Paul Griswold slides in safely against the Plugs Wednesday night
Fainting Goats 11
Dorian Grays 2
WP: Eddie Esposito
LP: Chris Bernacki
The Goats delivered a stellar performance Monday night, demonstrating a winning combination of exceptional pitching, clutch hitting, and solid defense. Starting pitcher Eddie "The Problem" Esposito was dominant, setting the tone his impressive control, keeping the opposition off-balance through 4 strong innings.
The Goats took a modest lead, scoring 1 run in the first inning. This early advantage was quickly matched by the Grays, who answered with a run of their own in the second. But the Grays' momentum was erased in the third inning when the Goats' bats came alive.
They scored 2 runs in the third to retake the lead, before exploding in the fourth, putting up an impressive 5 runs to build a commanding 8-1 lead. Their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and maintain aggressive at-bats was a key factor in their offensive surge.
The Grays managed to scrape together a run in the sixth inning, momentarily halting the Goats’ scoring spree. However, the Goats were quick to respond with a decisive rally in the seventh inning, solidifying their lead and securing an 11-2 victory.
Jeff Burniske was a standout performer for the Goats, going a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, and contributing 2 RBIs. Paul Iellamo also played a crucial role, driving in 3 runs. For the Grays, Steve Powers smacked a double, driving in a run.
Phillies 3
Plug Uglies 9
WP: Jeff Whitehead
LP: Colin Hosley
Threatening skies looked like they might wreak havoc on the Plug Uglies/Phillies game at Mitchell Field, but surprisingly it only rained for about 5 minutes in the first inning. Instead of another Phils/Uglies down-to-the-wire contest, the Plugs were able to score some runs for a change and win this one decisively.
Outside of Plugs centerfielder Jon Adolph making an amazing sliding catch, the first inning was fairly quiet for both teams. The Phillies got on the board in the top of the 2nd when Andy Klepacki reached on an E-5 and was knocked in by a Jim “Kruk” Fogerty rocket that sailed over the center fielder’s head.
The Plugs took the lead in the bottom of the third. Adolph and Chris “Chaka” Scanlon singled, with Adolph scoring when Jack Wileden reached on an E-5. Justin Gaudete hit into what looked like a simple 6-3, but Scanlon was caught frozen between third base and home and was eventually tagged in a rundown, with Gaudette safe on first and Wileden at second. Nolan Anaya drove in Wileden, then Matt Boulanger singled to score Gaudette. After three innings it was Plug Uglies 3, Phillies 1.
In the 4th both teams had men on base but couldn’t capitalize: the Phils left two on, while the Uglies loaded the bases but couldn’t cash in.
The Phighting Phils fought back in the top of the 5th with a Hosley single, followed two batters later by another single from Fogerty to drive him in. But the Uglies broke the game open in the bottom frame with some timely hits while capitalizing on key Phillies errors. Anaya walked and quickly stole 2nd, then Boulanger and Jeff Cabana were able to reach on errors. With the bases juiced Hosley walked Whitehead to bring in a run. Greg “G-Bomb” Elbaum and Steve Wall both singled, each driving in a run. After five it was Plug Uglies 7, Phillies 2.
The Phils were able to squeeze a run out of Whitehead in the 6th with a Paul “Cap” Kaplin single that scored Micheal “Miguel” Ringler. But the Uglies didn’t let up against reliever Kenny Sloat: Anaya doubled and scored on a Boulanger triple, Whitehead drove in Boulanger, and it 9-3 Uglies after six innings.
That was all she wrote as the Phillies went down 1-2-3 in the 7th.
Players of the game: Jim Forgarty (2-2, 2 RBI), Colin Hosley (5 IP, 4 K, 3 ER), Nolan Anaya (2-2, 1 2B, 1 SB, 1 RBI), Jeff Whitehead (7 IP, 3 K, 1 ER, 2 RBI)
Game photos courtesy of Stu Clark
Dorian Grays 12
Wonders 0
WP: Tim Sigda
LP: Rick Stacy
The Grays delivered an authoritative performance Thursday night at Mitchell Field, securing a decisive 12-0 win over the shorthanded Wonders.
The Grays maintained a relentless offensive assault, scoring in all but two innings. A close game after two, the turning point came in the third when the Grays erupted for 6 runs, establishing a commanding 7-0 lead that The Wonders could not overcome.
On the mound, Grays' ace Tim Sigda was exceptional, delivering his second consecutive two-hitter. Sigda's mastery on the mound was evident as he stifled The Wonders' lineup with precise control and dominant pitching, ensuring a shutout victory.
Offensively, the Grays were powered by a trio of perfect performances. Jay "Supe" Sadowski, Tim Bombard, and Sigda each went 3-for-3, fueling the Grays' offensive barrage and playing key roles in the team's commanding win.
Game photos courtesy of Andy Ayres
Isotopes 4
Fainting Goats 1
WP: Dave Warner
LP: Tom Conway
On Thursday evening, the Isotopes defeated the Fainting Goats 4-1 in a game relocated to Agawam High School due to unplayable conditions at School Street Park.
Isotopes pitcher Dave Warner was dominant, allowing just one run and keeping the Goats' hitters off balance all night. Warner's performance included multiple strikeouts and minimal hits, crucial to the 'Topes' victory.
Despite a solid effort from Goats pitcher Tom "TC" Conway, who kept the game close with his sharp fastball and timely strikeouts, the Isotopes' relentless offense prevailed.
Strong defensive plays by the 'Topes helped seal the win. The victory improves the Isotopes' record, as the playoff picture begins to come into focus. Despite the loss, the Goats remain determined to bounce back in their next outing.
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