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The 2016 play-offs opened with two very different games. Floral Arts defeated Pro Sports Therapy 9-6 on the strength of a 5 run fifth inning that saw back to back to back home runs. Willis Tent then came out in the second game and their bats erupted, defeating Drew Farms 31-8.
Game two of both series will be played Wednesday, August 24th, with both Drew Farms and PST looking to call upon the experience gained in their strong finishes to stave off elimination and stretch the series to a third and deciding game on Friday. The Nashoba Valley Veterinary Hospital Mustangs and Short Cut Landscaping squads await the winners anxiously as last night's gallery can attest.
Drew Farms 23 - Burtons Grill 17
In one of the most important games of the week, one in which the winner would make the playoffs and the loser eliminated, Drew Farms out-hit Burton's Grill and secured the final spot. Drews has been on a tear the last two weeks and this was no exception as they posted an 11 run second inning. Burton's would score 10 of their own in the fourth giving them the lead but that wouldn't be enough in the end. For Burtons, Tim Scott played well in the outfield and went 3-4 at the plate. Eric Cataline had another 4-4 night including two doubles and three runs scored, Jerry Breen 2-4 with a three-run homerun and Jon Russo 3-4 also with a two-run homerun. Murph McKeon 3-4, two RBI and two runs scored, Jerod, "DA" Colley 2-4 and two RBI, and Brian Collamore hitting a shot to right for an inside the park homerun with two men on.
Nashoba Valley Mustangs 17- Floral Arts 4
Floral hung tight with the Mustangs for five innings, but the league-leading Mustangs exploded for nine in the sixth for a run-rule victory. Ryan Dunne and Geoff Pavao homered for Floral and Dave Janowsky was 2-3 with two RBI. Mustang's pitcher Don Cusano got the win on the mound and added a long grand slam after being walked twice earlier in the game. Bill Knute pounded two homers of his own, while Mike Kennedy and Jack Erickson also homered for the winners. Kennedy also made some solid plays at third base.
Short Cut Landscaping 19 - Pro Sports Therapy 6
PST got beaten soundly by SCL, 19-6 in six innings. The ball was flying and Short Cut had their seven home run max by the third inning. PST simply didn’t have the right line-up to keep pace with that kind of offensive output. Mike Gross hit a bomb for the winners that didn't stop until the basketball court in the parking lot. As for the PST squad, Ben Armstrong was a stud again and went 3-3 and threw a guy out at third on a force play. Mark Pelosky and Jeff Morse were also perfect on the night, 2-2, and Ryan Slate had a three-run homerun in the first to give PST a brief glimmer of hope. Short Cuts clinched a bye for the first round of the playoffs with this old fashioned "mashing" of the PST squad. The Men in Black hit seven home runs in the first three innings to set the pace for the night. Excellent pitching by Bill Doherty kept PST off balance all night. Big nights at the plate for rookie of the year candidate John Ablondi, 4-5, two home runs, Mike Gross, 3-3, two home runs, and Donny "White Shoes" Morash, 3-3, two home runs.
CSA Graphics 11 - Willis Tent 9
Although out of playoff contention, every member of CSA Graphics came to play on Tuesday night, contributing to a win against Willis Tent. CSA opened the scoring in the first with a lead-off single from Billy Ryan and a two-run homer from Jim DeMarco. In the second, five straight singles from Darren Wizst, Nico Landry, Jim Coveno, Tim Piwowar, and Derek MacDermott led to another three runs posted, and an early 5-0 lead for CSA Graphics. It was deja vu in the third inning when Billy Ryan had another single, followed by a Jim DeMarco two-run homer. Hits from Matt Sepe and Bill Cullen led to another run, and an 8-0 lead. Willis bounced back with a grand slam by Brian Gallardo to cut the lead in half. Zak Smolkin led off the fifth with a double, and scored off a two-out double from Billy Ryan, who then scored off a single from Jim DeMarco, who scored from first off a long single from Matt Sepe. However, a comfortable 11-4 lead was trimmed short when Willis posted five runs, making it 11-9. Defense remained key for CSA on the night, though. At one point, a relay from outfield through shortstop to Ryan Nolet at the plate stopped one Willis run from scoring. Zak Smolkin made two strong plays at third base in the final inning, both diving stops (one with a great stretch and catch from Tim Piwowar at first), to preserve the victory. Brian Gallardo went 3-4 with two home runs. Also contibuting to the Willis effort with home runs were Andrew Metters and Stephen Damiani.
Drew Farms 22 - CSA Graphics 9
Drew Farms out hit CSA Graphics and had numerous impressive defensive plays to remain in control of the game for the duration. CSA had offensive contributions from Bill Ryan, 2-3 and two runs scored, Jim Coveno, 3-3 and a run scored, and Bill Cullen, 1-2 with a double and sacrifice fly. Also, Darren Wizst was 2-3 with a two-run homer, and Jim DeMarco was 3-3 with two doubles and a home run. CSA could not stop Drew's, however, and a two-run homerun in the top of the 7th by the winners ended the game by the run rule.
Nashoba Valley Mustangs 19 - Willis Tent 18
After an inning and a half the Mustangs were in an unusual position of being down on the scoreboard 14-3. However, the Mustangs responded with an eight run inning of their own and continued to chip away at the lead. Entering the bottom of the seventh inning behind by two runs the Mustangs' bottom of the order "slugs" came through by setting the table so top of the order hitters Paul Selfrige, 3-5, two home runs, four RBI and Jim Ward, 4-4, sac fly, four runs scored, and an RBI, could drive in the game tying and game winning runs respectively. Lefty slugger Bill Knute continued his outstanding season by going 4-4, with three homerun blasts, seven RBI, and four runs scored and played his usual stellar game in left field. Mike Kennedy added three hits for the winners, including a homerun. Jay Lincoln and Mark Cusano also chipped in with three hits apiece for the winners. Mustangs win in an unusual come from behind effort. Willis offensive stand-outs included Stephen Damiani, 4-4 with four singles and a walk, Justin Swanson 4-5, three singles and a home run, Tom Mahanna, 4-5 and Willis pitcher Bob Fluery 3-4 with two singles and a double. Keith Wauters 2-4 effort included a single and a grand slam.
Healy Oil 20 - Short Cut Landscaping 4
Wayne Meadows was able to keep SCL's strong offense at bay with steady pitching. Tony Pantoja and Matt Dowling both added impressive defense as well as offense with Dowling putting two over the left field fence and Pantoja hitting a line drive over center. Bruce Wilhelm, came back from IR to put two over the left field fence as well, one being a grand slam.
The play-offs are set to begin Tuesday. First round is best 2 out of 3 games.
There was a three-way tie for 4th between Willis Tent, Drew Farms, and Pro Sports Therapy. Because of the unbalanced schedule, the tie-breaker starts with run differential, providing the final finish of Willis being the 4-seed, Drews being the 5-seed, and PST getting the 6-seed. For those really interested, the results last week where SCL run-ruled PST and Drews then run-ruled CSA changed the final order. Lesson to all that every game counts.
The schedule is as follows:
Tuesday (8/23)
6:30 PST @ Floral Arts
7:45 Drew Farms @ Willis Tent
Wednesday (8/24)
6:30 Willis Tent @ Drew Farms
7:45 Floral Arts @ PST
Friday (8/26) – if both series go 3 games
6:30 PST @ Floral Arts
7:45 Drew Farms @ Willis Tent
OR
If only one series goes 3 games, that final game will be played on Friday night at 7 PM.
Round two will begin on Sunday (8/28) at 5:30 with the Mustangs playing the highest remaining seed (#4, 5, or 6) and SCL playing the lowest remaining seed (#3, 4, or 5) at 6:45 if at least one series goes the distance. If both series end in 2, Round 2 will begin on Friday.
Heading into the final week of the season, our attention is drawn away from our fantasy football mock drafts and onto the Westford Over 30 playoff race. On Tuesday night, Floral Arts faces the Mustangs as Floral has dropped from the second place bye position to third place below Short Cut Landscaping. Drew Farms and Burton's Grill face off in a winner take all game Tuesday night in a battle for the last playoff spot. Drew's is hot but Burton's is hungry for their first playoff series in several years. And, Short Cuts plays the team no ones wants to play in Pro Sports Therapy who are hitting and fielding under John Bodi's management.
Pro Sports Therapy 10 - CSA Graphics 6 CSA jumped out early, scoring two runs in the first and another in the third. PST could have been in a much deeper hole but escaped the second inning with an unconventional and slightly controversial double play. CSA put up another run in the third to go up 3-0, but it could have been much more without a base running error that led to a triple play to end the inning. The top of the order contributed for CSA with Bill Ryan going 2 for 4 with two runs, Jim DeMarco going 3 for 4 with two runs, and Matt Sepe going 2 for 4 with three RBI. PST hurler Dave Chirokas took advantage, shutting down the CSA lineup from that point on only giving up a three-run homerun in the fifth by Tim greenwood (2 for 4 on the night). PST then broke out for six in the bottom of the 5th to take an 8-6 lead, taking advantage of CSA only having nine in the field. PST tacked on two more in the sixth for the final of 10-6. For PST, Chirokas paced the offense with two hits including a double and three RBI. Brian Dubey also had a big night, going 3-4 with two doubles and two RBI.
Willis Tent 23 - Burton's Grill 17 Willis Tent outlasted a persistent Burton's team winning 23-17 when it was all over. Willis led the whole way and kept Burton's from ever getting ahead. Willis' pitcher Rob Swinamer did a great job making a few Burton's hitters swing at bad pitches. Swinamer also went 4-4 with two singles and two huge homeruns. Also for Willis, Rick Devanna went 5-5, and Andrew Metters, John Mangiartti, and Jeff Briggs each contributed a homerun. In addition, six of the eleven Willis players contributed to the win with a 3-5 night at the plate. Burton's brought it to within six in the final inning and had offensive contributions from several players along the way. Leading the charge were Charlie Chungo with another six RBI, two three-run homerun game. Chungo was 4-4 at the plate. Eric Cataline went 4-4 as well, including three doubles, a single, and four runs scored. Cataline goes for an extra base every time and it paid off with three extra base hits and the team lead in runs scored. Murph McKeon, 3-4, two RBI and three runs scored. Jeff Kott, 3-4, Jason Lenicheck 2-3 with a double and two runs scored, and Jerry Breen 3-4, four RBI and three runs scored.
Willis Tent 9 - Floral Arts 5 Willis Tent beat Floral Arts 9-5 as a result of the fine pitching of Bob Fleury as well as great infield and outfield defense. Floral's usually high-scoring offense stalled against Willis. Floral got runs when Frank Lancelotta hit a three-run homer and Mark Chambers hit a solo shot in the seventh. In a night of numerous singles, a grand slam by Justin Swanson and a 3-4 night by Keith Wauters helped the winning cause. Eight Willis players contributed two singles each.
Mustangs 18 - Willis Tent 5 A very good Willis team was no match for the dominant Mustangs squad and lost to the run rule, an unfamiliar Willis experience. Mustangs winning pitcher Don Cusano had two homeruns, Bill Knute also had two homeruns (#29 and 30 on the season). Paul Selfrige, Mike Kennedy and Keith Reynolds also added homers for the Mustangs. Willis' Rob Swinamer hit a blast halfway to Groton that almost reached the basketball court in the air; part of a 3-3 night. Rick Devanna 2-3 including a triple, Rob Fluery 2-2 and John Mangiaratti contributed with a home run for Willis in the lost.
Drew Farms 11 - Floral Arts 5 Drew Farms continues to put together a very strong end of season run in an attempt to lock up the final playoff spot. Drew's beat an excellent Floral Arts team 11-5 keeping Floral to their second five run total of the week. Simon Tripp and Jeff Moore each homered for Floral, but beyond that there was not much offense on the losing side.
Healy Oil 7 - CSA Graphics 0 Healy Oil wins by forfeit.
An interesting and exciting week for sure in Westford Over 30 Softball. The Nashoba Valley Veterinary Mustangs are no longer undefeated, losing to Short Cut Landscaping. Pro Sports Therapy continues to be the hottest team in the league and now has fifth place locked up. The biggest game of this upcoming week is clearly between Burton's Grill and Drew Farms as they face off on Wednesday with the winner likely taking the final playoff spot. Short Cut and Floral Arts will battle to grab the second place spot and the important first round bye that comes with it.
Floral Arts 23 - CSA Graphics 7 Floral Arts beat CSA Sunday night, 23-7. Larry Mardany pitched well for Floral. Ryan Dunn (two), Kenny Delaney (two), Simon Tripp (two), and Geoff Pavao each homered for Floral. Floral Arts jumped to an early lead after scoring three in the first and then piling on 10 in the second. CSA Graphics, playing with only nine for the game, hung in for a bit, before falling to the run rule in the bottom of the fifth inning. Gary Lavelle, of CSA, playing in his first game this year, pitched well for CSA Graphics and added a couple hits (including a double). Rey Vienneau also coming off the reserve list for his first game, hit a home run on his first swing of the year, and played solid at shortstop. Jim DeMarco was four for four at the plate.
Pro Sports Therapy 22 - Floral Arts 15 In a game with playoff implications for both squads, PST continued on their hot streak with a 22-15 victory over perennial power Floral Arts. PST jumped out immediately with lead-off hitter Ben Armstrong going deep for the 1-0 lead. PST kept the pressure on, pushing three more across before leaving the bases loaded. Floral, not to be fazed, kept at it and after three took a 7-6 lead. After Larry Mardany shut down the PST offense again in the 4th, Floral hit their 6th and 7th home runs in the bottom of the inning to increase their lead to 10-6. Then came the inning that may define the PST season- in the top of the 5th, PST exploded for 10 runs to go up 16-10. Shortstop Donald Slate was the offensive star of the inning with two hits (single and three-run home run) and two runs scored. Other highlights were a booming James Chen double over a drawn in outfield and another Ben Armstrong home run. Out of home runs after reaching the league limit, Floral had to chip away, and they did, responding immediately with two more to close the gap to 16-12. But, an energized PST squad immediately posted another four to increase their lead to 20-13 at the end of six. Brian Dubey homered again to increase the lead and then PST hung on, giving up two in the bottom of the 7th for the final score of 22-15. PST had four players with four hits (Armstrong, Mark Urlage, Ryan Steele, and Tim Schutt) and another five with three hits each. In a game that would seeming be dominated by offense, it was the defense that provided some of the biggest highlights. Floral’s Mike Alonardo made a spectacular diving catch in centerfield to end an inning, only to see PST LF Armstrong rob the Floral hitter leading off the next inning with an equally dazzling dive. Floral turned two double plays, PST one. And, PST 3B Steele and 2B John Bodi both laid out to corral ground balls and throw out a runner at first to get big outs late in the game. Floral Arts hit seven home runs including blasts from Mike Alonardo (two), Chad Kirby (two), Roger Whittlesey, Frank Lancelotta, and Ken Delaney.
Nashoba Valley Mustangs 16 - CSA Graphics 3 The Mustangs jumped to an early 13-0 lead against CSA Graphics, who could never catch-up. Don Cusano, Mike Kennedy and Corma Bordes all homered for the winners. CSA did quiet the bats of the Mustangs by deploying a short-fielder strategy, but in the end fell to the run rule with a walk-off run in the bottom of the fifth. No big heroes for CSA, although Jeff Bernier was perfect at the plate (1-1 with an RBI), and a now two-time contributor for CSA in games versus the Mustangs. Interestingly, the addition of one of the Mustang's sons (Paul) led to another solo homerun for the CSA scoreboard. Outstanding defense for the Mustangs was highlighted by Don Cusano at third base. Winning Mustangs pitcher Paul Liguori kept his three year undefeated streak alive
Short Cuts Landscaping 25 - CSA Graphics 12 On Wednesday night, a similar story for CSA of not being able to keep up with the opposing offense and eventually losing to run rule. CSA Graphics and Short Cuts Landscaping exchanged punches over the first few innings, leading to a 6-5 lead by CSA. Short Cuts then mounted an attack with 10-run inning, benefitting from some poor defense on the other side. CSA Graphics worked their way back into the game, led by Matt Sepe (2-2, two homeruns, five RBI), Bill Cullen (2-3 with a homerun and double), Jim DeMarco (3-3 and three runs scored), and Tim Piwowar (2-2, with a double). In the bottom of the fifth, Short Cuts turned a 15-12 lead into a 25-12 win. The men in black put up a hitting display and hit nine home runs. A 10 run fifth inning finished the night with a big three run home run by Donny "White Shoes" Morash and a walk off two-run home run by Rob Prendergast. Prendergast also made his season debut at first base and fielded the position as "smooth as sandpaper." Other Short Cut notable performances for the night: Mike Gross, 4-4 with two home runs, and John Ablondi, 4-4 and a home run.
Burtons Grill 19 - Healy Oil 14 Burton's Grill narrowly edged a very competitive and energized Healy Oil squad 19-14. Healy jumped out early putting up eight in the first but Burton's quickly recovered with a massive 12 run inning sending 17 to the plate. The 12 runs were all scored with two outs and were much needed as the game remained close from there on as Healy scored another five in the third inning. Offense for Burton's was highlighted by Tim "Usain" Scott with an inside the park three-run homer, Eric "lets play two" Cataline, 4-4, fours runs scored, Charlie, "the Big Hurt", Chungo, 4-4, three runs scored, Dave, "scoop", Batchelder 3-3, two RBI, three runs scored, Murph,"Giuseppe," McKeon, 2-3, three run homerun and five RBI, Jerod, "it's pizza night, right?" Colley with a key three run homerun, and Peter, "all fields," Morano 2-3, and an RBI. Healy Oil, out of the playoff race, came to play the role of spoiler. Contributing with home runs were Matt Dowling, Tony Pantoja and Steve Cuzziere executing a sweet lefty swing resulting in a three-run blast. Healy pitcher Wayne Meadows contributed with home runs and pitched well for most of the night.
Floral Arts 24 - Healy Oil 4 Floral Arts beat Healy Oil, 24-4, in five innings on Friday night. Simon Tripp, Jeff Moore, and Frank Lancelotta homered for Floral. David O'Keefe hit the only home run for Healy.
Short Cuts 17 - Mustangs 15 Short Cuts and Mustangs battled late into the night in a classic Friday summer showdown. Mustangs jumped out early with five runs but Short Cuts answered with eight in the bottom of the first highlighted by a big two-run home run from Pat Flaraty. Defense was the key to the game as Short Cut continuously made the big defensive stops all night. The men in black turned three double plays. Don Morash, Jason Humphrey and John Proulx were stellar all night with their leather. Donny Aiken also made a Willie Mays over the shoulder grab in left. A monster three-run home run by John Ablondi gave Short Cuts a five run cushion late in the game. Mike Martell had a key two out double in the bottom of the sixth and Jason Humphrey knocked him in to give the winners a six run cushion through six. To top off the night the legend Carl Dean came out of retirement to be the 10th player for Short Cut and he proceeded to do his typical 3-4...just awesome!!!!
