Kate Selah Marie Colby joined the Resurrection Life ranks this past Friday, kindly holding off making her grand entrance until after the Warriors had completed a sweep Thursday evening. Kate was very pleased to hear from her proud father that Rez Life had done her proud, by knocking off the second and third place teams Thursday in a couple of tough contests. Kate said she is happy for her daddy's team but she just wants to sleep for a while longer. Fair enough.
The Warriors weren't sleepy at all Thursday night, playing some tightly contested game en route to 12-8 and 19-10 victories over Immanuel and Wooddale respectively. The Warriors had to come from behind for just the second time all year in the first game then fought off a furious Wooddale rally before finishing strong in game two.
Soon-to-be-father-for-the-third-time Austin Colby earned Player of the Game honors in game one, going 3-3 with a run scored and three rbi out of the nine-hole. He hit the game-tying three-run homer in the third inning and handled 10 chances at shortstop without an error.
Chris Wold added three hits in that first game and hit his first homerun of the year. Jeff Tenney, Eric Johnson and Chris Burr all had two hits while Jeff Johnson and Jason Merritt added one each.
Wold doubled to start the game for Rez, but three walks packaged around a walk left two runners on with no runs in. Immanuel wasted no time and jumped out with three runs to take a 3-0 first inning edge. With two outs and no one on, Immanuel used a single and two walks to load the bases before a double cleared them all.
Rez managed just one run in the top of the second using three singles from Burr, Austin and Wold. Immanuel again scored three runs to take a commanding 6-1 lead after two innings. Five singles and a Rez Life error allowed the runs to score. It could have been more, but a Tenney to Eric to Jeff double-play ended the threat.
Down 6-1, the Warriors picked it up. Jeff Johnson led the inning off with a walk and moved to second on Jason's single. Tenney hit into a forceout to make it first and third with one out and Eric doubled to score Jeff. With runners at second and third, Burr singled to plate Tenney but Adam grounded out for the second out, making it 6-3 with two outs and two on for Austin. After a five-minute delay to fix the upended second base, Austin calmly walked down the third-base line to Eric and told him he would be hitting a three-run homer to tie the game out of protest for the time delay at second base. Austin obliged with said homer to dead center to tie the game and swing the momentum. Wold followed on the very next pitch with his first homerun of the year, also to center, to make it 7-6 Warriors.
Immanuel started to feel the pressure and went down without scoring for three straight innings. In the bottom of the third, Rez used a 6-4-3 double-play for the first two outs before a grounder ended the inning.
Looking to keep the pressure on, Rez added two runs on a Jeff Tenney homer in the fourth. In the bottom half, Immanuel loaded the bases but Austin made three straight putouts on tow liners and a popout to keep them off the board.
Leading 9-6 going into the fifth, Rez got nothing going. Immanuel stranded two more runners after a nice 4-1 putout ended the fifth frame.
In the sixth, Rez was able to add three runs to its lead. Jeff walked for the second time of the gmae and after a lineout, Tenney tripled to plate Jeff and make it 10-6. Eric followed with a deep fly ball that the left-fielder tried to snag at the fence, but was unable to and Eric had himself a two-run homer.
Immanuel went down in order in the sixth and then the flip-flop rule allowed Immanuel to bat again for its seventh inning at bats. Immanuel got a little rally going, pushing two harmless runs across the plate before Rez ended the game on a grounder to Austin.
Rez managed just 14 hits in the game, but had three doubles, one triple and used four homeruns.
Game two was a more well-played contest as the top two defensive teams in the league squared off. Eric Johnson kept his hot bat going from the first game as he won Player of the Game with four hits in five tries, including a double and a homerun. Jeff Johnson had another great game going 2-3 with two homeruns and a walk.
Austin, Burr, Jason and Wold all had three hits while Jamy and Tenney added two and Adam had one. The team hit three doubles, two triples and used four homeruns in this game.
The Warriors came storming out of the gates, scoring eight times in the opening half inning. Austin launched a triple off the right-field wall to start the game and game home on Burr's rbi single. Eric hit his second homerun in as many swings to plate Burr and make it 3-0 after four batters. Tenney and Jason hit back-to-back doubles before Jeff and Jamy hit back-to-back dingers to make it 7-0 Rez. After the second out, Austin tripled to right-center for the second time in the inning and scampered home as the throw to third went out of play.
Wooddale didn't just lay down though, using four hits and an error to score three times in the bottom half. Rez kept right at it in the top of the second, plating four more runners to take a nice 12-3 lead. Burr and Eric started the inning with singles and after a forceout, Jason brought home Eric with an rbi-single. Jeff Johnson then cleared the bases with a three-run bomb to very deep left-center. Wold singled and Austin walked with two outs but Adam lined out to deep left to end the frame.
Wooddale chipped away a little bit more with two runs on three hits and an error. Rez hit the ball hard in the top of the third, but had nothing to show for it as Eric's double was stranded on the bases. In the bottom half, Wooddale made its charge. The inning started with a flyout, but after an error, Wooddale ripped off six singles plating five runs before a strange 5-6-4 forceout ended the inning.
Now up just 12-10 Rez needed a boost but failed in the fourth. Jeff Johnson walked to start things and Wold singled to make it first and third with one out. Austin lifted a sac fly to right-center to score Jeff but that was all the team managed in the inning.
Wooddale, trailing by just three, looked to take the lead for the first time in the bottom of the fourth. With one out, Wooddale ripped back-to-back singles to make it first and second with one out and the tying run up. However, Eric made a great play to snag a liner up the middle and step on second to end the threat.
Rez then made sure Eric's gem didn't go to waste, putting up a six-spot in the fifth to create some space. Burr, Eric and Tenney all singled to start the inning and load the bases. Jason hit a two-rbi single to get things going and after an out, Jamy added an rbi single also. Wold and Austin followed with run-scoring singled and Adam kept the inning alive with an infield single. That was all the squad managed as a flyout to right ended the inning with runners on first and third. The damage was done though, as the Warriors now held a 19-10 advantage.
Wooddale was noticeably shaken and went down in order in the bottom half and the game was called due to time. Rez is now 12-0 on the season and has a four-game lead with six games to play. With wins next week, or a Wooddale loss, Rez becomes league champions.
The league is taking a week off so Austin can enjoy time at home with his new baby girl and league play resumes July 9th. Rez has another double header that night starting at 5:50 on field #4. The team plays St. Andrew Red and EPAG.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
June 25 vs Immanuel and Wooddale
This evening marks the potential league-title clinching double-header for the Resurrection Life Warriors. If the Warriors sweep, they should cruise to a league title, barring any major catastrophies. In light of the monumental use of government spending and power that we've seen in the past six months, I thought I'd do my own version of a 'shovel-ready government job that won't produce any lasting revenues or actual jobs for anyone once they are done.' These lineups were NOT put together based on performance, because that would just be unfair. These were compiled so that each player gets the same amount of at bats and opportunities, regardless of how that player has handled any previous opportunities. Thankfully, we've been so solid top-to-bottom, we shouldn't be hurt at all by this. Man, can you imagine if a pro baseball team did that? Last place every year. Or a business? Bankrupt. Or a goverment system? Nothing would ever get done! Oh wait....Without further ado, here are my Barack Obama-approved 'spread-the-wealth' lineups.
vs Immanuel Game 1
1. Chris W, P
2. Jamy A, RF
3. Jeff J, 1B
4. Jason M, CF
5. Jeff T, 3B
6. Eric J, 2B
7. Chris B, LF
8. Adam H, C
9. Austin C, SS
vs Wooddale Game 2
1. Austin C, SS
2. Adam H, C
3. Chris B, LF
4. Eric J, 2B
5. Jeff T, 3B
6. Jason M, CF
7. Jeff J, 1B
8. Jamy A, RF
9. Chris W, P
vs Immanuel Game 1
1. Chris W, P
2. Jamy A, RF
3. Jeff J, 1B
4. Jason M, CF
5. Jeff T, 3B
6. Eric J, 2B
7. Chris B, LF
8. Adam H, C
9. Austin C, SS
vs Wooddale Game 2
1. Austin C, SS
2. Adam H, C
3. Chris B, LF
4. Eric J, 2B
5. Jeff T, 3B
6. Jason M, CF
7. Jeff J, 1B
8. Jamy A, RF
9. Chris W, P
Monday, June 22, 2009
Solid Victory Over Hot EPAG
The Warriors from Resurrection Life played a solid game last week en route to a ten-rule victory over Eden Prairie Assembly of God. EPAG hadn't lost in six total games and was coming in as a very hot team. However, the Warriors proved to be just too tough and cruised to a 15-5 win.
The team had just 19 hits, but in just five innings. Jeff Johnson earned his second Player of the Game honor with a 2-3 game with a walk. Jeff stayed consistent, hitting three homeruns on the game, two three-run homers and one for an out. Jeff drove home six runners and scored three times.
Chris Wold, Jason Merritt and Jonathan Engbrecht all had three hits. Jeff Tenney, Adam Hey and Austin Colby added two each while Eric Johnson and Chris Burr managed just one apiece.
The team used all four homeruns and hit two for outs, to increase its season total to 30 that count and 12 that don't.
The squad started things great, putting up its 11th seven-run inning of the year in the top of the first. Wold singled and trotted home on Jason's line-drive homer off the light pole in left-center. After an out, Burr walked and moved to second on Tenney's line-drive single. Jeff Johnson then exploded through a ball for his first three-run shot of the night. Jonathan followed with another no-doubter, this time a solo job to put Rez up 6-0. Adam singled and after an Austin pop-out, Wold singled to move Adam up one base. Jason finished a great personal first inning with an rbi-double and a lineout ended the frame.
EPAG had its first two runners reach, but nothing came of it as Burr made a nice running catch in right to end the inning. Rez stayed on the offensive with three more runs in the second. Burr and Tenney singled back-to-back and jogged home on Jeff's second three-run homer, another bomb to deep left-center. The team managed nothing else, leaving a two-out single from Austin on base.
EPAG came back in its half, plating four runs on four singles and a walk. Now up 10-4, Rez went down in order in the third inning leaving the door open for EPAG. However, EPAG also went scoreless wasting back-to-back singles. Wold made a fine play to end the inning, kicking a grounder to Eric at second and then hustling back to cover second base for the force-out. An assist and a putout on the play.
Rez fell victim to the homerun rule in the fourth, using its first two outs on homeruns, both line shots. Jonathan singled with two outs but a grounder ended the inning. EPAG had two hits in the bottom of the fourth, but a nice 6-4-3 double-play from Tenney to Eric to Jeff Johnson at first wiped away any threat.
After sitting through two and half straight scoreless innings, the fans were finally woken up with a five-run frame from Rez in the fifth. Austin hit a hustle double to left to start the inning and came home on Wold's tasered double to right-center. Jason doubled but Wold eased in to third with no real hurry to score. With runners on second and third, Eric hit an rbi-single to score Wold and Burr followed with an rbi-grounder. WIth one out, Tenney hit into a forceout to bring up Jeff. Jeff walked to put two on for Jonathan who singled to score Tenney and make it 14-4. Adam followed with another rbi single and Austin lined out to end the frame, 15-4 Warriors.
EPAG needed two to keep things going, but only pushed one across leaving runners on and ending the game 15-5 Rez.
The victory makes Rez a cool 10-0 heading into three straight double-headers. The twinbill this week is against Immanuel and Wooddale on field three starting at 5:50. Wooddale is in second place at 9-2 and a Rez victory will pretty much ensure the league title.
The team had just 19 hits, but in just five innings. Jeff Johnson earned his second Player of the Game honor with a 2-3 game with a walk. Jeff stayed consistent, hitting three homeruns on the game, two three-run homers and one for an out. Jeff drove home six runners and scored three times.
Chris Wold, Jason Merritt and Jonathan Engbrecht all had three hits. Jeff Tenney, Adam Hey and Austin Colby added two each while Eric Johnson and Chris Burr managed just one apiece.
The team used all four homeruns and hit two for outs, to increase its season total to 30 that count and 12 that don't.
The squad started things great, putting up its 11th seven-run inning of the year in the top of the first. Wold singled and trotted home on Jason's line-drive homer off the light pole in left-center. After an out, Burr walked and moved to second on Tenney's line-drive single. Jeff Johnson then exploded through a ball for his first three-run shot of the night. Jonathan followed with another no-doubter, this time a solo job to put Rez up 6-0. Adam singled and after an Austin pop-out, Wold singled to move Adam up one base. Jason finished a great personal first inning with an rbi-double and a lineout ended the frame.
EPAG had its first two runners reach, but nothing came of it as Burr made a nice running catch in right to end the inning. Rez stayed on the offensive with three more runs in the second. Burr and Tenney singled back-to-back and jogged home on Jeff's second three-run homer, another bomb to deep left-center. The team managed nothing else, leaving a two-out single from Austin on base.
EPAG came back in its half, plating four runs on four singles and a walk. Now up 10-4, Rez went down in order in the third inning leaving the door open for EPAG. However, EPAG also went scoreless wasting back-to-back singles. Wold made a fine play to end the inning, kicking a grounder to Eric at second and then hustling back to cover second base for the force-out. An assist and a putout on the play.
Rez fell victim to the homerun rule in the fourth, using its first two outs on homeruns, both line shots. Jonathan singled with two outs but a grounder ended the inning. EPAG had two hits in the bottom of the fourth, but a nice 6-4-3 double-play from Tenney to Eric to Jeff Johnson at first wiped away any threat.
After sitting through two and half straight scoreless innings, the fans were finally woken up with a five-run frame from Rez in the fifth. Austin hit a hustle double to left to start the inning and came home on Wold's tasered double to right-center. Jason doubled but Wold eased in to third with no real hurry to score. With runners on second and third, Eric hit an rbi-single to score Wold and Burr followed with an rbi-grounder. WIth one out, Tenney hit into a forceout to bring up Jeff. Jeff walked to put two on for Jonathan who singled to score Tenney and make it 14-4. Adam followed with another rbi single and Austin lined out to end the frame, 15-4 Warriors.
EPAG needed two to keep things going, but only pushed one across leaving runners on and ending the game 15-5 Rez.
The victory makes Rez a cool 10-0 heading into three straight double-headers. The twinbill this week is against Immanuel and Wooddale on field three starting at 5:50. Wooddale is in second place at 9-2 and a Rez victory will pretty much ensure the league title.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
June 18 vs EPAG
The Resurrection Life Warriors face Eden Prairie Assembly of God tonight at 5:50 on field #2. This just in: the wind is blowing out to left. Watch out. I don't even think the unbelievable level of humidity will keep the balls in the park tonight. EPAG is hot right now and Rez had better bring its A-game. Hopefully there will be no let-down after the all-star break. See the nine-man lineup below:
1. Chris W, P
2. Jason M, LF
3. Eric J, 2B
4. Chris B, RF
5. Jeff T, SS
6. Jeff J, 1B
7. Jonathan E, 3B
8. Adam H, C
9. Austin C, CF
1. Chris W, P
2. Jason M, LF
3. Eric J, 2B
4. Chris B, RF
5. Jeff T, SS
6. Jeff J, 1B
7. Jonathan E, 3B
8. Adam H, C
9. Austin C, CF
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Mid-Season Report
The 2009 Resurrection Life Warriors roll into the All-Star break with a perfect 9-0 record, and a two-game lead in the league standings. The squad has its most successful first-half of any season in club history and is on pace to set several team records for the Eden Prairie League.
The team has posted several offensive outbursts this year including three games with 24+ runs, already a team record. The team has also had ten innings of seven runs or more with five of at least ten runs. The Warriors set a team and league record with a 19-run inning earlier in the season.
The offense has been so well spread out, the team hasn't suffered any major slumps. The team is averaging just under 19 runs a game at 18.8 and has just one game where the team scored less than 15 runs, a 9-5 victory.
Currently, there are six hitters with an average over .600 and two more that are over .570. There are seven players with on base percentages over .600 and three more at .529 or better. The team's batting average and on base percentages of .587 and .616 would be team records if maintained in the second half.
However, the real burst this year has been the return of the slugger. Starting in 2006 through last year, the team saw a steady decline in power numbers. See the chart below for more statistical info:
slugging%/homers per game/# of guys with 5+ homers
2006: .951/2.3/5
2007: .796/1.9/3
2008: .767/1.0/1
2009 has been a different story. The team is slugging at a 1.009 clip with 2.9 homeruns per game. Everyone on the team, with the exception of Chris Wold, has a homerun in regulation. Wold has two homeruns for outs, so even he's gotten into the action. Three players have four homeruns or more and there is a realistic shot that three guys will finish with ten homeruns or more with another three players with at least five. Jeff Johnson has been a tough-luck homerun hitter with just two on the season, but he has hit an amazing five for outs. That would give him seven on the year which would tie him for the league-lead with teammate Austin Colby. As a team, Rez has ten homeruns for outs, which would put the team's homerun total at 36 in nine games. In 2008, the team hit a total of 25 in 25 games.
What's changed? A lot of things have been working well. With such a consistent lineup, Manager Colby has been able to move the batting order around significantly, putting more people in the position to hit for homeruns with men on base. Everyone has at least eight at bats with runners in scoring position and the team has responded, hitting .652 in those situations.
Austin Colby is again leading the offensive charge statistically, but he isn't doing it from the top of the order. Because of everyone's performance, he has been able to bat 6th or lower four different times, giving the bottom of the order a nice boost. He is currently pacing the team and league in average, .774, on base percentage, .778, slugging percentage, 1.839, OPS, 2.616, runs scored, 23, rbi, 29, and homeruns, 7. He is tied for third in the league and shares the team lead with six doubles. The great first half has led to another starting All-Star spot at shortstop, his fourth consecutive.
Newcomer Jeff Tenney has been steady as you go in the middle of the lineup so far. While his numbers don't jump out at you, they are outstandingly solid. Not only is he playing an excellent third base and shortstop, but he is also hitting in the 4-6 holes with excellent power and production. he is hitting .611 overall with six doubles and five homeruns, tied for third in the league. He has scored 20 times and brought home 19. His OPS of 1.872 is good for third in the league so far and he is the starting third baseman on the All-Star team.
The third starting infielder on the All-Star team is second baseman Eric Johnson. Eric has had the comeback year that this sports writer has been predicting for three full seasons. Eric started off on a tear and has only recently settled into a groove. I can see his average of .647, 5th in the league, and OPS of 1.766, also 5th in the league, holding strong for the balance of the season. Eric has mashed four homeruns and driven home 20 runs, good for third in the league.
Chris Wold has brought a great dynamic to the team from the pitching bump. He is easily the league's best pitcher and his starting nod on the mound for the All-Star game is confirmation of that. At that plate, he has been excellent as well. He is hitting .652, 4th in the league, with three doubles and one triple. He plays great defense from the pitcher's spot and has saved many a single up the middle. Look for Chris to flex a little more of his power muscles in the second half.
The team has placed two outfielders on the starting All-Star squad this year. After taking a year off, 2007 team MVP Chris Burr has come back with more of his solid if not excellent play. He earns his third All-Star nod with a .613 average and 1.712 OPS. He has four doubles, two triples and two homeruns so far while scoring 14 and driving home 15. He has also played left-center and center flawlessly, making no errors in 14 chances.
Jamy Antoine is the second starting outfielder for the Warriors. Jamy seems to be putting together the consistently dominant season the team has been waiting for. He is hitting .581 with a .645 on base percentage, top 10 in the league, and a 1.097 slugging percentage, also league top-10. He is leading the team and league with five triples and has added three doubles and one homerun giving him an OPS of 1.742, fourth on the team and 6th in the league. He is leading the outfield with 16 chances so far, all putouts.
The team managed one more All-Star in 2009, placing seven total on the squad, and expression of the league dominance it displayed in the first half. Jason Merritt narrowly beat the third baseman from St. Andrew Red in the internet voting for the final spot. Last season, Jason lost out on the final spot in the internet voting, but his all-around play and hot finish to the first half pushed him over the Red third baseman this season. Jason is hitting an even .600 with three doubles, one triple and two homeruns. He has scored 15 runs and driven home 13. He hasn't seen much action defensively so far, but he has been perfect when tested.
Jonathan Engbrecht has been solid in the first half, hitting a career-best .571 so far. He has scored every single time he's been on base so far too, 16 times. He has 10 rbi to go with his one double, one triple and one homerun. Jon can erupt at anytime for more power numbers, so we could see a definite spike in those numbers before season's end. Jon has played both the infield and outfield this season, as has been the norm in year's past.
A 2008 All-Star, Andy Briggs struggled early to get his bat going but as of late, he has cruised to a .500 average with a very good .645 on base percentage. He has hit one homerun so far, but that has been his only extra base hit. Look for Andy to poke a few more gaps in the second half. Quietly, he is having another excellent season in the infield. This year, he has played third, short and second with equal success. He should settle in at short and second for the second half and make a run at some league golf-glove honors.
Jeff Johnson has hit the ball a lot harder than the stats would indicate. His batting average of .429 and slugging percentage of .786 hardly do justice to the damage he's put on some balls. He has hit a league-record five homeruns for outs in nine games. If those had counted, his average would be .607 and his slugging percentage would be 1.500 which would be second in the league. Not bad. If he can pick and choose when to swat those bombs, his second half numbers could really be eye-opening.
2009's biggest surprise has come from Adam Hey. He has improved every area of his game which is shown in his .448 average and .529 on base percentage. He also mashed his first career homerun into a biting wind earlier this season. Adam has become a decent catcher and a reliable outfielder also. He has scored 13 times and driven in 10. In 21 games last year, he scored just 14 times and drove home 10. Great first half for Adam.
League Outlook:
It would take something drastic for the Warriors not to win the league title by at least four games. An undefeated season should be the goal now, and with some hot teams around the league the Warriors will have to bring it each week.
I see Rez holding serve the rest of the year and capping the league's first ever perfect season at 18-0. I see EPAG picking up its pace and finishing in second with an 11-6-1 mark and Wooddale completing an amazing turn-around with an 11-7 mark. Immanuel will come in fourth at 9-8-1 with Pax still comfortably behind at 6-11-1.
The two St. Andrew teams will battle to stay out of the basement but Blue will come out on top with a record of 4-14. Red will own the cellar at 2-15-1.
Team Outlook:
Rez won't stop hitting all year. If the wind is ever blowing out, look for a ten-homer game. The team will finish with team-records in average, runs scored, homeruns, on base percentage, and slugging percentage. It should be fun to watch.
- Tenney will hit ten homeruns in the last nine games.
- Eric will maintain his dominance and capture 1st Team All-League
- Jeff Johnson will hit five real homeruns....and three more for outs.
- Seven players will hit .600 or better
- Three players will hit ten homers or more
- The team will have a 20-run inning
- Adam will hit .500
- Andy will get a triple
- Jason will win the bet...
- Wold will hit a homerun....at some point
- Jamy will NOT hit 10 triples...but he'll sure try
- Burr will get at least six each of doubles, triples and homeruns
- Jonathan will have a multi-homer game
- Austin will flirt with .800 but ultimately fall short
First-Half Awards:
League:
All-Star: Austin Colby
All-Star: Jeff Tenney
All-Star: Eric Johnson
All-Star: Chris Wold
All-Star: Chris Burr
All-Star: Jamy Antoine
All-Star: Jason Merritt
Team:
MVP: Eric Johnson. I believe that while the lineup has been awesome across the board and Austin is having a ridiculously funny statistical season, Eric has been the anchor. We knew the return of Burr and addition of Tenney would add some serious firepower; it was expected and it has happened. We knew that Wold would be a .650+ hitter near the top of the order. The big question mark was whether or not Eric would be the dominant church-league hitter circa 2003-first-half of 2006 or would he be the one from the second half of 2006 through 2008? He has answered that call with an elite first-half which has given him the edge at MVP so far.
Infield Gold Glove: Chris Wold/Jeff Johnson. Pitcher and first base are not the positions you think of when you consider gold-glove caliber defenders. However, you cannot ignore the numbers. Wold is amazing on the mound. He makes it easier for his middle infielders which in turn makes it easier for the corners. Jeff just makes his plays and goes about it in a business-like way. Will he ever win stlye points? No, but he catches the ball and fields the ball. Well deserved honor for both.
Outfield Gold Glove: Jamy Antoine. For the second straight year, Jamy wins the mid-season gold glove honor in the outfield. This will be a dogfight come year-end. The three main outfielders and Austin all get it done extremely well out there. No one truly stands out, but Jamy has made every play this year, including a couple of tough plays. His arm has been solid and his glove has been perfect so far. Should be a great battle for outfield supremacy in the second half.
Projected Lineup:
1. Chris Wold, P
2. Austin Colby, SS
3. Chris Burr, LC
4. Eric Johnson, C
5. Jeff Tenney, 3B
6. Jason Merritt, LF
7. Jamy Antoine, RC
8. Jonathan Engbrecht, DH
9. Andy Briggs, 2B
10.Jeff Johnson, 1B
11.Adam Hey, RF
The team has posted several offensive outbursts this year including three games with 24+ runs, already a team record. The team has also had ten innings of seven runs or more with five of at least ten runs. The Warriors set a team and league record with a 19-run inning earlier in the season.
The offense has been so well spread out, the team hasn't suffered any major slumps. The team is averaging just under 19 runs a game at 18.8 and has just one game where the team scored less than 15 runs, a 9-5 victory.
Currently, there are six hitters with an average over .600 and two more that are over .570. There are seven players with on base percentages over .600 and three more at .529 or better. The team's batting average and on base percentages of .587 and .616 would be team records if maintained in the second half.
However, the real burst this year has been the return of the slugger. Starting in 2006 through last year, the team saw a steady decline in power numbers. See the chart below for more statistical info:
slugging%/homers per game/# of guys with 5+ homers
2006: .951/2.3/5
2007: .796/1.9/3
2008: .767/1.0/1
2009 has been a different story. The team is slugging at a 1.009 clip with 2.9 homeruns per game. Everyone on the team, with the exception of Chris Wold, has a homerun in regulation. Wold has two homeruns for outs, so even he's gotten into the action. Three players have four homeruns or more and there is a realistic shot that three guys will finish with ten homeruns or more with another three players with at least five. Jeff Johnson has been a tough-luck homerun hitter with just two on the season, but he has hit an amazing five for outs. That would give him seven on the year which would tie him for the league-lead with teammate Austin Colby. As a team, Rez has ten homeruns for outs, which would put the team's homerun total at 36 in nine games. In 2008, the team hit a total of 25 in 25 games.
What's changed? A lot of things have been working well. With such a consistent lineup, Manager Colby has been able to move the batting order around significantly, putting more people in the position to hit for homeruns with men on base. Everyone has at least eight at bats with runners in scoring position and the team has responded, hitting .652 in those situations.
Austin Colby is again leading the offensive charge statistically, but he isn't doing it from the top of the order. Because of everyone's performance, he has been able to bat 6th or lower four different times, giving the bottom of the order a nice boost. He is currently pacing the team and league in average, .774, on base percentage, .778, slugging percentage, 1.839, OPS, 2.616, runs scored, 23, rbi, 29, and homeruns, 7. He is tied for third in the league and shares the team lead with six doubles. The great first half has led to another starting All-Star spot at shortstop, his fourth consecutive.
Newcomer Jeff Tenney has been steady as you go in the middle of the lineup so far. While his numbers don't jump out at you, they are outstandingly solid. Not only is he playing an excellent third base and shortstop, but he is also hitting in the 4-6 holes with excellent power and production. he is hitting .611 overall with six doubles and five homeruns, tied for third in the league. He has scored 20 times and brought home 19. His OPS of 1.872 is good for third in the league so far and he is the starting third baseman on the All-Star team.
The third starting infielder on the All-Star team is second baseman Eric Johnson. Eric has had the comeback year that this sports writer has been predicting for three full seasons. Eric started off on a tear and has only recently settled into a groove. I can see his average of .647, 5th in the league, and OPS of 1.766, also 5th in the league, holding strong for the balance of the season. Eric has mashed four homeruns and driven home 20 runs, good for third in the league.
Chris Wold has brought a great dynamic to the team from the pitching bump. He is easily the league's best pitcher and his starting nod on the mound for the All-Star game is confirmation of that. At that plate, he has been excellent as well. He is hitting .652, 4th in the league, with three doubles and one triple. He plays great defense from the pitcher's spot and has saved many a single up the middle. Look for Chris to flex a little more of his power muscles in the second half.
The team has placed two outfielders on the starting All-Star squad this year. After taking a year off, 2007 team MVP Chris Burr has come back with more of his solid if not excellent play. He earns his third All-Star nod with a .613 average and 1.712 OPS. He has four doubles, two triples and two homeruns so far while scoring 14 and driving home 15. He has also played left-center and center flawlessly, making no errors in 14 chances.
Jamy Antoine is the second starting outfielder for the Warriors. Jamy seems to be putting together the consistently dominant season the team has been waiting for. He is hitting .581 with a .645 on base percentage, top 10 in the league, and a 1.097 slugging percentage, also league top-10. He is leading the team and league with five triples and has added three doubles and one homerun giving him an OPS of 1.742, fourth on the team and 6th in the league. He is leading the outfield with 16 chances so far, all putouts.
The team managed one more All-Star in 2009, placing seven total on the squad, and expression of the league dominance it displayed in the first half. Jason Merritt narrowly beat the third baseman from St. Andrew Red in the internet voting for the final spot. Last season, Jason lost out on the final spot in the internet voting, but his all-around play and hot finish to the first half pushed him over the Red third baseman this season. Jason is hitting an even .600 with three doubles, one triple and two homeruns. He has scored 15 runs and driven home 13. He hasn't seen much action defensively so far, but he has been perfect when tested.
Jonathan Engbrecht has been solid in the first half, hitting a career-best .571 so far. He has scored every single time he's been on base so far too, 16 times. He has 10 rbi to go with his one double, one triple and one homerun. Jon can erupt at anytime for more power numbers, so we could see a definite spike in those numbers before season's end. Jon has played both the infield and outfield this season, as has been the norm in year's past.
A 2008 All-Star, Andy Briggs struggled early to get his bat going but as of late, he has cruised to a .500 average with a very good .645 on base percentage. He has hit one homerun so far, but that has been his only extra base hit. Look for Andy to poke a few more gaps in the second half. Quietly, he is having another excellent season in the infield. This year, he has played third, short and second with equal success. He should settle in at short and second for the second half and make a run at some league golf-glove honors.
Jeff Johnson has hit the ball a lot harder than the stats would indicate. His batting average of .429 and slugging percentage of .786 hardly do justice to the damage he's put on some balls. He has hit a league-record five homeruns for outs in nine games. If those had counted, his average would be .607 and his slugging percentage would be 1.500 which would be second in the league. Not bad. If he can pick and choose when to swat those bombs, his second half numbers could really be eye-opening.
2009's biggest surprise has come from Adam Hey. He has improved every area of his game which is shown in his .448 average and .529 on base percentage. He also mashed his first career homerun into a biting wind earlier this season. Adam has become a decent catcher and a reliable outfielder also. He has scored 13 times and driven in 10. In 21 games last year, he scored just 14 times and drove home 10. Great first half for Adam.
League Outlook:
It would take something drastic for the Warriors not to win the league title by at least four games. An undefeated season should be the goal now, and with some hot teams around the league the Warriors will have to bring it each week.
I see Rez holding serve the rest of the year and capping the league's first ever perfect season at 18-0. I see EPAG picking up its pace and finishing in second with an 11-6-1 mark and Wooddale completing an amazing turn-around with an 11-7 mark. Immanuel will come in fourth at 9-8-1 with Pax still comfortably behind at 6-11-1.
The two St. Andrew teams will battle to stay out of the basement but Blue will come out on top with a record of 4-14. Red will own the cellar at 2-15-1.
Team Outlook:
Rez won't stop hitting all year. If the wind is ever blowing out, look for a ten-homer game. The team will finish with team-records in average, runs scored, homeruns, on base percentage, and slugging percentage. It should be fun to watch.
- Tenney will hit ten homeruns in the last nine games.
- Eric will maintain his dominance and capture 1st Team All-League
- Jeff Johnson will hit five real homeruns....and three more for outs.
- Seven players will hit .600 or better
- Three players will hit ten homers or more
- The team will have a 20-run inning
- Adam will hit .500
- Andy will get a triple
- Jason will win the bet...
- Wold will hit a homerun....at some point
- Jamy will NOT hit 10 triples...but he'll sure try
- Burr will get at least six each of doubles, triples and homeruns
- Jonathan will have a multi-homer game
- Austin will flirt with .800 but ultimately fall short
First-Half Awards:
League:
All-Star: Austin Colby
All-Star: Jeff Tenney
All-Star: Eric Johnson
All-Star: Chris Wold
All-Star: Chris Burr
All-Star: Jamy Antoine
All-Star: Jason Merritt
Team:
MVP: Eric Johnson. I believe that while the lineup has been awesome across the board and Austin is having a ridiculously funny statistical season, Eric has been the anchor. We knew the return of Burr and addition of Tenney would add some serious firepower; it was expected and it has happened. We knew that Wold would be a .650+ hitter near the top of the order. The big question mark was whether or not Eric would be the dominant church-league hitter circa 2003-first-half of 2006 or would he be the one from the second half of 2006 through 2008? He has answered that call with an elite first-half which has given him the edge at MVP so far.
Infield Gold Glove: Chris Wold/Jeff Johnson. Pitcher and first base are not the positions you think of when you consider gold-glove caliber defenders. However, you cannot ignore the numbers. Wold is amazing on the mound. He makes it easier for his middle infielders which in turn makes it easier for the corners. Jeff just makes his plays and goes about it in a business-like way. Will he ever win stlye points? No, but he catches the ball and fields the ball. Well deserved honor for both.
Outfield Gold Glove: Jamy Antoine. For the second straight year, Jamy wins the mid-season gold glove honor in the outfield. This will be a dogfight come year-end. The three main outfielders and Austin all get it done extremely well out there. No one truly stands out, but Jamy has made every play this year, including a couple of tough plays. His arm has been solid and his glove has been perfect so far. Should be a great battle for outfield supremacy in the second half.
Projected Lineup:
1. Chris Wold, P
2. Austin Colby, SS
3. Chris Burr, LC
4. Eric Johnson, C
5. Jeff Tenney, 3B
6. Jason Merritt, LF
7. Jamy Antoine, RC
8. Jonathan Engbrecht, DH
9. Andy Briggs, 2B
10.Jeff Johnson, 1B
11.Adam Hey, RF
Monday, June 15, 2009
24-6 Throttling Lifts Rez to 9-0
The Resurrection Life Warriors completed the first half of the season with a perfect 9-0 record after destroying St. Andrew Red 24-6 in four innings last week. The team's bats re-emerged as a force to be reckoned with walloping 27 hits including one double, five triples and five homeruns, with one extra for an out.
Jeff Tenney earned his second Player of the Game on the season with a monster day at the plate. He finished 4-4 with four runs scored and seven rbi. He ripped a two-run homer in the first, a three-run bomb in the second and finished his day with a two-run triple in the third.
Jamy Antoine and Jason Merritt had four hits in the game also. Austin Colby, Chris Burr, and Eric Johnson ripped out three hits each while Andy Briggs and Jonathan Engbrecht had two each. Jeff Johnson and Adam Hey each added one to round out the hitting.
The Warriors came from behind for the first time all season, after trailing for about 3 minutes. St. Andrew Red scored five runs in the bottom of the first after Rez only had four in the top half. The Warriors responded well with 15 runs in the second. Rez added five more in the third before going down in order in the fourth to end the game.
Jason hit a hot-shot that scooted off the shortstop and into left-field for a hustle-double to start the game. Austin followed that with his first of two homeruns, this one to right-center. After the first out, Eric launched one to the right-center gap, further proof that we are indeed in the End Times. Eric legged out his annual triple, and thankfully jogged home on Tenney's first homer, a laser-beam to right-center. Two more singles, from Jamy and Jeff Johnson, were stranded and the Warriors led 4-0 after three outs.
Red started its half inning walk, single, single to load the bases with no outs. After a pop-out, a walk, a single and two more walks plated four runs before a fielder's choice pushed the fifth and final run of the inning across the plate. New pitcher, Adam, struggled a bit to find his command but settled down nicely after that first frame.
Fueled by its first deficit of the season, Rez erupted for 15 convincing runs in the top of the second. With one out, Jason singled and moved to second on Austin's walk. Burr lined a triple to right field to plate both runners. Up 6-5, Eric lined a would-be double down the left-field line, but he was still a bit gassed from his triple so he settled for an rbi-single. Tenney hit a hard grounder for a single and Andy followed with a single to load them up for Jeff Johnson. Unfortunately, Jeff took a close pitch and went down on strikes for the second out. Jonathan then delivered a two-rbi single to make it 10-5 Rez. Adam followed with another run-scoring single and Jason did the same. Austin then pulled a liner over the left-field wall for a three-run shot. Burr singled to start things again and Eric singled to put two on for Tenney. Not to be outdone by the much smaller Austin, Tenney destroyed a ball to center for his second homerun of the game which gave Rez an 18-5 advantage. Jamy hit his first of two triples and trotted home on Andy's liner up the middle to cap the inning's scoring. Jeff Johnson ended the inning wtih a bomb to deep center, but unfortunately, it counted as an out as the team was out of homeruns.
Red, jaws agape, went down quickly and quietly in its half of the inning, still processing the offensive onslaught from the Warriors.
Rez crossed the 20-run plateau in the third inning for the first time in four games. Jonathan singled but was erased on Adam's forceout. Jason ripped his fourth hit of the game to put two on for Austin. Out of homeruns, Austin hit lefty and hit a hard shot off the first baseman to score Adam. Burr singled to score Jason and put runners on the corners with one out. Eric smoked a liner, but right at the third baseman for the second out. Tenney came through with two outs and cemented his status as POG with a two-run triple to right. Jamy followed with another triple to right to end the scoring on the night.
Red managed to push one more run across the plate using two hits. The 8, 9, 10 hitters came up for Rez in the top of the fourth, but each one went down leaving each Rez Life hitter with four plate appearances for the game. Red couldn't take advantage of two walks in the bottom half and the game ended on a nice unassisted double-play ball to Austin at short.
Now at the halfway point, Rez sits atop the standings with a commanding two-game lead over Wooddale at 9-0. Look for the mid-season write-up later this week to summarize the first half's happenings. Next week, Rez plays EPAG at 5:50 on field #2. EPAG is hot, winning four in a row including knocking off second-place Wooddale last week.
Jeff Tenney earned his second Player of the Game on the season with a monster day at the plate. He finished 4-4 with four runs scored and seven rbi. He ripped a two-run homer in the first, a three-run bomb in the second and finished his day with a two-run triple in the third.
Jamy Antoine and Jason Merritt had four hits in the game also. Austin Colby, Chris Burr, and Eric Johnson ripped out three hits each while Andy Briggs and Jonathan Engbrecht had two each. Jeff Johnson and Adam Hey each added one to round out the hitting.
The Warriors came from behind for the first time all season, after trailing for about 3 minutes. St. Andrew Red scored five runs in the bottom of the first after Rez only had four in the top half. The Warriors responded well with 15 runs in the second. Rez added five more in the third before going down in order in the fourth to end the game.
Jason hit a hot-shot that scooted off the shortstop and into left-field for a hustle-double to start the game. Austin followed that with his first of two homeruns, this one to right-center. After the first out, Eric launched one to the right-center gap, further proof that we are indeed in the End Times. Eric legged out his annual triple, and thankfully jogged home on Tenney's first homer, a laser-beam to right-center. Two more singles, from Jamy and Jeff Johnson, were stranded and the Warriors led 4-0 after three outs.
Red started its half inning walk, single, single to load the bases with no outs. After a pop-out, a walk, a single and two more walks plated four runs before a fielder's choice pushed the fifth and final run of the inning across the plate. New pitcher, Adam, struggled a bit to find his command but settled down nicely after that first frame.
Fueled by its first deficit of the season, Rez erupted for 15 convincing runs in the top of the second. With one out, Jason singled and moved to second on Austin's walk. Burr lined a triple to right field to plate both runners. Up 6-5, Eric lined a would-be double down the left-field line, but he was still a bit gassed from his triple so he settled for an rbi-single. Tenney hit a hard grounder for a single and Andy followed with a single to load them up for Jeff Johnson. Unfortunately, Jeff took a close pitch and went down on strikes for the second out. Jonathan then delivered a two-rbi single to make it 10-5 Rez. Adam followed with another run-scoring single and Jason did the same. Austin then pulled a liner over the left-field wall for a three-run shot. Burr singled to start things again and Eric singled to put two on for Tenney. Not to be outdone by the much smaller Austin, Tenney destroyed a ball to center for his second homerun of the game which gave Rez an 18-5 advantage. Jamy hit his first of two triples and trotted home on Andy's liner up the middle to cap the inning's scoring. Jeff Johnson ended the inning wtih a bomb to deep center, but unfortunately, it counted as an out as the team was out of homeruns.
Red, jaws agape, went down quickly and quietly in its half of the inning, still processing the offensive onslaught from the Warriors.
Rez crossed the 20-run plateau in the third inning for the first time in four games. Jonathan singled but was erased on Adam's forceout. Jason ripped his fourth hit of the game to put two on for Austin. Out of homeruns, Austin hit lefty and hit a hard shot off the first baseman to score Adam. Burr singled to score Jason and put runners on the corners with one out. Eric smoked a liner, but right at the third baseman for the second out. Tenney came through with two outs and cemented his status as POG with a two-run triple to right. Jamy followed with another triple to right to end the scoring on the night.
Red managed to push one more run across the plate using two hits. The 8, 9, 10 hitters came up for Rez in the top of the fourth, but each one went down leaving each Rez Life hitter with four plate appearances for the game. Red couldn't take advantage of two walks in the bottom half and the game ended on a nice unassisted double-play ball to Austin at short.
Now at the halfway point, Rez sits atop the standings with a commanding two-game lead over Wooddale at 9-0. Look for the mid-season write-up later this week to summarize the first half's happenings. Next week, Rez plays EPAG at 5:50 on field #2. EPAG is hot, winning four in a row including knocking off second-place Wooddale last week.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
June 11 vs St. Andrew Red
Resurrection Life prepares to face St. Andrew Red this evening at 6:50 on field #4. The first game between these two opponents left a bitter taste for both squads. Rez dominated, winning 24-0, but the game lasted just two and a half innings, hardly fun for either team. This evening's game will hopefully last a little longer, but the Warrior bats will not waste anytime, and will take advantage of that first inning again. See tonight's lineup below:
1. Jason, LF
2. Austin, P
3. Chris B, LC
4. Eric, 2B
5. Jeff T, SS
6. Jamy, RC
7. Andy, 3B
8. Jeff J, 1B
9. Jon E, C
10.Adam, RF
1. Jason, LF
2. Austin, P
3. Chris B, LC
4. Eric, 2B
5. Jeff T, SS
6. Jamy, RC
7. Andy, 3B
8. Jeff J, 1B
9. Jon E, C
10.Adam, RF
Friday, June 5, 2009
Rez Dominates, 17-0
The Warriors from Resurrection Life put on a commanding performance last night, defeating over-matched St. Andrew Blue 17-0 in just five innings. The team banged out 21 hits, including eight for extra bases, and reached base 23 times.
Austin Colby, Eric Johnson and Chris Burr all had three hits on the night while Chris Wold, Andy Briggs, Jonathan Engbrecht, Jason Merritt and Jeff Johnson had two apeice. Jeff Tenney and Adam Hey each added one hit.
Jeff Johnson earned his first Player of the Game of the season with his perfect 2-2 performance, including a double, homerun and walk. He drove home two runs while scoring three.
The Warriors were shut out in the first and fourth innings, scoring all 17 runs between the second, third and fifth frames. To start the game, Austin and Wold recorded hard-hit outs. Andy and Eric had back-to-back singles but were stranded after a deep flyout.
Blue did nothing at the plate all game. The team coaxed just one walk, in the third, and just one hit, in the fourth. The hit was erased by a double-play so Wold faced just 16 batters in five innings.
The second inning proved to be the biggest of the night for Rez, as the team scored seven runs on eight hits with four doubles. Burr started with a single and scored on Adam's double to left. Jonathan singled to plate Adam and after a lineout, Jeff Johnson walked to put two on for Austin. Austin roped a double to deep left to score Jonathan to make it 3-0. Wold followed with a double of his own scoring both Austin and Jeff. Andy singled to put runners on the corners for Eric who knocked out an rbi-single. Tenney hit into a forceout for the second out and Burr followed with his second hit of the inning, a double to score Andy.
After Blue went down in order in the bottom half, Rez came back with six more runs in the third to make it 13-0 after three full frames. Jonathan and Jason hit back-to-back singles to start the inning. Jeff stroked a double to open the scoring and Austin followed with a two-rbi single. Wold singled to score Austin, who had advanced to second on the throw home on the previous play. After a lineout, Eric mashed a two-run homer for the team's first homer in 10 innings. The next two batters got out to end the half inning.
Rez only sent three batters to the plate in the fourth so both teams were scoreless. In the fifth, Rez added four more runs to win the game via 10-run mercy rule after five innings.
Jeff Johnson started the inning with a no-doubter solo shot to deep left. After an Austin single and Andy reaching base via error, Tenney destroyed one to center for a three-run bomb to finish the Warriors scoring in fine fashion.
The Warrior defense was slick all game and the final frame was no different, keeping Blue off the bases. Rez is now 8-0, just one game away from the halfway point. Next week, the team faces St. Andrew Red, who Rez dismantled 24-0 in just two and half innings in the first meeting. The game is on field #4 at 6:50.
Austin Colby, Eric Johnson and Chris Burr all had three hits on the night while Chris Wold, Andy Briggs, Jonathan Engbrecht, Jason Merritt and Jeff Johnson had two apeice. Jeff Tenney and Adam Hey each added one hit.
Jeff Johnson earned his first Player of the Game of the season with his perfect 2-2 performance, including a double, homerun and walk. He drove home two runs while scoring three.
The Warriors were shut out in the first and fourth innings, scoring all 17 runs between the second, third and fifth frames. To start the game, Austin and Wold recorded hard-hit outs. Andy and Eric had back-to-back singles but were stranded after a deep flyout.
Blue did nothing at the plate all game. The team coaxed just one walk, in the third, and just one hit, in the fourth. The hit was erased by a double-play so Wold faced just 16 batters in five innings.
The second inning proved to be the biggest of the night for Rez, as the team scored seven runs on eight hits with four doubles. Burr started with a single and scored on Adam's double to left. Jonathan singled to plate Adam and after a lineout, Jeff Johnson walked to put two on for Austin. Austin roped a double to deep left to score Jonathan to make it 3-0. Wold followed with a double of his own scoring both Austin and Jeff. Andy singled to put runners on the corners for Eric who knocked out an rbi-single. Tenney hit into a forceout for the second out and Burr followed with his second hit of the inning, a double to score Andy.
After Blue went down in order in the bottom half, Rez came back with six more runs in the third to make it 13-0 after three full frames. Jonathan and Jason hit back-to-back singles to start the inning. Jeff stroked a double to open the scoring and Austin followed with a two-rbi single. Wold singled to score Austin, who had advanced to second on the throw home on the previous play. After a lineout, Eric mashed a two-run homer for the team's first homer in 10 innings. The next two batters got out to end the half inning.
Rez only sent three batters to the plate in the fourth so both teams were scoreless. In the fifth, Rez added four more runs to win the game via 10-run mercy rule after five innings.
Jeff Johnson started the inning with a no-doubter solo shot to deep left. After an Austin single and Andy reaching base via error, Tenney destroyed one to center for a three-run bomb to finish the Warriors scoring in fine fashion.
The Warrior defense was slick all game and the final frame was no different, keeping Blue off the bases. Rez is now 8-0, just one game away from the halfway point. Next week, the team faces St. Andrew Red, who Rez dismantled 24-0 in just two and half innings in the first meeting. The game is on field #4 at 6:50.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
June 4 vs St. Andrew Blue
Rez Life looks to continue its season-opening winning streak to eight games versus St. Andrew Blue on Thursday. The game is at 5:50 on field #1. Rez handled Blue 16-7 in the teams' first contest and Rez is the heavy favorite for the rematch. The Warriors have run their league-only winning streak to 13 games, which is a team-record. To mix it up a little, Manager Colby is using an on-base-percentage-based lineup for this game. See below for details:
1. Austin C, LC - .750
2. Chris W, P - .714
3. Andy B, 3B - .652
4. Eric J, 2B - .621
5. Jeff T, SS - .621
6. Chris B, RC - .615
7. Adam H, RF - .615
8. Jonathan E, C - .545
9. Jason M, LF - .500
10.Jeff J, 1B - .444
TEAM - .605 - not bad :)
1. Austin C, LC - .750
2. Chris W, P - .714
3. Andy B, 3B - .652
4. Eric J, 2B - .621
5. Jeff T, SS - .621
6. Chris B, RC - .615
7. Adam H, RF - .615
8. Jonathan E, C - .545
9. Jason M, LF - .500
10.Jeff J, 1B - .444
TEAM - .605 - not bad :)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Solid Victory Ups Rez to 7-0
It wasn't flashy but it was convincing, Resurrection Life started its second trip through the league schedule with a 15-6 victory over Pax Christi. The team played six innings before time halted the contest and reached base 24 times, drawing seven walks while banging out 17 hits.
All nine players in attendance had hits with Jason Merritt leading the way with three. Austin Colby, Jamy Antoine, Chris Burr, Eric Johnson, Jeff Tenney, and Player of the Game Andy Briggs all had two hits while Jeff Johnson and Adam Hey each added one.
Andy earned his first POG of the year with a perfect 2-2 game, scored twice, drove home four and drew two walks. Solid game for Andy. Jeff Johnson only had one hit, but he drew one walk, scored three times and drove home four also in a very solid game.
As is the norm, the Warriors batted first but quickly had two outs with no one on. A classic quote was heard from the bench after lead-off hitter Austin rolled one to first for an easy out to start the game,
"Somebody broke our Austin!" Good stuff. Austin suffered through his first 0-3 stretch in 78 games before breaking out with doubles in his final two at bats.
Burr singled with two outs to start the engine and moved to second on Eric's single. Tenney plated Burr with a single and Jason had the first of his three infield singles to load the bases. Andy patiently drew a walk to score Eric and Jeff Johnson came through with the big blow, a bases-clearing double to deep right-center to make it 5-0. Adam stayed hot, blooping a single over third base to score Jeff and give the Warriors a 6-0 lead, all with two outs.
Pax had two hits in the bottom half but left runners at second and third with just one out. Rez added a pair of runs in the top of the second using three hits, two walks and a sacrifice fly. Burr and Eric singled to start the inning. With one out, Jason reached on an infield single to load them up for Andy who drew another walk to score Burr. Jeff Johnson floated a sac fly to score Eric for the second run. Adam walked to load the bases for Austin who popped out to end the threat.
Pax responded with four big runs in the bottom half, making it 8-4 going into the third inning. Pax had four singles, drew one walk and took advantage of an error for its big inning. Rez went down quickly in the third, stranding a lead-off single from Jamy.
Pax added another one in the bottom portion of the inning to make it a tight 8-5 game going into the fourth. Andy singled with one out in the fourth but was forced out at second on a grounder. With two outs, Adam drew his second walk and Austin broke out of his slump with a liner to center for a run-scoring double.
Pax went down in order in the bottom half and Rez opened the lead for good in the fifth with six runs on five hits and two walks. Burr walked to start the frame and after one out, Tenney and Jason singled to load the bags. Andy roped a two-run single and Jeff Johnson walked to load the bases for Adam. Adam just missed a big fly, flying out to the wall in left for the second out, plating Jason in the process. Austin found his stroke again and roped one to deep right-center for an easy two-run double. Jamy followed with a double of his own to cap the night's scoring for Rez.
Down 15-5, Pax needed one run to keep the game going. Pax got that run using two singles and one error. The Warriors got one more at bat but didn't do anything as three balls in the air ended the hitting for Rez on the night.
Pax lined out twice and grounded out in the bottom of the sixth to end the game due to time.
The victory puts Rez at 7-0 and still leading the league. Wooddale kept pace, winning its game to stay just one game behind at 6-1. This coming week, the Warriors play St. Andrew Blue on field 1 at 5:50.
All nine players in attendance had hits with Jason Merritt leading the way with three. Austin Colby, Jamy Antoine, Chris Burr, Eric Johnson, Jeff Tenney, and Player of the Game Andy Briggs all had two hits while Jeff Johnson and Adam Hey each added one.
Andy earned his first POG of the year with a perfect 2-2 game, scored twice, drove home four and drew two walks. Solid game for Andy. Jeff Johnson only had one hit, but he drew one walk, scored three times and drove home four also in a very solid game.
As is the norm, the Warriors batted first but quickly had two outs with no one on. A classic quote was heard from the bench after lead-off hitter Austin rolled one to first for an easy out to start the game,
"Somebody broke our Austin!" Good stuff. Austin suffered through his first 0-3 stretch in 78 games before breaking out with doubles in his final two at bats.
Burr singled with two outs to start the engine and moved to second on Eric's single. Tenney plated Burr with a single and Jason had the first of his three infield singles to load the bases. Andy patiently drew a walk to score Eric and Jeff Johnson came through with the big blow, a bases-clearing double to deep right-center to make it 5-0. Adam stayed hot, blooping a single over third base to score Jeff and give the Warriors a 6-0 lead, all with two outs.
Pax had two hits in the bottom half but left runners at second and third with just one out. Rez added a pair of runs in the top of the second using three hits, two walks and a sacrifice fly. Burr and Eric singled to start the inning. With one out, Jason reached on an infield single to load them up for Andy who drew another walk to score Burr. Jeff Johnson floated a sac fly to score Eric for the second run. Adam walked to load the bases for Austin who popped out to end the threat.
Pax responded with four big runs in the bottom half, making it 8-4 going into the third inning. Pax had four singles, drew one walk and took advantage of an error for its big inning. Rez went down quickly in the third, stranding a lead-off single from Jamy.
Pax added another one in the bottom portion of the inning to make it a tight 8-5 game going into the fourth. Andy singled with one out in the fourth but was forced out at second on a grounder. With two outs, Adam drew his second walk and Austin broke out of his slump with a liner to center for a run-scoring double.
Pax went down in order in the bottom half and Rez opened the lead for good in the fifth with six runs on five hits and two walks. Burr walked to start the frame and after one out, Tenney and Jason singled to load the bags. Andy roped a two-run single and Jeff Johnson walked to load the bases for Adam. Adam just missed a big fly, flying out to the wall in left for the second out, plating Jason in the process. Austin found his stroke again and roped one to deep right-center for an easy two-run double. Jamy followed with a double of his own to cap the night's scoring for Rez.
Down 15-5, Pax needed one run to keep the game going. Pax got that run using two singles and one error. The Warriors got one more at bat but didn't do anything as three balls in the air ended the hitting for Rez on the night.
Pax lined out twice and grounded out in the bottom of the sixth to end the game due to time.
The victory puts Rez at 7-0 and still leading the league. Wooddale kept pace, winning its game to stay just one game behind at 6-1. This coming week, the Warriors play St. Andrew Blue on field 1 at 5:50.
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