CONCORD -- Everything, it seems, must come to an end. The Roman Empire crumbled, the Titanic sunk, "Star Trek" was cancelled, and Cher ... OK, bad example. Most everything that has a "born on" date has an expiration date, and so it is for the mighty Muckrakers, who came to the conclusion of the 2010 Fall League after splitting a doubleheader on Thursday, 23-9 to Lucky Us and 17-8 to AMR All-Stars.
The defeat to AMR turned out to be the knockout punch, denying the Men of Muck a spot on the D-League playoffs. But the loss couldn't deny Muckraker Nation a winning record, as it finished 4-3 for the campaign. It was the 'Rakers' first winning season in a little bit, perhaps setting the tone for campaigns yet to come.
Although Thursday proved the curtain-closer, the evening was not lacking for highlights. In Game 1, the Mucksters went out scoreless in the first couple innings vs. Lucky Us, then went all fruit-bats in innings three and four, powering across 14 and nine runs respectively. The third, in which 20 'Rakers went to the plate, might have been the most productive in all of Muckraker history. The hitting heroes were numerous, including Bob Brindley, who drove in five runs in making another welcome cameo, and Mike Yurkus, who drove in four from the 11-hole. So timely were Muckster bats that eight of the lil' devils had multiple-RBI games. For the second time this season, the 'Rakers forced the use of the "flip-flop" rule, perhaps the first time they worked that magic twice in one campaign.
Game 2 proved to be a sterner test, with AMR All-Stars serving early notice by scoring six runs in the top of the first inning, forcing Yer Heroes into comeback mode from the get-go.
Highlights abounded here as well. Shortstop Randy Striegel relayed an outfield throw home to Chris Wagnon manning the dish as the 'Rakers threw out an All-Star at the plate to end the fifth inning. Striegel also made a nifty diving catch to deny another All-Star. Luke "Box Hero" Abbott, Striegel, Brindley and Rich Browning had a pair of hits apiece but when it was all said and done, it was, well, all said and done.
Still, there were no "dad gummits," no tears, no discouraging words, just, as always, good times and cold beverages in the parking lot afterward. It's the way the Muckrakers are and how they want it. See you in the Summer League next year for heaping portions of more of the same.
Showing posts with label 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2010. Show all posts
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Statistics
..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave
Dave Alcorn..........................3....0...1....0.... .333Bob Brindley.........................3....1...2....2.... .667
Rick Browning.......................3....0...3....1.... 1.000
Chace Bryson........................4....1...1....0.... .250
Don Dennler..........................2....0...0....0.... .000
Matt Knauff...........................2...1...1...1.... .500
Brian Kroll............................3....0...1....0.... .333
Randy Striegel......................3....2...2....1.... .667
Dave Taxier..........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Chris Wagnon.......................3....0...1....1.... .333
Mike Yurkis...........................4....1...1....0.... .250
Totals............................33...6....14....6.. .424
Schedule, results
9/9....AMR All-Stars 10, Muckrakers (0-1) 6
9/30....Field 1....8:25....Muckrakers vs. 9 Mugs & A Pitcher
10/7....Field 3....6:15....Untouchables vs. Muckrakers
10/14...Field 4....7:20....The Guys vs. Muckrakers
10/21...Field 3....9:30....Muckrakers vs. Carsen Designs
10/28...Field 2....8:25....Lucky Us vs. Muckrakers
10/28...Field 2....9:30....AMR All-Stars vs. Muckrakers
All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord
9/30....Field 1....8:25....Muckrakers vs. 9 Mugs & A Pitcher
10/7....Field 3....6:15....Untouchables vs. Muckrakers
10/14...Field 4....7:20....The Guys vs. Muckrakers
10/21...Field 3....9:30....Muckrakers vs. Carsen Designs
10/28...Field 2....8:25....Lucky Us vs. Muckrakers
10/28...Field 2....9:30....AMR All-Stars vs. Muckrakers
All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord
Monday, August 02, 2010
'Rakers conclude memorable '10 Summer League
CONCORD -- It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was the Contra Costa Times. Fourscore and seven years ago. The lazy brown fox jumped over the wacky log. To be, or forsooth, to be not. That be the question.
Literary classics, more or less, one and all. Whether the Golden State Muckrakers' 2010 Summer League campaign will go down as one of the all-time classics of the genre remains to be seen, although the 3-9 final record might be a bit of a tipoff. Still, what the season that contained five bye weeks lacked in victories, it more than made up in moments that the 'Rakers will carry with them for a long, long time. Seasons are like that.
It was the year of the Near-Perfecto. It was the year of the Bob Brindley cameos. It was the year of the Mat Petersen sighting. It was the year of Luke Abbott home-cooked hospitality. It was the year of the Luke Abbott blue cleats. It was the year of the Roover. It was the year Matt Knauff made catches here, there and everywhere. It was the year of Mike Wolcott at first base. It was the year of the Gift That Is Rice Krispies. It was the year the 'Rakers had three home brewers in the lineup. It was the year of the furthering Pig'N'Whistle Connection.
And we could go on and on, but then this blog would begin to resemble "War and Peace" and then this whole literary classics theme would go beyond the stretching point, and -- ouch! -- you know how painful that can be. And, you know, you can't have "classic" without the "ass." It's true, so true.
And speaking of -- OK, in this aside we note we weren't really speaking of anything, just kind of wingin' it until something better came along -- the Mighty, Mighty Muckrakers lowered the curtain on SL '10 with a 13-6 loss at the hands of Scared Hitless on July 22. The self-same 'Rakers were determined to head out on a high note, and indeed came out of the blocks with three runs in the first inning (there was Knauff's sac fly, a double from Randy Striegel, and a two-RBI single by Ben Enos.
But the Men of Muck struggled with offensive continuity after that, scoring three more times over the next five frames. Striegel, Dave Alcorn and Rick Browning all contributed two-hit games in an average-raising finale.
When it was all said and done it was time to repair to the parking lot to award the 'Rakers' MVP Award -- well-deserved Mr. Knauff! -- and enjoy that fabled 'Raker hospitality. A classic time was had by all.
And let us not sign off for the season without mentioning the continuing fine work by Manager Chris Wagnon. It's not easy riding herd on a free-ranging band of outside-the-box thinkers and doers, but Wagnon continues to make it look easy. A sign of a true master.
See you at Rocco's.
Literary classics, more or less, one and all. Whether the Golden State Muckrakers' 2010 Summer League campaign will go down as one of the all-time classics of the genre remains to be seen, although the 3-9 final record might be a bit of a tipoff. Still, what the season that contained five bye weeks lacked in victories, it more than made up in moments that the 'Rakers will carry with them for a long, long time. Seasons are like that.
It was the year of the Near-Perfecto. It was the year of the Bob Brindley cameos. It was the year of the Mat Petersen sighting. It was the year of Luke Abbott home-cooked hospitality. It was the year of the Luke Abbott blue cleats. It was the year of the Roover. It was the year Matt Knauff made catches here, there and everywhere. It was the year of Mike Wolcott at first base. It was the year of the Gift That Is Rice Krispies. It was the year the 'Rakers had three home brewers in the lineup. It was the year of the furthering Pig'N'Whistle Connection.
And we could go on and on, but then this blog would begin to resemble "War and Peace" and then this whole literary classics theme would go beyond the stretching point, and -- ouch! -- you know how painful that can be. And, you know, you can't have "classic" without the "ass." It's true, so true.
And speaking of -- OK, in this aside we note we weren't really speaking of anything, just kind of wingin' it until something better came along -- the Mighty, Mighty Muckrakers lowered the curtain on SL '10 with a 13-6 loss at the hands of Scared Hitless on July 22. The self-same 'Rakers were determined to head out on a high note, and indeed came out of the blocks with three runs in the first inning (there was Knauff's sac fly, a double from Randy Striegel, and a two-RBI single by Ben Enos.
But the Men of Muck struggled with offensive continuity after that, scoring three more times over the next five frames. Striegel, Dave Alcorn and Rick Browning all contributed two-hit games in an average-raising finale.
When it was all said and done it was time to repair to the parking lot to award the 'Rakers' MVP Award -- well-deserved Mr. Knauff! -- and enjoy that fabled 'Raker hospitality. A classic time was had by all.
And let us not sign off for the season without mentioning the continuing fine work by Manager Chris Wagnon. It's not easy riding herd on a free-ranging band of outside-the-box thinkers and doers, but Wagnon continues to make it look easy. A sign of a true master.
See you at Rocco's.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Final 2010 Summer League statistics
..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave
Luke Abbott..........................22....5...10....7.... .454Dave Alcorn..........................34....9...11....7.... .324
Steve Breslin.........................13....2...4....4.... .308
Bob Brindley.........................14....6...11....5.... .786
Rick Browning.......................22....5...7....4.... .318
Chace Bryson........................26....8...9....5.... .346
Ben Enos...............................15....3...9....7.... .600
Aris Garcia.............................7....1...3....2.... .429
Tony Hicks............................11....3...4....1.... .364
Matt Knauff.........................38...13...15...19.... .395
Brian Kroll...........................34....4...12....6.... .353
Mat Petersen...........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Joe Stiglich.............................6....0...4....1.... .667
Randy Striegel......................28....6...15....4.... .536
Dave Taxier..........................29....11...15....7.... .517
Chris Wagnon.......................38....7...11....9.... .289
Mike Wolcott...........................3....2...2....1.... .667
Mike Yurkis...........................28...11...15....7.... .536
Totals............................361..97....158...96.. .438
Final 2010 Summer League results
4/1....Brown Sox 29, Muckrakers (0-1) 12
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Brown Sox 17, Muckrakers (1-7) 2
6/24...Muckrakers (2-7) 17, Dirtbaggers 11
7/1....Here for Beer 25, Muckrakers (2-8) 3
7/15...Muckrakers (3-8) 20, Hard Knocks 4
7/22...Scared Hitless 13, Muckrakers (3-9) 6
All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Brown Sox 17, Muckrakers (1-7) 2
6/24...Muckrakers (2-7) 17, Dirtbaggers 11
7/1....Here for Beer 25, Muckrakers (2-8) 3
7/15...Muckrakers (3-8) 20, Hard Knocks 4
7/22...Scared Hitless 13, Muckrakers (3-9) 6
All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Muckrakers near-perfect in bopping Hard Knocks
CONCORD -- Such is the state of things for your much-improved Muckrakers is that they amassed 20 runs in an 16-run rout of Hard Knocks last Thursday to win for the second time in the past three games -- and that comes nowhere close to being the story.
No, your humble scribe has, as they say in the profession, “buried the lead” because that lead is just too yummy, too delicious, to just reveal all at once. No, better to let things linger for a second or two, just to build up that wonderful anticipation and suspense.
There. That oughta do it.
The story behind the story here is the Muckrakers had a perfect game going for 4 1/3 innings. Yes, you read that right. Thirteen Hard Knocks batters up, 13 Hard Knocks batters down. Folks, it’s hard enough producing one perfect inning in slow-pitch softball, much less 4 1/3 of the little suckers. Try it some time, then get back to us.
As you now know, it takes a village to fashion 4 1/3 innings of perfection. Pitcher Dave Taxier was doing pretty much what he’s always done, lob the ol’ sphere over the plate and let the big, burly foes do with it what they might. What was special here was that no matter where the Hard Knockers hit it, there was a ‘Raker defender who knew what to do with it.
This was, in short, a breakout game in the breakout season of one Matt Knauff. The fleet center fielder went hither and yon, tracking down whatever Hard Knocks sent his way. Ball in the gap to the left? Knauff’s there. Ball gapped to the right? Knauff runs it down. A blooper over second? Speedy Knauff has the knack for that play, too. Hard Knocks tested Matt every way it could, and he came up aces each time.
Chace Bryson in left and Bob (BB) Brindley in right-center were tested less, but when it was their turn to come up with the big play, they did, no problem.
The infield was similarly tight. The corner configuration was a relatively new one -- Rick Browning at third and Luke (I Usta Roova) Abbott at first -- but both played like 20-year vets at their positions. Abbott gloved each throw that came his way and showed nifty judgment on snagging one short-hopped throw.
Throw in the stellar gloves of shortstop Randy Striegel and second baseman Mike Yurkus and you got yourself one nifty defense that came an inning or so of pure perfection.
But this was not one of those all-field, no-hit kinda deals. Far from it, brother. No, on this special night The Men of Rake had their hitting shoes on as well, striking for a season-high 20 runs on a season-high 21 hits.
Serving notice early that this would be a game for the ages, Yer ‘Rakers came viciously out off the box to rally for 10 runs in the first inning, sending 16 batters to the plate.
The big splat was provided by that guy Knauff, who plastered a three-run home run after Yurkus and Bryson had each walked. The Mucksters continued on from there, using a variety of singles and walks to plate run after run after run.
From then on, the only suspense was whether the ‘Rakesters could pull off Concord D-League history, and they almost did -- they nearly did.
About the only negative was that Manager Chris Wagnon sustained a pulled hammy that limited his baserunning and defense. The injury was believed to be minor, and Wagnon is not expected to miss this season’s finale on Thursday.
If this Thursday’s Summer League curtain-closer is half as eventful as the previous game, then you absolutely, for certain, don’t want to miss it. You just can’t make this stuff up.
No, your humble scribe has, as they say in the profession, “buried the lead” because that lead is just too yummy, too delicious, to just reveal all at once. No, better to let things linger for a second or two, just to build up that wonderful anticipation and suspense.
There. That oughta do it.
The story behind the story here is the Muckrakers had a perfect game going for 4 1/3 innings. Yes, you read that right. Thirteen Hard Knocks batters up, 13 Hard Knocks batters down. Folks, it’s hard enough producing one perfect inning in slow-pitch softball, much less 4 1/3 of the little suckers. Try it some time, then get back to us.
As you now know, it takes a village to fashion 4 1/3 innings of perfection. Pitcher Dave Taxier was doing pretty much what he’s always done, lob the ol’ sphere over the plate and let the big, burly foes do with it what they might. What was special here was that no matter where the Hard Knockers hit it, there was a ‘Raker defender who knew what to do with it.
This was, in short, a breakout game in the breakout season of one Matt Knauff. The fleet center fielder went hither and yon, tracking down whatever Hard Knocks sent his way. Ball in the gap to the left? Knauff’s there. Ball gapped to the right? Knauff runs it down. A blooper over second? Speedy Knauff has the knack for that play, too. Hard Knocks tested Matt every way it could, and he came up aces each time.
Chace Bryson in left and Bob (BB) Brindley in right-center were tested less, but when it was their turn to come up with the big play, they did, no problem.
The infield was similarly tight. The corner configuration was a relatively new one -- Rick Browning at third and Luke (I Usta Roova) Abbott at first -- but both played like 20-year vets at their positions. Abbott gloved each throw that came his way and showed nifty judgment on snagging one short-hopped throw.
Throw in the stellar gloves of shortstop Randy Striegel and second baseman Mike Yurkus and you got yourself one nifty defense that came an inning or so of pure perfection.
But this was not one of those all-field, no-hit kinda deals. Far from it, brother. No, on this special night The Men of Rake had their hitting shoes on as well, striking for a season-high 20 runs on a season-high 21 hits.
Serving notice early that this would be a game for the ages, Yer ‘Rakers came viciously out off the box to rally for 10 runs in the first inning, sending 16 batters to the plate.
The big splat was provided by that guy Knauff, who plastered a three-run home run after Yurkus and Bryson had each walked. The Mucksters continued on from there, using a variety of singles and walks to plate run after run after run.
From then on, the only suspense was whether the ‘Rakesters could pull off Concord D-League history, and they almost did -- they nearly did.
About the only negative was that Manager Chris Wagnon sustained a pulled hammy that limited his baserunning and defense. The injury was believed to be minor, and Wagnon is not expected to miss this season’s finale on Thursday.
If this Thursday’s Summer League curtain-closer is half as eventful as the previous game, then you absolutely, for certain, don’t want to miss it. You just can’t make this stuff up.
Statistics
..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave
Luke Abbott..........................19....5...9....6.... .474Dave Alcorn..........................31....8...9....7.... .290
Steve Breslin.........................13....2...4....4.... .308
Bob Brindley.........................14....6...11....5.... .786
Rick Browning.......................19....5...5....4.... .263
Chace Bryson........................23....7...8....4.... .348
Ben Enos...............................13....3...9....5.... .629
Aris Garcia.............................7....1...3....2.... .429
Tony Hicks............................11....3...4....1.... .364
Matt Knauff.........................35...13...15...18.... .429
Brian Kroll...........................31....4...12....6.... .387
Mat Petersen...........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Joe Stiglich.............................6....0...4....1.... .667
Randy Striegel......................26....5...13....4.... .500
Dave Taxier..........................27....9...14....7.... .519
Chris Wagnon.......................35....7...11....9.... .314
Mike Wolcott...........................3....2...2....1.... .667
Mike Yurkis...........................25...10...14....6.... .560
Totals............................331..91....147...90.. .444
Friday, July 16, 2010
Schedule, results
4/1....Brown Sox 29, Muckrakers (0-1) 12
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Brown Sox 17, Muckrakers (1-7) 2
6/24...Muckrakers (2-7) 17, Dirtbaggers 11
7/1....Here for Beer 25, Muckrakers (2-8) 3
7/15...Muckrakers (3-8) 20, Hard Knocks 4
7/22...Field 2....6:15....Scared Hitless vs. Muckrakers
All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Brown Sox 17, Muckrakers (1-7) 2
6/24...Muckrakers (2-7) 17, Dirtbaggers 11
7/1....Here for Beer 25, Muckrakers (2-8) 3
7/15...Muckrakers (3-8) 20, Hard Knocks 4
7/22...Field 2....6:15....Scared Hitless vs. Muckrakers
All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord
Friday, July 09, 2010
Sobering loss for Muckrakers v. Here for Beer
CONCORD -- Not much to say about this one, devoted readers. The grand and glorious Muckrakers put forth maximum effort but at the end of the day found themselves on the short end of a 25-3 bushwhacking at the hands of Here for Sandbagging, er, Here For Beer, on Field 5.
It is what it is.
If that was a D League team the 'Rakers played a couple Thursdays ago, then I'm freakin' LeBron James, and let me take an hour of network time to let you know what Fall League softball team I'll be playing on.
As if.
Not that your cheery correspondent is bitter. Well, no, actually, I'm quite bitter. If I wanted to get totally pounded on my day off, I'd stroll into Artie's and scream "De La Salle sucks! And they recruit!"
But no, your beloved scribe would not think of such a thing -- although, evidently, he will blog it -- but one cannot but look askance at the Concord Softball League that it would allow such a travesty to occur.
So there.
Otherwise, we had things happen such as Mike Yurkus and Joe Stiglich each going 3 for 3, and that was pretty much sorta it, with the 'Rakers rallying for two runs in the fifth inning on RBI blasts from Matt Knauff and Randy Striegel. Oh, there was that one extended restroom break from Yurkus that slightly delayed one inning. But really, this was one to quickly file away and forget about and instead to focus on the good times, and the two remaining games yet to come.
As for you, Here for Beer, may you be condemned to watch an endless loop of contrived LeBron press conferences well into the distant future. Around here, we call that justice.
It is what it is.
If that was a D League team the 'Rakers played a couple Thursdays ago, then I'm freakin' LeBron James, and let me take an hour of network time to let you know what Fall League softball team I'll be playing on.
As if.
Not that your cheery correspondent is bitter. Well, no, actually, I'm quite bitter. If I wanted to get totally pounded on my day off, I'd stroll into Artie's and scream "De La Salle sucks! And they recruit!"
But no, your beloved scribe would not think of such a thing -- although, evidently, he will blog it -- but one cannot but look askance at the Concord Softball League that it would allow such a travesty to occur.
So there.
Otherwise, we had things happen such as Mike Yurkus and Joe Stiglich each going 3 for 3, and that was pretty much sorta it, with the 'Rakers rallying for two runs in the fifth inning on RBI blasts from Matt Knauff and Randy Striegel. Oh, there was that one extended restroom break from Yurkus that slightly delayed one inning. But really, this was one to quickly file away and forget about and instead to focus on the good times, and the two remaining games yet to come.
As for you, Here for Beer, may you be condemned to watch an endless loop of contrived LeBron press conferences well into the distant future. Around here, we call that justice.
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Statistics
..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave
Luke Abbott..........................16....4...8....3.... .500Dave Alcorn..........................31....8...9....7.... .290
Steve Breslin.........................13....2...4....4.... .308
Bob Brindley.........................10....4...8....5.... .800
Rick Browning.......................16....2...2....2.... .125
Chace Bryson........................21....6...7....2.... .333
Ben Enos................................9....1...5....2.... .555
Aris Garcia.............................7....1...3....2.... .429
Tony Hicks............................11....3...4....1.... .364
Matt Knauff.........................31...12...13...13.... .419
Brian Kroll...........................27....4...11....5.... .407
Mat Petersen...........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Joe Stiglich.............................6....0...4....1.... .667
Randy Striegel......................22....2...10....4.... .455
Dave Taxier..........................25....6...12....5.... .480
Chris Wagnon.......................31....5...10....8.... .323
Mike Wolcott...........................3....2...2....1.... .667
Mike Yurkis...........................23....8...14....6.... .608
Totals............................295..71....126...71.. .427
Friday, July 02, 2010
Schedule, results
4/1....Brown Sox 29, Muckrakers (0-1) 12
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Brown Sox 17, Muckrakers (1-7) 2
6/24...Muckrakers (2-7) 17, Dirtbaggers 11
7/1....Here for Beer 25, Muckrakers (2-8) 3
7/15...Field 4....8:25....Muckrakers vs. Hard Knocks
7/22...Field 2....6:15....Scared Hitless vs. Muckrakers
All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Brown Sox 17, Muckrakers (1-7) 2
6/24...Muckrakers (2-7) 17, Dirtbaggers 11
7/1....Here for Beer 25, Muckrakers (2-8) 3
7/15...Field 4....8:25....Muckrakers vs. Hard Knocks
7/22...Field 2....6:15....Scared Hitless vs. Muckrakers
All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord
Friday, June 25, 2010
Statistics
..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave
Luke Abbott..........................16....4...8....3.... .500Dave Alcorn..........................28....8...9....7.... .321
Steve Breslin.........................13....2...4....4.... .308
Bob Brindley.........................10....4...8....5.... .800
Rick Browning.......................16....2...2....2.... .125
Chace Bryson........................19....6...7....2.... .368
Ben Enos..............................7....1...4....2.... .571
Aris Garcia...........................7....1...3....2.... .429
Tony Hicks............................11....3...4....1.... .364
Matt Knauff..........................28...11...12...12.... .429
Brian Kroll...........................24....4...10....5.... .417
Mat Petersen.........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Joe Stiglich...........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Randy Striegel......................19....2...9....3.... .474
Dave Taxier..........................23....6...11....5.... .478
Chris Wagnon.......................28....5...10....8.... .357
Mike Wolcott.........................3....2...2....1.... .667
Mike Yurkis...........................20....6...11....6.... .550
Totals............................268..68....115...68.. .429
Schedule, results
4/1....Brown Sox 29, Muckrakers (0-1) 12
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Brown Sox 17, Muckrakers (1-7) 2
6/24...Muckrakers (2-7) 17, Dirtbaggers 11
7/1....Field 5....7:05....Here for Beer vs. Muckrakers
7/15...Field 4....8:25....Muckrakers vs. Hard Knocks
7/22...Field 2....6:15....Scared Hitless vs. Muckrakers
All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Brown Sox 17, Muckrakers (1-7) 2
6/24...Muckrakers (2-7) 17, Dirtbaggers 11
7/1....Field 5....7:05....Here for Beer vs. Muckrakers
7/15...Field 4....8:25....Muckrakers vs. Hard Knocks
7/22...Field 2....6:15....Scared Hitless vs. Muckrakers
All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord
Friday, June 18, 2010
Schedule, results
4/1....Brown Sox 29, Muckrakers (0-1) 12
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Brown Sox 17, Muckrakers (1-7) 2
6/24...Field 1....9:30....Muckrakers vs. Dirtbaggers
7/1....Field 5....7:05....Here for Beer vs. Muckrakers
7/15...Field 4....8:25....Muckrakers vs. Hard Knocks
7/22...Field 2....6:15....Scared Hitless vs. Muckrakers
All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Brown Sox 17, Muckrakers (1-7) 2
6/24...Field 1....9:30....Muckrakers vs. Dirtbaggers
7/1....Field 5....7:05....Here for Beer vs. Muckrakers
7/15...Field 4....8:25....Muckrakers vs. Hard Knocks
7/22...Field 2....6:15....Scared Hitless vs. Muckrakers
All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord
Statistics
..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave
Luke Abbott..........................16....4...8....3.... .500Dave Alcorn..........................23....6...6....6.... .261
Steve Breslin.........................13....2...4....4.... .308
Bob Brindley.........................10....4...8....5.... .800
Rick Browning.......................13....2...1....1.... .079
Chace Bryson........................15....4...4....0.... .267
Ben Enos..............................7....1...4....2.... .571
Aris Garcia...........................7....1...3....2.... .429
Tony Hicks............................11....3...4....1.... .364
Matt Knauff..........................23...8...8....6.... .348
Brian Kroll...........................20....2...8....5.... .400
Mat Petersen.........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Joe Stiglich...........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Randy Striegel......................19....2...9....3.... .474
Dave Taxier..........................19....4...10....5.... .526
Chris Wagnon.......................23....4...7....3.... .304
Mike Yurkis...........................15....3...9....5.... .600
Totals............................230..51....94...51.. .409
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Warriors in golden state after barely beating Muckrakers
CONCORD -- The Muckrakers shook off some unsettling developments of their own making last Thursday and nearly pulled off the upset of the D League season, just falling short to the Warriors (6-1) by a 12-11 count on Field 3.
Things got off to a rocky start hours before the game even started, when interim manager-player Dave Taxier unfortunately decided to rhyme “swing those bats” with “feed those cats” in the traditional Muckraker game-day headcount e-mail. The shaken ‘Rakers, not taken with Dylan-esque imagery, were understandably thrown off their game.
Pair that unfortunate incident with the fact that Taxier, for no apparent reason -- OK, there was a reason (he lamely did not know the run scoring was the game-decider) slowed down the outfield throw to the plate that could have retired what turned out to be the winning, walk-off run in the bottom of the sixth -- and you had a team yearning for the return of manager Chris Wagnon.
And yet, for all the setbacks, the Muck-N-Ators continued their run of strong play, delivering their third solid effort in a row. The second-place Warriors were lucky to escape with the victory, and every man-jack among them knew it.
The Muckrakers continued to flash impressive leather on defense and, yes, swing those bats. Matt Knauff excelled once again in center with his rangy catches and accurate throwing. And speaking of throwing, third baseman Dave Alcorn beaned one Warrior attempting to score. The poor Warrior was so wobbly as the result of Alcorn’s fastball that he neglected to touch the plate and was called out.
Meanwhile, the Muckrakers sprayed 16 hits for the six-inning contest, with 11 ‘Rakers spanking safeties and five having multiple-hit games. Your Heroes did most off their damage in the fourth inning when they put across eight of their 11 runs. Knauff, Taxier, Brian Kroll, Steve Breslin and Mike Yurkus all drove in runs in the big inning, which propelled the Men of Muck into the lead and allowed visions of upset enter their blessed brains.
Luke Abbott gave the ‘Rakers their first lead of the evening when he singled home Yurkus in the top of the first. And the ‘Rakes tacked on a couple more scores in the fifth on singles by Knauff, Enos and Taxier.
The bottom of the sixth was not a pleasant one for any resident of Muckraker Nation, but even in defeat, the ‘Rakers sounded the message: This team is playing good ball, and you overlook it at your peril. D League, you’re on notice.
Things got off to a rocky start hours before the game even started, when interim manager-player Dave Taxier unfortunately decided to rhyme “swing those bats” with “feed those cats” in the traditional Muckraker game-day headcount e-mail. The shaken ‘Rakers, not taken with Dylan-esque imagery, were understandably thrown off their game.
Pair that unfortunate incident with the fact that Taxier, for no apparent reason -- OK, there was a reason (he lamely did not know the run scoring was the game-decider) slowed down the outfield throw to the plate that could have retired what turned out to be the winning, walk-off run in the bottom of the sixth -- and you had a team yearning for the return of manager Chris Wagnon.
And yet, for all the setbacks, the Muck-N-Ators continued their run of strong play, delivering their third solid effort in a row. The second-place Warriors were lucky to escape with the victory, and every man-jack among them knew it.
The Muckrakers continued to flash impressive leather on defense and, yes, swing those bats. Matt Knauff excelled once again in center with his rangy catches and accurate throwing. And speaking of throwing, third baseman Dave Alcorn beaned one Warrior attempting to score. The poor Warrior was so wobbly as the result of Alcorn’s fastball that he neglected to touch the plate and was called out.
Meanwhile, the Muckrakers sprayed 16 hits for the six-inning contest, with 11 ‘Rakers spanking safeties and five having multiple-hit games. Your Heroes did most off their damage in the fourth inning when they put across eight of their 11 runs. Knauff, Taxier, Brian Kroll, Steve Breslin and Mike Yurkus all drove in runs in the big inning, which propelled the Men of Muck into the lead and allowed visions of upset enter their blessed brains.
Luke Abbott gave the ‘Rakers their first lead of the evening when he singled home Yurkus in the top of the first. And the ‘Rakes tacked on a couple more scores in the fifth on singles by Knauff, Enos and Taxier.
The bottom of the sixth was not a pleasant one for any resident of Muckraker Nation, but even in defeat, the ‘Rakers sounded the message: This team is playing good ball, and you overlook it at your peril. D League, you’re on notice.
Friday, June 04, 2010
Statistics
..........................................AB...R...H...RBI.. Ave
Luke Abbott..........................16....4...8....3.... .500Dave Alcorn..........................22....6...5....5.... .227
Steve Breslin.........................10....2...4....3.... .400
Bob Brindley..........................6....4...5....5.... .833
Rick Browning.......................13....2...1....1.... .079
Chace Bryson........................12....4...4....0.... .333
Ben Enos..............................4....1...2....2.... .500
Aris Garcia...........................7....1...3....2.... .429
Tony Hicks............................9....3...3....1.... .333
Matt Knauff..........................23...8...8....6.... .348
Brian Kroll...........................16....1...7....5.... .438
Mat Petersen.........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Joe Stiglich...........................3....0...1....0.... .333
Randy Striegel......................19....2...9....3.... .474
Dave Taxier..........................16....4...9....5.... .563
Chris Wagnon.......................20....4...7....3.... .350
Mike Yurkis...........................13....3...8....5.... .615
Totals............................212..49....84...49.. .396
Schedule, results
4/1....Brown Sox 29, Muckrakers (0-1) 12
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Field 3....7:20....Muckrakers vs. Brown Sox
6/24...Field 1....9:30....Muckrakers vs. Dirtbaggers
7/1....Field 5....7:05....Here for Beer vs. Muckrakers
7/15...Field 4....8:25....Muckrakers vs. Hard Knocks
7/22...Field 2....6:15....Scared Hitless vs. Muckrakers
All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord
4/15...Dirtbaggers 16, Muckrakers (0-2) 8
4/22. Here for Beer 14, Muckrakers (0-3) 3
5/6....Hard Knocks 12, Muckrakers (0-4) 2
5/13...Scared Hitless 11, Muckrakers (0-5) 9
5/27...Muckrakers (1-5) 4, Bad News Beers 3
6/3....Warriors 12, Muckrakers (1-6) 11
6/17...Field 3....7:20....Muckrakers vs. Brown Sox
6/24...Field 1....9:30....Muckrakers vs. Dirtbaggers
7/1....Field 5....7:05....Here for Beer vs. Muckrakers
7/15...Field 4....8:25....Muckrakers vs. Hard Knocks
7/22...Field 2....6:15....Scared Hitless vs. Muckrakers
All games at Willow Pass Park, Concord
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
'Rakers Ravage Bad News Beers For First Win Of The Year!
CONCORD -- Weeks of hustle and hard work paid off big-time for the Muckrakers last Thursday, resulting in their initial foray into the win column in 2010, a 4-3, uh, thrashing, of Bad News Beers on Field 4.
Three runs in the second inning and one more in the third amazingly held up in this one, as the 'Rakers sipped the sweet nectar of triumph for the first time since Sept. 10, 2009, a 15-14 Fall League win over the Brown Sox.
There were good omens all over the place, foreshadowing that something good was about to take place. There was the surprise return appearance of 'Raker Hall of Famer Mat Petersen, who strolled in as if he'd never been away. That alone elevated 'Raker spirits to the sky. Not only that, but the Men of Muck were joined again by Bob Brindley, who raced in from Livermore to contribute to the fun. And then there was the prospect of the 'Raker after-party at the home of Luke Abbott, with introductions all around for his new family addition, the spirited puppy Lindy.
But, as often is the case with Our Boys, there was an element of weirdness to this ballgame. Take the top of the seventh inning, with having already scored a run to pull within a run of the 'Rakers. The Bad News Beers appeared to have driven in the tying run, only for the umpire to rule that the runner had not touched home plate and in fact was out for the final out of the game. Way to go, 'Rakers!
It was the lower quadrant of the batting order that gained The Mighty Mighty Muckrakers their first lead of the evening. Dave Taxier (10th), Brian Kroll (11th) and Brindley (12th) delivered consecutive singles in the second inning to put 'Raker Nation up 3-1.
In the third inning, Matt Knauff led off with a single, made his way over to third base, and was plated by Ben Enos' sacrifice fly for what turned out to be that oh-so-vital fourth run.
The 'Rakers did not score the rest of the way, but they still ensured victory thanks to the use of their much-improved defense. Dave Alcorn, he of the patented bank-handed stops, made several nice plays at third base, and Knauff patrolled center field with expert care. Petersen reminded one and all just what kind of first baseman he is, and Randy Striegel was the right man at the right spot (shortstop).
Once again, the Muckrakers made the magic happen. And it would be just like them to make it happen all over again.
Three runs in the second inning and one more in the third amazingly held up in this one, as the 'Rakers sipped the sweet nectar of triumph for the first time since Sept. 10, 2009, a 15-14 Fall League win over the Brown Sox.
There were good omens all over the place, foreshadowing that something good was about to take place. There was the surprise return appearance of 'Raker Hall of Famer Mat Petersen, who strolled in as if he'd never been away. That alone elevated 'Raker spirits to the sky. Not only that, but the Men of Muck were joined again by Bob Brindley, who raced in from Livermore to contribute to the fun. And then there was the prospect of the 'Raker after-party at the home of Luke Abbott, with introductions all around for his new family addition, the spirited puppy Lindy.
But, as often is the case with Our Boys, there was an element of weirdness to this ballgame. Take the top of the seventh inning, with having already scored a run to pull within a run of the 'Rakers. The Bad News Beers appeared to have driven in the tying run, only for the umpire to rule that the runner had not touched home plate and in fact was out for the final out of the game. Way to go, 'Rakers!
It was the lower quadrant of the batting order that gained The Mighty Mighty Muckrakers their first lead of the evening. Dave Taxier (10th), Brian Kroll (11th) and Brindley (12th) delivered consecutive singles in the second inning to put 'Raker Nation up 3-1.
In the third inning, Matt Knauff led off with a single, made his way over to third base, and was plated by Ben Enos' sacrifice fly for what turned out to be that oh-so-vital fourth run.
The 'Rakers did not score the rest of the way, but they still ensured victory thanks to the use of their much-improved defense. Dave Alcorn, he of the patented bank-handed stops, made several nice plays at third base, and Knauff patrolled center field with expert care. Petersen reminded one and all just what kind of first baseman he is, and Randy Striegel was the right man at the right spot (shortstop).
Once again, the Muckrakers made the magic happen. And it would be just like them to make it happen all over again.
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