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A Split in the Elements

05/31/2018, 12:45pm EDT
By Rob Gray

Master Batters and Sons of Pitches each grind out a victory despite the rainy conditions.

            MAY 12 -- CENTURY FIELD, GARFIELD, NJ --There was certainly nothing pretty about this one, but the Sons of Pitches and Master Batters slugged it out in spite of the elements.  After a brief rain delay, we were underway with a muddy field in a light drizzle.  This double header would be just as much of a test of will as it was a test of skill.

            Sons of Pitches started out swinging and took a 3-0 lead into the bottom of the second inning.  Master Batters would get 2 back in the bottom of the frame, cutting the deficit to 3-2, before Sons of Pitches tacked on another run in the third.  Down 4-2, Master Batters would break this one wide open.  They’d bat around and then some in the bottom of the third, bringing home 11 runs to take a 13-4 lead.  The lead was cut to 14-6 after four, and this one seemed to be well in hand for Master Batters.  That all turned in the fifth. 

          SOP would one-up their opponent and smack home a whopping 14 runs in the inning, turning the 8 run deficit into a 6 run lead.  To Master Batters credit, however, they did not roll over.  They’d answer right back with 5 in the bottom of the inning to trail by just one run.  It would not be enough though.  Sons of Pitches would extend the 20-19 lead with 6 runs in the sixth, while shutting out Master Batters the rest of the way.  Game one belonged to Sons of Pitches in an unlikely fashion by a score of 26-19.

            Master Batters would recover from the shocking game one loss quickly.  The rain had stopped by this point and Sons of Pitches stormed out to an early 8-4 lead in game two after two innings of play.  Master Batters, however, would not let a second game slip away.  They’d put together another big inning of 7 runs to turn the 4 run deficit into an 11-8 lead.  A scoreless fourth and one run from Sons of Pitches in the fifth made it just a two run game with time running out.  Sons of Pitches would get those two runs in the sixth, but not before Master Batters padded the lead with 3 runs in the top of the frame.  Both teams would exchange 5 run seventh innings and Master Batters would take game two by a score of 19-16, avoiding the sweep.

            Sons of Pitches saw contributions up and down their lineup, but were led by Jon Kolakowski, Eric Zakrzewski, and Andy Zakrzewski.  Kolakowski went 6 for 10 at the plate in the double header and accounted for 8 RBI’s and 5 runs scored.  He hit a triple and he and Eric Zakrzewski both hit 2 homeruns apiece.  Eric Zakrzewski also hit a double, knocked in 4 RBI’s, and scored 6 runs in his 5 for 8 effort.  Andy Zakrzewski went an impressive 6 for 8 at the plate with 5 runs, 3 RBI’s, a walk, and a triple. 

         Master Batters put together a well-rounded performance at the plate as well.  They saw key contributions from Andrew Esposito, Chris James, and Anthony Derincenzo.  Esposito went a whopping 7 of 8 at the plate including a triple and a homerun, also accounting for 5 runs, 5 RBI’s and 2 walks.  James wasn’t far off in his 5 for 8 effort that included 2 doubles, a triple, a homerun, 2 walks, 6 runs scored, and 5 RBI’s.  Derincenzo led the team with his 6 RBI’s on the day in his 5 for 9 effort that included 4 runs and a walk.

            Both teams battled tough despite some rough conditions to start.  They didn’t make excuses and, instead, slugged it out at the plate showing absolutely zero signs of quit.  With the split, Master Batters improved to 6-4 on the season and Sons of Pitches remained at .500.  It’s been a bit of a wild season so far with the weather but both teams will look to make their cases for the playoffs as the calendar turns to June.


It's pretty wide open in the Johnny Bench Division, as each team is still in the race. Redrum Sports (6-0) sits in 1st place, with Multiple Scoregasms (6-2) and Master Batters (6-4) close behind.

In 4th place, we have a tie between Good Wood (4-4) and Sons of Pitches (3-3). The Expos (2-4) are still in the hunt, while La Familia (0-10) certainly have their work cut out for them. 


Upcoming Games in the Johnny Bench Division

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