MCSN: August 2, 2008

Re-location, re-location, re-location

Week 8 Recap

Fri, Aug 15, 2008

Andy Andrade (foreground) and Ricky Hutton helped keep the Emoticons undefeated

MCSN hosted its own Olympic length competition Saturday, working its way through 7 games Saturday morning. All teams played their scheduled, regular-season matches, and then many headed into double-headers of inclement weather makeups. Play turned out more stats than ever before, so let's get started and try to keep it straight!

“Location, location, location!”

The first rule of real estate proved relevant in MCSN play this week, as all teams traveled to Warren Park to complete their regularly scheduled games, as Clarendon Park was being used for a big festival. For some, the move proved disorienting, but many teams felt right at home, finding more space to roll out their winning strategies.

The Moody Blues continued their string of major lifts to remain undefeated, handily downing the Calvary 15-5 in Saturday’s first game. Despite the early call-time, both teams came out ready to play.

“Calvary came out swinging,” said Moody Blues manager Ali Stolzenbach. They also came out running but their overly aggressive baserunning throughout the game killed their momentum, as two Calvary runners were thrown out at the plate on inning-ending plays. Even so, Calvary put up 3 runs in the top of the 1st. But the Blues tapped in 5 of their own and kept a’coming. Consistent hitting pushed the Blues ahead for much of the game, sparked by Tim Tunney, who went 3-for-3 with 6 RBIs, Peter Moy, and Brian Stolzenbach.

In response to handling field relocation Stoltzenbach said it wasn’t a problem for her adaptable team: “The outfield played great on the new field with its large infield and lack of fence.”

Fence or no fence, the Barn Burners had no trouble pushing limits this week; they nabbed another close win and edged out Fire & Ice, 12-9.

“Fire and Ice gave us a nail biter. We won…but there was drama 'til the end,” confided Barn Burners’ manager Pat Brown.

Joined by the long-lost Radcliffs, the Barn Burners appreciated the duo behind the plate and in the field.

”We are a much stronger defensive team with them anchoring the middle,” said Brown.

Back in the saddle, the Radcliffs showed no mercy. Sharon Radcliff shot a line drive at Fire & Ice’s secret weapon, infielder Mark Retnam. Retnam dove (and caught!) the hit but suffered a dislocated shoulder. The play left bystanders gaping, and whispered rumors of steroid use swept through the bleachers.

The Barn Burners’ sensational play continued with Ethan Sinnema’s whopping 4 hits and Vince Ramirez racking up multiple RBIs.

In the 11 a.m. game, the Emoticons continued perfecting their winning combination of hitting and fielding to beat the Carter(less) Administration 18-8. The Emoticons’ first 4 batters went a combined 14 for 15 with 5 homeruns and 17 RBIs to set a winning pace for the rest of the game. The Emoticons line-up caused some serious problems for everyone but Carter Administration pitcher Melissa Lopez. Taking a cue from Sharon Radcliff’s newfound style, Emoticons shortstop Michael Thate aimed a bit higher and went for Lopez’s head.

“I almost killed her with a line shot up the middle, said Thate. “I think everyone's heart stopped for a second!”

Conquering fears of death and destruction, Lopez remained on the mound and finished out a phenomenal pitching performance. “She took Thate's best shot and came back for more!” exclaimed Van Tuinen. “I think she'll be in his head if we play them again.”

Indeed, the Carter Administration is looking to the future.

“I think we are perfectly positioned to be the feel-good Cinderella story of 2008,” predicted Van Tuinen. “We see a lot of vulnerabilities in the two undefeated teams and so we are trying to position ourselves to play those guys early.” Apparently…they have a strategy.

“We are trying to position ourselves to play those guys early.”

- Carter Admin's Bill Van Tuinen on his team's losses combined with his perceived vulnerabilities in the top two teams

The Emoticons are looking ahead as well, added Halpin. “[This week] we face the Living Stones at 9am and then the Moody Blues at 10am. The Living Stones played us tough the first time around so hopefully we can get another win to set up an undefeated showdown with the Moody Blues.”

The Living Stones may have played tough against the Emoticons, but they had it rough against the Eagles, losing 6-3. The Eagles jumped out to early 3-0 lead, but were held back by tying runs in both the 3rd and 4th innings. According to Living Stones player Michael Schneider, the team’s defensive efforts were lead by Olivia Nowak (making 2 key catches), and left fielder Johnny Calfa, whose now-famous hefty throw to third base cut down a runner attempting to slide in under the tag.

A happening 6th inning had Living Stones defense hopping, though; the Eagles managed 5 consecutive hits and 3 runs, hiking the final score to 6-3.

“Despite the record, as Steve Mason put it, ‘Living Stones are still contenders!’” rallied Schneider.

Play continues this week at MCSN’s normal location, Clarendon Park, and will include multiple inclement weather make-up games.