Senior Softball: Crazy Flamingo claims Gulf Coast title; Marco Division up for grabs
Crazy Flamingo won twice this week including a defeat of second-place Oyster Society and thereby clinched the regular season Gulf Coast Division title.
In the ultra-competitive Marco Division, Snook Inn, winner of two games this week, holds a slim one game lead over both Sandbar and Joey’s Pizza heading into the final week of the regular season.
Island Division champ Dolphin Tiki maintained a four-game lead over both the Salty Dog and Nacho Mama’s.
All teams continue to play for seeding in the upcoming double elimination tournament. For the complete, up-to-date results and standings, visit the league website at marcoseniorsoftballleague.com.
ISLAND DIVISION
Salty Dog, 17; Verdi’s, 10
Salty Dog got the ball rolling early with eight unanswered runs then continued to match Verdi’s run for run the rest of the way to claim the victory and remain in third place in the Island Division.
There were plenty of hitting heroes for the Dog, including Matt Evangelista (three hits, four RBIs), Bill Coyle (three hits, three RBIs), Bill Novakovich who was subbing for an injured Dog (four hits, two RBIs), Eric Phillips, Mike Gerace, and Dan Marinelli (three hits each), and Brian Alexander (two RBIs).
Todd Rogers lashed out three hits, Dave Mayo drove in three runs, and Dave Koch and Matt Minik each knocked in two for Verdi’s.
DaVinci’s, 14; Dolphin Tiki, 12
DaVinci’s set the tone early with five first inning runs highlighted by a two-run triple by Tom Polston, then increased the lead to 12-4 before Dolphin Tiki rallied late to get to within two runs but left the tying runs on base as the final out was recorded.
Polston finished the game with three hits including two triples and three RBIs to lead the DaVinci’s offense. Gary Revall, Doug Aksimit, and Tom Gazzillo all contributed three hits, with Gazzillo and Revall both driving in two runs, and Ed Adrian hammered a triple for the winners.
Bob Masulis led the Tiki with three hits, all doubles, and three RBIs. Scott Golan, Mike Faria, Tom DeAngelo, and Chris Flynn added three hits apiece, with Faria and DeAngelo knocking in two runs in the process.
Nacho Mama’s, 19; Speakeasy, 10
This was a see-saw affair that saw Nacho Mama’s open up a 9-3 lead, before Speakeasy came to life with six unanswered runs to tie the game at nine. Nacho’s then turned the game around as they pushed across ten unanswered runs over four innings to secure the win.
Eric Jeanotte finished the game a perfect four-for-four with two doubles and two RBIs to lead the 27-hit Nacho’s attack. He was supported by Frank Tedesco who blasted a home run and knocked in three, Mike Shone who had three hits and three RBIs, Paul Nussbaum with three RBIs, Jim O’Toole, Dick Nemmers, and Randy Sheridan with three hits apiece, and Dean Stone who crushed a triple.
Tom Vander Aarde blasted two triples as part of a three-hit, three RBI day for Speakeasy. Lou Marinaccio also had three hits and Mark Whealy added three RBIs in the contest.
Salty Dog, 13; Speakeasy, 10
Salty Dog erased an early 9-6 deficit with a five-run fifth inning and rode the slim margin to victory over Speakeasy. The decisive fifth, where all five runs scored after two were out, was highlighted by run scoring hits by Brian Alexander, Eric Phillips, Mike Schwab, and Joe Lazzarotti. The Dog then added two big insurance runs in the ninth inning on a run scoring triple by Mike Gerace and a sacrifice fly by Dan Marinelli.
Both Lazzarotti and Gerace finished the game with three hits and two RBIs, Alexander also had three hits, and Phillips was responsible for two runs for the Dog.
Jeff Robinson slashed four hits, and Mark Whealy and Joe Rocco added three for Speakeasy. Mike Compton drove in three runs, and Robinson and manager Tom Vander Aarde had two for the game.
DaVinci’s, 9; Nacho Mama’s, 8
In a low scoring affair, DaVinci’s grabbed an 8-2 lead in the sixth inning and made it hold up despite some late fireworks by Nacho Mama’s that left the tying run on second when the final out was recorded. The big inning in this one was the three-run fourth for DaVinci’s, featuring a run scoring single by John Haskins, and sacrifice flies by both Jack Martin and Wayne Bombaci.
Peter Kane had three hits to lead DaVinci’s, and Doug Aksimit helped the cause with two RBIs.
The Nacho’s offense was led by Ken Polarek who had three hits, Jim O’Toole who knocked in three runs, and Ed Seery who doubled and tripled in the contest.
Dolphin Tiki, 21; Verdi’s, 19
In a real slugfest where 40 runs and 59 hits were recorded, Island Division champ Dolphin Tiki was able to outlast tough-luck Verdi’s. Despite all the hitting, the defense was tremendous in this game as there were no errors made by either team.
Scott Golan put on an offensive clinic with three doubles and a booming home run along with four RBIs for the Tiki. Not to be outdone, Bob Masulis plastered the ball for five hits, including two doubles, and two RBIs, Sal Tidona had four hits, including three doubles, and two RBIs, Dan Gulick had four hits and three RBIs, and Dave Johnson also had four hits. Other contributions in this 33-hit attack for the Tiki came from Tom DeAngelo with three hits and three RBIs, manager Chris Flynn with three hits and two RBIs, and Bill Novakovich and Dan Harrar with two RBIs apiece.
Outfielder Mike Reale had a huge day for Verdi’s with six RBIs on a three-run triple and a two-run home run. Dave Mayo also had a big day with a three-run home run among four hits and five RBIs. Dave Koch pitched in with four hits, and John Kelly and Rob York added three. Kelly and John Stuart both drove in a pair of runs in the game.
MARCO DIVISION
Joey’s Pizza, 7; Stonewalls, 5
Led by manager Todd Whitney, Joey’s Pizza prevailed over tough luck Stonewalls, thanks to a three run seventh inning rally.
With the game tied at 4-4, Whitney ignited the uprising by smacking his third hit of the day, a clean single to rightfield. After Stonewalls recorded two outs, Steve Levesque laced a clutch single, scoring Whitney for a 5-4 Joey’s lead. Chuck Stathopoulos then drove in his second run of the day with another single and Tom Rensch finished the uprising with another hit, giving Joey’s a 7-4 lead.
Joey’s took an early 4-0 lead thanks in part to Warren Uhl’s extra base hit that scored two.
Dick Eddy paced the Stonewalls attack with three hits and three RBIs which included a bases clearing triple in the third inning, cutting Joey’s third inning lead to 4-3.
Snook Inn, 13; Sand Bar, 7
Snook Inn’s timely hitting broke open a tight game as it scored five runs in the fifth inning with two outs to pull away from Sand Bar.
Clinging to an 8-7 lead in the fifth inning, Snook’s Jim Dorey (three hits) lined a double for one run; rookie Don Palmer (two RBIs) drove home two more with line drive two bagger, good for an 11-7 Snook lead. Karl Kann (three RBIs) then boomed a two-run home run, capping the five run Snook rally and cementing the margin of victory.
Snook’s timely hitting started earlier in the game when Steve Friend (four RBIs) smacked a grand slam in the first inning, giving the Snook an early 5-0 lead. Teammates Chuck McAlpine and Bob Hermann contributed to the Snook offense with three hits apiece.
Despite the early deficit, Sand Bar battled throughout the game, thanks to timely hitting from Jon Krebs and John Binns who each had two RBIs, courtesy of run scoring doubles. Leadoff man Bobby Williams led Sand Bar’s hit parade with three knocks on the day.
Sami’s, 17; Brewery, 16
Sami’s saved the best for last, scoring seven runs in the seventh inning to prevail over Brewery.
Trailing 14-10 entering the top of the seventh inning, Sami’s Randy Wesolowski (three hits, two RBIs) ignited the comeback with a run scoring single; one batter later, Ray Capella (three hits, two RBIs) lined a double, scoring two more runs; George Giacobbi (three RBIs) tied the game at 14 with a run scoring single; Tom Whitlock (three hits-among them a triple-plus two RBIs) stroked a single, giving Sami’s the lead at 15-14; Mario Lucca then plated his second RBI of the day with a sacrifice fly. Jim Stewart completed the epic rally with an RBI single giving Sami’s a 17-14 advantage.
Brian Craig also contributed to Sami’s offense with three RBIs, two of which came on a two-run home run in the first inning.
Brewery had plenty of hitting stars to help it build the lead. Mark Waks had three hits including a two-run homer and a triple while driving in three; manager Jim Vitas had three hits, including a triple while totaling three RBIs; catcher Gary Menzies drove in three runs while his batterymate, pitcher Jim Cuevas, had three knocks and two RBIs. Shortstop Jon Wiseman drilled a home run to open the scoring for the Brew Crew.
Brewery, 15; Stonewalls, 14
Brewery’s Gary Menzies (four hits and three RBIs) capped an epic Brewery comeback with a line drive single scoring the winning run as the Brew Crew stunned Stonewalls by scoring seven runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to claim its eighth win of the season.
Trailing 14-8, Randy Morrison (two RBIs) sparked the Brew Crew rally with an RBI single. Paul Shelton (two RBIs) reached on an error that allowed two more runs to score, cutting Brewery’s deficit to 14-11. Brewery tied the game on another error and a fielder’s choice, setting the stage for Menzies to complete his perfect day at the plate with the winning hit. Brewery’s other hitting stars included Mike Sweeney, who was a perfect three for three at the plate and Murph Knapke, who also had three hits. Kevin Smith contributed two RBIs to the Brewery offense.
For tough luck Stonewalls, shortstop Jim Baumann led the offense with three hits and six RBIs. Support came from Dick Eddy and manager George Lancaster (three hits apiece) as well as John Sherwin, who plated two runs with a triple and pitcher Ed Kopecky who also had two RBIs. Dave Korte drilled a triple and scored three runs for Stonewalls.
Sand Bar, 18; Joey’s Pizza, 9
Sand Bar used a balanced offense and three big scoring innings to pull away from Joey’s Pizza to earn its eleventh win of the season.
Amassing 25 hits, Sand Bar’s attack was led by Jon Krebs (four hits and two RBIs) and John Binns, who also had four hits. Key contributors included: Gary Young (three hits and three RBIs, two of which rode home on his seventh inning triple, part of a seven-run outburst for the Sand Men that cemented the win); Jerry Engel (three hits and three RBIs) and pitcher Charlie Lamb, whose three run double in fifth inning gave Sand Bar a lead it never relinquished. Additional support came from Bobby Williams (three hits) and John Gross, two RBIs, delivered on a triple, part of a five run first inning for Sand Bar.
Despite the early deficit, Joey’s battled back. It was led by manager Todd Whitney (three hits) whose triple scored Paul Sullivan (who had a three-hit day) and Chuck Stathopoulos (two RBIs) whose line drive triple scored two, part of a five run third inning that gave Joey’s a temporary 7-5 lead.
Snook Inn, 21; Sami’s, 19
Snook Inn won its third straight game and moved into first place, edging Sami’s in a game that featured a bevy of hitting by both teams.
Karl Kann paced Snook’s attack, with three hits and four RBIs which included a two-run home run and triple. Other Snook’s hitting stars included: Chuck McAlpine (three hits-including a solo homer- and three RBIs); Jim Dorey (three hits and three RBIs) and Bob Bejnerowicz (three hits and three RBIs) that included a two run double in the seventh inning that provided the margin of victory for Snook. Support came from Gary Pringle and Jim George with three hits apiece while Geoff Bentley and Bob Hermann each had two RBIs. For the game, Snook pounded out 28 hits in earning its 12th win of the season.
Sami’s, meanwhile, was led by first baseman Ray Capella, who had four hits and two RBIs. Dean Leffleman also contributed with three hits and three RBIs which included a two run fifth inning double that brought Sami’s within one run at 19-18. Other hit parade members included: Randy Wesolowski (three hits and three RBIs); Ed Kingsbury (three hits and two RBIs) and Phil Holmes, who had three knocks. Brian Craig, Tom Whitlock, and Dick Carson each had two RBIs, part of Sami’s 26 hit barrage in the tough loss.
Sami’s, 14; Joey’s Pizza, 10
Sami’s erupted for five runs in the seventh inning, erasing a one run deficit, as it pulled to a .500 record at 9-9.
Mario Lucca started the rally for Sami’s with a pop fly that went for a triple. Jim Stewart (two RBIs) then lined another triple, tying the game at 10, and then scored on an error, giving Sami’s a lead they would not relinquish. Doug Stang (three RBIs) then delivered the dagger hit, as his pop fly single to the infield scored two runs, good for a 13-10 Sami’s lead, with Stang then scoring on another single to round out the rally by Sami’s. Earlier in the game, pitcher Ed Kingsbury helped his own cause by drilling a three-run home run that gave Sami’s an early lead.
Chuck Stathopoulos led Joey’s attack with three hits and five RBIs, two of which came when he lined a triple that gave Joey’s a 6-5 lead in the third inning. Steve Levesque chipped in with four RBI’s including two on a rare two run sacrifice fly. Other hitting stars included Paul Sullivan (four hits); Tim McKenna (three hits) and Warren Uhl who laced a wind aided triple.
GULF COAST DIVISION
Crazy Flamingo, 7; Oyster Society, 6
Back-to-back home runs by Dave Chroust and Nick Kopley gave the Oyster Society a 6-2 lead in the fourth inning but it wasn’t enough as Crazy Flamingo scored five times in the last two innings to earn the come from behind win. The big blows for Crazy’s were a two-out, two-run single by Alan Schneider that narrowed the lead to one and run scoring hits by Al Bozzo and Joe Barry that gave Crazy’s the lead for good.
Barry and Schneider both drove in two runs for the Crazy Birds. Chroust finished with two RBIs for the Oyster Society.
Doreen’s, 9; American Legion, 8
A pair of two-run home runs by Fred Kramer and Rich Klein highlighted a five-run fifth inning that extended Doreen’s lead to 9-2 and they were able to thwart a late rally by the American Legion to win the tight contest. Andy Pressler’s three-run home run for the Legion cut Doreen’s lead to 9-6 but it was not enough as Doreen’s prevailed.
Frank Caso also knocked in two runs for Doreen’s. Al Bozzo led the Legion with three base hits.
Crazy Flamingo, 21; Doreen’s, 16
Crazy Flamingo’s scored their runs in bunches with 14 crossing the plate in the third, fourth, and fifth innings to stretch their lead to 15-6 but the never-say-die Doreen’s team scored an amazing nine runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie the game at 16 and force extra innings. Undaunted, Crazy’s scored five times in the top of the eighth inning and held on for the hard-fought victory.
Hot hitting Nick Brooks had another big day for Crazy’s with four hits and five RBIs. He was supported by Jim Battye with four hits and three RBIs, Alan Schneider with four hits, Brian Bergman and Mike Arnold with three hits and two RBIs each, Mick Keller with three hits, and Jim O’Meara with two RBIs. Barry Neale also added a triple to the cause.
John Robichaud had a clutch three-run hit that tied the score at 16 and finished the game with four RBIs for Doreen’s. Bruce Borden contributed four hits and three RBIs, Steve Risch, Rick Condle, and Tom Patterson added three hits, and Frank Caso hammered a triple and knocked in two runs in the contest.
The win by Crazy Flamingo combined with the loss later in the day by the Oyster Society gave Crazy’s the Gulf Coast Division regular season title.
American Legion, 20; Oyster Society, 10
American Legion wasted no time getting the bats going in this one, scoring 19 times in the first five innings to grab a commanding 19-5 lead and cruised from there to the win over the Oyster Society.
There was no shortage of offense for the Legion, led by Rick Herzog, Mike Arnold, and Tom Rucks who all drove in three runs, and Dick Folsom, Andy Pressler, and Larry Anspach who each had two. Herzog, Pressler, Rucks, and John Barrett slashed three hits apiece, and Arnold smashed a triple for the winners.
Dave Chroust tripled and knocked in two runs for the Oystermen, and Nick Kopley also plated a pair of runs in the loss.
STANDINGS
ISLAND DIVISION / Wins / Losses
- Dolphin Tiki* / 14 / 4
- Nacho Mama’s / 10 / 8
- Salty Dog / 10 / 8
- DaVinci’s / 9 / 9
- Speakeasy / 6 / 12
- Verdi’s / 5 / 13
MARCO DIVISION / Wins / Losses
- Snook Inn / 12 / 6
- Sandbar / 11 / 7
- Joey’s Pizza / 11 / 7
- Sami’s / 9 / 9
- Brewery / 8 / 10
- Stonewall’s / 3 / 15
GULF COAST DIVISION / Wins / Losses
- Crazy Flamingo* / 13 / 5
- Oyster Society / 10 / 8
- American Legion / 8 / 10
- Doreen’s / 5 / 13
* Clinched division title
MoreSenior Softball: Dolphin Tiki clinches Island Division; Joey’s Pizza stays hot
AndSenior Softball: Joey’s Pizza and Salty Dog make up ground in standings
AlsoSenior Softball: Dolphin Tiki extends win streak to 10; Crazy Flamingo remains unbeaten