By BRIAN KEATTS
DeWITT CLINTON PARK (October 28, 2010) - The Ohio State Buckeyes squared off against Amalgamated Bank in their regular season finale on this unusually warm fall evening. The stakes: the winner advances to the playoffs, the loser goes home.
The Buckeyes struck first in the top half of the 2nd inning when Jim Sullivan hit a solo home run. However, the lead was short lived, as the Bank plated two runs in the bottom half of the frame to take a 2-1 lead. The Ohio State defense held the fort until the bats woke up, with Tyrone Scott and Kevin Ma chasing down fly balls in the outfield and Kerry Remulla spreading her talents between catcher, second base and the outfield.
Katherine O'Connell reached base to lead off the 4th inning, which was followed by an Andrew Vanatta fielder's choice. With one out, Brian Keatts launched a bomb to left field - good for a two run home run and a 3-2 Buckeye lead. Sam Rosner followed with a double and came home on a single by Dave Busick to complete the scoring in the inning.
Though the Buckeye defense remained solid throughout the game, with Blake Bennett on the hill, Juton Horstman manning short and Ethan Linen at first base, the Bank managed to tie the game at 4 after five innings. That's where the score remained heading into the final inning - with the playoffs on the line. This Buckeye team responded.
Rosner lead off the inning with a single and advanced to third on a single by Busick. Bennett lofted a sacrifice fly to score Rosner and give OSU the lead. Sullivan and Horstman followed with back to back singles to load the bases with one out and bring Laura Supersub, who was making her first appearance this season, to the plate. She delivered with a bases clearing double to the gap to give Ohio State an 8-4 lead.
The Bank couldn't recover. They scored a meaningless run in the bottom half of the 7th inning before the Bucks shut the door to secure an 8-5 victory, and a playoff birth. The regular season is now complete, and the Buckeyes - who look to be a #3 seed - await the playoff pairings and look to carry their momentum into the postseason.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Buckeyes Comeback for 9-8 Win
By BRIAN KEATTS
BARUCH PLACE (Jume 11, 2010) - The Buckeyes emerged from a back and forth contest with a 9-8 victory over the Smashers (4-3) in a key divisional game. The win moves Ohio State to 4-3 and puts them in the thick of the playoff race.
The Smashers jumped on top 3-0 in the first inning as both fielders and hitters battled the glaring sun. OSU's defense settled down until the offense came alive in the bottom half of the 3rd inning. With one down and Amy West already on first base, Grace Sacro drew a key walk. Kevin Sheen followed with a shot that the Smashers couldn't handle, scoring West. Brian Keatts then walked to load the bases for Jim Sullivan, who lashed a double to drive home two. John McClafferty followed with an RBI sacrifice fly. Mike Green completed the scoring by drawing a bases loaded walk, giving Ohio State a 5-3 lead.
The Smashers made it 5-4 after 3 ½ innings, but the Buckeyes got the run back in the bottom half of the frame. Kevin Ma hit a lead off double and advanced to third on a sacrifice by West. Sheen came through with a big two out RBI single, extending the Buckeye lead to 6-4.
A defensive lapse in the 5th inning assisted the Smashers in plating 4 runs and taking an 8-6 lead. However, these Buckeyes were not deterred. OSU pulled off rare back-to-back triples to start the 5th inning, with John McClafferty and Andrew Vannata doing the honors, and Vannata taking advantage of a poor throw to third base to score and even the game. Claire McClafferty followed with a walk - one of nine Buckeye walks on the night. Claire used outstanding base running on a fielder's choice and sacrifice by Lisa Imel to advance to third - sliding into both second and third base. Ma slapped a single to drive home Claire and give Ohio State a 9-8 lead.
The defense took over from there. Solid pitching and fine fielding kept the Smashers scoreless over the final two innings and gave them the win. Ohio State returns to the field (or, blacktop as it were) on June 14th when they take on The Converse Allstars.
BARUCH PLACE (Jume 11, 2010) - The Buckeyes emerged from a back and forth contest with a 9-8 victory over the Smashers (4-3) in a key divisional game. The win moves Ohio State to 4-3 and puts them in the thick of the playoff race.
The Smashers jumped on top 3-0 in the first inning as both fielders and hitters battled the glaring sun. OSU's defense settled down until the offense came alive in the bottom half of the 3rd inning. With one down and Amy West already on first base, Grace Sacro drew a key walk. Kevin Sheen followed with a shot that the Smashers couldn't handle, scoring West. Brian Keatts then walked to load the bases for Jim Sullivan, who lashed a double to drive home two. John McClafferty followed with an RBI sacrifice fly. Mike Green completed the scoring by drawing a bases loaded walk, giving Ohio State a 5-3 lead.The Smashers made it 5-4 after 3 ½ innings, but the Buckeyes got the run back in the bottom half of the frame. Kevin Ma hit a lead off double and advanced to third on a sacrifice by West. Sheen came through with a big two out RBI single, extending the Buckeye lead to 6-4.
A defensive lapse in the 5th inning assisted the Smashers in plating 4 runs and taking an 8-6 lead. However, these Buckeyes were not deterred. OSU pulled off rare back-to-back triples to start the 5th inning, with John McClafferty and Andrew Vannata doing the honors, and Vannata taking advantage of a poor throw to third base to score and even the game. Claire McClafferty followed with a walk - one of nine Buckeye walks on the night. Claire used outstanding base running on a fielder's choice and sacrifice by Lisa Imel to advance to third - sliding into both second and third base. Ma slapped a single to drive home Claire and give Ohio State a 9-8 lead.
The defense took over from there. Solid pitching and fine fielding kept the Smashers scoreless over the final two innings and gave them the win. Ohio State returns to the field (or, blacktop as it were) on June 14th when they take on The Converse Allstars.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Buckeyes Show No Mercy to Kiehl's in 13-1 Rout
By BRIAN KEATTS
Chelsea Park (May 4, 2010) - Ohio State continued their hot hitting and put forth their best defensive performance in a 13-1 drubbing of Kiehl's Since 1851 this evening. The game ended via the mercy rule after 6 innings.
Ohio State jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning on the strength on a home run by Brian Keatts. After Kiehl's tied the game in the bottom half of the inning, OSU took the lead for good in the 3rd. With one out, Grace Sacro deftly took a pitch off her leg, taking first base in the process. She moved to third on a double by Jim Sullivan. Kevin Sheen and Keatts followed with back-to-back RBI singles, giving Ohio State a 3-1 advantage.
The Buckeye defense was simply dominant, even turning a rare 8 - 3 double play when John McClaffery fielded a fly ball and doubled off the runner at first. Ohio State also successfully overturned a Kiehl's home run when they appealed to third base and the runner was called out for failing to touch the bag. Everything was clicking for the Bucks.
John McClafferty lead off the 4th inning with a towering home run to center field. OSU added another run in the 5th inning courtesy of a Tyrone Scott single, Sacro walk and an RBI single by Sullivan.
Holding a 5-1 lead, Ohio State put the game away in the 6th inning. Mike Klein drew a one out walk and took second on an Evan Binder single. John McClafferty cleared the bases with a double. Danny Muskat followed with his second walk of the game. A Mike Green RBI single made it 8-1. Claire McClaffery then singled to load the bases. Kevin Ma drove home a run with a ground ball, and Lisa Imel came through with a big two out, RBI single. An RBI single by Scott added to the bombardment. After a Sacro walk, Sullivan hit a booming double to score two more and give Ohio State a 13-1 lead.
The Bucks made quick work of Kiehl's in the bottom half of the 6th. Ohio State now stands at 3-0 on the season, and is averaging a staggering 16+ runs per game. OSU returns to the field on May 14th when they take on the Amex Chargers.
Chelsea Park (May 4, 2010) - Ohio State continued their hot hitting and put forth their best defensive performance in a 13-1 drubbing of Kiehl's Since 1851 this evening. The game ended via the mercy rule after 6 innings.
Ohio State jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning on the strength on a home run by Brian Keatts. After Kiehl's tied the game in the bottom half of the inning, OSU took the lead for good in the 3rd. With one out, Grace Sacro deftly took a pitch off her leg, taking first base in the process. She moved to third on a double by Jim Sullivan. Kevin Sheen and Keatts followed with back-to-back RBI singles, giving Ohio State a 3-1 advantage.
The Buckeye defense was simply dominant, even turning a rare 8 - 3 double play when John McClaffery fielded a fly ball and doubled off the runner at first. Ohio State also successfully overturned a Kiehl's home run when they appealed to third base and the runner was called out for failing to touch the bag. Everything was clicking for the Bucks.
John McClafferty lead off the 4th inning with a towering home run to center field. OSU added another run in the 5th inning courtesy of a Tyrone Scott single, Sacro walk and an RBI single by Sullivan.
Holding a 5-1 lead, Ohio State put the game away in the 6th inning. Mike Klein drew a one out walk and took second on an Evan Binder single. John McClafferty cleared the bases with a double. Danny Muskat followed with his second walk of the game. A Mike Green RBI single made it 8-1. Claire McClaffery then singled to load the bases. Kevin Ma drove home a run with a ground ball, and Lisa Imel came through with a big two out, RBI single. An RBI single by Scott added to the bombardment. After a Sacro walk, Sullivan hit a booming double to score two more and give Ohio State a 13-1 lead.
The Bucks made quick work of Kiehl's in the bottom half of the 6th. Ohio State now stands at 3-0 on the season, and is averaging a staggering 16+ runs per game. OSU returns to the field on May 14th when they take on the Amex Chargers.
Buckeye Bats Set Records in Blowout Win
By BRIAN KEATTS
DeWitt Clinton Park (April 29, 2010) - Ohio State broke open a close game with an unprecedented display of power - hitting a team record 10 home runs en route to a 22-13 shellacking of Complete Chaos. The win moves the Bucks to 2-0 on the young season.
OSU flexed its muscles right of the bat, literally. With one out in the top of the 1st inning Brian Keatts connected on a solo homer. Blake Bennett followed that up with a blast of his own, giving the Buckeyes a 2-0 lead. After Evan Binder reached base, Mike Green drove him home with an RBI single, completing the scoring in the inning.
Complete Chaos actually grabbed a 4-3 lead after 2 innings until the Buckeyes took the lead for good in the 3rd. Fresh off his drive from Boston, Danny Muskat started the inning with a single and scored on a home run by Kevin Sheen. Keatts made it back-to-back jacks for the second time in the game for Ohio State with his second home run. One batter later, Binder launched a solo shot over the right field wall. John McClafferty made it back-to-back homers again for OSU. When all was said and done, Ohio State held an 8-4 advantage.
Complete Chaos closed to within 8-7 in their half of the frame, but that is as close as they would get. The Bucks resumed their assault in the 4th inning, scoring 6 more times. A double by Jim Sullivan followed by a Muskat homer brought home the first 2 runs. Sheen followed with a homer of his own. With two outs, Bennett singled and scored when Binder hit yet another home run. You know what happened next, John McClafferty homered, making it the 5th time in the game that OSU had hit back-to-back homers - a remarkable feat and team record.
With the OSU ahead 14-11 going into the 6th inning, the Buckeyes struck again. With 1 out, Keatts singled and Bennett reached base. They both scored on a Binder double. John McClafferty singled to put runners on the corners. Then came RBI singles by Green and Claire McClafferty, giving OSU an 18-11 lead. Tyrone Scott returned to the team to add a fine defensive glove to the outfield and help make the lead stand up.
Ohio State added 4 more in the 7th with a 2 out rally sparked by a lead off single by Lisa Imel, who played with a bad groin (medically speaking), and a sharp ground ball by Amy West. Sullivan reached base, and a Muskat single loaded the bases. Sheen drove 2 runners home with a hard double, followed by a bloop double by Keatts that scored 2 more.
Chaos tacked on 2 meaningless runs to end the game, but by that time the devastation was complete. The Buckeyes look to bring their April power into May when they take on Kiehl’s Since 1851 on May 4th.
DeWitt Clinton Park (April 29, 2010) - Ohio State broke open a close game with an unprecedented display of power - hitting a team record 10 home runs en route to a 22-13 shellacking of Complete Chaos. The win moves the Bucks to 2-0 on the young season.
OSU flexed its muscles right of the bat, literally. With one out in the top of the 1st inning Brian Keatts connected on a solo homer. Blake Bennett followed that up with a blast of his own, giving the Buckeyes a 2-0 lead. After Evan Binder reached base, Mike Green drove him home with an RBI single, completing the scoring in the inning.
Complete Chaos actually grabbed a 4-3 lead after 2 innings until the Buckeyes took the lead for good in the 3rd. Fresh off his drive from Boston, Danny Muskat started the inning with a single and scored on a home run by Kevin Sheen. Keatts made it back-to-back jacks for the second time in the game for Ohio State with his second home run. One batter later, Binder launched a solo shot over the right field wall. John McClafferty made it back-to-back homers again for OSU. When all was said and done, Ohio State held an 8-4 advantage.
Complete Chaos closed to within 8-7 in their half of the frame, but that is as close as they would get. The Bucks resumed their assault in the 4th inning, scoring 6 more times. A double by Jim Sullivan followed by a Muskat homer brought home the first 2 runs. Sheen followed with a homer of his own. With two outs, Bennett singled and scored when Binder hit yet another home run. You know what happened next, John McClafferty homered, making it the 5th time in the game that OSU had hit back-to-back homers - a remarkable feat and team record.
With the OSU ahead 14-11 going into the 6th inning, the Buckeyes struck again. With 1 out, Keatts singled and Bennett reached base. They both scored on a Binder double. John McClafferty singled to put runners on the corners. Then came RBI singles by Green and Claire McClafferty, giving OSU an 18-11 lead. Tyrone Scott returned to the team to add a fine defensive glove to the outfield and help make the lead stand up.
Ohio State added 4 more in the 7th with a 2 out rally sparked by a lead off single by Lisa Imel, who played with a bad groin (medically speaking), and a sharp ground ball by Amy West. Sullivan reached base, and a Muskat single loaded the bases. Sheen drove 2 runners home with a hard double, followed by a bloop double by Keatts that scored 2 more.
Chaos tacked on 2 meaningless runs to end the game, but by that time the devastation was complete. The Buckeyes look to bring their April power into May when they take on Kiehl’s Since 1851 on May 4th.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Buckeyes Walk Off with Dramatic Victory
By BRIAN KEATTS
East River Park (April 22, 2010) - The season opener could not have produced a more thrilling conclusion than what we saw on the banks of the East River on Thursday evening. Ohio State erased a 9 run deficit - scoring 7 runs in dramatic fashion in the bottom of the 7th inning to come away with a 15-14 victory over WTAS.
After WTAS jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning, the Buckeyes responded quickly. Kevin Sheen led off the 1st inning with a walk, and scored on a bloop triple by Brian Keatts. Evan Binder stroked an RBI single shortly thereafter to tie the game at 2.
Ohio State took the lead in the second inning. Kevin Ma led off the inning with a single and advanced to second base on a ground ball from Amy West (who warmed up for the game with a 3+ mile jog to the field with her dog) that proved too hot to handle. With 2 outs, Keatts, John McClaffery and Binder laced consecutive run scoring singles to give OSU a 5-2 lead.
Let's just skip the top of the 3rd inning, when the Bucks experienced a mini meltdown in the field. However, this did allow for the dramatic comeback. After 3 innings, WTAS held a 12-5 advantage. WTAS increased that lead to 14-5 after 4 innings. That's when the magic began to happen.
Over the final 3 innings, the Buckeye defense played lights out, posting a series of bagels. Sheen and Grace Sacro formed an impressive battery, mowing down hitters. Andrew Vanetta held things down in the outfield, routinely shagging fly balls. Ohio State also turned a 1-6-3 double play.
Ohio State chipped away at the lead in the 5th inning. Keatts started the inning with a single and advanced on a McClaffery walk. Binder drove them both home by launching a double to the right center field gap. Binder later scored on a ground ball by Ma, cutting the deficit to 14-8.
Needing 6 runs to force extra innings, Ohio State took their last licks in the bottom of the 7th. Vanetta drew a walk to start things off and moved to second on a single by Mike Green. A fielder's choice by Lisa Imel left runners on first and second with one out. Ma used his keen eye to draw a walk and load the bases. West came though with a clutch RBI single. Down 5 runs with the bases loaded and two outs, Sheen crushed a base clearing triple. Keatts followed with an RBI single, cutting the deficit to 14-13. At that point, McClafferty ended things with a walk off two run homer, touching off a Buckeye celebration and leaving their opponents dazed.
It was a great start to the season. The Bucks return to the field on April 29th when they take on Complete Chaos at DeWitt Clinton Park.
East River Park (April 22, 2010) - The season opener could not have produced a more thrilling conclusion than what we saw on the banks of the East River on Thursday evening. Ohio State erased a 9 run deficit - scoring 7 runs in dramatic fashion in the bottom of the 7th inning to come away with a 15-14 victory over WTAS.
After WTAS jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning, the Buckeyes responded quickly. Kevin Sheen led off the 1st inning with a walk, and scored on a bloop triple by Brian Keatts. Evan Binder stroked an RBI single shortly thereafter to tie the game at 2.
Ohio State took the lead in the second inning. Kevin Ma led off the inning with a single and advanced to second base on a ground ball from Amy West (who warmed up for the game with a 3+ mile jog to the field with her dog) that proved too hot to handle. With 2 outs, Keatts, John McClaffery and Binder laced consecutive run scoring singles to give OSU a 5-2 lead.
Let's just skip the top of the 3rd inning, when the Bucks experienced a mini meltdown in the field. However, this did allow for the dramatic comeback. After 3 innings, WTAS held a 12-5 advantage. WTAS increased that lead to 14-5 after 4 innings. That's when the magic began to happen.
Over the final 3 innings, the Buckeye defense played lights out, posting a series of bagels. Sheen and Grace Sacro formed an impressive battery, mowing down hitters. Andrew Vanetta held things down in the outfield, routinely shagging fly balls. Ohio State also turned a 1-6-3 double play.
Ohio State chipped away at the lead in the 5th inning. Keatts started the inning with a single and advanced on a McClaffery walk. Binder drove them both home by launching a double to the right center field gap. Binder later scored on a ground ball by Ma, cutting the deficit to 14-8.
Needing 6 runs to force extra innings, Ohio State took their last licks in the bottom of the 7th. Vanetta drew a walk to start things off and moved to second on a single by Mike Green. A fielder's choice by Lisa Imel left runners on first and second with one out. Ma used his keen eye to draw a walk and load the bases. West came though with a clutch RBI single. Down 5 runs with the bases loaded and two outs, Sheen crushed a base clearing triple. Keatts followed with an RBI single, cutting the deficit to 14-13. At that point, McClafferty ended things with a walk off two run homer, touching off a Buckeye celebration and leaving their opponents dazed.
It was a great start to the season. The Bucks return to the field on April 29th when they take on Complete Chaos at DeWitt Clinton Park.
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