By BRIAN KEATTS
ROOSEVELT ISLAND (June 3, 2011) - Ohio State didn't need to rely on their late inning magic on this evening. Instead, they jumped out to an early lead that they never relinquished and cruised to a 15-5 win over JWT to move to 3-1 on the season.
Kevin Sheen and Evan Binder took advantage of some suspect JWT fielding to start the game and reached base safely. Tom Antoniello made JWT pay by blasting a three-run homer to give the Buckeyes the early lead. The McClafferty's then went to work, with John drawing a walk and Claire reaching base on a sharp single. Both came around to score on a triple by Andrew Vannata, extending the OSU lead to 5-0 after half a frame.
JWT managed to cut the lead to 5-3 after one inning, but they would get no closer. OSU put up another 5 spot in the second inning, which began with a single by Jeff Kriesler. Sheen followed with an RBI double and scored on a double by Brian Keatts. Binder singled to put runners on the corners, with Keatts scoring on a fly ball by Antoniello. John McClafferty then laced a 2 RBI single to complete the scoring.
Ohio State did not let up. In the top of the 3rd inning the Buckeyes added another 5 runs to their tally. Kevin Ma started the inning with a single, followed by Jessica Brown reaching base on a fielder's choice. Sheen singled with one out. Keatts followed with an RBI double, which preceded a double by Binder that scored two more. Antoniello completed the scoring by rounding the bases when the JWT center fielder, who had a difficult evening with the glove, couldn't handle a fly ball. After 2 1/2 innings, Ohio State held a commanding 15-3 lead.
The Buckeyes flashed the good leather for the rest of the game to keep JWT in check. Carly Klingensmith played a stellar third-base, making several putouts and collecting two hits. The highlights, however, came when the Bucks threw out not one, but two runners at home to thwart a would-be run scoring triple and a home run. Antoniello-to-Klingensmith-to Claire McClafferty mowed down the first runner, while John McClafferrty-to-Antoniello-to Claire took care of the second victim. On both occasions Claire stood tall at the plate, undeterred by the recent season ending injury to Giants' catcher Buster Posey during a collision at home, to apply the tags.
Ohio State gets looks to continue their ascension in the standings when they take on the first place and undefeated (5-0) 24/7 Real Media on June 9th.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Buckeyes Storm Back for Dramatic Victory
By BRIAN KEATTS
QUEENSBRIDGE PARK (May 19, 2011) – Don’t call it a comeback…they’ve been here for years. Finding themselves down 5-1 heading into the top of the final inning against a very good K&L Gates team, only two outs away from defeat, Ohio State summoned one of the great rallies in team history. Everyone in the Buckeyes' short-handed lineup of nine players scored, and when all was said and done, OSU scored 11 times en route to a rousing 12-8 victory to remain unbeaten on the season.
Things started off quietly for Ohio State, who failed to score in the first three innings while playing a fielder short and breaking in several new players. However, the team gelled quickly, with Jessica Brown pitching 6 strong innings and Grace Sacro returning behind the plate to turn in the defensive gem of the game by deftly hauling in a pop up. Facing a 5-0 deficit, the Buckeyes broke through in the top of the 4th inning. John McClafferty led off the inning with a double and scored on back to back sacrifice flys by Brian Keatts and Evan Binder.
Oho State kept the momentum going by shutting out K&L Gates for the next two innings while mastering the challenging grounds of Queens Vernon Boulevard Field - and doing so with only three outfielders. Then came the drama.
With darkness falling and down to their final two outs, the Bucks exploded in the top of the 6th inning. John McClafferty singled and advanced to third on a double by Keatts. Both came home when Binder blasted a three run homer to right field. Energized, J.T. Ferrara and Claire McClafferty followed with sharp singles, which in turn were followed by an RBI single by Kevin Ma to tie the game. Unsatisfied, OSU went for the knockout blow...and delivered. Brown singled to load the bases. Tom Antoniello drove home the go ahead runs with a 2-RBI single. After Sacro reached base to load the bases, John McClafferty commenced unloading them with a 2-RBI single. A Keatts single loaded the bases again. Binder picked up his 5th RBI on a sacrifice fly. Ferrara capped the scoring with a 2-RBI single, giving Ohio State a 12-5 advantage heading into the final inning. The opposition managed to scrape up a few runs before Ohio State closed the door for a 12- 8 win.
The OSU squad showed a lot of heart this evening, and looks to keep the momentum going when they return to the field on May 24th against Thirteam.
QUEENSBRIDGE PARK (May 19, 2011) – Don’t call it a comeback…they’ve been here for years. Finding themselves down 5-1 heading into the top of the final inning against a very good K&L Gates team, only two outs away from defeat, Ohio State summoned one of the great rallies in team history. Everyone in the Buckeyes' short-handed lineup of nine players scored, and when all was said and done, OSU scored 11 times en route to a rousing 12-8 victory to remain unbeaten on the season.
Things started off quietly for Ohio State, who failed to score in the first three innings while playing a fielder short and breaking in several new players. However, the team gelled quickly, with Jessica Brown pitching 6 strong innings and Grace Sacro returning behind the plate to turn in the defensive gem of the game by deftly hauling in a pop up. Facing a 5-0 deficit, the Buckeyes broke through in the top of the 4th inning. John McClafferty led off the inning with a double and scored on back to back sacrifice flys by Brian Keatts and Evan Binder.
Oho State kept the momentum going by shutting out K&L Gates for the next two innings while mastering the challenging grounds of Queens Vernon Boulevard Field - and doing so with only three outfielders. Then came the drama.
With darkness falling and down to their final two outs, the Bucks exploded in the top of the 6th inning. John McClafferty singled and advanced to third on a double by Keatts. Both came home when Binder blasted a three run homer to right field. Energized, J.T. Ferrara and Claire McClafferty followed with sharp singles, which in turn were followed by an RBI single by Kevin Ma to tie the game. Unsatisfied, OSU went for the knockout blow...and delivered. Brown singled to load the bases. Tom Antoniello drove home the go ahead runs with a 2-RBI single. After Sacro reached base to load the bases, John McClafferty commenced unloading them with a 2-RBI single. A Keatts single loaded the bases again. Binder picked up his 5th RBI on a sacrifice fly. Ferrara capped the scoring with a 2-RBI single, giving Ohio State a 12-5 advantage heading into the final inning. The opposition managed to scrape up a few runs before Ohio State closed the door for a 12- 8 win.
The OSU squad showed a lot of heart this evening, and looks to keep the momentum going when they return to the field on May 24th against Thirteam.
Buckeyes Prevail in "Good Friday Massacre"
By BRIAN KEATTS
CENTRAL PARK (April 22, 2011) - Ohio State opened its 2011 campaign in Central Park in fine fashion, knocking of Edison by the score of 17-2. Though the Bucks welcomed several new faces to the squad, the result was one that OSU softball fans have become familiar with over the past decade.
After shutting down Edison in the top of the 1st, Ohio State took a lead they would not relinquish in the bottom half of the frame - thanks in part to some superior plate discipline. Andrew Vannata and Brian Keatts started off the inning with back-to-back walks (2 of 8 walks drawn by the Bucks on the evening). Both scored on a triple by Evan Binder. A Kevin Sheen sacrifice fly made it 3-0 OSU. The McClafferty's then reached base, via a single by John and a walk by Claire. Newcomer Carly Klingensmith, whom the Buckeyes drafted out of Macalester College in Minnesota this spring, completed the scoring with an RBI single.
Ohio State started the 2nd inning just like the 1st; this time it was new recruits Jeff "Funny Man" Kriesler and Jessica Brown who lead off the inning with back-to-back walks. Vannata reached base to load them, and took part in a scoring barrage courtesy of RBI hits by the likes of Binder, Sheen, Ethan Linen and Klingensmith. Newcomer Anne "If It Ain't Hoboken Don't Fix It" Teutschel (she hails from Hoboken) got into the act with her keen eye by drawing the ever difficult RBI walk. By the end of the inning Ohio State lead 11-0.
OSU allowed Edison two sympathy runs in the top of the 3rd inning, but that would be it for the evening. The Bucks got those runs back, and then some, in the bottom of the inning. Vannata hit a one out triple and scored on a fly ball by Keatts. Binder, Sheen, John McClafferty, Claire McClafferty and Linen ignited a hit parade with five singles in a row, extending the Buckeye lead to 17-2 after three innings. The mercy rule ended things when Edison went quietly in the top of the 5th inning.
It was a fine way to start the season for the Buckeyes. The competition is sure to increase in difficulty as the season wears on. Ohio State returns to the field on May 4th when they make their lone visit to Queens Vernon Blvd Field to take on K&L Gates.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Take It to the Bank - Buckeyes in Playoffs!
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)