Week 13

Thursday, October 29th: 10am

Nucci's 12 - Gaspar 9

As we enter the final 7 games of the season, two teams jockeying for the final position in the playoff race duked it out at Alga today. Nucci’s found some late magic in a come from behind win for a 12-9 victory.

Both defenses were solid as the game was 1-1 into the 4th inning before Gaspar erupted for 5. And of course, the “impossible out” Randy Baird was in the middle of it all with a 4/4, 3 doubles and a triple, 4 RBI day. But “middle of it all” might not exactly describe the ball he launched up past the Nimbostratus clouds. That ball disappeared for about 5 minutes and came plummeting back down to earth with pieces of the Starlink Satellite falling with it, sending Ukraine and McBarron into disarray. Baird was supported by Gordon Recht and super subs Andy Boyer and Bob Loporena who all went 3/4 as Gaspar took a 6-1 lead.

But Nucci’s was able to answer back as they found some lightning in a bottle with O’Dawg Castillo, Paul Wilson and Jeff Ledesma all hitting HRs while newcomer Greg Dehart added a bases clearing triple as Nucci’s scored 11 over three innings to grab a 12-9 lead after 8.

Other hitters for Nucci’s included Wilson and O’Dawgs 4/4, team McB combining for a 5/7 day, and Dehart’s 3/4. But any close game is determined by some important plays that don’t always get mentioned. Lil Keehan not only threw perfect strikes to the batters but twice fielded hot grounders and threw perfect underhanded strikes to 1st for the outs to go with the game winning single. Sub-Jerry Galiley made a nice twisting catch as a LF rover to quell a rally. And O’Dawg added to his hitting by snagging several nice balls in RF to keep Nucci’s in the game.

The teams thank Andy Boyer, Bob Loporena, Jerry Galiley, and Greg Dehart for subbing and Evy Schwartz for stepping up to make her home plate umpiring debut today.

Carlsbad Inn 15 - Village Pie Shop 13

Carlsbad Inn came from behind to win a close game against Village Pie Shoppe with a final score of 15 - 13 at Alga Norte field.

VPS started strong by plating 5 runs in the first inning and 4 more by the top of the fourth, leading 9 - 3. The Innkeepers put together several hits in the fourth inning to score 5. CBI scored 7 more runs over the next few innings to finally lead 15-11. VPS scored a run each in the 8th and 9th innings, resulting in the final score of 15 - 13. The game featured several good defensive plays, strong pitching, and excellent sportsmanship. The lowlights will go unmentioned :).

VPS had strong contributions throughout their lineup including Barry Stangl (4/5), Paul Pullin (3/5), Robert Kroger (3/5), Rick Shaw (4/5), Sheree Parsons (3/4, triple), and two hits each by Steve Wagner, Kathy O'Neill, and Kevin Lynch. Sheree, Robert and closer Michael Juditz all pitched well today. VPS thanks CBI for loaning 1-2 players during the game.

CBI was led by Larry Wadalavage (3/4), Randy Agadoni (3/4), our favorite sub Pat Steele (4/4), Ken Thompson (4/4), Jack Karson (4/4), and two hits each by Sean Skelton (plus a triple), Nanci Watt, Dennis Kemp, and Barb Pardo. Bob Baptista pitched another complete game win.

Pizza Port Brewery 10 - The Draft 6

PPB was held to its lowest total of runs this season by The Drafts tough defense lead by numerous great catches by Bob Porter and plays by Johnny Brand and pitcher Margo Jacobo, who was throwing her magic Halloween trick pitches.

PPB played their best defensive game of the season led by Tom Carney and the rest of its infielders, who turned 4 double plays and outfielders, who all caught numerous fly balls and by Super Sub Pitcher Russ Roopenian, who walked none while allowing only 15 hits.

Leading hitters for “The Draft” were Johnny Brand 4/4, Jeff Schneider 3/4, Rich Lavacot 2/4 w/a 3 run homer, Steve Sexton & Cory Coast were both 2/4.

Leading hitters for PPB were Tom Carney 4/4 w/a double, homer & 2 RBIs and Andy Balas 4/4 w/a double, homer & 4 RBIs. Bob Manchester was 3/4. Jim Goertzen, Jack Schwarzel, Tom Redmon, Russ Roopenian and Pam Stewart each had 2 hits. Phillip Urbina added a 2-run homer.

The Draft was winning 5-4 entering the bottom of the 6th when PPB scored 5 runs.

Both teams would like to thank Dennis O’Hern for umpiring a great game and hustling out to the pitchers mound to get a good look at the play before making a call.

That Pizza Place 19 - Carlsbad Police Assoc 18

TPP hosted CPA at "The Field of Errors" (aka Calavera 2) today. However imperfect, it was a very exciting game.

The Coppers made it clear from the jump they planned to circle the bases, and put up a quick 5 ... but The Pizza Phlippers counter-punched right back to tie it. Back and forth the teams battled, with the largest differential being a mere 4 runs in the 3rd and 4th innings.

The CPA hit parade was led by Mark Riserbato (3/4, 5 RBIs), Keith Richards (3/3, 2 RBIs), Robert Liles (3/4, 2 RBIs), Jeff Payton and Craig Wheatcroft (both 3/4, RBI), and Dan Griffin (2/3. 2 RBIs).

The TPP Player of the Game was Blaine Bromwell (5/5, 2 RBIs). Supporting cast members were Honey Peterson (4/5, 3 RBIs), John Rosser (3/4, 3 RBIs), Bill Ginty (4/5, RBI), super-sub Dave Surh (3/5, 3 RBIs), Bob Tompkins (3/5, RBI), and Ed Silva (3/4). Super-sub Scott Carter chipped in with 2 hits, and Bill Mead came up huge in the 8th with a clutch 2 out/2 run double.

Defense ... let's think on that for a bit ... yes there was some defense including a few key double plays and some nice outfield catches on both sides ... but Calavera usually takes a few pints of blood each game and this one was true to form.

Both teams split the pitching duties; Steve Berry and Teddy Badillo for CPA, and Mike Berry and Dave Surh for TPP.

TPP wishes to thank Scott Carter and Dave Surh for subbing, and both teams wish to thank Janet Wood for a fine job umpiring.

Bye: Worden Williams

Plotkin Group

Tuesday, October 27th: 10am

Pizza Port Brewery 20 - Village Pie Shop 9

Pizza Port Brewery continued its torrid hitting, amassing 32 hits to power its way to a 20-9 win over Village Pie Shop. The win kept Pizza Port at the top of the standings with eight regular season games remaining.

The Brewers scored in every inning but one, and every player on the team had at least one hit. Defensively, the Brewers had three double plays to end several VPS threats.

Pizza Port was cruising along with a 20-3 lead before VPS scored six runs in the eighth inning, including a home run by Paul Pullin, that made things interesting. But the Brewers' defense stiffened in the ninth to seal the win.

Tom Carney led the PPB hitting attack with four hits, including a home run and two doubles to drive in five runs and score five runs. Philip Urbina was 5-for-5, and Andy Balas and Tom Redmond had four hits apiece. Mark Lecklider, Jack Schwarzel, and Brenda Lehman each had three hits. Jim Goertzenz, Mark Lehman, and sub Ron Silverman had two hits each.

Sub Steve Sexton pitched a great game for the Brewers, which included a pair of outstanding defensive plays as well.

Manager Barry Stangl led the VPS hitting attack with a 4-for-4 day and three runs scored. Dario Santa and Robert Kroger had three hits each. Pullin, Rick Shaw, Martin Wai, Sheree Parsons, and Kathy O’Neil contributed two hits each.

Worden Williams 18 - That Pizza Place 18

TPP Battles WW to an 18-18 Tie with a 9th Inning Comeback

Another beautiful fall day on Alga 2 saw That Pizza Place hosting Worden Williams on Alga 2. The Dubs came out hot with 5 in the 1st and 4 more in the 3rd, answered only by a solo run in the 2nd and 2 in the 4th as TPP hitters sent fly ball after fly ball into waiting outfield gloves.

The Dubs added another 4 in the 5th and it started to feel like a potential rout ... but TPP rallied for 8 in the bottom half, 13-11 Dubs. The Dubs added 5 more the rest of the way, and held a 5 run advantage through the top of the 9th. TPP hitters answered the call, however, pushing 5 across and threatening for more; but fell short to close out at 18-18.

Bob Loperena led the attack for the Dubs, going 5/5 with 2 HRs and 6 RBIs, followed by Dave Ash (3/3, 4 RBIs), Dennis "Papa" O'Hern (3/4, 2 RBIs), Cord Cameron (3/3, 2 RBIs), Joe Uribe (2/3, 2 RBIs), and Brian Turner (2/3, RBI). Roney Lewis (4/5, HR, 2 RBIs) led the way for TPP, followed by Bob Tompkins (4/5, RBI), Bill Ginty (3/4, 3 RBIs), Blaine Bromwell (3/4, 2 RBIs), and Saul Gebhart (3/5, RBI). Honey Peterson and Mike Berry chipped in with 3 RBIs each.

Defensive highlights include a great stop of a scorched line drive (a sure HR otherwise) by Joe Uribe in left center, very nice running catches by Erin Spoden and Honey Peterson in left, and Bill Ginty's "climb the ladder' snag of a hot shot at 3rd.

David Suhr pitched a complete game for the Dubs, and Mike Berry and Jimmie Martin shared the mound for TPP.

TPP wishes to thank Rich Lavacot and Jimmie Martin for subbing.

The game was self-umpired with excellent sportsmanship all around.

Nucci's 15 - Carlsbad Police Assoc 14

It was a tightly contested, well played game out at Calavera today as Nucci’s got a 2 out single in the bottom of the 9th from Tom Benacka to bring home the winning run as Nucci’s escaped with a 15-14 win over Carlsbad Police.

The seesaw affair started with CPA taking 2-1 and 3-2 leads after 3 innings with John Symanski having a perfect 4/4 6 RBI day. Nucci’s came back to tie it at 5 on a Kevin McBarron 4/5 triple driving in Paul Wilson 4/5 4 times in the game.

With the zero’s piling up in this defensive battle it looked like CPA may have been pulling away when they scored 4 runs to go up 9-5. Robert Liles, Keith Richards, and Karl Stern all had 3/4 days while Mark Riserbato peppered the ball around with 4 hits as Nucci’s escaped multiple bases loaded jams to stay close. Then it was Nucci’s turn as they scored 5 to take a 10-9 lead with Jeff Ledesma, Oscar Delgado, and Al Cabacungan all going 3/4 to send a tight game into the 8th.

CPA added 4 in the 8th as Jeff Payton 3/4 capped the rally with a clean single. But in what turned out to be a big play, RCF Delgado came up throwing and threw a runner out at the plate to keep the 5th run from getting on the board. That left it 14-10 as Nucci’s had 2 runners aboard when Oscar Castillo delivered with a bases clearing triple to get Nucci’s to within 14-13. After surviving another bases loaded jam in the top of the 9th, Nucci’s entered the bottom of the 9th down 1 with the bottom three coming up.

Jimmy Smyth wasted no time drilling a leadoff single. Lil Keehan who pitched another gem and had 2 hits’, moved the runner over with a well-placed grounder. Paul Wilson tied it with a 2 out double, and after a walk, Tom Benacka spun his magic, lacing a first pitch liner for the game winner.

The teams thank Greg Dehart for subbing and Bobby Porter for umping.

Carlsbad Inn 13 - Plotkin Group 5

While Plotkin Group is cruising to the playoffs with nine games left, the Carlsbad Innkeepers badly needed a win to stay relevant in the chase. So, CBI put together one of their best games in a while to win 13 - 5 at Pine Field under sunny blue skies. Both teams started strong: CBI scored 5 in the first, highlighted by Ken Thompson hitting a bases-loaded triple. PG answered with 3 of their own in the bottom half. CBI had another big inning in the 3rd, started by hits from Bob Baptista and Barb Pardo, followed by the top of the lineup knocking in 4 runs. PG was stifled for the next seven innings due to Bob's good pitching, numerous caught fly balls and pop-ups, and CBI's excellent defense. CBI went up 13 - 3 after 8 innings and PG finally scored a couple in the 9th for the final score.

PG was led by sub Robert "too-fast" Tahimic (3/4), and Rick ("find a hole") Skidmore (2/3). Andy Boyer pitched very well and Kevin Davidge was stellar at shortstop.

CBI was led by Larry Wadalavage (4/4), Randy Agadoni (3/4), Ken Thompson (4/4, 2 triples, 5 RBIs and played a great first base), Nanci Watt (2/3, including a triple down the right field line), and Barb Pardo (2/3). CBI thanks Bill Rubin for subbing today and playing a great 2nd base. Defensive kudos to Frank Weishaar (back from the fjords) for snagging at least 6 fly balls in left field and to Sean Skelton in right center for making two spectacular catches. As usual, Bob Baptista pitched a great game after a shaky start with a couple of KOs to boot.

Both teams thank Greg Lorton for a fine job umpiring behind the plate.

Bye: The Draft

Gaspar

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