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Playoff Recap for Sunday August 12, 2007:
"Rangers defeat 'Stros in final AB, 5-4"
Rangers - READ MORE...
Recaps for Sunday August 5, 2007:
"Royals Win Instant Classic 14-13"
Astros - As Brian Girard and Jason Griffith took the mound against each other for the second time this season the game had all the makings of a great game and the fans would not be disappointed. The Royals jumped out Early as Griff helped his own cause with an RBI triple and later come in to score on a single by Rudegair to take an early 2-0 lead. Mike Flanagan got the Stros on the board in the 2nd with a solo homerun to left to cut the lead to 2-1. The Royals tacked on 2 more unearned runs in the 3rd to increase the lead to 4-1. As the rain clouds drew nearer, The Stros bats finally woke up and put a 4 spot on the board in the 5th to take a 5-4 lead. After Girard worked a perfect bottom half, the clouds opened up and the rain delay began. After the rain moved on and the rubber dust settled both teams took the field for a wild finish. With a 1 run lead on the board the Stros put a second straight 4 spot on the board to build what seemed to be a comfortable 5 run lead. But the "Boys in Blue" wouldnt be outdone and answered with a huge 7 run inning and once again took the lead 11-9 with Girff once again providing the big blow with a 2 run double. With the Astros down to their final at bat, Taylor Nakamura stepped to the plate and laced a triple to right to start a rally lead by the Astro rookie squad. After consecutive hits by rookies Nakamura, Stewart and Dobbins, the veteran guys pitched in and put a 3rd consecutive 4 spot on the board and took a 2 run lead headed to the bottom of the inning. But the Royals would not lay down and as this wild game unfolded Jameson stepped up and blasted a Solo HR to cut the lead to 13-12. After 2 hits and 2 outs brought the Royals to their final out with the winning run at second base, Ailes lifted a ball to deep left center everyone held their breath as the Astro fielders gave chase but it fell just out of reach and the Royals took the lead, the game and the number one seed in the tournament.
Royals - As the fans setup their chairs on the day I don't think anyone could've scripted a more exciting finale to the Royals regular season. In the make or break game the Royals needed to pickup a win to not only secure the #1 Seed, but more importantly to avoid the Playoff opening weekend Double Header. The fans would not be disappointed as the game unfolded in a way that no one could've ever scripted... After a 30 minute rain delay the Boys in Blue took the field in the top of the 6th down 5-4, but the delay put a strain on everyone as the Astros were able to plate 4 runs in the top half of the 6th for a 9-4, but battling back the Royals were able to score 7 runs of their own to regain the lead 11-9. Due to the time restraints the Royals took the field in what would be the last inning of the game looking to seal the deal, but the Astros would not have any part of that... With some key hits of their own the Astros put another 4 runs in the book to put the Royals down 2 now going into their half of this last inning... Staring at a 2 run deficit facing the hard throwing Leach, Royals Veteran Eric Jameson stepped up to the plate. Working the count, he got Leach down 2-0 and he was sitting on the fastball that Leach had to deliver, and when he got that pitch he turned on it with all his might to send it quickly out over the left field fence to cut the Astos lead to 1. Rookie Chris Heitker followed up with his second 1B on the day, but was cut down as Leach fired a seed to second to cut down the lead runner on a Falkowski sacrifice attempt. With 1 out Leach got the Royals next hitter, Schwab, to fly out to 2nd recording the 2nd out of the inning. With 2 outs, down by 1, Rookie Kevin Reynolds stepped up and knocked a single to get the game winning run on the base paths. With Veteran Ben Ailes at the plate looking to at least plate the tying run, but following a surprise balk, Falkowski and Reynolds both moved up 90 feet things got just a little brighter for the Boys in Blue. But Leach beared down to work the count to 2 balls, 2 strikes, with 2 outs in this crucial at bat when Ailes connected on the next pitch sending it high and out to left center. As soon as the ball left the bat Falkowski and Reynolds took off, and as Astros Left Fielder Evan Tennery gave chase it was a nail biting experience. The ball continued to sail hanging in the thick air as Evan got closer and closer, then as the ball was nearing the ground Tennery went horizontal as everyone held their breath, but the ball was just out of reach bouncing off the turf for the game ending walkoff ground rule double giving the Boys in Blue the 14-13 victory.
"Rangers Defeat Outlaws 14-5"
Players of the game: Reis Pearson, Brad Clark/Rangers
Rangers - READ MORE...
Recap for Wednesday August 1, 2007:
"Astros win series from Sox, 12-7"
Astros - The visiting Stros got on the board first as Mike Leach reached on a throwing error and Scored on an RBI single from Matt Finster. Trailing 1-0 the Sox came out swinging in the bottom of the first off Astro Starter Mike Leach. After sending 8 batters to the plate in the first frame, the Sox had build a 3-1 lead knotching 5 first inning hits. The Stros would answer with another run in the 2nd when Gregg Foster scored on a Steve Murphy single to cut the lead to 3-2. As Leach started to settle in, the Stros bats started to heat up. The top of 3rd saw 3 more Astro runs cross the plate highlighted by a 2 RBI single from Adam Stewart. Leach continued pitching well and through the first 4 innings the score remained 5-3 Astros. The Astros then sent 9 batters to the plate in an explosive 5th inning that accounted for 5 more Astro runs highlighted by a base clearing 3 RBI single from Mike Flanagan. With a 10-3 lead the Stros decided to preserve the valuable Arm of Leach and go to the pen. PJ Dobbins got the call and made his Astro debut on the mound. After working a scoreless 5th on the mound, PJ helped his own cause with an RBI single and scoring a run in the 6th to increase the lead to 12-3. The Sox would get to Dobbins for 2 in the 6th to cut the lead to 12-5. Entering the final frame the Sox had comeback on their minds and quickly loaded the bases and scored 2 quick runs to cut the lead down to 12-7. Mike Flanagan then got the call for the Stros and came in to close the door with a little help from a Steve Murphy outfield assist cutting down another runner at the plate. With the 12-7 victory the Stros take the season series against the first place Sox. The Astros are now 11-8 on the season. PJ Dobbins, Matt Finster, Adam Stewart, Gregg Foster and Steve Murphy all had mutiple hits in the game.
Recaps for Sunday July 29, 2007:
"Rangers Knock Off Royals 7-3"
Players of the game: Brad Clark, Jelani Arnold/Rangers
Rangers - READ MORE...
"Astros lose lead late then have to rally past Outlaws 11-7"
Players of the game: Mike Leach - Astros
Astros - With every game crucial for playoff positioning, the Dayton Astros sent Gregg Foster to the mound Sunday to take on the Kettering Outlaws. In the top of the first, the visiting Astros would take an early 1-0 lead after Foster helped his own cause with an RBI double scoring Mike Leach. But the Oultaws would answer back as their leadoff hitter Freddy White would also come around to score after an RBI double from Doug Schommer tied the game at 1 after 1. The Stros would answer back in the top of the 2nd after Dustin Vincent was hit by a pitch for the 3rd time in 2 games, Rob Johnson tripled and later scored on a Nate King groundout to give the Stros a 3-1 lead. After a leadoff walk in the bottom of the second, Foster struck out the side to keep a 3-1 advantage. The top of the 3rd saw the Stros plate 2 more runs highlighted by RBI doubles by PJ Dobbins and Matt Finster. The Outlaws wouldn't say die however and slowly began pecking away at the lead as the Astro bats began to silence. By the end of the 6th the score had been cut to 5-4. Steve Murphy took over for the Stros on the mound and after working a perfect 7th saw his team give him a little more breathing room when Matt Finster doubled and scored on an RBI double from Dustin Vincent to make the score 6-4 Astros. But control problems lead to 2 Outlaws walks and after a single from Gary Robinson loaded the bases, Murph walked Freddy to cut the lead to 6-5. Mike Leach then took over on the mound with the bases loaded and nobody out. Schommer promptly lined a single up the middle off Leach but PJ Dobbins through to the plate beat the runner for the ever popular 8-2 force out. After another force out at the plate on a grounder to Scott Jones, the Stros looked to get out of the inning still ahead. But Outlaws cleanup hitter Rick Anderson had other ideas as he doubled over the head of Nate King driving in 2 runs and giving the Outlaws their first lead of the day 7-6. Down to their final at bat, the Stros needed to mount a rally and they did just that. After 3 consecutive singles loaded the bases to start the 9th, Mike Flanagan doubled driving in all 3 runners. PJ Dobbins followed suit with his second RBI double of the game and scored on an RBI single from Dustin Vincent to give the Stros an 11-7 lead. Mike Leach would give up a single in the bottom of the 9th but recorded 3 strike outs to preserve the Astros victory. Mike Leach not only picked up the win on the mound but also lead the offense going 3 for 4 with a sac and 2 runs scored.
Outlaws - With teams arriving around noon at the Xenia sports complex the heat had already settled down on the turf field raising the thermometer to around 100 plus degrees on the field. The bats would come out just as hot for both teams in the first. The Astros leadoff hitter Mike Leach would reach on a basehit bunt and would eventually end up home off the bat of pitcher Gregg Foster. But the home Outlaws would respond with Centerfielder Freddie White reaching by way of base on balls and veteran Doug Schommer driving him home on a double to left center field. Later in the 2nd the visiting catcher would take one off the back of his arm and come all the way around to score himself on the 2b Johnson's triple out to left field scoring both runners. The outlaws coach Tony Herdman would reach on his first of 3 walks of the day but nothing else in the home half of the 2nd. In the 3rd the team from Dayton would keep the bats going with a couple singles of their own off the bats of PJ Dobbins, and Gregg Foster. The Stros left fielder would knock the team's second triple of the game driving in 2 more for the visitors. However the Outlaws would respond in the 3rd with 2006 First Round Draft Pick Ryan Benkert hitting a rope to left center putting himself on 2nd then successfully being driven in by teammate and Outlaws RBI leader Rick Anderson. Later on in the 6th the bats would come back to life for the Kettering team with Benkert driving in leadoff hitter Freddie White for the teams 2nd run of the game. The Astros would scatter a few hits but R. Benkert settled down and kept the Stros scoreless until the 8th. Being down by 2 going into the 8th however, the first four hitters would reach base and the team in red would take the lead for the first time in the game on Rick Anderson's 2 RBI double to right center. The 7 and 8 hitters in the lineup would reach by way of walks and 9 hole hitter Gary Robinson would knock his first single of the game to load the bases. Shortstop Mike Leach would come in the tight situation and only allow one run by way of walk and keep his team in it for the 9th. After a bloop single would fall into right field the Stros would plate 4 more runs sealing the 3 hour affair and taking one from the Kettering team.
Recaps for Sunday July 22, 2007:
"Rangers Blank Panthers 1-0"
Players of the game: Jacob Robinson/Rangers
Rangers - READ MORE...
"Outlaws Sweep Indians, 5-4, 10-8"
Players of the game: Josh Jaynes/Rick Anderson - Outlaws
Outlaws - After several hours of field work due to a sprinkler being left on last night, the Indians and Outlaws squared off in the first of 2 of the day. Game 1 started as a pitchers duel as both teams turned solid double plays to open the first frame of the afternoon. The bats came alive for both squads in the fourth inning. In the tribe half of the frame the, Indians EH and coach Phil Beach would both come around to score, but the home team would respond with four runs of their own. Pitcher Kevin Ashworth would come around to mark a tally himself, then Josh Jaynes came up to bat and hit an absolute blast to left center field to make it a 4-2 advantage for the Outlaws. However, Springfield would end up tying this one up in the 6th the Indians would knock out a solo shot then add one more of the unearned variety in the 7th. In the bottom of the 7th with the game tied, Outlaws left fielder Gary Robinson hit a base hit to left field. He would get plenty of support behind him as Freddy White moved him over to second with a single of his own. Pitcher Kevin Ashworth stepped up and put a groundball into play scoring Robinson to win the ball game in dramatic fashion.
The 2nd of 2 at Northwestern Field would start out very similar to each other with the visiting Outlaws getting the leadoff hitter Freddy White on but Ryan Benkert grounding into a 6-4-3 DP to end the early threat. But the bats came out a little bit earlier as Rick Anderson led off the 2nd with a blast to center field that would put the visitors up by 1. This one would prove to be alot more exciting as the Tribe would net 3 runs in the bottom of the 5th to make it a 3-2 ballgame. With this in mind the team from Kettering would come out big in the top of the 6th with runs being scored by 5 of the 7 batters anchored by several walks by Indian pitcher Josh Wick. With a 7-3 lead heading into the top of the final frame, the Outlaws would tally 3 more crucial insurance runs off the bat of left fielder Gary Robinson hitting a shot past the SS to score 2. The bottom of the 7th would prove to be exciting as the Tribe would get 5 runs themselves but Outlaw Ace Ryan Benkert would slam the door on the home team's comeback to seal the first doubleheader sweep of the season for the Kettering Outlaws.
"Astros Top Royals 5-4, Royals Return Favor in Game 2, 15-11"
Players of the game: Steve Murphy, PJ Dobbins - Astros/Jason Griffith - Royals
Astros - Game one saw a Brian Girard vs. Jason Griffith pitching duel stretch into extra innings. The first four innings saw the Astros on top 4-0 with the help of some aggressive base running, accumulating 10 stolen bases through the first four frames. Girard continued to work through the Royal lineup and with a solid defense behind him took a 4-0 lead into the 6th. But the Royals would storm back in the 6th. After a 1-out walk to Scott Falkowski, Nathan Schwab reached on an error to start a rally for the Royals. Girard got Brian Duffy to ground to third where Scott Jones made one of many bare hand plays on the day to record the second out. But Kevin Reynolds' infield single gave the Royals their first run of the game and brought the tying run to the plate in Jason Griffith. Working to help his own cause, Griffith deposited a Girard offering over the left field fence to tie the game at 4-all. Both pitchers continued to pitch well as the game moved to extra innings. The Stros finally got another runner on board when Scott Jones hit a one-out single in the bottom of the 8th. Jones promptly stole second base and moved to 3rd on a single by Dustin Vincent. Steve "Clutch" Murphy then stepped to the plate and lined a walk off single to end the game and preserve the Astro victory. Girard picked up his 6th win of the season for the Astros. Scott Jones, Steve Murphy and Matt Finster all had 2 hits in the game to lead the Astro offense that went a perfect 12-for-12 in stolen bases.
In Game 2, the Stros sent Mike Leach to the mound to try and sweep the double
header. However a shaky defense made Leach's job virtually impossible. After the
first 2 runners of the game reached on errors. The Royals would piece together 3
hits and a walk to take advantage of the miscues and plate 6 first inning runs.
A combination of poor Astro defense and solid Royal hitting helped the Royals
build an early 8-0 lead. PJ Dobbins got the Stros on the board in the 2nd after
doubling and scoring on an Evan Tennery single. The Stros would rally back in
the 3rd scoring 4 runs to cut the lead to 8-5 after 5 consecutive hits from the
top of the lineup. But the error bug bit the Stros again in the 4th and the
Royals would again capitalize with their bats scoring 6 more runs to build a
14-5 lead. The Astros wouldn't say die yet, answering with 3 of their own in the
bottom of the inning to cut the lead to 14-7. Steve "George Brett is my Hero"
Murphy took over on the mound for the Stros and after giving up just one earned
run the Stros entered their final at bat trailing 15-9. The Stros would rally
for 2 more runs and even brought the tying run to the plate, but fell short
losing by a final score of 15-11. George Brett and Taylor Nakamura both had 3
hits and PJ Dobbins was 4-for-4 including a double and a triple to lead the
offensive attack.
Recaps for Tuesday July 17, 2007:
"Rangers Split with Sox, Win 8-1, Lose 14-3"
Players of the game: Clint Wolf, Matt Hood/Rangers
Rangers - Game 1 RECAP...Game 2 RECAP
Recaps for Sunday July 15, 2007:
"Royals Tame Panthers 11-6"
Player of the game: Kyle Ubinger (2-2/2R, 2SB, 3BB/2 “sacrifice yourself for the team put outs”)
Royals - They Royals faced off against the Panthers for their 4th and final game of the 2007 Regular Season. Royals Rookie Kevin Reynolds took the hill to start the game for the Boys in Blue. The Panthers played an uphill battle as their 9th guy was MIA following a late night bachelor party and the Royals took advantage of their short-comings scoring 8 runs in the first 2 innings led by a double and triple by Reynolds plating 3 RBIs before the Panthers Skipper made a defensive shift that helped subdue the Royals offense. Going with the non-standard, 1-1-3-3 setup, the Panthers were able to cut down many would be base hits to record a double play and several dishearting put outs for the Royals hitters. The shift paid off as the Royals only managed to plate 3 more runs over the final 6 innings of the game. Royals Starter Reynolds picked up his second victory of the season going 4 innings tallying a pair of K’s and only allowing 3 ER over 26 batters. Jason Griffith (4 IP, 3 Ks) and Kyle Ubinger (1 IP, 3 Ks) closed the deal sealing the game for Reynolds second victory of the season. On the day Royals batters were able to tally the cycle as a team as several Royals notched singles, but Heitker (2 2B), Reynolds (2B, 3B) and Griffith (HR) rounded off the multi-bag achievement.
"Rangers Beat Indians 11-3"
Players of the game: Jacob Robinson/Rangers
Rangers - READ MORE...
"Astros Defeat Outlaws 15-3"
Outlaws - This one started out well for the visiting Astros as they jumped out to an early lead on Kettering starter Ryan Benkert. Steve Murphy reached on a leadoff 2 bagger then rookie Taylor Nakamura moved him over to 3rd. Pitcher Mike Leach took advantage of a runner in scoring position by laying down a successful squeeze bunt to score Murphy. But however the team in red would respond quickly in the home half of the 1st frame with a leadoff single by Benkert who had just flown in from Florida the previous day. Danny Wayman would step into the 5 hole in the lineup and deliver with a clutch single into right scoring both Benkert and Doug Schommer. Moving onto the 3rd inning as the 2nd would be unexciting the Dayton Astros would plate 2 more runs anchored by a stolen base from Mike leach. Through 6 innings the Astros had laid down 3 successful bunts scoring multiple runs and timely stolen bases would give them a comfortable 8-2 lead going into the 6th inning when the floodgates would open when 7 different Astro players would all score a run putting them up 15-3. The home team would mount a small charge late in the bottom of the 7th with a 2 out single by Outlaws rookie Gary Robinson and a walk by Jason Benkert but that would be all they could do as the visitors slammed the door on the team from Kettering.
Astros - As the regular season continues to wind down and teams battle for playoff positioning, the Astros sent League ERA leader Mike Leach to the Mound to face the Kettering Outlaws. The Astro offense put a 2 spot on the board in the top of the first playing a little small ball. After a hustling Steve Murphy turned a single into a double to start the game, Taylor Nakamura dropped a sac bunt to move him to 3rd and Mike Leach followed with a squeeze bunt single to score Murphy. Leach would later score on a ground out from PJ Dobbins to take an early 2-0 lead. But the outlaws would answer with 2 of their own in the bottom of the first to tie the game at 2 all. Nate King's one out single in the 3rd would spark a 3 run inning to give the Stros a 5-2 lead. After both teams would add a run in the 4th, The Stros would add 2 more in the 5th when PJ Dobbins tripled in 2 more runs to run his RBI total on the day to 5. As Leach continued to cruise on the Mound, the Stros offense would come up big in the 6th. Branden Haddix lead off the inning with a single and the rest of the lineup would follow suit 11 batters and 7 runs later the Stros had taken a 15-3 lead highlighted by Matt Finster's 3 RBI Triple in his first at Bat as an Astro. Kenny Faulks doubled to start the 7th and would later score on a sac fly from Nakamura. Leach would then hand the ball over to Matt Finster to close the game out and help the Stros improve to 8-7 on the season. Mike Leach pitched 6 innings allowing just 1 earned run while striking out 7 outlaw hitters. Leach also lead the offense going 4 for 5 with 3 RBI, 3 SBs and 4 runs Scored. Taylor Nakamura was 3 for 3 with 2 Sac's 2 RBI 2 SB and 3 runs scored and Nate King was 3 for 4 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored.
Recaps for Sunday July 1, 2007:
"Astros Find Answer to Rangers Dominance, Win 8-3"
Players of the game: Steve Murphy/Astros
Rangers - Game 1 Recap...Game 2 Recap
Astros - Looking to put his last outing against the Rangers behind him, Brian Girard took the mound for the Astros looking to stop the seemingly endless drought the Stros have had against the Dayton Rangers over the past several years. The first inning looked all to familiar however as the Dayton Rangers plated 3 runs, highlighted by a 2 RBI single by Jonmarc Lippincot to take an early 3-0 lead. The score remained 3-0 until the top of the 3rd when Scott Jones was hit by a pitch to start a 2 out Rally for the Astros. After All Star Steve Murphy singled, his Astro and fellow All Star teammate Taylor Nakamura lined a two out single to score both Murphy and Jones to cut the lead to 3-2. Taylor then came in to score when a hustling Adam Stewart reached on a error and tied the game at 3 a piece. The Rangers biggest Threat would come in the bottom of the 4th. With the bases loaded and just one out, Girard induced two consecutive ground balls to All Star Third baseman Adam Stewart to close the inning and end the Ranger threat. Fired up from the defensive performance, The Stros then plated 3 more big runs in the top of the 5th. Steve Murphy's one out triple sparked the scoring as the top five Astro hitters reached base safely in helping to build a 6-3 lead. Meanwhile the Astros continued to play solid defense behind Girard as he continued working through the tough Ranger lineup inning after inning. The Stros would tack on a couple insurance runs and would pull a big monkey off their back finally beating the Dayton Rangers 8-3. Girard pitched a complete game allowing just 3 earned runs for his 5th victory of the season. The Astros' all star trio proved their worthiness as Leadoff hitter Steve Murphy was 4 for 5 with 2 SB and 3 runs scored. Taylor Nakamura was 2 for 3 with 2 walks a SB and 2 RBI and Adam Stewart drove in 3 runs to improve his RBI total to a team leading 20 on the season.
Recaps for Sunday June 24, 2007:
"Another Split DH, Panthers win 8-4; Rangers win 10-5"
Players of the game: Shane Fallen, Jeremy Lippincott/Rangers; Damon Barr, Randy Haines/Panthers
Rangers - Game 1 Recap...Game 2 Recap
"Sox Beat Astros 8-4"
Players of the game: PJ Dobbins/Astros
Astros - After taking the first matchup of the season between the two teams, the Astros sent Gregg Foster to the mound to try and pickup a 2nd straight victory against the always talented Beavercreek Sox. The top of the first saw the Sox get on the board quickly as Montgomery hit a 2 run HR off Foster to give the Sox an early 2-0 lead. The Stros would answer back with a little small ball in the top of the first when Steve Murphy doubled to start the inning, Mike Leach's sac bunt moved him to 3rd and PJ Dobbin's Sac fly plated Murphy to cut the lead to 2-1. Both pitchers then settled in and through the first three innings the score remained. However the top of the 4th saw the Sox plate 4 big runs, highlighted by Fruhwirth's 2 RBI single and Fiebiser's RBI triple. Trailing now 6-1 the Astros rallied back in the bottom of the 5th when the top of the lineup again came through big. After a Murphy Triple and Leach Single, PJ Dobbins drove a ball past a diving Right Fielder to deep right center field. Both Leach and Dobbins turned on the Jets and came all the way around to score for an exciting inside the park Homerun. With the lead cut to 6-4 Foster continued to keep the game close on the mound for the Stros. But the Sox bats just wouldnt lay dormant for Long plating runs in each of the 7th and 8th innings to win the game with a final score 8-4. PJ Dobbins Lead The Astro Offense going 2 for 3 with a HR and 4 RBI.
"Royals rally over Indians in 10, win 9-8"
Players of the game: Brian Duffy (4-5 / 3 runs, 2B, RBI) & Ben Ailes (3-4 / run, 2B, BB, 3 RBIs)
Royals - The Royals and Indians were able to face-off for their second matchup of the season because of the great effort put in prior to game time by the Tribe. The Royals sent veteran Jason Griffith to the mound to face the deadly Tribe offense and he would hold them at bay until the 4th when Joey Herren would place a ball over the left field fence, but the Royals were able to jump out to the early lead. The Boys in Blue jumped out to a 7-1 lead after 5, but the offense would stall from there. The Tribe would mount their late game comeback as they have done numerous times this year after plating 3 runs through the 6th and 7th the Royals clung to a 3 run lead as the Tribe went to the plate in the top of the 9th starting with the top of their order. The leadoff batter was able to reach on walk and a hit by Cherry put runners at 2nd and 3rd, when former Royal now Indian Skipper, smoked a ball to straight away center to plate a pair of runs to bring the game within 1. With the Tribe cleanup hitter at the plate Griffith reared back and blazed a fastball past him for a much needed out against the tough hitter. However Canfield would cash in for the Tribe with a sac fly to plate the tying run. Griffith would end the inning with his 9th K on the day with the game knotted at 7. As the Boys in Blue headed to the plate in the bottom of the 9th they were able to get the game winning run just 90 feet away but the Tribe got the grounder they needed to end the 9th tied at 7. In the top of the 10th Griffith retired the first batter with a quick 5-3 ground out, but the Tribe managed to plate the go-ahead run after a close play at first before reliever Kyle Ubinger was able to close the top of the 10th. The bottom of the tenth saw the Royals facing their first deficit of the day after watching their 6 run lead diminish, but the heart of the Royals lineup was coming to the plate. Brian Duffy started things off with a single. A shot off Kevin Reynolds foot that was not seen was able to advance Duffy to 2nd for the unofficial sac. With 1 out and first base open, the Indians elected to offer up a free pass to the Royals cleanup hitter, Jason Griffith, to setup a game ending double-play in the infield. With runners at 1st and 2nd, the Royals had been struggling, but hot on the day Ben Ailes stepped to the plate. Indians starter Matt Spradlin got Ben down 0-2 in the count before he was able to connect and rip a shot off the left center fence. At the crack of the bat Royals skipper sent both runners in motion with the hopes that the ball would not be caught, and with about 5 feet between them Duffy and Griffith were able to score for the tying and winning run of the game for the Boys in Blue. Hats off to a great game played by both teams and the pregame work put in by the Tribe to even allow us to play on the day.
Recaps for Sunday June 17, 2007:
"Another DH - Another Win/Win"
Players of the game: Brian Girard/Astros, Joey Herren/Indians
Astros - Game 1 saw the league's top two Wins Leaders square off on the mound as the Astros' Brian Girard took on the Indians' Phil Beach. The Stros came out swinging in the first scoring 4 runs highlighted by a bases-clearing triple by PJ Dobbins. Two more unearned runs in the second gave the Stros an early 6-0 lead. The Indians then got on the board in the third to cut the lead to 6-1. Gregg Foster then smashed his 4th homerun of the season to make it a 7-1 game. After the first two batters were retired in the bottom of the 5th, 4 straight Indians would reach base and 2 runs would cross the plate to make the score 7-3. But the Astros bats would re-ignite in the 6th as the first 5 batters of the inning would collect hits and come around to score to take a 12-3 lead. The Indians made a rally attempt in the 7th after a leadoff walk and hit batter both came around to score, Brian Girard then settled in to close the game for a complete game victory and consecutive wins for the Stros for the first time in 07. Final Score Astros 12 Indians 5. Steve Murphy was 3 for 5 with 2 doubles and 2 runs scored, and Taylor Nakamura was 3 for 4 with 2 SB an RBI and 3 runs scored. With the win Brian Girard tied Phil Beach for the league lead with 4 on the season.
Game 2 would turn out to be the complete opposite of game 1. After the two teams combined for 17 runs in the first game, The first 4 innings flew by without a single run on either side and only a few scattered hits as the 2 pitchers locked into a pitching duel. The fifth inning saw the Indians do their damage after the leadoff hitter reached on a 1 out error, Mike Leach struck out the next batter for the second out of the inning. However a two out single gave the Indians the first run of the game and 1-0 lead. The Indians Cleanup hitter, Joey Herren, then came to the plate and deposited a ball over the Centerfield wall to give the Indians a 3-0 lead. The Astros would load the bases each of the final two innings but could only plate 1 run off the Indians starter. Final Score Indians 3 Astros 1. Mike Leach pitched a complete game for The Astros allowing just 2 earned runs in a tough loss. Taylor Nakamura continued his hot hitting going 2 for 3 to lead the offense.
Recaps for Sunday June 10, 2007:
"Battle of Kettering - Split Decision"
Players of the game: Rick Anderson/Outlaws
Outlaws - Game 1 of the afternoon doubleheader would show the team in blue come out of the gates swinging away against the Outlaws starter Kevin Ashworth. Through one inning the Royals would post a quick 2-0 lead at Gaunt Park behind the bats of Xavier's Brian Duffy and pitcher Jason Griffith. As the game moved on, Doug Schommer would rip one over the fence for the first run of the game for the Outlaws, but that would be about it as Grif would keep the Outlaws at bay for the rest of the day and sealing up a 12-2 victory for the Royals.
Game 2 of the doubleheader would be a completely different story for the Kettering Outlaws. The "boys in red" would come out firing with back-to-back singles in the first followed by Rick Anderson's 4th homerun of his career off of Royals starter Kevin Reynolds. However, the Royals would respond with a pair of runs themselves in the bottom half of the frame. The big story of the day was Outlaws catcher Rickie Anderson hitting homeruns number 4 and 5 of his career off of Reynolds backing up the Outlaws to a 11-5 victory in the second game.
Royals - The Royals took to the field Sunday afternoon for the first game of their first doubleheader in the 2007 season. Their opponent on the day was the Kettering Outlaws, a team they narrowly avoided a few weeks prior with a 9-7 victory. Jason Griffith got the start in game 1 and after a few miscues in the top of the first the Royals were able to close out the inning. In the bottom half of the first the Boys in Blue struck first plating a pair of runs as Brian Duffy and Kevin Reynolds were able to score off knocks by Griffith and Ben Ailes. The second inning was short and sweet for both teams as they each only sent the minimum to the plate. In the top of the third the Outlaws were able to cut the Royals lead in half after leadoff man Doug knocked a shot to left center. However in the bottom of the 3rd the Boys in Blue responded and were able to plate 6 runs of their own to take a 8-1 lead. In the top of the 4th the Outlaws responded with their 2nd HR of the game. Up 8-2 the Royals were able to plate 4 more runs in the final innings of the game. Griffith who started the day on the mound finished from the bench as he plunked his 4th and final batter to start of the 7th. Ubi entered the game cold off the bench and after recording a walk against his first batter he settled in to end the game with a K and a game ending 5-4-3 double play. Griff on the day went 6 innings recording 9 K’s, and at the plate Duffy, Griffith, and Rudegeair each went 3-4 recording 4 doubles amongst them.
The Boys in Blue were the visitors for game 2 and got off to a quick start as DH Jason Griffith did his job fresh off the bench and parked a ball over the left center field fence for a 2 run HR, but the Outlaws responded with 5 of their own capped by the first of Rick’s 2 homeruns. In the top of the 2nd the veteran Eric Jameson connected on another 2 run HR for the Royals to bring the game within 1, but in the bottom of the 2nd the Outlaws matched the Royals pair with a pair of their own. Suffering from a food coma following the great Dean cookout, which included dear steaks, hot dogs, potato salad, and brownies got to the Royals hitters as they were only able to connect on 9 total hits in game 2. The Boys in Blue picked up their 5th run in the top of the 5th as Nathan Schwab was able to score off a Kevin Reynolds groundout. But once again the Outlaws countered and picked up a handful of insurance runs in the bottom of the 6th bring the tally to 11-5 Outlaws. With the game in dire times the Royals tried to mount a 7th inning comeback, but they were only able to plate one to end the game down 6-11. On the day Brian Duffy and Kevin Reynolds both went 2-4, and Duffy recorded 2 more doubles to add to his tally.
"Rangers Beat Sox for First Time Since '04, Win 11-10"
Players of the game: Reis Pearson/Rangers
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Recap for Tuesday June 5, 2007:
"Astros 'Pull Off Sox' Upset, 8-7"
Players of the game: Taylor Nakamura, Dustin Vincent/Astros
Astros - Coming off a big loss to the Dayton Rangers on Sunday, the Astros knew they would have their hands full trying to keep from losing two consecutive games for the first time all season. After the visiting Stros went down in order in the top of the first, the Astros sent hardluck right hander Steve Murphy to the mound to try and keep the Sox sluggers at bay. Having been victim to unearned runs all season, Murphy saw this game start much like the others as the leadoff hitter reached on an error and came around to score to give the Sox a 1-0 lead after 1. Gregg Foster led off the top of the 2nd with a single and after a perfect sac bunt from Taylor Nakamura moved Gregg into scoring position, Steve Murphy helped his own cause tripling to right center to tie the game at 1. Dustin Vincent would then drive in Murph to give the Astros a 2-1 lead. The score remained 2-1 until the bottom of the third when the Sox took advantage of more Astro miscues and a timely double to deep center to plate 3 more runs and take a 4-2 lead. But the Stros once again battled back after Murph reached on a fielder's choice, Scott Jones singled putting runners on the corners for Dustin Vincent who again came up big with an RBI single to cut the lead to 4-3. After Murph worked a perfect 4th, Nate King walked to leadoff the 5th for the Stros. Mike Leach then followed with a bunt single and Gregg Foster walked to load the bases. With 2 outs Taylor Nakamura laced a single to right knocking in 2 runs and giving the Stros a 5-4 lead.
But the see-saw ride continued as the Sox scored 2 in the bottom half of the inning to again pull ahead 6-5 after 5 complete. After both teams added a run in the 6th, the Astros went into the top of the final frame trailing 7-6 with the heart of the lineup coming to the plate. But after a one-out walk by Adam Stewart, a fielders choice brought the Stros down to their final out. Gregg Foster stole second base to put the tying run in scoring position for Taylor Nakamura, and just as he did in the 5th Taylor came up big doubling to right to tie the game at 7 and putting the go ahead run at second base. The Astros then turned to Brian Girard who has won many games for the Astros with his arm to try and win one with his bat. Being the gamer he is B.G. smashed a sharp single to right and Taylor came into score to give the Astros an 8-7 lead.
Despite pitching 10 innings just two days prior, Mike Leach took the ball for the Astros to try and preserve the Astro victory. The inning started promising enough for the Sox as their cleanup hitter lead off the inning with a double to left. Leach's pickoff attempt at second then went wide and got through into shallow center. Kenny Faulks hustling over to back up the play scooped up the ball and made a perfect throw to third to nail the runner by a step and pick up a huge out for the Stros. Leach then induced a grounder to Faulks at second for the second out and closed the game strong with a strikeout to pick up the save and give the Astros a big 8-7 victory over the perennial powerhouse Sox. Steve Murphy pitched 5-2/3 allowing just 3 earned runs for his first victory of the season. Taylor Nakamura was 2 for 2 with a SAC a SB and 3 RBI and Dustin Vincent was 3 for 3 with 3 RBI.
Recaps for Sunday June 3, 2007:
"Astros Nip Outlaws in Extras 5-3"
Players of the game: Mike Leach/Astros; Jason Benkert/Outlaws
Astros - The 'Stros faced off against the Outlaws at the friendly confines of Gaunt Park. In the hitter friendly park, everyone expected a high scoring game, and as the Outlaw's leadoff hitter watched a ball sail over the fence for a home run it appeared that would be the case. However the starting
pitchers for both teams felt otherwise. Mike Leach took the mound for the
Astros and after giving up the leadoff homerun settled in and kept the Outlaws
at bay all day. The Astros would plate two in the 3rd to take a 2-1 lead
highlighted by Gregg Foster's 3rd homerun of the season. But Outlaws starter Jason Benkert was up for the challenge, and as the game quickly moved forward neither team would find themselves crossing the plate very often. The score remained 2-1 until Doug Schommer dropped a bunt single and came around to score for the Outlaws to tie the game at 2. The Outlaws would then string together 4 straight singles in the 7th to take a 3-2 lead. The score would remain 3-2 until the 8th when Adam Stewart laced a one-out double and would come around to score on an RBI single by fellow Astros rookie Taylor Nakamura to tie the game once again at 3-all. The game moved into extra innings after both teams went scoreless in the 9th. After an 0-for-4 start on the day PJ Dobbins led off the 10th with a solo homerun to give the 'Stros a one-run lead. Mike Leach then helped his own cause after singling and moving over to third on walks. Mike scored on a wild pitch to give the 'Stros a two-run lead. Mike would then take the mound for his 10th inning of work and with 2 strikeouts in the inning closed the game strong and preserved a 5-3 Astros victory. Mike Leach was the Story of the Game for the Astros pitching 10 innings, allowing just 2 earned runs while striking out 11 Outlaws batters. Mike also led the offense with 2 hits and 2 runs scored.
Outlaws - The Kettering Outlaws took to the friendly confines of Gaunt Park in Yellow Springs, Ohio on a muggy Sunday afternoon. The Outlaws came out with a bang when Jason Benkert hit a leadoff homer to give the good guys the early advantage, but that was all the boys could muster until late in the 6th inning they tied the game at 2 with a controversial run by veteran Doug Schommer. After 4 singles and one more run scored in the bottom of the 7th the game would remain tied all the way into the top if the 10th inning when the Astros leadoff hitter came out with a solo shot to the short porch in left that would seal the deal for the 'Stros.
"Rangers Victorious over Astros, 18-8"
Players of the game: Adam Stewart/Astros; Brad Clark, Jelani Arnold/Rangers
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Astros - The Astros second game of the day saw the Astros-killing Dayton Rangers squad make their way into Gaunt Park. The Astros sent ace Brian Girard to the mound to try and end the Rangers' dominance of the Astros. But this would not be the day for that to happen. The Rangers came out swinging and after scoring 2 in the first, scored 7 big runs in the 2nd and knocked Brian from the game after just 2 innings with a 9-0 lead. Despite the early hole, the Astros would slowly battle back, and after a big 4th inning had cut the lead to 9-8. Gregg Foster pitching in relief would keep the Rangers from scoring until an unearned run in the 5th made the score 10-8. But the Rangers bats would then re-ignite scoring in each of the final four innings including a tape measure bomb by Jelani Arnold and a dominating 18-8 victory over the 'Stros. Adam Stewart led the Astros offense going 2-for-4 with 5 RBI.
"Royals De-claw Panthers, win 9-6"
Royals - Well, the Boys in Blue finally took the field again after a manager induced “bye” week over the Memorial Day holiday. The Royals were without some key components from that game, but they were able to pull out a 9-6 victory over the upstart Panthers.
In the top of the 1st, the Panthers threatened with men on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out after a walk and a double. The next hitter, Haynes, hit a high chopper to the mound, but the Royals pitcher Brian Duffy was able to use his cat quick reflexes to jump his own height and snag the chopper and throw out the hitter at first. In the Panthers half of the 2nd, Royals starter Brian Duffy recorded a 1-2-3 inning for the Royals. It started off in spectacular fashion as 1st baseman “Rudy” Rudegeair made a diving stop of a liner at first, while Duffy was there to cover first, he had to make a diving stop of Rudy’s errant throw to get the runner at first. In the bottom of the 2nd the Royals were able to plate a run thanks to 1 hit and some defensive lapses by the Panthers. Flamethrower Kyle Ubinger struck out but reached 1st on a PB by the catcher, and then stole 2nd and moved the 3rd on a Chad Campbell single. Newcomer Scott Falkowski then lifted a deep fly ball to CF which allowed Ubi to tag and score the Royals only run of the inning.
In the top of the 3rd, undeterred by the Royals threat, the Panthers were able to take a lead of 2-1 after scoring 2 runs with 2 outs on a double, single and a bit of sloppy play by the Royals. However in the bottom of the 3rd the Royals were not pleased by their performance in the top half of the inning and came out hot. Nathan Schwab led off the inning by getting hit with a pitch. Duffy then plated Schwab with a triple in the tiny ballpark. TJ Dean then hit a towering fly ball to the first baseman, who promptly dropped the ball allowing Dean to barely leg it out. Dean then stole 2nd and Rudi knocked in both Duffy and TJ with a single. So the Royals ended the 3rd with a 4-2 lead.
In the top of the 4th, Panthers hitter, Sharpe, lined a double to RF with one out, and with 2 outs Kuhn singled to Kevin Reynolds in CF where Sharpe was thrown out at the plate by Reynolds for the third out of the inning. But in the top of the 5th the Panthers battled back as they got to Duffy with back-to-back singles followed by a double, sac fly, and a single. Duffy settled down to end the inning, but not before the Panthers took the lead scoring 3 runs for a 5-4 advantage. Down 5-4 in the bottom of the 5th the Royals fought tough and re-took the lead when the combo of Schwab and Duffy again came through with back-to-back singles along with another fielding miscue on a Dean chopper led to a run as Schwab was able to score. Kevin Reynolds provided another run with a sac fly to score Duffy. As the 5th ended the Royals now had a 6-5 lead, which they wouldn’t relinquish. As the Panthers came to the plate in the top of the 6th, the Royals hurler made short work of the Panther offense as Duffy only needed to throw 5 pitches in this inning to retire the fading Panthers. In the Royals half of the 6th, the bottom of the Royals order provided some run support for their starter. Right fielder Matt Haver and Falkowski singled in the inning. Rookie Chris Heitker moved the pair around on a FC where the crafty veteran Eric Jameson came through and singled to right to bring home both runners upping the Royals lead to 8-5.
As the game entered the late innings, Royals new closer Kyle Ubinger was warming up in the pen in case starter Brian Duffy needed some relief, but as Duffy entered the 8th he stopped the Panthers attack after they got 2 runners on with only 1 out, he was able to coax 2 fly balls to CF Reynolds to end the inning. The latter of which Kevin made a Spectacular diving catch, after calling for the ball, to end the inning, and the threat. In the Royals half of the 8th the Royals added an insurance run after a warmed-up and pumped-up Ubinger stroked a double, and then hustled to score form 2nd off Haver’s groundout to the 2nd baseman. So the Royals headed in to the top of the 9th with a 9-5 lead. As the Panthers came to the plate in the top of the 9th Ubinger came on to shut things down, with Duffy cheering from the bench. The first batter reached on a disputed play at first and the Panthers were now in business. Ubi upped his velocity a bit and the next batter doubled to deep right. This plated a run, to get the Panthers to within 3 at 9-6. With some friendly heckling from Duffy about his save opportunities and making things interesting, Ubi the retired the next 3 in order with a ground out and 2 K’s to preserve the Win for Duffy.
Recaps for Sunday May 27, 2007:
"Rangers Split DH, Beat Outlaws 19-7, Lose to Indians 17-9"
Players of the game: Reis Pearson, Clint Wolf, Jacob Robinson/Rangers
Rangers - Game 1 Recap...Game 2 Recap
"Astros Split DH with Panthers"
Players of the game: Brian Girard, Evan Tennery/Astros
Astros - Game 1 saw the Astros come out swinging early and often. After a 4 run first inning set the tone, the Astro bats would stay awake as the team pounded out 16 hits and plated 15 runs. The offensive explosion was led by Adam Stewart's 3 for 3, 3 run performance and Gregg Foster's 2 for 4, 5 RBI game that included a 3-run homerun. But the offense wasn't the story in this one. The Astro defense finally showed they are capable of making plays behind quality pitching. With just one error on the day the defense would seem to be the story as well, but once again it was outshined. The story in game one was Brian Girard. In typical fashion Brian was in the midst of yet another quality start for the Astros as he continued to mow down Panther batters one-by-one. But as the game moved on whispers of a no-hitter began in the Astro dugout. Inning after inning Brian continued to work his magic and going into the bottom of the final inning the Astro Ace had yet to allow a hit and had given up just 3 walks. Brian took the mound for the final inning seeking his second career no-hitter. The first batter came and went striking out looking for B.G.'s 6th K of the day. With just 2 outs to go right fielder Randy Haines stepped to the plate for the Panthers and blasted a triple to deep right field to end the no-hit bid. Randy would then score on a wild pitch to end the shutout. But Brian would buckle down and close things out with a very solid 1-hit performance and his 3rd win of the season.
In game 2 the Astros sent Gregg Foster and his league leading 2.45 ERA to the
mound in search of a sweep. Inspired by Brian's performance Gregg came out
firing working a perfect first 3 innings allowing just 3 base runners, 2 of which were thrown out attempting to steal by Astro catcher Branden Haddix. The Astro offense woke up in the bottom of the 3rd scoring 4 runs to take a 4-0 lead. But the Astros' achilles heel all season has been defensive miscues and game 2 would prove to be no different. The Panthers began taking advantage of Astro mistakes with timely hits and the Astro defense could not seem to settle in and make plays. Eight errors later the Panthers had built a 9-7 lead going into the bottom of the 6th. Mike Flanagan's double in the 6th drove in Pinch runner Taylor Nakamura to cut the lead to 1 and put the tying run in scoring position. But Panther starter Damon Barr rose to the challenge and struck out the next two batters to end the Astro threat. The Panthers would add one more in the 7th for insurance and a 10-8 victory. Evan Tennery led the Astro offense going 3 for 4 with 2 RBI. Mike Flanagan, Adam Stewart and PJ Dobbins all added two hits each for the Astros in a losing performance. Gregg Foster allowed just 3 earned runs in 6 innings on the mound.
Recaps for Sunday May 20, 2007:
"Rangers knock off Astros 12-9"
Players of the game: PJ Dobbins, Rob Johnson/Astros, Jacob Robinson, Matt Hood/Rangers
Astros - Over the last few years, the Dayton Rangers have owned the Dayton Astros and Sunday's game proved to be no different. The Astros started the game with a double by rookie leadoff hitter PJ Dobbins who scored on a sac fly by fellow rookie Adam Stewart to take a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. However the Rangers answered big in the bottom half of the inning scoring 4 of their own to take a 4-1 lead. After cutting the lead to 4-2 in the second, the Astros added 4 more in the 3rd to take a 6-4 lead. But the lead would be short lived as the Rangers added 1 in the 3rd, 5 in the 4th and 1 in the 5th to build an 11-6 lead. The Astros would attempt to rally scoring 1 run in each of the last three innings but fell short 12-9. PJ Dobbins and Rob Johnson both reached base safely in all 5 at bats for the Stros. PJ was 2 for 2 with 3 walks and 2 runs scored. Rob was 3 for 3 with 3 RBI and two runs scored.
Rangers - Read More..
"Royals move in to first place with 9-7 over Outlaws"
Players of the game: Brian Duffy, Jason Griffith/Royals
Royals - The Royals faced off against the Outlaws in their first matchup of the 2007 season in a battle of Kettering's two hometown teams. The Royals faced off against the Outlaws Jason Benkert on the mound. This was the first time the Boys in Blue had seen the crafty right-hander and were caught off guard in the top of the first recording a pair of strikeouts to go down easily. In the bottom of the first they started off with a single from their leadoff hitter, who was later erased in a 6-4 FC, but Royals starter Jason Griffith would help his defense with a routine 6-4-3 DP ball to end the inning. In the top half of the 2nd the Royals were able to plate the first run of the game as Ailes was able to score from third when a low curveball made it to the fence for the 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the 2nd Griffith continued to work his mojo facing only 3 hitters to end the 2nd. In the third the Royals were able to score 3 off a 2 RBI single by Reynolds and an Ailes RBI 2B. Up 4-0, Griffith continued to control the Outlaws hitters facing the minimum to end the 3rd. In the top of the 4th the Royals were able to get a couple runners on base, but were unable to cash in. The bottom of the 4th was more of the same, but Kevin Ashworth was able to record the first hit of the game for the Outlaws as he laced a sharp single in the hole, and would later reach second, but Griffith ended the threat with his 5th K. With the score still 4-0 the Boys in Blue added another as speedster Cadillac Reynolds reached on a BB, and would commit back-to-back crimes stealing second and third and would score off an Ailes single. The Royals were up 5-0, but lost Ailes to a Hammy pull as he stretched his single into 2-bagger on a throwing error. In the bottom half of the 5th the Outlaws would plate their first run of the game as Ryan Benkert started off with a 2B and later scored off a Slonaker single. Entering the 6th, with a score of 5-1, and some batting changes, the Boys in Blue plated 4 runs. Eric Jameson plated the first 2 runs off his first single of the season, and back-to-back triples by Duffy and Reynolds would score Jameson and Duffy. Down 9-1 the Outlaws proved they still had some fight and weren't going to let the Royals just have the game as they had their most productive inning of the game plating 3 runs of their own bringing the game tally to 9-4. As the Royals couldn't muster any more runs over the final 3 innings the Outlaws managed to chip away bringing the game within 3 entering their half of the 9th. In the bottom of the 9th, Royals starter Griffith (8IP, 11 K's) gave way to rookie closer Kyle Ubinger looking for his 2nd save in 2 appearances. With all the adrenaline flowing, Ubi handed out a free pass to Ryan Benkert to start off the bottom of the 9th who made it to 3rd after a SB and WP. Ubi recorded a strikeout, before the Outlaws would plate Benkert on a Sac Fly. With 2 outs, and up 9-7, Ubi got the ball he wanted as he got Outlaws third baseman Justin Turton to end the game with a flyout to center recording his 2nd save and securing the Win for Griffith.
Recaps for Sunday May 13, 2007:
"Astros hand Indians First Loss, Win 14-8"
Players of the game: Brian Girard/Astros
Astros - The game started promising enough for the Indians as a combination of solid Indian hitting and poor Astro defense saw the Indians take a 6-0 lead through the first 3 innings off of Astro ace Brian Girard. Meanwhile the Indians starter set the first 9 Astros down in order. However the 4th inning saw the Stros bats finally come alive plating 5 runs to cut the lead to 6-5. As the momentum started to shift the Astro defense settled in behind their Ace and the offense continued to pile on runs. By the middle of the 7th the Astro lead had built to 13-6. The Indians would add a run in the 7th to cut the lead to 13-7 but that was as close as it would get. Both teams added one more run in the 8th before Brian Girard finished his complete game victory for the Astros 14-8. Brian threw a complete game allowing just 4 earned runs in 9 innings of work. Adam Stewart, Gregg Foster, Taylor Nakamura and Evan Tennery all had 2 hits on the Day for the Astro offense.
"Royals beat Rangers 15-12"
Players of the game: Jonmarc Lippincott/Rangers
Rangers - Read More..
Recaps for Sunday May 6, 2007:
"Panthers Win First Game, 14-8 in 10 innings"
Players of the game: PJ Dobbins, Steve Murphy/Astros
Astros - After the Astros played without error the previous week, the defense would struggle mightily in this one. The first inning set the tone as the Stros would commit 5 errors and allow 4 unearned runs. The defensive woes continued throughout the day and as the Panthers continued putting the ball in play and making the plays defensively on their side of the ball they built an 8-5 lead going into the bottom of the 9th. The Astros finally showed signs of life in the 9th rallying to tie the game at 8 and send this one to extra innings. But the combination of Panther hitting and Astro errors made for a huge 10th inning for the Panthers as they pulled away and took the win 14-8 in 10 innings. Steve Murphy pitched 9+ innings striking out 10 batters and allowed just 3 earned runs. PJ Dobbins led the offense for the Astros going 3 for 4 with 2 doubles and 2 runs scored.
Panthers - The Panthers came away with a win in the first of their 2 games sunday.The Panthers came out strong scoring 4 runs in the top of the first and stopping the Astros opening attack at the plate.The mood in the dugout changed when an Astro rally in the 3rd took away the lead and put the Panthers down 1. But solid pitching from former Angels pitcher Jeff Cherry carried a close fight into the 7th.Still down 1 the Panthers started their rally with a lead off single by shortstop Jeremy Kilgore and a sac bunt by Damon Barr that landed the two on 2nd and 3rd after a throwing error. Then with one out Ryan Diehl singled up the middle to tie the game.3rd baseman Doc Hayes then drove a single to opposite field to give the Panthers the lead.Two more Panthers scored to make the score 8 to 5.But the Astros wouldnt go away and tied the game up 8 to 8 in the bottom of the 9th.Not wanting another extra innings game to slip through their fingers the Panthers went ahead 14 to 8 and held on as Damon Barr closed the door for the win.
"Indians in First Place with 14-8 Win"
Players of the game: Joey Herren/Indians
Indians - Early Sunday morning, the Springfield Indians and the Kettering Royals squared off in a showdown for sole possession of first place in the MVABL. Taking the hill for the Indians was former Royals player Phil Beach, and for the Royals it was off-season acquisition Greg Perkins. Those expecting a pitchers’ duel were to be disappointed though, as the teams would combine for 22 runs on the day. The Tribe would draw first blood, scoring 3 runs on the first after Josh Wick and Joey Cherry reached and then scored on a Danny Colella single. The Indians would score two more runs in the second after Wick drew his second walk, Colella reached on an error, and Herren doubled to drive them in. Timely hits in the top of the third from Indians Ryan Kretizer and Joey Cherry would bring home three more runs to make the score 9-0, but the Royals answered with a run of their own following a TJ Dean single and a Nathan Schwab RBI single. The Indians added one run in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings, but the Royals bats began to catch fire. The Royals scored two in the fifth off RBI singles from Chad Campbell and TJ Dean. They would get two more in the sixth after Kevin Reynolds laced an RBI triple. Sensing he didn’t have much left in the tank, Beach sent the call to the pen and brought in the big righty, Chris Mills, to preserve the lead. Mills would fall victim to some mediocre Indians defense and surrendered three runs, but only one earned. The Indians did their best to get behind their closer, scoring three more runs to give the big man a little insurance. Mills was able to help the Indians preserve the lead, and hold on for important 14-8 win against their rivals. The Indians attack was led by Joe Herren (4-6, 2B, 3B, 4 RBI), Danny Colella (3-6, 2B, 3 RBI, 3 R), and Joey Cherry (2-5, 3 R, 2 RBI). The 1-4 batters did most of the damage for the Tribe, going 11-21 with 11 runs scored, 9 RBI, and 8 SB.
"Rangers Shut Out Panthers, 12-0"
Players of the game: Jacob Robinson/Rangers
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"Rangers Defeat Outlaws 7-4"
Players of the game: Pitching staff/Rangers
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Recaps for Sunday April 29, 2007:
"Indians score 7 in 9th, win 11-5"
Players of the game: Joe Staten/Rangers
Rangers - Read More..
"Astros Outslug Outlaws 16-10"
Astros -
With a rainy day field change, the Astros and Outlaws faced off in a wild one at
the friendly confines of Rotary #2. The short porch made for an exciting and
wild game. Astro Ace Brian Girard took the mound for the Stros and found out in
the first that the key to winning this one would be keeping the ball down. The
Outlaws jumped up early plating 4 runs in the top of the first highlighted by a
3 run homerun by cleanup hitter Rick Anderson. The Stros would battle back in
the bottom half of the inning scoring 3 runs, with back to back homeruns by
Gregg Foster and Scott Jones. After Blanking the Outlaws in the second, Rob
Johnson's solo Homerun tied the game at 4. Both teams would add a run in the
third to keep the game tied at 5 all. It was the bottom of the 4th when The
Astros made their move with homeruns by PJ Dobbins and Mike Leach the Stros
plated 7 runs to take a 12-5 lead. The Outlaws plated two more in the 5th to cut
the lead to 12-7. The score remained 12-7 until the bottom of the 7th when the
Stros scored 4 more runs, 3 of which came off a homerun by Astro Rookie Adam
Stewart. Astro Reliever Mike Leach took over for the Stros in the 8th with a
16-7 lead and was greeted by a pair of homeruns from Outlaws Freddy White and
Justin Turton to cut the lead to 16-10. But thats where the madness would end,
Final Score Astros 16 Outlaws 10.
"Royals Offense Shines with 25-3 over Panthers"
Royals -
The Royals faced off Sunday against the newly restructured Dayton Panthers in their first meeting of the season. The Royals were coming off an 11 inning, 7-hit marathon and were looking to stay on track. Kevin Reynolds made his first start for the Royals throwing a 7 inning CG, with 3 K’s & 2 ER. The Royals offense kept Reynolds cool and stress-free on the mound as they came out swinging against Panther starter Damon Barr collecting 12 runs over the first two innings on 15 hits. The offense didn’t stop there as the Boys in Blue continued to spread the ball around the field posting runs in all 6 innings. Everyone contributed at the plate, but honorable mention to Jason Griffith (5-5 / 5 runs / 5 RBIs), Shawn Rudegeair (4-5 / 5 RBIs), & Matt Haver knocked out 4 hits plating 6 RBIs bringing his season total to 7 tying his SEASON total from 2006. Defensively the Royals turned a pair of double plays and almost recorded a third, and held the Panthers hitless until the 6th inning where the Panthers were able to collect a couple hits and plate some runs. But on the day the Royals offense rebounded from their 7-hit performance against the Rangers, going 30-for-46 as a team.
Recaps for Sunday April 22, 2007:
"Royals Win in 11"
Players of the game: Jason Griffith - Royals/Reis Pearson - Rangers
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"Indians Win Opener 11-8"
Players of the game: Scott Jones - Astros/Phil Beach - Indians
Astros - With the weather finally cooperating, the 2007 season kicked off Sunday as the Astros took on the Indians. Steve Murphy took the mound for the Stros and after working a perfect first inning saw his team give him an early 2-0 lead in the bottom half of the inning on RBI singles by Gregg Foster and Dustin Vincent. The Indians then got on the board in the third plating two of their own and tied the game at 2-2. As the momentum started to shift, the Indians bats caught fire and by the 6th inning had built a 10-2 lead. The Astros plated two more in the 6th to cut the deficit to 10-4 on a 2-out single by Scott Jones. The Indians then added yet another run to run the tally to 11-4. The Astros battled back in the 8th scoring 4 runs to cut the lead to 11-8 but that's as close as it would get. The Indians' Phil Beach picked up the win and collected 4 hits on the day. Leading the way for the Astros offense was Newcomer Scott Jones who was 4 for 5 with 2 RBI and 2 SB. Gregg Foster worked 3-2/3 innings on the mound and allowed just 1 run while striking out 6.
"Outlaws Spoil Panthers Opener, Win 10-7 in 12"
Players of the game: Brad Shaeffer - Panthers
Panthers - The Dayton Panthers debut against the Outlaws was a hard fought game. Down 5 to 1 in the 7th inning the Panthers rallied to tie the game. In the 9th the Outlaws took the lead 6 to 5 only to have the Panthers tie it in the bottom of the inning. A scoreless 10th only left more drama. The Outlaws once again took the lead in the 11th and the Panthers came back to tie it up again. An error filled 12th allowed 3 Outlaw baserunners to score putting them up 10 to 7. With one more chance the Panthers could not answer. The Panthers player of the game was Brad Shaeffer who went 3-for-6 with a pair of stolen bases.
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