CONCORD -- It's been feast or famine for the '12 Fall League edition of the Muckrakers -- and so far, heavy on the feast.
The 'Rakers' tour of duty so far consists of two nights, four games -- a couple of doubleheaders, with one sweep and one near-sweep for a 3-1 mark for the post-summer campaign.
Last Thursday's action on Field 1 was emblematic of the way things have gone so far for the Muckistas. In the doubleheader opener, the Men of Rake put on a line-drive clinic in crushing KP Bombers for the second game in a row 31-3. Game 2 vs. the Conquistadors was an entirely different kettle of fish, as the Mucksters fell just a little short in a tautly played battle 7-5.
Let's not spend much of our valuable time analyzing the first game. To be blunt, Yer Heroes hit the ball early, late and in between in crushing their hapless foes, jacking up nine runs in the third inning, eight more in the fourth and adding a nine-spot in the fifth. Thirty-one runs on 41 hits, helped along by a KPB outfield that treated softballs hit to them like hot rocks.
Game 2 could not have been more different, as it was an early showdown between the loop's undefeated, and top-two, teams. The Conquistadors' team defense was as good as KPB's 'D' was putrid. Also, the Conquistadors utilized a rarely seen defensive alignment, with three speedy outfielders and the extra fielder placed in short center, just beyond second base.
It took the 'Rakers a bit to break down C-dors' scheme. The Rakesters went the first five innings without scoring, putting only one batter in scoring position over that span (not counting Rakers rookie Marshall Murray's fifth-inning blast that cleared the fence, which by rule was an out). The C-dors, by that time, has built a 4-0 lead.
The Rakers began digging into that margin in the sixth, putting up four runs to tie up the sucker. Leadoff man Matt McCall singled, and sped home on Randy Striegel's double, which found a gap the C-dors outfield. Cleanup man/pitcher Chris White singled in Striegel, and advanced to second on a C-dors error. The next two batsmen, Reed Johnson and Murray, each followed with RBI hits to knot the thing.
Thus, it all came down to the final seventh inning between these two proud team. The C-dors fired the first salvo, tallying three times to take a 7-4 margin going into the bottom of the seventh.
The Men of Muck fired back, battling desperately after two had been retired. Eric Leithliter singled, McCall reached on a booted ball at shortstop, and Striegel came up clutch with a single to drive in Leithliter. Captain/GM Matt Knauff blasted a deep drive into center, but the quick C-dors center fielder tracked it down on the run, robbing Knauff and ending Rakers hopes on this night.
But one thinks these two teams have not seen the last of each other. In fact, the schedule says the very next Muckrakers game is against the self-same Conquistadors (Oct. 4, 6:15 p.m., Field 4). In a feast-or-famine season, the Rakers are looking forward to eating hardy on Thursday.
Showing posts with label Randy Striegel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Randy Striegel. Show all posts
Friday, September 28, 2012
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
'Rakers' Season Comes To End With Playoff Loss to I'd Hit That
CONCORD -- The season that began with a hail-out ended with: hell....out.
The Muckrakers were battered and bloodied, and yet they refused to quit and they fought on to the bitter end. And that's just Randy Striegel.
As they have all year, the Men of Muck gave a valiant effort, but this time their efforts fell a little short in a 13-11 loss to I'd Hit That on Field 3 last Friday. It was the second loss to the playoffs for the Muckrakers, who were thus eliminated and forced to call an end to an eventful 16-game campaign.
Yer Heroes, you'll be proud to know, did not go down quietly or compliantly. Rather, the Masters of Muckdom battled IHT -- which bore an uncanny resemblance to their first-place friends from D-League South, The Guys -- to a 9-9 standoff after the regulation seven innings. IHT rallied for four runs in the top of the eighth to take a 13-9 lead. But it was nervous times for IHT in the bottom half, as Rick Browning walked with one out, Dave Alcorn singled, and both eventually came around to score on Striegel's double. But somehow IHT managed to hold on and advanced in the tournament, perhaps knowing in their heart of hearts that maybe they got away with one on this night.
Certainly, the most inspirational athlete on the field this night was Striegel. Starting at shortstop in this one, Striegel was bopped in the head by an errant IHT toss in going for a double in the third inning. Blood flowed from Striegel's ear as a result of the toss. But leaving the game was never an option for the sturdy Striegel, who went 4-for-4 in the game, lacking a home run for the cycle.
Striegel and the 'Rakers were at their best in the first inning when they poured it on for five runs on the strength of home runs from Chris White and Matt Knauff.
In the fourth, Luke Abbott doubled and scored on Browning's single as the Mucksters make it an 8-5 game in their favor. But feisty IHT went ahead 9-8, the 'Rakers tied it in the sixth on Bob Brindley's single plating Striegel, thus setting the stage for extra-inning heroics from both sides. Yet, for the Muck-N-Ators, it was not to be.
And yet, there was little fault to be found in a season that saw the Muckrakers make their triumphant return to the land of the postseason. Not that that looked like a sure bet after the team got off to a 1-4 start. But the 'Rakers, as they always seem to do, pulled together and made it better. They got to work and made it a season to remember. And that's softball, the Muckraker way. May there be several more seasons sill to come.
The Muckrakers were battered and bloodied, and yet they refused to quit and they fought on to the bitter end. And that's just Randy Striegel.
As they have all year, the Men of Muck gave a valiant effort, but this time their efforts fell a little short in a 13-11 loss to I'd Hit That on Field 3 last Friday. It was the second loss to the playoffs for the Muckrakers, who were thus eliminated and forced to call an end to an eventful 16-game campaign.
Yer Heroes, you'll be proud to know, did not go down quietly or compliantly. Rather, the Masters of Muckdom battled IHT -- which bore an uncanny resemblance to their first-place friends from D-League South, The Guys -- to a 9-9 standoff after the regulation seven innings. IHT rallied for four runs in the top of the eighth to take a 13-9 lead. But it was nervous times for IHT in the bottom half, as Rick Browning walked with one out, Dave Alcorn singled, and both eventually came around to score on Striegel's double. But somehow IHT managed to hold on and advanced in the tournament, perhaps knowing in their heart of hearts that maybe they got away with one on this night.
Certainly, the most inspirational athlete on the field this night was Striegel. Starting at shortstop in this one, Striegel was bopped in the head by an errant IHT toss in going for a double in the third inning. Blood flowed from Striegel's ear as a result of the toss. But leaving the game was never an option for the sturdy Striegel, who went 4-for-4 in the game, lacking a home run for the cycle.
Striegel and the 'Rakers were at their best in the first inning when they poured it on for five runs on the strength of home runs from Chris White and Matt Knauff.
In the fourth, Luke Abbott doubled and scored on Browning's single as the Mucksters make it an 8-5 game in their favor. But feisty IHT went ahead 9-8, the 'Rakers tied it in the sixth on Bob Brindley's single plating Striegel, thus setting the stage for extra-inning heroics from both sides. Yet, for the Muck-N-Ators, it was not to be.
And yet, there was little fault to be found in a season that saw the Muckrakers make their triumphant return to the land of the postseason. Not that that looked like a sure bet after the team got off to a 1-4 start. But the 'Rakers, as they always seem to do, pulled together and made it better. They got to work and made it a season to remember. And that's softball, the Muckraker way. May there be several more seasons sill to come.
Friday, July 08, 2011
Muckrakers Smacked Around by Bay Sluggers
CONCORD -- They say all good things must come to an end, and so it was for the tough-luck Muckrakers, who saw their record-setting five-game regular-season winning streak snapped in a 12-7 loss to the Bay Sluggers on Thursday night on Field 4.
The Men of Muck, managed on an interim basis by Dave Taxier, just didn't git-er done with the bats, mustering just seven runs, their second-lowest output of the season. Defensively, there was a play here or there that could have been made but wasn't. It wasn't an awful defensive showing by any means on Thursday, it was just a tad below the high bar established during the 'Rakers' aforementioned win streak.
It was a night when things were just off a bit for the snake-bit Mucksters. The team hit the ball hard for the most part, but right at Bay Slugger defenders. Our Heroes, for example, lined into two double plays, one each in the last two innings when the Muck-N-Ators were desperately trying to mount comeback rallies.
The Muckrakers tallied twice in the first inning, but then scored only once more over the next three frames as the Bay Sluggers took a 10-3 lead. The 'Raker bats finally stirred in the fifth, as Matt Knauff doubled to drive in Taxier and Rick Browning, and Reed Johnson singled to plate Dave Alcorn and Knauff. Randy Striegel then absolutely crushed a ball up the middle, but the quick-handed BS pitcher somehow latched onto the drive and tossed to first for the buzz-killing double play. If it wasn't for bad luck, the 'Rakers would have no luck at all.
The 'Rakers had similar luck in the final inning, the bottom of the sixth, as another line drive turned into a double play to put a damper on a possible dramatic comeback. It is a cruel game, this softball.
And yet, despite the setback, the 'Rakers still sport a winning record (6-5), not bad for a team that was 1-4 at one point. And the loss may yet not prove fatal to the Muckrakers' playoff hopes, depending on whether the top two or top three ballclubs in this five-team division make the playoffs.
It could mean this all goes down to next week's last game of the regular season, when the 'Rakers are the visiting team in taking on Trainwreck. The Muckrakers have split the season series vs. Trainwreck, having lost the first encounter, then winning the rematch.
One cannot sign off without saluting the effort of Knauff, who sustained a hamstring injury running the bases in the third inning, yet still managed to gut it out and play the rest of the way. It's that kind of inspirational effort that's gotten the 'Rakers this far, and the stuff that will push them on in the games to come.
The Men of Muck, managed on an interim basis by Dave Taxier, just didn't git-er done with the bats, mustering just seven runs, their second-lowest output of the season. Defensively, there was a play here or there that could have been made but wasn't. It wasn't an awful defensive showing by any means on Thursday, it was just a tad below the high bar established during the 'Rakers' aforementioned win streak.
It was a night when things were just off a bit for the snake-bit Mucksters. The team hit the ball hard for the most part, but right at Bay Slugger defenders. Our Heroes, for example, lined into two double plays, one each in the last two innings when the Muck-N-Ators were desperately trying to mount comeback rallies.
The Muckrakers tallied twice in the first inning, but then scored only once more over the next three frames as the Bay Sluggers took a 10-3 lead. The 'Raker bats finally stirred in the fifth, as Matt Knauff doubled to drive in Taxier and Rick Browning, and Reed Johnson singled to plate Dave Alcorn and Knauff. Randy Striegel then absolutely crushed a ball up the middle, but the quick-handed BS pitcher somehow latched onto the drive and tossed to first for the buzz-killing double play. If it wasn't for bad luck, the 'Rakers would have no luck at all.
The 'Rakers had similar luck in the final inning, the bottom of the sixth, as another line drive turned into a double play to put a damper on a possible dramatic comeback. It is a cruel game, this softball.
And yet, despite the setback, the 'Rakers still sport a winning record (6-5), not bad for a team that was 1-4 at one point. And the loss may yet not prove fatal to the Muckrakers' playoff hopes, depending on whether the top two or top three ballclubs in this five-team division make the playoffs.
It could mean this all goes down to next week's last game of the regular season, when the 'Rakers are the visiting team in taking on Trainwreck. The Muckrakers have split the season series vs. Trainwreck, having lost the first encounter, then winning the rematch.
One cannot sign off without saluting the effort of Knauff, who sustained a hamstring injury running the bases in the third inning, yet still managed to gut it out and play the rest of the way. It's that kind of inspirational effort that's gotten the 'Rakers this far, and the stuff that will push them on in the games to come.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Muckrakers Mess Up Trainwreck, Storm Into Second Place
CONCORD -- Oh, my, now things are getting interesting.
The Muckrakers perhaps positioned themselves as the power to be reckoned with in D-League South with a convincing 17-6 thrashing of Trainwreck on Field 2 last Thursday.
This was a 'Raker outfit that at one point had lost three in a row and sat at 1-4. The suddenly blazing-hot Men of Muck have now run off three victories in a row, with their latest conquest coming over the team formerly in second place. Well, Yer Heroes booted Trainwreck out of its high perch and took over sole possession of the second slot, trailing only The Guys in the D-League South standings.
In this one, it was more the Muckrakers who played like an out-of-control runaway train. The Mucksters started slowly, trailing 5-2 after two innings, then rallied for four runs in the third frame, then continued on from there to throttle a team they'd lost to in the previous encounter.
The 'Rakers put it away with a seven-run outburst in the seventh inning, leaving no doubt who was the new big, bad boy on the block. Somewhere, The Guys had to be concerned.
The 'Rakers offense has been a consistent hitting machine for most of the season, but vs. Trainwreck, the defense also shared the spotlight. The Mucksters' 'D' was a little shaky early, but once it established itself, there was no turning back. Reed Johnson fielded a scorching bad-hop one-hopper at shortstop and turned it into a double play, Dave Alcorn was as steady as he goes at third base, and Jose Gomez made the plays at second base in his understated way. 'Raker rookie Scott Brama showed astonishing hop and quickness at the catcher position. Chris White made an unbelievable over-the-shoulder catch from his first base spot in short right. The outfield -- Matt Knauff, Matt McCall, Randy Striegel and Chris Wagnon -- tracked down everything hit its way. On the mound, Dave Taxier struck out some guys (perhaps aided by a certain amount of Trainwreck inebriation?).
The offense was its reliable self as the MuckMen rolled out a 27-hit attack. Perhaps the sign that all would be going the 'Rakers' way was Gomez' drive that hit off third base and went for a double in the second inning. In the third, the 'Rakers strung together six hits in scoring four times. The next big explosion came in the seventh as Los Muckeros got a triple from Brama, a double from Striegel and a homer from Alcorn in establishing total dominance of the proceedings.
Striegel (5 for 5, five RBI) enjoyed a stellar night at the plate, as did Alcorn (3 for 5, three RBI), McCall and Brama (3 for 5 each. White (4 for 5) and Johnson (3 for 5, three runs).
The 'Rakers piled up 17 runs while holding the league's second-place team to six runs. That's how the Muckrakers (4-4) do, and how they look to keep doing as they attempt to storm their way back into the postseason.
The Muckrakers perhaps positioned themselves as the power to be reckoned with in D-League South with a convincing 17-6 thrashing of Trainwreck on Field 2 last Thursday.
This was a 'Raker outfit that at one point had lost three in a row and sat at 1-4. The suddenly blazing-hot Men of Muck have now run off three victories in a row, with their latest conquest coming over the team formerly in second place. Well, Yer Heroes booted Trainwreck out of its high perch and took over sole possession of the second slot, trailing only The Guys in the D-League South standings.
In this one, it was more the Muckrakers who played like an out-of-control runaway train. The Mucksters started slowly, trailing 5-2 after two innings, then rallied for four runs in the third frame, then continued on from there to throttle a team they'd lost to in the previous encounter.
The 'Rakers put it away with a seven-run outburst in the seventh inning, leaving no doubt who was the new big, bad boy on the block. Somewhere, The Guys had to be concerned.
The 'Rakers offense has been a consistent hitting machine for most of the season, but vs. Trainwreck, the defense also shared the spotlight. The Mucksters' 'D' was a little shaky early, but once it established itself, there was no turning back. Reed Johnson fielded a scorching bad-hop one-hopper at shortstop and turned it into a double play, Dave Alcorn was as steady as he goes at third base, and Jose Gomez made the plays at second base in his understated way. 'Raker rookie Scott Brama showed astonishing hop and quickness at the catcher position. Chris White made an unbelievable over-the-shoulder catch from his first base spot in short right. The outfield -- Matt Knauff, Matt McCall, Randy Striegel and Chris Wagnon -- tracked down everything hit its way. On the mound, Dave Taxier struck out some guys (perhaps aided by a certain amount of Trainwreck inebriation?).
The offense was its reliable self as the MuckMen rolled out a 27-hit attack. Perhaps the sign that all would be going the 'Rakers' way was Gomez' drive that hit off third base and went for a double in the second inning. In the third, the 'Rakers strung together six hits in scoring four times. The next big explosion came in the seventh as Los Muckeros got a triple from Brama, a double from Striegel and a homer from Alcorn in establishing total dominance of the proceedings.
Striegel (5 for 5, five RBI) enjoyed a stellar night at the plate, as did Alcorn (3 for 5, three RBI), McCall and Brama (3 for 5 each. White (4 for 5) and Johnson (3 for 5, three runs).
The 'Rakers piled up 17 runs while holding the league's second-place team to six runs. That's how the Muckrakers (4-4) do, and how they look to keep doing as they attempt to storm their way back into the postseason.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Not Those Guys Again! Rakers Fall to, Yes, The Guys
CONCORD -- You know what the Guys had to be thinking before their little link-up with the Muckrakers last Thursday on Field 3.
"Oh, the Muckrakers ... them again, for the second week in a row. The team we beat by 10 runs. The team that scored just two runs and had just 10 hits against us. We shall smite them again, with ease. And then we'll pick a better name for our team, because the one we have right now is kinda plain and boring."
Well, the Guys still have the same tired moniker as far as we know, but they also got the fight of their lives and emerged feeling relieved to take home the "W" after a 14-13 slugfest.
Giving it their all following a bye week, the 'Rakers put their previous outing vs. the Guys in the rearview mirror and returned to their normal, robust-hitting ways and lashed 24 hits in this go-round. The Men of Muck led late, 12-9, but the stunned Guys roared back and used the long ball to surge back in front.
Los Muckrakeros found themselves needing two to tie, three to win in the bottom of the last inning, but their last-gasp rally fell just short. Rick Browning led off the comeback attempt by smartly drawing a walk, and leadoff man Randy Striegel -- yes, you heard that right, Bub, leadoff man -- bashed a single to send Browning to third. One batter later, Dave Alcorn singled in Browning to cut the Guys' lead to one. Alas, that's as close the Yer Heroes got, and they were forced to accept their fourth consecutive defeat of the season.
Although saddled with yet another close defeat, the 'Rakers did return to their high-scoring, big-hitting ways. Perhaps this was helped along by a lineup shakeup from Fearless Leader Chris Wagnon, who placed Striegel atop the order, and Striegel responded with a 4 for 5 outing with three runs scored. Alcorn moved into the three hole for the first time and pounded out three hits while driving in a couple. Shortstop Reed Johnson held down the fourth spot quite nicely (3 for 5, three ribbies). Wagnon and Jose Gomez also had three-hit games. And so forth and so on on down the lineup.
And the 'Rakesters played the solid defense as well, none as frequently as Alcorn, who earned the nickname "Wi-Fi" for his showing at the Hot Spot. Alcorn stopped many a rocketed blast at third base, wielding his sturdy glove and recording out after out. Gomez also had a nice stick-with-it feed to Reed at second base for a forceout.
Starting hurler Dave Taxier (two hits) collected a strikeout in the game, but karma came back to bite him where it hurts the next inning when he himself struck out looking. Such is life in the D-league fast lane.
In the final analysis, this one boiled down to the Muckrakers' persistent all-singles attack vs. the Guys' long-ball power, and in the end, long-ball style won out, but just barely. The Muckrakers proved in this one they are ready for a seven-inning scrap, any time, anywhere.
"Oh, the Muckrakers ... them again, for the second week in a row. The team we beat by 10 runs. The team that scored just two runs and had just 10 hits against us. We shall smite them again, with ease. And then we'll pick a better name for our team, because the one we have right now is kinda plain and boring."
Well, the Guys still have the same tired moniker as far as we know, but they also got the fight of their lives and emerged feeling relieved to take home the "W" after a 14-13 slugfest.
Giving it their all following a bye week, the 'Rakers put their previous outing vs. the Guys in the rearview mirror and returned to their normal, robust-hitting ways and lashed 24 hits in this go-round. The Men of Muck led late, 12-9, but the stunned Guys roared back and used the long ball to surge back in front.
Los Muckrakeros found themselves needing two to tie, three to win in the bottom of the last inning, but their last-gasp rally fell just short. Rick Browning led off the comeback attempt by smartly drawing a walk, and leadoff man Randy Striegel -- yes, you heard that right, Bub, leadoff man -- bashed a single to send Browning to third. One batter later, Dave Alcorn singled in Browning to cut the Guys' lead to one. Alas, that's as close the Yer Heroes got, and they were forced to accept their fourth consecutive defeat of the season.
Although saddled with yet another close defeat, the 'Rakers did return to their high-scoring, big-hitting ways. Perhaps this was helped along by a lineup shakeup from Fearless Leader Chris Wagnon, who placed Striegel atop the order, and Striegel responded with a 4 for 5 outing with three runs scored. Alcorn moved into the three hole for the first time and pounded out three hits while driving in a couple. Shortstop Reed Johnson held down the fourth spot quite nicely (3 for 5, three ribbies). Wagnon and Jose Gomez also had three-hit games. And so forth and so on on down the lineup.
And the 'Rakesters played the solid defense as well, none as frequently as Alcorn, who earned the nickname "Wi-Fi" for his showing at the Hot Spot. Alcorn stopped many a rocketed blast at third base, wielding his sturdy glove and recording out after out. Gomez also had a nice stick-with-it feed to Reed at second base for a forceout.
Starting hurler Dave Taxier (two hits) collected a strikeout in the game, but karma came back to bite him where it hurts the next inning when he himself struck out looking. Such is life in the D-league fast lane.
In the final analysis, this one boiled down to the Muckrakers' persistent all-singles attack vs. the Guys' long-ball power, and in the end, long-ball style won out, but just barely. The Muckrakers proved in this one they are ready for a seven-inning scrap, any time, anywhere.
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Muckrakers derailed by Trainwreck
CONCORD -- Oh, how the Muckrakers want it. They've gone without it. They yearn for it. They call out for it in the dead of night. And yet it eludes them.
"It" of course, being D-League victories, which the Muckrakers ballclub has been trying to re-secure ever since opening the summer season with a 17-9 thumping of Nine Mugs & A Pitcher.
Unfortunately, last Thursday was not that night, as the Mucksters fell short for a second week in a row, this time an 18-14 shading at the hands of Trainwreck.
Hitting, runs and effort have not been the Muck-N-Ators' problem. Nor has good, old-fashioned desire. One only had to hear Luke Abbott's plaintive wails of "Hit it here! Hit it here! Thank you!" from the nether regions of right-center to realize that.
Yes, the Men of Muck want it. And they nearly get it. Problem is, their noble opposition has been just a tad better the past two weeks, thus a two-game losing skein.
In this one, Those Mucky Guys had relatively quiet frames in innings one through four, in which they scored five times total. But the 'Rakers really let it flow in the fifth, when they plated four comrades, then they went just as nutty in the sixth, when four more 'Rakers reached home base.
Alas, Yer Heroes scored again in the seventh inning, but scored only once, and that didn't get it the job done. When Dave Taxier feebly made the final out, the 'Rakers' chances of winning were as dead as the party at Osama's.
Yet the Mucksters' constant surges made it certain Trainwreck would enjoy few comfortable moments. There, for instance, was the Trainwreck runner who got bopped in the ol' noggin by a Muckraker throw in heading to third base, which has been something of a re-occurring theme in 'Raker games this season.
Another constant this season has been offense. Hits, runs? No problem for the Muckrakers. They rolled out a 21-hit attack in this one, with each 'Raker collecting at least one safety. Chace Bryson made his first out of the season, but it took a phenomenal catch in right to end Bryson's steak, and he still ended up going 4 for 5 and is 8 for 9 on the year. Leadoff man Dave Alcorn continues to do fine work at the top of the order, going 2 for 2 with three runs scored. The enthusiastic Abbott was 3 for 3 in addition to being a softball magnet in the outfield, and Randy Striegel (four RBI, Rick Browning (two ribbies), Chris White (pair of RBI) and Chris Wagnon (2 for 4) were quite productive.
No, in the final analysis, it wasn't enough, but Trainwreck had known it had been in a scrap. And there should be more summer nights, perhaps even as soon as this Thursday (6 p.m., Field 1) when the 'Rakers will get what they're looking for. Got it? Good.
"It" of course, being D-League victories, which the Muckrakers ballclub has been trying to re-secure ever since opening the summer season with a 17-9 thumping of Nine Mugs & A Pitcher.
Unfortunately, last Thursday was not that night, as the Mucksters fell short for a second week in a row, this time an 18-14 shading at the hands of Trainwreck.
Hitting, runs and effort have not been the Muck-N-Ators' problem. Nor has good, old-fashioned desire. One only had to hear Luke Abbott's plaintive wails of "Hit it here! Hit it here! Thank you!" from the nether regions of right-center to realize that.
Yes, the Men of Muck want it. And they nearly get it. Problem is, their noble opposition has been just a tad better the past two weeks, thus a two-game losing skein.
In this one, Those Mucky Guys had relatively quiet frames in innings one through four, in which they scored five times total. But the 'Rakers really let it flow in the fifth, when they plated four comrades, then they went just as nutty in the sixth, when four more 'Rakers reached home base.
Alas, Yer Heroes scored again in the seventh inning, but scored only once, and that didn't get it the job done. When Dave Taxier feebly made the final out, the 'Rakers' chances of winning were as dead as the party at Osama's.
Yet the Mucksters' constant surges made it certain Trainwreck would enjoy few comfortable moments. There, for instance, was the Trainwreck runner who got bopped in the ol' noggin by a Muckraker throw in heading to third base, which has been something of a re-occurring theme in 'Raker games this season.
Another constant this season has been offense. Hits, runs? No problem for the Muckrakers. They rolled out a 21-hit attack in this one, with each 'Raker collecting at least one safety. Chace Bryson made his first out of the season, but it took a phenomenal catch in right to end Bryson's steak, and he still ended up going 4 for 5 and is 8 for 9 on the year. Leadoff man Dave Alcorn continues to do fine work at the top of the order, going 2 for 2 with three runs scored. The enthusiastic Abbott was 3 for 3 in addition to being a softball magnet in the outfield, and Randy Striegel (four RBI, Rick Browning (two ribbies), Chris White (pair of RBI) and Chris Wagnon (2 for 4) were quite productive.
No, in the final analysis, it wasn't enough, but Trainwreck had known it had been in a scrap. And there should be more summer nights, perhaps even as soon as this Thursday (6 p.m., Field 1) when the 'Rakers will get what they're looking for. Got it? Good.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Muckrakers bopped by Bay Sluggers
CONCORD -- Despite a continued dose of heavy hitting, the Muckrakers took one on the chin Thursday on Field 4, falling just short to the Bay Sluggers 17-16.
The valiant Men of Muck lashed 20 hits, their second-consecutive 20-hit outing of the season and have scored 33 runs in two games but still managed to fall to 1-1 in the nascent campaign.
You could look near and far for contributing reasons for the cause of the 'Rakers sustaining their first setback '11. Perhaps the first appearance of Marley the dog somehow triggered a disturbance of the 'Raker force. Personally, we discard this notion as Marley, by all appearances, is a sweet and contented pooch, not prone to force-disturbing.
Then again, it could be that the team stumbled a bit when Chace Bryson had to depart for a bit to attend to his car alarm, which was sounding off at an inappropriate time.
But this theory too is easily debunked, as Bryson was stellar in the Muckraker season debut, going 4 for 4 and showing his opposite-field stroke was in midseason form.
No, the sad truth of the matter is the Mucksters did not always play the standout defense that has been the hallmark of so many victories throughout the ages.
And let's give some credit to the Bay Sluggers, who didn't brandish a ton of power but were able to produce single upon single upon single as the situation called for it. Well played, sirs.
But Yer Muckrakers flashed some glory of their own. Perhaps most outstanding was Chris White, playing in just his second 'Raker game. All he did was go 3 for 3 with an eye-popping seven RBIs, four of which came on White's fourth-inning grand slam.
Likewise, Reed Johnson, in his second 'Raker game, collected three hits in three at-bats. Randy Striegel, playing hurt, went 3 for 4, doubling twice. Matt Knauff continued his impressive long-ball showing by going yard in the third inning as the 'Rakers pounded two round-trippers for the second game in a row. Rich Browning, who supplied Marley was an excellent box seat just to the right of the dugout, continued his hot start to the season by going 2 for 2 and drawing a walk.
All of this could have been the magic formula for victory, and it almost was. The 'Rakers went into the final inning down 17-14, and cut into that margin as leadoff man Dave Alcorn and Bryson each singled, and each eventually came around to score, with Johnson plating a run with a base hit and White driving in one with a sacrifice fly.
But the Muck-N-Ators were a bit of a day late and dollar short, which is how D-League sometimes crumbles. Next Thursday presents another opportunity to get back on the good side of the ledger.
NOTE: The Muckrakers' hail-out in Week 2 has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 5 at 6 p.m., when the opponent will be The Guys on Field 1.
The valiant Men of Muck lashed 20 hits, their second-consecutive 20-hit outing of the season and have scored 33 runs in two games but still managed to fall to 1-1 in the nascent campaign.
You could look near and far for contributing reasons for the cause of the 'Rakers sustaining their first setback '11. Perhaps the first appearance of Marley the dog somehow triggered a disturbance of the 'Raker force. Personally, we discard this notion as Marley, by all appearances, is a sweet and contented pooch, not prone to force-disturbing.
Then again, it could be that the team stumbled a bit when Chace Bryson had to depart for a bit to attend to his car alarm, which was sounding off at an inappropriate time.
But this theory too is easily debunked, as Bryson was stellar in the Muckraker season debut, going 4 for 4 and showing his opposite-field stroke was in midseason form.
No, the sad truth of the matter is the Mucksters did not always play the standout defense that has been the hallmark of so many victories throughout the ages.
And let's give some credit to the Bay Sluggers, who didn't brandish a ton of power but were able to produce single upon single upon single as the situation called for it. Well played, sirs.
But Yer Muckrakers flashed some glory of their own. Perhaps most outstanding was Chris White, playing in just his second 'Raker game. All he did was go 3 for 3 with an eye-popping seven RBIs, four of which came on White's fourth-inning grand slam.
Likewise, Reed Johnson, in his second 'Raker game, collected three hits in three at-bats. Randy Striegel, playing hurt, went 3 for 4, doubling twice. Matt Knauff continued his impressive long-ball showing by going yard in the third inning as the 'Rakers pounded two round-trippers for the second game in a row. Rich Browning, who supplied Marley was an excellent box seat just to the right of the dugout, continued his hot start to the season by going 2 for 2 and drawing a walk.
All of this could have been the magic formula for victory, and it almost was. The 'Rakers went into the final inning down 17-14, and cut into that margin as leadoff man Dave Alcorn and Bryson each singled, and each eventually came around to score, with Johnson plating a run with a base hit and White driving in one with a sacrifice fly.
But the Muck-N-Ators were a bit of a day late and dollar short, which is how D-League sometimes crumbles. Next Thursday presents another opportunity to get back on the good side of the ledger.
NOTE: The Muckrakers' hail-out in Week 2 has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 5 at 6 p.m., when the opponent will be The Guys on Field 1.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
'Rakers pour it on, tip 9 Mugs and a Pitcher
CONCORD -- Now that was worth waiting for, wasn't it?
Denied a game for two weeks thanks to the schedule-maker and Mother Nature, the Muckrakers rained a whole lotta offense on 9 Mugs and a Pitcher, taking the opening night tilt 17-8 Thursday on Field 3.
The victorious 'Rakers played like a team that was desperate to get the darned league under way. All 12 Mucksters contributed to the fun, with each 'Raker getting at least one hit and eight having multi-hit games. The Men of Muck amassed 26 hits and batted .577 against hapless 9MAAP, and surely sent shock waves through the rest of Thursday Night D-League.
This was a new-look 'Raker outfit doing all this damage. In addition to the old reliables, sprinkled about the lineup were a trio of 'Rakers making their Muckraker debut: Reed Johnson, Jose Gomez and Chris White. Under the able guidance of Manager Chris Wagnon, the newbies and the vets meshed as though they've been one happy family for years and years.
It's not unlike Fearless Leader Wagnon to have some managerial trickery up his shirt sleeve, and boy oh boy, did he pull one out of the hat on Thursday. Wagnon employed the rarely seen "Volleyball Defense," where each player rotated left after each inning.
Whimsical, perhaps, but effective, yes. Yer Mucksters played stellar defense in Game 1, with the infield and outfield each turning in highlight-worthy plays.
Bob Brindley, making one of his cameo appearances, popped 9MAAP's bubble with his spectacular catches in left field. Matt Knauff was his usual solid self in center and almost turned in a remarkable play on a deep drive. At shortstop, Randy Striegel put a nice bow on the game with his nice flip from the hole to third baseman Dave Alcorn, good for the forceout and the final out of the contest.
Your Heroes were just as dominant on offense. In fact, in the third inning, Brindley and Striegel each bashed home runs, which served as a noisy prologue to the eight-run fourth inning that blew this puppy wide open. Fourteen 'Rakers batted in the fateful frame, with 11 bashing hits and six driving in runs. Alcorn tripled in the inning, and the plucky infielder and leadoff man enjoyed a 3 for 4 opening night.
Rick Browning also got off to a hot start, going 3 for 4 as well, and Knauff and Striegel were positively torrid with their 4 for 4 game, Striegel also driving in four runs.
So D-League, you've been warned: You can only hold off the relentless Muckrakers for so long.
Denied a game for two weeks thanks to the schedule-maker and Mother Nature, the Muckrakers rained a whole lotta offense on 9 Mugs and a Pitcher, taking the opening night tilt 17-8 Thursday on Field 3.
The victorious 'Rakers played like a team that was desperate to get the darned league under way. All 12 Mucksters contributed to the fun, with each 'Raker getting at least one hit and eight having multi-hit games. The Men of Muck amassed 26 hits and batted .577 against hapless 9MAAP, and surely sent shock waves through the rest of Thursday Night D-League.
This was a new-look 'Raker outfit doing all this damage. In addition to the old reliables, sprinkled about the lineup were a trio of 'Rakers making their Muckraker debut: Reed Johnson, Jose Gomez and Chris White. Under the able guidance of Manager Chris Wagnon, the newbies and the vets meshed as though they've been one happy family for years and years.
It's not unlike Fearless Leader Wagnon to have some managerial trickery up his shirt sleeve, and boy oh boy, did he pull one out of the hat on Thursday. Wagnon employed the rarely seen "Volleyball Defense," where each player rotated left after each inning.
Whimsical, perhaps, but effective, yes. Yer Mucksters played stellar defense in Game 1, with the infield and outfield each turning in highlight-worthy plays.
Bob Brindley, making one of his cameo appearances, popped 9MAAP's bubble with his spectacular catches in left field. Matt Knauff was his usual solid self in center and almost turned in a remarkable play on a deep drive. At shortstop, Randy Striegel put a nice bow on the game with his nice flip from the hole to third baseman Dave Alcorn, good for the forceout and the final out of the contest.
Your Heroes were just as dominant on offense. In fact, in the third inning, Brindley and Striegel each bashed home runs, which served as a noisy prologue to the eight-run fourth inning that blew this puppy wide open. Fourteen 'Rakers batted in the fateful frame, with 11 bashing hits and six driving in runs. Alcorn tripled in the inning, and the plucky infielder and leadoff man enjoyed a 3 for 4 opening night.
Rick Browning also got off to a hot start, going 3 for 4 as well, and Knauff and Striegel were positively torrid with their 4 for 4 game, Striegel also driving in four runs.
So D-League, you've been warned: You can only hold off the relentless Muckrakers for so long.
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