Fall 2016 Finals!

Fan Cam

Legends baseball fans brave the weather to see their favorite ball players in action at the Fall 2016 Finals.

Game Summaries

19+ Division Outlaws Complete the 4-Peat!

Congratulations to the Outlaws on winning the Fall 2016 Playoff Tournament in the Legends 19+ Division.

By Steve Patrick

Pfitzner Stadium... 75 degrees and sunshine on a November Sunday... Another chance to end the Hurricanes season... What could possibly be better than that?

In a matchup against the last team to win the 19+ championship before the 4-peat began, the Outlaws came out swinging offensively and set the tone early. Josh Bender cleared the bases in the bottom of the first with a 3RBI double down the third baseline. The Outlaws tacked on 4 more in the 6th behind Andrew Huang's huge 2RBI double and an RBI single by Evan Michels. An RBI single from Luke Thompson and a two-run single by 19+ Legends Co-MVP Cody Palmer made it a 10-0 lead after 7. The Outlaws finished the game strong by scoring two more runs in the eighth when Evan Michels followed up a triple by Kellmel and a single by Huang with a 2-run single of his own. The Hurricanes were able to get on the board in the 9th to negate the shutout with a final score of 12-1.

A dominant pitching performance was turned in by the other half of the MVP award, Collin Palmer. Palmer cruised through the Hurricanes lineup for 5 shutout innings by throwing strikes (only 1 walk) and allowing his defense a chance to make the plays. The game was closed out with an equally dominant, 1 H, 1 ER, 4-inning performance from David Kellmel.

The Outlaws have now won 4 straight 19+ Legends Championships and are excited to defend again in the Spring. With the Squirrels returning, an improved/dangerous Biscuits club, the always game Hurricanes and the super talented, new kids on the block Benchwarmers; this Spring looks to be the most competitive the league has been since the Outlaws joined the league!

The Outlaws stormed to their fourth straight 19+ Division Championship with great hitting and pitching. The Palmer Brothers (Cody, upper right, and Collin, bottom right) were Co-MVPs.

Palmer Bros. are Co-MVPs

In what I believe to be a Legends first, the Outlaws have chosen two players to share the 19+ Legends MVP Award. Aside from their standout performances in the championship game (5 shutout innings from Collin on the mound and a 2-hit, RBI day from Cody at the plate) the Palmer brothers both exemplify what this Legends league is all about. They love the game of baseball and their hustle and dedication ensures this team stays grounded and avoids complacency. These guys show up week in and week out, ready to go, willing to play any position and always seem to come through when the team needs it most. Whether it's an inning on the mound with a sore arm or some last minute innings behind the plate, Cody and Collin never hesitate in doing what it takes to help the team win. On behalf of the rest of the Outlaws, I want to personally thank Cody and Collin... It's an honor to coach the two of you.

30+ Division Isotopes Clinch Championship!

Congratulations to the Isotopes on winning the Fall 2016 Playoff Tournament in the Legends 30+ Division.

By Tommy Stokes
The Isotopes finished their season off the way it began, with a thrilling victory over the Padres.

After a hard luck bottom of the 5th where the Padres scored 4 runs to take a 5-2 lead, the 'Topes responded in the top half of the 6th with 3 to tie the game right back up. Tony Paras, Marcey Hoelting, and Scott Terry would score the three tallies while Scott Terry, Raf Martinez, and Gino Noll each had an RBI in the rally to tie.

The top half of the 7th began the way so many big innings have for the 'Topes, with Dave Hughes, Tommy Stokes, and Nate Taran setting the table for Tre Evans and Lewis Wharton. The three loaded the bases, forcing a pitching change. Evans would walk, forcing in Hughes, while Wharton hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Stokes to put the Isotopes up 7-5. 

The Isotopes squeak by the Padres to win the 30+ Division Championship. Tre Evans (far right) was named MVP.

Tre Evans was named the MPV of the 30+ Division for his performance in this game and the season. He pitched 4 shutout innings and was masterful in bailing out his defense in the 8th, while setting the Padres down in order in the bottom of the 9th.

40+/30+B Division Redlegs Stay Hot To Win It All!

Congratulations to the Redlegs on winning the Fall 2016 Playoff Tournament in the Legends 40+/30+B Division.

By Bob Korn

The Redlegs may not have been the best team in the 40+/30+B Division, but they were definitely the hottest team going into the playoffs as they ran off four straight wins in convincing fashion, including a win over the #1 seeded Brewers in the Fall 2016 Championship game.

In that game, Reds pitchers held a powerful Brewers offense to 7 runs (only 1 of which was earned) on stellar performances by starter Nelson Taveras (4 IP, 1 K, 1 ER); middle reliever and MVP, Casey Ray (3 IP, 3 K, 0 ER); and closer, Dave Forrest (1 IP, 0 runs).

Nelson T. completed his strong start by limiting the Brew Crew to 1 ER over his last two innings of work. Casey R. kept the Brewers in check through four innings, in what was still a close game until the Reds broke it open with 8 runs in the top of the 7th. In the 8th, Dave F. induced 2 infield pop-ups, and a pop-up to catcher Aaron Tooke, to clinch the championship for the Redlegs.

On offense, the Reds looked like the "Big-Red-Machine" of two years ago by pushing across 18 runs on 20 hits and getting production from their entire lineup. Reds hit leaders were Jeremy Bourque (2 H, 1 2B, 3 RBI); Casey R. (2 H, 3 RBI); Fred Leiby (2 H, 3 RBI); Matt Bubnis (2 H, 1 R); Lonny Schwartz (2 H, 2 RBI); and Nelson T. (2 H, 2 R).

Rounding out the hitting attack for the Reds were Bobby Bumiller (1 H, 2 R); Ron "Commish" Cortese (1 H, 1 RBI); Dave F. (1 H 1 R); Tim Sara (1 H, 2 RBI); and Aaron Tooke (1 H, 2 RBI).

Well deserved MVP honors go to Casey Ray for his team leadership and obvious dominance on the baseball field. This is Casey's second MVP award in three seasons with Legends and the Reds.

The Red Hot Redlegs toppled the favored Brewers to win the 40+/30+B Division Championship. Casey "Super Man" Ray (far right) was the MVP.

Fall 2016 Semifinals!

19+ Division
The Outlaws (#1) advanced to the finals by defeating the Biscuits (#4) 16-5 where they will face the Hurricanes (#3) who defeated the Benchwarmers (#2) 16-7.

30+ Division
The Isotopes (#4) advanced to the semi finals by defeating the Nationals (#1) 17-10 and the Padres (#3) followed suit with a 12-7 win over the Lollygaggers (#2).

40+/30+B Division
The Redlegs (#4) advanced to the finals by defeating the Pirates (#1) 17-10 and will play the Brewers (#2) who defeated the Gashouse Gang (#6) 15-4.

Semi final action
In the only game reported to "The Commish Corner", the Redlegs offense pounded out 17 runs on 18 hits in defeating the number 1 seeded Pirates. The offense was led by Nelson T. (3 H, 5 RBI), Lonny S. (2 H, 3 RBI), Casey R. (3 H, 2 RBI, 3 R), Fred L. (2 H, 2 RBI, 4 R), Aaron T. (2 H, 3 R), and Matt B. (3 H, 3 R).

The Reds pitching sealed the deal and was shared evenly by Matt G. (3 IP, 1 K, 3 ER), Casey R. (3 IP, 1 K, 2 ER), Dave F. (3 IP, 4 K, 0 ER).  

Fall 2016 Quarter Finals!

19+ Division
In the only quarter final game for the 19+ Division on Sunday, the 4th seeded Biscuits advanced to the semi finals with an 8-7 win over the 5th seeded Knights.

40+/30+B Division
The Gashouse Gang (#6) advanced to the semi finals by defeating the Blue Jays (#3) 10-7 and the Redlegs (#4) followed suit with a 16-5 win over the Generals (#5).

Quarter final action

Fall 2016 Regular Season Summary

The Legends of Fall completed their regular season this Sunday on a sunny but blustery day for baseball. And the results are in:

The Outlaws and Benchwarmers finished on top of the pack in the 19+ Division with six wins each.

The 30+ Nationals were undefeated for the regular season with a 6-0 record with the Lollygaggers two games behind them in the final standings.

In the 40+/30+ B Division, parity ruled the day with the Redlegs, Blue Jays, Generals, and Gashouse Gang each with two wins on the season, while the Brewers finished in first with four wins, and set the tone as the clear favorite in this division!  As planned prior to the season, we are moving the Pirates back down to this division, per their desire and lack of close games in the 30+ A Division.  Thus, they and the Brewers are the clear favorites to get to the Finals! 

Redlegs Win Regular Season Finale, end Funk!

The Redlegs and Blue Jays in action on the final day of the regular season (Edison High School in Alexandria).

by Bob Korn
The Redlegs capped off the regular season with an impressive 14-9 win over their division rival Blue Jays behind a strong hitting attack and solid pitching.  This, after a mediocre campaign in the early part of the season.  "We finished strong, and look to make some noise in the playoffs," co-manager Ron Cortese stated.  "Wouldn't it be just awesome to beat the vaunted Brewers?" he added

The hit leaders for the Reds were Matt Bubnis and Jeremy Bourque, each with 3 hits, 2 doubles, and 2 RBI. Joining the hit parade with 2 hits each were Casey Ray, Lonny Schwartz, Ron Cortese, Chris French, and Todd Anderson.

Despite some last minute lineup changes, Redlegs pitchers had no problem adjusting to their new roles. Chris French took over as the starter and held the Jays to 4 runs over 3 innings. Casey Ray, the scheduled starter, pitched 4 innings in middle relief, giving up just 1 run while striking out the side in the sixth. And the "Commish", who is usually a bridge to the late reliever, closed out the game with two solid innings, including a strikeout to end it.

Fall 2016 Game of the Week!

Redlegs right the ship on pitching and hitting

by Bob Korn

The Redlegs got back on the winning track in their second game of the fall with a decisive 18-6 win over the Generals behind great pitching and hitting. The great pitching was provided by Matt Gaugler, Ron "The Commish" Cortese, and David Forrest, who made his first ever pitching appearance with a solid 3 innings of work to close out the game.

Great hitting was the theme of the day, provided by RBI producers Jeremy Bourque (4), Lonny Schwartz (4), Chris French (3), and Matt Bubnis, "The Commish", Greg Fowler, Matt Gaugler, Casey Ray, and Tim Sara, all with 1 each.

The big blow of the game came in the 8th on an inside the park home run to deep right center off the bat of Jeremy Bourque. It was actually the "Commish's" bat that "JB" used for the two-run blast that one-hopped the fence and scored Casey Ray all the way from first base.

Way to go Reds! Take the rest of the week off.

The Fall 2016 Season Kicks off with a Bang!

The Legends Fall Baseball Season got underway on August 29th with a full slate of games including a double header played by the 19+ Benchwarmers. The 19+ Outlaws are looking for a "Four-Peat," while the Padres and Pirates are seeking a repeat of their spring championships. Good luck to all teams this fall!

Pirates look strong in fall opener

The 30+A Pirates put on a clinic in hitting, pitching, defense, and base running as they defeated the Redlegs in the fall season opener at Veterans Park.

by John Campbell

After winning the 40+/30+B playoffs in the spring, the Pirates were bumped back to the 30+ division. They got off to a good start on a blistering hot day vs. the Redlegs.

The pitching was the difference maker. The first Pirate to toe the hill was Kevin "KJ" Jillions. The powerful lefty was only able to go one inning for the Pirates, and he made the Redlegs uncomfortable in that one strong inning. The next Pirate to step to the mound was Lewis Hardy, who provided 5 dominant innings. Hardy gave up 1 run on 1 hit (a moonshot HR by Casey Ray), but was otherwise overpowering with multiple strike outs in his 5 innings.

With the game in hand, Pat McCane came in to pitch innings 7-9. McCane gave up a few hits and recorded multiple strikeouts. The Pirate staff was also backed by stellar defense all game. The most notable plays being when Akil Barlow threw a laser beam from LF to nab a runner at the plate that was trying to score from second, and Luis Feliciano converting an unassisted double play at 1B.

Other defensive standouts included Fred Lewis (2B and OF), Matt Edwards (OF and 2B), and Jon Champ (LF and C).

The offense got contributions up and down the order, with many of the runs coming with two outs. The final score was 17-4 on a HOT day.

Redlegs fall to Bucs in opener

The Redlegs Casey Ray (bottom left) crushes a solo home run to left field (far right photo) to get the Reds on the board in the top of the fourth inning. But the Reds were unable to keep pace with the upper division Pirates.

by Bob Korn

The 30+B/40+ Redlegs played an interdivisional game vs. the 30+ A Pirates in the fall season opener for both teams. Despite the one-sided victory for the Bucs (17-4), the Reds had a few highlights of their own.

In the fourth inning, shortstop Casey Ray opened the Redlegs attack with a towering home run to left field that even got a high five from the Pirates pitcher. A walk to Reds centerfielder Jeremy Bourque; a single and a stolen base by Keith Beale, and a two-RBI single by Nelson Taveras provided the offense in the 8th.

New Redleg Dave Forrest drove in the last run of the day when he collected his first hit as a Legend with an RBI single in the ninth, scoring Chris French who led off the inning with a single.

"We proved two things today," Commish Ron Cortese stated after the game. "The Redlegs belong in 30+B and Pirates in 30+A!" 

Sean Marietta's effort not enough in General's 8-4 loss

by Jeff Hayes

The Generals lost to the Blue Jays in the fall opener despite Sean Marietta's spectacular day from both the mound and the plate. Errors in the field undermined the Generals throughout the day. Marietta was perfect at the dish, going 3-3. He singled in the first, sixth, and eighth innings. Marietta worked out of six tricky spots for the Generals. He pitched five innings and allowed one earned run on only four hits. Relief man Jerome Allen pitched three innings, giving up only four hits and two earned runs.

Catcher Jeff Eanes and recent addition outfielder Brian Tirch contributed two hits each, with Tirch adding a base on balls. Rookie outfielder Joshua Moses was 1 for 2 with a walk before being hobbled by the infamous Legends pulled hamstring. Manager Jeff Hayes, third baseman Jason Wells, first baseman Sean Kennan, and utility man Scooter Krattenmaker all added base hits. Marietta (2), Hayes (1), and Tirch (1) drove in the Generals four runs.

Isotopes hold off Padres on opening day

by Tommy Stokes

The Isotopes held off a late charge in the 9th to outlast the Padres in their season opening 11-10 victory. It looked like it might get away from the Topes early after some defensive lapses and some timely hitting by the Padres led to a 4-run 2nd inning.

Down 4-1, Lewis Wharton and Tommy Stokes combined to keep the Padres off the board through the 6th. In the 6th, the Isotopes 4-run inning began innocently enough when Gino Noll struck out but made it to 1st on the passed ball. Following Gino's hustle were six straight singles putting the Isotopes back in the lead.

The Padres would take the lead right back with a big inning off of Nate Taran. The Isotopes tried to rally back in the bottom of the 7th to get all the runs back but fell short in heartbreaking fashion, stranding runners on 2nd and 3rd.

Nate Taran came back strong in the 8th keeping the Isotopes hopes alive. The bottom of the 8th started off strong with Tony Paras leading off with a double, then following a long at bat, Nate Taran was hit by a pitch. With the tying and go ahead runs on base, Tommy Stokes immediately squared to bunt and nobody charged. Tony still beat  a great throw by the catcher with the third baseman out of position just enough due to the bunt.

Lewis hit a sacrifice fly to tie, and the rally was on. The inning ended with the Isotopes back in front 11-8. Nate was able to shake off a couple of runs and a huge scare on a potential game-tying hit down the left field line that landed foul by a matter of a foot or so.

With his late pitching and reaching base 4 times while going 3 for 4 at the plate, Nate was given the game ball. Adam Rasmussen and Tommy Stokes also reached base 4 times.

Spring 2016 Finals!

19+ Division Outlaws Complete the 3-Peat!

Congratulations to the Outlaws on their Spring 2016 tournament win in the Legends 19+ Division.

By Steve Patrick
In a rematch of last spring's championship game, the #3 seed Outlaws got the chance to defend their title against the #1 seed Flying Squirrels. After two tough regular season losses at the hands of the Squirrels, this was exactly the matchup the Outlaws were gunning for.

The game was a back and forth heavyweight prize fight, filled with timely hitting and gutsy pitching. After losing staff ace and Squirrel Killer, Mike Kirik, to an arm injury in the semi-finals, the Outlaws showed guts and resilience navigating through the dangerous Squirrel lineup. They got solid innings from starter Brandon Bender and David Kellmel followed by a Kirk Gibson moment when the injured Mike Kirik came in to stop the Squirrel rally and get the final out with the bases loaded in the 7th. Closer Justin Woods came up huge blanking the Squirrels in the 8th and 9th to seal the deal.

With the time-limit rapidly approaching, the Outlaws began the top of the 8th down 10-8, knowing that if they didn't tie it up there wouldn't be a 9th inning. With 2 outs and the game on the line, Charley "Refuse to Lose" Mays launched a 2-run homer of the day, tying the score at 10-10 and forcing the game into an extended 9th inning. With the momentum shifted by their offense in the top of the 8th and their pitching in the bottom of the 8th, the Outlaws rode that wave into the 9th. After the first two batters reached base, Kameron Lawrence came through with a clutch RBI double to take the lead, followed by Troy Patrick's second 2-run single of the game and Brad Wenzel's SAC fly insurance run to take the lead for good at 14-10.

Charlie Mays takes home his second straight Legends MVP award with his monster 3-5, 2 HR, 5 RBI championship game! Special recognition also needs to go out to Regular Season MVP Mike Kirik, who threw 18 innings (10 against the Squirrels and 7 against the #2 seed Hurricanes) with 27 Ks, while only surrendering 5 earned runs. He also lead the team in hits and slugging percentage. Also to Playoff MVP Troy Patrick who went 6-13 with 2 2Bs, 1 HR and 11 RBI during the Outlaws three game playoff run.

The Outlaws have now won 3 straight Legends 19+ Championships and reached the big game in all 4 seasons since they joined the Legends League. While there are no signs of slowing down or relinquishing their title any time soon, the renewed rivalry with the Squirrels will have the Outlaws hungrier than ever to defend the crown this fall! 

30+ Division Padres "Walk off" with Tournament Win!

Congratulations to the Padres on their Spring 2016 Tournament win in the Legends 30+ Division.

By RJ Lucciotti
The Padres and Nationals squared off in a rematch of last season's finals on a beautiful Sunday afternoon of baseball. The last two times these teams met each other in the finals, the wins were lopsided - the first in favor of the Padres in 2010, and then last season, where the Nationals won in convincing fashion. This season's final would be a different type of game - featuring spectacular pitching and almost flawless defense.

The Nationals jumped out to a quick first inning lead. Padres' starter Michael "I'm 72 years old, Blue" Murphy, surrendered a lead off single and followed with a hit batter. The Nationals quickly capitalized with a double steal, which left the Padres facing second and third with nobody out. Murph then forced a fielder's choice, which gave the Nats a 1-0 lead, but was able to escape the first inning with minimal damage.

The Padres went down quietly in the bottom of the first, as did the Nationals in the top of the 2nd inning, before the Padres got on board and tied the game in the bottom half of the inning. RJ "I faked retirement for attention" Lucciotti, worked a lead off walk, but was forced out at second on a fielder's choice. Chris "6 helmets" Smith followed with a double off the right field fence, leaving the Padres with runners on second and third base and one out. John "my mustache is real" Michetti, followed with a clutch RBI single to tie the game at 1 a piece.

But the Nationals came right back in the third inning with a manufactured run, which included a single and two stolen bases before scoring on another fielder's choice. The Padres answered right back in the bottom half of the inning. After getting hit by a pitch, Padres' lead off hitter, Blake "my socks are stupid" Dunn stole second, moved to third on a fielder's choice, and then scored on an RBI single by Ryan "I'm not Murray" Welch. At the end of 3 innings, the game stood at 2-2, and a great pitching duel ensued.

Murph mowed down the Nationals over the next two innings, while recording 3 strike outs and a huge outfield assist at home plate by Padres' centerfielder, Ryan "I fake shoulder injuries" Murray, to close out the top of the 5th inning.

Padres' closer, Steve "Wanna be Startin' Somethin'" Adair, followed Murph in the 6th inning and held the Nationals scoreless over the next 5 innings, while the Padres played great defense behind him. The Nationals' pitching did the same thing and made quick work of the Padres' lineup over the next 5 innings - while their short stop, Al "the grass is too long" Torres, seemingly played the field all by himself.

After 9-1/2 innings, the game stood at 2-2; a run hadn't been scored since the 3rd inning. In the bottom of the 10th, the Padres sent the heart of their order to the plate. After a quick first out, Ryan "cueball" Welch, got on base with a swinging bunt, but it didn't matter. Steve "I hit bombs with my eyes closed" Adair, stepped to the plate. He had been on fire of late, recording 4 home runs in the last 3 games, and he followed that up by taking the first pitch he saw over the left center field fence, for a Padres' walk off win.

Steve has been the Padres' lights out closer all season, and through the end of the season, he carried the team on his back with his bat to earn a much deserved MVP trophy. This was the first Padres' final win in several seasons, and it couldn't have come after a better played game by both teams.

40+/30+B Division Pirates Clinch 1st Playoff Championship!

Congratulations to the Pirates on their Spring 2016 Tournament win in the Legends 40+/30+B Division.

By Demian Dominguez
The Pirates, in their first Legends finals appearance, played their finest game in years vs. a very tough and powerful 1st ranked Generals team. They were led by outstanding pitching performances from Lewis Hardy, Kevin Jillions, and team ace Patrick McCane.

A strategic rotation move of deployment of this mild heat-firing trio paid huge dividends in playoff competition. The fantastic pitching was supplemented with a team-hitting effort lead by 2016 team MVP Jonathan Champ (finally coming into his own after attending Softball Rehab) and long time RBI producers Akil "Boom" Barlow and Fred "Timeless" Lewis. Comeback player of the year Matt "McRib" Edwards provided production out of the leadoff spot; he initiated several scoring innings on this biggest stage.

This Pirates victory was an absolute team effort with every member contributing in our victory, from Jeff "Da Ump" Alexander, John "Soup" Campbell, Luis "El Capo" Feliciano, Demian "Dirty Double D" Dominguez, Wes "Taco" Rosati, and newcomer Matt "Amber" Rose.

Spring 2016 Fan Cam!

Friends and family flocked to Andrew Leitch Park in Dale City for the 2016 Legends Baseball Finals.

Spring 2016 Finals Action!

The Outlaws broke open a tie ball game with four runs in the top of the ninth inning to defeat the Flying Squirrels in their 19+ Division Championship game. Charlie Mays (far right) was the 19+ MVP.

Great pitching and a steady barrage of hitting helped the Pirates defeat the Generals in their 40+/30+B Division Championship game. Jonathan Champ (far right) was the 40+/30+B MVP.

Pitching, defense, and a walk off home run propelled the Padres past the Nationals in the 30+ Division Championship game. Steve Adair (far right) was the 30+ MVP.

Spring 2016 home run derby winners

Home Run Derby honors were shared by (from left to right) Chris Herald of the Nationals, Curtis Swift of the Rebels, and Steve Adair of the Padres. Steve was also the MVP of the 30+ Division tournament. 

Spring 2016 Semifinals Action!

19+ Division
The #1 seeded Flying Squirrels advanced to the finals with a 14-3 win over the Dodgers where they will face #3 seeded Outlaws, who defeated the Hurricanes 14-7 in their semifinal contest on Father's Day, June 19th.

30+ Division
The Nationals continued their winning ways with an 8-6 win over top-seeded Thunder South to earn a championship birth against the #2 seeded Padres, who won their semifinal game with the Lollygaggers, 17-16.

40+/30+B Division
The Generals defeated the Brewers 19-10 and will earn the honor of playing for the 40+ Division Championship against the Pirates, who defeated Gashouse Gang 14-12 in their semifinal matchup.

Flying Squirrels slug their way to the final round

By Curtis Nadeau

The Flying Squirrels won their semifinal match over the Dodgers for the right to face the Outlaws in the Division 19+ Spring Championship game.

The top seeded Flying Squirrels went up against the fourth seeded Dodgers in Sunday's Semi-Final, with a spot in the Championship game on the line. It was a slow start to the contest, as the Squirrels had to knock off a little rust from a week off.

After surrendering the opening run in the top of the 2nd inning, Flying Squirrels veteran outfielder Kevin B. blasted a solo shot over the left field fence to tie the game. The hit seemed to wake the the Squirrels offense, as they then scored four runs in a rule shortened bottom of the 3rd. Squirrels starting pitcher Dustin B. worked in and out of jams for the better part of his four frames, but managed to limit the damage, giving up three runs on 4 hits.

The Flying Squirrels held a 5-3 advantage in the bottom of the 4th when the aforementioned Kevin B. came up and smacked his second home run of the game, this time a three run shot, earning himself Legend of the Week honors. The Squirrels then added one more run in the 4th, and four more in the 6th to take a 13-3 advantage.

J. Britt, the Flying Squirrels' back-end pitcher, had a nice day on the mound, going four innings and only surrendering 3 hits while striking out 6 Dodgers hitters.

With the win, the Flying Squirrels achieve their second of three goals for the season by getting back into the championship game. Their re-match vs. the Outlaws for the 2016 19+ crown is sure be be can't-miss baseball.

Pirates advance to 40+ Championship game

by John Campbell

The Pirates beat the tough Gashouse Gang 14-12 Sunday morning at Veterans Park in Woodbridge. The Pirates were without their cleanup hitter and top lefty out of the bullpen but were able to stay close to the Gashouse Gang all game.

Despite those key missing players, the Pirates got a quick three runs in the top of the inning. In the bottom half of the inning the 3-0 lead turned into a 4-3 deficit. But the Pirates came right back in the 2nd and scored 4, while limiting the Gashouse Gang to 3, leaving things knotted up at 7 after 2 innings. "El Capitan" (Luis Feliciano) exited after 2 innings as the emergency starter.

Lewis Hardy stepped to the hill for the next 2 innings and kept the Gashouse Gang off balance. However, some Pirate miscues in the field led to a few unearned Gashouse runs.

Pat "Skip" McCane took the ball in the 5th and after getting into a little bit of a jam, shutdown the Gashouse Gang in his 4 innings, allowing only 1 run.

In the 5th inning, the Pirates drew 3 straight walks and were able to take advantage of some Gashouse Gang errors and score 3 runs before even getting a hit, and ultimately getting the 4th run across the plate. Some timely hitting by Fred Lewis and Lewis Hardy in later innings put some more runs on the board for the Pirates.

The umpires determined that the game would only go 8 innings. After the 7th inning, the Pirates were leading by 1 run. "Skip" McCane was not happy with just a 1 run lead and was able to sacrifice to extend the Pirates lead to 2 runs and give himself more of a cushion with the Gashouse Gangs 3-4-5 hitters coming up.

In the bottom of the 8th, McCane induced a ground ball to 3rd base that was scooped up, and a great catch was made by first baseman Demian Dominquez to get the out on the throw from deep at 3B. The next pitch was a ground ball to short stop and the Pirates had 2 quick outs. McCane decided to make it interesting by walking the next batter before finally retiring the next batter and advancing the Pirates to the finals of the 40+ Division. 

Spring 2016 Quarterfinals

19+ Division
The 4th seeded Dodgers and 5th seeded Knights kicked off the Spring 2016 Legends Baseball Playoffs with an early 8:00am start at South County Secondary, which saw the Dodgers advance to the semifinal round with a convincing 13-5 win. Number 1 seeded Squirrels and number 2 seeded Hurricanes advanced to the semifinals by virtue of the bye-in.


30+ Division
The Nationals made it to the Final Four of the 30+ Division with a narrow 7-6 win over the Isotopes at Lee High School. In the last game of the day, Lollygaggers had an easier time of it as they advanced to the semis by defeating the Rebels 15-4. Thunder South (#1 seed) and Padres (#2 seed) advanced to the semifinals via bye-ins.


40+/30+B Division
There were two minor upsets on the day: the Brewers (#6 seed) held off the Redlegs (#3 seed) in a 19-16 slugfest at Madison High School. And the Pirates (#5 seed) defeated the Blue Jays by a touch down and an extra point, 22-15 win. The Gashouse Gang (#1 seed) and Generals (#2 seed) both had a bye-in to the semifinals.

Lollygaggers win their quarter final game
by Jesse Bussey

Gags went 4 for 5 with a 3-run home run and 7 RBI in the Lollygaggers quarter final win over the Rebels.

Moonlight Graham gave up 1 run through 4 innings in helping Lollygaggers advance . 

The Lollygaggers advanced to the semifinals by defeating the Rebels 15-4 behind outstanding hitting, solid pitching, and sound defense.

Gags led the charge by going 4 for 5, including a 3-run homer in the 1st and 7 total RBI's. Moonlight Graham and New Mike each had 3 hits a piece. While Petro, Weaver, and Kerry contributed 2 hits a piece. Every Lollygagger reached base twice.

Moonlight Graham executed CP's calls with precision, giving up 1 run through 4 innings. Petro, New Mike and Weaver yielded a combined 3 runs in the final 5 frames, striking out 6.

Defensive highlights included a couple of outstanding plays from CF New Mike, including a sliding catch in between infielder traffic. Zach and Jesse formed a formidable wall on the left side of the infield, committing zero errors and combining for 11 put-outs, including 3 double plays with help from 1B Eric McNutt and 2B Petro.

Lollygaggers advance to face the Padres in a rematch of week one in which the two teams finished in a 12-12 tie.