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You have to go all the way back to 2008 to find a season when the Nashoba Valley Veterinarian Mustangs (18-0) did not finish in first or second place and therefore did not receive a first round playoff bye. You have to go back to 2010 to find a season when the Mustangs and Floral Arts (14-4) both did not receive a bye. This season, the undefeated Mustangs have already secured a bye. Only second place Floral Arts can usurp their first place position (an unlikely scenario when you consider the Mustangs hold a four game lead and Floral has only six games remaining). But there are two other teams breathing down the necks of Floral Arts, eager to take over second place and earn that bye: GutCheck (11-8) and Willis Tent (10-7) have been hot lately. Gutcheck, this week, extended its winning streak to five games. Will Floral Arts say bye-bye to the bye? The games played over the next couple of weeks will answer that question decisively.
Shortcut Landscaping 16 – Healy Oil 8 On Sunday, SCL shortstop Jason Humphrey hit four home runs in four at-bats to lead his team to victory over Healy Oil. It was a close game until the sixth inning, when SCL scored six runs to pull way. Steve Jacobsmeier had three hits and three RBI on the contest.
GutCheck 10 – Pro Sports Therapy 7 On Tuesday, GutCheck jumped to an early 4-1 lead on the power of Matt Sepe's three-run home run. PST countered with a three-run shot by Jerry Cressman and additional offense to make it a 6-4 game. Solo shots from GutCheck’s Matt Sepe and Billy Cullen brought the game even once again. GutCheck’s Josh Haskin and Rey Vinneau made several key plays (including a couple DPs) from their spots at second base and shortstop, and eventually the game went to an extra frame when PST Mark Strzegowski hit a two-out solo home run. GutCheck's Jim DeMarco led off the bottom of the eighth with a solo shot to once again tie the game. Then, with two out and men on the corners, Billy Cullen hit a three-run shot to end the game.
Drew Farms 5 – Healy Oil 3
Floral Arts 11 – Shortcut Landscaping 3 On Wednesday, Floral pitcher Larry Mardany kept Shortcut Landscaping off-balance for most of the game, holding the powerhouse team to only three runs. Mike Alonardo had a big night at the plate for Floral, going 3-for-3, scoring three times, and capping his big night with a grand slam in the top of the seventh inning. Rob Beaudette was 3-for-3 and hit a three run homer. Jeff Moore (2-for-3) and Roger Whittlesey (2-for-3) also homered for Floral. Jason Humphrey hit a two-run homer for SCL in the first inning; it was his fifth home run of the week.
GutCheck 14 - Burtons 6 On Friday, everyone hit for GutCheck, which scattered 24 hits in the victory. Leading the way were Jim DeMarco (4-for-4 with a double and 3 RBI), Jeff Curley (3-for-4 with a double and 3 RBI), Thanh Nguyen (3-for-4 with a solo HR), Jeff Stabach (3-for-4 with a triple and an RBI), Darren Wizst (3-for-5 with 2 RBI), and Bobby "Cobwebs" Wilson (3-for-4). Mark Priest and Rey Vinneau played strong defense up the middle behind Derek McDermott's strong pitching performance. Jeff Bernier and Darren Wizst combined on a 9-2 put out early in the game, ending an inning and a Burtons’ rally. Burtons’ Rick Waldron has two hits, two RBI, and made a great leaping catch at the left-field fence. John Geary and Greg Fitzgerald reached base three times, and Raghu Mantena and Dave Batchelder each contributed two hits.
GutCheck is digging deep and the Grill is heating up. When GutCheck (9-8) entered the league three years ago, the team finished in last place (ninth) and then eighth place in 2014; neither of these finishes got them into the playoffs. But this year is a different story, as the team now sits in fourth place, a game behind Willis Tent (9-7) and four games behind second place Floral Arts (13-4) after three straight wins. Burtons Grill (5-12) last made the playoffs in 2013, but has fallen on hard times ever since. This season the team did not acquire its second win until a couple of weeks ago, but since then the team has won three straight and now sits in seventh place, on the precipice of a position that could earn them a playoff berth. Drew Farms (7-10), two games ahead of the surging Burtons, is desperately trying to cling to that last playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Nashoba Valley Veterinarian Mustangs (18-0) did this week what they’ve done all season—maintained their status as the only undefeated team in the league.
GutCheck 6 – ProSports Therapy 1
On Sunday, GutCheck and PST played a close defensive game. GutCheck’s Rey Vienneau ignited a couple of double plays from shortstop, and Mark Priest deftly fielded several ground balls at second base. Thanh Nguyen made an outstanding play, catching a ball deep in left field and then ginning the ball to first to double-up a PST runner. Nguyen, who hit a solo homer, walked with the bases load in the fifth inning, and Jeff Curley followed with a two-run double. PST’s Derek Donegan made a few nice plays a shortstop, and Larry Zupkowsky pitched well in the loss.
Burtons Grill 18 – Healy Oil 9
Burtons Grill struck early with a 10-run second inning, and watched Healy Oil creep back to within three runs before putting the game out of reach with a six-run seventh inning. Jerry Breen and Brian Collamore keyed the offense. Both went 4-for-4 and Breen hit a grand slam and tallied 5 RBI. Collamore scored three runs. Dave Batchelder added a two-run homer, and Murph McKeon, Luke Bolanger, and Kieren Murray each had three hits apiece. Jerod Colley was sharp on the mound, striking out a season-high four batters.
Willis Tent 19 – Shortcut Landscaping 6
On Tuesday, Willis Tent used a combination of masterful pitching by Rob Swinamer and solid defense to beat SCL, 19-6. Both teams got off to a slow start offensively until Willis erupted for seven runs in the third inning, added four more in the fifth, and closed out with five runs in the sixth, capped by Brian Gallardo’s sacrifice fly, which earned Willis the run-rule victory. Swinamer hit a home run and walked three times, Gallardo hit two homers, and Rick Devanna and Glenn Harding each hit long balls.
Nashoba Valley Veterinarian Mustangs 5 – Drew Farms 1
NVVM pitcher Paul Liguori kept his winning streak alive with a hard-fought win over a determined Drew Farms team. Infielders Cormac Bordes and Dan Crogan led the solid all-around defensive effort for the Mustangs. Paul Selfrige and Jim Ward each had three hits, and Don Cusano had two hits.
Burtons Grill 15 – Pro Sports Therapy 2
On Wednesday, Burtons Grill continued to pile up runs via the long ball, leading to a 15-2 run-rule victory over PST. Murph McKeon, Jerry Breen, and rookie Steve Sawyer all homered. Sawyer’s shot was a three-run walk-off shot that capped a four RBI night. Tim Scott’s aggressive base running led to a pair of doubles, and Peter Morano knocked in three runs in the early going. Pitcher Jerod Colley stamped out every PST rally, notching two more strike outs and helping himself with a 3-for-3 night at the plate.
Nashoba Valley Veterinarian Mustangs 20 – Shortcut Landscaping 7
NVVM southpaw Mark Cusano pounded out four hits, including two homers, a double, and six RBI to lead the Mustang offense in a win against SCL. Dan Crogan and Mike Kennedy both added four hits apiece. Paul Selfrige, Bill Knute (HR, 3 RS), Jay Dolan (triple, 2 RS), and Cormac Bordes (2 doubles, 2 RBI, 2 RS) hit well for the Mustangs. Don Cusano (3 RBI) added a two-fence home-run blast late in the game. Kennedy and Dolan both made outstanding plays in the field.
GutCheck 11 – Healy Oil 8
On Friday, GutCheck continued their winning streak behind solid pitching and defense with an 11-8 win over Healy Oil. Thanh Nguyen (3-for-3, 2 HRs) and Jeff Staubach (4-for-4) were the offensive stars for the winners. Healy’s Brian Hermann and Wayne Meadows hit homers for Healy. Bill Eaton had a two-run shot in the second.
The undefeated Nashoba Valley Veterinarian Mustangs (16-0) won twice this week and has all but clinched a first-round playoff bye. Floral Arts (13-4) won twice this week, but lost to the Mustangs, and has a 3.5 game lead on both Willis Tent (9-7) and Shortcut Landscaping (9-7). These three teams will likely be sparring the rest of the season with the aim to gain that coveted last playoff bye. GutCheck (7-8) beat Drew Farms (7-9) to move into fifth place. Drews now sits in the sixth place, 2.5 games ahead of Pre Sports Therapy (4-11).
Shortcut Landscaping 26 – Pro Sports Therapy 6 On Sunday night, the SCL big bats exploded for 17 runs in the second inning to put away PST early, winning by run rule, 26-6. PST did have a few bright spots offensively, as Tom Rose continued to be a force with a 3-for-3 night that included a grand slam and five of the six PST RBI. Jeff Morse also contributed a 3-for-3 night and Mark Urlage went 3-for-4 with a homer. Dave Silton hit the only SCL home run, though everyone else in the SCL lineup contributed with base hits.
Mustangs 11 - Burtons 4 On Tuesday night, Don Cusano led the NVVM offense, going 4-for-4 with two homers, 5 RBI and 3 runs scored. Lefties Jack Erickson and Mark Cusano also homered for the Mustangs. Paul Selfrige and Jim Ward both chipped in with three hits from their top two spots in the order. Jay Dolan added two hits, while Paul Ligouri held Burton's in check to get the win on the mound. Burtons Grill’s Jon Russo, Kieran Murray, Greg Fitzgerald and Murph McKeon each had two hits.
Floral Arts 17 - Drew Farms 7 Floral overcame a slow start to beat a resilient Drew Farms, 17-7. Roger Whittlesey had the key hit in the game—a ringing two out, two run double that gave Floral needed separation. Jim Peloquin, Geoff Pavao, Rob Beaudette, and Simon Tripp homered for Floral, while Pat Pawlik and Todd Shephard went back to back for Drews. Larry Mardany overcame a rocky first inning on the mound to secure the win.
Mustangs 21 - Floral Arts 8 On Wednesday, Paul Selfrige set the tone early from the top of the NVVM batting order with four hits, including two doubles, a grand slam, six RBI and four runs scored. While Bill Knute's streak of reaching base in 22 straight plate appearances came to an end, he more than made up for it with two home run blasts, including a grand slam, five RBI and two runs scored. Don Cusano got the win on the mound and added two hits, including a deep home run to aid his cause. Other home run hitters for the Mustangs were Jay Lincoln, Jack Erickson (3 RBI), and Mike Kennedy. Dan Crogan chipped in with three hits, including a double, three runs scored and an RBI. Crogan and Selfrige turned two infield double plays to end potential big innings for Floral Arts.
Burtons Grill 17 - Healy Oil 16 For the second time in three games Burtons Grill spotted its opponent an early eight-run lead before slugging its way back to an eventual one run victory margin, this time over Healy Oil. Brian Collamore set the table by going 4-for-4 with three runs scored batting ahead of Luke Boulanger, who had a bases clearing double, finishing with three hits and four RBI. Peter Morano, Dave Batchelder and Jerry Breen all contributed three hits apiece and Jon Russo added a solo home run. Outfielder Tim Scott gunned down a Healy runner at second to keep Burtons within reach. Brian Haley's sac fly scored the winning run as Rick Waldron slid across the plate ahead of Healy's relay throw. Healy’s Brian Herrmann, Dave O'Keefe and Mike Martin homered. O'Keefe had a three-run shot in the top of the seventh.
Floral Arts 12 – Shortcut Landscaping 10 (8 innings) Floral Arts overcame a 5-1 deficit in the early innings to force extra innings, and ultimately beating SCL, 12-10 in the eighth inning. Mike Alonardo (2), Geoff Pavao, and Mark Chambers hit homers in the game. SCL’s Jason Humphrey (2) and Rob Prendergast each hit homers.
Pro Sports Therapy 7 – Willis Tent 4 Larry Zupkosky pitched a gem, keeping a potent Willis lineup to four runs. Zupkosky was supported by a couple of important defensive plays, including turning a double play. The PST offense had contributions up and down the lineup, the biggest being Andrew Fletcher’s 2 RBI single to open the scoring in the first and Zupkosky’s huge RBI single off the fence in the fourth. Willis pitcher Bob Fleury put in a worthy effort from the mound and at the plate. Fleury went 2-for-2, Rob Swinamer 2-for-3 and Steve Damiani hit a home run.
GutCheck 14 – Drews 11 GutCheck knocked off their league rivals in a close match that ended with w 14-11 score. GutCheck’s Matt Sepe hit two 3-run shots and Thanh Nguyen and Jeff Stabach both went 4-for-5.
They must like new beginnings. Burtons Grill (2-11) won the season opener, but since then has been snake-bitten. Burtons has had many opportunities to win since Opening Day, but the “W” eluded them until this week—the start of he second half—when they beat Drew Farms (7-7) in a close one. Nashoba Valley Veterinarian Mustangs (14-0) remains undefeated and Floral Arts (11-3) sits in second place. Most teams have only 10 games remaining in the regular season, and so going forward acquiring wins becomes more critical as teams maneuver for one of the six playoff berths.
Willis Tent 3 – Drew Farms 2 Willis pitcher Bob Fleury won a pitcher’s duel on Tuesday, holding Drew Farms to just two runs. The win allowed Willis to move out of a fourth place tie with Drews. Willis’ Keith Wauters, went 3-for-3 with 2 singles and a double.
Floral Arts 16 – GutCheck 3 Floral Arts dinked and dunked their way to victory, scoring 16 runs with only three extra base hits. Ken Delaney’s 3-run homer in the seven-run second inning was the big blow. Leadoff man Dave Janowsky had four hits and reached base in all five plate appearances to spark Floral. Larry Mardany was strong on the mound; his only blemish was a towering home run by Thanh Nguyen.
Nashoba Valley Veterinarian Mustangs 21 – Willis Tent 8 Don Cusano blasted two home runs (4-for-5, 6 RBI), while pitching NVVM to the win over a tough Willis squad. Cusano helped his cause by covering first base on two nice fielding plays by first baseman Craig Smith. Mustang outfielders Jack Erickson and Bill Knute also both made outstanding diving catches to thwart Willis rallies. Erickson had four hits and four runs scored from the two spot in the order. Knute (3 RBI) homered among his four hits, as well. Paul Selfrige (2 hits, BB, 6 RBI) and Mark Cusano (3 hits) also homered for the winners. Willis Tent’s Brian Gallardo was 3-for-4 night with a single, double and a home run. John Mangiaratti went 3-for-4 with a single, two home runs and a walk. Jeff Bridges hit a homer for Willis.
Going into the holiday break, Willis Tent (7-5) won twice this week with decisive wins over Gutcheck (6-7) and Shortcut Landscaping (8-6). The Nashoba Valley Veterinarian Mustangs (13-0) remain the only undefeated team in the league and sit in first place in front of Floral Arts (10-3).
Pro Sports Therapy 8 – Drew Farms 7 Pro Sports Therapy bounced back to steal a win from Drew Farms on Tuesday night, 8-7. Larry Zupkosky led the way for PST, getting the win on the mound and putting up three hits to lead the offense. Second baseman Andrew Fletcher got PST off to a quick start, driving in two runs with a triple and then scoring in the top of the first inning. The top of the order also responded, with outfielder Mark Urlage getting on base three times and shortstop John Bodi going 3-for-3 with a sac fly. Drews staged a furious rally in the bottom of the seventh, with the big blow being a Rob O’Neil double off the left field fence, but fell a run short. Todd Shepherd led the Drew’s offense with two homers.
Willis Tent 16 – Gutcheck 4 On Wednesday, Willis Tent scored five runs in the first inning and then exploded for 10 runs in the fifth to put the game out of reach against Gutcheck. Willis Pitcher Paul Duato shut down the Gutcheck offense, limiting them to just four hits. Willis’ Dennis Kane went 3-for-3 with two singles and a double, Kevin Adolph was 2-for-3 and scored three runs, Brian Gallardo was 2-for-3 with a home run, Steve Damiani was 2-for-3, and Jeff Briggs had a 2-fo-3 evening. Gutcheck’s Matt Sepe led-off with a solo shot and Darren Wizst hit a three-run bomb.
Floral Arts 18 – Burtons Grill 6 The Floral offense opened up their throttle with their first seven home run game of the year. Jeff Moore, Frank Lancelotta, Mike Alonardo, Rob Beaudette, Ken Delaney, and Simon Tripp (2) all struck for the long ball. Roger Whittlesey went 4-for-4, and Dave Janowsky and Larry Mardany each had multi-hit games at the top of the lineup. Dave Bachelder led the Burton’s offense with two home runs.
Willis Tent 20 – Shortcut Landscaping 14 Willis Tent’s offense came prepared for what would be a seesaw battle, jumping to a quick lead with seven runs. After the second inning Willis held the slight 8-7 lead, but SCL added four runs in the bottom of the third to lead 11-8. But Willis fought back in the top of the fourth and took a 12 to 11 lead. With Willis pitcher Bob Fleury finally settling in, SCL only mustered a single run in the bottom of the fourth, pulling themselves to a 12-12 tie. Willis didn’t score in the next two innings, but SCL scored two, taking the 14-12 lead in the seventh. Willis’ bats exploded once again, this time with eight runs. Willis’ Steve Damiani went 3-for-4 with a single, double and home run, Dennis Kane was 3-for-4 with a home run, Rick Devanna was 3-for-4 with a single, double and home run, Bob Fleury was 3-for-4, Andrew Metters went 3-for-4 and Brian Gallardo hit two homers.
Healy Oil 14 – Pro Sports Therapy 13 Healy Oil put up six runs in the sixth inning to post a come-from-behind win over Pro Sports Therapy on Friday night. Healy hit five home runs during the game. PST’s Ben Armstrong had a huge night, going 4-for-4 with a double, two homers, including a grand slam, 7 RBI, and an IBB in the seventh inning. Derek Donegan also had a big night in the leadoff spot, going 3-for-4 with a couple of RBI.
Gutcheck 16 – Burtons Grill 1 Thanh Nguyen pitched a solid game to shut down his former team and was supported by strong defense all around. Everyone for Gutcheck contributed to the offense, scattering 21 hits over four innings. Jeff Curley was 3-for-3, Mark Lupien 2-for-2, Mark Priest 2-for-2, and Jimmy Sullivan (in his debut of the season) also 2-for-2 with 2 RBI. Jim DeMarco hit a grand slam in the third to break the game open.
Nashoba Valley Veterinarian Mustangs 23 – Shortcut Landscaping 10 NVVM out-slugged powerful Shortcuts in the late game Friday night. The Mustangs pounded out 30 hits, including eight home runs. Lefty Bill Knute has hit the ball over the fence in 7 of his last 8 plate appearances over two games. Against Shortcuts he had three home runs, 6 RBI, including a grand slam and four runs scored. Fellow southpaw Mark Cusano added three hits, including two home run blasts and 3 RBI. Righty slugger Don Cusano belted two homers, with another long ball counting as a single (4-for-4, 5 RBI, 4 RS). Jim Ward (4-for-4, 4 RS) set the table all night from the two-hole. Cormac Bordes anchored the stellar Mustang defense, turning two infield double plays from his second baseman position.
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