After a combination of a busy work schedule, plenty of softball, learning a new website, vacation, and various family commitments, the Braves are finally ready to catch up on game summaries from the first 2 weeks of the season.

 

Game 1: 

 

Brumley’s Braves 15 @ Kravitz’s Rangers 17

 

The Braves came out tomahawking to begin the season and jumped out to a quick 10-1 lead after a string of hits throughout the lineup, including a Tim Kaminski mammoth HR.  However, during the bottom the of 3rd, the skies got dark, the lights were inexplicably turned off, and the shine of the new season quickly wore off as the Braves had a couple of ugly innings to turn the game around.  After giving up 16 unanswered runs, the Braves made a comeback of their own but came up just short as the game ended on a Doug Kramer smash that was caught on the warning track with the bases loaded.  

 

Matt Brumley: 2 for 2, 2B, 2 BB, 2 R, 2 RBI

Tim Kaminski: 3 for 4, HR, 2 R, 4 RBI

Zach San Roman (TSSL debut week): 2 for 3, 2B, R, RBI

Karlos Rodriguez: 2 for 3, 2 2B, 3 R, RBI

Dustin Madlock: 2 for 2, BB, 2 R, RBI

Tony Lowery: 3 for 3, 2B, 2 R, 4 RBI

 

Game 2:

 

Eusay’s Tigers 10 @ Brumley’s Braves 14

 

The Braves took out their frustrating opening game loss on the Tigers in game 2 with a strong showing from start to finish.  The Braves struck early and often with 6 in the 1st and played much better defense in this game to claim the victory.  This was a balanced offensive attack, highlighted by an Omar Gonzalez fence HR, with Jason Chapman making a do-or-die diving catch to end the game.

 

Matt Brumley: 2 for 3, 2 R

Tim Kaminski: 3 for 3, 2 R, RBI

Jason Chapman: 2 for 3, 2B, 2 R, 3 RBI, outstanding diving catch for the final out

Doug Kramer (TSSL debut week): 2 for 3, 2B, 2 R, RBI

Zach San Roman (TSSL debut week): 1 for 1, 3B, BB, SF, 2 R, 2 RBI

Kevin Knox: 1 for 2, huge bases loaded 3B, BB, 2 R, 3 RBI

Omar Gonzalez (TSSL debut week): 2 for 3, HR, R, RBI

 

Week 1 POW: Tony Lowery – 3 for 5, 2B, BB, 2 R, 4 RBI

Week 1 ROW: Omar Gonzalez – 3 for 6, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI

 

Game 3:

 

Lachman’s Royals 14 @ Brumley’s Braves 3

 

The Braves laid an egg in this one.  With the score tied 2-2 in the 3rd, the team started to crumble by giving up 6 runs with 2 outs.  The Royals never looked back, cruising to an easy victory as the Braves bats never woke up aside from 2 for 2 showings from Tim Kaminski (including a HR) and Jason Chapman.

 

Tim Kaminski: 2 for 2, HR, 2B, 2 R, RBI

Jason Chapman: 2 for 2, 2B, 2 RBI

Omar Gonzalez: 1 for 2, 3B

 

Game 4:

 

Brumley’s Braves 12 @ Nutt’s/McDonald’s Cubs 20

 

Despite putting up 7 in the top of the 1st, the Braves couldn’t finish this one out as a combination of defense (despite 2 great diving catches in RCF by Jason Chapman), walks, umpires, and Cubs bats got in the way.  With a 9-5 lead going into the 4th, the Braves allowed 10 and 5 runs over the next 2 innings, respectively.  The bats couldn’t muster enough to make up for the difference in the end.  On a positive note, rookie Doug Kramer smashed his first TSSL HR and Kevin Knox went 3 for 3 with his usual great defense.

 

Ashley Mort (sub): 2 for 3, R

Matt Brumley: 2 for 2, 2 2B, BB

Jason Chapman: 2 for 3, 3 R, RBI

Doug Kramer: 2 for 3, HR, 2B, 2 R, 4 RBI

Kevin Knox: 3 for 3, 2B, 2 R, RBI

Karlos Rodriguez: 2 for 3, 2B, R, RBI

Gustavo Chirinos: 2 for 3, 2B, R, 3 RBI

Omar Gonzalez: 1 for 2, BB, R, RBI

 

Week 2 POW: Jason Chapman – 4 for 5, 2B, 3 R, 3 RBI, solid defense in RCF (sacrificing his shoulder in the process)

Week 2 ROW: Doug Kramer – 2 for 5, HR, 2B, 2 R, 4 RBI

 

The Braves are looking to get things back on track in week 3 with a doubleheader in Plano.