Spring 2016 Week 3

Finally! A perfect day for baseball on Sunday, with three early scores to report: The Lollygaggers topped Thunder South in the late game at Leitch (10-6) ; the Flying Squirrels tagged the Outlaws with their first loss of the season (9-4); and the Redlegs got back on the winning track in their win over the Generals (16-9).

Flying Squirrels win rematch with Outlaws
by Curtis Nadeau

The Flying Squirrels took on the Outlaws in a rematch of the Spring 2015 Championship game. The game started as many would have expected, with good pitching and solid defense.

The Flying Squirrels take on the Outlaws at Veteran's Park in their rematch of the Spring 2015 Championship game.

The Squirrels struck first in the bottom of the first inning, plating one run when Squirrels' starting pitcher and Legend of the Week Nominee Dustin B. crushed his first of three big hits on the day. The Outlaws wouldn't let that lead stand, as they promptly scored three runs in the next half to take a 3-1 lead after two innings.

Heading into the bottom of the sixth inning trailing 4-3, the Flying Squirrels' bats woke up and they scored three runs to take a 6-4 lead that they would never look back from.

Around the horn with the Flying Squirrels: On the bases, in the dugout, and at the plate.

Honorable mention goes to Flying Squirrels relief pitcher J. Britt, who tossed 5 innings of 2 hit ball, giving up no runs and no walks against a potent Outlaws offense.

The Flying Squirrels would tack on two insurance runs in the seventh inning and one more in the eighth to take 9-4 lead into the ninth frame where the aforementioned J. Britt struck out the side to end the game.

More action from the home team Squirrels and the visiting Outlaws on Sunday, April 17 at Veteran's Park.

This game was a mild form of revenge for the Squirrels, who will look to continue their quest to get back into the championship next week against the expansion Dodgers.

Nationals blank Isotopes in pitchers' battle

by Rich Goad

With beautiful weather, what else would you want to do than play baseball? Well, the Nationals and Isotopes played a game for the ages. A lot of record breaking firsts for Legends, at least I believe they are. First hats off to the Isotopes for giving the Nationals one of the best games played in Legends. The Nationals pulled off I believe the only 1-0 game. With all the scoring in Legends, I do not ever remember a 1-0 game.

Great pitching and amazing defensive plays were the norm for this game, including a total of 8 hits, 2 walks, 1 hit batter, and 1 run scored. When is the last time you have seen a Legends game with only 11 base runners total for both teams? I haven’t seen it and I’ve been around for a long time.

The Nationals started off the game with a quick single by Al Torres, followed by a stolen base, putting him in scoring position. The next batter Rich Goad hit a deep fly ball to right field, which moved Al to third. The next batter popped up for the second out and then Big Kevin Mallon came to bat. He hit a high fly ball right into the sun, which fell for a base hit and scoring Al.

Well, the game started off great, but if you came to see runs scored, you were out of luck, because the pitchers shined on both teams, but they couldn’t have done it without some great defensive stops. There were several running shoe lace catches, double plays, and even a line drive off the pitcher’s shoulder which bounced right to the second baseman that made the play for the out.

Rob Howell and Rich Goad combined for a 3 hit, 1 walk, 1 hit batter shutout, while the two Isotopes pitchers combined for a 5 hit, 1 walk, and 1 run total.

Game winning RBI went to Kevin Mallon in the first inning and Roger Laing was the only Legends player who reached base twice, one screaming line drive and one walk. Way to go Rog!

Biscuits hold off Knights
by Chris Leibowtiz

On a beautiful day at South County, the Biscuits and the Knights squared off in an exciting game until the end. The Biscuits got off to a hot start, leading 9-2 at the end of three innings. New signee Tanner batted in a couple of RBI's and the other FNG Alex Puhk made several plays in the field to keep the game one-sided. Veteran Biscuit Mike Murphy also hit the ball hard several times driving in runs and scoring a couple himself.

Kyle Adams, batting for the Biscuits, later closed out the game in a 16-14 win over the Knights. 

The Knights started to chip away in the middle innings, bringing the game to a score of 16-7 at the end of six. In the final frames, the Knights took advantage of a couple of absent pitchers and smashed in six more runs to bring it to a close 16-14 game. The Biscuits brought back new, strong-armed pitcher Kyle Adams to finish the game and seal the victory. 

Redlegs coast
by Bob Korn

Outstanding defensive, combined with four, four-run innings, helped the Redlegs coast to a 16-9 win over the Generals in Week 3. Matt Gaugler started and pitched 3 strong innings once again. Chris French and Ron Cortese combined for 4 solid innings pitched, and Nelson Taveras calmly closed out the game for the hold.

Generals and Redlegs in action on Sunday with Robert Bumiller (top left); Billy R. (bottom left); and Chris French, center field, and Kirk Cooper, short stop (far right).

Lonny Schwartz, the defensive star of the game for the Redlegs, was nominated “Legend of the Week” for his play at first base. Lonny will not be going to Disney World, however, he might renegotiate his contract with the Commish during the season.

The Reds, Lonny Schwartz, shifted to center late in the game and almost makes a sliding catch.

With the addition of Jeremy Bourque in the lineup for the first time this season, Nelson at cleanup, and Kirk Cooper back in the five-slot, the Redlegs offense never looked better.

Rebels homer against the Pirates
by Tim Sara

Rebels 9, Pirates 13. CLETUS HOMERS...! But Rebels come up short again...

Games of April 17