CONCORD -- A cold, blustery wind swirled around Field 2 on Thursday night. And an ill wind ensnared the Muckrakers as well in their second outing of the season, a 17-8 defeat at the hands of Turn Two.
The Turn Twosters turned out to be as remorseless as the chilly evening temperatures at Willow Pass Park. Whenever the 'Rakers made a run on TT, it ramped up the offense to remain comfortably ahead.
Thus, the Muckrakers are two to the bad side as they seek their initial victory of the season, which comes this Thursday at the earliest vs. Wake the Monster/Beeline. But clearly, this league the 'Rakers find themselves in isn't your father's summer league.
But the Muckster did make a contest of it for the most part vs. Turn Two, until yielding six runs in the sixth, aided greatly by a grievious error on the mound by that guy who's trying to be the pitcher. That undid a lot of fine 'Raker effort, which included a four-run rally in the fifth inning to cut the lead to 11-8.
The heavy lifting in the four-run fifth came courtesy of Mat Petersen, making his '09 'Raker debut. Petersen blasted a shot to right that went for a three-run homer, plating Dave Alcorn and Randy Striegel. Luke Abbott's sac fly brought home Rick Hurd (3-for-3, two runs, an RBI), and it appeared the 'Rakers were in business -- which they were, until Turn Two again flexed their offensive muscles in the sixth.
The 'Rakers did their darndest to keep things close throughout. Second baseman Mike Yurkus made a fine running catch in short right, and speaking of right field, Matt Knauf tracked down everything that came his way and also enjoyed a 3-for-3 day at the plate.
Alcorn, Striegel and Chace Bryson, also making his '09 bow, had multiple-hit games. Manager Chris Wagnon (groin) was on the DL and confined to base coaching duties.
Showing posts with label The usual game story. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The usual game story. Show all posts
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Monday, November 05, 2007
Muckrakers win twice, roll out November Reign
CONCORD -- The Muckrakers seem to have this magical playoff-run thing down pretty good.
The 'Rakers advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in the same wonderous style with which they've astonished the entire blogosphere. Two teams made the mistake of counting the Men of Muck out early, and two teams were sent death-spiriling out of the playoffs.
Who was it that came away with a new appreciation for all things Muck? On Tuesday, the 'Rakers dispatched the Double Do Its 20-19, and on Friday, the Mucksters overcame a former playoff foe the Bat Boys by a 23-19 count.
Tuesday's affair was one of the greatest games this reporter has never seen. Evidently, the Muckrakers splurged for eight runs in the first inning and seven runs in the fourth, then held on the rest of the way to live to fight again on the Willow Pass greensward. Light-standard-assaulting Luke Abbott homered in the first and Mat Petersen went yard -- twice -- as only Petersen can.
The second game was also one for the books, perhaps even more so. For in this one, the sizable Bat Boys crowd yukked it up big time as their heroes battered the Muckrakers through four and a half innings. In the bottom of the fifth, though, the yuks were all on the Mucks.
In perhaps the biggest inning in Muckrakers history, the Home Ten struck for 14 runs -- half of them coming with two outs. The 'Rakers struck for 12 consecutive hits in the frame and suddenly their playoff outlook changed from bleak to bright. Randy Striegel doubled and tripled in that one inning alone. Kevin Schuler homered in the game, one-hopping the Field 3 fence in right. Schuler also came on to nail down the win on the mound in relief of an erratic Dave Taxier.
Mike Gale and Mike Yurkus each had four hits for the game, as all 10 'Mucksters had multiple-hit outings.
In short, this is a team on yet another playoff mission, and you'd best not sell it short.
NOTES: Showing her support for all things 'Raker, Kelli Phillips served as official scorekeeper for both games .... Brooke of copy desk fame made her 'Raker fan debut. .... Daisy the golden retriever also was in attendance. In typical 'Raker style she investigated the Bat Boy rooting section, but no mayhem was reported.
The 'Rakers advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in the same wonderous style with which they've astonished the entire blogosphere. Two teams made the mistake of counting the Men of Muck out early, and two teams were sent death-spiriling out of the playoffs.
Who was it that came away with a new appreciation for all things Muck? On Tuesday, the 'Rakers dispatched the Double Do Its 20-19, and on Friday, the Mucksters overcame a former playoff foe the Bat Boys by a 23-19 count.
Tuesday's affair was one of the greatest games this reporter has never seen. Evidently, the Muckrakers splurged for eight runs in the first inning and seven runs in the fourth, then held on the rest of the way to live to fight again on the Willow Pass greensward. Light-standard-assaulting Luke Abbott homered in the first and Mat Petersen went yard -- twice -- as only Petersen can.
The second game was also one for the books, perhaps even more so. For in this one, the sizable Bat Boys crowd yukked it up big time as their heroes battered the Muckrakers through four and a half innings. In the bottom of the fifth, though, the yuks were all on the Mucks.
In perhaps the biggest inning in Muckrakers history, the Home Ten struck for 14 runs -- half of them coming with two outs. The 'Rakers struck for 12 consecutive hits in the frame and suddenly their playoff outlook changed from bleak to bright. Randy Striegel doubled and tripled in that one inning alone. Kevin Schuler homered in the game, one-hopping the Field 3 fence in right. Schuler also came on to nail down the win on the mound in relief of an erratic Dave Taxier.
Mike Gale and Mike Yurkus each had four hits for the game, as all 10 'Mucksters had multiple-hit outings.
In short, this is a team on yet another playoff mission, and you'd best not sell it short.
NOTES: Showing her support for all things 'Raker, Kelli Phillips served as official scorekeeper for both games .... Brooke of copy desk fame made her 'Raker fan debut. .... Daisy the golden retriever also was in attendance. In typical 'Raker style she investigated the Bat Boy rooting section, but no mayhem was reported.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
'Rakers dismembered by Heroes
CONCORD -- Well, ain't this a fine late-season how's-your-father.
Trying to enter the postseason on a Rockie-like regular-season high, the Muckrakers instead are dealing with their first losing streak of the fall campaign -- the big two in a row, for those in the statistical know -- after being torn a new one by the Heroes 23-10 on Field 3 on Thursday.
The Muckies certainly gave it the ol' Raker try but it soon became apparant that the Heroes are the toast of Thursday night D league for a reason. The Heroes offense was constant and remorseless, the Muckrakers' a little less so.
In fact, in this reporter's opinion, the Heroes aren't being very heroic slumming in D league. But forgive the crazed ramblings of a cranky sub-.400-batting old coot.
The 'Rakers tried to keep pace, and even led after the first inning 4-3. Randy Striegel ripped a viciouis two-run homer and two batters later Ben Enos likewise blasted an RBI triple. But it was asking much on this night for the 'Rakers to continue revving at such a high rpm.
Dave Alcorn and Rick Hurd each went 2-for-3 but the 'Rakers as a whole managed just 11 hits -- not enough to hang with the league's elite.
Still, the Muckrakers have a chance to make good. They play the Benchwarmers in the regular-season finale on Thursday, a tilt with playoff implications. A victory gives the Mucksters a chance to assault the postseason yard with a little hop in their step and a bit of swagger in their stroll rather than a rock in their sock.
Trying to enter the postseason on a Rockie-like regular-season high, the Muckrakers instead are dealing with their first losing streak of the fall campaign -- the big two in a row, for those in the statistical know -- after being torn a new one by the Heroes 23-10 on Field 3 on Thursday.
The Muckies certainly gave it the ol' Raker try but it soon became apparant that the Heroes are the toast of Thursday night D league for a reason. The Heroes offense was constant and remorseless, the Muckrakers' a little less so.
In fact, in this reporter's opinion, the Heroes aren't being very heroic slumming in D league. But forgive the crazed ramblings of a cranky sub-.400-batting old coot.
The 'Rakers tried to keep pace, and even led after the first inning 4-3. Randy Striegel ripped a viciouis two-run homer and two batters later Ben Enos likewise blasted an RBI triple. But it was asking much on this night for the 'Rakers to continue revving at such a high rpm.
Dave Alcorn and Rick Hurd each went 2-for-3 but the 'Rakers as a whole managed just 11 hits -- not enough to hang with the league's elite.
Still, the Muckrakers have a chance to make good. They play the Benchwarmers in the regular-season finale on Thursday, a tilt with playoff implications. A victory gives the Mucksters a chance to assault the postseason yard with a little hop in their step and a bit of swagger in their stroll rather than a rock in their sock.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
'Rakers S.W.A.T foes like pesky bugs
CONCORD -- With a lineup chock-a-block with big boppers -- think and fear the names Thurston, Striegel, Schuler and Abbott, just for kicks -- it’s easy to forget fellow brother Muckrakers who keep the whole operation up and running,like an Adobe operating system (coming soon to a newsroom near you).
Amidst this convoluted verbiage and twisted logic we’re thinking Yurkus. Mike Yurkus.
Sure, he may not have the large media imprint of a Hurd, a Bryson or an Enos, but his presence looms large in all things Muckraker.
Yurkus again demonstrated his unique skill set to the max on Thursday, and it’s no wonder the result was the ‘Rakers’ fourth Fall League victory in a row, a 16-9 outlasting of pesky S.W.A.T.
The feisty and dare-we-say-it-oh-what-the-hell-it’s-only-a-blog-sure-we’ll-say-it fiery second baseman let the noble opposition know what it was in for early on, performing a nifty tumble in taking in a popup in the first inning.
Nifty, perhaps, but grueling as well. So bloodied was Yurkus’ knee after the encounter with Mother Earth that he was forced to retreat to the snack shack, where fortunately band-aids were available to patch Mike up. Let the games
continue!
In the bottom half of the first, His Yurkusness did what he is so good at: staring down pitches with an expert eye and accepting a walk. It was he who scored the first run of the game, motoring home on Randy Striegel’s single as the Muckrakers would get out to a 3-0 lead.
But S.W.A.T., playing free and easy with nothing to lose, put up five runs in the third and a single run in the fourth to tie it at 9-9. That’s when Yurkus went to work with one of the big hits of the game, stroking a two-out,two-RBI double plating Ben Enos and Chris Wagnon to return the lead and the momentum to Your Muckrakers.
Not that the beloved Home 13 were done -- not by a long shot. They added three runs in the fifth, keyed by a leadoff double by Dre Thurston and a two-bagger from Hurd, the hottest slugger this side of the Colorado Rockies. And The Raked Ones tacked on a run in the sixth for good measure as Dave Alcorn’s roped double plated Jon Madden, who’d singled.
And the Muckrakers tied this one up in a pretty little bow in the final frame, with Striegel and Yurkus, the ‘Rakers’ Keystone Kombo, performing that intricate ballet around second base in that classic style they perform on a game-by-game basis.
Sure, it’s hard to resist falling in love with the meat, and yes I said meat, of the Muckrakers’ lineup. But the Yurkuses of the world are hardly your side dish, thank you very much.
NOTES: The grateful ‘Rakers again had an impressive fan turnout, with Kelly (The Official Scorer) Bryson-Phillips, a duo of Alcorns, and the ever-popular Joe (Don’t Call Me MoJo) DeLoach in attendance. But also gracing the bleachers was a strong contingent from the Weeklies Department, including Carol Gardner, a storied veteran of the company. Welcome, ‘Raker fans one and all, and don’t be strangers. We’ll keep the beer on ice.
Amidst this convoluted verbiage and twisted logic we’re thinking Yurkus. Mike Yurkus.
Sure, he may not have the large media imprint of a Hurd, a Bryson or an Enos, but his presence looms large in all things Muckraker.
Yurkus again demonstrated his unique skill set to the max on Thursday, and it’s no wonder the result was the ‘Rakers’ fourth Fall League victory in a row, a 16-9 outlasting of pesky S.W.A.T.
The feisty and dare-we-say-it-oh-what-the-hell-it’s-only-a-blog-sure-we’ll-say-it fiery second baseman let the noble opposition know what it was in for early on, performing a nifty tumble in taking in a popup in the first inning.
Nifty, perhaps, but grueling as well. So bloodied was Yurkus’ knee after the encounter with Mother Earth that he was forced to retreat to the snack shack, where fortunately band-aids were available to patch Mike up. Let the games
continue!
In the bottom half of the first, His Yurkusness did what he is so good at: staring down pitches with an expert eye and accepting a walk. It was he who scored the first run of the game, motoring home on Randy Striegel’s single as the Muckrakers would get out to a 3-0 lead.
But S.W.A.T., playing free and easy with nothing to lose, put up five runs in the third and a single run in the fourth to tie it at 9-9. That’s when Yurkus went to work with one of the big hits of the game, stroking a two-out,two-RBI double plating Ben Enos and Chris Wagnon to return the lead and the momentum to Your Muckrakers.
Not that the beloved Home 13 were done -- not by a long shot. They added three runs in the fifth, keyed by a leadoff double by Dre Thurston and a two-bagger from Hurd, the hottest slugger this side of the Colorado Rockies. And The Raked Ones tacked on a run in the sixth for good measure as Dave Alcorn’s roped double plated Jon Madden, who’d singled.
And the Muckrakers tied this one up in a pretty little bow in the final frame, with Striegel and Yurkus, the ‘Rakers’ Keystone Kombo, performing that intricate ballet around second base in that classic style they perform on a game-by-game basis.
Sure, it’s hard to resist falling in love with the meat, and yes I said meat, of the Muckrakers’ lineup. But the Yurkuses of the world are hardly your side dish, thank you very much.
NOTES: The grateful ‘Rakers again had an impressive fan turnout, with Kelly (The Official Scorer) Bryson-Phillips, a duo of Alcorns, and the ever-popular Joe (Don’t Call Me MoJo) DeLoach in attendance. But also gracing the bleachers was a strong contingent from the Weeklies Department, including Carol Gardner, a storied veteran of the company. Welcome, ‘Raker fans one and all, and don’t be strangers. We’ll keep the beer on ice.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Undefeated Muckrakers poke out Hairy Eyeballs
CONCORD -- Commander Wagnon severely warned “you’d better be ready to swing the bats” in his pregame e-mail. The dutiful Muckrakers, so warned, calmly went out and fashioned a 22-6 victory over the Hairy Eyeballs on Thursday in a chilly 9:30 p.m. affair on Field 4.
There was a bit of history here. It was the game against the HE in the summer playoffs that attached rocket boosters to the Muckrakers’ season. Sporting only eight players, the ‘Rakers found themselves down 8-1 and facing elimination. So all they did was roll up their sleeves and get down and dirty, and when the dust had cleared the Raked Ones emerged with an improbable 25-20 victory. Have the ‘Rakers tasted defeat since (excluding that nasty forfeit) that eventful game? This reporter thinks not.
Thursday’s get-together lacked similar dramatics and fell more in line with the more recent Muckraker drubbings they have administered so far in the fall campaign. In going to 3-0, the ‘Rakers have shown relentless offense and superb defense, and both those attributes were in fine display for Hairy Eyeballs II.
For all intents and purposes the Muckrakers put things away in the first two frames, coming out of the gates for four runs in the first inning and six more in the second. But they continued to fool around anyway and scored eight more runs in the third inning, just because they could.
It was their play in the field that assured that the ‘Rakers remained comfortably ahead. Commander ..... er, Chris ..... Wagnon went the distance at first base and acquitted himself there like an old pro. Striegel again dazzled at shortstop. Third baseman Dave Alcorn fielded everything that came his way, foul or fair. Mike Gale, left field. Does any more need to be said?
The defense was the star of the flip-flop portion of the game (and what is UP with that funky rule anyway? Concord, explain thyself).
For instance, there was left-center fielder Dre Thurston gunning out a Hairy Eyeball (we just can’t say that name enough) at the plate, his five-hopper nailing the base runner with steps to spare (lest anyone think Thurston has a less-than-manly arm, he explained that he slipped on the wet outfield turf while throwing). And there was catcher Rick Hurd, taking in Thurston’s throw at the dish, all the while checking with the ump to see if he needed to tag the runner or not.
And this thing was put into the books when second baseman Mike Yurkus made a tumbling catch (the Russian judge scored it a 9.9, deducting for not quite sticking the dismount) of a pop-up for the final out. Next stop: parking lot domination.
Fall league domination? That has been the Muckrakers’ story line so far, thanks to heaping portions of offense and defense.
NOTES: Ben Enos made his ‘Raker debut, contributing a pair of hits and three runs, and patrolling right-center on D. ... (Mo-) Joe DeLoach can’t take credit for this one. He was unable to make the PLD (parking lot domination), and his absence was duly and ruefully noted.
There was a bit of history here. It was the game against the HE in the summer playoffs that attached rocket boosters to the Muckrakers’ season. Sporting only eight players, the ‘Rakers found themselves down 8-1 and facing elimination. So all they did was roll up their sleeves and get down and dirty, and when the dust had cleared the Raked Ones emerged with an improbable 25-20 victory. Have the ‘Rakers tasted defeat since (excluding that nasty forfeit) that eventful game? This reporter thinks not.
Thursday’s get-together lacked similar dramatics and fell more in line with the more recent Muckraker drubbings they have administered so far in the fall campaign. In going to 3-0, the ‘Rakers have shown relentless offense and superb defense, and both those attributes were in fine display for Hairy Eyeballs II.
For all intents and purposes the Muckrakers put things away in the first two frames, coming out of the gates for four runs in the first inning and six more in the second. But they continued to fool around anyway and scored eight more runs in the third inning, just because they could.
It was their play in the field that assured that the ‘Rakers remained comfortably ahead. Commander ..... er, Chris ..... Wagnon went the distance at first base and acquitted himself there like an old pro. Striegel again dazzled at shortstop. Third baseman Dave Alcorn fielded everything that came his way, foul or fair. Mike Gale, left field. Does any more need to be said?
The defense was the star of the flip-flop portion of the game (and what is UP with that funky rule anyway? Concord, explain thyself).
For instance, there was left-center fielder Dre Thurston gunning out a Hairy Eyeball (we just can’t say that name enough) at the plate, his five-hopper nailing the base runner with steps to spare (lest anyone think Thurston has a less-than-manly arm, he explained that he slipped on the wet outfield turf while throwing). And there was catcher Rick Hurd, taking in Thurston’s throw at the dish, all the while checking with the ump to see if he needed to tag the runner or not.
And this thing was put into the books when second baseman Mike Yurkus made a tumbling catch (the Russian judge scored it a 9.9, deducting for not quite sticking the dismount) of a pop-up for the final out. Next stop: parking lot domination.
Fall league domination? That has been the Muckrakers’ story line so far, thanks to heaping portions of offense and defense.
NOTES: Ben Enos made his ‘Raker debut, contributing a pair of hits and three runs, and patrolling right-center on D. ... (Mo-) Joe DeLoach can’t take credit for this one. He was unable to make the PLD (parking lot domination), and his absence was duly and ruefully noted.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
'Rakers race into playoffs, suffer first-round setback
CONCORD -- Apparently a quirk of the schedule is the only thing that can keep a good Muckrakers team down. Playing on their familiar and friendly Thursday night, the 'Rakers closed out the regular season with an 18-17 nipping of the Benchwarmers. The Muckrakers could have mailed this one in, but no, they gave it their best shot. Now that's integrity.
The 'Rakers were informed they'd clinched the playoffs even before the game started. Overjoyed by the news, the team stormed out to a nine-run first, and were ahead 12-0 after one-and-a-half frames. The Benchwarmers proved to be able foes, coming back to make a ballgame of it, but they were losers nonetheless as the Rakers roared to their third win in a row and fourth of their past five adventures.
Unfortunately, mustering a Saturday morning quorum for the first round of the playoffs proved to be a difficult undertaking. Going with only eight players, the undermanned 'Rakers fought gamely but fell to Crossroads 11-4.
That set up a second playoff game on Saturday, set for 7:30 p.m. on Field 4. At press time it was going to be difficult to field a team for this one, so all Muckrakers are advised to show up if they possibly can.
After all, it's the playoffs, and anything can happen.
The 'Rakers were informed they'd clinched the playoffs even before the game started. Overjoyed by the news, the team stormed out to a nine-run first, and were ahead 12-0 after one-and-a-half frames. The Benchwarmers proved to be able foes, coming back to make a ballgame of it, but they were losers nonetheless as the Rakers roared to their third win in a row and fourth of their past five adventures.
Unfortunately, mustering a Saturday morning quorum for the first round of the playoffs proved to be a difficult undertaking. Going with only eight players, the undermanned 'Rakers fought gamely but fell to Crossroads 11-4.
That set up a second playoff game on Saturday, set for 7:30 p.m. on Field 4. At press time it was going to be difficult to field a team for this one, so all Muckrakers are advised to show up if they possibly can.
After all, it's the playoffs, and anything can happen.
Monday, July 16, 2007
'Rakers rock again as Young Guns Reloaded shoots blanks
CONCORD -- Let’s just say it right off -- nobody wants to play the Muckrakers right now.
Why would they? Taking on the red-hot ‘Rakers is surely an invitation to disaster.
The latest D-League West team to learn this sad truth was Young Guns Reloaded, who fell victim to the Muckrakers and their hell-bent dash to the postseason to the tune of 20-10 in a rare Field 5 tilt.
The Muckrakers accomplished several things in their sojourn to the north of the league standings. They won two games in a row for the first time since Dave Taxier was a whippersnapper in short pants, they gained a measure of revenge against a team that had pretty much been their daddy the first time around, and most important, they made their quest of achieving the postseason for the second straight season just that much more doable.
In going to 6-5 and getting back over the .500 hump, ‘Rakers wisely stuck to the same formula that has served it so well of late: timely hitting up and down the lineup, awesome on-base percentaging and a rock-solid defense.
The Muckrakers also continued their trend of being the Six O’Clock Mashers. They came out of the early gate playing like the team on a mission that they are, putting up a five-spot in the top of the first before YGR had their gun belts properly fastened.
Five of the first six ‘Rakers reached base safely, with Randy Striegel’s double being the big extra-base blow. After a shutdown bottom of the first there was no offensive letup in the second, as the Mucksters threw up another five-spot. Dre Thurston clobbered a home run, and Mat Petersen and Striegel each drove back-to-back doubles.
After a rare one-two-three top of the third, the ‘Rakers put the pedal to the metal to finish things out, hitting the finish line with two three-run rallies and a four-run job.
Even the YGR being allowed to flip-flop their final two innings thanks to some goofy Concord rule wasn’t enough to save the youthful upstarts from their inevitable fate (and say, was their pitcher legally on their roster? Just askin’). There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s the oncoming train lights of the Muckrakers’ Playoff Express. Get on board or get the hell out of the way. You might get run over.
NOTES: Table-setting supreme -- the first four ‘Rakers (Mike Yurkus, Dave Alcorn, Thurston, Petersen) scored three runs apiece. ... Rick Hurd helped out nobly with two hits and two runs scored and played on despite sustaining a bloody leg after sliding at a play at the plate (he was safe!). ... Manager Chris Wagnon shuffling the outfield alignment a tad, and the move paid big dividends. Chace Bryson started in left, Mike Gale shifted to left-center, and Thurston manned right-center. Wagnon and Hurd platooned in right. ... In perhaps the greatest display of ‘Raker fandom in the recorded history of the Muckrakers, Joe DeLoach supplied postgame beverages. Beer, water, Gatorade, the works. Joe DeLoach, the grateful ‘Rakers tip their hats to you. ... Still, several ‘Rakers headed to Legends, along with DeLoach and fellow fan Kelli Phillips, for the postgame spread. ... Phillips again performed solidly as Official Scorer. Thank you, Kelli.
Why would they? Taking on the red-hot ‘Rakers is surely an invitation to disaster.
The latest D-League West team to learn this sad truth was Young Guns Reloaded, who fell victim to the Muckrakers and their hell-bent dash to the postseason to the tune of 20-10 in a rare Field 5 tilt.
The Muckrakers accomplished several things in their sojourn to the north of the league standings. They won two games in a row for the first time since Dave Taxier was a whippersnapper in short pants, they gained a measure of revenge against a team that had pretty much been their daddy the first time around, and most important, they made their quest of achieving the postseason for the second straight season just that much more doable.
In going to 6-5 and getting back over the .500 hump, ‘Rakers wisely stuck to the same formula that has served it so well of late: timely hitting up and down the lineup, awesome on-base percentaging and a rock-solid defense.
The Muckrakers also continued their trend of being the Six O’Clock Mashers. They came out of the early gate playing like the team on a mission that they are, putting up a five-spot in the top of the first before YGR had their gun belts properly fastened.
Five of the first six ‘Rakers reached base safely, with Randy Striegel’s double being the big extra-base blow. After a shutdown bottom of the first there was no offensive letup in the second, as the Mucksters threw up another five-spot. Dre Thurston clobbered a home run, and Mat Petersen and Striegel each drove back-to-back doubles.
After a rare one-two-three top of the third, the ‘Rakers put the pedal to the metal to finish things out, hitting the finish line with two three-run rallies and a four-run job.
Even the YGR being allowed to flip-flop their final two innings thanks to some goofy Concord rule wasn’t enough to save the youthful upstarts from their inevitable fate (and say, was their pitcher legally on their roster? Just askin’). There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s the oncoming train lights of the Muckrakers’ Playoff Express. Get on board or get the hell out of the way. You might get run over.
NOTES: Table-setting supreme -- the first four ‘Rakers (Mike Yurkus, Dave Alcorn, Thurston, Petersen) scored three runs apiece. ... Rick Hurd helped out nobly with two hits and two runs scored and played on despite sustaining a bloody leg after sliding at a play at the plate (he was safe!). ... Manager Chris Wagnon shuffling the outfield alignment a tad, and the move paid big dividends. Chace Bryson started in left, Mike Gale shifted to left-center, and Thurston manned right-center. Wagnon and Hurd platooned in right. ... In perhaps the greatest display of ‘Raker fandom in the recorded history of the Muckrakers, Joe DeLoach supplied postgame beverages. Beer, water, Gatorade, the works. Joe DeLoach, the grateful ‘Rakers tip their hats to you. ... Still, several ‘Rakers headed to Legends, along with DeLoach and fellow fan Kelli Phillips, for the postgame spread. ... Phillips again performed solidly as Official Scorer. Thank you, Kelli.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Hot and cold Muckrakers split a pair
CONCORD -- It's evident the CCT Muckrakers don't plan on doing anything the easy way.
The Muckrakers' postseason dreams edged toward reality two weeks ago in an ultra-dramatic 14-13, come-from-behind-then-hold-them-off victory over Weideman Construction, then suffered a bit of a blow in an 18-13 setback to the Un-Athletics on Thursday on Field 1.
The 'Rakers' bats ran hot and cold against the deceptively named
Un-Athletics, who proved highly more athletic than the first go-round, a 10-run Muckraker victory. In this encounter, the 'Rakers bats were potent only in the first and fourth innings.
Mike Yurkus and Dave Taxier, making his debut in the two-hole, and Randy Striegel set the table with a walk, single and walk, respectively. Mat Petersen singled in a run, and Luke Abbott (showing them how they roll Down Under) drew a clutch walk to force in another run. Chace Bryson singled in the final run of the half-inning and the Mucksters were quickly up 3-0.
The U-A took some umbrage however, plating six of their own in the bottom half of the first. They padded their lead to take a 9-3 advantage into the fourth.
The Muck-N-Grinders played the fourth like they meant it. They sent sent 13 to the plate in the top half as Chris Wagnon struck a key blow to drive in a run. By the time the top of the fourth was over, the ‘Rakers had struck for nine runs, as Taxier, Striegel, Petersen, Mike Rieger and Steve Moscatelli's pal all drove in key runs. Just like that, a six-run deficit was turned into a three-run advantage.
But the Muckinators put goose eggs on the board in the fifth and sixth, and the U-A refused to get with the program as they chipped away and eventually won by five.
The game was a sharp contest to the one played before it, as the Muckrakers took a 14-11 lead going into the final inning. Weideman made it close by scoring twice, but Striegel gobbled up a grounder at shortstop and threw strong and accurately to Moscatelli and first to end the threat and the game. Dave Alcorn had three hits and three runs scored, Mike Gale went 2-for-4 with two hits
and two RBI, and Petersen went wild (4-for-4, two runs, four RBI).
The 'Rakers will need more hitting like that if they're sniff the
postseason roses. Next up is first-place Air Pro, at 6:15 on Field 4. Nobody needs to tell anyone in Raker Nation just how big this game is, with only three ballgames left to the regular season.
The Muckrakers' postseason dreams edged toward reality two weeks ago in an ultra-dramatic 14-13, come-from-behind-then-hold-them-off victory over Weideman Construction, then suffered a bit of a blow in an 18-13 setback to the Un-Athletics on Thursday on Field 1.
The 'Rakers' bats ran hot and cold against the deceptively named
Un-Athletics, who proved highly more athletic than the first go-round, a 10-run Muckraker victory. In this encounter, the 'Rakers bats were potent only in the first and fourth innings.
Mike Yurkus and Dave Taxier, making his debut in the two-hole, and Randy Striegel set the table with a walk, single and walk, respectively. Mat Petersen singled in a run, and Luke Abbott (showing them how they roll Down Under) drew a clutch walk to force in another run. Chace Bryson singled in the final run of the half-inning and the Mucksters were quickly up 3-0.
The U-A took some umbrage however, plating six of their own in the bottom half of the first. They padded their lead to take a 9-3 advantage into the fourth.
The Muck-N-Grinders played the fourth like they meant it. They sent sent 13 to the plate in the top half as Chris Wagnon struck a key blow to drive in a run. By the time the top of the fourth was over, the ‘Rakers had struck for nine runs, as Taxier, Striegel, Petersen, Mike Rieger and Steve Moscatelli's pal all drove in key runs. Just like that, a six-run deficit was turned into a three-run advantage.
But the Muckinators put goose eggs on the board in the fifth and sixth, and the U-A refused to get with the program as they chipped away and eventually won by five.
The game was a sharp contest to the one played before it, as the Muckrakers took a 14-11 lead going into the final inning. Weideman made it close by scoring twice, but Striegel gobbled up a grounder at shortstop and threw strong and accurately to Moscatelli and first to end the threat and the game. Dave Alcorn had three hits and three runs scored, Mike Gale went 2-for-4 with two hits
and two RBI, and Petersen went wild (4-for-4, two runs, four RBI).
The 'Rakers will need more hitting like that if they're sniff the
postseason roses. Next up is first-place Air Pro, at 6:15 on Field 4. Nobody needs to tell anyone in Raker Nation just how big this game is, with only three ballgames left to the regular season.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
'Rakers whacked by Lumberjacks
No, this is not a major announcement. Just the usual stupid game story.
CONCORD -- A little bit of Photoshop magic from blog artiste Dennis
Pimentel could have made it all better. If only a couple more runs could have been Photoshopped onto the Field 1 scoreboard. If only rubber cleats could have been Photoshopped onto the swift, if metal-cleated, shoes of Mike Yurkus.
So many shoulda-woulda-couldas that couldn't be fixed real-time. And so the Muckrakers went down Thursday in a disappointing start to the second half of the season in a 8-7 setback to the Lumberjacks.
Oh, the Muckrakers have their excuses, one supposes. The early (6:15) start messed with their biorhythms something fierce. And the ‘Rakers were a tad on the shorthanded side, just managing a 10-man alignment thanks to Pimentel making his 'Raker field debut of '07.
But the sad truth is the game and viable 'Rakers did all their hitting early, then went into a four -inning tailspin that cost them a win against a team they'd vanquished on Opening Day.
It all started so promisingly as the Boys of Muck roared out to a 7-2 lead after two frames. The Lumberjacks hauled out the ax and chipped, chipped, chipped away until they'd taken a one-run lead going into the bottom of the sixth and last inning. Alas, for the denizons of Raker Nation, there were no final-inning heroics to be had as there were the previous game.
What heroics there were came early. Randy Striegel walloped a triple to drive in Mike Gale and Yurkus, and Mat Petersen followed with a single to bring Striegel on home.
The Muckrakers added to their run total the very next inning, the big blow being Dre Thurston's RBI safety. Pimentel got an RBI the watchful way by drawing a "Moneyball"-like free pass with the bases loaded. Yurkus, Petersen, Dwayne Giron and Chris Wagnon also had hits in the uprising.
But there were only four more hits to be had after that, and the Muckrakers were left to contemplate their postseason situation, which is there's still plenty of time left, but they don't want it to get late early, if you catch the drift.
NOTES: Thurston gutted this one out, playing in pain suffered in a basketball injury the day before. He made his 'Raker debut at first base. ... Striegel put on a clinic at shortstop, making a variety of diving stops. ... Petersen made his '07 debut in left field and -- no surprise -- performed admirably. ... Joe DeLoach aided in the postgame effort after taking in Curt Schilling's near no-hitter against the A's.
CONCORD -- A little bit of Photoshop magic from blog artiste Dennis
Pimentel could have made it all better. If only a couple more runs could have been Photoshopped onto the Field 1 scoreboard. If only rubber cleats could have been Photoshopped onto the swift, if metal-cleated, shoes of Mike Yurkus.
So many shoulda-woulda-couldas that couldn't be fixed real-time. And so the Muckrakers went down Thursday in a disappointing start to the second half of the season in a 8-7 setback to the Lumberjacks.
Oh, the Muckrakers have their excuses, one supposes. The early (6:15) start messed with their biorhythms something fierce. And the ‘Rakers were a tad on the shorthanded side, just managing a 10-man alignment thanks to Pimentel making his 'Raker field debut of '07.
But the sad truth is the game and viable 'Rakers did all their hitting early, then went into a four -inning tailspin that cost them a win against a team they'd vanquished on Opening Day.
It all started so promisingly as the Boys of Muck roared out to a 7-2 lead after two frames. The Lumberjacks hauled out the ax and chipped, chipped, chipped away until they'd taken a one-run lead going into the bottom of the sixth and last inning. Alas, for the denizons of Raker Nation, there were no final-inning heroics to be had as there were the previous game.
What heroics there were came early. Randy Striegel walloped a triple to drive in Mike Gale and Yurkus, and Mat Petersen followed with a single to bring Striegel on home.
The Muckrakers added to their run total the very next inning, the big blow being Dre Thurston's RBI safety. Pimentel got an RBI the watchful way by drawing a "Moneyball"-like free pass with the bases loaded. Yurkus, Petersen, Dwayne Giron and Chris Wagnon also had hits in the uprising.
But there were only four more hits to be had after that, and the Muckrakers were left to contemplate their postseason situation, which is there's still plenty of time left, but they don't want it to get late early, if you catch the drift.
NOTES: Thurston gutted this one out, playing in pain suffered in a basketball injury the day before. He made his 'Raker debut at first base. ... Striegel put on a clinic at shortstop, making a variety of diving stops. ... Petersen made his '07 debut in left field and -- no surprise -- performed admirably. ... Joe DeLoach aided in the postgame effort after taking in Curt Schilling's near no-hitter against the A's.
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