🥎 10.16.26 FIELD 2: EZ Roofing Heats Up Late to Outlast Ingram Financial, 22–17

It was a challenging day on Field 2, with only 10 players on each roster. That meant both teams had to supply an extra player just to get the games underway! Looking ahead, the plan is to play with only four teams as long as we have 44 players available.

EZ Roofing, managed by Hill, faced Ingram Financial, managed by Ouding, in a game that started quietly but certainly didn't stay that way!

Carlos Makes a Statement!

Carlos wasted no time announcing EZ Roofing's arrival at the plate. The first batter of the game sent a HOME RUN over the fence! Hill got on base, Anderson tripled, and Gonzales and Marino followed with singles as three runs crossed the plate.

Ingram Financial answered right back. Reagan singled, followed by singles from Toro and Gilbert. Terri tripled, and Vandenberg added another single as Ingram pushed four runs across to take the early lead.

The defenses took charge in the second inning, with neither team scoring. EZ Roofing managed just one run in the third, with Jamie crossing the plate. Ingram matched them with one run of its own, courtesy of Zelazny. EZ Roofing added another run in the fourth while Ingram was held scoreless.

At that point, this looked like it might be a low-scoring affair. Well, that prediction didn't age very well!

The Bats Wake Up!

EZ Roofing broke things open in the fifth. Anderson and Hudson got on base, Gonzales singled, and Marino and Bioto reached safely. Lopicllo added a single, and five runs came home.

Ingram answered with two runs of its own. Capozzi singled, Reagan doubled, and Zelazny and Gilbert followed with singles.

EZ Roofing added three more in the sixth as Anderson, Hudson, and Gonzales crossed the plate, with Marino and Bioto contributing to the rally. The EZ Roofing defense backed up the offense by keeping Ingram off the scoreboard in the bottom half.

Then came the seventh, when EZ Roofing's first five batters all crossed the plate! Ingram kept fighting, manufacturing two runs on hits by Zelazny, Gilbert, Terri, and Vandenberg.

Playing short-handed didn't seem to bother these teams too much. Unlike the Field 1 teams, they elected to keep going for a full nine innings!

Nine Innings, Plenty of Heat—and Some Missing Details!

The scorekeeping got a little lax as the game went on. The notes show Hill, Jamie, Anderson, and Bioto all crossed the plate for EZ Roofing in the eighth, but exactly how they got there remains a mystery. We'll give the runners credit for getting home, even if the scoresheet left us wondering how!

Meanwhile, Ingram Financial kept chipping away at the deficit. Capozzi singled, Zelazny doubled, Toro reached base, Gilbert singled, Terri doubled, and Vandenberg singled. Four runs scored, keeping the pressure on EZ Roofing.

By the ninth inning, perhaps the Florida heat had finally caught up with everyone. EZ Roofing went three up, three down in its final at-bat.

But Ingram wasn't finished! Reagan singled, Zelazny launched a HOME RUN, Toro doubled, Gilbert singled, and Terri reached base. Five runs crossed the plate as Ingram made one final push. They scored 18 runs on the day—one more than the original final tally showed—but EZ Roofing had done enough to hold on.

Final Score: EZ Roofing 22, Ingram Financial 18

A Day to Remember for Gilbert!

A huge shout-out to Gilbert, who went a perfect 6-for-6 at the plate! Six hits in six at-bats is quite a day—and deserves its own round of applause!

Ingram Financial fought hard to close the gap, including a five-run rally in the ninth, but EZ Roofing had built enough of a lead to hold on for the win. Both teams showed plenty of fight through nine innings, extra-player challenges, and a Florida day that was bound to test everyone's stamina.

See you on the field!

🥎 10.16.26 FIELD 1: American Legion Survives Family Fence's Late-Inning Fight, 28–24

Visiting Team: American Legion — coached by Tutrani

Home Team: Family Fence — coached by DeLoach
Final Score: American Legion 28, Family Fence 24

If you saw the name American Legion on the schedule, don't confuse it with the American League! This game started nothing like the way American League players generally play. Four up, three down, and the Legion's defense showed none of the finesse you'd expect from an American team. Meanwhile, Family Fence came out swinging, with its first five batters all crossing the plate.

But the Legion wasn't going to let Family Fence have all the fun.

The Legion Finds Its Footing

In the second inning, Tutrani singled, Bales followed with a single, and Raymondo added another hit as three runs crossed the plate. Family Fence's bats, however, remained red-hot.

Amy, Herbie, Ayers, and Family Fence's final batter of the inning — whose name was unfortunately illegible on the scoresheet — all singled. Gutenburger collected his second hit, followed by DeLoach, Ernesto, Ramon, and Cruz getting aboard. Five more runs scored, and at 10–3, it looked as though Family Fence might run away with this one.

Not so fast!

Testa led off with a single, Griffin followed with another, and Williamson kept the hits coming. Then Sully launched the first of what would become three home runs on the day! Tutrani got aboard, Bales singled, and Raymondo doubled as six runs came home.

And then came the confusion.

Under the catch-up rules, the Legion had scored six runs but could still bring in two more. Apparently, someone thought the game had been caught up, and the Legion walked off the field with only one out recorded and more batters still available.

Family Fence's position was essentially this: Know the rules. Know your scoresheet.

Play resumed, but Family Fence managed just one run in the third. Heading into the fourth, American Legion had clawed its way back to within two, trailing 14–16.

The Lead Changes, the Bats Stay Hot

Gil opened the fourth with a home run for the Legion. Lopez and Sensabaugh singled, Clos got aboard, and Testa's deep sacrifice fly brought home a run. Griffin reached base, and Williamson blasted a home run of his own. Five runs scored, putting the Legion back in front.

Family Fence answered with four runs. DeLoach singled, Turchetta tripled, Ernesto and Ramon singled, Cruz and Amy reached base, and DeLong tripled to keep the pressure on.

Then came the fifth, and Sully was just getting started.

He led off with his second home run of the game. Tutrani and Raymondo singled, Gil followed with another hit, Lopez reached base, Sensabaugh moved the runners, and Clos singled. Five more runs crossed for the Legion.

At last, the Legion's defense found its footing, holding Family Fence scoreless in the bottom half of the inning.

Sully Is Simply a Beast!

The Legion's bats weren't finished. Griffin led off with a single, Williamson got aboard, and Sully delivered his third home run of the game!

Leslie and Raymondo reached base, Gil doubled, and Lopez singled as five more runs scored. Sully had put on a power display worthy of its own headline!

Family Fence refused to fold, though. Cruz reached base, Amy, Herbie, DeLong, and Ayers singled, and three runs came home.

As the teams headed into the final inning, American Legion held a 24–19 lead. Family Fence was still within striking distance, but the Legion wanted more insurance.

Sensabaugh singled, Clos reached base, Testa singled, Griffin tripled, Williamson tripled, and Sully doubled. Four more runs scored, extending the Legion's lead.

That left Family Fence nine runs down, but nobody was walking away quietly this time!

DeLoach and Turchetta singled, Ernesto singled, Ramon doubled, Amy singled, DeLong doubled, and Ayers singled. Five runs crossed the plate, but the comeback fell just short.

Final: American Legion 28, Family Fence 24

Family Fence made the Legion work for every bit of that victory, answering big innings with rallies of its own. The Legion's offense delivered when it mattered, and its defense eventually settled in after a shaky start.

And let's hear it for Sully, whose three home runs helped power the Legion to victory!

Four runs separated these teams at the finish, but the game delivered plenty of hits, plenty of drama, a rules debate, and a reminder for everyone: know the rules, know your scoresheet, and never count a team out too early.

See you on the field!

A Couple of Friendly Reminders

First, please make every effort to arrive at the field on time. If you're running late, give Loren a call and let him know.

I'd give you his number, but I don't have it handy.  Why, you ask? BECAUSE I'M ALWAYS ON TIME! 

Just kidding! (Well, mostly.) But seriously, arriving on time helps us get the games started without delays.

And while we're at it, one more friendly reminder: If you're taking batting practice on the other field (I've been guilty), please don't take additional batting practice on the game field. We want to be ready to play when it's game time, not still warming up!

Thanks, everyone, for helping keep things running smoothly.

See you on the field — ON TIME! 

Friday Games

Games are on. See you at the park.

Message from the Commissioner

We would like to welcome back Cypress Plumbing for the 2027 season. 

 

Cypress Plumbing
1776 Executive Road 
Winter Haven, FL 33884 
Phone: 863-294-7319 
Website: cypressplumbingincwinterhaven.com

Cypress Plumbing has proudly served Polk County for over 34 years, earning the trust of the Winter Haven community and beyond. With a commitment to providing reliable and fairly priced residential plumbing services, their experienced team is available 24/7 to address any plumbing emergencies. Whether you are facing a burst pipe or a malfunctioning faucet, Cypress Plumbing is just a phone call away. Their expert plumbers are ready to respond promptly, ensuring that you receive the assistance you need without unnecessary delays.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Mike O’Callaghan for his dedicated efforts in establishing this valuable partnership. Your contributions are instrumental to our success, and we are grateful to have you as part of our team. 

Thank you for your continued support!

The Umpire's Call: Pitcher Safety Reminder

For the protection of our WHSS pitchers, please be aware of the pitcher-screen safety rule included on our WHSS rules handout:

“An umpire at home plate may call a pitch ‘illegal’ if the pitcher does not step behind the screen after delivery.”

Our pitchers deserve every precaution we can take to help keep them safe. Please follow this requirement consistently so that the umpire does not have to call an illegal pitch.

This rule is in place to protect our pitchers. Please respect the call, respect the game!

🥎 10.13.26: A Seventh-Inning Rally, a Clutch Catch & a One-Run Victory!

After a week of rainouts, it was GREAT to be back on the field! And what a day to return! Low humidity, plenty of sunshine, and beautiful weather set the stage for a ballgame that certainly did not disappoint. The bats were lively, the runs were plentiful, and the defense had its moments to shine, too.

THE FINAL SCORES

CPW Service — Visitors/Hitting Team, managed by Ayers: 8
Duke’s — Middle/Sitting Team, managed by Tutrani: 14
Cypress Plumbing — Home/Fielding Team, managed by Wally: 15

Cypress Plumbing took the win, but getting there was anything but boring!

FIRST INNING: SOMEBODY HIDE THE BASEBALLS!

CPW Service came ready to play! Keller led off with a base hit, Hamilton followed, Toro doubled, and Delong, Hill, Berto, and Hudson all singled. Three runs crossed the plate, and CPW was off to a strong start.

But Duke’s wasn’t about to let CPW have all the fun. DeLoach singled, followed by singles from Rusty, Rad, and Carlos. Bales and Fleming got on base, and Caprizzi added another single. The result? Five runs for Duke’s!

Then came Cypress Plumbing, apparently determined to remind everyone that they had bats, too.

While Duke’s crossed the plate five times with one out, Cypress managed to bring home five runs without recording a single out! Testa, Williamson, Sully, and Griffin all singled, Rabideau got on base, and BJ and Gil added singles.

I'd ask where the defense was, but honestly, these were legitimate hits! Sometimes you just have to tip your cap to the hitters.

SECOND INNING: DUKE’S ADDS ONE

CPW was retired without scoring, while Duke’s managed to add one more run. Sensabaugh walked, Marino reached base, but a fielder’s choice retired Sensabaugh at second. Then Tickner delivered a blast to bring home Duke’s lone run of the inning.

Cypress Plumbing went three up, three down. Even the hottest bats need a breather!

THIRD INNING: THE HITS KEEP COMING

CPW got back to work in the third. Lopez singled, Keller reached base, Hamilton doubled, and Toro, Delong, and Hill followed with singles. Three more runs crossed the plate as CPW kept chipping away.

Duke’s struggled to get its offense going, failing to score in the inning.

Then Cypress’ bottom-of-the-order hitters decided it was their turn to shine. Fred, Gilbert, Cursio, Nestor, Williamson, and Sully all singled, bringing home four more runs!

At the end of three innings, the scoreboard read:

CPW 6 | Duke’s 6 | Cypress Plumbing 9

Three teams, plenty of softball still to come, and absolutely no shortage of offense!

FOURTH & FIFTH: CYPRESS CREATES SOME BREATHING ROOM

CPW managed just one run in the fourth, with Hudson, Muniz, and Amy collecting base hits. The bats that had started so promisingly were having trouble stringing together another big inning.

Duke’s added one run in the fourth but went scoreless in the fifth.

Cypress, meanwhile, kept adding to its lead. Rabideau, BJ, and Skidmore collected base hits in the fourth as two more runs came across. In the fifth, Pete, Cursio, and Testa strung together base hits to produce another run.

Cypress was building a cushion, but Duke’s still had some fight left!

SIXTH INNING: DUKE’S MAKES ITS MOVE!

Duke’s finally found another gear in the sixth! Tutrani singled, followed by Carlos and Bales. Fleming, Castilleja, and Sensabaugh added singles, and four runs crossed the plate!

And Bales? Let's just say we're not discussing how far that ball traveled. Good thing the girl has wheels!

Duke’s had narrowed the gap and was making things interesting again.

But Cypress Plumbing wasn't about to let the momentum swing too far. Sully and Rabideau singled, BJ hit a triple to center field, and Gil, Ernesto, and Pepin followed with singles. Three more runs crossed the plate, keeping Cypress in control.

SEVENTH INNING: ONE LAST SHOT!

Duke’s had one more opportunity to close the gap. After the first batter was retired, DeLoach doubled, Gutenberger singled, Rusty singled, and Rad doubled. Tutrani’s sacrifice fly brought home a run, and three runs crossed the plate in the inning.

Then came Carlos, who sent a bomb toward right-center field. It looked like a fitting way to keep the rally alive—until Keller snagged it!

Keller said, “Not today!”

What a way to put a stop to Duke’s final push! Duke’s might be wishing he’d stayed up north one more week!

With Cypress Plumbing already ahead, there was no need for the home team to bat in the bottom of the seventh. The final out sealed a thrilling 15–14 Cypress Plumbing victory!

DEFENSE DESERVES ITS DUE!

With all those hits, it would be easy to think defense took the day off. Not so!

Besides Keller’s clutch catch to end Duke’s rally, Toro made an impressive play at home on a ball caught by Pete. That was a terrific display of athleticism and teamwork—and a reminder that even on a day when the bats are booming, defense can make the difference.

FINAL THOUGHTS

What a welcome return to the field after a week of rainouts! Beautiful weather, plenty of hitting, a one-run finish between Duke’s and Cypress Plumbing, and some outstanding defensive plays made this a day worth remembering.

Cypress Plumbing came away with the win, Duke’s came within one run of tying it, and CPW Service showed plenty of offensive firepower of its own.

The sun was shining, the bats were swinging, and senior softball was right where it belonged—on the field!

See you at the ballpark!