The Bulldogs played three games this weekend, and played mostly shorthanded. Although admittedly, not as shorthanded as the Eagles who actually played with eight. All in all one team was left 3-0, while the other was left 0-2. However, both teams, and all players involved (even those not at the field), gave their best "0"-face before the end of the weekend.
These Bulldogs lost 3 men Saturday to college, 2 to drinking and/or self-gratification (okay, so 5 to drinking and/or self-gratification), and 1 to giving oral pleasure to a person who shall remain anonymous. Sunday, we lost 2 to out of town adventures (vegas "escorts" make big money on the weekends), 1 to ice hockey, and 1 was lured by a Gyro festival in Dormont. We even lost a manager to a backyard BBQ that ended in a limousine ride through the parkway tubes while having a "hold your breath" competition. I am told that all parties performed well in their duties and upheld the Bulldogs brand while away from the dirty diamond. On to the Game notes...
Saturday's NABA "Baby" Bulldogs continued their undefeated ways by silencing the short-winged Eagles. Playing with only 8 players, but with stud draft pick Tim Kearney on the bump (college ball at U of Maryland), the Eagles allowed only 5 hits scattered across 7 innings. Vinny Gala led the charge with a 2 for 3 day and a run scored. Joe Graff added a walk and a run scored, while Schuyler Schaeffer went 1 for 2 with a walk, and an RBI. Joe Braunlich added an RBI on a 1 for 3 day, and was later seen receiving congratulations from his dad (who bought him his first razor earlier in the day)
Adam Philip went 4 innings without allowing an earned run on only 2 hits, before giving way to Colin Peffley and Matt Dugovich who combined for no hits and 5 strike outs the rest of the way.
After the game, a the young Bulldogs celebrated in variety of ways. Some went to the Rochester Inn. Some went home to their wives/mistresses/girlfriends. Others used their new razor, and had their first shave.
Joey Braunlich's First Shave
After the games, the young bulldogs were instructed on a new series of offensive signs. While complicated due to the necessary installation of pole in the third base coaching box, the signs are expected to add a certain entertainment value to the games.
The Bulldogs new "Take" Sign
Management is currently recruiting young, attractive third base coaches (Females preferred, but not required.)
On Sunday, the elder Bulldogs took the field in their inaugural games against the Bridgeville Braves.
The season started on a positive note as leadoff man Graff smoked a 35 foot single down the third base line that was thrown away for an extra base. Graff pulled both quadriceps on the play, but ended up scoring on a Matt Hreha urine-drenced double.
Mike Martin will finish the 28+ recap. all I can say is that we led both games, couldn't hit our way out of a wet paper bag, and were one big inning away from winning both games.... and Hreha has textbook sliding technique... for Cirque de Solei. he actually slid head first (on his chin), and touched his own foot against his helmet. Think how happy his wife must be.....
28 and Over Recap
Eh, there isn't much to say. The first game was very reminiscent of our NABA playoff last year to the Warriors. We held a slim 2-1 lead going into the bottom of the 6th. The defense was looking sharp, and despite the umps giving a clear advantage to the Braves (squeezing the hell out of Strom), the pitching looked sharp through 5 innings. We ended the first 2 innings with double plays and had a chance to do the same in the 3rd if it weren't for a throwing error. The Braves lone run through 5 innings was unearned.
In the sixth, the wheels fell off. Strom walked the first batter and then proceeded to hit 2 more batters. The fact that we only had 10 players show up, lead us to relieve Strom with Harry Yeakel. Having probably not pitched in quite some time, Harry had a tough time finding the plate as well. In all, the Braves would score 8 runs in the inning on 7 walks, 2 HBP, and 2 hits. They would go on to win 9-2, while only amassing 6 hits on the game. The game was much closer than the final score. One horrible inning doomed us. Hreha was pretty much a one man show at the plate, knocking in one run, scoring the other, and lacing 2 doubles for the game. We only managed 4 hits for the game.
The 2nd game was pretty similar to the first. Again, our bats stayed cold. We spotted the Braves one run in the first and then came back with one of our own in the bottom half. Dahlke pitched a great game, holding the Braves to only 3 hits through 5 innings and giving up only 1 earned run. The other 2 runs scored in the 5th were both unearned. He then set down the Braves in order in the 6th. The 7th inning was where things fell apart in this one.... The Braves finally got to Dahlke in the 7th with a walk and then a double that just cleared my outstretched glove in the left field gap (damnit!)... followed by 2 singles. Dan Morgan relieved Dahlke at this point. The Braves would go on to score 5 in the inning on 3 hits, 2 walks, and a HBP.
Our bats finally came to life in the bottom of the 7th. we plated 3 runs and ended the game with the bases loaded, but the comeback effort was not enough and we lost 8-4. Hreha added 2 more doubles, giving him 4 for the day. Graff went 3-4, and Strom went 2-4 with an RBI and 2 runs score.
The umps blew.
Related posts:
Forgot to mention that the Bridgeville Braves were drinking LaBatt – BEFORE THE GAME on Sunday…. and people say the Bulldogs have a drinking problem.
maybe we need to pregame to loosen ourselves up at the plate…
The first plate umpire definitely sucked. A definite homer. I’d have asked him to get off his knees, but something tells me he takes it laying down.
The other guy was fine in my book.
The Bulldogs shorthanded and hungover this early in the season? Gonna be a long summer.
That guy doin a keg-stand, really knows how to take it to the face.
awesome.
lemme know if the over 28 team is ever short handed, i’d fill in if needed/wanted. i can’t stand those fuckers in that league in general.
that slide, along with several other face plants, left me sore in places i didn’t know i had