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Riverstar Super D Qualifier
May 20, 2006 --
Two-n-out.com/Easton Breaks Through In Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “D” Super Qualifier At Riverstar
By Andy Zureick Published: May 15, 2006  Print  EmailTwo-n-out.com/Easton won four games with no losses to win the 10-team Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “D” Super Qualifier at Riverstar Park on May 6th. It was their first championship of the year. “We were glad to get some second place jinx off of us,” said a relieved Shawn Sproles, the team manager. “It was our sixth tournament and we’ve had four second-place finishes.” Two-n-out.com/Easton also walked with $500 cash.
In the day’s opener, Two-n-out.com/Easton faced Clark Co. Merchants. Shawn Sproles singled to drive in two in the top of the 4th, breaking a 6-6 tie. They ended that inning with a 10-6 lead. Each team would score one more to make it an 11-7 final. Jeff Hughes went 4-for-4. Chris Malay was 3-for-4 while Anthony Coleman hit 2-for-3.
The second game against Dirt Merchants would be the biggest win of the day for Two-n-out.com/Easton. Jeff Hughes gave them the lead in the three-run 4th with an RBI single. Five more in the 5th and four in the 6th broke the game open. In that stretch, Anthony Coleman and Chris Malay each drove in two. The game ended via mercy rule, 17-5, in six innings. Jeff Hughes, Mike Sellet, Chris Fogt, and Michael Daniele were all 3-for-4.
Two-n-out.com kept up their winning ways versus the Diamond Dawgs. They jumped out to an early lead with five runs in the top of the 1st. Mike Sellet got the scoring underway in that at bat with an RBI double. Chris Fogt would single in two more. After the Diamond Dawgs cut the lead to 7-6, Two-n-out.com answered with four runs in the top of the 6th. Shawn Sproles capped the at bat with a two-run single. The final score was 11-7. Mike Sellet and Shawn Donaghy were both 3-for-3; Chris Fogt was 2-for-3.
The championship game was a rematch between Two-n-out.com and Clark Co. Merchants. Trailing 6-5 in the bottom of the 6th, Two-n-out.com plated five to take a 10-6 lead. James Evans and Jeff Hughes posted a pair of run-scoring singles in the decisive inning. Clark Co. Merchants managed only one run in their final chance to make the final tally 10-7. Jeff Hughes, Mike Sellet, and Brian Cook were all 3-for-4.
“It was an overall team effort, everybody contributed,” explained Sproles. “We used 13 or 14 players.”
“Our defensive outfield of Chris Millay (leftfield), Jeff Hughes (centerfield), and Shawn Donaghy (rightfield) cut off most balls and they didn’t allow many doubles in the gaps. Chad Johnson made a couple of good diving plays…it was his second tournament at shortstop. I pitched the first two games and Tony Pompilio pitched the last two and I don’t think we gave up more than seven runs in any game,” added Sproles.
Jeff Hughes led Two-n-out.com with 11 hits on the day, good for a .687 batting average. “It was the first time we put him in the leadoff spot. He’s our 21-year old soccer man (he plays professional soccer for the Cincinnati Kings) and he came through for us big time.” Shawn Donaghy and Chris Fogt each hit .692 for the tournament. Michael Daniele finished at .636.
“We want to thank Bill Chard [the Riverstar Sportsplex manager] for running a smooth and quick qualifier,” concluded Sproles.
Clark Co. Merchants and Diamond Dawgs earned berths to the USSSA “D” nationals on Labor Day weekend in Milford, Ohio. They also qualified for the post-season state tournament. Clark Co. Merchants will play in Columbus while the Dawgs will make an appearance in the Dayton tournament.
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Bash for Cash D NIT- 2006
March 25, 2006 --
Dawg Pack/Greene’s Flower Shop Rallies Past Two-N-Out.com/Easton 15-14 In Bash For Cash-USSSA “D” NIT Finals At Rivershore
By Staff Published: March 25, 2006 Print EmailHebron, Ky.--Dawg Pack/Greene’s Flower Shop rallied for twelve runs in the 3rd and 4th innings to erase a 10-2 deficit, then held Two-N-Out.com/Easton to four runs in their final four at bats to preserve a 15-14 victory in the championship game of the Bash For Cash-USSSA “C” National Invitational March 18-19 at Riverstar Park.
The victory qualified Dawg Pack/Greene’s for the USSSA “D” World Tournament September 21-24 in Overland Park, Ks. The champions went 7-0 to outlast a 42-team field.
Tournament MVP Scott Trame turned in a red-hot .750 weekend to lead his club to the title.
“He led us in hitting for the entire weekend,” noted Dawg Pack/Greene’s coach Danny Sharp. “He’s one of our leaders. He started slow and then after the first game he only made two outs the rest of the tournament.”
Trame was joined on the All-Tournament team by Paul DeMoss (.708), Brandon Black (.696), Chris Young (.679), Jeremy Wilson (.652) and Bobby Kindoll (.607).
“Timely hitting” and good pitching carried the Pack to the championship, said Sharp.
“We won a couple of nail biters but for the most part we hit the entire tournament, and Shane Caudill pitched excellent.”
A couple of late rallies - one against D & M Concrete in game three in which the Dawg Pack used a ten run 6th to overcome a 6-3 deficit, and the other against the Titans when they scored seven runs in the bottom of the 6th to pull out a 15-10 victory, proved crucial.
“We just never quit hitting the entire weekend,” said Sharp. “The guys knew what they had to get done. You have to play for seven innings and that’s what we seemed to do.”
In game one Dawg Pack/Greene’s built a 10-0 lead over Hart Restoration/Saints through six innings and went on to post a 10-1 victory. Bobby Kindoll’s rbi single got the winners on the board in the 1st. They added three in the 2nd, one in the 4th and then put the game away with four in the 5th. Jeremy Wilson, Brandon Black and Paul DeMoss combined for nine hits.
A ten run rally in the top of the 6th erased a 6-3 deficit and lifted the Dawg Pack to 13-6 victory over D & M Concrete in game two. Chris Young’s two ru double put his club within one at 6-5, then Scott Trame followed with a two run double to put the Dawg Pack ahead to stay at 7-6. Josh Kinnett also contributed a big two run single in the inning. Trame banged out four hits and Young chipped in with three.
Next the Dawg Pack used an eleven run 7th to blow open an 11-8 contest and rout the Trailblazers 22-10. Chris Young’s two run double got the rally going, and Jay Eibel’s rbi single capped off the scoring.
Scott Trame continued his hot hitting, sharing twelve hits with Young and Bobby Kindoll. Paul Demoss drove in five runs and had three hits along with Shane Caudill.
Dawg Pack rolled past the Michigan Bucks next 18-3, scoring six in the bottom of the 2nd to take an 8-3 lead, then added five in the 4th and five more in the 5th to invoke the mercy rule at 18-3. Chris Young put his club ahead to stay with a two run triple to break a 3-3 stalemate in the 2nd. Bobby Kindoll’s two run double highlighted the 5th.
Kindoll knocked in four runs and contributed three hits along with Young, Brandon Black and Dan Sharp.
Next Dawg battled past Money Softball 9-7. The winners never trailed after taking a 2-0 lead in the top of the 1st. A five run 4th opened up an 8-2 bulge and Dawg Pack held on for the victory. Scott Trame collected three more safeties, and Jeremy Wilson and Brandon Black added two apiece.
In the winners’ bracket finals the Titans had the Dawg Pack against the ropes, as they took a 10-8 lead into the bottom of the 6th. But there the wheels came off the wagon, as the Pack erupted for seven runs to pull out an eventual 15-10 victory. Scott Trame delivered a clutch two run double to break a 10-10 tie in the 6th, then Paul Demoss followed with another two run double to help secure the win.
Trame continued to wreak havoc on opposing pitchers, pounding out four hits along with Brandon Black.
The Dawg Pack found themselves trailing again in the finals. as Two-N-Out.com/Easton jumped out to a 10-2 lead after two and a half innings. But the eventual champions would not be denied, and outscored Two-N-Out 12-2 over the next inning and a half to grab a 14-12 advantage. Josh Kinnett tripled home two runs to put his club ahead to stay at 13-12, then scored on Jeremy Wilson’s double to cap off the inning. The Pack added a much needed insurance run in the bottom of the 5th, as Two-N-Out plated a pair of runs in the top of the 6th to cut the deficit to 15-14. But pitcher Shane Caudill slammed the door on Two-N-Out in the 7th to preserve the victory.
Paul Demoss was perfect in four at bats, Wilson went 3-for-4, and Jimmy Gentry drove in three runs to help fuel the offense.
Dawg Pack/Greene’s coach Danny Sharp said his club simply “jelled at the right tournament.
“We’ve been waiting since last fall to get started,” said Sharp.
“We’re thrilled to get the World berth right off the bat. Now we can relax. This is the best possible scenario for us.”
5TH ANNUAL BASH FOR CASH USSSA “D”
NATIONAL INVITATIONAL FINAL STANDINGS
1. Dawg Pack/Greene’s, Hebron, KY 8 0
2. Two-N-Out/Easton, Florence, KY 6 2
3. Titans, Willoughby, OH 4 2
4. Dizzy Roosters, Louisville, KY 6 2
5. Team Bring It, Cincinnati, OH 6 2
Money Softball, Orland Park, IL 3 2
7. T & T/The Moose, Akron, OH 5 2
Eastowne Lounge/Mich. Bucks, Columbus, MI 3 2
9. Sneaky Pete’s/Backstabbers, Ft. Thomas, KY 3 2
Cooper Auto/Tanel 360, Huber Heights, KY 3 2
Cincy Sting/Dean Roofing, Cincinnati, OH 2 2
Propane Direct/Marathon, Bedford, IN 2 2
13. BCP Assoc./Mr. Tint/Kahoots, Columbus, OH 3 2
Comegets’em/Muggbees, Crescent Springs, KY 3 2
Team Kaos, Fairborn, OH 3 2
Pridecast/S & W/DeMarini, Florence, KY 2 2
17. American Legion/Bomb Squad, Newport, KY 2 2
Big “O”, Florence, KY 2 2
Daugherty’s Tribe, London, OH 2 2
Extreme Softball/KLM Mortgage, Hamilton, OH 2 2
JD’s Rage/Wardell, Livonia, MI 2 2
Pharmacy Solutions, Florence, KY 2 2
Extreme Associates, Reynoldsburg, OH 1 2
Dehann/Bach Trailblazers, Cincinnati, OH 1 2
25. Best Way/Nasty Boys, Newport, KY 2 2
Accurate Masonry/Beaches, Cincinnati, OH 1 2
Cincinnati Diamondbacks, Milford, OH 1 2
Good Guys/Dino’s, Florence, KY 1 2
Joe’s Sports Bar, Newport, KY 1 2
M & M Kroth Con./Team Xplosion, Elsmere, KY 1 2
Midnighters, Louisville, KY 1 2
D & M Concrete, Lebanon, OH 0 2
33. 3 Nick’s, Southgate, MI 0 2
A-1 Trophy, Dayton, OH 0 2
Armor Window, Florence, KY 0 2
Big Tymers 0 2
Detroit Phillies, Detroit, MI 0 2
Dirt Merchants, Williamsburg, OH 0 2
Hart Restoration/Saints, Newport, KY 0 2
Morgan’s Logging, Vanceburg, KY 0 2
Northern Kentucky Thunder, Burlington, KY 0 2
Shilloh Softball, Riverside, OH 0 2
Space Cowboys, Ft. Wright, KY 0 2
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Expressway Super D Qualifier- 2006
April 8, 2006 --
Walker/Tanel Hits Pay Dirt In Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “D” State-National “Super” Qualifier At Expressway Park
By Andy Zureick Published: April 15, 2006 Print Email
Milford, Oh. – Walker/Tanel took top honors and a $500 cash prize while earning a paid berth to the USSSA Great Lakes “D” Nationals in the April 8-9 Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “D” State-National “Super” Qualifier at Expressway Park. In two days, they posted a 7-1 record.
Walker/Tanel opened the two-and-out event with wins over Nasty Boys and Harold’s Barbering. In the first game, Mike Atkins picked up the game winning RBI in the two-run bottom of the 6th. The final in that one was 11-10 as Ben Lassiter went a 3-for-3 to lead the winners. The following game was not nearly as close as evidenced by the 17-5 final. In the decisive 3rd of game two, Terry Johnson tripled in one run and Walt Perry drove in two more as their team totaled six runs and took a commanding 8-2 lead. Johnson and twin brother Jerry each went 4-for-5 in the victory. Walker/Tanel dropped game three to Two-n-out, 13-7. “We talked about [the loss] the whole way back to the hotel,” reflected team manager Walt Perry. “We were flat, their pitcher took us out or it. We felt if we could jut hit the ball against them we’d be fine.” They would later get two chances to see if that was true. Facing Dirt Merchants, Walker/Tanel got back on track with a 10-5 win. In the top of the 5th, Tom Wissel and Dave Farmer drove in two a piece with a double and triple, respectively. That led to six runs in all and a 10-5 lead. That score would stand up as the final. Wissel and Ben Lassiter led the way offensively, each going 3-for-3. Another big six-run inning against M&M made it two wins straight wins for Walker/Tanel. This time it was the top of the second with Mark Dailey providing the big blow – a two-run double that got his team on the scoreboard. Andy Foster was 3-for-3 in the 9-1 win. Ben Lassiter continued his hot hitting with a 4-for-4 performance. That made it three of the first five games that Lassiter had been perfect at the plate. “At the beginning of the tournament, he kept us in most of the games. He was the only one hitting consistently for us,” commented Perry. Lassiter finished the tournament hitting a team best .786. In the finals of the loser’s bracket, Walker/Tanel faced Pharmacy Solutions. The game went to the final frame knotted 4-4. With one out in the top of the 7th, Walt Perry singled and then came in to score on Andy Foster’s RBI triple. That gave Walker/Tanel the lead 5-4. Three more runs padded that to an 8-4 advantage. Pharmacy Solutions failed to answer in their final chance and that is how it ended. Foster finished with three hits. Chris Lee was 4-for-4. That win set up a rematch with Two-n-out in the tournament finals. Walker/Tanel would need two wins to capture the title. In the first game, Walker plated eight runs in the top of the 4th thanks in part to Terry Johnson’s two-run triple. Two-n-out answered with three in the bottom of the inning, making it 9-8. But they would get no closer. The final was 12-9. Johnson and teammates Tom Wissel and Walt Perry each had four hits in the victory. That set up a one game, winner-takes-all match up between Walker and Two-n-out. Trailing 6-5 in the bottom of the sixth, Dave Farmer tied it for Walker/Tanel with an RBI double. Terry Johnson later added two more when he tripled with two runners aboard. Pitcher Mark Dailey pitched a shutout seventh making the final 8-6. Chris Lee was 3-for-3 in the final game. Tome Wissel and Andy Foster were both 2-for-3. Wissel (.737) was among the team leaders at the plate for the tournament. Terry Johnson was second only to Ben Lassiter, posting a .774 batting average. Despite some impressive plate performances, Perry, the manager, credited his team’s play in the field with the championship. “It was all defense. We had three guys hit well but our defense kept us in every game, especially our middle infield of Tom Wissel (shortstop), Chris Lee (middle infielder), and Terry Johnson (second base). They turned 12 double plays over the weekend and that was the whole key because the rest of us didn’t hit as well as we could have.” “It was our first USSSA tournament of the year,” explained Perry, “and we found out that a lot more pitching goes into theses tournaments than anything else.”
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Legacy/Two-N-Out.com Tramples Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “D” Field At Kolping Park
May 23, 2005
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Mt. Healthy, Oh.--Legacy Softball/Two-N-Out.com ran roughshod over five opponents en route to a first place finish in a Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “D” State-National qualifier May 21st at Kolping Park.
The champions mercy-ruled all five teams they played in the six team round robin affair, outscoring their victims 78-19. No team scored more than six runs against the Legacy defense, and only one team survived more than five innings.
A berth to the USSSA “D” Great Lakes National Tournament September 3-5 in Ft. Knox, Ky. passed down to runner-up Ameri Gas, while Blastech was awarded a berth to the Ohio USSSA Men’s Class “D” State Tournament August 20-21 in Milford.
Chris Kinman (.889) and Mike Sellet (.833, 5 HR’s, 17 rbi’s) provided most of the firepower for Legacy. Dan Weinel chipped in with a .714 day, Chad Johnson batted .667 and Mark Covey .588.
“Mike is our offensive leader,” observed Legacy manager Shawn Sproles. “We’ve been riding his back all year. When your number two (Sellet) and number three (Kinman) hitters go 31-for-36 in a tournament, good things are going to happen.”
Sproles said his team relied on “defense - we outscored our opponents 77-18 in our five games” and jumping out on top early. “We hit early and got up big in four out of five games,” noted Sproles.
Sellet and Shawn Donaghy made some big plays on defense, remarked Sproles.
“Mike made a couple of good plays in right center, and Shawn threw out a guy at the plate and made a diving catch in left field.”
Legacy scored seven runs in the bottom of the 4th to blow open a 4-3 contest and went on to rout Penny’s 15-5 in six innings in game one. Tom McClanahan’s rbi single capped off the 4th. Chris Kinman collected four hits, and Sellet homered and went 3-for-4 along with Chad Johnson and George Conley.
An eight run 5th broke open a 10-6 game and helped propel Two-N-Out.com past Pipe Products in five innings in game two. Mike Sellet, whose bases clearing triple highlighted the 5th, homered and shared twelve hits with Chris Kinman, Dan Weinel and James Evans.
Next Legacy overpowered Pitcher’s Mound/Ameri Gas 21-3 in five behind four hits each from Sellet and Chad Johnson, and three apiece from Kinman and Shawn Sproles. A four run 1st followed by a six run 2nd helped Legacy jump out to a 10-1 lead after an inning and a half and they never looked back. A two run triple by Jim Evans sparked Legacy in the 2nd. The winners added six in the 3rd with the help of a Shawn Sproles two run double.
Legacy exploded for twelve runs in the bottom of the 1st on their way to a 14-4, five inning spanking of Prime Time in game four. Mike Sellet’s three run blast made it 10-0, then Chad Johnson tripled home two runs to cap off the inning. Sellet and Chris Kinman combined for six hits, and Doug Newton chipped in with a 2-for-3 effort.
Legacy’s last hurdle - Blastech - proved no match for the eventual champions, as pitcher Shawn Sproles tossed a 10-0 shutout to complete the sweep. Dan Weinel’s two run single capped off a six run 1st and Legacy never looked back. Chris Kinman banged out three hits, and Mark Covey and Dan Weinel each went 2-for-3.
“It was a good tournament for us,” summed up Legacy manager Shawn Sproles. “We’re happy with the effort. Our bats finally woke up. We went for a month averaging six runs per game, then in Michigan we put up 20 runs in a couple of games and continued to score this weekend.
“It was good for us to get in a good tournament and win five straight games,” continued Sproles. “This helps us get ready for Indy this coming weekend and hopefully we’ll carry the momentum on to there.”
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Expressway Qualifier-2005
April 10, 2005 --
Big Time Rally Fuels Legacy/Two-n-out.com At Expressway’s Worth-Bud Light-USSSA D Qualifier
April 13, 2005
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By Andy Zureick
Milford, Oh. – Legacy/Two-n-out.com found themselves in an eleven run hole in the first game of the Worth-Bud Light-USSSA D Qualifier at Expressway Park on April 10th.
A pitching change and late-inning rally paved the way to a victory that would springboard them to the tournament championship.
In that first game, Legacy/Two-n-out.com was matched up with Grass Roots. After three innings of play, they were down 11-0 and found themselves searching for answers. They found it in relief pitcher Tony Pompilio. He took over and gave up one more run the rest of the way. That gave his team at least a chance…and they took advantage. In the bottom of the fifth inning with the score 12-3, they plated ten runs. Nine of those came with two outs. Doug Buford’s bases loaded triple tied the game. Buford then came home on a single by Doug Newton. That made the score 13-12 and that is how it would end. Buford, Newton, and Shawn Donaghy were all 2-3 in the victory. Grass Roots ended the four-team round robin with a record of 1-2.
Facing the Backyard Boys, Legacy/Two-n-out.com again trailed after three innings of play. This time, though, it was a meager 3-2 disadvantage. The top of the fourth saw Legacy score three times to take control of the game, 5-3. They would go on to win 9-4. Chris Kinman, Shawn Donaghy, and Mark Covey all went 3-3 in the second straight win of the day. The Backyard Boys would not win a game during the event.
The third and final game of the day was a match up of the two undefeated teams in the tournament – Legacy/Two-n-out.com and JLC. If Legacy was going to win it all they would again have to come from behind as they were at an 8-6 disadvantage going into the bottom of the seventh. Doug Newton led the inning off with a double. George Conley got him home with a triple making it 8-7. Chad Arthur tied the game by singling in Conley. Back-to-back walks to Tony Pompilio and Mike Sellet would set the table for Chris Kinman. He came through with a single and the tournament-winning RBI. Chad Johnson was 3-3 in the championship game. Newton and Kinman both collected two hits.
Chris Kinman turned in the top offensive performance by hitting .700 with seven RBI. Doug Buford drove in five while batting .555. Other top averages were posted by Shawn Donaghy (.667) and Mark Covey (.625).
Legacy/Two-n-out.com manager Shawn Sproles pointed to the pitching change in the first game as being key to his team’s success. “Tony Pompilio came in in the fourth inning and gave up one run that game, then four the next game and then eight in the finals.” The defensive support provided by Chad Johnson at third base and Doug Newton at short was also given high praise by Sproles.
But the real difference, according to Sproles, was the guts his team displayed when they had their backs to the wall. “We had a never say die attitude. In two of our games we were down by nine runs and seven runs. It gave our team a lot of confidence to fight back for those two wins.”
All teams in the event were Kentucky teams, so no berths to the Ohio state tournament were awarded. Legacy/Two-n-out.com did, however, secure a trip to the USSSA Great Lakes D National Tournament in Ft. Knox on Labor Day Weekend.
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Kolping Qualifier
April 9, 2005 --
Big Innings Key For Successful Products/Elliot Air/D Clubelite.com In Bud Light-Worth-USSSA “D” At Kolping
April 12, 2005
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By Andy Zureick
Mt. Healthy, Oh. - Successful Products/Elliot Air/D Clubelite.com went 4-0 to take the eight-team Worth/Bud Light/USSSA D Qualifier at Kolping Park on Saturday, April 9th. Big offense at the right time was the way to go for the tournament champs. In three of their four games, they scored at least half of their entire run total in one inning. In the one game they failed to do so, they scored eight of 17 in one inning.
In divisional, four-team round robin play, Successful Products/Elliot Air/D Clubelite.com opened with Guido’s Sports Bar. Down 13-9 in the bottom of the fifth, they put together seven consecutive singles while posting eight runs and taking a 17-13 lead. The final was 17-15. It was Guido’s only loss of round robin play. In the win, David James and Tom Kelly were each 3-3 for the winning team; Dave Morano went 3-4.
In game two versus Tredway, the big at bat for Successful Products/Elliot Air/D Clubelite.com came right at the beginning, in the top of the first. A pair of two-run doubles from Kent Stearman and Jeff Pielage paved the way to a six run lead before the opposing team had even touched the lumber. Tredway managed eight runs in the game but eventually fell 11-8. Larry Redemeir collected four hits in the victory. Stearman was 3-4 with a homerun.
In the final game of divisional play, Successful Products/Elliot Air/D Clubelite.com again jumped out early, this time posting six runs in the top of the first against Ameri-Gas. Sean Johnson had the big hit in this rally, a touch’em-all bomb with the bases juiced that capped the scoring in the inning. Five straight singles led to five more runs in the top of the seventh and finished off Ameri-Gas 11-2.
The championship game pitted Successful Products/Elliot Air/D Clubelite.com opposite Legacy/Two&Out.com who was also a perfect 3-0 in pool play. Legacy/Two&Out.com held a slim 5-4 advantage going into bottom of the fourth, but ten runs in that at bat for Successful Products/Elliot Air/D Clubelite.com would be all she wrote for the would be champs. They did manage to challenge, still falling well short at 14-10. Larry Redemeir (3-4) and Kent Stearman (3-3) led the way at the plate en route to the championship.
Successful Products/Elliot Air/D Clubelite.com manager Jeff Pielage pointed to his team’s improved defense as the day went on as being integral to team success. “We had a rough first game defensively, but after that we played pretty good defense. Larry Redemeir in leftcenter played good defense for us and Kent Stearman made a couple of nice plays at third.”
Redemeir and Stearman were also among the team hitting leaders, batting .680 and .770 respectively. The manager Pielage did some leading by example at the plate, posting a .667 average on the day.
The two championship game participants, Successful Products/Elliot Air/D Clubelite.com and Legacy/Two&Out.com, qualified for the USSSA D Nationals on Labor Day Weekend in Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Berths to the D state tournament in Milford on August 20-21 were awarded to Successful Products/Elliot Air/D Clubelite.com, Fr. Mitchell Sports Bar, and Guido’s Sports Bar.
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Kolping Qualifier-2004
Ramsey Sports Wear/Marty’s Pub Perfect In Kolping USSSA D Bat Bag Qualifier
Ramsey Sports Wear/Marty’s Pub Perfect In Kolping USSSA D Bat Bag Qualifier
By Andy Zureick
Mt. Healthy, OH. – Despite a slow start, Ramsey Sports Wear/Marty’s Pub rolled through the 12-team field at the USSSA “D” Bat Bag Qualifier hosted by Kolping Park on March 27th. After squeaking out a one-run victory in their final at bat of the first game, no other team got closer than six runs during the rest of the tournament.
CWA #400 in the opening game, despite going 1-2 in the tournament, proved to be the toughest test for Ramsey Sports Wear/Marty’s Pub all day. Going into the bottom of the 7th inning, they trailed 13-12. Brian Wandstrat led off with a single; Walter Burchett followed with the same. With no outs, Jeff Williams then brought both runners around to score with a 2-RBI double. The final was 14-13. Pete Stokes and Brian Wandstrat were each 4-4 in the contest. Bill Ramsey, Chris Henke, Greg Meyer, and Walter Burchett added three hits a piece.
From here on out Ramsey Sports Wear/Marty’s Pub would experience much smoother sailing.
Game two pitted the eventual tournament champs with Branch (2-1 in pool play). Six runs including a Pete Stokes’ three-run long ball in the top of the third blew a 5-2 game wide open. Branch would never recover, bowing out in five innings. Stokes along with Greg Meyer and Chris Henke were 3-3 in the spanking.
The final game of the round robin versus Vulcan Ballers would at least go the distance. Still, Vulcan (0-3) would eventually succumb to Ramsey Sports Wear/Marty’s Pub, 15-7. The champs got right to it in the top of the first with a pair of doubles from Greg Meyer and Bill Ramsey and yet another homerun of the stick of Pete Stokes. The 3-0 lead swelled to 6-0 after two innings and 9-5 after five. After a bases-loaded triple, Mike Cronin came home on a sacrifice fly for a total of four runs in the 6th frame and that was all she wrote for the Vulcan Ballers. Jeff Williams was a perfect 3-3 in the game. Jason Harisson, Bill Ramsey, and Jeff Bateman were all 3-4.
The first game of the division winner playoff opposite Clark’s Auto was over before it started. A Mark Schorsch grand salami in the bottom of the first would prove to be more than enough as Pete Stokes tossed a 12-0 shutout for Ramsey Sports Wear/Marty’s Pub. Schorsch, along with Greg Meyer and Brian Wandstrat, was 3-3.
Two&Out.com would be the opponent for Ramsey Sports Wear/Marty’s Pub in the championship game. Again, RSW/MP jumped out 4-0 lead fueled primarily by Pete Stokes’ second opening-inning three-run homer of the tournament. Two&Out.com would not go quietly, though, chipping the lead down to 6-5 after four innings of play. RSW/MP immediately created some breathing room for themselves with three in the top of the fifth to make it 9-5. But answering the bell again, Two&Out.com came back with two runs of their own. With the score 9-7, RSW/MP delivered the death blow with six unanswered runs in their next two at bats. The final was 13-7. Jason Harrison, Greg Meyer, and Jeff Williams each collect three hits in the victory.
Meyer on the day was the leading hitter for Ramsey Sports Wear/Marty’s Pub at a robust .722. On Meyer’s job at the dish Ramsey Sports Wear/Marty’s Pub manager Walter Burchett commented, “[Greg] batted in the two hole and had a lot of rbi’s, moved people over, just did everything he was supposed to do.” Brian Wands (.687), Pete Stokes (.666), and Jeff Williams (.625) also had note-worthy performances at the plate.
As is the case with most championships, Burchett decided to credit most of his team’s success to their play in the field. “Our pitching was solid all day,” he noted, “and the defense up the middle of the field.”
With the tournament crown, Ramsey Sports Wear/Marty’s Pub will receive bat bags and a paid berth to the state tournament August 21-21 in Harrison, OH. And, along with division winners Clark’s Auto and Two&Out.com, they qualified for the “D” National Tournament in Indianapolis on Labor Day Weekend.
Other state tournament berth recipients were Clark’s Auto, Branch, Untouchables, and Successful Products.
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Riverstar Qualifier-2004
5/22 Two-N-Out.com/Executive Springs Make Short Work Of Field In Riverstar D Qual
Two-N-Out.com/Executive Springs Make Short Work Of Field In Riverstar Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “D” Qualifier
By Andy Zureick
Cincinnati, OH - Two-N-Out.com/Executive Springs run-ruled every team they faced to go a perfect 3-0 while winning the Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “D” Qualifier at Riverstar Park on May 22nd. They scored 50 runs and gave up only 14 in 15 innings of play.
Two-N-Out.com/Executive Springs jumped on teams early all day. Against the Wiffleballers, they jumped out to a 4-0 lead after one inning. After two, the lead had swollen to 8-3. Then, leading 10-3, they sealed the mercy-rule win in the bottom of the 5th by scoring three more runs. Mike Sellet (4-4) and Chad Johnson (3-3) were perfect at the plate. Mark Covey and Matt Magee were both 3-4.
BW3’s was the next order of business for Two-N-Out.com. They got it hot early again scoring seven in their first at bat. Brian Stewart collected two RBI and Brian Stewart added three to set the pace. Seven more runs in the top of the 5th with the score 15-6 blew the already-lopsided game wide open 22-5. BW3’s failed to challenge in their last at bat and that was the final. Mike Schanding was 3-3 with six RBI in the second win of the day. Mike Sellet and Shawn Sproles were also 3-3. Matt Magee was 3-4 for the second game in a row.
The final game of the day versus Redneck Auto was more of the same – lots of early offense. Two-N-Out.com/Executive Springs jumped out to a 5-0 lead after one inning. They added five more in the next at bat to make it 10-3. In the bottom of the 5th, Shawn Donaghy doubled with the bases loaded to make the score 15-5, thereby invoking the mercy rule again. Chad Johnson was the hitting leader at 4-4. Also perfect with the bat were Mike Sellet, Mike Chanding, and Brian Duncan; all were 3-3 at the plate. Sean Donaghy added three hits.
Sellet and Johnson were also perfect for the tournament, going 10-10 and 11-11 respectivley. Shawn Sproles hit .875 with eight RBI. Shawn Donaghy batted .800. Mark Covey hit .667 and scored eight runs. Sproles credited his team’s offense as being the key to the championship effort. “We rode Mike and Chad today. They’ve been two of our leaders all year long and showed why they’re tow ot the top hitters in Northern Kentucky.” They hit .750 as team.
The defense also did their part giving up only 4.5 runs per game. “Mike Sellet had a good tournament at shortstop and the middle of our outfield Matt Magee (left center) and Mark Covey (right center) chased down everything and gave up no extra bases,” added Sproles.
“We came in with a chip on our shoulder,” commented Two-N-Out.com/ Executive Springs manager Shawn Sproles. “We has a bad first couple of months and weren’t playing the way we thought we should. We had a team meeting and decided to hit and hustle the way we should.”
Sproles also offered special thanks to sponsor Mark Kormanis and Executive Springs Car Wash in Florence, Kentucky.
“Now we’re ready for the NIT’s and we hope to continue the momentum.”
With Two-N-Out.com/ Executive Springs having already qualified for post-season play, the berths to the state and national events were awarded to BW3’s. The state “D” tournament will be in Harrison on August 22-23. The nationals are Labor Day Weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana
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May Home Run leaders-2004
MAY HOME RUN LEADERS
1. Steve Schon EAP/K & W/Jet (43)
2. Brian Cook NKYSoftball.com/Easton (32)
3. Bob Abbott Concepts/Ross Electric/Fund Peeler (31)
4. Brad Tabler Concepts/Ross Electric/Fund Peeler (28)
5. Chad VordemEsche Sci-Fit/Queen City Nutrition (25)
6. Sammy Luckett Cooper Sports/Community Yellow Cab (24)
7. Brad Cook A & A Enterprises (17)
Tony Huber Cooper Sports/Community Yellow Cab (17)
Steve Williams Total Package Express/Ken's Pub (17)
10. Ron Mitchell Concepts/Ross Electric/Fund Peeler (16)
Todd Zurweller Total Package Express/Ken's Pub (16)
12. Page Cecere Cooper Sports/Community Yellow Cab (15)
Ron Baird Total Package Express/Ken's Pub (15)
15. Tony Witt Sci-Fit/Queen City Nutrition (14)
16. Kelly Haiber Cooper Sports/Community Yellow Cab (13)
Chris Childs EAP/K & W/Jet (13)
Brian Bennett EAP/K & W/Jet (13)
Brian Goebel JLC/Shakey's/Countrywide (13)
Kevin Greene NKYSoftball.com/Easton (13)
A. J. Gray Sci-Fit/Queen City Nutrition (13)
22. Jason Hughes Cooper Sports/Community Yellow Cab (12)
Aaron Wilson Eichner Electric (12)
Kevin Williams Eichner Electric (12)
Gary Gabbard Total Package Express/Ken's Pub (12)
26. Donnie Taylor A & A Enterprises (11)
Dion Johnson Concepts/Ross Electric/Fund Peeler (11)
Shannon Louden Eichner Electric (11)
Paul Demoss NKYSoftball.com/Easton (11)
Brandon Johnson NKYSoftball.com/Easton (11)
Jason Wolstenholm Sci-Fit/Queen City Nutrition (11)
32. Dave Williams A & A Enterprises (10)
Spence Gunnell Concepts/Ross Electric/Fund Peeler (10)
Brian Alexander Concepts/Ross Electric/Fund Peeler (10)
Darren Block Cooper Sports/Community Yellow Cab (10)
Greg Bennett EAP/K & W/Jet (10)
Rick Thomas Hofbrauhaus (10)
Roger Brossart Hofbrauhaus (10)
Robert Smith Hofbrauhaus (10)
Doug Newton Hofbrauhaus (10)
Jason Robson Rooks (10)
Kenny Shircliff Tombraiders (10)
Scott Dashley Total Package Express/Ken's Pub (10)
Grady Harris Total Package Express/Ken's Pub (10)
Shawn Donaghy Two-N-Out.com/Executive Springs (10)
Mike Sellet Two-N-Out.com/Executive Springs (10)
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Rivershore Qualifier-2004
Hofbrauhaus Outlasts Field In Rivershore USSSA “D” Qualifier
By Andy Zureick
Hebron, KY – Hofbrauhaus topped the five-team field in the USSSA “D” Qualifier at Rivershore to capture their second tournament title of the 2004 season. Despite one loss in round robin play and a narrow 3.7 run average margin of victory, they found a way to get it done when it counted.
Game one of the day pitted Hofbrauhaus versus Electric Masters. It looked bleek in the first contest as the ‘Haus found themselves down 13-9 going into their final at bat. They then rallied for five with Rick Thomas singling in Matt Lay with the winning run. Lay was 4-4 in the victory. Jerry Willis and Doug Newton were both 3-4. The 14-13 win would be typical of the whole day – timely hitting and just enough to get it done. “It was a tough way to get going,” noted team captain Terry Evans, “but we struggled through it and showed a lot of heart to came back and take the game.”
Game two was a loss to 20-13 to Two-n-out/Executive Springs. It was Two-n-out’s only win on the day. Hofbrauhaus would have to win out to capture the tournament title.
In game three Hofbrauhaus faced Our Place Too. Going into the bottom of the 5th inning, they were in a 15-11 hole. A seven-run burst in that at bat put Hofbrau up 18-15. It would be a lead they would never give up. In their next at bat they added four insurance runs, finishing the scoring and making it a 22-15 final. Five Haus batters collected three hits in win number two of the day – Matt Lay (3-4), Robert Smith (3-4), Jerry Willis (3-4), Chris Isome (3-5), and Doug Newton (3-5).
The final of the game of the day was, of course, the biggest. Not only would the championship be decided, but also the opponent would be the toughest in the tournament. Monte Trent Masonry was 3-0 coming in having won every game via the run rule. Hofbrauhaus managed to keep it close as they were down by only one, 10-9, going into the bottom of the 6th inning. After tying it up, Roger Brossart singled in Matt Lay with the go ahead run. Chris Isome followed with a two-run single that increased the Hofbrauhaus advantage to 13-10. Monte Trent Masonry failed to rally in their final at bat to secure he ‘Haus championship. Tony Pompilio was a perfect 4-4 in the winning effort. Chris Isome, Robert Smith, and Jerry Willis were all 3-4.
Willis and Matt Lay tied for top offensive honors on the day hitting .750. Eric Smith hit at a .700 clip. Robert Smith (.687) and Chris Isome (.647) also made significant contributions at the plate. Doug Newton (.588) and Lay each came up with timely hits for Hofbrauhaus.
“We struggled on defense a little bit but kept at it and made it through,” said Hofbrauhaus manager Terry Evans. “We stayed calm and weathered the storm.” The one defensive stand out was pitcher Tony Pompilio. “He did a great job on the mound, he kept the other teams guessing.”
“It was a great team effort, we played hard. It was not our best tournament but we struggled and stayed at it; this team has a lot of heart,” summarized Evans.
In respect to qualifying, a berth to the “D” nationals on Labor Day Weekend in Indianapolis was passed down to Electric Masters (1-3).
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June 4, 2005 --
Pompilio, Gebelt Lead Legacy/Two-N-Out.com Past Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “C” Field At Kolping Park
June 05, 2005
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Mt. Healthy, Oh.--Pitcher Mark Pompilio limited four straight opponents to single digit scoring and Andy Gebelt had a torrid .833 day to lead Legacy Softball/Two-N-Out.com to a first place finish in a Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “C” State-National Qualifier June 4th at Kolping Park.
Pompilio allowed only one team - eventual runner-up Nolan Softball - to score more than four runs in the five team round robin affair. Legacy/Two-N-Out.com slugged their way past Nolan 17-9 in a key third round showdown between the tournament’s only remaining undefeated teams.
Legacy then polished off Team Mizuno/Saints 9-4 in their finale.
Nolan was awarded a berth to the Ohio USSSA Men’s Class “C” State Tournament August 20-21 in Dayton, and to the U-Trip Great Lakes “C” National Labor Day Weekend in Milford.
Following Gebelt’s team high .833, 2 HR, 12 rbi effort were Mike Sellet at .786 with two home runs, Doug Buford at .667 and Shawn Donaghy at .600 with 2 HR’s and 9 rbi’s.
Legacy manager Shawn Sproles said that Gebelt “had missed some pretty big tournaments the first couple of months, but now he’s back more regularly.
“He’s a big left handed stick that hits .700 and and we’re glad to see him back,” remarked Sproles.
But it was pitching and defense, underscored Sproles, that netted his club their second tournament title of the year.
“The pitching of Tony Pompilio kept everybody
off-balance,” observed Sproles. “And Doug Newton had a good tournament at shortstop. Also everyone in the outfield played well - especially Mark Covey. He made four or five diving catches that saved some big innings in left center.”
Filling out Legacy’s outfield were Scott Osborne (lf), Mike Sellet (rc) and Andy Gebelt (rf).
Legacy put nine runs on the board before first round opponent Kentucky Blue/Exit 62 (1-3) knew what hit them in game one. A three run shot by Andy Gebelt capped off a four run 1st, then an inning later Gebelt’s three-run double capped off the 2nd. Legacy never looked back in a 13-1, five inning rout. Gebelt collected three hits and six rbi’s, and Mike Sellet homered and went 2-for-3 along with Doug Buford.
Next a seven run 1st sealed an eventual 14-2 pasting of M & S Drywall/Easton in game two. A two run single by Shawn Donaghy and a two run double by Doug Newton highlighted the 1st. The winners blew the game open with six in the 4th to make the final 14-2. Doug Buford’s two run double capped off the inning. Andy Gebelt and Scott Osborne shared six hits to pace the offense.
That set up a showdown between the tournament’s two undefeated teams in Legacy and Nolan Softball. After Nolan had struck for six runs to grab a 6-3 lead in the bottom of the 2nd, Legacy answered with a ten run, two out outburst in the top of the 3rd to take a commanding 13-6. Legacy never looked back in a big 17-9 victory. Back-to-back two run doubles by James Evans and Tony Pompilio put their club ahead to stay at 7-6. Mike Sellet capped off the inning with a three run blast.
Sellet, Shawn Donaghy and George Conley combined for twelve hits, and Evans added three.
After Team Mizuno/Saints had battled back from a 4-0 deficit to tie Legacy 4-4 in the top of the 2nd, Legacy put up two in the bottom of the 2nd and never trailed again as pitcher Tony Pompilio held the Saints at bay for the final five innings in a 9-4 Legacy victory. Andy Gebelt (2-for-3, 4 rbi’s) connected for a big two run shot to break the 4-4 stalemate in the 2nd. Mike Sellet pounded out three hits for the champions.
“We want to thank Kevin (Kolping Park manager Kevin Sims) for running a good tournament and our sponsor the Rib Shack and Tom McClanahan,” concluded Legacy’s Shawn Sproles.
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