Cardinals 7 Phillies 5
It was hotter than a witch's, well, you know, in Medway. The Cardinals couldn't play home team at
home as soccer has invaded their outfield for the rest of the season. Commie soccer bastards.
Starting Cardinal Pitcher Matt Finnegan (3 innings, no decision, 1-3 double batting) sat the first
three Phillies down in order in the first, and Starting Phillies Pitcher Nix (1-2, Double, BB Batting))
allowed a double to Finnegan but ended the inning scoreless. 0-0 after one.
A second inning walk to Phillies Nix proved costly combined with a DiLuzo single, and a Vallancourt
slow grounder. The Cardinals answered in the bottom with Hugh Cornwell (2-3, 2 RBI, 1 Run) tripling,
and scoring on John Masiello (2-3, 2 RBI) single. 1-1 after 2.
Third inning, Phill's Boardman reaches on an error, advances on Watson's slow roller, and scores
on Mark Roger's (1-3, 1 RBI) single. Cardinals answer in the bottom of the third with Trey Garvin's
single, scoring on Rick Rice single. 2-2 after 3.
Phillies begin the fourth with Keith "This guys tough" Ibargnen (1-3 BB) walk, and scores on Casey
single. Cardinals answer double, as Paul Murphy (2-3, 2 triples, 2 Runs) triples, and scores on
Cornwell single. Masiello singles, advances on Jeff Rozenguard (Winning pitcher, 1-2 BB Batting),
single, and scores on an error. Card's lead 4-3 after four.
The heat got to everyone until the seventh when Murphy triples, and scores on a Balk. Cornwell
reminded everyone that he gets credit for RBI, as strike three sails by. (Sorry Hugh, but I
couldn't let that one go). Card's 5-3 after 7.
Top of the eighth, Nix, and Jeff Langan single and score on Boardman single. Game tied at five
until the bottom of the eighth, when Rozenguard, and Howie Simon single, and score on Jamie Holmes
double. Holmes has three game winning hits this year.
Ninth inning, Rozenguard shuts down the Phillies. Final score Card's 7-5.
Strong middle relief by Cardinals Tom Langmeier, allowing one run in four innings.
Quote of the day: Phillies Manager Rick Huckins "Remember "Spy vs. Spy" in Mad Magazine, when you
were a kid? This league is a lot like that. You really think you did something smart, then a piano
falls on your head."
Braves 9 Cubs 8
No recap available.
Indians 15 Brewers 11
No recap available.
Orioles 9 Mariners 1
No recap available.
Yankees 6 Red Sox 4
No recap available.
Week 18, 08/22/04 Various week makeups
Red Sox 7 Brewers 4, 11 innings
The Brewers matched the Red Sox today pitch for pitch and hit for hit, but the Sox scored three
unearned runs in the top of the 11th to secure their 11th win of the year. Brian Hale and Steve
Saraceno each scattered 15 hits and went the distance. Saraceno's win is his tenth. Hale threw
strikes all day and the defense behind him made all the plays to keep the game tight.
For Ashland, Kevin Quinn and Pete Greene combined for 5 RBI on 4 hits, while John Badaracco and
Brent McKenzie shared 4 runs and 5 hits. New papa Brian Farrell picked up where he left off back
in the day when he used to sleep at night, as he collected a single and a double.
Chris Farley led Wayland's defense with some strong play up the middle at short, while catcher John
Pavia went 4 for 5.
Orioles 10 Cubs 9 and Orioles 3 Cubs 0
No recaps available.
Indians 7 Phillies 4 and Indians 12 Phillies 5
No recaps available.
Week 16, 08/08/04 Double Headers
Braves 3 Phillies 2 and Braves 8 Phillies 4
The Braves and Phillies battled in a well played doubleheader at Medway High. The Braves were
able to garner a sweep of the Phils in 2 close games.
Game 1, Braves 3 Phillies 2:
Game 1 featured an excellent pitchers duel between Jamie Nix of the Phils and Rich Moran of
the Braves. Both hurlers kept the batters off balance and hit their spots very effectively.
Offensively for the Braves, hits by Steve Smith, Steve Ryan and Jim McLaughlin got the Braves
off to a good start. The Phillies attack was jump started by back to back triples by Casey and
Shawn Boardman. Brian Gibbons also chipped in with 2 hits for the Phils. Moran stayed tough on
the hill and was able to close out the game to give the Braves depleted bullpen a rest.
Game 2, Braves 8 Phillies 4:
Braves righty Jim Callaghan ran his record to 9-1 with a complete game win. Callaghan's command
and control was shaky, but his teammates bailed him out constantly with excellent defensive plays.
The Braves jumped out in the first inning on a 2 run double by Steve Ryan and never trailed again.
Ryan, McLaughlin and Callaghan had 2 hits each for the Braves. The Phillies were led by Casey,
Nix, Vallencourt and Boardman. Boardman had an all around monster day for the Phils with some
big hits and some excellent glovework at first base. Nix was the iron man as he went back out
and pitched the first 3 innings of game 2. Rick Huckins and Chris Decatur pitched well in relief
for the Phils.
Orioles 5 Red Sox 4 and Orioles 4 Red Sox 2
No recaps available.
Indians 6 Mariners 1 and Indians 20 Mariners 5
The Indians used the "big inning" in both games to sweep the Mariners, 6-1 and 20-5, at Marlborough
High in a pair of games which had major playoff implications.
Mariner righthander John Gatti, who threw a gem in eliminating the Indians in the single-game
playoff last season, was in total command in the opener Sunday, as he held the Tribe to just a pair
of singles through the first five innings. Through five, the Mariners held a 1-0 lead on an Eddie
Wright rbi single in the first.
Gatti walked his first batter, Jack Buchanan, to open the flodgates in the sixth inning, in which
the Indians would plate all six of their runs. After a stolen base, starting pitcher Tom Dowey
singled home the tying run. Rob Howard followed with a bunt to third which was thrown wildely past
the first baseman. Dowey scored all the way from first on a close call at the plate with the
eventual winning run. Craig Macauley, Steve Courtwright, Bob Goldstein and Dowey again had rbi
singles in the decisive inning.
Dowey (5-2) scattered 10 hits, walking four and striking out three. Gatti gave up eight hits, while
walking two and fanning five. Dowey was 3-3 (2 rbi) and Goldstein had a pair of hits. Chris
Vericker and Farrell had two hits each for the M's.
The Indians, who scored six runs in their final at-bat of the opener, continued their assault
on Mariner southpaw Bob Solat in the nightcap as they erupted for 11 runs in the top of the
first. Solat battled control problems as he walked the first three batters, uncorked a wild pitch
and hit Courtwright. That was followed up by consecutive singles by Goldstein, Mike Togneri,
Larry Rosoff and Markian Stecyk before Solat recorded his first out - a strikeout of Indians
starter and winner Jack Buchanan, the ninth and final batter in the lineup. Another walk, an
error, a booming two-run triple by Courtwright (his seventh three-bagger of the saeason), and an
rbi single by Goldstein capped the huge inning.
The Mariners battled back against Buchanan with a Gatti rbi single in the first, and plating four
more runs in the third on a bases-loaded walk to Tim Foster and a two-run single by Gatti, making
it 11-5.
Mike Breslau, who relieved Solat in the first inning, was cruising along as he retired seven
straight batters coming into the fourth inning. But the Indians finally got to him for a
five-spot -- the big hit being a monster two-run triple by Stecyk -- making is 16-5.
Foster relieved in the fifth and surrendered an unearned run, before the Indians put on the
finishing touches in the sixth scoring three runs on a Togeri rbi double and a two-run single by
Rosoff accounting for the final of 20-5.
Buchanan picked up the first Indians win not credited to Dowey this season in running his record
to 1-3. Goldstein and Togneri (3 hits each) and Macauley, Courtwright, Rosoff and Stecyk (2 each)
had multiple hit games in combining for all 14 Indian hits. Courtwright and Togneri drove in
four runs each for the winners. Gatti went 2-3 with 3 rbi to lead the Mariners.
The victories give the Indians a 6-9 record, good for third place in the AL and a spot in the
playoffs with three games remaining. The defeats dealt the Mariners a devastating blow to their
playoff hopes. Tied with the Yankees at 5-12, they need to upset the division-leading Orioles
next week, coupled with a Yankees loss to the Red Sox in order to qualify for a post-season berth.
Cubs 6 Yankees 0 and Cubs 7 Yankees 5
No recaps available.
Brewers 4 Cardinals 3 and Cardinals 7 Brewers 3
Brewers Starting Pitcher Brian Hale struck out 9, in a complete game win, baffling the Card's
with off speed curves and an occasional palm ball, to get the Brewers a 4-3 win at beautiful
Wayland High Field.
First Inning Card's Rick Rice Singles and later scores on Brian Rodriguez (B-Rod) slow roller to 3rd.
Second inning Cardinals John Masiello (1-1, BB HBP) is hit by 1st pitch, advances on passed ball,
and scores on an error. Cardinals lead 2-0 after 2.
Fourth inning starts with B-Rod reaching on fielder's choice, advances on Masiello Single, and
scores on Hugh Cornwell (1-3) single. Bottom of the fourth, Brewers John Pavia reaches and scores
on back to back Cardinal errors. Card's lead 3-1 after four.
In the fifth Brewers Jeff Lortz (3-3 2 Runs Scored), singles, Andrew Jones (1-2, really, his name
is Andrew Jones) singles, and both score on Tom Aghinetti single. Game tied after five.
Bottom of the seventh, Brewer's Lortz singles, advances on an error and scores on Brian Hale walk-off
single. Final Score Brewers 4-3.
Game 2: Cardinals 7 Brewers 3
Cardinals Starting Pitcher Jeff Rozenguard (1-2, 1RBI, 1 Run Scored, Batting) lasted five innings
to get the win in the second half of the double header.
First inning, Card's grab Three runs off Rick Rice (1-3), Tim Ryan (1-2, BB 2 Runs Scored), Matt
Finnegan (1-3), singles and Paul Murphy (1-3, double Save Pitching), scores on Brian Rodriguez SAC.
Card's 3-0 after 1.
All quiet until the fourth, when Brewers Leadoff Lionel Hamilton singles, advances on Bill Hoover
bunt, and scores on a Cardinal error. Card's go down in order, but lead 3-1 after four.
Fifth inning, Masiello, Cornwell, Rozenguard, Simon (All 1-2), all single and score aided by Jamie
Holmes SAC, and Pat Pisano (1-1, BB) single. Brewers answer with two in the last of the fifth
with Hale reaching on an error, Steve Darrah single and Aghinetti walk. Cardinal Reliever Paul
Murphy sits Brewers down in order the rest of the way earning a nice save. Card's lead 6-3 after five.
Cardinals add sixth inning insurance run as Tim Murphy walks, advances on passed ball, and Matt
Finnegan Bomb caught in center and scores on Paul Murphy double.
Final score Card's 7 Brewers 3.
Week 15, 08/01/04
Cardinals 5 Braves 4
The repressive clammy cruel climate stood in sharp contrast to the crisp level of play between the
National League rival Braves and Cardinals as the Hudson Nine continued their Cardiac Kid ways
winning 5-4 on their last at bat.
The Braves struck in the first as Steve Smith's (2-3 and a walk) single drove in Steve Ryan (2-3)
who reached on a walk and advanced on a passed ball.
The score remained until Braves Cristo Lagos singled and scored to make it Braves 2-0 after three.
The Card's answered with two in the fourth when John Masiello (2-4, 2 Runs Scored), Hugh Cornwell
(2-3), and Howie Simon (1-4, 2 RBI) all singled. 2-2 after four.
Braves Ryan scored in the sixth off of J. Lagos Sac to right, and in the seventh as Jack
Berardinelli (2-4) drove in Paul Chiodo (2-4). Braves 4-2 after 7½.
The Card's chalked up 1 in the 8th as Masiello singled, advanced on a Cornwell single, and a
passed ball, eventually scoring on Tom Langmeier's slow roller to second.
Cardinal winning Pitcher Tom Langmeier (6 Ks, 2 BB) sat the Braves down in order in the top of the ninth.
The Cardinals began the ninth with hits from Brian Eagan (2-3 and a walk) and Rick Rice. Masiello
signaled the double steal (the outcome of which in the ninth can make a Manager look like either
Earl Weaver or Grady Little), which worked. Eagan scored on a passed ball, which also advanced
Rice to third. Cardinal Catcher Tim Ryan hit a drive to left, which Sacced in Rice to end it.
Rich Moram pitched a complete game for the Braves and took the tough luck loss.
It was a very clean game with each team committing only one error.
Red Sox 7 Mariners 4
After giving up two runs to the Mariners in the top of the first, the Red Sox scored four in their
first two at bats to cruise to a 7-4 win. Steve Saraceno scattered seven hits over seven innings
for his ninth win. Tim Cunnane closed out the win in the ninth by striking out the side, thereby
officially retiring his nickname of Wild Thing from the future of this website. We'd like to propose
the new nickname Gas, but that might both get a little too personal and limit his food to Mexican
on Saturday nights.
Saraceno himself started a nifty 1-6-3 double play in the fifth to lead an error-free defense. Brian
Farrell, Steve Slowik, and Joe Casula each collected two hits for like the 17th time this season,
and left fielder Steve Halzel scored Ashland's final run in the fifth after leading off the inning
with a double. The Sox welcomed back Carl Hakansson, who was on the 60-day DL with a splinter in
his pointer finger--he could have stayed on the active roster, but he opted against having the
finger amputated. Hak singled in his first at bat.
John Gatti pitched a strong game for the Mariners, walking only one batter and giving up two
unearned runs. Andy Lickly led the offense with two hits, and Kevin Ryan scored twice.
Orioles 3 Indians 1
No recap available.
Phillies 17 Yankees 10
No recap available.
Cubs 8 Brewers 2
No recap available.
Week 14, 07/25/04
Braves 4 Orioles 3, 16 innings
In a game that could be classified as one of the league's all time best and certainly one of the
longest, the Braves and Orioles battled for 16 innings before the Braves pulled out the victory 4-3 at
Millis. The game featured lots of clutch defense and pitching and enough wierdness to make it a true
classic.
Both pitchers, the Orioles Rob Gray and the Braves Jim Callaghan went the distance and seemed to get
stronger as the game went on. Both hurlers threw over 200 pitches and came up huge for their team.
Gray struck out 11 and walked 3 while giving up 20 hits. Callaghan fanned 10 with 1 walk and gave up
13 hits. Both would likely have serious trouble combing their hair and brushing their teeth for a
few days.
The Braves took an early 2-0 lead on RBI's from Callaghan and Steve Smith. In the 8th, the Orioles
got all 3 of their runs on opposite field hits by Tom Galvani (1-5, 2 RBI's) and Brendan Doyle. The
Braves answered back on hits by Christo Lagos and Mike Scire which tied the score at 3. And, there
it stood for a long time. . . . . .
Each team threatened in extra innings, especially the Braves who had 2 runners thrown out at the
plate and another called out on appeal at third base after Steve Ryan's apparent game winning hit.
The Braves had another great chance in the 13th with 2 on and two out. Orioles shortstop Dean
Bennett made a sensational play going up the middle and throwing out the Braves runner by half a
step ending the inning. In the 12th, the Orioles got their first two runners on, but Braves
third baseman Flash Gordon started a nifty 5-4-3 double play to keep that rally scoreless.
In the bottom of the 16th, with one out, Matt Kane hit a long double to left for the Braves. Leadoff
man Christo Lagos followed with his 5th single of the day sending Kane to third. Mike Scire then
lined a clean single to right scoring Kane and sending the home team home happy and exhausted. Scire's
clutch hit was his 4th of the day.
For the Orioles, John Kopellas had 2 hits and Bunky Smith was 3-5. Gray had 10 1-3 assists on the
mound in an excellent display of fielding. The Braves were led by Lagos and Scire with 9 hits between
them. Smith, Ryan and Gordon also hit the ball well.
Yankees 12 Mariners 5
No recap available.
Red Sox 9 Indians 5
This most recent tale of Red Sox lore harkens back to yesteryear, when Sunday's Cooperstown inductee
Dennis Eckersley watched a gimpy Kirk Gibson send the home team Dodgers to a Game 1 World Series win
that led to a sweep of the favored A's. Few know, though, that skipper Tommy Lasorda rifled through
the rule book to find an obscure rule that he "just knew was there back when I played in the minors
in the early 1890s!" The rule would have allowed Lasorda to remove the injured Gibson from the order,
therefore reducing the lineup to 8 batters. As we all know, Lasorda's ploy was disallowed, and
Gibson's wrist flick made history.
It was from a similar bag of hardball acumen that Red Sox ringleader Steve Saraceno reached to
attempt to remove his brother Victor from the lineup with the score knotted at 5 in the bottom of the
eighth. Victor had broken his right leg in seven places in the previous at bat, but the Sox were told
that he would be forced to bat or the inning's final out would result. Victor used a golf cart to get
to the batter's box, stood with the assistance of a cane, and promptly used the cane to slap a two
strike pitch to right center to drive in the go-ahead runs.
The Sox scored all 9 of their runs in the eighth, after it appeared the Indians had gotten the best
of Steve Saraceno, and Tom Dowey had cooled Ashland's hot bats. All but two Sox scored in the inning,
as they reverted to their get-on-base-at-any-cost ways just in time to salvage the win. Sox closer
Wild Thing Cunnane took over for Saraceno in the eighth and set down the final six Indians in order
on four strikeouts to claim his first win of the year. Corner outfielders Brian Farrell and Mark
Frahm led the offense with two hits apiece and a total of three RBIs.
Dowey's knuckler was doing the foxtrot through seven, when he was relieved by Craig Macauley and
Richie Leone, who together gave up seven hits and four walks. Second baseman Rob Howard made three
web gems and scored a run. Macauley and Bob Goldstein provided punch from the bottom of the order,
combining for four hits and four RBIs.
And for those who are interested, get well cards can be sent to Victor in care of Ashland's
Sunshine Cafe, where he was seen nursing his injury over a late ham and eggs breakfast Sunday
afternoon. He expects to be back in the lineup next week against the Mariners, as long as they don't
object to the cane that doubles as his bat!
Cubs 5 Cardinals 3
No recap available.
Phillies vs. Brewers
Phillies win game via a forfeit.
Week 13, 07/18/04
Red Sox 13 Braves 7
The Red Sox rode the right arm of Steve Saraceno and an offense that's producing up and down the
lineup to a 13-7 win over the Braves at Memorial Field. Saraceno's eighth win was secure early, as
the Sox scored the game's first eleven runs before the Braves came to bat in the fifth. In the fifth,
the Braves got their first baserunner against Saraceno, and they chipped away at the lead the rest
of the game.
Wayne Sylvia and Brent McKenzie led the 16-hit attack with two hits apiece and a combined seven RBIs.
Sylvia also kept the crowd (was it 5 fans, or 6?) entertained with some circus catches and scoops at
first base. Left fielder Brian Farrell banged out three hits and scored three runs.
Steve Smith started and took the loss for the Braves. Rich Moran relieved in the fifth and gave up
only two runs. The Braves offense was paced by Paul Chiodo and Eric Gordon, who each had two hits
and scored a run.
Indians 8 Cardinals 7
No recap available.
Cubs 12 Phillies 3
No recap available.
Orioles 8 Yankees 0
No recap available.
Mariners 7 Brewers 5
No recap available.
Week 12, 07/11/04
Red Sox 8 Phillies 2
Steve Saraceno won his seventh, going the distance in Ashland's 8-2 win over the Phillies. For the
past month, Saraceno has played the role of the Trojan Horse for the Sox. Opponents know of the
coach's reputation and past successes, but it's the upstart crew of rag taggers behind him that has
combined stingy defense with timely hitting to make the Sox a team nobody looks forward to on their
schedule.
In this one, the Sox scored single runs in the second and fourth before breaking the game open with
four more in the fifth. Two more late runs made it 8-0 before the Phillies plated two in the ninth.
Shortstop Steve Slowik had seven assists and two hits, and Wild Thing Cunnane also added two hits.
Kevin Quinn and Brent McKenzie each knocked in two runs.
Rick Huckins, who started and took the loss for the Phils, kept the Sox off-balance for most of his
five innings. Jeff Langnan and Temte each had two hits for the Phillies, who also played a solid
defensive game.
Braves 17 Brewers 1
The Braves ran their record to 11-1 with a 17-1 7 inning affair at Wayland. A close game after
5, the Braves broke it open in the later innings with a lot of timely hitting.
Brian Hale of the Brewers started and kept his team in the game. The Braves left the bases
loaded twice, Hale made some tough pitches when he had to. It was only 4-0 Braves when Hale
departed in the 5th. The Braves broke it open against reliever Bill Hoover and the Brewers had
some trouble making plays behind Hoover.
Braves starter and winner Jim Callaghan went the first 6 innings giving up no runs on 3 hits with
9 K's. Steve Purdy closed out the game in the 7th with 2 K's. Callaghan upped his record to 7-1.
Offensively for the Braves, everyone contributed, but the big bats were Steve Smith (5-6 5 RBI's)
and Christo Lagos (3 hits and 3 walks). Flash Gordon hit a bomb of a triple to clear the bases in
the 6th.
For the Brewers, Paul Wood killed the ball every time up and Bill Hoover also hit the ball hard.
The Braves host the Red Sox next week.
Cardinals 6 Orioles 3, Cardinals 4 Orioles 3 Game 1
In the first inning, Cardinals Pat Pisano singles and scores on a Paul Murphy (2-3 double and
a triple) double.
Card's lead 1-0 until the bottom of the 3rd when Orioles John Galvani leads off with a triple and
scores on Dick Scullary single. Scullary (who our fathers in the stands were saying novenas to)
scores on Carlos Galvani sac to right. Tom Galvani then triples and scores on Jeff Merzel single.
O's lead 3-1 after three.
Card's tie it up in the fourth as Derek Hogarty doubles and scores on Matt Finnegan single. Paul
Murphy hits blast for a triple driving in Finnegan. Tied at 3 after four.
Top of the fourth inning sees Card's take lead starting with John Masiello double (that was a
short retirement). You know you're slow when the bench and everyone in the stands are yelling,
neigh pleading with you to take a pinch runner. Masiello watches himself (in the form of Brian Eagan)
score from the bench on Tom Langmeier single who later scores on something incomprehensible in our book.
5-3 Card's after the 5th.
Cardinals add insurance run in the 6th as Tim Ryan (caught 14 innings, ate 2500 mg Ibuprofen) Sac's in
Hogarty who reached on a walk, stole a base and advanced on a passed ball.
Cardinals starting Pitcher Tom Langmeier won his complete game start, walking none, scattering eight
hits.
Game 2
You would have thought someone had thrown a hand grenade in the Card's Dugout when Jeff Rozenguard
said in the 5th "Hey I'm throwing a no hitter…What? That's a stupid superstition." This from the
guy who begged to wear number 13.
The Orioles drew first blood in the first, taking advantage of 2 walks and 2 errors to lead 2-0,
scoring Aubrey Doyle and Jeff Merzel.
All quiet until the 3rd when O's John Kopellas scores on back to back errors from the same position,
which shall remain nameless for the purposes of this story.
Cardinals tie it up in the bottom of the fourth, scoring Ryan, Finnegan and Murphy. Tied at 3 after
the fourth.
Rozenguard baffled the O's the rest of the way with off-speed junk nipping the corners. The Card's
provided support, particularly from center fielder Pat Pisano who ran down some deep threats. Left
fielder Brian Eagan also made a diving catch to secure what may have been the ugliest no-no in the
history of the game. No offense intended Jeff.
In the bottom of the last with two outs, Cardinal Jamie Holmes singled in another Masiello stand-in
for the winner.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go smash a mirror, run circles around a black cat, lay down in a
coffin, and put pigeon food on my roof.
Quote of the day: "How was I even considering retiring? I'd have hung myself if I missed this."
-You know who.
Indians 8 Yankees 7
No recap available.
Cubs 11 Mariners 2
No recap available.
Week 10, 06/27/04
Red Sox 18 Yankees 5
On a day so perfect that a similar one once prompted Ernie Banks to say "Let's play two," the Sox
and Yanks battled so long it just seemed like they played two in this nine-inning affair. Both clubs
seemed to be fighting internal demons as well as each other, with the Sox coming out on top 18-5.
Three incarnations of Steve Saraceno and two sore-armed relievers combined to limit the Yankees to
six hits. Saraceno went 7-2/3 to earn his franchise record sixth win of the year (okay, so the
previous record was one...it's still a RECORD!).
Every player in the Sox lineup scored at least one run in the 20-hit attack. The Sox scored three
in the bottom of the first and never trailed. They put the game out of reach with seven in the
eighth. Last week's hero Pete Greene had four more RBI, while Steve Slowik and Kevin Quinn each
had three hits and a triple.
Orioles 14 Mariners 3
The Orioles pounded out 22 hits and beat a depleted Mariners team 14-3. Short several players the
Mariners were in a hole to start the game and quickly went down 3-0 in the top of the first. Dean
Bennett lead off with a single and scored when Jeff Merzel singled and reached third on a two base
error. Merzel later scored on a error and Aubrey Doyle's double scored brother Brendan for the
third run. The O's added two more in the second on a two run double from John Kopellas.
The Mariners got on the board in the second when Bob Solat singled home Wright. Solat added an
RBI triple in the ninth and scored the Mariners 3rd and final run on a sac fly from Vericker.
The Orioles added two in the 3rd on an RBI single from Merzel and an error. John Kopellas lead
off the 5th with a HR and was equaled by Tom Galvani who lead off the 7th with a HR. A Kopellas
sac fly and an RBI single from Stan Pulnik made the score 11-1 after seven. The O's added three
more in the eighth when Merzel singled and B. Doyle doubled to put runners on second and third.
Tom Galvani drove both of them home with his second HR of the day.
Rob Gray went seven for the win, giving up just 5 hits with 8 k's, one walk and one unearned run.
Aubrey Doyle pitched a scoreless eight and Brendan Doyle closed it out in the ninth getting the
final three outs. John Gatti started for the Mariners and went 6 in the loss.
The O's hitting stars were many, Tom Galvani (2-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI) John Kopellas (2-3, HR, 4 RBI),
Jeff Merzel (4-4, 3 runs, RBI), Stan Pulnik, (3-4, RBI), Carlo Galvani (2-3) and Bill Stickney
(3-4, 2b, 2 runs). Bob Solat was 2-4 with a triple and 2 RBI, John Gatti and Wright were each
2-4 as well.
Indians 16 Brewers 4
No recap available.
Cardinals 10 Phillies 8
No recap available.
Braves 5 Cubs 4
The Braves ran their record to 10-1 with a hard-fought 5-4 win over the Cubs at Memorial Field
in Millis. It was a close game that could have gone either way. The pitching and defense were
solid on both sides. The Braves got one extra clutch hit and that was the difference in the game.
Cubs starter Andy Schultz and Braves starter Steve Purdy pitched well into the middle innings.
They both pitched well in the clutch and kept big innings away. Tom Barnes (2-3), Glenn Legault
(2-2), Andy Luckhardt (2-4) and Eddie Murray (3-4) led the Cubs offense early while clutch hits
by Rich Moran, Flash Gordon and Steve Smith kept the Braves on track. The Braves were up 3-2 with
2 outs in the top of the 6th when a Barnes 2 run hit chased Purdy from the game and gave the Cubs a
4-3 lead. Jim Callaghan came out of the pen and was greeted by a hot smash by Peter DiNatale.
Luckily for the Braves, it was right at Braves left fielder Christo Lagos. Purdy struck out 8
in his 5 2/3 innings and battled hard without his best stuff.
Andy Luckhardt relieved Schultz for the Cubs in the 6th and kept the Braves scoreless until the
7th. With 2 runners on and two outs, leadoff man Christo Lagos lined a ball into the right-center
field gap to score 2 and give the Braves a 5-4 lead. Lagos' triple was just another clutch play
by the Braves money player.
Callaghan, who extricated himself from a bases loaded jam in the 8th was able to close the door
in the ninth and earn his 6th win helped by some good defensive plays. Luckhardt was the tough
luck loser. Steve Ryan had 3 hits for the Braves and Mike Londergan made several tricky
catches in right field for the winners.
Cubs catcher Paul Sonnett and Legault led the Cubs defensive efforts.
Week 9, 06/20/04 Double Headers
Cardinals 3 Red Sox 2, Red Sox 5 Cardinals 3 Game 1
Elvis sang the National Anthem, Bigfoot threw out the ceremonial first pitch, and Paul Murphy bunted
for a hit to start the Cardinal first inning. No really, Murph bunted with nobody on. Two Stolen
bases and a Matt Sandock sac fly later, the Card's lead 1-0 after 1.
Sox Pitcher Tom Cunnane cruised through five innings striking out nine and the Card's Jeff Rozenguard
(Complete game win, 6 Ks) had a shutout until the sixth, when Steve Saraceno scored on a Brian
Whiteley single and the Cardinals Tim Ryan finally shows up. Score tied at one going into the seventh.
Top of the seventh, Red Sock Chris Cronin scores after a passed ball, and a not in time throw to home,
giving the Sox a 2-1 lead after 6 ½.
Bottom of the seventh, Cardinals Rick Rice singles. Two batters later Tim Ryan takes his place at the
end of the lineup, and hits a drop by-walk off bomb to end it 3-2. Good thing for the Cardinals there
was no traffic on 495.
Game 2
The Sox scored five runs in the final three innings to give Steve Saraceno his fifth win of the year.
Pete Greene's two-out, two-run double in the fifth tied the game at three, and a combination of hits,
errors, and wild pitches in the sixth yielded the go-ahead runs.
Cardinals brass showed up for the doubleheader at Sauta without balls and bases, so Saraceno provided
the balls in his own right after giving up the walk-off four-baser in the opener and then rebounding
to go the distance in Game 2. Saraceno gave up six hits and two earned runs in the 5-3 win. He was
again backed up by some brilliant defense, led by the up-the-middle trio of shortstop Steve Slowik,
second baseman Joe Casula, and centerfielder John Badaracco. The game's turning point may have been
the fifth inning 6-4-3 double play, which was the infield's sixth in the past four games.
Badaracco also collected two hits and scored on Greene's towering double. Mired in a slump that saw
him strike out in his prior three at bats in the doubleheader, Greene launched a two-strike shot over
the centerfielder's head. As he pulled into second, Big Pete exhaled mightily, blowing out the last
of the strikeout demons and snuffing the Cards' hopes of a sweep all at once.
Cardinal starter Paul Murphy put forth a strong effort, giving up three runs on six hits and a walk.
He was relieved in the sixth by Matt Sandock, who took the loss.
Braves 7 Mariners 0, Braves 4 Mariners 2
The Braves ran their record to 9-1 with a doubleheader sweep of Chris Shea's Mariners. Both games
were well played under perfect playing conditions.
Game 1 featured a pitchers duel between Kevin Ryan of the Mariners and Jim Callaghan of the Braves.
The game was scoreless until the bottom of the 5th. With 2 outs and no one on, Christo Lagos and
Mike Scire greeted Ryan with hits. With runners on second and third, #3 hitter Jim Callaghan
singled up the middle to score 2 and break up the deadlock. The Braves went on to score 6 in
the inning to break it open. Flash Gordon was 3-3 for the Braves and James Lagos had a big 2 run
double in that decisive inning. Callaghan picked up his 5th win going the 5 scoreless with 7
K's. Steve Smith pitched the final 2 innings in impressive style. Ryan was the tough luck loser
for the Mariners.
Game 2 featured another good pitchers duel between the Mariners John Gatti and the Braves Mike
Connor. The Braves jumped out quickly to a 4-0 lead before Gatti settled down and shut the
Braves down the rest of the way. Connor held the M's off the scoreboard till the 5th where hits
by Gatti (2-3), Sullivan and Wright got them 2 runs with a chance for more. But, despite some
uncharacteristic wildness, Connor settled down and went the distance scattering 6 hits and 6 walks.
He made his pitches when he had to. Gatti pitched a fine game for the Mariners. Scire, Gordon and
Rich Moran were multiple hit performers for the Braves. The Braves host the Cubs next week in
an important National League tilt.
Cubs 13 Indians 1, Cubs 8 Indians 3 Game 1
The Cubs rode a 5 run first and a 5 run sixth to a 13-1 win over the Indians in game one of a
Father's Day double header. The Cubs used strong pitching and defense to limit the Indians
to 5 hits and 1 run. The Cubs turned a nice 5-4-3 double play in the second inning. Earl
Carpenter went 5 innings allowing 1 run and 3 hits. Andy Schultz pitched the last two innings
and did not allow a run. Offensively, the Cubs were led by Tom Barnes who was 4-4 with a triple
and 4 RBIs and Wally Siggins who was 2-2 with 3 RBIs and a walk. Peter DiNatale had a great
day at second base and also went 3-4 in game 1. Brad Adams hit a triple leading off the 4th inning
for the Cubs. The Indians were led by Steve Courtwright who was
2-3 and Jerry Guerra who was 1-2 with a double and walk. Andy Troaini started for the Indians
and went the first 5 innings. After a rough first inning that included a couple errors, Andy quieted
down the Cubs bats.
Game 2
The Cubs scored at least 1 run in 6 of the 7 innings of game 2 to win 8-3 over the Indians. Andy
Schultz who pitched the last 2 innings of game 1, pitched the first 5 of game 2 allowing just 3
runs on 7 hits to pick up the win. Tom Barnes pitched the final two innings without allowing a run.
The Indians had Jack Buchanan go the first 4 innings allowing three runs, only one of which was
earned. Tom Dowey went the final three innings. Indians leadoff batter Rob Howard was 3-4 and
Tom Dowey was 1-1 with 2 walks. The Cubs defense was again solid in game 2 and they turned a
sparkling 4-6-3 double play to end the game. The Cubs offense was led by multiple multi hit
performers including Glenn Legault (2-2, walk, sac fly and 3 runs scored), Paul Sonnett (3-4
3 RBIs), Tim Shaver (2-3), and Tony Leary who played in his first game for the Cubs since 2000 and
went 2-3 with an RBI. Earl Carpenter hit the Cubs third triple of the day leading off the third
inning.
Braves 9 Orioles 2
The Braves finally beat the Orioles, 9-2, at Merloni Field. The victory not only put Framingham in
the loss column, but also ended a six-year losing streak for Millis against MWABL's reigning champion.
Jim Callaghan's overall performance will go down as one of the best in Braves history. The Canton, MA
right-hander pitched a complete game, struck out 12, and allowed five hits. He retired the side in
order five times, including three consecutive, 1-2-3 innings, and retired 12 consecutive batters.
Despite giving up 15 hits, starter Rob Gray struck out nine and kept Framingham within reach of the
game, but Callaghan's pitching limited the Orioles hitters to three plate appearances, and never had
the chance to power up its potent offense.
Callaghan also led the Braves with three hits (two 2B, 1 3B), two runs scored, and two RBIs. Throw
in his three putouts and two assists, and Callaghan accounted for over half of his defense's total
chances.
The Braves's pitching and hitting were not the only reasons for the win, but a steadily applied
pressure of aggressive base running. Longtime Braves and speedster Mike Scire returned to the
lineup to score four runs with a stolen base. Consistent scoring, a trademark of the Orioles,
belonged to the Braves that Sunday, as the NL leader scored at least one run in all but three innings.
The Braves scored first and never relinquished the league. The Orioles almost escaped the first half
after Gray fielded a sacrifice bunt to get the force out at third, but a passed ball advanced the
runners in scoring position. With one out, Steve Smith lined a two-run single to left.
The defending champions immediately responded. Leadoff man Bob Galvani walked and reached third two
batters later on a fielder's choice and infield error. Tom Galvani (2-3) delivered a two-out single
to make it 2-1.
While Callaghan shut the Orioles down in order in the next three innings, he added to the lead in the
third with an RBI double. Down 3-1 in the fifth, Tom Galvani, a legitimate base stealer and Braves
killer, tried to kick start the Orioles scoring machine by swiping second, but catcher Rich Moran
made a perfect throw to end the threat.
The Braves slowly built a 6-1 lead by the eighth inning, capitalizing on timely hitting and some
Orioles throwing errors induced by gutsy base running.
The O's biggest threat came in the bottom of the eighth when Bunkie Smith started the inning with a
hard single. The next batter hit a soft dribbler towards Callaghan, who tried to go to second from
his knees, and the ball was dropped. Tom Galvani's single loaded the bases with no outs. The Braves
were already assessing damage control, but luck was with them. The Orioles attempted to score on
a passed ball, but Moran alertly found the ball and did a perfect flip to Callaghan for a close play
at the plate for the first out. The O's worked Callaghan for his second walk of the game to load them
up again, and scored on a fielder's choice, its only run that inning, after Callaghan left the
runners stranded with a strikeout.
Sensing that no lead is safe against the Orioles, with two on and one out, Callaghan belted a two-run
triple in the gap in the top of the ninth, and scored after the relay throw sailed wide of the base.
Callaghan went out in the bottom half and promptly shut the Orioles down in order.
Red Sox 4 Indians 3, 10 innings
Steve Saraceno and Andy Troiani battled to a standstill for nine innings, each walking only one
batter and receiving excellent defensive support. Saraceno's Red Sox pushed across the tie-breaking
run in the top of the 10th, and first baseman Wayne Silva dug a throw out of the dirt in the bottom
of the 10th to preserve Ashland's 4-3 win. Saraceno scattered 14 hits and struck out 3 to record his
fourth win.
Pete Green reached first to lead off the 10th on a third strike passed ball. After a wild pitch,
Green advanced to third on Steve Halzel's sacrifice. The next batter, Brian Whitely, hit a line drive
off of Troiani that plated the go-ahead run. The Sox scored their first three runs in the second, with
Wild Thing Tim Cunnane getting the big two-out, two-RBI drive. Centerfielder John Badaracco drove in
the inning's other run with a single. Second baseman Joe Casula started the inning with a hit, his
first of two, and a stolen base.
It was the defense behind Saraceno that helped keep the Indians at bay. Kevin Quinn and Casula teamed
up to turn two to squelch a rally in the second, and Casula and Steve Slowik turned two up the middle
in the seventh to keep the Sox ahead.
The Indians scored the tying run in the bottom of the eighth on two hits and an error. Five Indians
recorded two-hit games, but Troiani was the Tribe's main story line. In all he struck out 14 Sox in
his first start of the year and didn't seem to tire until the 10th.
Cubs 9 Cardinals 7
No recap available.
Brewers 9 Phillies 4
No recap available.
Yankees 12 Mariners 3
No recap available.
Week 7, 06/06/04 Double Headers
Red Sox 16 Brewers 5, game 2 Postponed
The Red Sox scored early and often against four Brewers pitchers on a rain soaked Sunday in Ashland.
Every Sox player in the lineup scored a run, with nine different players accumulating RBIs. Steve
Saraceno led the pitching attack, throwing three scoreless innings to earn the win.
In the first, second baseman Joe Casula’s diving stab of a grounder up the middle ignited a double
play, and the Sox never looked back. They scored five runs in the bottom of the inning, on three
hits and two walks. Shortstop Steve Slowik led the Sox with some fine defensive plays, a triple, a
single, and two runs. Brian Farrell added two hits and two RBIs to his fine defensive effort in left.
Brent McKenzie chipped in three hits to prove that his bat actually is made of a solid, not a vapor.
After going at it solo two weeks ago against the Cubs in a doubleheader, Saraceno got some relief in
this game. “Wild Thing” Cunnane started the game and struck out five before handing the game to
Saraceno in the fourth. Vince Ellero, Kevin Quinn, and Chris Cronin each pitched a complete final
inning without giving up a walk.
The Brewers put forth a fine defensive effort and battled back to keep the game close until the fifth.
If Brewer pitching hadn’t issued 14 walks, this game recap could very well have been written by someone
with a Wisconsin accent. Thank God the Sox won!
Cardinals 4 Mariners 0 and Cardinals 5 Mariners 0
Normally, allowing two earned runs in a complete game is a start which gets you a win. Unfortunately
for the Mariners Kevin Ryan that was not to be.
Both sides came up empty in the first inning. Cardinals Matt Finnegan started the second with a
blast to right, which wound up being recovered two outfields away. Pre-Atkins Finnegan may have
only had a double. Card's lead 1-0 until the fourth inning, when Tim Ryan walked and eventually
scored on a myriad of fielder's choices, making it 2-0 after 4.
In the fifth Rozenguard and Masiello single, are advanced by winning pitcher Tom Langmeier's
sacrifice bunt and score on Paul Murphy's single. Final score Cardinals 4, Mariners 0.
Tom Langmeier pitched complete game shutout, striking out six, and walking only 2 to get the win.
Game 2
Game lead-off walk to Cardinal's Pat Pisano who later scores on an error, proves to be the game
winner, as Cardinal Starting Pitcher Paul Murphy strikes out 5 and finishes complete game shutout,
walking only one Mariner.
In the second, Rozenguard and Masiello single, are advanced by Tom Langmeier's sacrifice bunt and
both score on Howie Simon's single. (Note to those too important to keep the book. When you keep
the book, you are assured of getting credit where it is due.)
In the third, Matt Sandock triples, nearly passes out, drives home Murphy, and scores on Matt Finnegan
single.
Starting Mariner Pitcher John Gatti settles down the rest of the way retiring final 12 of 13 Cardinals
in order, walking only one for the game.
Quote of the day: In response to Tim Ryan reminding Cardinals to keep a tight infield, Cardinal Matt
Sandock replies, "This is over 30 baseball. The only thing tight is our pants."
Cardinals have won four in a row (Knock on wood).
Yankees 3 Braves 0 and Braves 3 Yankees 0
The Braves and Yankees dodged rain drops and were able to complete a doubleheader at Keefe Tech
with each team winning a game by identical scores of 3-0. The story of the day was the outstanding
pitching performances on both sides, Steve Purdy for the Braves and Peter McWalter for the Yanks.
Game 1
McWalter threw a complete game 6 hit shutout for the Yanks while fanning 11. His control was
impeccable and he mixed in several pitches very well. The Braves did mount a few rallies led
by Christo Lagos and Flash Gordon (2 hits each), but were thwarted by McWalter's clutch pitching
when it mattered. Jim Callaghan took his first loss of 2004 for the Braves also going the
distance giving up 6 hits and striking out 6. The Yanks got on the scoreboard on a Assarian
infield hit and 2 throwing errors. Mike Phrange and Tambascio led a 2 run uprising in the 5th
with hits.
Game 2
The nightcap belonged to former Billerica High and Kansas star Steve Purdy. The big righty went
the distance for the Braves for his second win and fanned 17 batters. His heater and hook were
dominant throughout. He fanned 11 out of the first 13 batters before Ensly broke up the no hitter
in the 4th with a 2 strike bunt single. In all, Purdy scattered 4 hits and seemed to reach back
for extra in the late innings. Ex Brave stalwart Chris Faletra started on the hill for the Yanks
and peformed well before tiring in the 4th. McWalter came in again for the Yanks and shut the Braves
down yet again, it was quite a day for the Yanks hurler. The Braves scored 2 runs in the third on
consecutive singles by Jimmy McLaughlin, Jack Berardinelli and Mike Callaghan. In the 4th, Steve
Smith launched a towering double and was scored on a sac fly by Paul Chiodo. But the story of game
2 was Steve Purdy.
Cubs 9 Orioles 9, game 2 Postponed
The Orioles staged a 3 run rally in the bottom of the 7th in a driving rain storm to pull
out a 9-9 tie with the Cubs. The game will be completed at a date yet to be determined. Game 2
of the double header was rained out and will also be made up at a later date.
Phillies Indians
The Phillies and Indians double header was rained out and will be made up at a later date.
Week 5, 05/23/04 Double Headers
Cubs 5 Red Sox 4 and Red Sox 5 Cubs 4 8 innings
With the score knotted at four in the bottom of the eighth, runners on second and third, and one
out, Sox slugger Pete Greene strolled to the plate. Before the first pitch could cross the plate,
Greene smoked the fastball to right center to score Brian Farrell and help the Sox gain a split of
the day's doubleheader.
The Cubs won the opener by the same score, when Eddie Murray stroked a single to left with one out
and runners on second and third to snuff the Sox's bid for a second straight come-from-behind victory.
Tom Barnes pitched 6-2/3 strong innings for the Cubs, but in the top of the seventh he gave way to
Andy Luckhardt, who recorded a big strikeout with the bases jammed and the Sox threatening to widen
their one-run lead. Sox pitcher Steve Saraceno took the loss.
The story of the day, and maybe of the season, was the performance turned in by the Sox ace. After
giving up four earned runs on ten hits and no walks in seven innings, Saraceno trotted back out for
the first inning of Game 2, and the second, and the third... A crane, the jaws of life, and a
looming Little League game all worked valiantly to remove Saraceno from the mound, but he wouldn't
leave until shutting down the Cubs in the final three innings to give the Sox comeback a chance.
Saraceno's line for the day: 2 Complete Games, 1 Win, 1 Loss, 15 Innings, 9 Runs, 6 Earned, 18 Hits,
10 K's, and ZERO Walks. Add to that two hits of his own, including a laser to left in the sixth
inning of the second game, and Sara appears likely to be called up by the parent club by the first
of June. Oh, and will somebody please go to Mooney Field to tell those Sox relievers they can stop
throwing on the side!
Murray, Paul Sonnett, and Peter DeNatale were the hitting stars for the Cubs. Sonnett's triple to
right threatened to break open Game 2. For the Sox, Victor Saraceno had a career day, going four
for six and scoring twice. Tim Cunnane doubled to deep left and laced another hit to drive in three
of the Sox runs. Center fielder John Badaracco ran down some well hit balls, and threw out a runner
at the plate, while shortstop Steve Slowik handled seven chances in the Game 2 to keep it close.
Cardinals 5 Yankees 4 and Cardinals 10 Yankees 6 Game 1
First inning Cardinals Matt Sandock (2-3) double scores Murphy. Cardinals pitcher Jeff Rozenguard
shuts down Yankees until Fletcher scores on Dervin Double in the fourth. Game tied at 1 after four.
Yankees Starting Pitcher McWalter baffeled Cardinals until three run Card 6th. Murphy pitches ending
for Card's picking up win. Cardinal rookie Jamie Holmes gets game winning hit in bottom of 7th.
Quality Starts by Yankees McWalter and Cardinals Rozenguard.
Game 2
Cardinal first inning Paul Murphy triple scores Matt Sandock who reached on Fielders Choice.
Yankeees answer with two from hits by Ensly, Tambascio, Derwin, Senecal and Joyner.
Cardinals explode in 2nd inning with hits by Rozenguard, Masiello, Holmes, and Rice followed
by Tim Ryan and Matt Sandock Back-to-back homers, resulting in 7 runs.
Cardinal Starter Matt Finnegan settles down until Yankees Ensly, Tambascio, Fletcher, and Derwin
provide hits scoring Four Runs to make score 8-6 Card's after Four.
Card's turn to Matt Sandock who allowed no runs in relief, score two in the 6th and finish 10-6.
Phillies 5 Mariners 4 and Mariners 10 Phillies 6
The Phillies and Mariners traded complete game pitching efforts as they split a doubleheader in Medway.
The Phils used the right arm of Jamie Nix and a 7th inning single by Brian Gibbons to win 5-4 in the
opener. Mariner lefty Bob Solat went the distance in a 12-K effort to lead the Marniners to a 10-6 win.
Gibbons one-out single was his third hit of the game and gained a win for the Phils after the Mariners
had scored a run in the top of the seventh on Vericker's single to tie it at four. The Phils had
erased a 3-1 deficit in the bottom of the 6th by scoring two on Chris Decatur's line single to left
and an outfield error and another run on Rick Huckins' rbi single. The Mariners scored three in the
third on four straight hits, the last a two-rbi double by Sullivan.
Nix allowed nine hits and one walk in his first complete game. He fanned three Mariners. Mariner's
starter John Gatti allowed only one run and five hits over the first five innings before tiring and
leaving in the sixth.
In game two, Solat constantly reached back for a bit extra when in trouble. He left 10 Phils on base
while fanning a dozen, including four straight at one point. A five-run 4th put the game out of reach
at 8-2. Shea, Howell, and Breslau all had rbi-singles in the inning. Breslau's two hits led the
Mariners' attack.
The Phillies are now 3-2 on the season while the Mariners are 4-1.
Braves 12 Indians 9 and Braves 16 Indians 6
The Braves swept the Tribe with scores of 12-9 and 16-6 at Millis. The games were pitched in
complete game style by the Braves Mike Connor and Jim Callaghan and the Indians Tom Dowey and
Jack Buchanan. Both games were sloppily played, especially in the field. The Braves won with
some timely pitching and some truly loud bats.
Callaghan ran his record to 3-0 in game 1. He was far from sharp and his curveball deserted
him in the middle innings. Still, after suffering some whiplash from Steve Courtright's 2
monster triples, he settled down enough to get the win. He walked no one, but did plunk 2
batters with 37 MPH breaking balls. Indians starter and loser Tom Dowey was let down by his
defense and pitched pretty well overall. Courtwright was a monster all day for the Tribe while
Jimmy Lagos jump started the Braves attack with a 1 iron homerun to dead center.
Mike Connor opposed Buchanan in game 2 and the recently retired Connor pitched very well in his
first outing of the year. Braves Web Gems were performed by Mike Londergan in left and Steve
Purdy at first base. Buchanan pitched in some tough luck early, but the Braves bats erupted
later. Ex Indian Jimmy McLaughlin torched his old team with 6 hits in the doubleheader. The
Braves were also aided by the return of Steve Smith to the lineup. Each Brave hit safely and
many shots were hit to the gaps and beyond. Buchanan held tough for Rosoff's Indians and
Courtwright hit 2 more monster triples, one of which might have traveled 400 feet.
The Braves
are 5-0 for the first time in team history and hope to extend their unbeaten streak against
the Yankees in 2 weeks.
Orioles Brewers
No score reported yet.
Week 4, 05/16/04
Red Sox 5 Phillies 4
This back-and-forth tussle pitted the undefeated Phillies against unrelenting Mother Nature and
the winless Red Sox. In the end, the Sox plated a run in the top of the 8th to stop the streaks
and the rain, 5-4. Steve Saraceno went the distance for the Ashland 14, evening his record at 1-1.
Saraceno scattered 9 hits, giving up two runs in the third and two more in the fifth while striking
out two and walking one. The wily coach of the Red Sox had a couple of hits of his own, and followed
up his RBI single in the fifth with his first stolen base in more than 27 years.
Steve Slowik and Wayne Sylvia led the Sox attack with a combined 5 hits. Slowik was 3 for 3, but
it was his snares of two scorching liners at shortstop that sealed the game. Sylvia, arguably the
league's preeminent baserunner, scored the tying run in the 5th and the go-ahead run in the 8th
after stroking his second hit of the game.
Third baseman Chris Cronin provided the day's web gem, killing the Phils' big inning hopes in the
sixth by snaring slugger Jamie Vallancourt's shot to third. Vallencourt, who relieved the second
Phillies pitcher in the 8th, took the loss.
Braves 5 Brewers 2
The Braves won their third straight in a rain shortened six inning game that ended 5-2. The Braves
Steve Purdy pitched six strong innings, striking out 10, walking 4, while allowing 2 runs and 2
hits in his first start. Offensively it took both teams a few innings to score and had to rely on
solid defensive efforts, highlighted by Braves third baseman Jim McLaughlin's bare handed play on a
bunt attempt.
For the Braves James Lagos drove in the games first run scoring Mike Callaghan, Callaghan's three
hits and two stolen bases lead the Braves attack. Jack Berardinelli, hit the ball hard in two at
bats and scored Paul Chiodo to give the Braves the go ahead. Rich Moran, Christo Lagos and Purdy
all drove the ball to the gaps.
The Brew Crew were lead by Bill Hoover, whose double to left-center scored their first run.
Yankees 10 Indians 9
It was a story too easily written with great dramatic effect…
On an ominous morning with storm clouds growing increasingly more menacing, on a field in a
sleepy little town, the Sudbury nine, defying their age, emerge from the veil and shadow of the
pre-dawn fog to take the field to prepare for a battle. A battle that will long be remembered in
the hearts and minds of those that were there to witness the game, the event. It is a story that
mere words can not capture the emotion nor the struggle. It is perhaps a story that even Hollywood
could not recreate.
Amongst the mud and soup that had earlier been beautifully manicured baselines, a runner stands
alone in the pouring rain at third with the ability to topple goliath. It is the bottom of the
ninth with the game tied and the weather long past playable conditions. With two outs the clean
up hitter is facing a two-two count. The crowd is on their feet huddled in groups under umbrellas
or in the tiny press box atop the field. The aging PA system crackles, as if the electricity in
the air is commanding it to life, inviting it to capture the struggle below. The pitcher delivers
the lilac scented spheroid for us to alter our destiny…
…No recap available.
Mariners 10 Cubs 6
No recap available.
Cardinals Orioles
The Cardinals and Orioles game scheduled to be played at Sauta Field in Hudson was rained out.
Week 2, 05/02/04
Mariners 15 Brewers 10
The Mariners outlasted the resilient Brewers in a back and forth slow-pitch affair. A total of
23 walks had this game lasting over 3 hours. The Brewers would go up 2-0 in the first as Mariner
pitcher Bob Solat struggled with his control, allowing 3 walks and hitting two batters. The
Mariners would take the lead 4-2 in the top of the third on a bases-clearing double by John Gatti
after singles by Andrew Lickly and Chris Vericker sandwiched around two walks. The Brewers would
tie the game in the bottom half with three more walks and a key hit by Rasia. The Brewers took the
lead in the 4th when they loaded the bases with no outs on two walks and an error. Mariner reliever
John Gatti walked in a run, induced a double play, and then allowed an 0-2 single to Agnetti which
plated two for a 7-4 Brewer lead. The Mariners struck right back though with 5 in the 5th on RBI
singles by Chris Shea and Pat Sullivan, and a two-run double by Gatti. The Mariners would add to
their lead with 4 in the 6th with the benefit of 4 walks and timely RBI hits by Lickly and Tim
Foster's second of three hits. The Brewers would pull within 13-10 in the 8th stringing together
2 out hits by Agnetti, Massen and a 2 RBI double by McAdams. That's as close as they would come
as Mike Breslau would close them out in ninth after the Mariners added two more on an RBI single
by Solat.
Phillies 5 Cubs 1
No recap available.
Indians 11 Cardinals 10
In a see-saw battle, the Indians rallied for three runs in the top of the ninth and held off the
Cardinals, 11-10.
Tribe ace Andy Troiani and the Cards' Tom Langmeier were locked up in a 2-2 tie through five innings
before being relieved. Larry Rosoff's bases-loaded, two-run double, followed by Rob Howard and
Craig Macauley RBI singles off reliever Jeff Rosenguard gave the Indians a 6-2 lead in the sixth.
Tim Ryan's long double off the Indians' Richie Leone cut the deficit in half to 6-4 in the bottom
of the inning.
The Indians regained a four-run cushion in the seventh on a Mike Togneri sac fly and an error which
brought home another run. The lead was short-lived, however, as the Cardinals scored a pair in
their half of the seventh and four more in the eighth to take a 10-8 lead.
Rosoff ignited the winning rally in the ninth against losing pitcher Matt Finnegan by lining a
leadoff single to center. He scampered to third on a single to right by Howard. An infield hit
by Macauley and a wild throw brought home the tying runs. Tom Pare then delivered Macauley with a
double and the eventual winning run. The Cards' Rick Rice lined a one-out single and stole second
in the bottom of the ninth, but the potential tying run was stranded there as winning pitcher Tom
Dowey (1-1) fanned the next two batters.
Howard, Macauley, Steve Courtwright, Jack Buchanan and Rosoff had two hits each for the Indians (1-1),
who banged out 16 in all. Hugh Cornwell and Rice had three hits apiece to lead the Cardinals' 14-hit
attack. The loss dropped the Cards to 0-2.
Orioles 9 Yankees 1
Rob Gray returned to the Orioles line up pitching seven scoreless innings, striking out 12 with
no walks and four hits. The Yankees had a runner on third with no outs on the first and one out
in the second but Gray pitched out out of the jam each time. The O's scored three in the first
on an RBI double from Bunkie Smith (2-3, rbi) and an error and wild pitch. John Malone continued
his hot hitting with a 2 for 3 day and an RBI. Jeff Merzel was the hitting star of the day going
4-4 with three runs scored.
Braves 10 Red Sox 5
The Braves ran their record to 2-0 on the young season with a 10-5 victory at Ashland.
The Braves jumped out quickly, scoring 8 runs in the first two innings. Red Sox relievers
Chris Cronin, Tim Cunnane and manager Steve Saraceno quieted down the Braves attack and
pitched very well the rest of the way.
The Braves attack was led by multiple hit games by catcher Rich Moran, Mike Connor, Flash
Gordon and Jim Callaghan. The order contributed top to bottom. The Red Sox were led by
Pete Greene and Victor Saraceno who each reached base twice and Steve Slowik hit a booming
2 run double with the bases loaded to bring the Sox closer.
Braves starter Jim Callaghan won his second game of 2004 going 7 innings, giving up 2 runs
and fanning 10 without issuing a walk. Steve Purdy finished up and fanned 5 more in the
final 2 frames.
Under Saraceno's leadership, the Red Sox are a much improved team who will get stronger as
the season goes on.
Week 1, 04/25/04
Braves 12 Cardinals 5
The Braves used a 5 run first inning to beat the Cardinals 12-5 at Memorial Park in Millis. In fact,
the first 5 runs were plated before a single out was made. The Cards starter, Jeff Rozenguard, overcame
some poor defensive plays behind him, settled down quickly and proceeded to strike out the side to
avoid more damage. Offensively, the Braves were led by Christo Lagos (3 runs, 2 hits), Mike Connor
(3 runs) and Eric Gordon. Steve Purdy, Mike Londergan and Mike Callaghan also hit the ball hard.
The offense was well distributed.
Jim Callaghan took the hill for the Braves and threw 6 2/3 innings of one earned run ball.
Callaghan walked one, struck out 10 and contributed 3 hits and 2 RBI's at the plate. Steve Purdy
threw the final 2 1/3 innings and threw the ball very well.
For the Cards, Murphy, Masiello and Simon each hit rockets. The Cards starter, Jeff Rozenguard,
and reliever, Tom Langmeier, threw very well in their first performances of the year.
The Braves travel to Ashland to face the Red Sox next week. The Cardinals will host the Indians
next week.
Orioles 4 Indians 3
The O's and Indians opened the season with their ace pitchers not in uniform. The O's started
lefty Rob Shaw back from a three year hiatus and the Indians went with Travis Cote. As usual,
the two American league rivals battled down to the wire the O's squeaking out a one run victory
on Bill Stickney's two out ninth inning single.
The O's put the games first run on the board in the fifth when newcomer Barry Kittredge scored
Tom Galvani on a ground out to third. After coming up empty against Rob Shaw, 5ip, 0 runs,
3 hits 4 k's, the Indians got some key hits and some shoddy fielding from the O's to spark a
3 run rally in the seventh. Richie Leone and Mike Togneri had key RBI hits in the inning to give the
Indians a 3-1 lead heading into the eight. The O's tied the game in the eight as Barry Kittredge
reached on a one out walk and scored on Bob Galvani's two out double to center. John Malone then
tied the game with another two out hit. Bill Stickney's two out ninth inning single put the O's
ahead for good. Jeff Merzel settled down after the seventh and retired the last 7 batters he
faced, striking out 4.
Cubs 22 Brewers 6
The Cubs scored runs in all 7 innings of this game and took control of the game by scoring 5 runs in the
first inning and again in the second inning. The Cubs used 19 hits, 5 errors, 7 walks and
2 HBPs to collect the runs. All 11 Cubs either scored a run or drove a run home.
Tom Barnes picked up the win as the starter going three innings without allowing a hit or run.
The Cubs offense was led by Earl Carpenter who had a double and 2 triples for 5 RBIs and 3 runs scored.
Mark Grogan had 2 doubles for 3 RBIs. Paul Sonnett was 4-5 with 2 RBIs and 4 runs scored. Glenn
Legault drove in three runs and scored 2. Wally Siggins drove in a run in his first game as a Cub!
The Brewers offense was paced by Paul Wood who collected two hits and 2 runs scored. Bill Hoover
reached base all three at bats and pitched the final 4 innings quieting the Cubs attack.
Mariners 4 Red Sox 0
The Mariners combined great pitching and timely hitting to shut out a revamped Red Sox team 4-0.
Mariners starter Bob Solat cruised through four innings allowing only an infield single while
striking out 4 and walking 2. Redsox starter Steve Saraceno was the tough luck loser, going 8
strong innings. The Mariners scored all they would need in the first inning, capitalizing on
an error on the game's opening play. They would add three more in the third on 3 hits, 2 walks
and an error. Saraceno settled down from there, allowing only 4 hits over the final 5 innings.
John Gatti pitched to only 1 over the maximum while allowing no hits or walks, and striking out
5 during the final 5 innings for the Mariners.