Manager
Dick Steinmetz

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Scott Mason,
Ph. 414.276.3373

Opening Day - one week late: The Bay Batters sweep doubleheader. The offense and defense were impressive with a number of outstanding plays in the field. Each of the infielders turned in plays that will look good on the video - if we ever find it. Ricki Wolniakowski showed his arm strength when turning 2 double plays and threw out runners, Kyle Peschel and Dave Armstrong patrolled the left side of the infield exceptionally well while Matt Pokey did considerable stretching and bending to his maximum which assured outs. Scott Mason has not lost a bit over the winter with his speed and an exceptional arm that completed a double play by a throw from center field to first base on the fly(to a stretched out Matt) which double off the runner.

The offense was led by Ricki who had 4/5 , a walk, 2 runs and 2 RBIs) . Kyle Peschel (3/4 , a walk, a SF and 3 runs scored) joined Scott Mason (3/4 - one a HR, 2 walks, 3 runs scored and 4 RBIs) . Scott will likely stay in the lead off position. In the 4/6 category was Jeff Sapp (4 runs scored), Jason Pokey (a HR plus 4 runs scored and 3 RBIs - one from a clutch hit with 2 outs) and Dave Armstrong ( 4 RBIs). Matt Pokey (2/4, 2 walks! and 3 runs) and Scott Bussen (3/6) hit .500 Nice going guys. The Bob-Bob pitching staff (Bob Kriefall and Bob Peschel) each got a win and each hit more than their weight (2/5 and 2/4 respectively). It was a good start for the season. Next week we play at Estabrook Park - same times.

The Eagle's Nest team forced the Bay Batters to remember what speed can mean to a softball game - beginning with the runner most always taking the extra base and the outfielders unable to reach flyballs that are normally not caught. The first game was the reminder with a 15-8 loss and the second game used the reminders to win 12-6. The hitting picked up in the second game with Dave Armstrong leading the way for both games with 6/7 includng a long home run. Kyle Peschel played well in the infield and was right behind Dave with 5/6. The other long ball home run for the evening was provided by Larry Macke. Bob Peschel's left hand was well inspected after ending an inning in the field by putting his hand in the way of a well hit line drive for the out.

The Bay Batters had the minimum for a full field on these July 3 games - and then proceeded to win over New Hope 3 by 14-2 and 14-3 scores. Everyone played well as the team overcame being down 2-0 and 2-1 with a 5 run third inning in the first game. The second game was scoreless until the Batters scored 13 runs in the bottom of the third inning. The play in the infield was a key - with Dave Armstrong and Kyle Peschel ( when not roaming behind the infield for outstanding catches) teaming up for outs at second base, John Hoylman going low and high to make outs, Jason Pokey taking in line drives and Matt Pokey doing his effective stretching at first base. The success of the Bob/Bob pitching is evident from the scores. Bob Kriefall distinguished himself in the field catching 2 line-drives in the last inning of the first game and as catcher in the second game tagging out the runner in the last inning with a throw from LCF by Scott Mason that was right on the mark (Bob K also showed his speed by beating out a relay to first and scoring from second in the first game.

The hitting honors went to Dave Armstrong (5 for 7 with a long HR) and Matt Pokey (6 for 8) . Scott Mason was 5 for 8 while those hitting in the 500s were Kyle Peschel (4/7), Jason Pokey (4 /7) Dave Bolyard (4/8) and Bob Peschel (4/8 including a classic tomahawked single to right center). The Johns (Hoylman - who slid into every base he touched and Fruncek) each had key hits to keep the run scoring innings going in both games.

It truly was a nite for team play - everyone having a hand in losing the first game - and then everyone contributing to the second game win. The defense played well all nite with Rick Wolniakowski playing outstanding games at second base (going horizontal to get balls more than once) and Dave Armstrong playing excellent ball at shortstop. The outfield arms kept the team in the second game as Scott Mason threw out a runner at 3rd base -- while Jeff Sapp (6th inning) and Jason Pokey (7th inning) each threw out a runner at home where Larry Mackey made good plays to put the tag on the runner. The Bob/Bob pitching staff did well - but this was the week that Bob Kriefall did not get the run support.

The offense almost pulled the first game out in the last inning with 3 runs - leaving 2 men on base. In the second game, 8 of the 10 runs were scored in the bottom of the 3rd inning with the lower part of the batting order starting the scoring (John Hoylman walked followed by key hits by John Fruncek and Bob Peschel). Then with 2 outs, the top of the order scored 6 runs. In the end, Eagle's Nest scored 2 runs in the top of the 7th to tie the game at 9-9 paving the way for Larry Mackey's single that moved Rick to 3rd and then home with the winning run on an overthrow. Dave Armstrong lead the hitting with 5/6 ( including a long triple) followed by the Peschel family sluggers (Bob with 3/4 and Kyle with 4/6) and Rick's 3/5. The 500 club consisted of Scott Mason, Matt Pokey and Larry Mackey. John Hoylman saw limited action but was very efficient with a 1000 OBP and AVG (2 ABs with a W and single). There were a number of well hit line drives that were caught - which is baseball but showed better hitting.

W 9-0
W 22-2

It all came together last nite for the Bay Batters who took advantage of Eagle's Nest being short several starters. The Bob/Bob pitching staff gave up just 2 runs with Bob Kriefall pitching a 9-0 shut out win in the first game (possibly the first of his career - TBC) and Bob Peschel limiting Eagle's Nest to just 2 runs. Both pitchers were backed by an outstanding defense highlighted by the play of Rick Wolniakowski at second (turning double plays and reaching unreachable balls) and Dave Armstrong at short ( a leaping catch of a line drive plus assists at second and first for fast runners) . Kyle Peschel started a 10-4-2-5 out between home and third with a throw from deep right field to Rick who relayed to Larry Macke at home who ran the runner back toward third and then threw to John Hoylman for the out. The outfield handled a number of fly balls cleanly in a strong wind, although there may be value to introductions with the infield relay group.

The offense took advantage of several errors - but earned the vast majority of the runs. More balls were hit on the line in both games with a number of well hit balls being right at a fielder (That's baseball - Jeff, Matt, Jason). The hitting became contagious in the 5th inning of the second game when the team batted around and 9 runs were scored. Dave Armstrong did not make an out and is really seeing the ball as he went 6/6 plus a walk .Kyle Peschel was 5/7 while Jason Pokey and Rick Wolniakowski were 4/7. The 500 club consisted of Scott Mason, Jeff Sapp, Matt Pokey, and John Fruncek (who had 2 key hits). Terry Macke had 2 hits and went to the right side when we needed to move the runners along.

The Bay Batters ended the season with a double header win over the Eagle's Nest team who we played for the 4th time. The team batting average for the games was a remarkable .600. Bob Peschel started both games and was on had things under control as he yielded only 5 runs all night. The Pokey brothers ( first Matt and then Jason) took to the mound at the end of the second game as the defense was redistributed around the field. Neither brother gave up a run with Matt recording a strike out that continues to ring in the ears of the team. The defense continued to make outstanding plays including throws to the cut off man from right center. Everyone hit well. Leading the offense with 5/6 was Kyle Peschel ( including a triple ) and Dave Armstrong ( a HR and triple ) - while Matt Pokey had 2 HRs and 5/7. Bob Peschel left the mound to collect 4/6. Jeff Sapp ( a HR) , Scott Mason, Rick Wolniakowski and Jason Pokey went 4/7. Larry Macke (3/6) had several key hits to drive in runs. John Hoylman (1/2) made the extra effort to play the second game. Aaron Bubb and John Fruncek were 3/7.

EVERYONE HIT WELL. Then came the coaches demonstration at the plate in the second game that was 0/3 - but they did not have batting practice. It was a good year as was confirmed at the gathering after the games. We appreciated Pastor Susan joining us for the games and the gathering. Remember, the first practice next year is Saturday April 7, 2007 - 10 am at WFBHS. Keep up your training schedule through the fall and winter. Thank you all for playing and your support. See you in church."

LEAGUE RULES

Play 2 games per evening, minimum of 8 players, 10 min grace period to field team; forfeit first game forfeits both games
OUTS: 2 called strikes, one foul and you are out; most fields have unlimited outfields.
CALL DICK STEINMETZ (352-3578) if you are unable to play or find a replacement player.
Sliding into base is required when defense has a play on the runner.
Bring glove and rubber cleated shoes; NO METAL SPIKES