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Temple Shalom Softball League

Captain's Corner

Captain's Corner

Dodger Captain promises all expenses paid trip to Cabo

By Kevin Knox 05/31/2023, 10:45pm CDT

Captain promises all expenses paid trip to Cabo for 2 wins and 2 losses

With the Playoffs looming in the not too distant future, the Captain ponders the team's playoff scenarios. After about 30 seconds the only scenario appears. Win 2 games and the Sea Wolves lose 2 and the number 2 seed is in Brooklyn. If that happens its Cabo for a month. So first up was the Brats from clan Buhrow. With the wind on field 2 blowing slightly out it looked to be set up for offensive game. Both Ariel Rodriguez and Abel Chavez had other ideas. First inning starts off moderately with both teams grabbing 2 to start. Rohit's leadoff single and Ryan Driggers dinger accounted for both of the Dodgers runs. Ariel and Leo Cova both had hits as well but were unable to cross home plate. Carlos Lopez grabbed a single in the second but no damage from either team was posted in the 2nd. The Brats managed another run in the third but the dodgers top it with a Rohit single and back to back doubles by Ryan and Ariel. A big inning became a possibility after Ariels 2b when both Jacob Stites and Matt Casey walked to load the bases but the captain came up short on knocking them in. After getting out of that inning the Brats seemed fired up and grabbed 5 runs in the 4th to take the lead. The Dodgers then tried to answer with Steve Enda and Dwayne Henson getting singles and Jay Swank drawing a walk to load the bases with only 1 out. Unfortunately for the Dodgers, some guy named Luke for the brats and made a great play for 2 outs ending the inning. The defense then started kicking in for the Dodgers and shut the Brats out for the rest of the game. Bottom 5 Kelly Stites leads off with a triple to get things started and is knocked in on Sac fly by Ariel. 3 more singles in the in the 6th for the Dodgers led to 0 runs. Dodgers are able to force a 7th inning with time running out. Jay walks and then Rohit singles. Kelly smacks a triple scoring both leaving the tying run on third and Ryan at the plate. Ryan then crushes one over the fence for the walk off 2 run HR.  Brooklyn wins 9-8. 1 win done and1 more to go to Cabo...

Bums

Ryan Driggers- 3-4 1 2B, 2HR, 3 R, 5 RBI

Rohit Gulhati- 3-4 3 1B, 3 R

Steve Enda- 2-3 2 1B

I must give props to Buhrows Brats as they took an out every 12th guy and played incredibly well despite this handicap.  

After escaping the grill of the Brats, the final game of the season approached. Cabo was in sight. The Grasshoppers arrived and immediately dropped 2. The Dodgers answered back with 2 of their own with another 2 run HR by Ryan. The Hoppers then grab 1 in the second. Matt and the Captain both walk but the team is unable to move them in the second. Hoppers grab 2 more in the 3rd. Jay and Rohit both single to start off the 3rd. Ryan knocks one in on a single and then Ariel rips one over the fence grabbing 3 RBI's. 6-5 Bums. Hoppers go scoreless in the 4th. The Captain leads off the inning with a pool cued shot that he hustles into a double. Then that Ortega guy makes a great play and promptly puts him in a pickle and then back to the bench. Field 2 has not been kind to the Captain. Exhausted from the pickle the Captain then messes up the books and somehow the Grasshoppers have 6 more runs in the next inning and somehow end up with 15 total for the day. During the 6th inning Jay and Kelly grabbed singles. Ryan singled one of them home and then Ariel hit another 3 run blast. In the final at bat for the Dodgers Carlos drew a walk and then Dwayne crushed one to deep left to score him. As Dodgers looked at the scoreboard they saw their dreams of Cabo dissipate. Only having 3 weeks off before the next game wasn't enough time to thoroughly vent the Cabo experience so reservations were canceled and practices were scheduled.  Grasshoppers win 15-11

Bums

Ariel Rodriguez- 2-3 2 HR, 2 R, 6 RBI

Ryan Driggers- 3-3 1 1B, 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 R, 4 RBI

Dwayne Henson- 2-3 1 1B, 1 2B, 1 RBI

Kilburn, Wu, Kaminski Power Royals to Second Division Title in 13 Years

By Larry Lachman 05/30/2023, 8:30am CDT

Red Sox split

By W Casper 05/28/2023, 2:30pm CDT

Red Sox prepare for the Minis

Game 1 saw the Sox host Kendall Anthony's high flying Seawolves. The Sox fell behind on 2 pitches with solo HRs from Drew Waggoner and Nick Barr but the Wolves would only score 1 more, unearned run, the rest of the game.  The The sox scored 1 in the home 1st  on Danny Cortez' run scoring 2B. The Sox scored 8 in the home 3rd for a p-3 lead. Matt Roth and Darryl Jones started the inning with singles, Jacob Forniglia singled in 1, Blake Jones hit a 3 run HR, Sub Ben Enlow followed with a solo HR, and after Jadon and Jarred Forniglia both reached on hits, Sub Mike Glossier 2b them both in, and the inning concluded with the captain hitting a run scoring 2B.  Blake would homer in the 4th and in the 5th, the Sox hit the run rule featuring a run scoring 2B by Glossier, a run scoring hit from Roth and Jacob walking it off with a bases loaded hit with 1 out and a 13-3 win.

Game 2 was a defensive affair with J C Burks Brewers beating the Sox 6-4. Mike Babb pitched and fielded phenomenally and despite a close, well played game by the Sox they could only muster 2 on a 2 run HR from Blake and run scoring 2b from Jarred and run scoring hit from Sean Harcourt. 

Notables: POW Blake Jones 5-7. 3 runs, 6 RBI, 3 HRs; POW Jarred Forniglia 4-6, 3 runs, RBI, 2B; POW Matt Roth 2 hits; Jacob Forniglia 4 hits; Danny Cortez 4 hits; Sean Harcourt 2 hits, BB; Sub Ben Enlow 5-7 HR ; Sub Mike Glossier 2 run scoring 2Bs; the captain 4 hits.

Royals Split Doubleheader, Clinch 2 Seed in Division and Set Up Epic Showdown

By Larry Lachman 05/23/2023, 8:15am CDT

Dodgers leave bats at home promptly get swept

By Kevin Knox 05/22/2023, 6:00pm CDT

The Dodgers have been playing with fire with late game comebacks the last few weeks. Today it bit them in the keister. Some great plays by the Mariners and Renegades shut down any would be rallies all day long. Combine that with some uncharacteristic defensive miscues and the Dodgers get swept. Kelly Stites and Ariel Rodriguez were perfect in the first game. Rohit Gulhati and Ryan Driggers managed 3 walks and 1 hit. Jacob Stites, Leo Cova, and Matt Casey all managed 1 hit that scored a run. John Hauf's masterful pitching and defense shut down the Dodgers in the final inning. Mariners win 7-6. Unfortunately for the Dodgers, things only got worse as the Calvano's Renegades were coming in hot after winning their first game and now in first place in the division. Lots of Defense and great Pitching on both sides. Ariel and Justin Howard only giving up 4 total runs through 5 innings without wind assistance. The wheels then came off for the Dodgers in the top of the 6th as a couple of miscues and some clutch hitting led to 6 runs for the Renegades. Renegades win 9-1. 

Bums...........

Red Sox split

By W Casper 05/21/2023, 2:30pm CDT

Red Sox unable to sweep, rally for split

The Red Sox hosted the Brats in a back and forth affair. The teams were tied at 4 through 3 innings. The Sox scored on a Joey Welter hit and s run scoring hit from Chris Licurse and SF from Matt Roth. After 3 innings the Sox trailed 6-3 but took a 7-6 lead through 4 innings featuring a 2 run 3B from Jarred  Forniglia and an rbi 2B from the captain. The Brats scored 3 in the top of the 5th but the Sox answered with 5 in the home 5th and a 12-9 lead. The inning  was ignited by a 3 run HR from Welter, and run scoring hits from Jarred and Jeremy Pease. Unfortunately the Sox ran into multiple outs in the inning and game and frittered a chance to push the lead. The Brats scored 5 in the 6th and held on for the 14-12 win over the disappointed Sox.

The Sox struggled in game 2 hosting the Legends. The Sox trailed 5-0 through 3 1/2 innings but climbed into the game with 4 behind a Blake Jones HR, A 2 run 3B from Jarred and SF from Pease. The Sox grabbed a 6-5 lead in the bottom of the 5th, on a 2 out run scoring hit from Darryl Jones and a run scoring 3B from Jacob Forniglia.  After the Legends tied it in the top of the 6th, the Sox scored the 4 winning runs on 3 run HR from Jadon Forniglia and run scoring 2B from the captain. The Legends were erased in the 7th with no runs and the Sox prevailed 10-6.

Notables: POW Jarred Forniglia 4-6. 2B. 2 3Bs, 4 RBI; POW Danny Cortez 4-6. 4 runs, 2B,3B; ROW Jadon Forniglia 5-6, 4 runs, 4 RBI, HR; Jacob Forniglia 4 hits, 3B, BB; Blake Jones 3 hits, 2B,HR,BB; Joey Welter 3 hits, 4 RBI, HR: Jeremy Pease 2-4, BB, SF, 2B; Sean Harcourt 2 hits, 2B, BB; and the Sox have 1 more weekend before the minis arrive.

 

Wu Hits for the Cycle as Royals Settle for Doubleheader Split

By Larry Lachman 05/14/2023, 4:15pm CDT

No Longer Roadkill - Flying Squirrels Push Winning Streak to Three Games

By Lazarus of Bethany 05/13/2023, 5:00pm CDT

       The 7-15 TSSL Flying Squirrels are going nuts and currently sport the second longest winning streak in the League after securing their first sweep of the year.  Masterful pitching by Defensive Player of the Week Mike "Sweet" Thiele, coupled with patience at the plate and timely hitting that fueled the offense, were the keys to the victories.  While the Minis are their destiny, the Squirrels are looking to be a spoiler as they sharpen their claws and dream of joining the Big Boy Playoffs. 

    The Opener was against the visiting Alford's Theater Iron Pigs.  After the Pigs managed a run in the top of the first, the Squirrels scurried their way to 6 in the bottom of the frame.  Five different players knocked in the six runs, highlighted by Dalton "Gang" Underwood's 2-run triple.  Four of the five hits in the inning were of the extra-base variety.  After a scoreless second for the Piggies, the Squirrels' Super Sub, Louis "Good as" Goldfader, scored on a Scott Chaddick "insert your own immature joke here" sacrifice fly. Both offenses could only manage a run apiece from there, until the Pigs scored a couple of runs in the seventh to make it respectable, 8-4.  Offensive Player of the Week candidate, Sheldon "Shelly Belly" Fulton, went 2 for 2 with a walk, RS & RBI. 

    The Nightcap was against the visiting "Buy a Vowel" Dlott Dragons.  This was a real nail biter.  The Dragons scored 2 in the top of the first and the Las Ardillas scratched back a run in the bottom of the frame. Things took an ominous turn after a scoreless second, when the Dragons swooped in with a 3-spot.  The Squirrels got their own 3-spot, courtesy of back-to-back triples by Brian "Saul" Ozgood and Tim"buktu" Jamieson.  That inning was so good, the teams did it twice, as they traded 3-spots in the fourth inning, as well.  Scott "Free" Chaddick's 2-out, 2 run single made it 8-7 Dragons after four.  A Tim"ber" Jamieson bomb in the bottom of the six knotted things at 8.  A scoreless top of the sixth brought the Squirrels up in bottom of the inning in a tie game and the clock at zeroes.  The decisive rally started with an Omar"velous" Ovalle walk, a Robert Santiago"nuts" single, and a John "F" Unell walk, setting the stage for Sheldon "Steamboat" Fulton's game-winning sacrifice fly.

Deez Nuts Award Winners of the Week:
Offensive POW: Sheldon Fulton - 2 for 3, 2 RS, 3 RBI, (2) SF, (2) BB & GWRBI
Defensive POW: Michael Thiele - Outstanding pitching in the doubleheader

Dodger bats wake up too late for Game 1 but just in time for Game 2

By Kevin Knox 05/09/2023, 3:15pm CDT

Bats wake up too late for Game 1 but just in time for Game 2

Sea Wolves 8 Dodgers 6

Another big time matchup between 2 top teams this year. Sea wolves looking to gain ground and take the tie breaker into the post season. Unfortunately for Dodgers that's exactly what they did. The Dodgers being the home team this time lead the game through 3 inning 1-0 on an Ariel Rodriguez single that scored Ryan Driggers who had doubled earlier. Then the bats came alive for Kendal's squad with a couple of hits and a couple of bombs Ryan Richardson and Nick Barr to go up 5-1. John Banta took advantage of an interesting strike zone all day as he befuddled most of the Dodger lineup and he did so for 2 more inning before the Dodgers started to put things together. The sixth inning rolled around and the Sea Wolves dropped in another 2 runs on a super sub Hayden Trainer bomb. That seemed to wake up the Dodgers as they would drop 3 in the bottom of the inning on a Jay Swank single, Aaron Holmes walk and Ryan 3 run bomb.7-4 Sea Wolves going into the 7th. Sea Wolves added another insurance run in the 7th to make it 8 -4. In that never give up spirit the Dodgers have been showing all year they began to stir. Jacob Stites led the inning with a walk and Leo Cova bumped him over with a single. Matt Casey then promptly smacked a single scoring Jacob. After an out by the Captain, Carlos Lopez singled in another run. After a fielder's choice, Dwayne Henson drew another clutch walk. Jay Swank then came to the plate with the bases loaded and the tying run on 2nd. He rips a single to RCF to apparently roll the lineup over and get the tying run on 3rd and the walk off run on 2nd. Unfortunately Jay hit it too hard and a heads up play by Grayson Vick threw out the runner going to 2nd taking away Jay Swanks perfect day and an RBI to boot.

Bums

Ryan Driggers- 3-3 1B,2B,HR, 2 R, 3 RBI

Jay Swank- 2-3 2 1B

 

Dodgers 11 Legends 7

Just when the Dodgers bats were waking up, the first game ended and then the dreaded split. The bats went to sleep again to start the game and stayed asleep for the first 5 inning. Kelly Welton took advantage of another interesting strike zone and shut the Dodgers down. The legends on the other hand came out hot and dropped 4 in the first. As the Dodger D does, it then proceeded to lock down the legends until later in the game(insert Captain forgetting to put in other teams runs by inning in the book).  The sixth inning rolled around and the Dodgers woke up and dropped a touchdown and an extra point to take the lead. As usual the bottom took the lead in bringing us back to life. Steve Enda drew a walk, Dwayne ripped a single, Jay Swank  got his 4 single of the day. Aaron then grabbed a 2 RBI double, Ryan was walked to load the bases, then Ariel joined the party with an RBI single himself. Jacob smacked one to RF that was mishandled and a run scored. Leo then ripped a double scoring 2 more. The Captain added 1 more with a Sac Fly. Dodgers took the lead 7-4 or 7-5 or 7-6. Whatever.  Up by 1 going into the seventh the visiting Dodgers tried to start another rally to put away the Legends. Jay Swank, Rohit Gulhati and Aaron Holmes all singled after 2 outs but the Legends pitching and D held. The Legends managed to tie the game up when a ball rolled their way out of the glove of a diving effort by Aaron. The pitching and Dodger D kept the winning runs off the plate and to 1 pitch extras it went. Top of the 8th the Dodgers got Jacob and Leo to single. With 2 outs the Captain drew a walk to load the bases Carlos the drew his own to get a RBI. Steve smacked a single for an RBI and Dwayne grabbed another clutch walk and RBI. Jay Swank ripped his last single of the day grabbing the 4th RBI of the inning. The Dodger pitching and D held up in the extra and nabbed themselves a win and a 3 way tie at the top of the standings.

Bums

Jay Swank- 4-4 4 1B, 1 Run, 1 RBI

Steve Enda 1-3 1 1B, 1 Run, 1 RBI

Kevin Knox 0-1 2 BB, 1 Sac,1 R, 1 RBI

Leo Cova- 2-4 1 1B, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 1 R

Dwayne Henson- 1-3 1 1B, 1 BB, 1 R, 1 RBI

Notes:

Jay Swank absolutely smacked the ball around today.

Jay Swank absolutely locked down 3rd base with diving plays in both fair and foul territory

Ariel pitched really well again...duh

The Captain almost got thrown out at first on ball hit foul to the fence that suddenly decided to go fair after he gave up on it. Bad example Captain. Hopefully Ryno didn't see that...

Jacob is everywhere in the outfield

Red Sox split against 2 playoff teams

By W C 2nd try 05/07/2023, 12:15pm CDT

Red Sox play 2 competitive contests

The Red Sox played Larry Silverman's Rangers and Kendal Anthony's Seawolves. This 2nd version is shortened after the typist erased an almost complete article.

The Red Sox beat the Rangers 15-5 featuring Jacob Forniglia going 3-3, BB, 2B, 4 runs, Blake Jones 4-4, 4 runs, 6 RBI, 2B, 2 2 run HRs, Joey Welter 2-3, 2B, 3 runb HR, Danny Cortez 3-3, 2 runs, RBI, 2B, Jadon Forniglia 2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, Jarred Forniglia 2-3, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, Jeremy Pease 2 hits and the key 2 out hit from Darryl Jones spurring the red Sox for 7 2 out runs in the home 4th.

Game 2 featured a master piece by John Banta and an 8-5 loss in a close 7 inning game. The Sox had contributions again from POW Blake Jones, 2-2, 2 2Bs, BB, Danny Cortez 2 hits, 2 RBI and 2 more hits from Jarred Forniglia but not quite enough.

Notables: POW Blake Jones 6-6, 5 runs, 6 RBI, BB, 3 2Bs, 2 HRs; POW Jacob Forniglia 4 hits, BB, 2B, 4 runs; POW Danny Cortez 5-6, 3 runs, 3 RBI, 2B; POW Jarred Forniglia 4 hits, 2B, HR , 3 RBI; ROW Jadon Forniglia 3 hits, 2 runs, 2 RBI, 2B; Joey Welter, 2 2Bs, HR; Darryl Jones 2 hits. 

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lugnuts week 2

game 1 tarpons vs lugnuts 14-10 loss

game 2 dragons vs lugnuts too much to not enough

We scored more runs in either game than all of last week combined.  Sadly it was not enough to pull off a win.  Super Subs Matt Ruckel, Mike Glosier, and Rodney McClure were great additions to help fill in some missing nuts.  Brian Smallz stepped up big time and slid into the leadoff spot and showed he as what it takes to continue to lead the team at the plate going 4-6 with 4 runs scored on the day.  Darius Wu was on fire with 4 homers and a triple/shalom inside the park homerun while going 6-6.  Freddy Baerez showed real athleticism by playing 4 different positions on the day and flashed his speed in the outfield.  John Braun smashed a double in game one.  Chris peterson hit for extra bases in both games with a double and a triple helping sky rocket his slugging percentage and earn a POW nomination.  And last but not least everyones favorite 11 who falls to the 12th Jeremy Turbo Golden went 2-4 and played through injury after getting hit by a wild throw to first in his first at bat.  Not the result we wanted but the awesome attitudes of Freddy B. and John B. kept the dugout upbeat and ready for the next challenge.

Around the Pond

The Ducks had a tough day at the park, but have several bright spots to build upon.

Game 1 vs Carvers 66ers.

Sub Kyzer Hoover played well all day long, and he performed admirably in the first game.  Any ball hit in his direction was gobbled up and his offense came through in the clutch.  Jacob Stites showed his speed in the outfield, making play after play, while Kelly Stites got on base with every opportunity he had.  The Ducks fought from behind to take a late lead heading into the final frame.  

Game 2 vs Banta's Blue Rocks

For reasons that baffle Banta still, someone decided to send him home on a hit to Kelly Stites in right field.  After watching the younger Stites flex his defensive chops in game 1, Kelly decided to show he still has the skills by throwing out Banta at home.  The Ducks outfield defense continued to be a strong suit of the team with Rohit Gulhati showing plenty of range in left field, making plays both on the line and in the gap.  David Fiorello toughed out back pain to play solid defense at SS.  Oh, and Justin Reed hit a Grand Slam.  The heat definitely got to this Duck towards the end of the game, as I had to enlist the much younger Jacob Stites to keep the positive voices going while I tried to cool down.

LUGNUTS WEEK 1

Blue Rocks vs Lugnuts

10-4 loss field 2.

Everyone's favorite team fell short this week to the Blue rocks.  Although we lost we did have a few shining moments.   Star handicapping goomba David Shaw was 3-3 with half the teams Rbi in the contest.  Fast Fingers Freddy was a wall at third making people question if Brumley is still the best glove in the league.  Brian Smallz was an inspiration as he lead off the 6th with hustle and later scored our first run of the season.    Johnathon Braun showed his versatility when he rotated positions mid inning to move from outfield to first base and later hit a seed in the 6th inning.  Doug "Iron Man" Wolff was pulled into the baseline by a throw from Chuck Knoblauch causing him to get trucked by the quick hustling blue rock.  Doug would later come up to the plate and blast the ball deep into the wind about 285' showing everyone that he is the not a man that gives up easy.  Chris Peterson let everyone know that the lugnuts won't be shut out as he hit an RBI sac fly to give the good guys their first run of the season.  Jeremy Turbo Golden lead off the top of the first to spark a rally that led to 3 runs in the inning.    

Game 2 66ers VS lugnuts

14-4 Loss

I would like to say that this game was a lot of back and forth but that just wont be true.  Two runs by each team in the first and then a go ahead run in the 2nd left the lugnuts feeling like they had righted the ship.  Good defense by the 66ers and the lugnuts hitting ATOM balls the rest of the game lead to the 66ers running away with a victory.   

Lets turn the page and see some of the silver lining from the game.  Sean Greeley lead the team in hitting going 3-3 with a double.

Jose Baho worked a walk, hit a double, and fielded 1.000 for the day.

Darius Wu hit 1.000 with 2 sacs and did Wu like things in LCF.

Jason Niswonger did not get his 1st baseman killed this game.

Smallz hit a triple to lead off the 2nd inning and showed great hustle.  That hustle later lead to a sac fly by Chris Peterson.

Braun made the best defensive play of the day on any field, yes better than tishindorf robbing the home run, as he came charging in with a fully body extension to catch a short hit pop up.

Travis Olander stepped up and played a great 1st base.

 Next week...WE WIN TWO!!!!!