Gold Country Buzzards

Gold Country Ol’ Buzzards Game Report #1

Game: April 3, 2011

Buzzards drop the Dragons in the bottom of the ninth, 5-4

On a perfect Spring Sunday morning, the Buzzards began to gather early at James Field in Auburn for opening day of the 2011 NABA baseball season. The Dragons were historically a tough opponent and showed up with 16 players looking to start their season by clipping the Buzzards’ wings. The Dragons just missed the playoffs last year so manager, Larry Whitmer, added a couple of all-stars from the defunct Sultans plus super stud John Daly to make them a much stronger all-around team.

The Gold Country Ol’ Buzzards were opening the season this year at James Field in Auburn - breaking a five-year tradition of opening in Colfax. The Buzzards have lofty goals for the 2011 season and are aiming for a fourth straight appearance in the Sacramento NABA finals - champs in 2008 and losing to the Reds in the third and final game of the championship series in 2009 and 2010. The Buzzards open this season with three new players to strengthen the line-up and they were sending one of the new guys, southpaw Jim “Moxey” Steiger #13, to the mound for the season opener at home. The Dragons countered with their ace, right-hander Jeff “Big Red” Hansen #11 on the hill.

The Dragons started the game aggressively with a first pitch single to left field by the lead-off hitter. Following a fielder’s choice, then a surprise stolen base by the ‘sneaky slow’ Alan “Rocketman” Van Ness, and then a groundout left the runner at second base with two outs. On a 3-2 pitch, the clean-up hitter, Ted “Pretty Boy” Peart, hit a liner into left field scoring Rocketman for the game’s first run.

The Dragons scored a run in the second inning starting with an eight-pitch lead-off walk. Batting next, Mark “Flat Nose” Parsons, playing catcher today, hit a 2-2 pitch into left field for a single. Mark broke his nose last year in the second game of the season against the Buzzards on a bazaar play. He swung a little early at a high hard curve ball from Dave Kephart and fouled the ball straight into his face - flatting his nose. With a bleeding flat nose and a short-handed team, Mark had to drive himself from Colfax High to the nearest emergency hospital in Auburn that morning. He used to be a good looking guy, but that crooked nose does add character.

After a balk? and a strikeout, there were two Dragons on base with one out. The next batter bounced a tough grounder to third that was bobbled allowing the runner to score from third base for run number two for the green Dragons.

The Buzzards put two runs on the board in the bottom of the second inning to tie the score. With one out, Scott “Donut” Reeves hit a first-pitch fast ball over the left fielder’s head for a good looking double. After a ground-out moved Scottie to third, Taylor “Welzy” Welz drove a 1-2 pitch into left field for a two-out, run scoring single for the first Buzzard run of the year. Welzy then stole second base before Dave “Evy” ‘like Chevy’ Everingham knocked him home on a line drive single into right field. Evy then stole second base before the inning ended with the score knotted at two after two innings.

The Buzzards changed pitchers in the fifth inning. Moxey had a family gathering in Sacramento so the Buzzards sent Mark “Weed” Fowler #11 to the bump. It took Weeder a couple of batters to get his bearings on the mound - putting the first two batters on base. After a wild pitch moved the runners up a base, Fowler tried a pick-off at second base that sailed into center field allowing one run to score. A strikeout followed by a nice defensive play by Weed to knock down a hard hit ball up the middle and to then throw home to nail the Dragon coming from third (nice tag Milli) really put a damper on that Dragon rally. Mark then killed the rally by picking off the runner at first for the third out. That play included the runner using his good jump to continue hard into second base and making the play close with Evy running over from shortstop and with a lunging catch put the tag on the sliding Dragon’s foot right at the bag for the out. Nice play.

The Gold Country gang also scored in their half of the fifth inning. Jim “Milli” Milligan started the inning by lining a 3-0 pitch into center field for a base hit. Dan “Wookie” Wukmir, running for the catcher, took first base. In a pick-off move to first, Hansen threw the ball wildly down the line allowing Wookie to take second base. With one out, Barry “Brooklyn” Forman lined an 0-1 fastball sharply into center field. With runners at the corners, Scottie hit a hot grounder to the third baseman. After the nice glove work, the third baseman’s throw to second was a little wide of the bag toward the outfield. Wookie, on third, had a good angle on the developing play and took off for home. The second baseman had to back-hand his catch for the force out, but had no chance to get Wook scoring the needed run. Game tied 3-3.

The relentless Dragons took the lead for the third and last time in the top of the seventh inning. The inning started with a high chopper toward third that a charging Welzy fielded with his bare throwing hand (wow) but then threw low and outside to the first baseman, Mike “Bake” Baker, putting the runner at first. Next, the left-hand hitting Mike “Chubby” Pearson doubled with a drive near and down the left field line scoring the runner from first base for a key fourth run, and putting a Dragon in scoring position with no outs. No worries mate, Fowler then got the next three batters to keep the ball in the infield with two groundouts and a pop-up to end the inning.

The Ol’ Buzzards tied the score again with one run in the bottom of the eighth inning. With one out, Donut hit a deep grounder in the hole at third. With his speed Scottie beat the throw for a hit and advanced to second on the high wild throw from the third baseman. Batting next, Pete “Baron” Von Zboray took a base on balls with a wild pitch thrown in to move Donut to third. With Buzzards at the corners, Welzy followed with a run scoring, fielder’s choice to short to tie the score once more. After eight innings of good baseball the score was 4-4.

The Buzzards changed pitchers at the start of the eighth inning. Bob “Woody” Wooden #22 took the hill for the team. Woody shut down the Dragons the last two innings allowing the Buzzards to claw their way back into the lead. The ninth inning started with Evy lining a 1-0 pitch for a base hit into left field. Woody, batting next, got the bunt sign from the coach. On the second pitch, Woody squared again to bunt and this time took one for the team; with the inside pitch hitting his right thigh and putting Bob at first base. With two on and no outs, the Buzzards played the percentages and had their clean-up hitter, new Buzzard Tony Brashear #15, bunt the first pitch. Tony dropped a beauty and the runners advanced to second and third with one out.

The Dragons huddled for a long while and then intentionally walked Bake to load the bases. The next batter was the oldest Ol’ Buzzard - Wookie. With the game on the line, the lefty hit a 1-2 pitch roller toward shortstop. Rocketman charged the ball and threw to second hoping to start a double-play. Welzy, on first base running for Baker, got a good jump and ran hard then did his job by sliding hard (and clean) into the bag, while the second baseman tried to make it look like runner interference as he did not throw to first base. Meanwhile, Evy scored from third and Wookie crossed first base to seal the victory with a walk-off fielder’s choice. Nice win Buzzards.

The game was well played on both sides with pitching having the upper hand over batting in the season opener. The Buzzards pitching was excellent. Steiger pitched four innings throwing 68 pitches (38 strikes & 30 balls) giving up four hits with two walks and two strikeouts. He also picked-off one runner. Fowler threw three innings with 53 pitches (25 strikes & 28 balls) allowing two hits with three walks and one strikemout with one runner picked-off. Woody, in his fourth year as a Buzzard, closed the game with two shutout innings. Bobio, Bob with the Fabio build and flowing locks, threw 28 pitches (15 strikes & 13 balls) giving up one hit with one walk and one K.

The defense was solid especially for an early season game. The double-play, Evy to Welzy to Bake, (6-4-3) to end the second inning with a run already scored and Dragons at the corners was huge. A nice dive in center by Donnie “Redondo” Colbert in the sixth to scoop that ball, but alas it came flying out of the glove on the bounce up. It could have been called a ‘loose ball during transition’, but the umpire was adjusting his glasses and had a bad angle. Redondo’s catch of the second out in the last inning made us hold our breath on the back pedal, but he stayed with it and hung on to the ball. Speaking of back pedals, Wook’s catch at second while falling backwards on the sloping edge at the outfield grass to end the eighth inning will be hard to top this year. Way to hang on. No circus music please. All pop-ups were caught during this game and there were several. Both pickles from the two pick-offs resulted in outs. The catching was superb with Milli (good to have ya back) going six innings and Donut showing his stuff behind the plate for the final three innings by throwing out the final Dragon runner trying to steal second base in the ninth inning. Good D Buzzards!

The hitting will improve and getting one more run than the opponent is a good thing. The Ol’ Buzzards got eight hits off of the two Dragon pitchers, Jeff Hansen and Ted Peart, with five walks and nine strikeouts. The hit club for this first game included Barry, Milli, Welzy and Woody with one hit each, with Evy and Donut getting two hits. The all important ribbies were courtesy of Donut, Evy, Welzy (2) and Wookie. There were not that many opportunities to score in this game, but the team came through with clutch and timely hits. There were only 10 Buzzards in scoring position during the game and five were knocked in. Good job with the nice come-from-behind victory. Now the hard and fun part, do it again.

Gold Country Ol’ Buzzards Game Report #23

September 19, 2010

                           Great season ends with loss in championship game

Buzzards held down by Reds, 11-3

The Buzzards gathered for the final game of the 2010 NABA season at Playfields Park in Davis at 11 am on September 19th. The local forecasts were strangely calling for rain around game time and sure enough, sprinkles did hit Davis but earlier at about 8 o’clock and moved east. On the way to the game, many players ran into rain around Roseville coming west down I-80 and wondered about the field conditions.

At game time the field was in good shape with little sign of the morning sprinkles. The weather was cloudy with a breeze at game time with a chance of rain later. Not your normal mid-September Sacramento weather. Still, the game brought out lots of family and friends ready to see the final game of the NABA 48+ Sacramento Championship Series.

For the big game, both teams were starting their top pitcher for this season on the mound. The Reds sent sneaky right-hander, Danny “Smiley” Harvey #25, with his ‘short-armed’ assortment of slow stuff and a sneaky fastball, to the bump. The Gold Country Buzzards sent their ace southpaw, Dave “Keppie” Kephart #21, to the hill to battle the defending champs.

The Reds scored first in their half of the first inning. The home plate ump was struggling with Keppie’s fastball and was not calling anything on the inside half of the 17 inch-wide plate. With Kep forced to pitch to a ‘coffee can’ sized strike zone with this good hittin’ team, meant a lot of work for the fielders. Dennis Viegas led-off with an eight pitch at-bat looking at several strike three pitches - but getting the call – until singling to left field. The next batter took seven pitches before grounding into a good looking double-play when Keppie snagged the sharp come-backer and spun around to hit Dave “Evy” Everingham with a strike. Evy made a nice turn at the bag on a fast approaching, former Sac City college teammate, Viegas and threw out the runner for the two quick outs.

However, that strike zone haunted Kep all game. The next batter walked before big Andre Gonzalez #16 hammered a 1-0 pitch into right field. The next batter, Pablo Gonzalez, walked to load the bases. Reds’ shortstop, Steve Morano, followed with a seven pitch at-bat before spanking a hard ground ball through the left-side hole to score two runs. The next batter walked before Harvey grounded out 6-3 to end the first inning.

While Harvey was baffling the Buzzards into pop-ups, ground outs and K’s, the Reds scored again in the second inning. A walk, single, wild pitch and infield error resulted in one run.

The Buzzards scored in the top of the third. Pete “Baron” Von Zboray hit a one-out single to left field. Then Dan “Wookie” Wukmir walked to put runners at first and second. Batting next, Scott “Donut” Reeves is apparently eating ‘enhanced with something’ donuts as he pounded the ball over the outfielder’s heads in left-center for a double scoring the Baron. With two runners in scoring position and only one out, it looked good for some more runs, but the Reds held and the score after three innings of play was 3-1 Reds.

The Reds scored two more in the fourth on a walk followed by a double and two singles before another big Buzzard double-play. This one was a smooth looking classic, short to second to first, with Evy gloving the hot grounder, then feeding it to Taylor “Welzy” Welz covering the bag. Welzy made the catch, turn and throw to first baseman, Mike “Bake” Baker in time to nail the runner.

The Reds scored two in the fifth inning. Three singles and a run-down between first and second with Viegas scored the runs. In the top of the sixth, the Buzzards scored a run when Welzy led off the inning with a solid single to left. Next, Evy walked putting two runners on. After two infield force-outs, Bake hit a clutch line drive single to right-center field scoring the run.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Reds’ hit batter’s count pitches for five hits and four runs before Keppie was replaced by Fred “Freddie” O’Donoghue #26. Keppie’s back tightening up and the umpire not seeing the fastball strikes were tough breaks for the Buzzards today. Freddie shut down the Reds for the rest of the game, but the Buzzards were in a big hole.

The never-say-die Ol’ Buzzards scored in the ninth inning. Welzy hit a line drive single to left field to open the inning. Calls for “put the box of t-shirts in the dugout” were met with laughs and “not this time” as memories of last Sunday’s dramatic come-back victory with six runs in the ninth inning by the Buzzards came to mind, however, that would be hard to duplicate, but possible. Batting next, Evy, doubled into the right-center field gap sending Welzy hustlin’ from first base to score. But there were no more miracle finishes today as the Reds won 11-3.

A fabulous Buzzard baseball season ended on a down note, but the Buzzards got together afterward and celebrated a fine season with brews and snacks.

Keppie was disappointed in the final results, but he carried the team most of the season. Against 35 Reds’ batters, Kep threw 114 pitches (67 strikes & 47 balls). There were 15 hits and 5 walks for the Reds with 3 strikeouts.

The Buzzards' offense was held in check by Danny Harvey’s pitching with six strikeouts and some good defensive plays. Plays like big Andre’s over-the-shoulder catch of the pop fly ball behind first base and then the infield pop-up, near collision with Harvey, that Andre usually doesn’t make, were key outs. The Reds played flawless defense.

The Buzzards got just nine hits to go with three walks in the game for their total offense. Three players got two hits each – Bake, Pete and Welzy. That accounted for 2/3rds of the game’s hits. It is tough to score with so few opportunities when the hits aren’t falling in. The ribbies were knocked in by Bake, Donut and Evy.

Not the best way to end a season, but playing for the Sacramento NABA 48+ championship makes for a successful season, and now yearning to take it away from those damn Reds next year. Good job Buzzards. The next Buzzard baseball game will be in March 2011.

Buzzard Note #1: After the runner-up plaque was awarded and team photo taken, the Buzzards gathered ‘round for final words from Pete plus a big thank you to the team. Wags then presented the team’s MVP, Dave Kephart, with an autographed bat by Nick Swisher. The next Buzzard award went to the player that ‘Improved the team the most’. Wags announced Dave Everingham and handed Evy an autographed bat by Eric Chavez for playing that key role in the Buzzard season.

Buzzard Note #2: The end of the season team & family party will be at Ray & Liz Henry’s home in Eden Valley, Colfax on Sunday afternoon, October 10th. Some of the ball players will be playing in a planned practice game against Colfax High that morning and heading over to the Henry’s at about 1 o’ clock. Ray will provide the food. Mark your calendars. More info to come later.

Gold Country Ol’ Buzzards Game Report #22

September 12, 2010

Buzzards steal one from Reds, 9-8

After the tough loss in the first game, the Buzzards were determined to beat the Reds in the second game and force a third and final game next week. The visiting Reds started the old veteran, righty Robert “Sidewinder” Stormont #30, known for his assortment of pitches including two kinds of knuckle balls and still has some good zip on his fastball. On the hill for the Gold Country Buzzards was the stiff and loaded up with ibuprofen, Bob “Woodie” Wooden #22. Fresh off his lower back injury in the middle of the previous game, Woodie was going to see how long before his back tightened up too much. Since he’s retired, what the heck. This was also going to be a battle of pony tails.

Both Robert’s gray one and Bobio’s red one were hard to miss sticking out the back of their caps. They claim chicks dig the pony tails. The second game of the NABA championship series double-header started at 1:45. The Reds opened the game with two quick runs. Dennis Viegas #4 tripled to right on the first pitch. One out later, Bo Correa #8 doubled down the right field line scoring the run. Bo later scored on a looper hit into short center field by Gonzales for a 2-0 lead.

Stormont’s pitching was giving the Buzzards’ fits. He effectively held a real good hittin’ Buzzard team to seven hits in the first seven innings and no runs. Meanwhile, the Reds scored three more runs in the top of the fourth. Three walks and a double in the inning made the score 5-0 Reds.

Dave “Evy” Everingham #6 replaced a sore-back Woodie on the mound in the sixth inning. The Reds scored a run in the seventh inning on a first-pitch inside fastball home run over the left field fence by big Mike Wright #41 for a 6-0 score after seven innings.

The Buzzards threatened in the first inning with full bases, but never had two runners on base after that until the eighth inning, as Stormont shut down the high-octane Buzzards. Real Buzzards were spotted soaring in the sky, most likely looking for dead Reds, but certainly offering encouragement. Whether it was the flying mascot and determined Buzzard hitters or tired Reds’ pitching, it doesn’t matter, ‘cause the Buzzard bats came alive with three runs and five hits in the bottom of that inning.

Taylor “Welzy” Welz started the eighth inning off with a one out single to left. Evy followed with a hit to right-center field sending Welzy to third. T-Welz scored on a single by Dave “Keppie” Kephart now putting runners at first and second. Dan “Wookie” Wukmir came in to replace Kep at first base. Batting next, Charles “CJ” Jackson placed a hit into short left field to load the bases. With two outs now, Mike “Bake” Baker blasted the first pitch deep to left field for a double scoring Evy and Wookie to make the score 6-3 Reds.

The Reds upped the ante when they scored two more runs in the top half of the ninth inning. With runners at second and third, Mike Wright struck again, this time with a two-run ground ball single up the middle to set the score at 8-3 Reds entering the bottom of the ninth inning.

With no more time to spare, the Buzzards faced a new pitcher in their last at-bat. On the hill for the Reds was big Andre “Lefty” Gonzalez #16. Pete “Baron” Von Zboray led off the inning with a base on balls. Jim “Wags” Wagner then pushed a bunt toward a deep playing third baseman. Wags beat the throw and advanced to second on the high throw to the fence. With runners at third and second, Barry “Hands” Forman hit the first offering into center field for a two-run single scoring Pete and Wags. Batting next, Welzy lined one to center field for a base hit that moved Barry to second base. Evy followed with a single to left field scoring Barry and advancing Welzy to second.

With the score now 8-6 and nobody out, Keppie batting next, got the bunt sign to move both runners into scoring position. Kep bunted the ball to the left side and made big Andre field the ball on the move. Andre threw the ball to third base hoping for the force out, but the runner was Welzy and he beat the throw. Now with the bases loaded and no outs, CJ came to the plate. With the outfield playing real deep, CJ hit a high looper to left that fell in front of a hard charging left fielder to score Welzy for a one run game with the bases still full.

The Reds then changed pitchers and brought in the first game’s hurler, Danny Harvey #25. Batting next, Mark “Ronnie” Wronski was hit on the wrist with a 1-2 high inside curve ball to tie the game at 8-8. Wow. The Reds called time out again and moved the fielders in. Baker then stepped into the batter’s box, wig wagging that bat waiting for the Harvey pitch. The first pitch fastball was laced over the left fielder’s head for the game winning hit to beat the Reds 9-8 in dramatic walk-off style. This time the Buzzards were jumping and smiling with the walk-off hit. What an unbelievable come-back. Six runs on six hits, a walk and a hit batter to win. Twelve hits and nine runs in the last two innings to win and split the double-header was amazing to see. This big win will require a game three to settle the Sacramento NABA 48+ Championship.

Buzzard pitching held the Reds to 10 hits.  Woodie threw 86 pitches (46 strikes & 40 balls) in facing 27 Reds in five innings of work. With his back clearly bothering him, Woodie was not as sharp as usual. He gave up six hits with five walks and one hit batter in striking out two. Evy pitched the last four innings and picked up the win. Dave faced 17 Reds while throwing 54 pitches (31 strikes & 23 balls). He gave up four hits and two walks with two strike outs. The Reds were held to eight runs in both games.

The offense decided to wait for the Air Show to finish before filling the sky with base hits. The Buzzards had a total of 19 hits. Seven scattered hits in seven innings gave way to an offensive assault that started in the eighth inning and lasted thru the ninth. The last 17 Buzzard batters got 12 hits with one walk for nine runs. Pretty impressive numbers. The multi-hit club in the second game included Barry, Keppie and Welzy with two hits each; Charles with three hits and Bake and Evy with four hit games. Single RBI’s were knocked in by Barry, CJ, Evy, Kep and Ronnie while Bake hit in four runs in his last two at-bats. Good job, Buzzards.

What an amazing double-header with back-to-back dramatic ninth innings. Both games were decided in the final at-bat with walk-off base hits to steal a victory from the other team. This is fun. Next week, game three at Playfields Park in Davis at 11 o’clock. Beware the Buzzard.

Gold Country Ol’ Buzzards Game Report #21

September 12, 2010

Reds steal one from Buzzards, 8-7

A long day of playoff baseball was on the schedule for Sunday, Sept 12th, at Petersen Field in Rancho Cordova. It was nice to even be on the schedule and to be playing playoff baseball. When the season began in March and the Buzzards lost the first two games that month, it didn’t look real good that the team would even make the playoffs with the early injuries and sluggish bats. After 12 games the Buzzards were 6-6. By ending the season on a 10-1 streak including the playoff victory (4-3) over the Valley Cats, the Buzzards were in the Championship Series for the third consecutive year. At 10 o’clock the Gold Country Buzzards gathered to take on the defending Sacramento NABA champs, the Reds, in a double-header. The field was in good shape, the weather was warm turning to hot, the Air Show was several miles away - not over head like last year at Mather - and so, just like Ernie Banks was famous for saying it, “Let’s play two”.

In the first game the Reds were the home team and their coach, Carlos Zamora, sent right-hander Danny “Smiley” Harvey #25 with his slow curve and sneaky fastball to the mound. The Buzzards starting pitcher was their hard throwing, southpaw ace Dave “Keppie” Kephart #21. There were three umpires for the game, but the quality of the home plate ump did not match the quality of the pitching. The strike zone was terrible and frustrating for both pitchers and batters.

The Reds jumped on the score board first with a run in the bottom of the first inning. Dennis Viegas started it off for the Reds by hitting a little looper just off the glove of the leaping second baseman, Taylor “Welzy” Welz for a single. Then the strike zone got freaky and three of the next four batters walked to push in the run. With bases full and only one out, an early big inning was brewing. Within four pitches, a pop-up to first and the nice snag of a liner at Keppie’s ankle ended the first inning and limited the damage to one run. However, Kep was really ticked-off in the dugout with that bizarro strike zone. It was going to be a looong game for Dave on the bump.

The pitching held the teams to zeros on the board until the Buzzards got a run in the top of the fourth. With one out, Welzy doubled to left field. Batting next, Dave “Evy” (like Chevy) Everingham hit a flare to short center field for a single and moved Welzy to third. Bob “Woodie” Wooden followed by hitting the first pitch for an RBI single to left-center field to tie the game at 1-1.

In the fifth inning, the Buzzards added a run when Fred “Freddie” O’Donoghue started it off with a nice line drive hit to left. Charles “CJ” Jackson then ran for the catcher. A failed pick-off move advanced CJ to second base. Two outs later, Keppie helped his own cause with a clutch single to left field to drive in the run for a 2-1 lead.

The Reds scored a run in the sixth to tie the game. The lead-off batter, big Andre Gonzalez singled up the middle on a 1-2 pitch. Next, the other Gonzales (Pablo) hit a double to deep left-center field sending the runner (not big Gonzalez, but Bo Correa - the 45 year young catcher - in his first of many replacement runner turns) around third and heading toward home plate. There to greet him was Freddie with the ball on a nice catch and tag move to nail the sliding Red. The tag was made possible by outfield hustle and good throws from the center fielder, Donnie “Redondo” Colbert, to Everingham on the outfield grass and then Evy’s long strike to Freddie at the plate for out number one with Gonzales moving to third base. Next, a throwing error from third-to-first on Harvey’s grounder scored the run. After a fly out, the next batter, Lopez, hit a slow roller toward third. Mark “Ronnie” Wronski fielded the ball and threw to first but the runner was called safe on a close play. However, the alert Mike “Bake” Baker playing first base saw the runner at third got a slow start and threw a bullet to Freddie to nail the sliding Red at the plate for the third out. The Reds were stunned with two outs at home plate in the same inning. But, the score was now tied 2-2 after six innings of play.

So, the Buzzards did what good teams do when the other team is stunned and ticked-off, score more runs. After one out, CJ’s grounder was booted by the third baseman and following a balk call, CJ was standing on second base. Freddie then singled to left with Charles holding at third base and putting runners at the corners. Redondo then came in to run for the catcher. Baker, batting next, scalded a shot on the ground past the shortstop that carried into the gap allowing both runners to score. Redondo zipping around from first base, beat the throw home to make the score 4-2 Buzzards.

The Buzzards scored another run in the eighth inning. Pete “Baron” Von Zboray led off with a sharp single to left. After a sacrifice bunt by Scott “Donut” Reeves advanced Pete and a fly-out for the second out, Welzy was nailed by a fastball on the first pitch putting two runners on. Evy then drove an 0-2 pitch into right-center field for a clutch hit scoring the Baron. Going into the bottom of the eighth and leading 5-2, the Buzzards were in a good position to win this game.

However, after a lead-off hit and a fly-ball out to put victory within four outs, three singles and a double plus a walk, allowed the Reds to score four times. Then with runners at second and third with two outs, on a 2-1 pitch, young Correa hit a line drive to left field that looked like a base hit to drive in more runs. Barry charged the ball hard and then went into a slide to try and make a catch. One extra problem was now developing though, the ball was sinking away to his right and his glove was on the other side of his body too far from the ball to try a back-hand. So, ‘big hands’ Barry reached out far with his bare right hand and caught the liner inches off the ground for an absolutely amazing catch to end the inning. Dave Everingham’s folks had seats nearby for a great look at the play and loudly confirmed for the umpire covering the play, that in deed that was a great catch. Barry had an ice pack on the hand for the rest of the day when in the dugout to reduce the swelling, but wow what a catch! It made Kevin Mitchell’s famous bare-handed catch on a fly ball in the outfield look like kid’s stuff. It’s probably save to say, that Barry’s play in left field was the best bare-handed catch you’ll ever see.

With the score now 6-5 Reds and one more at-bat for the Buzzards, the challenge was certainly there. With one out, Freddie hit a 1-2 pitch into short left field to start the rally. Bake then singled putting two runners on. After an out, Keppie was intentionally walked to load the bases for the Baron. Pete came through with a huge, clutch line drive single to left field driving in two runs to re-take the lead, 7-6.

However, those damn Reds spoiled the first game with two runs after one out when the next four batters got on base and they scored two runs. The exciting three-hour game ended with the Reds jumping up and down after a walk-off base hit to left field. Ouch. Quick lunch time for the team with the next game starting in 45 minutes.

Ol’ Lefty did an excellent job against this good hittin’ team. The Reds got 13 hits along with six (blind umpire) walks and two helpful Buzzard errors. Keppie struck out two Reds in throwing 147 pitches (81 strikes & 66 balls) while facing 44 batters.

The Buzzard offense out hit the Reds with 16 base hits. The Buzzards benefitted from one walk and three Reds’ misplays. The multi-hit group in the first game included the Baron, Bake, Evy, Keppie and Woodie with two hits each and Freddie with three. The ribbies were courtesy of Bake-2, Evy, Kep, Woodie and the Baron-2. All of the RBI’s came with two outs. Great clutch hittin’ there - ya Ol’ Buzzards. We just needed another inning.

Buzzard Note #1: In the fifth inning, Woodie made a terrific sliding catch in the infield. He hurt his lower back and could not swing a bat (after going 2 for 2) for the remainder of the day. He was the planned starting pitcher for game two. Bobio is tough and he pitched the first half of the second game, but we lost a hot bat for the day.

Buzzard Note #2: More info on “The Catch”. Barry said afterward that he was real surprised the ball stuck in his hand, catching it with his fingers helped. But we all were shocked and amazed with the catch. Forman is known for catching a few warm-up throws with his bare hand, but that was a topper. However, using gloves is highly encouraged by Management. Barry, read your contract - page 5.

Gold Country Ol’ Buzzards Game Report #20

August 29, 2010

Buzzards scratch-out Valley Cats in playoff battle, 4-3

On an unusually cool August morning, the Buzzards gathered at Rancho Cordova to take on the first place Valley Cats in a single-elimination playoff game. At the Mather Field sports complex, the #4 seeded Buzzards (14-7) were scheduled to play the #1 seeded Whinny Cats (18-3) in a 10 o’clock game. The winner moves on to the NABA championship series starting on Sept. 12th. Meanwhile, the Reds were playing the Free Agents in Rio Linda to determine the other opponent in the upcoming (best of three game) series to claim the Sacramento title.

The Valley Cats were the home team with right-hander Dave “Nut Case” Nutter #12 as their starting pitcher. The Gold Country Buzzards sent their southpaw ace, Dave “Keppie” Kephart to the bump. Both pitchers throw hard stuff and can mix it up, and with so much on the line, this will not be a game for sissies.

The Buzzards scored first with one run in the top of the second inning. With two outs, Dan “Wookie” Wukmir grounded to the second baseman and by hustlin’ down the line made the fielder hurry his throw. The throw was wild and into the dugout advancing Wookie to second. Keppie, batting next, hit a sharp grounder to the right of the shortstop. The hop was tough for the shortstop, Billy Clouse #9, and the ball was not fielded cleanly. The hurried throw was over the first baseman’s head allowing Wook to score on the play.

The Valley Cats bounced back with a run of their own in the bottom half of the inning. With one out, big swinging Coach Tony hit a flare into center field - off his fists - on a two-strike pitch for their first hit. Hate when that happens. The next batter hit the first pitch on a line into right-center putting runners at the corners. After semi-intentionally walking the next batter to load the bases, the following Valley Cat grounded one to Bob “Woodie” Wooden at third base. Woodie fielded the ball in front of the bag and had to take a step back to tag the base before throwing home. Big Tony had a good lead at third and got a good jump running home plus mixed with a little miscommunication and the play was close and could’ve been closer, but the run scored to tie the game up.

The Gold Country Ol’ guys scored again in the third inning when Taylor “Welzy” Welz started it off with a one-out walk. Welzy then stole second and was now in scoring position. After a short fly out for the second out, Woodie then hit a line drive to left field for a single to drive in T-Welz and move in front 2-1.

Those pesky Valley Cats scored in the second half of the third inning to tie the score. With one out, Billy Clouse hit a liner into the left field gap that he tried to stretch the hit into a double. Barry “Walk off” Forman cut off the ball quickly and threw a strike to Welzy covering the bag. The throw was in plenty of time and the runner looked out - as Billy appeared to slide into the glove - to everyone except the infield umpire. Must have been a bad angle and there was a lot of dust on every infield sliding play. Wookie and a few others went bonkers with the call, but only Wook was warned by the home plate ump for using a bad word. He was later spanked by that cute but mean score keeper.

The next batter grounded to second for out number two and moved Billy to third base. The runner then scored on a wild pitch to tie the game at 2-2. The Buzzards threatened in the fourth and fifth innings, but could not push across another run until the seventh. With two outs, Keppie singled to left field. Wook then ran for Kep. Scott “Donut” Reeves then battled with the pitcher in a seven pitch at-bat before ripping a liner down the left field line sending Wookie to third. With Barry, who earned the nickname ‘Walk off’ against this same pitcher last month, at the plate, the pressing Nutter threw a wild pitch scoring Wook from third to take the lead 3-2.

Looking for insurance runs, the Buzzards added another run in the top of the ninth inning. With one out the catcher, Fred “Freddie” O’Donoghue, hit the first pitch screaming into left field for a single. Charles “CJ” Jackson then ran for Freddie. After a pop-up for the second out, the next batter, Wookie, hit a high looper into right field that landed nicely between the chasing second baseman and the charging right fielder. The ball skipped past the sliding outfielder and it appeared that CJ, running on the pitch, may be able to score from first base on the play. CJ was initially slow to react to the hit and the bouncing ball in right field, but he did turn on the jets when he got the ‘run home’ signal from Coach Pete at third. CJ scored that important fourth run with a good slide in a close play at the plate.

After the play at home plate, Wookie was then seen on his knees bent over clutching his chest on second base. What happened on the play was that Wook and the shortstop collided in the base path as Wook ran to second on the high relay throw. Billy, playing shortstop and covering for the second baseman still out in right field, ran hard into Wook while trying to take the off-line throw from right field. The blow hit Wookie in the ribs and knocked the wind out of him and it prevented Billy any chance of getting the throw to relay home. Both players did not realize it at the time, but they were running for the same spot and did not see each other until Ouch Time. Wook did stumble to the bag before going to his knees. The game was held up for a few minutes while Danny knelt on the bag and tried to get a chest full of air again. Jim “Wags” Wagner, the right fielder, then replaced Wookie on second base. The inning ended with the score of 4-2.

Entering the bottom of the ninth with a two run lead, the Buzzards felt confident, but the Valley Cats had been threatening the last couple of innings. Sure enough, the ninth was not going to be quick or quiet. The leadoff batter walked on a seven pitch at-bat. Next, the clean-up hitter and catcher, John Lehtola, hammered a 1-2 pitch over Donnie “Redondo” Colbert’s head in center field scoring the Cat from first base to tighten the score. Good hustle and throw by Redondo prevented a triple, which would be key later. The score was now 4-3 with a man on second and no outs. Um. No worries mate.

Big Tony Jackson was the next batter in this text-book bunt situation. Tony took mighty swings and did not attempt to bunt. He struck out swinging on a full count, great pitch Kep, leaving that key runner at second with one out. After a semi-intentional walk to strong hitting Crowl, big lefty Lou Valdez entered as a pinch-hitter. On a 1-2 pitch, Valdez hit a liner to right-center that a diving Wags almost caught. The runners had to hold due to Wags hustle and only advanced one bag as a result and no tying run scored.

That meant the bases were now loaded with one out and the tying run on third and the winning run on second base. Uh Oh. No worries, mate. Or is it three quick prayers. No, it was two huge strike outs, both looking, that sealed the victory. The last Keppie ‘K’ was on a 3-2 count. Wow. Jump for joy… was exactly what the team did. Great win under lots of pressure.

The Valley Cats, the former #1 seeded team, were gracious in their after game remarks. The Cats go home, while the Gold Country Buzzards’ 2010 season continues against the Reds after the Labor Holiday Weekend.

Good job, guys. It was a fabulous job by Keppie and the defense to hold those Valley Cats to three runs, ‘cause we only scored four. This time, though, it was enough. The VC pitcher, Nut Case Dave, is a tough righty. He struck out eight Buzzards, walked one and gave up nine hits. Kephart threw 152 pitches, 93 for strikes and 59 balls in facing 39 Valley Cats. He gave up two earned runs on eight hits, three walks and two hit Cats (both curve balls - one on the foot and one on the lower calf) while striking out seven Whinny Cats. Keppie’s Buzzard record so far is 9-3 with an ERA of 2.68 with 90 strikeouts in 94 innings.

The offense was just enough to beat the Valley Cats. What was impressive was how we scored. The runs came in separate innings each time after two outs. In two of the innings there was no one on base with two outs; before the next batter started something going that resulted in that key run. That was impressive. With the sticks this game, eight Buzzards got the nine hits. Donut is the only member of the multi-hit club this game. Scottie had two hits and got on base all three times. The ribbies were courtesy of Keppie, Woodie and Wook.

Big, big Buzzard win with the NABA Championship Series ahead of us. A re-match of last year’s series with the Reds is up next. Last year, Danny Harvey with his slow curve and umps giving him generous strike zones were a problem in two of the three games. The ones we lost. The Buzzards are hittin’ on all cylinders right now and we beat Harvey earlier this year, 5-4 at Inderkum High in early June. Beware the Buzzard.

Buzzard Note #1: The NABA championship series is a best of three games. The series starts with a double-header on September 12 at 10 am, location to be announced later. A sweep of the double-header, like in 2008, and we win that day. A split, like in 2009, and we play the following Sunday, Sept. 19th.

Buzzard Note #2: There were not enough Buzzards in last week’s team photo, so we are going to do it again before the game.