Friday, March 29, 2013

Good Friday

Good Friday was not bad this year.  The sun warmed the fields nicely and by 10am or so the extra shirts were coming off.  We had two games today, one American League and one mixed.  A couple of the fields had standing water so  we used B and D today.

Field D

The American League game should have been a real slug fest today but ended up a bit lopsided due to some excellent defense turned in by the Home Squad.  Both teams blanked in only two innings but the home team plated the max 5 runs in the 2nd, 4th and 6th while holding the visitors to 3 runs in their best inning, the 4th.
Good Day Sammy!
The Home Boys pitched by George Radlein played some awsome defense with great catches in the outfield by Chuck Duff, Juan Toro (as usual), and Ron Pepin.  The infield was equally hot with the leather as Sam Lopez, Tom Hamilton and Joe D'Herin turned in some swell plays.
Tough loss Larry

For the visitors, pitched by Larry Wells, hitting was the order of the day with Don Keller hitting for the cycle, Don Erb bouncing the ball off the outfield fence and Elvis Abney rapping out singles and doubles.  Nice to have you back with us Elvis!

The final score was Home Team 21 - Visiting Team 11

Top Hitters for the  Home Team

  • Sam Lopez 3 for 3 BB, 2 doubles 
  • JD Davis 3 for 3 BB 
  • Juan Toro 4 for 5 Homer 2 doubles
  • Don Scarbrough 4 for 5 double
  • Joe D'Herin 3 for 5
  • Mike Levesque 3 for 4 triple 

Top Hitters for the Visiting Team
  • Elvis Abney 4 for 4 double
  • Mike Wiltshire 3 for 3 Sac Fly
  • Don Keller 4 for 5 Homer, Double, Triple
  • Don Erb 3 for 4 double , Sac Fly
  • Regis Finnegan 3 for 5
Submitted  By
Ron Butler


Field B




Well, at least it's starting to feel a little like spring, for the boys (older men) of summer.  The batting team, or visitors, got off to a torrid start with singles from Altomose, Terry Smith, Merritt and Barnes that plated a run and had bases loaded with no outs. That was about as good as it got for the visitors, as they could only push 1 more run across that inning.   
 
RT went 4 for 4 today
The home team quickly answered with a single from Marino and a Homerun from Larry Chrest.  The runs kept coming as the home team sent 7 more men to the plate and scored 2 more to grab a 4-2 lead which they never gave up.  The home team bats could not be silenced as they scored 5 in the 2nd, 5th and 6th innings.  The best inning the visitors could muster was the 4th when Terry Smith had a Grand Slam that cut the lead to 4, 11-7.   
 
The CIC played defense for both teams
That was a close as the score got, as the home team won 22-10.



Leading Hitters

Visitors

  • Terry Smith 4 for 5, HR
  • Reg Barnes 4 for 5, 2B
  • Bob Hite 4 for 5, 2B
  • Russ King 4 for 5, 2B



Home Team

  • Richie Marino 5 for 5, HR
  • Bob Murphy 4 for 5, 2B
  • Bill Miller 3 for 4, BB
  • Ed Kline 5 for 5
  • Ron Thompson 4 for 4, 2B, BB




Submitted By
Bob Hite

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

From the Commissioner



I want to take a few minutes to recognize some of the folks that helped make this a very successful season. First are the members of the Board of Directors (Ron Butler, Al Andrew, Russ King, Reggie Barnes, Richard Moots and Joel Freemen) for their commitment and vision that brought about the changes in league operations. 

Second are the members of the rules committee (Joe D’Herin, Ron Butler, Richard Moots, and Mike Stepp) that met for two months to review all suggested rules changes and bringing them forward to the BOD. 

Third is Gene Baker for the photographic support throughout the season and especially the team photos that were an integral part to our new sponsor recognition program. 

Fourth is Ron Butler who has done an outstanding job with the development and publishing of the web site. 

Fifth would be Bobby Reagan and Lee Baker, who come early every game day and make sure the fields and equipment are ready when you get here. 

And lastly, our managers ( John Smith, Ted Taylor, Richard Moots, Marshall Bloom, Freddie Gonzalez, Nick Matta, Larry Powell, Donnie Witmer, and Jeff Simon) for everything associated with their very tough job, especially the fantastic recaps of the games.Please take  the time to thank them when you see them at the park. The league would not be nearly as successful and enjoyable if not for them.

While not members of the league per say, our sponsors are certainly a part of the WHSSC family. Without them, many of the outstanding events that we sponsor each year would not be possible. Please show them your gratitude by supporting them and their businesses. This year’s sponsors include Amerity Financial, Merrill Lynch, Rolling Thunder, Ingram Financial Group, Estates at Carpenters, The Enjoyment Book, Jarrett-Gordon Ford Lincoln, Gessler Clinic, Lakeside Dermatology, Lewis Tax Advisory Group, Optical Outlets, Kentucky Fried Chicken, East Haven RV Park, and Small World Tour and Cruises. You can read more about them by clicking on the appropriate links on the web page.

At our short meeting before the Championship games I mentioned a couple other folks. First was the outstanding class that were inducted into the Hall of Fame (Reggie Barnes, Frank Miller, and Freddie Dampier) for their many contributions to the league, character, and love of the game. The last person was Ron Thompson, himself a HOF member, who through his sponsors and Enjoyment Book sales efforts funded over one third of our budget.

By way of thanking the members of the league, the BOD elected to issue one long sleeve micro fiber tee shirt to every member This a continuation of the program Donnie Witmer reenergized a couple years ago with the purchase of the red wind shirts. I hope everyone liked them and will get some good use out of them.

Here's a few things to make note of; the new rules that will be published in the next month or so. They include changing to ISA rules as our base document which brings us in line with the Florida Half Century, new running rules, and rules addressing use of the pitching screen. Also the BOD has elected not to send out applications this year but will require folks to download the form from the web site or pick one up before they head north.  There are a couple dates associated with the form. Get it in before the end of October and your renewal fee is only $30 (after that date it is $40}. Also it must be returned by the 29th of November if you want to play on a team next season, as our draft is set for the 17th of December. Those received after that date will be assigned as pool players. The other crucial dates are 14 January which is the start of the season, and  22 March which is the end of season Championship playoffs and Family BBQ. Ballots will also appear on the web site and must be returned with your application. Anyone interested in running for the BOD should notify a member of the board.

In closing let me congratulate the winners of the respective leagues…Marshall Bloom of the National League and Nick Matta in the American League. Both teams are well deserving of their respective titles as they played hard all season and actually won the regular season before going on to the title.

We will now start summer play and game start times will remain the same until the BOD meets. Please be signed in no later than 0900. We ask you sign in under American or National League and indicate the position you want to play. This will greatly assist us in putting the teams together.

Again, to all the members it has been my pleasure to serve as your Commissioner this year. Thank you for your support, friendship, sportsmanship, and commitment to the spirit of the game.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Herstory Made


Today was an historic day for Winter Haven Senior Softball.  For the first time two women seniors came to play ball and play ball they did, and better than quite a few of the guys, too.  Richie was smiling, he figured that finally there was someone that might listen to his imitation Elvis crooning.  Ok the Elvis jokes are getting stale, I get that, but it's still funny.
We also had several other new players today.  Keep it up guys & gals the more the merrier.

 

Field B


The day was cold and windy with many players, assuming they are still around, deciding to sit this one out after a long season.  The game was primary a National League game with each team picking up 2 American Leaguers and 1 woman (yes woman) each.   
Giselle lines one up
The hitting team (or visitors) got off to a quick start scoring 3 runs in the first, 5 in the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th innings.  They were led by the torrid hitting of  Zelazny, Duchan, Altemust and Sequin, combined they went 18 for 19 including a triple, Homerun and a pair of doubles. 
Penny takes the field

The fielding team (or home) started slowly, only scoring 1 run in the first two innings, but did score 5 in the 3rd, 6 in the 4th and 9 in the 7th. It was a balanced attacked that got the home team back into the game with every player getting at least one hit and 10 players getting 2 or more.  Butler led the team with 2 doubles and Hector blasted a home run to right. 
When the game was done, it finished as it had started, in a tie.  Both teams plated 27 runs while trying to stay warm.

Leading Hitters:

Duchan 5 for 5

Sequin 5 for 5

Mundy 3 for 5

Zelazny 4 for 4, 3B, HR





Sullivan 4 for 6

Bess 4 for 5, BB

Butler 3 for 4, BB, 2 2B

Henwort 4 for 5


Submitted by
Bob Hite


Field C



Dorothy said, “I don’t think we are in Kansas anymore”, when she arrived in Oz. I was beginning to wonder if we were in Florida anymore, as cold and windy as it was, on Tuesday morning, in Winter Haven.  I don’t know about a house falling from the sky, but there were several balls that fell in for hits due to the windy conditions.


I can tell you my team played defense in black and white, while the Russ King squad played the game in Technicolor. Defense was the deciding factor in the game, as the King squad came up with big plays when they need to do so. The Matta squad, at times, treated the ball like it was made of water and they would melt if they came in contact with it.  


For the sake of this write up we will call Russ’ team the Tin Men, because they played with lots of heart. The Tin Men scored five runs in the 1st, 4th and 8th innings. They had a different set of heroes in each inning.  In the first inning, the top of the Tin Men line up performed like a well-oiled machine.  Sam Cuscovich, Steve Hill, Mike Wiltshire, Don Keller and Ron Pepin all scored.  In the 5th inning, Tom Wise, Russ King, Scott Sequin, Larry Wells and Sam Cuscovitch crossed the plate.  In the 8th inning Pat Lopiccolo, Larry Wells, Steve Hill, Mike Wilshire and Don Keller followed the yellow brick road to scoring.


Nick’s team, we will call the Lions, because they played with great courage. That fortitude was on display in the 1st, 4th and 8th innings, as we scored 4 runs, 5 runs and 6 runs in those innings.  In the bottom of the 1st inning, the top of the order was ferocious.  Kirk Coffman, Juan Toro, Greg Denny and Pat Drouilard all scored.  In the 4th inning, Pat Drouilard, Robert Ayers, Larry Powell, Nick Matta and Steve Tero roared across the plate.  In the 8th inning, Juan Toro, Greg Denny, Don Scarbrough, Pat Drouillard, Larry Powell, Dave Hartley and Steve Tero were kings of the jungle, they all scored.


Both teams scored 15 runs in those three innings (1st, 4th and 8th). But even in the land of Oz, the game is 9 innings long, not three innings long. Thus the difference, the Tin Men had a few more innings where they performed better than the Lions and they won the game by a score of 24-17.


Even though one team won and one team lost, this story has a happy ending for everyone because we are all friends, we had a good time playing ball together and we will get to do it again. Now click your spikes together and repeat after me……there is no place like the ball field, there is no place like the ball field, there is no place like the ball field.


Leading Hitters


Tin Men

Sam Cuscovitch, 3 / 4 with a triple, double and a walk.

Steve Hill, 5 / 5 with a HR and a double.

Mike Wiltshire,  3 / 5 with a triple.

Don Keller, 3 / 5 with two doubles.

Ron Pepin,  5 / 5  with a double.

Tom Wise, 4 / 5 with a HR.

Larry Wells, 3 / 4 with two doubles.



Lions

Greg Denny 3/ 4 with two doubles.

Pat Drouilard 3/ 4 with two doubles.

Bob Ayers, 3 / 4  with a triple.

Steve Tero,  4 /4  

Submitted by
Nick Matta

Friday, March 22, 2013

League Championship Finals

OK Guys, Contest time!  Can you name the American League MVP in the photo below?  I know this will be hard without a sound track but here's a hint; he can break up a meeting with his Elvis impersonation.


 
Ari Harris donated a bunch of pictures from past years and they have been added to our photo albums so if you're looking for that ball player you used to know maybe you can find him there. It's also nice to have some pictures of our teammates out of uniform. 

Now on to the playoffs where both division leaders were able to pull off a win in the finals.  Congrats to the Giants and Rangers.  


 Field B

 Giants VS Cubs  

The 2013 Giants

Today was a great day for a ballgame.  Manager Bloom from the Giants and Manager Taylor from the Cubs met in the center of Field B for the coin toss.  The Commish Bob Zelazny had to borrow a coin for the toss.  Cubs won the flip and elected to be the home team.  No Celeb to sing the Star Spangled Banner so now Umpire Bob Zelazny sent out the call to the players to let the game begin. 
The 2013 Cubs

Deems led off for the Giants and arrived at first on an error.  Bill Miller singled and Ed Guspyt  flew around the bases after blasting a homer to deep right center field.  After two were out Elmer Black and Jerry Remington had base hits and Doug Chamblee drove them in with a double.

Cubs lead off hitter Wilson led off the last of the inning with a base hit that was followed by Kline's single.  Bill Wolfe came to bat with one out and was
walked to load the bases (that was the first of four walks Bill would have on the day)  Ray DePalma, Ted Taylor, Reg Barnes had singles to bring in the forth
run of the inning.  Score after one was Giants 5 Cubs 4. 

 
The Giants were scoreless in the second and Cubs tied it up in their half of the inning.   Third inning started with Bloom's single, Miller's triple, Guspyt's single, Mahon tripled and scored on a hit by Black.  In the Cubs half, Wolfe lead off with another walk, after an infield out, Taylor walked as did Barnes to load the bases.  One run scored on Leggett's infield out, then Fulton, Altamoose and LaMay all singled to score 4 runs for inning. 


The top of the 8 inning Mahon lead off with a base hit, Thompson walked, after an out Remington and Chamblee had hits and John Merritt smashed a triple to deep left center. Les Wolff singled him home.  Total for the inning 5 runs.  The Cubs came back with two in their half of the inning.  


Giants scored one in the top of the ninth.  The Cubs were down three going into their last at bat.  Altamose started the ninth with a hit and after two were out, Kline singled as did Mundy and Wolfe and
the game ended on a fly out.  


Final Score was Giants 21 and the Cubs 20. 

Congrats to the Giants on winning the Winter Haven Senior Softball National League Championship. Great games guys.  And thanks to all the friends and family
that came out to support us.  Many Thanks to all the Board Members for all the work they do and for the Super lunch provided for all after the game.  See you
all next season.

Leading hitters
Cubs
Wilson 4 for 6
Kline 5 for 6
Wolfe 2 for 2 with 4 walks
DePalma 4 for 6
Leggett  Home Run
Altamose 4 for 5

Giants
Miller 4 for 4 double triple
Black 3 for 4
Remington 4 for 4
Chamblee 3 for 3 with Homer and walk
John Merritt big triple


Submitted by
Don LaMay
  

Field C

The American League Championship was decided in the bottom of the ninth inning when Freddy Gonzalez's Angels squad could not overcome the visiting Nick Matta Rangers' 5 run lead. Rangers Win! Rangers Win! Rangers Win!
The 2013 Rangers


Where can you ride a roller coaster outside of an amusement park?  At the Winter Haven Senior Softball American League Championship game, played on “Field C”.  The game today had bends and turns, ups and downs.  It was filled with excitement. It even came to an end, with a sudden stop.  When the ride was all over, err, I mean when the game was all over, a few player’s heads were spinning.


The visiting team, Rangers, came out of the gate flying with consecutive hits by Sam Cuscovitch and Kirk Coffman.  It looked like things were being set up for a big inning.  However, the Angels defense was undeterred.  They knocked the Ranger’s coaster train off the track, by turning a flashy double play. Shortstop, Pat Drouilard, made a nice play on a hot grounder.  He tagged the speedy Cuscovitch out and flipped to Les Jacobson, to force Coffman out at 2nd. The inning ended a few plays later and with strong defensive play the Rangers were held scoreless in the 1st. The Angels came to bat in the bottom of the 1st and scored 2 runs off of a couple nice hits by Juan Toro, Les Jacobson and Russ King.
The 2013 Angels

The Rangers got back on track in the 2nd inning, scoring 5 runs. The inning started with Nick Matta working the count and getting a walk.  Joe D’Herin then ripped a line drive past third, for a double. The hitting clinic was open for a short time as five consecutive singles flew off the bats of Fred Dampier, Jack Benson, Jim Goodhue, Tim Gallagher and Tom Wise. The Angels were shut out in their half of the inning.

After 2 innings the score was Rangers 5- Angels 2.

There were plenty of other small loops and bumps in the game, but the next big dip in the coaster ride came in the bottom of the 5th inning. This time the Angels bats heated up and they scored 5 runs. Greg Denny started things off with a line drive single.  Dennis Holder walked, then Freddy Gonzalez,  Juan Toro, Les Jacobson and Pat Drouilard all had hits, surging the Angels into the lead.

After 5 innings of play the score was Rangers 9- Angels 10.

Over the next few innings the Rangers managed to score 6 more runs, while the Angels bats were silent.  Regis Finnegen was strong on the mound and the Rangers played solid defense.  The Rangers had a few big hits in the last few innings, but the hitting star in this game was Jim Goodhue.  Jim knocked in 3 runs in the last 3 innings. Two of the runs came off a Goodhue HR ball, hit into deep right field. The other run came off a timely single that Jim lined into right field, with two outs in the 9th.  Insurance runs can come in handy.

Going into the bottom of the 9th the score was Rangers 15- Angels 10.

The rally cry came off the Angels bench, in the bottom of the 9th, as they tried for a come from behind win. Juan Toro started things off with a double and the inning had some promise. But good defensive plays from Nick Matta and Jose Rivera helped to quiet the rally. The Angels were down to their last out, however they were not going to go down easy. Consecutive hits by Russ King, Larry Wells, Ron Pepin and Rich Marino pushed 3 runs across the plate.  Ranger’s shortstop, Don Ing, who came back from Ontario, Canada, just to play in the games this week, ended the rally. Don caught a line drive in the hole at short to wrap up the win. The coaster ride came to a sudden stop with the Rangers winning the championship!

Final Score: Rangers 15- Angels 13.

Congratulations to the WHSS, American League Champion Ranger’s players!  Congratulations to the Angel’s managers and players who gave us all we could handle, you guys had a great year.  A special shout out to all WHSS American League players, commissioner and board members.  You guys are the best; you made it a fun winter softball season.

For the Rangers big defensive plays were turned in by Ron Butler, Joe D’Herin, Regis Finnegen, Nick Matta, Jack Benson, Don Ing, Jose Rivera, Fred Dampier and Sam Cuscovitch. The Angels had big plays on defense from Les Jacobson, Juan Toro, Pat Drouilard, Ron Pepin, Freddy Gonzalez, Dennis Holder, and Russ King.


Leading Hitters:



Rangers


Jim Goodhue, 4/ 4 with a HR.

Sam Cuscovitch,  4 / 4.

Joe D’Herin, 3 / 4 with a double.
Jack Benson, 3 / 4.
Kirk Coffman,  2 / 3 with a sac.
Nick Matta, 2 / 3 and a walk.
Tom Wise, 2 / 3.


Angels


Juan Toro, 4 /4 with 3 doubles.

Les Jacobson, 3/ 4.

Russ King, 3 /4.
Ron Pepin, 3 / 4.


Submitted by
Nick Matta 

Field E

 The three teams not playing in the American League Championship game played an exhibition game and looking forward to the barbeque cookout afterwards.  

The Red Sox, managed by Jeff Simon, tied for second with the Tigers managed by Don Witmer. Both teams scored 8 runs in the 7 inning contest.  

The Rays, managed by Larry Powell,  scored 31 runs, including 12 in the seventh inning to run away with the victory.   

The Red Sox had a homer from Don Held and a triple from Bob Hite.  The Tigers had a homer from Don Keller.  The Rays had homers by Don Erb and Dave Hartley. 

A good time was had by all and everybody said they're looking forward to next year.  

Submitted by
Jeff Simon


Thursday, March 21, 2013

League Championships




Friday, March 22, 2013
The League Championship Playoffs

In the American League Game, Freddy Gonzalez's second place Angels will be the Home Team and wear the gray shirts.  They will occupy the third base dugout on Field C.  That means the regular season champions, Nick Matta's Rangers, will bat first, wear the blue shirts and use the first base dugout.

For the National League Game on Field B,  Marshall Bloom's first place Giants will wear the blue shirts and occupy the first base dugout, while Ted Taylor's second place Cubs will wear the gray shirts and use the third base dugout.  The home team for this game will be determined by the commissioner's coin flip.  

For the players not involved in these two games, please check in with the commish.  Pick-up games will likely be played on Fields D & E.

The games will be followed by an awards presentation and a social event including Ron Salyer’s Famous Barbecue.  Bring the family for the big day at the ball park!  Lawn chairs, sunscreen and beach umbrellas recommended.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

No Shamrocks Today (Tuesday 3/19 games)

Field E

Braves VS Cubs 

Today's game today played on Field E at the Diamond Plex softball field had the Braves playing the Cubs for the chance to play the Giants for the National League Championship Game of the Winter Haven Senior Softball League.  

The Braves leadoff hitter, Peterson, started the game with a double, singles by Hill and Frank Miller were followed by base hit from Lautenschlager.  After a 6-4-3 double play Manager Moots batted in the 4th run of the inning.The Cubs started with a single from Kline, doubles from Mundy and Wolfe and a base hit from DePalma and the inning ended with another 6-4-3 double play this time from the Braves infield.  Both teams were scoreless in the second frame.
Walt Leggett just off the DL for eye surgery held the Braves scoreless for the next 3 innings.  Good fielding by the Cubs infielder Ray DePalma and Bill Wolfe turning more double plays.  


The Cubs tallied 4 runs in the 3rd  and 5runs in the 4th
innings.  Score after four was Cubs 12 Braves 4.


Sullivan led off the fifth for the Brave's with a lined single to center, Peterson and Hill followed with base hits also.  Lautenschlager, Ravo, Marinacci, and Moots had base knockers and the Braves tallied 4 runs.   After the Cubs scored a run in the bottom of the inning, the Braves rallied for 5 runs in the 6th to tie the score at 13 runs each. The Cubs came back with 4 of their own in the last of the 6th.


After holding the Braves scoreless in the 7 the Cubbies gave up 5 in the 8th.   In the meantime the Cubs scored 4 in the 7th and 3 in the 8th for a total of 24 runs for the day.  The Braves ran out of steam in the top of the 9th and the final score was Cubs 24 Braves 18.


The game was marked by excellent infield play, as to this writers memory at least 8 double plays were turned today by both teams.  


On the hitting side Bill Wolfe put on the hitting display for the Cubs today totaling 18 bases with a double, 4 triples and a home run. 

Braves Hitters
Peterson, Hill, Milller, Lautenschlager all going 4 for 5
Ravo and Marinacci both with 3 for 5

Cubs
Kline, DePalma  4 for 6 
Mundy and Barnes  5 for 6
DePalma 4 for 6
 
 
Submitted by 
Don LaMay

 Field D


The Pirates forfeited a game to the Giants so we played a game trading players.

The Giants plated one run in the first, and four in the second.

The Pirates scored five in the top of three to tie the score on singles by G Baker and Ducham, Stepp tripled, Ragonese reached on a error, Lyons singled, Smith singled, Ayer singled

The Giants went on to score five- three-zero-one -four to put the game away.

Hitters for the Giants

Bloom 3-5
B. Miller 4-5
Mahon 3-5 with a triple
Thompson 5-5 hit for circuit
Black 4-5

Hitters for the Pirates
G Baker 3-3
Ducham 2-4
Stepp 2-4
Ayer 2-4



Field C


The last game of the regular season saw the Rays, Tigers and Red Sox playing out the schedule while both the Sox and Tigers had a chance to take the lead for 3rd place in the American League.   
The final score was Tigers 16, Rays 14 and Red Sox 5.  This gives the Tigers a 2 point lead for 3rd place.

Leading Hitters

Tigers

Sammy Lopez 3 for 4, 2B

Byrd 3 for 3, 2B



Rays

Don Scarbrough 3 for 4,2B

Frank Jacobs 3 for 4, 2B



Red Sox

Bob Zelazny 3 for 3,3B


--
Submitted by
Bob Hite


Field B



Aretha Franklin sang it, the Angels and Rangers feel it: R-E-S-P-E-C-T.  That was the atmosphere that surrounded today’s game, on Field B, between the two teams tied at the top of the American League standings.  Ranger’s manager, Nick Matta, was throwing complimentary bouquets at the rival Angels team.” I think they are loaded with players who can smash the ball, especially the long ball.”  Angel’s acting manager, Les Jacobson, returned the compliments, saying that he felt the Rangers had a deep lineup. He called out a wry compliment from the dugout, “Nick, when does the bottom of your lineup come up to bat?”


In between the kind words, respect and good humor, a game was played between the two teams. The Angels started out by taking the lead, outscoring the Rangers 4-1, in the first inning. Greg Denny, Juan Toro, Les Jacobson and Russ King all scored for the halos in the first frame.

The game stayed a low scoring affair for three innings and then the flood gates opened up. The Rangers scored 5 runs in the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th innings. Everyone in the Rangers lineup swung a hot bat in those four innings. I think we were excited to have teammate, Don Ing back from Canada. Don made the long trip down from Ontario to play in the games this week and to visit friends.  As they say in the TV show, “Duck Dynasty”, we were happy, happy, happy to see him. The Angels were able to answer back with 5 runs in their half of the 4th inning and again in the 7th, they scored 5 runs. The score after 7 innings was Rangers 23- Angels 14.

Both teams saw the goose in the 8th inning.  In the 9th inning the Rangers added 4 runs and the Angels answered with 2.
Final score: Rangers 27- Angels 16.

The Rangers won this game; to place them in 1st. However, the championship is on the table Friday, as the Rangers and Angels face off one last time.  Both teams will take the field with the same respect for one another and try to end the season with a win.

Leading Hitters:

Rangers
Sam Cuscovitch, 5 / 5 with a double.
Nick Matta, 5 / 5 with a double.
Fred Dampier, 5 / 5.
Jim Goodhue, 4 / 5.
Joe D’ Herin, 3 / 4 with a sac.
Regis Finnegen, 3 / 5 with two doubles.
Jack Benson, 3 / 5 with a triple.

Angels
Juan Toro, 4 / 5 with two doubles and a HR.
Greg Denny,  3 / 5.
Les Jacobson, 3 / 5 with a double.
Russ King, 3 / 5 with a triple.

Submitted by
Nick Matta