parziale of a single up the middle.
Not to be outdone, Maljanian anchored two double plays. The first came on a line-drive out in the third inning that he threw to first to double off the base runner. His next one came in the top of the fourth, also on a line-drive catch, followed by a diving tag to catch the runner at second.
The PCF/HH Game Ball goes to two players. Juan Monahan for his clutch hits and 3 RBI to lead the team offensively and to Mark Maljanian (who'd tell you he had a crappy game if you asked) for his 2-for-3 and 2 runs scored at the plate, as well as his two double plays to lead the team defensively.
The PEA Game Ball, in my mind, has to go to Mike Bruno, who added a perfect 3-for-3 batting average to complement his two outstanding plays in the field. If Christine doesn't agree with my call for her Game Ball, she can duke it out with me and the peanut gallery in the comments section.
It's not enough for a pair of teams to boast an "undefeated" 1-0 record in an amateur softball league, so I'm going to build on that by saying only in the S.L.A.M. league can the same teams play error-free softball in sloppy field conditions, particularly since this official scorer hasn't awarded any team an error in more than three years of managing.
But I digress. Cy Young certainly turned over in his grave last night, as he couldn't bare to watch the slugfest between the Black and Red of PCF/HH and the grey of Perkins Eastman. Still, PCF/HH pitcher Juan Monahan made up for his 17 hits allowed (a number of which weren't on his shoulders) by driving in three crucial runs for his home team. Monahan drove in two in the bottom of the first after three consecutive singles by Mark Maljanian, Yusuke Okabayashi, and J. Strong. Carlos Sagastume added a sacrifice fly to left field to help PCF/HH to a 3-0 lead after one.
Perkins Eastman followed up with some key two-out hits of their own, including a big two-run triple by left fielder Eric Brodfuehrer and an RBI single from pitcher Steve O'Reilly to knot the game at 3. PCF/HH narrowly escaped more damage by eliciting a fly ball out with the bases loaded to end the top of the second. After blanking the Black and Red in the bottom of the second, PEA pulled together some more clutch two-out softball, including four consecutive singles and Melissa Schroeder's 2 RBI to take a 5-3 lead.
Neither team scored in the fourth as the sprinkling of rain filled out to a constant drizzle. But in the bottom of the fifth, with time starting to become a factor and the top of their lineup coming to bat, the Black and Red took advantage of what may have been their final opportunity. Alternating singles and fielder's choices, PCF/HH found themselves down 5-4 with two outs. With Okabayashi on first as a courtesy runner for Strong, the tandem of Monahan and Sagastume teamed up again. Monahan boomed an RBI triple to right-centerfield to score Okabayashi and tie the game at 5, before Sagastume hatcheted a single over the heads of the infield to score Monahan and give PCF/HH their second lead of the game, which they would not relinquish.
Defensively, in spite of the sludge, both shortstops made particularly interesting plays to keep their teams in the game. PEA shortstop Mike Bruno pulled off a legitimate SportsCenter Web Gem of a diving catch to rob PCF/HH leadoff hitter Mike Copeland at the top of the first. Bruno received compliments from both teams on the play. Déjà vu struck in the bottom of the second, as Bruno again made a lunging stop to rob Teresa Parziale of a single up the middle.
Not to be outdone, Maljanian anchored two double plays. The first came on a line-drive out in the third inning that he threw to first to double off the base runner. His next one came in the top of the fourth, also on a line-drive catch, followed by a diving tag to catch the runner at second.
The PCF/HH Game Ball goes to two players. Juan Monahan for his clutch hits and 3 RBI to lead the team offensively and to Mark Maljanian (who'd tell you he had a crappy game if you asked) for his 2-for-3 and 2 runs scored at the plate, as well as his two double plays to lead the team defensively.
The PEA Game Ball, in my mind, has to go to Mike Bruno, who added a perfect 3-for-3 batting average to complement his two outstanding plays in the field. If Christine doesn't agree with my call for her Game Ball, she can duke it out with me and the peanut gallery in the comments section.
May is in the books....
After stumbling out of the gates in April and early May, the season seems to be hitting stride as we head into the heart of the schedule in June. The first month of the season is in the books and we've already seen some unbelievable games. It appears as though, at a minimum, the top 6-8 teams are as evenly matched as ever.....which should make it interesting come playoff time with the new 6-team format. Here are a few early-season facts:
- of the 17 games played so far, 8 have been decided by 2-runs or less...while 5 have been decided by 10-runs or more...
- PCF/HH is the league's only remaining unbeaten team at 2-0...
- 7 teams are right behind with only 1 loss...
- 9 of the 12 teams have a record of .500 or better...although only 5 teams actually have winning records...
- HM/RAMSA is leading the league offensively, scoring an average of 11 runs per game so far...
- FXF is leading defensively, giving up an average of just 2.3 runs per game...
Let's hope the exciting games continue. Good luck to everyone the rest of the way!
HMA/RAMSA GRINDS OUT A 4-2 VICTORY OVER FXFOWLE
If you love watching architectural league softball with electric offense and spectacular defense then this was definitely not the game for you. After two blowout victories to start the season, HMA/RAMSA was once again locked in a pitching duel--only this time they weren't on the short end of the stick.FXFowle got on the board first in the top of the second inning as Mike Cosentino led off the inning with a double and came around to score on an opposite field single by pitcher Manny Morales for an early 1-0 lead. Equally potent with his arm, Manny also shut down the Orange Crush for the first 4-2/3 innings of no hit ball. After retiring the first two batters of the bottom of the 5th inning, Megan Fullagar hit a well-placed ball into the hole between 3rd and short for a (generous) base hit. Josh Barkan followed with a single to put runners on 1st and 2nd as DH Mike Periolat stepped up with the biggest at bat of the young season. Mike lined a double into the gap in left center to score two runs--the second of which by fleet-o-foot Josh Barkan who tripped halfway between 3rd and home and fell flat on his face. Were it not for the errant throw home, Josh probably was dead at home; but as it stands his aggressive base running gave HMA/RAMSA a lead they would never relinquish. (How we don’t have video of this moment is the biggest disappoint of the entire game. It would have been a classic blooper for generations.) HMA/RAMSA tacked on another run that inning with another opposite field single to right field by RF Cale Sadowski for a 3-1 lead.
After giving up a run in the second inning, pitcher David Solomon retired the next 11 batters and didn’t allow a base runner until the top of the sixth inning. FXFowle threatened in the 6th with a leadoff error, followed by a couple of singles in the inning, which brought 3B Nate Rupcich to the plate with the bases loaded. Nate smoked a line drive to a well-positioned Mike Ryan at shortstop for the last out of the inning to end the would-be rally
HMA/RAMSA added another insurance run in the bottom of the 6th inning thanks in part to terrific hustle by Pete Garofalo who went from 1st to 3rd on a groundball out to the shortstop. Replay footage shows that Pete may have been tagged out but since SLAM has yet to officially institute replay in 2009, the ruling on the field stood. Mike Ryan brought the runner home from 3rd with a single up the middle for a 4-1 heading to the 7th.
Things got very interesting in the last inning as FXFowle once again threatened with a leadoff single, followed by two miscommunications on routine infield bloops that led to a bases loaded jam. Manny Morales then singled to center to score 1 run, leaving the bases loaded with 1 out in a 4-2 game. With a little gas left in the ol' tank, Solomon struck out the next batter and got the final out of the game on a comeback ground ball to secure the 3rd victory of the season.
After scoring 38 runs in their first 2 games, HMA/RAMSA has now only scored 6 runs combined in their next two. One has to wonder where has the offense gone? Or have they just been up against great pitching? Either way, the bats must come alive if this team is to contend for the 2009 title.
GAME BALLS: Mike and Mike
- Mike Ryan—for his solid defense at SS filling in for injured Doug Houstoun (hopefully expected back for the next game on June 8th) and, for his big RBI in the 7th for an insurance run.
- Mike Periolat—clutch double in the 5th to drive home 2 runs.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
KPF Defeats Holzman Moss / Robert A.M. Stern 3-2
Central Park, New York – May 18th, 2009
With last year’s playoff victory against HM/RAMSA still fresh in everyone’s mind (and the basis for an offseason playoff rule change), the KPF team knew that the HM/RAMSA team would be seeking revenge.
Unable to field a complete team due to deadlines and 2 injuries the previous week, KPF was missing one player in the field and an important bat in the lineup (our usual cleanup hitter). The HM/RAMSA team had outscored their previous 2 opponents by a combined score of 38-6 and were ready to bolster their offensive stat total. Luckily, a strong KPF defensive team was ready to play even if we had one less fielder than was allowed.
In a cold 55 degree May evening and in anticipation for our showdown, we had our 2008 team MVP Tiffany Broyles starting next to our third baseman Keisuke Hiei (3 time team MVP and 2 time league defensive player of the year).
What followed was, according to the HM/RAMSA captain and pitcher David Solomon, ”… one of the most dominant pitching performances I’ve ever seen.” Of course, I’m sure David was speaking of corporate coed softball in the SLAM league but nonetheless, Tiffany had allowed 5 total base runners with 4 singles and a walk. There was not one defensive error to let someone on 1B either. Not to take anything away from the opposing team, (they were hitting the ball) but the KPF squad had their gloves oiled and positions well patrolled.
Trailing 0-1, KPF scored it’s first run in the 5th inning to tie it at 1-1. Nick Wallin lead the rally by hitting a line drive single. Following Nick was Allison Young who hit another single to advance Nick to second base. Next up, Brian Ballok followed with an RBI single and drove Nick home. This small-ball approach worked out just right for the game since the opposing pitcher was mixing it up and keeping us on our toes.
In addition to his usual smooth fielding and clutch hitting, Keisuke ran the bases with natural baseball instinct. In the top of the 7th (last) inning and KPF leading 2-1, Keisuke stretched what seemed like a single into a double by sliding headfirst under the tag. Next was a sharp single by David Niles (who KPF welcomes back as former captain after 9 years away) that scored Keisuke as an important insurance run. HM/RAMSA scored in the bottom of the 7th to make it a 1 run game, however Tiffany Broyles pitched out of the jam to secure another KPF win.
The intensity of the game was apparent early on when the opposing HM/RAMSA left fielder Eric Hofman was airborne horizontally and made what was the best diving catch I have ever seen in 11 years of this league. This catch robbed us of at least 1 run and ended our rally in the 4th inning.
In softball, it is rare to have a pitchers duel, and this was a game well played by both teams.
Other Notable stats:
Keisuke Hiei – 2-2, 2BB (1 intentional), 1 run scored
Nick Wallin - 3-3, 1 RBI, 1 run scored
Tiffany Broyles – 7 innings pitched, 4 hits allowed, 1BB, 2 runs allowed
With last year’s playoff victory against HM/RAMSA still fresh in everyone’s mind (and the basis for an offseason playoff rule change), the KPF team knew that the HM/RAMSA team would be seeking revenge.
Unable to field a complete team due to deadlines and 2 injuries the previous week, KPF was missing one player in the field and an important bat in the lineup (our usual cleanup hitter). The HM/RAMSA team had outscored their previous 2 opponents by a combined score of 38-6 and were ready to bolster their offensive stat total. Luckily, a strong KPF defensive team was ready to play even if we had one less fielder than was allowed.
In a cold 55 degree May evening and in anticipation for our showdown, we had our 2008 team MVP Tiffany Broyles starting next to our third baseman Keisuke Hiei (3 time team MVP and 2 time league defensive player of the year).
What followed was, according to the HM/RAMSA captain and pitcher David Solomon, ”… one of the most dominant pitching performances I’ve ever seen.” Of course, I’m sure David was speaking of corporate coed softball in the SLAM league but nonetheless, Tiffany had allowed 5 total base runners with 4 singles and a walk. There was not one defensive error to let someone on 1B either. Not to take anything away from the opposing team, (they were hitting the ball) but the KPF squad had their gloves oiled and positions well patrolled.
Trailing 0-1, KPF scored it’s first run in the 5th inning to tie it at 1-1. Nick Wallin lead the rally by hitting a line drive single. Following Nick was Allison Young who hit another single to advance Nick to second base. Next up, Brian Ballok followed with an RBI single and drove Nick home. This small-ball approach worked out just right for the game since the opposing pitcher was mixing it up and keeping us on our toes.
In addition to his usual smooth fielding and clutch hitting, Keisuke ran the bases with natural baseball instinct. In the top of the 7th (last) inning and KPF leading 2-1, Keisuke stretched what seemed like a single into a double by sliding headfirst under the tag. Next was a sharp single by David Niles (who KPF welcomes back as former captain after 9 years away) that scored Keisuke as an important insurance run. HM/RAMSA scored in the bottom of the 7th to make it a 1 run game, however Tiffany Broyles pitched out of the jam to secure another KPF win.
The intensity of the game was apparent early on when the opposing HM/RAMSA left fielder Eric Hofman was airborne horizontally and made what was the best diving catch I have ever seen in 11 years of this league. This catch robbed us of at least 1 run and ended our rally in the 4th inning.
In softball, it is rare to have a pitchers duel, and this was a game well played by both teams.
Other Notable stats:
Keisuke Hiei – 2-2, 2BB (1 intentional), 1 run scored
Nick Wallin - 3-3, 1 RBI, 1 run scored
Tiffany Broyles – 7 innings pitched, 4 hits allowed, 1BB, 2 runs allowed
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