| Short turnaround, big inning pushes JABO to victory |
 Following last week's disappointing loss after a three-week layoff, the Just a Bit Outside Softball Club's mens team was looking to get back on the field quickly to try and get rid of any rust they may have accumulated. While a good test for the crew, the team managed to do exactly what they wanted to, and came out on top with a 16 - 12 win over Bill Brasky's Monday night at Bleeker Stadium.
Both teams came out of the gate fast, putting up four runs each during the initial inning. But after giving up three more in the top of the second and going down 7 - 4, the club's bats appeared as if they were finally out of their slumber, posting seven runs in the bottom of the second.
"That second inning is what I feel was really key for us the rest of the night," manager Chris Furman said after the game. "We put together a good string of at-bats that inning that really boosted the team's confidence, and it carried through the rest of the game."
The string of at bats Furman is referring to came with two outs in the inning, where the club rattled off 8 consecutive hits -- starting with Furman's second double of the game -- that produced six runs and allowed the club to bat through the order in the inning.
Once they took the 11 - 7 lead into the third, you could sense that there was a confidence in the team back out on the field. Players were making solid defensive plays and, while the club only scored 5 more runs in the game, the at bats were much crisper, forcing their opponent to come up with tough plays to record outs.
Despite the rough couple of innings, Danny Benitez pitched an excellent ball game, with both the fastball and the change working for strikes. In the end, he finished with a complete game, giving up 12 runs, but also striking out 3 batters.
The team now has an 8 - 3 record, moving them back into 3rd place in the Southern division. Their next game is on Thursday, July 29 at Bishop Maginn versus Vicarious Visions (2 - 9). Game time is 6:00pm |
 chrisfurman on July 27 2010 13:32:41 ·
0 Comments ·
10 Reads ·
|
 |
| Rust from 3 week layoff shows as mens team loses |
Having not played a game in three weeks, Manager Chris Furman was hoping that the Just a Bit Outside Softball Club's mens team would be able to shake off the rust quickly and get back to business. Unfortunately, the rust had sunk in a little too deep, as the team got down early in the game and was never able to come back, losing to Dead Presidents 17 - 6 on Wednesday night at Bleeker Stadium.
"For some people, it's tough being off that long in between games," said Furman, after the game. "They need that repetition of playing each week to stay game fit, and we just weren't game ready tonight from both the offensive side, but more importantly, from the defensive side."
The struggles for the team in the game were evident from the start. Bobbled catches, wild throws, and misjudged plays were abound in the defense. And on the offensive end, the opposing pitcher was able to get the club to pop out in 17 of their 21 outs in the game.
One person who had a decent game was pitcher Danny Benitez. He managed to go 3 for 3 with a double and 2 RBI while scoring a run to help his cause.
"Tonight was just an off night," said Furman. "We put it in our pocket, don't dwell on it and just move on to the next game."
That next game is Monday night, July 26 vs. Bill Brasky's (4 - 8). Game time is 7:30pm back at Bleeker Stadium |
chrisfurman on July 22 2010 09:31:13
0 Comments ·
13 Reads ·
|
| Wise performs well at ASG, but on losing end |
 Last night was the Andy’s All-Star Extravaganza over at the Field of Dreams in Albany, NY. The highlight of the evening was the Mens B2/B3 All-Star game, which included the Just a Bit Outside Softball Club’s Art Wise, as voted on by the club.
The teams for the game were chosen based on ensuring both teams had an adequate number of players at each position. Unfortunately, this resulted in a lob-sided affair, as the American league (blue team) handily defeated Wise and the National (red team) league by a score of 14 – 4.
The game was put out of reach early by the American league, as they slammed three home runs off the National league starting pitcher in the first three innings, and managed to post all 14 runs within the first three innings (and for those wondering, no Art was not that pitcher).
Despite the lob-sided score, Wise played well during the game. He went 1 – 3 in the game, pushing a single through the right side of the infield in the 4th inning. The American league team had him well scouted, though, as he was unable to turn that single into one of his infamous triples. In the field, Art played good for his 4 innings at 1st base. Aside from the one awful throw by the shortstop early in the game that Art was unable to scoop, the aging veteran made most every other play around him.
“I’m happy that Art performed as well as he did,” said Manager Chris Furman, in attendance for the game, along with team Athletic Supporter Kristie Shapiro. “He managed not to embarrass himself or the team, which is always a good thing. And he even managed to get a hit in the game, which was impressive.”
Everyone in attendance at the game appeared to have a good time. They were entertained by the comedy stylings of Mr. Frank Rogers on the microphone, who would make obscure references during the game (such as noting at the specials at Andy’s was the #7 Fried Rice and the Crab Rangoons… which, of course, made me crave Crab Rangoons all night…)
While at the game, Furman posted a live blog in the ShoutBox Archives on the jabosoftball.com website. The archives are still there, but the live blog in its entirety can be seen in the "Read More" extended news section.
Congratulations, Art. We hope you enjoyed your All-Star moment. |
chrisfurman on July 16 2010 09:42:03
Read More ·
0 Comments ·
16 Reads ·
|
|
|
| Wise elected to 1st All-Star game |
Art Wise, first basemen for the Just a Bit Outside Softball Club's Mens team, has been voted to appear in the 2010 Andy's All American Sports All-Star game, taking place on Thursday, July 15th.
Danny Benitez, the leading vote getter during the balloting, declined the invitation to the game.
Through 9 games this season, Art has over a .750 batting average and is at or near the top in many offensive categories, such as batting average, on base percentage, runs created and triples.
Also, in one spot start this season, Art has a 1 - 0 record, with a 9.80 ERA
While Benitez, the leading vote-getter, is not having the best offensive season with JABO, his pitching has helped lead the team to many victories so far this season. In 7 games (6 starts), Danny has a 4 - 1 record with a 11.38 ERA. In 32 innings pitched, he has allowed only 52 runs with 5 strikeouts.
"Both men have been having outstanding seasons," said Club Manager Chris Furman. "Art on the offensive end, and Danny from the circle. Both men are deserving to go to the game this year."
The All-Star game this year will take place on Thursday, July 15th at Field of Dreams in Albany, NY. Festivities will start at 5pm with a Home Run Derby ($5.00 entry fee, winner gets $100 cash). At 6:30pm, the Troy Coed All-Star team will take on the Andy's All-Star team comprised of the B2/B3 All-Stars. At 8:00pm, the Mens All-Star game will take place. Admission to the game is free, and the concession stand will be open (shameless plug, hoping Frank reads this and gives me some free food because of it... yeah right!)
Overall, 11 ballots were cast for the nomination. Vote totals are after the jump...
|
chrisfurman on July 09 2010 10:13:39
Read More ·
0 Comments ·
32 Reads ·
|
| Voting is open for the 2010 All-Star game |
Voting has now opened for the Andy's Sports Bar 2010 All-Star game.
This year, the All-Star game is on Thursday, July 15. The Coed B2/B3 All Star game will be at 6:30 that night, followed by the Mens game at 8:00pm.
Voting will be the same as it has been for the past three years. For those of you that are new to the team (or just are old and need a refresher) here's how voting works.
* Each person is voting for the top three players that they feel are this year's All-Star.
* When you send me your vote, you need to rank them in order, putting your top vote at 1, your next vote at 2, your final vote at 3.
* The order you put your votes in determines how many points they get awarded (#1 gets 5 points, #2 gets 3 points, #3 gets 1 point), so it's very important that you order the players in the exact order you want them in.
* You have until Thursday night, July 8 at 11:59pm EST to send me your votes.
* The Art Rule(s): Yes, you can vote for yourself. And no, you can't vote for yourself in more than once
Once the deadline hits, I will tally up all the votes and, after conferring with the winner to check for availability, I will announce the winner on the website hopefully Friday morning.
If you have any questions about the all-star voting, please let me know as soon as possible. |
chrisfurman on July 06 2010 10:32:15
2 Comments ·
23 Reads ·
|
|
