Publisher’s Comments by Mark Linnemann

If someone had told me a year ago there would be forty three teams in the USSSA Major NIT held last month at Eggleston Park, and that less than two weeks later twenty teams would compete in the “Open” division of this year’s Cincinnati ASA Metro tournament, I would have suggested they have their head examined.

After all, only sixteen teams played in the “Major” NIT at Eggleston last year, and even at that size it was one of the largest in the country. And the top division of the ASA city tournament attracted a paltry six teams in 2005. Additionally, there are only five USSSA “Major” and twenty “A” level teams actively participating in the USSSA tournament program in the entire country, and only a picayune three teams played in the ASA “Major” Division National Tournament last September in Sanford, Florida.

So what could possibly attract forty three teams to a USSSA “Major” NIT or twenty to the “Open” division of the ASA Metro?

According to area teams, it was a plethora of things, ranging from double points, world berths and travel money to atmosphere, exposure, the opportunity try to improve one’s team by playing superior competition, and the opportunity to lock horns with the very best teams in the country. And those were just some of the carrots that made these events so wildly successful.

Playing against the best teams and earning travel money have drawn Freeze Concrete/James Arnold/BW3/Easton to the U-Trip “Major” NIT at Eggleston the last two years, says manager Homer Matheny.

“More and more teams like to say they played the very best,” says Matheny. “A couple years ago I thought playing in the Major NIT was a waste of time and money. After a 5th place showing last year and another 5th place showing this year, I have realized how gratifying it is to step up and compete at that level. And, obviously the number of teams that showed up realized the same thing. The USSSA Major NIT is fast becoming the event of the year in Cincinnati.

“Last year we received an additional $850 for being the highest finishing B team,” continues Matheny. “This year USSSA awarded extra money to the highest finishing teams of all divisions. This was a contributing factor in the largest USSSA Major event of the year.

“But, it is not just the prize money teams are playing for,” he stresses. “As we found out, it is a test of your team's ability and the thrill of going toe to toe with the best the game has to offer. Teams realize the benefits from all angles. I think it has been a great way to make teams forget about A, B, C, D and just go out and play.”

For Andy Larkins, manager of Cincysoftball.com/Easton, a USSSA “C” team, the attractions to compete in the USSSA Major NIT included World Tournament berths for lower division teams and a “fun atmosphere.”

“First of all, both events were very well run,” said Larkins. “When you jam a 40-plus team event into a Friday, Saturday and Sunday or run a tournament the size of the Metro, you will have glitches. But I really feel both parks ran excellent events.

“The Major at Eggleston appealed to us because of several reasons, including the World berths available to lower division teams and double points. I've attended this tournament in recent years and it always seems to draw a large crowd, which makes for a fun atmosphere. I think had there not been the berth available for the lower teams, we may not have entered it. We all know that most ‘C’ teams are not going to make a big run into the winners bracket in this event so having other perks made it more appealing for us.

“I think the ‘Open’ Metro was a success because teams enjoyed sharing the spotlight with the major teams to some extent, having their games on the main field, having their games announced over the PA system, etc. I also think the lack of true major teams in the area maybe made some managers think they could make a run in the tournament because after the top four teams, it could be a wide open tournament, especially if the top dawgs drew each other early on.”

Travel money, double points, exposure, big tournament excitement and being able to watch some of the local talent who play for U- Trip “Major” teams were just a few of the carrots that lured Loveless Hardwood/Easton to Eggleston Park for the Major NIT, says manager Tom Richmond.

“The travel money and the extra points you get are a plus when you play up,” says Richmond, whose team is classified “C.” “That gives everybody a chance to win something. I also think the local talent that is on some of these Major teams - like Brian Wegman, Shane Hatfield, Rick Baker and Brian May, just to name a few - draw people and teams, and they should be promoted more by the tournament.

“When you play up it also gives your team a chance to see how they stand against better teams,” notes Richmond. “And I think it helps you get ready for the State, Nationals and Worlds. Also I think the excitement of a big tournament and crowds get your team more exposure and they get to see who you are. The biggest thing is its fun.”

Richmond’s team also found several benefits in competing in the “Open” Metro.

“Playing in the Open division helps a team that is an ‘A’ team to play more games during the tournament week,” explains Richmond. “When the Metro comes around it is a week and a half tournament. For a team like ours in the ‘A’ division, we only had six teams. After you play your first game, you may not play again until the following weekend. Being able to also play in the Open, you get more games thru the week and more exposure for your team. When you play in both, if you don't do well in the upper, you always know you have a chance in your own division. When you play in the Metro you are at the park most of the week anyway to watch friends and family on other teams play, so why not be there to play also.”

John Tomlinson, manager of Moe’s Southwest Grill/Saints, a USSSA “D” team, says playing better teams and observing the better players in the country at the USSSA Major NIT can only help his team improve.

“Unlike most other teams that are trying to find loopholes and stay at a lower level in USSSA, I like to push my guys to play better competition, and hopefully instill in them a desire to move up whether we have to or not,” says Tomlinson. “So playing these teams only makes us better in the end. We may take our lumps, but we actually played Pace (a USSSA “A” team) better than we played the other teams that weekend. Also, seeing guys at that caliber and how they do things, maybe some good things will rub off on my younger players. It seems, around here at least, that the ‘B’ and ‘C’ teams have a lot of ego to go along with their talent. But when we talked to the teams and players that are above that level, and when we played against the Pace team, we found that all those guys were past the ego part of softball and acted like regular guys that love the game. I think it is good for my team to realize that you don't have to tell everyone how good you are and you don't need to look down on those not as good as some others.”

Playing new teams and the opportunity to play in a consolation bracket were also nice carrots at the Major NIT, says Tomlinson.

“I think another reason the larger tournaments draw so many teams is because of the possibility to play different teams. Then to have a consolation bracket for teams that go 0-2 I think is another great idea. I do think all teams in all tournaments should be seeded though in order to make the consolation fair, otherwise you may have a great team in the consolation bracket that went 0-2 because the tourney wasn't seeded correctly.”

It will be a formidable task for these two events to achieve the level of success they enjoyed in 2006 in future years. But for now you have to give them credit for pulling out all the stops to virtually triple their participation from 2005. Perhaps more importantly, we wonder if there isn’t a message here for other tournament operators? With tournament participation waning, how can tournaments be made more attractive? What kind of enticements - berths, travel money, exposure, atmosphere, stepping up, consolation brackets, rubbing elbows with the game’s superstars, etc. - will make teams forget about classifications and play softball simply for the fun of it again?

Hopefully the lessons learned from these two events will have a positive ripple effect throughout all of Greater Cincinnati softball.

In My Opinion by Ron Jeffers

Over the years the Amateur Softball Association has flirted with the idea of doing away with what they call Metro Associations. Metro associations meaning cities such as Cincinnati.

Several ASA state commissioners have wanted to do away with the “Metros,” and incorporate them into the state organizations so the state commissioners would immediately get more teams, more umpires, more registrations and, of course, more money for themselves. Ohio, for example, once had several Metro associations such as Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton, and if they were successful in doing away with each of these organizations just look how much more money the ASA commissioner of the state of Ohio would have at his disposal.

As many of these Metro commissioners have died off their Metros have been incorporated into the state organization. Some Metro commissioners have been bought off and given financial incentives to retire provided they agree to be incorporated into the state organization where they are located. In so doing another Metro organization such as Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, Columbus and etc. for example, would no longer be a Metro. Everyone in those Metro organizations would then have to belong to the state organization and compete there. Pennsylvania had Metros in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Kentucky had a Metro in Louisville, Indiana had a Metro in Indianapolis. What happened to all those Metros, and dozens more could happen here in Cincinnati too. After all Louisville and Indianapolis are much bigger cities than Cincinnati. The city of Cincinnati and Hamilton County are declining in population faster than any other city or county in the United States. With a current population in the city of Cincinnati of less than 315,000 people, we are the smallest city in all the cities who have major league professional sports.

The ASA State of Ohio organization would love to see Danney Saylor go away so they could come in and take over all our umpires, teams and money, and I believe if anything ever happens to Danney that is exactly what will happen. It is happening all over the country. There are no Metro Associations in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana and most other states any more, and this is no accident. I know many of the executive committee of the Amateur Softball Association and the large majority of their state commissioners want to do away with every Metro organization in ASA as soon as possible. They would love to do away with them all right now if they thought they could get away with it.

There is not another Metro tournament in the ASA organization anywhere that compares to the marvelous Metro tournament Danney has developed and nurtured for years here in greater Cincinnati. No one can understand how he is able to accomplish this with the declining population and the tremendous decline in softball registrations everywhere in the United States, Danney just keeps right on going with this record setting tournament each and every year. Why can’t the other state organizations have a tournament that compares to the ASA Metro here in Cincinnati? Perhaps it might have something to do with integrity, and how Danney and Mark Linneman work together to HONESTLY classify our teams so that the competition is fair and balanced.

Instead of trying to get rid of all the Metros in ASA maybe they should hire Danney Saylor to teach the rest of their commissioners how to run their organizations and tournament programs. His Metro tournament is so big every year he has to bring in umpires from ASA associations in Dayton, Alabama, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky just to cover the games.

Why do many of the other state organizations have but a fraction of the teams Danney has in his Metro tournament each and every year? When ASA has their convention this fall, perhaps they should be praising him and asking him to conduct a seminar for them instead of trying to eliminate the Metro organizations and commissioners like Danney Saylor. Danney has more intelligence, integrity, insight into the game, hands on experience, intestinal fortitude and communication skills than most of the dead wood responsible for managing the current program. Eliminating the remaining Metros, so the Amateur Softball Association could be made up of only 50 state organizations is not the answer to the cancer destroying this great program. It might be a more manageable organization if structured this way, but it is not the problem before you at this time. Finding a way to rid yourself of the many worn out, useless, do- nothing commissioners who hang on and refuse to give up their positions of power is one of, if not the biggest problem the Amateur Softball Association has today. Far too many of the ASA commissioners have held their positions of power for far too long. Some of these men haven’t seen a game of softball for years, but they hang on till they die for the extra money, free vacations, and the fringe benefits that go along with the job. And all of softball, and the ASA organization is suffering for it.

That is my opinion. What is yours?

What’s Your Gripe? By Ron Jeffers

Q. Hall of Fame Umpire Richard Zureick called me to ask the following question. In the city tournament a substitute came in off the bench to run for the same runner on base two different times in the same game. I know the starting players can leave the game and re-enter one time, but can a substitute re-enter the game a second time?

A. You are right. For years, the ASA softball rule did read the starting player could leave the game and re-enter one time, provided he returned to the line-up in the same spot in the batting order he occupied when the game started.

The rule now reads all starting players can leave the game and re enter two times, and his substitute can now re-enter the game two times as well. Your legs may be over the hill, but your eyes and interest in the game are as great as ever.

Q. Ron, you said, in a recent article, the sport of Lacrosse will someday replace softball and or baseball in high school sports. If that is true, why is the USSSA and ASA organizations not getting into that sport?

A. Drive by any baseball or softball field in the Tri State area on any week day afternoon and see if you ever see any kids on the field playing a pick up game. I do this all the time and I can tell you all the fields are all sitting there empty.

There was not one black American player on one of the World Series base-ball teams last year. The Houston Astros did not have a black player, and almost seventy percent of the players in professional baseball today are born somewhere other than the United States.

My grandsons play a high level of youth baseball, and they play every day it doesn’t rain, and I did not see six black players all year in their leagues and tournaments. White Americans are unfortunately giving up the game of baseball and softball in record numbers too.

ASA is too bull-headed to make the changes they need to survive, and I predict this will lead to their demise and they will go under in the future, but the USSSA organization obviously is not going to go down with the softball ship. They now have national programs in several other sports other than softball, and yes, they have now started a Lacrosse program.

The Olympics has eliminated both baseball and softball from their future medal program, and high schools will do the same in the future years. Lacrosse is played at the same time as softball, and it is the fastest growing sport in this country today. I have never watched a game of Lacrosse, and I know nothing about the game except the young people find it exciting and love to play it.

Q. Richard Zureick asked me for my opinion on the following new umpire mechanic being used in the ASA City Tournament. At all times in the game, even with no runners on base, the base umpire takes a position to either side of the second baseman. The base umpire never goes behind the first base bag as they did for a hundred years, when there were no runners on base. Do you agree with this change?

A. I think this new mechanic is ridiculous at best. When there is no one on base you cannot possibly tell if the first baseman has his foot in contact with the base when you are positioned on the side or behind the second baseman. Unless, of course, the first baseman’s foot is on top of the bag, which, thank God, it seldom ever is.

Watch any Major League baseball game and see how far the first base umpire ever goes into fair ground for their calls at first base. They never go more than five feet into fair ground, because that is the best vantage point to see what you need to see for the plays at first base.

How can the umpire ever see a swipe tag or pulled foot from out by the second baseman? With a runner on second or third base the base umpire had to get out there, but with no runners on base this new positioning must be the decision of someone who knows little or nothing about the concepts of umpiring.

Q. This question came from my neighbor who is the pastor of a church in our community. He is pitching for his church team, and their won-lost record and play left something to be desired. So out of frustration, in yet another losing cause, he turned to his defensive teammates after the opposing team hit two shots off him, and said , “now that’s the way you hit the ball”.

His remark was not meant to embarrass or humiliate his teammates and fellow parishioners, but it obviously did to at least one of his very best friends. The good Pastor went on to tell me this was how his father had coached and communicated with him, and his dad used the same methods coaching nationally successful major men’s and women’s softball teams in Milwaukee for decades.

The pastor felt terrible that his off-hand comment to his teammates, hurt even one player, for after all, they did get the hits while he was pitching, so he wrote a letter of apology to his team and resigned as a player from the team.

Pastor loved playing the game even at forty eight years of age, and he is still highly competitive in everything in his life. He was raised that way by his parents, and got yelled at when he screwed up, but I told him you just can’t do this any more.

A. I watched my grandchildren when they first started playing tee ball and soccer, and they did not keep the score for fear of hurting the psyche of the children on the losing team. My older grand daughter was playing youth basketball, and after her team got ahead by twenty points they stopped putting the points on the scoreboard when they made a basket. I asked about this, and they told me they do not put any more points on the score board when a team is ahead by twenty points or more. A loss by too many points could hurt the feelngs of the girls, and who knows, this could destroy these young ladies for life.

Maybe you should only offer up words of encouragement to your teammates. Someone should have told some of my teachers, coaches and parents this, and maybe I too would not be so competitive today. This old fashioned style of training made me want to be the best I could be at anything I did, and I passed that on to my children as well.

I remember my mother tying me to the front porch in our government housing in Winton Terrace when I was a young child, because I ran off one time too many. The neighborhood kids would come by and ask “why are you tied up out here?” I recently told my mother she would be in jail if she were raising kids today, and she told me “maybe so, but you never ran off any more.”

Pastor said he would rather have a good relationship with his flock than hurt someone’s feelings over a softball game, so he quit the game, and now we have lost one more player. The pastor’s dad and my mother would be cellmates if they raised children or tried to coach kids in today’s world. I won’t even get into my mother breaking a board over my head for talking back to her, or my coach coming onto the basketball floor during a game, to kick me in my rear end for not doing what he had told me to do. I know that conduct is inexcusable in today’s society, but it was effective in changing my behavior.

I think it must be time for me and my pastor neighbor to hang it up, and get some serious sensitivity training. We do not seem to fit into the role of athletics or parenting today. I do hope that none of my comments in today’s article, or the thirty plus years of those I have written in the past, hurt anyone’s feelings. I certainly would never want to hurt some lazy umpire’s feelings who hasn’t moved or read a rule book since I last got spanked for jay walking or talking in class.

Q. This is in response to the nice letter that was written to the paper last month about one of my decisions in this column regarding carrying a bat to first base. I do sincerely thank you for your response, and I want to clarify, explain and validate my earlier decision.

A. Professional baseball and the Amateur Softball Association have the same rule regarding the carrying of a bat, and it is as follows in the playing rules points of emphasis #51 “There is NO PENALTY when a player carries a bat to first base. Should the player use the bat to prevent a defensive player from making a play, then interference should be ruled.”

Evidently the USSSA rules committee decided to make this act a rules infraction, but for the life of me I cannot understand why. When a rule is added or changed in the playing rules of the game it should be for a reason. IE: The infield fly rule prevents a cheap and or unfair advantage for the defensive team to get a double play. Now that rule makes sense. What possible reason is there for calling a batter out for carrying his bat to first base or beyond unless it causes interference, unless they believe it intimidates the other team.

I have always said rules should be like mini skirts: long enough to cover the essentials, and short enough to hold my attention. I also think that no rule should be written unless it makes sense and/or has some impact on the game. I believe the USSSA rule you quoted from the USSSA playing rules does neither.

I still believe both organizations need to hire a good technical writer to sit down with a competent knowledgeable umpire to re-write their rules books with an updated index to go along with it. But then again that would make too much sense.

July 1-2

Canupp Powers Freeze/Arnold/BW3/Easton Past Midwest USSSA “B-C” NIT Field

Indianapolis, In.--Mike Canupp batted a sizzling .833 and cracked three home runs in four games to power Freeze Concrete/James Arnold Attorney/BW3/Easton to a first place finish in the Midwest USSSA “B-C” National Invitational July 1st at Midwest Sports Complex.

Freeze/Arnold/BW3/Easton slugged their way past four opponents, averaging twenty three runs per game en route to the title. The champions drilled Journeyman/Monster Energy/Sidelines 19-13 in the finals to wrap up a 4-0 outing.

Canupp had plenty of support from teammates Mike Malesko (.800), Tony Sharkins (.769), Tom Atha (.750) and Homer Matheny (.667).

Canupp was named tournament MVP.

“He’s been a great addition to our team,” said Freeze/Easton player-manager Homer Matheny. “He’s played first, third and caught for us this year. And he’s been a great complementary player to Tony (Sharkins) and Mike (Malesko). He’s a great follow up to them. You could probably interchange any of those three. It just happened to be Mike’s weekend to get the big hits.”

Matheny said that the performance of Sharkins, Malesko and Canupp was the key to winning the tournament.

“They’re our three, four and five hitters and they combined to hit .800 and had ten home runs and nine walks,” said Matheny. “Their ability to work together in the line-up and complement each other whether with a walk or a home run has really steadied the middle of our line-up.”

Matheny also had high praise for Tommy Atha’s offensive contributions.

“He did a great job at the bottom of our line-up,” said Matheny. “We were missing a couple of players and he went 9-for-12 with four walks and did a great job rolling our line-up over at the top.”

Freeze/Arnold exploded for sixteen runs in the top of the 4th to break open a 9-9 contest and went on to mercy rule Journeyman/Monster Energy/Sidelines 31-16 in their opener. Fourteen of the sixteen runs came with no outs. Jayson Scott had a two run shot to break the tie, and Mike Canupp belted the first of his three home runs - a three run bomb - later in the inning as the lead swelled to 16-9.

Canupp collected four hits in the game, and Scott, Tony Sharkins, Jeff Click, Mike Malesko, Rob Menke and Tommy Atha combined for eighteen hits.

Opponent number two, hometown Central Paving, jolted Freeze/Easton with a fourteen run outburst to grab a 15-10 lead in the top of the 4th, but Freeze/Easton answered with seven to quickly recapture the lead. Mike Malesko launched a three run tater to narrow the deficit to 15-13. Sean Melampy’s rbi single put his club back on top to stay at 16-15, and Tommy Atha’s rbi single provided Freeze/Easton an insurance run and capped off the inning. The Cincinnati club tacked on three in the 5th to close out the scoring and make the final 20-15. Pitcher Bob Noeth shut out Paving over the final three innings to preserve the win.

Malesko, Tony Sharkins and Mike Canupp shared nine hits to pace the offense.

Freeze/Easton never trailed in the winners’ bracket finals, jumping out to a 10-2 lead after two innings in an eventual 23-12 romp over Steve’s Drywall/Jeko Flooring/Jeds in the winners’ bracket finals. Rob Menke’s two run swat highlighted a seven run 2nd as Freeze/Easton broke open a 3-2 game. Freeze/Easton couldn’t shake Steve’s until the 5th and 6th, when they put up nine runs to take a commanding 23-11 lead. Mike Malesko delivered a three run sock in the 5th. Malesko and Jeff Click pounded out four hits each, while Rob Menke and Homer Matheny chipped in with a 3-for-4 effort.

In the finals Freeze/Easton used a nine run 3rd to overtake Journeyman/Monster Energy/Sidelines 11-9, then added six runs in the 4th to seal an eventual 19-13 victory. Rob Menke put his team ahead for good at 10-9 with a two run swat in the 3rd. Mike Malesko and George Farris accounted for Freeze/Easton’s first five runs in the 4th with a three run blast and a two run shot, respectively.

Homer Matheny, Tony Sharkins, Jayson Scott and Jeff Click banged out three hits each for the champions.

Homer Matheny said his club’s success was ultimately attributable to the team’s four backers.

“We want to thank our sponsors Jim Freeze, James Arnold, BW3 and Easton,” said Matheny.

July 4th

H Men Romp, Bad Attitude Outlasts Greenies 15-13 In Expressway Round Robin Divisions

Milford, Oh.--The H Men outscored three opponents by a 47-17 margin and Bad Attitude outlasted Greenies 15-13 in the deciding game to claim their respective division titles in an eight team, two division round robin on Tuesday, July 4th at Expressway Park.

The H Men levled Panama Red (1-2) 18-3 in their opener, then drilled Good Ole Boys (2-1) 13-5 to clinch the division title before polishing off Solid Waste (0-3) 16-9.

Meanwhile Bad Attitude battled past Rubel (1-2) 11-8, CPM (1-2) 4-1 and Greenies (1-2) 15-13 to complete the sweep.

July 8-9

Columbus Club Survives Second Round Scare Against Empire/Easton... Bondsmen/Stucco/Worth Romp Past Vickers Sports 24-14 In Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “C” NIT Finale At Expressway Park

Milford, Oh.--Bondsmen/Stucco/Worth rallied from a 14-2 deficit to escape with a 17-16 victory over Empire/Easton in a second round game and went on to sweep to a 5-0 record for a first place finish in the Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “C” National Invitational July 8-9 at Expressway Park.

Bondsmen/Stucco/Worth romped past Vickers Sports 24-14 in the championship game to capture their second U-Trip “C” NIT crown of the season.

A berth to the USSSA “C” World Tournament September 22-24 in Sterling Heights, Mi. passed down to third place Cincysoftball.com/Cooper Sports/Easton.

Brad Cahill (.684), Bondsmen’s rbi leader for the weekend with fourteen, was named tournament MVP.

“We picked Brad because he hit some big home runs for us,” explained manager Mark Witte. “He hit four three run shots for us. They were all timely home runs.”

All-tourney selection Rob Smith led Bondsmen in hitting with a sizzling .722 mark.

“He had another strong performance coming off an MVP effort at a tournament in Kettering,” said Witte.

Other all-tournament selections included Witte (.700), Jason Slack (.706) and pitcher Brent Cahill.

Witte attributed his club’s success to “key home runs - we used our home runs wisely, a strong pitching effort by Brent Cahill, and a key offensive performance from the bottom of the line-up,” commented Witte.

“Jason Slick batted .706 in the eleven hole to help us get back to th top of the order, and that was huge for us.”

None of Slick’s hits were any bigger than one in the bottom of the 7th that helped Bondsmen rally back past Empire/Easton 17-16 in the second round of the tournament.

“We needed two runs in the bottom of the 7th and we had a huge hit from Jason Slack,” said Witte. “That was followed by a big two out double by Drew Roberts to tie the game, and then Brett Wolf doubled to win it.

“That was huge to come back and win that game,” underscored Witte. “At one point we were down 14-2. It’s the first time this year that we’ve been trailing in the bottom of the 7th. We hadn’t been in that situation all year.”

Bondsmen reached the winners’ bracket finals by disposing of Team Bring It 7-2, Empire/Easton 17-16 and Design Concepts Plus/Midwest Construction 17-10. There they jumped out to a 6-1 lead over Cincysoftball.com/Cooper Sports/Easton after two and went on to post a 9-4 victory behind the strong pitching of Brent Cahill.

Cincysoftball.com drew first blood with a run in the top of the 1st, but Bondsmen answered with four in the bottom of the inning, then two more in the 2nd to go up 6-1. A three run blast by Brad Cahill vaulted Bondsmen into the lead at 3-1, then Jim Conley doubled and scored on a Dan Ciddle single to cap off the 1st. Bondsmen put the game away with three runs in the 5th after Cincysoftball.com had cut the lead to 6-3. Jim Conley delivered the big blow in the inning with a two run shot to make it 8-3.

Brad Cahill and Mrk Witte pouned out four hits each, and Conley and Rob Wolf chipped in with three hits each.

In the finals Bondsmen plated four in the 1st, six in the 2nd and four in the 3rd to take a commanding 14-3 lead and never looked back in a 24-14 rout over Vickers Sports. Vickers cut the deficit to 14-7 with four runs in the bottom of the bottom of the 3rd, but Bondsmen slammed the door with six in the top of the 4th as their lead swelled to 20-7.

Rob Smith got Bondsmen on the board with a two run double in the top of the 1st. Drew Roberts’ two run triple highlighted the 2nd. Brad Cahill homered to account for three of his club’s four runs in the 3rd, and Mark Witte homered in the six run 4th.

Smith, Brad Cahill and Brent Wolf combined for nine hits to pace the offense.

Bondsmen manager Mark Witte said his club’s title came on the heals of another big effort two weekends prior in a “B-C” NIT at Expressway, when they almost upset the number one ranked “B” team in the country - Freeze/Arnold/BW-3/Easton.

“We had a huge 24-21 win against PRI’s ‘B’ team, and we played our game of the year against Freeze,” said Witte. “We had them beat with two outs in the bottom of the 7th, and Homer Matheny (Freeze) hit a three run triple to tie the game. Then in extra innings they had the bases with one out and we turned a double play, and then again in the bottom of the 9th they had the bases loaded with one out and we turned another double play. They ended up winning in the bottom of the 10th. But we hung with them for ten innings, so that gave us some confidence that carried over into this weekend.

“We’re looking forward to the Nationals and World,” concluded Witte.

WORTH-BUD LIGHT-USSSA MEN’S “C” NIT FINAL STANDINGS JULY 8-9, 2006 - MILFORD, OH

1. Bondsmen/Stucco/Worth, Columbus, OH 5 0 2. Vicker’s Sports, Bellbrook, OH 7 2 3. Cincysoftball.com/Cooper Sports, No. Bend, OH 3 2 4. Big Sonny’s, Reynoldsburg, OH 5 2 5. Design Conc./M. W. Const., New Richmond, OH 2 2 Sentry Fire Prot./APEX/LVBC, Erlanger, KY 2 2 7. EZ Cash/Steve’s Tires, Grove City, OH 3 2 TPE/AST/Miken, Trenton, OH 2 2 9. Pharmacy Solutions, Florence, KY 2 2 Empire/Easton, Cincinnati, OH 1 2 Max Softball, Hamilton, OH 1 2 PRI/Premier Sports, Milford, OH 1 2 13. Hitmen Softball, Hillsboro, OH 1 2 Moe’s So. West Grill/Saints, Cincinnati, OH 1 2 No. Ky. Thunder, Burlington, KY 1 2 Team Bring It, Cincinnati, OH 1 2 17. Big “O” Softball, Florence, KY 0 2 East End/Air Industrial, Cincinnati, OH 0 2 Good Guys/Patrick’s Hardwood, Covington, KY 0 2 Marysville Moose, Marysville, OH 0 2

WORTH-BUD LIGHT-USSSA MEN’S “C” NATIONAL INVITATIONAL ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

Donny Marvin Big Sonny’s Mike Weiss Cincysoftball.com/Cooper Sports Dave Arrasmith Cincysoftball.com/Cooper Sports Brian Dinsmore Vicker’s Sports Tim Knecht Vicker’s Sports Andy Birchler Vicker’s Sports Brent Cahill Bondsmen/Stucco/Worth Rob Smith Bondsmen/Stucco/Worth Jason Slack Bondsmen/Stucco/Worth Mark Witte Bondsmen/Stucco/Worth Ryan Hochwalt - MVP Vicker’s Sports Brad Cahill - MVP Bondsmen/Stucco/Worth

Winners Rally To Escape Budget Door 17-16, Polish Off Sneaky Pete’s/Noran LLC/Backstabbers 7-4 In Finals… Leugers, Hilton Lead Extreme/Turner Properties In RiverShore-USSSA “D” NIT At RiverShore

Hebron, Ky.--Matt Leugers hit a sizzling .824 while teammate Chris Hilton anchored the defense to help lead Extreme Softball/Turner Properties to a first place finish in the RiverShore Sportsplex USSSA “D” National Invitational July 8-9.

Leugers went 14-for-17 to pace the offense and earn tournament MVP honors, while Hilton played rally-killer at middle infield, turning several key double plays to garner the tournament’s Outstanding Defensive Award.

Extreme/Turner knocked off Sneaky Pete's/Noran LLC/Backstabbers 7-4 in the championship game to complete a five game sweep of the 22-team event.

The winners opted to not accept the berth to the USSSA “D” World September 21-24 in Overland Park, Ks., and it passed down to runner-up Sneaky Pete’s.

In addition to Luegers and Hilton, Bryon Simpson (.650, 9 rbi’s), Josh Zickgraf (.619), Jason Black (.600) and Mike Cooper (.579, 8 rbi’s) were named to the All-Tournament team.

Leugers’ .824 performance was particularly surprising in view of the fact that he played with a broken bone, pointed out player manager Chris Hilton.

“He broke his hand pitching in another tournament, and he came out this weekend and had to half swing and he dinged and dunked them over the infield,” said Hilton. “We hope he keeps hitting like that. It’s not a big break, but a small broken bone in his finger.”

Big offensive innings and a lot of “timely double plays” carried Extreme/Turner to the title, said Hilton.

“We hit as a team and enjoyed a lot of big innings, and started off a lot of games scoring five or ten runs in an inning,” said Hilton. “I attribute that to everybody in the line-up having big innings. It takes all ten or eleven guys to hit and they sure did.

“Also we turned a lot of timely double plays, and of course those are the biggest rally killers around,” said Hilton.

Hilton, Extreme/Turner’s middle infielder and the tournament’s Outstanding Defensive Player, was the heart of his team’s defense.

“I turned seven or eight double plays in our five games and they always seemed to be when the other team was rallying,” observed Hilton. “There was always somebody on base when we turned them so they were just killing rallies.”

Hilton said that Josh Zickgraf was Extreme/Turner’s defensive standout in the outfield.

“He played a flawless centerfield,” said Hilton. “He covers the gaps well in a three man.”

Pitching was also key, said Hilton.

“Danny Cupp’s pitching is always tough. He’s one of those few pitchers who can actually control the game,” said Hilton. “He keeps hitters off-balance and in slow pitch that’s a pretty good feat.”

Extreme/Turner jumped on top of D & M Concrete with seven runs in the top of the 1st and held on for a 9-4 victory in game one.. Mike Cooper’s rbi single ignited the scoring in the 1st, while a sac fly by Bryan Howard capped off the inning. Matt Leugers, Robby Hudson, Carlton Brock, Josh Zickgraf and Mike Cooper combined for ten hits to pace the offense.

Extreme/Turner battled to an 11-11 stalemate through four innings in game two, but broke the game open with six runs in the top of the 5th, taking the lead on Danny Cupp’s rbi single. Josh Zickgraf’s two run single highlighted the inning. Galazy mustered up two more runs before succumbing 17-13.

Aric Mills and Bryon Simpson shared eight hits, while Cupp and Zickgraf chipped in with three apiece.

Budget Door exploded for eleven runs in the top of the 5th to take a commanding 16-8 lead over Extreme/Turner, but the eventual champions wouldn’t fold up their tents, roaring back to knot the score at 16-16 with eight runs in the bottom of the 6th. Two run singles by Jeremy Williams, Bryon Simpson and Chris Hilton highlighted the inning.

Then in the bottom of the 7th, singles by Robby Hudson and Jason Black and a walk to Jeremy Williams juiced the sacks for Josh Zickgraf, who plated the game winner on a fielder’s choice.

Mike Cooper and Matt Leugers were both perfect in four at bats, while Williams, Simpson, Hudson, Black and Zickgraf added three hits each.

Extreme/Turner used a nine run 1st and an eight run 3rd to grab an early 17-6 lead over Two-N-Out.com/Easton and never looked back in a 21-6, five inning rout. Two-N-Out drew first blood with a run in the top of the 1st, but Mike Cooper delivered a two run double in the bottom of the inning to put his club ahead to stay at 3-1. Robby Hudson added a key two run single later in the inning as the lead swelled to 7-1. Extreme/Turner blew open a 9-6 contest with eight runs in the 3rd. A pair of two run doubles - one by Jeremy Williams to make it 13-6 and another by Mike Cooper to cap off the inning - accounted for four of the eight runs.

Matt Leugers, Jason Black, Josh Zickgraf, Bryon Simpson and Carlton Brock combined for fifteen hits to lead the offense. Jeremy Williams and Mike Cooper collected four rbi’s apiece.

In a low scoring finale, Extreme/Turner plated three runs in the bottom of the 1st and two in the 2nd to overcome a 1-0 Sneaky Pete’s lead, then eased to a 7-4 victory. Carlton Brock’s rbi single broke a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the 1st and put his team on top to stay. Danny Cupp tripled Extreme/Turner’s fourth run home in the bottom of the 2nd then scored on Jason Black’s rbi single. A fielder’s choice plated a sixth run in the bottom of the 4th.

The Backstabbers came to life briefly in the top of the 5th, scoring three runs to cut the deficit to 6-4. But Bryon Simpson singled home the final run of the game in the bottom of the 5th, and pitcher Danny Cupp held Sneaky Pete’s scoreless over the final three frames to preserve the victory.

Matt Leugers contined to ravage opposing pitchers with three more hits, while Simpson, Jeremy Williams and Josh Zickgraf each went 2-for-3.

Extreme/Turner manager Chris Hilton concluded by acknowledging his club’s sponsor. “I’d like to thank Turner Properties for their sponsorship this year,” said Hilton.

Team Havoc Heading To Florida Thanks To Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “E” World Qualifier At Kolping Park

Mt. Healthy, Oh. – Team Havoc won all five games it played, two by run-rule, as they took first place in the WorthBud Light-USSSA “E” World Qualifier at Kolping Park on July 8 th .

Team Havoc opened the day against the Brown Eye All-Stars. It was a lopsided drubbing as Havoc won 19-3 in five innings. Brian Boyle led all hitters going 4-for-4. Andrew Wise, Josh Sullivan, Rick Arnold, and Josh Storer were all 3-for-4. Two of Sullivan’s three hits were triples.

Game two was a knock down, drag out slugfest between Team Havoc and Angry Dragons. The game had to go to extra innings to decide a winner. Going into the 9 th , it was still knotted at 19-19. In the top of that frame, Angry Dragons scored one run to take a 20- 19 lead. In their at bat, Havoc got a leadoff single from Josh Sullivan. Eric Smith followed with a double that plated Sullivan and tied the game again at 20-20. Ricky Arnold then drew a base on balls to bring Dale Schneider to the plate. Schneider came through with a single that scored Smith with the game winner. Smith was the leading hitter at 6-for-6 with two doubles and a triple. Ricky Arnold was a perfect 5-for-5. Josh Storer and Mike Porter were both 3-for-5. “We just stayed in it,” said Team Havoc’s manager Shawn Haley of the come-from-behind victory. “We did what we had to do to manufacture runs. We played small ball, moved runners and got key base hits when we needed them.”

In game three versus JTM/Hudy, Team Havoc earned another double-digit win even though it took all seven innings to do so. Josh Storer and Josh Sullivan each had four hits as Havoc posted a 19-7 victory. Brian Boyle went 3-for-4.

The final game of the round robin was highlighted by Jeff Darling tossing a shutout as Team Havoc beat Camp Washington Crush, 16-0. Eric Smith went 3-for-3 with a homer. Ricky Arnold and Mike Porter were also 3-for-3. Brett Vandergriff was 2-for-3, including a round tripper.

In the one-game winner-takes-all finals, Team Havoc faced Dynamic Softball. Josh Sullivan and Jeff Darling each drove in two runs in the five-run 5 th that allowed Havoc to erase a 6-5 deficit. They did not score again the rest of the way, but Dynamic Softball could manage three more as the game ended 10-8 in favor of Team Havoc. Jeff Darling again rose to the occasion, blanking Dynamic Softball over the final two innings. Ricky Arnold was a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI; Andrew Wise had his best game of the tournament, going 3-for-4.

Arnold also led Team Havoc for the tournament going 15-for-17, a .882 average, while driving in 12 runs. Josh Storer was a close second at .788 and 10 RBI. “[Ricky] was focused…he hit the ball where they weren’t,” noted Haley, the manager. “Josh Storer was on fire, too. We had four or five guys who had great stats.”

Eric Smith was one of those guys posting a .737 batting average. Josh Sullivan hit .619 and drove in a team-best 14 runs. Brian Boyle (.562), Mike Porter (.533), Andrew Wise (.500), and Dale Downard (.500) rounded out the offensive honor roll.

“Josh Sullivan (leftfield) made a couple of nice diving plays and saved some runs. Ricky Arnold made a couple nice stabs at third base,” added Haley.

“We played a bunch of quality teams…played hard and were just happy that we came out on top,” Haley concluded.

Team Havoc, thanks to the championship, earned an invite to the USSSA “E” World Tournament in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on September 21-24. The Llama Cowboys qualified for both the Nationals in Ft. Knox, Kentucky on Labor Day weekend and the “E” State tournament in Harrison on August 19-20. Brown Eye All-Stars also qualified for the state event.

Old Spice/Win, Place, or Show Turns In Season Best Performance In Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “E” “Dash For Disney” World Qualifier At Queen City

West Chester, Oh. – Old Spice/Win, Place, or Show earned their first championship of the season by going 6-0 in the Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “E” “Dash For Disney” World Qualifier at Queen City Sports Complex on July 8 th , 2006. They are now qualified for not only the state and national postseason tournaments, but also the USSSA World Tournament in Kissimmee, Florida on September 21-24.

Old Spice/Win, Place, or Show started round robin play with back-to-back five-inning mercy rule victories. In the first, they topped the Islanders 19-1. Chris Collidge was 4-for-4 and Steve Burch 3-for-4. Tony Walker went 3-for-3 in game two as Old Spice/Win, Place, or Show beat Dane’s Upholstery 14-3.

Game three versus Herald’s Barber Shop required an Old Spice/Win, Place, or Show comeback. Down 12-8 going into the 6 th , they scored five runs to take a 13-12 lead. Joe Fraley got the scoring underway in the inning with a two-run single. Tim Schappacher tied the game with another two-RBI single. Jim Staudigel then drove in the go ahead run. They tacked on two more in the top of the 7 th for a 15-12 final. “They had us down…and we switched to a five-man infield and that seemed to take them out of their rhythm,” noted team manager Joe Kelly. “Then our bats caught up and we took the lead back and won the game.” Schappacher was 4-for-4 and scored four runs. Deron Slusher collected three hits in four at bats.

Old Spice/Win, Place, or Show opened the elimination round with another run-rule win, this time at the expense of MVP’s. Twelve runs in the top of the second broke the game wide open. From there, Old Spice cruised to a 19-5, five-inning win. Jim Staudigel led all hitters at 4-for-4. Chris Collidge chipped in three hits.

In the second game against The Pact, Old Spice/Win, Place, or Show batted around in the top of the first to tally seven runs. Joe Fraley capped the rally with a two-run double. He would finish 4-for-4 in the 13-5 victory. Deron Slusher went 3-for-4 for the second time in the tournament.

The finals were a rematch between Old Spice/Win, Place, or Show and Herald’s Barber Shop. This time they played with a lead the whole way thanks to twelve runs in their first three at bats. Jim Staudigel had a pair of two-run doubles, one in the 2 nd and another in the 3 rd , as Old Spice built and insurmountable lead. Chad Adamson picked up two RBI in the 4 th as the lead grew to 14-3. Herald’s Barber Shop stormed back in the late innings to make it interesting, but fell short in the 16-11 final. All three of Staudigel’s hits in the contest were doubles. He totaled five runs batted in. Chris Coolidge and Joe Fraley were both 3-for-4. Jody Hampton made his only appearance of the tournament at pitcher, taking over for Deron Slusher. He also went 2-for-3 at the plate.

“We hit well for a change,” explained Kelly. “We did a good job of taking advantage when other teams would make mistakes. Leadoff guys got on base and scored a lot of runs for us, but we had consistent hitting top to bottom. We had a total of 10 guys with at least eight hits, including some who didn’t play the whole tournament.”

Chris Coolidge went 15-22 to post a team-best .682 batting average. Jim Staudigel finished at .636. Tim Schappacher scored 14 runs and hit .542.

Defense was also solid for Old Spice/Win, Place, or Show as they gave up five or fewer runs in four of their games.

Kelly also had high praise for Coach Bryan Howard. “We want to thank him for the job he does keeping our heads in the game. He is always there when we need him to play. He doesn’t mind his role, and not many guys are like that in softball.”

Herald’s Barber Shop also qualified for the USSSA “E” Nationals to be played September 2-4 in Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Along with Old Spice/Win, Place, or Show, Maxed Out, Kurr’s Kustom Flooring, The Islanders, and Top Guns earned berths to the state tournament. That event will be held at Pastime Park in Harrison on August 19-20.

Here For The Beer, Ferrari’s Clais Expressway Mini Divisions

Milford, Oh.--Here For The Beer bested all three opponents while Ferrari’s posted a 2-1 record en route to a first place finish in their respective divisions in an eight team, two division mini round robin on Sunday, July 9th at Expressway Park.

Here For The Beer battled past eventual runner-up Airtight Plumbing (2-1) 14-11 in a key first round match-up, then shelled Rubel (1- 2) 26-10 before blanking GT’s/Sprint (0-3) 8-0 to complete the sweep.

While in division two, Ferrari’s was awarded first place based on run differential after posting a 2-1 mark along with runner-up Night Out Incorporated and Machine.

Ferrari’s disposed of Carter’s Construction (0-3) 10-6 in their opener, then suffered an 11-9 setback to Night Out before spanking Machine 10-3 in the deciding contest.

Cardinals Battle Past Diamond Dawgs 16-14 At Kolping Park

Mt. Healthy, Oh.--The Cardinals battled past the Diamond Dawgs 16-14 in the deciding game to complete a three game sweep of a four team, Saturday night round robin July 8th at Kolping Park.

The Cardinals erased Laptop World 14-9 in their opener, then spanked Fatty Patty’s (1-2) 12-1 before besting the Diamond Dawgs (2- 1) in the finale.

Playmakers, Old Spice Slug Way Past Kolping Divisions

Mt. Healthy, Oh.--The Playmakers and Old Spice both used a high powered offense - each averaging seventeen runs per game - to slug their way to a first place finish in their respective divisions in an eight team, two division Sunday morning round robin July 9th at Kolping Park.

The Playmakers outscored their three opponents by a 52-9 margin, overpowering 669 Mafia (1-2) 19-2, Worthless Bunch (1-2) 21-5 and Team 1 (1-2) 12-2.

While in division two, Old Spice shelled Secret Service (2-1) 19-13 in a key match-up with the eventual division runner-up, then routed UAW (1-2) 15-5 before outdueling Always Trucking (0-3) 19-15 in the finale.

Freeze/Arnold/BW3/Easton Mercies Team Illinois/Reds/Tanel 360/TPS 21-9 In USSSA “Legends Of The Game” At Kettering Fields

Dayton, Oh.--Freeze/Arnold/BW3/Easton mercy-ruled Team Illinois/Reds/Tanel 360/TPS 21-9 in the championship game to complete a three game sweep of the “A-B” division of the USSSA “Legends Of The Game” softball tournament July 1st at Kettering Fields.

After surviving a first round scare from Cooper Auto/Tanel 360, Freeze/Easton romped past Team Illinois/TPS 35-13 in the winners’ bracket finals, then again 21-9 in the finals.

Cooper Auto, a USSSA “D” team, had Freeze/Easton, a U-Trip “B” squad, against the ropes for five and a half innings in game one. The local squad took a 10-9 lead into the bottom of the 6th, but there Cooper’s bid for an upset came undone, as Freeze/Easton rallied for six unanswered runs to pull out a 10-9 victory.

Jeff Click turned in a near perfect .909 (10-for-11) day to pace the winners. Sean Melampy followed with a red hot .727 performance, and four playes - Homer Matheny, George Farris, Rob Menke and Jayson Scott - hit .636.

“Jeff does a great job of putting the ball in play with the right pitch and he always seems to know what he’s going to do with every pitch when it comes down,” observed Freeze/Easton player-manager Homer Matheny. “He always seems to have a place for every pitch that comes in.”

Click also “played great defense” at short as well, noted Matheny.

Matheny said his team’s success hinged on “getting back to the basics of base hitting.

“It was a hot humid day,” said Matheny. “Balls weren’t flying very well and it took precision hitting for singles and doubles and taking advantage of the situation with the weather.”

Matheny said this his team was missing two key starters, but that “hometown boy” Sean Melampy from Dayton stepped up to fill the void.

“We were missing Mike Malesko and Tony Sharkins and Sean had a great weekend, going 8-for-11,” said Matheny. “He did a great job at the plate and in left and centerfield.”

Middle infielder Rob Menke also shined on defense, said Matheny.

“He solidifies the middle infield whether it’s a double play or assisting (pitcher) Bob Noeth as far as setting up the defense,” remarked Matheny. “He also has a great arm and has the ability to dive for balls and not just knock them down, but also getting up and throwing the runner out. That goes a long way in keeping other teams from having big innings.”

Freeze/Easton got off to a slow start in their opener against Cooper Auto/Tanel 360, as the nation’s number one ranked USSSA “B” team went into the bottom of the 6th trailing 10-9. But Mike Canupp connected for a slammer to put his club ahead to stay at 13-10. Freeze/Easton added two more runs to take a 15-10 lead into the 7th, where pitcher Bob Noeth limited Cooper to a two out single to preserve the win.

Canupp cracked three home runs in the contest, going 3-for-4 along with Sean Melampy.

Next Freeze/Easton exploded for twenty runs in their last two at bats to blow open a 15-12 contest with Team Illinois/Reds/Tanel 360/TPS. Team Illinois could only muster a lone run in the bottom of the 6th, making the final 35-13. Bob Noeth launched a three run blast to highlight a seven run 6th as the lead grew to 22-12. Then in the 7th Mike Canupp belted a three run homer and George Farris put an exclamation point on Freeze/Easton’s performance with a slammer to close out the scoring.

Trevor Barth and Jayson Scott pounded out five hits each, and Farris, Jeff Click and Homer Matheny combined for twelve hits.

Freeze/Easton jumped out to an 8-0 lead with the help of a Homer Matheny two run double in the top of the 1st, but Team Illinois battled back to within two at 11-9 after four. But in the top of the 5th, Freeze/Easton broke the game open with a ten run outburst to seal a 21-9 victory. Trevor Barth delivered a key bases clearing double in the inning.

Jeff Click continued his assault on opposing pitchers, collecting four more hits. Trevor Barth chipped in with a 3-for-4 effort.

Freeze/Easton’s Homer Matheny saluted his team’s backers and the event sponsors.

“We’d like to thank our sponsors, Jim Freeze and Jim Arnold, BW3 and Easton, as well as the tournament sponsors, Tanel 360, Spitz Seeds and DeMarini,” said Matheny.

Fat Daddies, Ruble, Bud Light Chuggers Take Expressway Mini Divisions

Milford, Oh.--Fat Daddies and Ruble went 2-1, while the Bud Light Chuggers swept to a 3-0 record en route to their respective division titles in a twelve team mini round robin on Sunday, July 16th at Expressway Park.

Fat Daddies rallied from an opening round 10-8 setback to Who Dey (2-1) to route AT Excavating (2-1) 11-1 before squeezing out an 8-7 victory over Fader (0-3) in the deciding contest.

Ruble also bounced back from a first round loss as they fell to the Mad Dawgs (2-1) 14-13 before roaring back to slug their way past Mercedez Benz (0-3) 17-5 and Gale Construction (2-1) 15-12.

While in division three, the Chuggers spanked AKR Auto Sales (0-3) 13-6, then survived a pair of one run contests - 13-12 over Panama Reds (1-2) 13-12 and Nighthawks (2-1) 8-7.

July 15-16

Virginia Club Steamrolls Monster 43-Team Field... AM Las Vegas/Benfield/Reece/Shade Romps Past Bell Corp/Taylor/Belcher/Easton In USSSA Cincinnati Major NIT

Colerain Township, Oh. – AM Las Vegas/Benfield/Reece/Shade romped past Bell Corp 36-13 in the championship game to capture first place in the USSSA Cincinnati Major National Invitational Tournament July 14-16 at Eggleston Park.

AM Las Vegas/Benfield/Reece/Shade steamrolled six opponents en route to the title, as they overpowered a 43-team field - the largest U-Trip Major NIT in the nation.

Aside from a seven run 34-27 margin over Bell Corp in the winners’ bracket finals, no one seriously challenged AM Las Vegas, which scored at least 29 runs per game and outscored their opponents 207-80.

The winners averaged 34 runs per game on their way to the title, and the team’s offensive stats clearly reflected their run production. Leading the way were All-Tournament Selections J. D. Genter at .900, Brian Wegman at .833, Wayne Habermehl and Brian May at .800, Denny Crine at .786 and Mark Webber at .760.

Other hitting leaders included Brian Justice at .750, Greg Hartwick at .731 and Chris O’Hara at .679.

In spite of the hefty averages, it was the pitching of tournament MVP Mark Webber and AM Las Vegas’ defense that paved the way to the title, said manager Randy Cropper.

“Mark pitched one helluva tournament,” praised Cropper. “He pitched every game except for a little relief from J. D. Genter. He held Bell to thirteen runs in the last game, and held Stucco to fourteen runs. And those two games were with sixteen home runs, so that was pretty big right there. They still didn’t hit all their home runs. He kept ‘em in the park.”

Defense and effective use of their home run limit also played a big role in winning the tournament, said Cropper.

“We finally caught it. That’s been something that has hurting us in some games this year,” said Cropper. “Our defense has been lacking. We’ve been missing some balls and throwing some stuff away. We did a lot better this weekend on the defensive side.

“Also, in some of the other tournaments, we haven’t been using our home runs very smart, but we were very smart this weekend,” observed Cropper. “We only used our limit twice, so we scored a bunch of runs without hitting a bunch of home runs.”

Anchoring the defense was ODP Matt King, said Cropper.

“Matt made some excellent plays in centerfield,” said Cropper. “He made two plays against Bell Corp Saturday night that not too many people in the country could make. He was running wide open in the gap and jumped into the fence and caught the ball. And then for the last out of the game he dove and caught a line drive.”

AM Las Vegas’ first four opponents failed to go the distance with the eventual champs, as D & S Engineering bowed out after five 29- 5, EZ Cash/Steve’s lasted only three in a 38-1 spanking, Tri-C fell 41-20 in five, and number four ranked Specialty Tank/Stucco/K & G/Worth was rocked 29-15 in six.

AM Las Vegas exploded for eighteen runs in the bottom of the 2nd to blow open a 5-4 contest with D & S Engineering in game one. Denny Crine connected for a slammer to get the scoring started, J. D. Genter added a three run blast, Brian Justice a two run shot and Greg Hartwick capped off the inning with a slammer.

Genter, Crine and Hartwick each went 4-for-4 to pace the offense.

Against E-Z Cash, AM Las Vegas jumped on top 17-1 after two, then delivered a knockout blow with a twenty one run 3rd. Brian Justice and Wayne Habermehl each swatted a three run homer in the 1st, and Greg Hartwick launched a slammer and Mark Webber a three run tater in the 2nd.

J. D. Genter and Chris O’Hara collected five hits apiece, and Hartwick, Habermehl and Webber chipped in with a 4-for-4 effort.

Tri-C held a narrow 17-15 lead over AM Las Vegas after threen innings in game three, but the wheels fell off the wagon in the top of the 4th as the Virginia based club rocked Tri C for 26 runs. Shane Hatfield put his club ahead for good at 18-17 with a two run sock. Mark King followed with a three run dinger, Mark Webber went solo, Brian Wegman added a three run homer, Shane Hatfield a slammer, Denny Crine a two run shot and Wayne Habermehl a three run blast as the lead mushroomed to 40-17.

Brian May and J. D. Genter pounded out six hits each, and Chris O’Hara and Brian Wegman combined for ten.

It took AM Las Vegas five innings to shake off Specialty Tank/Stucco/K & G/Worth in game four. Leading 14-13 after four and a half, AM Las Vegas used an eleven run outburst to break the game open. The inning featured a three run crank by Wayne Habermehl that ignited the scoring, two run homers by J. D. Genter, Denny Crine and Shane Hatfield, and a pair of solos - one by Matt King and another by Genter.

Genter, Brian Justice and Brian Wegman shared twelve hits for the winners.

In the winners’ bracket finals, AM Las Vegas locked horns with number two ranked Bell Corp, the pre-tournament favorite. After battling to a 15-15 standstill after two and a half, AM Las Vegas went ahead to stay with four runs in the bottom of the 3rd. A J. D. Genter solo broke the tie, then Shane Hatfield capped off the scoring with a three run sock.

The lead swelled to 26-15 after a Shane Hatfield three run homer and Denny Crine slammer, then to 31-19 after a pair of two run shots - one each by Mark Webber and Brian Wegman - in a five run 5th.

Wegman banged out five hits, and May, Crine, Habermehl, King and Webber each went 4-for-5 to fuel the offense.

In the finals, Bell Corp held a narrow 12-11 lead after two and a half innings, but a thirteen run 3rd - highlighted by three run shots by Webber, Hartwick and May - vaulted their club into the lead and Bell Corp never recovered. A twelve run 4th increased the advantage to 36-13. Greg Hartwick’s slammer made it 28-13, back-to-back two run swats by Matt King and J. D. Genter made it 32- 13, and Chris O’Hara put the exclaimation point on the inning with another grand slam.

Genter and Justice shared ten hits, and King, Habermeho and Hatfield contributed four each for the champions.

The victory lifted AM Las Vegas to a number two ranking on the “Old Scout” webpage, and locked upa three seed for the USSSA Major World Series.

But AM Las Vegas’ Randy Cropper said he doesn’t “put a whole lot into that right now.

“You’re ranked by what you do from weekend to weekend,” said Cropper. “If you win a tournament, you move up. We’ve had some bad tournaments and dropped to 7th. We won the Smoky and moved up to 4th or 5th. Now this week we’re 2nd.

“It’s only about what you do at the end of the year,” underscored Cropper. “You don’t win world championships based on rankings.”

Cropper called the Cincinnati Major NIT “a well run tournament.

“I thought they might have some problems with the number of teams they had,” said Cropper. “But from our end we didn’t see any. I thought they might struggle with forty-plus teams but everything went smooth.”

CINCINNATI MAJOR USSSA MEN’S NATIONAL INVITATIONAL ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

Jeff McGavin N. W. Pipe/Bud Light/3N2/Easton Dale Roe N. W. Pipe/Bud Light/3N2/Easton Shane Spicer Watanabe/Kattus/TPS Brad Reckart Watanabe/Kattus/TPS Jason Roesch Watanabe/Kattus/TPS Dennis Rulli Bell Corp./Taylor/Easton Rick Baker Bell Corp./Taylor/Easton Brett Helmer Bell Corp./Taylor/Easton Scott Kirby Bell Corp./Taylor/Easton Brian May AM Las Vegas/Benfield J. D. Genter AM Las Vegas/Benfield Brian Wegman AM Las Vegas/Benfield Denny Crine AM Las Vegas/Benfield Wayne Habermehl AM Las Vegas/Benfield Matt King AM Las Vegas/Benfield Don DeDonatis III - ODP Bell Corp./Taylor/Easton Mark Webber - MVP AM Las Vegas/Benfield

CINCINNATI MAJOR USSSA MEN’S NATIONAL INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT FINAL STANDINGS

1. Benfield/Reece/Shade/AM L. V., Vienna, VA 6 0 2. Bell Corp/Taylor/Belcher/Easton, Tampa, FL 5 2 3. Watanabe/Kat./TTP/Sup./B&A/TPS, Cin., OH 7 2 4. NW Pipe/Bud Light/3N2/Easton, Westland, MI 4 2 5. Freeze/Arnold/BW3/Easton, Cincinnati, OH 5 2 Specialty Tank/Stucco/K&G/Worth, Cols., OH 3 2 7. Bondsmen/Worth, Columbus, OH 5 2 Pace/TPS, Pittsford, NY 5 2 9. Graystone Mortgage, Cincinnati, OH 4 2 Storm/Wessel/Nixco/Flanagan’s, Burlington, KY 3 2 Wessel/A&K/Concepts/Blitz, Cincinnati, OH 3 2 Tri-C/Xtreme Fitness, Little Rock, AK 2 2 13. EZ Cash / Steve's Tires, Grove City, OH 3 2 R & D/AAA Glass/Easton, Nashville, TN 3 2 Aubrey’s/MIT/Worth, Savannah, GA 2 2 BK/Butch’s/Creative/Easton, Redford, MI 2 2 17. Mike Foulks/Team Insanity, Covington, KY 2 2 Pure Romance/Premier Sports, Milford, OH 2 2 Suncoast/AH/RBK/Easton, Parrish, FL 2 2 Team Illinois, IL 2 2 Angle Inn Easton, Glen Burnie, MD 1 2 Dawg Pack/Greene’s Flower, Cincinnati, OH 1 2 Herrin/Left Field, Savannah, FL 1 2 Team Bring It, Cincinnati, OH 1 2 25. Loveless Hardwood/Conveyor, Cincinnati, OH 2 2 Big Sonny’s, Reynoldsburg, OH 1 2 Community Cab/Marty’s/Easton, Cinti., OH 1 2 D & S Engineering, Cincinnati, OH 1 2 Des. Con./Midwest Const., New Richmond, OH 1 2 East End/Air Industrial, Cincinnati, OH 1 2 TPE/AST/Miken, Trenton, OH 1 2 Pridecast/S & W/DeMarini, Florence, KY 0 2 33. Two-N-Out.com/Easton, Florence, KY 1 2 Black-N-Blue, Erlanger, KY 0 2 Cincysoftball.com/Cooper Sports, Cinti., OH 0 2 DPP/Bish’s, Middletown, OH 0 2 Empire/Easton, Cincinnati, OH 0 2 Good Guys/Patrick’s Hardwood, Cinti., OH 0 2 He Hate Me, West Chester, OH 0 2 Moe’s Southwest Grill/Saints, Cincinnati, OH 0 2 PRI/Easton, Cincinnati, OH 0 2 T & T/Lyons, Independence, KY 0 2 Trailblazers, Cincinnati, OH 0 2

Watanabe/Kattus/TTP/B & A/Superior/CHL/TPS Closes In On Series Berth In USSSA Cincinnati Major NIT

Colerain Township, Oh. – With a berth to the USSSA World Series on the line, and their backs against the wall, Watanabe/Kattus/TTP/B & A/Superior/CHL/TPS came up big against the nation’s top softball teams with a third place finish in the USSSA Cincinnati Major National Invitational Tournament July 14-16 at Eg-gleston Park.

Needing a top ten finish to vault into the top fourteen in the Conference USSSA standings to be in the running for a USSSA World Series berth with only two Conference events remaining, Watanabe/TPS responded valiantly despite a rash of injuries to position themselves for a trip to the big show.

“We knew as a team that we needed to finish near the top,” acknowledged Watanabe/TPS sponsor-manager Dave Watanabe. “We needed USSSA Conference points and everybody came through.

“We were a big banged up,” commented Watanabe. “Injuries to Tommy Thompson (knee), Jim Burbrink (hamstring), Brad Reckart (fractured thumb), Ryan Minges (hamstring), Jimmy Carter (knee) and Jeff Edington (bicep) provided a lot of adversity coming into the tournament.”

Despite their injuries, Thompson (1.000, 8 HR’s) and Reckart (.763) played with abandon. On the heels of a 15-for-15 performance in the Smoky Mountain Classic, Thompson went 20-for-20 to bring his July Conference USSSA totals to a white hot 35-for-35. Reckart, Shane Spicer (.765) and Jason Roesch (.667) were named to the All-Tournament team. Jimmy Carter and Tom Stevens chipped in with a .667 weekend, Justin Minges batted .625 and Larry Wert .607.

“Reckart, Roesch, Thompson, Stevens and Carter stood out,” said Watanabe, “but no one could have played better than Shane Spicer. He pitched seven of our nine games and really picked up the intensity. The rest of the team played their butts off. And with the heat and the level of competition, it made for a special weekend.”

As expected, Watanabe/TPS walked past two local opponens to kick off play, mercy-ruling DPP/Bish’s 19-3 in five and Pridecast/S & W/DeMarini 21-3 in six.

A six run 1st, a six run 2nd and a seven run 3rd sealed the win over DPP. Jason Roesch put the winners on the board with a three run blast in the 1st, Ryan Minges launched a three run shot in the 2nd and Jimmy Carter’s three run bomb highlighted the 3rd.

Carter, Tom Stevens, Tom Thompson and Brad Jones were all perfect in three at bats.

A twelve run 4th blew open a 5-3 contest and gave Watanate/TPS an insurmountable 17-3 advantage in game two. The inning featured three run swats by Brad Reckart, Tom Stevens and Shane Spicer. Spicer homered three times in the game and went 4-for-4 aloing with Justin Minges and Larry Wert.

Next Watanate/TPS escaped with a 17-16 victory over Angle Inn/Easton (MD), overcoming a 15-14 deficit with a three run Jimmy Carter sock in the bottom of the 6th. Pitcher Jim Burbrink then held Angle Inn to a lone tally in the 7th to preserve the win.

Spicer, Reckart and Stevens shared twelve hits.

USSSA Major power Bell Corp/Taylor/Belcher/Easton then rocked the home town club 32-11 in game four, but Watanate/TPS regrouped and ousted four opponents before calling it a weekend.

Watanate/TPS got back on track with a 30-14, six inning spanking of Graystone Mortgage (OH), using a twelve run 5th to blow open a 15-12 game. Brad Reckart socked a two run homer to ignite the scoring. Jeff Edington also homered in the 5th, connecting for a three run blast. Edington, Roesch and Reckart combined for fifteen hits. Tom Thompson continued his perfect weekend with four more safeties.

Bondsment/Stucco/Worth (OH) fell next in a lopsided 29-7, four inning rout. The outcome was settled after an 18 run explosion in the bottom of the 1st. Three run shots by Thompson, Edington and Stevens accounted for half of the runs. Edington collected three homers in the inning and went 3-for-3 along with Roesch, Spicer and Rusty Scott.

Watanate/TPS saved their two best games of the tournament to ambush a pair of top ten clubs in their final two wins, as they upset number four ranked Specialty Tank/Stucco/K & G/Worth 28-20 and N. W. Pipe/Bud Light/3N2/Easton 25-23.

Watanate/TPS used a nine run 2nd to overcome a 5-4 deficit and scored in every inning to help stave off Specialty Tank. Ryan Minges delivered a two run homer to put his club ahead to stay at 6-5 in the 2nd. Later in the inning a Brad Reckart slammer made it 11-5. Specialty Tank outscored Watanate/TPS 9-3 over the next inning and a half to cut the lead to one at 15-14, but the locals took control with five in the 4th, three in the 5th and five in the 6th to build a 28-17 lead, and Specialty Tank never recovered.

A pair of two run swats - one by Rusty Scott and the other by Ryan Minges - gave Watanate/TPS four of their five runs in the 4th. Shane Spicer cracked a two run shot in the three run 5th, and Jeff Edington delivered the knockout punch with a three run bomb in the 6th.

Ryan Minges, Larry Wert and Tommy Thompson pounded out four hits each for the winners.

Watanate/TPS never trailed in the quarter-finals, as they jumped out to a 20-6 lead over N. W. Pipe/Bud Light/3N2/Easton, then held off a late rally by the Michigan club to pull out a 25-23 victory. Three run homers - one by Jason Roesch to start the inning and the other by Rusty Scott to cap it - helped provide Watanate/TPS with an 8-0 lead in the top of the 1st. A seven run 2nd highlighted by a Larry Wert two run shot made it 15-4, then Brad Jones belted a big three run homer to cap off a five run 3rd. Pipe scored eleven unanswered runs - two in the 3rd and nine in the 4th -to cut the Watanate/TPS lead to three at 20-17, but in the top of the 5th Shane Spicer launched a two run tater and Rusty Scott followed with a three run rip to give their club a six run cushion at 25-19. Pipe responded with four runs in the bottom of the 6th, but neither team scored in the 7th, and Watanate/TPS headed into the losers’ bracket finals.

Spicer and Roesch banged out five hits each, and Brad Jones added four to pace the offense.

Hitmen Top Five-Team Field At Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “D” Qualifier At Expressway Park By Andy Zureick

Milford, Oh. – The Hitmen won all four games they played for a first place finish in the Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “D” Qualifier at Expressway Park on July 15 th .

Game one of the day between the Hitmen and Snappy Snappers was a defensive struggle. Gordon Cordell and Brian Roberts each drove in a run in the top of the 2 nd as Hitmen claimed a 2-0 lead. Ron Sterling and Wally Cox both had RBI sacrifice flys in the 6 th , increasing the lead to 4-0. That is also how it would end. Brian Roberts tossed the shutout while Greg Carson and Tim Roth each totaled two hits. Snappy Snappers would finish in second place with a 3-1 record.

Facing Nothing To Lose, Hitmen looked to be in trouble as they trailed 6-0 going into the bottom of the 5 th . In that at bat, however, they exploded for 10 big runs, giving them a 10-6 lead. Ron Sterling’s two-run single put Hitmen up for the first time, 6-4. Tim Roth drove in a run to make it 7-6. Adam Dettwiller then landed the big blow, a three-run inside-the-park homerun. The final was 12-6 in favor of the Hitmen. Mike Groves was a perfect 2-for-2 in the victory. Greg Carson, Gordon Cordell, and Eric Slagle were all 2-for- 3.

Hitmen got four runs in the top of the 4 th against Cornerstone in their third game of the day. That gave them a 9-7 lead and they would never trail again. Mike Groves had a two-run double and Rodney Burns a triple that plated two more in the six-run 7 th , making it a lopsided 18-8 final. Joe Downing turned in his best performance, going 3-for-4. Burns and teammate Ron Sterling each finished 3- for-5.

In their final game versus Wilmington Regulators, things got a little ugly. With Hitmen leading 3-2, a member of the Regulators was ejected from the game. They did not have an available sub, forcing a 7-0 forfeit.

Tim Roth, Mike Groves, and Eric Slagle all finished the tournament with .500 batting averages. But the real story for Hitmen was Gordon Cordell, who hit a team best .555. Noted Hitmen manager Greg Carson, “[Gordon] hasn’t hit the ball real well this year. He is one of the young guys out in our outfield who keeps us older guys from having to go out there. We usually don’t rely on him for offense, but he came through big for us in this tournament.”

“One of the big keys was just not getting down. One game, we were trailing 6-0 and came back and scored 10 runs in the bottom of the 5 th against Nothing To Lose. We didn’t hit the ball very well, but we came up with key hits when we needed them,” Carson said.

For the Hitmen, it was their third championship of the year. And llike all other teams in the tournament, they came into the event having already qualified for postseason play. “We play really well when we have all of our players,” Carson summarized. “We struggle to get all our players there. We have a lot of older guys who have kids playing and who work on weekends, so it’s hard to get a consistent team there every week.”

Huber Lawn Care Continues Solid Season In Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “E” World Qualifier At Expressway By Andy Zureick

Milford, Oh. – Huber Lawn Care turned in another first place finish in the Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “E” World Qualifier at Expressway Park on July 15-16. The championship earned them $375 cash.

Huber Lawn Care cruised early with two double-digit victories. In the opener of round-robin play versus Cincinnati Dirty Birds, Huber Lawn Care got on top early with four runs in the bottom of the 1 st . Jason Jett drove in two of those, giving his team a 4-0 lead. Brian Littleton singled in two more as part of the five-run 5 th that broke the game open. The final was 15-5 in six innings. Glenn Huber topped all hitters at 4-for-4. Jeremy Jones was a perfect 3-for-3. Brian Marshall, Brad Riley, Kevin Murphy, and Jason Jett were all 3-fof-4.

Facing Greenies in game two, Brian Marshall tripled in two runs as part of the five-run second. That gave Huber Lawn Care an 8-1 lead. They would go on to win 12-1 in five innings via the mercy rule. Four members of the winning team – Brian Littleton, Chad Case, Brian Marshall, and Kevin Murphy – went 3-for-3.

Going into the final inning of play with Westwood Style, Huber Lawn Care found themselves tied at 9-9. Jeremy Jones broke the tie with a run-scoring single. Glen Huber padded the lead with two RBI. Westwood Style failed to answer in the bottom of the frame, making it a 13-9 final. Brian Marshall was a team-best 4-for-4. Chris Applegate and Glen Huber were both 3-for-4.

Huber Lawn Care came back on Sunday to open the double-elimination round against Dirty Birds, the same team they started the tournament with. David Folino’s RBI-single helped Huber Lawn Care score four runs to erase a 3-0 deficit in the 5 th . Chris Applegate and Jeremy Jones each had two-run singles as their team tacked on six more runs over the next two innings. That made it a 10-3 final. Chris Applegate, Jerry Applegate, and Kevin Murphy all went 3-for-4.

That set up a final between Huber Lawn Care and JB’s. In the first game, JB’s got the better of Huber, 4-3. “We came out flat and had 14 fly balls out of 21 total outs,” noted Glenn Huber, the team manager. “We had a lot of hits but couldn’t put any of them together. That was a wake up call for us.”

In the second finals, it was a different story for Huber Lawn Care. Chris Applegate’s two-run double led to a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st. Two more in the 2 nd and five in the 3 rd meant that the route was on. JB’s failed to mount any sort of rally as the game ended 16-3 in five innings. Chad Case was a perfect 4-for-4 in the win. Brian Littleton, Jerry Applegate, Glenn Huber, and Brad Riley were all 3-for-3. Brian Marshall finished 3-for-4.

Marshall hit .850 for the tournament and was named the MVP. “He always hits .700-.800,” said Huber, “and always has key hits. He’s a reliable hitter, brings a lot of leadership to the field and makes big plays.”

Several other members of the Huber Lawn Care team had big offensive performances in the tournament, including Brad Riley (.733), Glenn Huber (.688), Brian Littleton (.650), Chris Applegate (.643), Kevin Murphy (.632), Jerry Applegate (.526), and Chad Case (.521).

“Defense was solid all through the weekend – it’s always one of our keys,” explained Huber. “We turned several double plays to get us out of innings. David Folino had a good weekend at shortstop and Brian Marshall made several big plays at third base.”

“Chad Case (right field) had a big play in the championship game, he threw somebody out at third to end an inning. Brad Riley (right center) caught everything his way,” Huber added.

Westwood Style and Herald’s Barber Shop both were awarded paid berth to the USSSA “E” World Tournament in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on September 21-24. GFY Softball and Cincinnati Heat qualified for the State and National tournaments. They will be played on August 19-20 in Harrison and Labor Day Weekend in Ft. Knox, Kentucky, respectively.

Cincinnati Blue Denied 10th Straight, 18th Overall Title... Cooper Sports/UAW #863/Veterans Dethrones Local #392 In EMR Group-ASA Metro Industrial “A” Division Finals At Rumpke Park

Crosby Township, Oh.--By the numbers, Local #392 Cincinnati Blue had won nine straight - and seventeen overall - EMR Group- ASA Cincinnati Metro Industrial titles.

Whether that dynasty has come to an end remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Cincinnati Blue won’t capture their tenth crown - at least not in the near future.

Cooper Sports/UAW #863/Veterans outslugged Local #392 26-19 in the championship game of the Industrial “A” Division of the EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro July 14-16 at Rumpke Park to wrap up a 3-0 weekend and dethrone the longstanding champions.

UAW #863 saved their best offensive game for last, having knocked off UAW #863 Sharonville/Turner 13-6 in their opener and Local #392 in the winners’ bracket finals, 12-8.

The winners had the offensive stats to mirror the 51 runs they put up in three games. Todd Hayes batted 1.000 in two games, and Jim Jamison was perfect in the finals - the only game he appeared in. Chad Cumberland hit a sizzling .833, Brad Baker, Scott Kennedy, Brett Lewis and Dwayne Kirkland batted .667, Jeff Halcomb .538, and Jerry Ross, Zach Heubner and Billy Skidmore hit an even .500.

Kirkland was named tournament MVP.

“He had two of our three wins pitching, and when we lost (outfielder) Zach Heubner on the third day he volunteered to play outfield,” said UAW #863 manager Steve Ricketts. “He played solid defense out there and he came through with a 4-for-5 game. In our first game he was 3-for-3.”

“This is his first year pitching,” pointed out Ricketts. “He’s really not even a pitcher, but our pitcher had career ending surgery, so Dwayne picked up pitching duties.”

Overall, Ricketts said the keys to winning the tournament were “solid, error free defense, desire, timely hitting and hustle.

“Everything that could have gone right went right,” observed Ricketts.

Among the things that “went right” were a big catch by Jeff Halcomb and a timely ruling on an illegal bat in the first round against Sharonville.

“Jeff Halcomb robbed them of a home run,” said Ricketts. “He went back to the fence and jumped three feet and pulled it back over the fence. That was a dagger and it fired everybody up.”

Cooper/UAW/Veterans also benefitted from an umpire’s ruling on an illegal bat in the game.

“He called the bat illegal and it took the steam right out of them,” said Ricketts. “It would have been a two run double. The bases were loaded and the ball was hit down the first base line. It would have put them up 5-0 but instead they had two outs and it changed the outlook of the game.”

A four run 2nd erased a 3-1 deficit and put Cooper/UAW/Veterans ahead for good at 5-3 against UAW #863 Sharonville/Turner in game one. Brad Baker doubled in the go-ahead run to bread a 3-3 tie. The lead swelled to 8-3 on solo home runs by Todd Hayes, Jeff Halcomb and Jerry Ross in the 3rd. Then in the 4th Jeff Halcomb delivered the knockout punch with a three run blast to cap off a four run inning as Cooper/UAW/Veterans’ advantage ballooned to 12-3, and Sharonville never recovered.

Dwayne Kirkland and Brad Baker banged out three hits each, and Jeff Halcomb swatted a pair of home runs for the winners.

UAW #863 followed a similar route to a 12-8 victory over Local #392 Blue in the winners’ bracket finals. Once again the 2nd inning proved fruitful, this time resulting in a seven run outburst that put Cooper/UAW/Veterans ahead 8-3. A Jerry Ross two run shot capped off the inning. UAW #863 added a run in the 3rd and three in the 4th to take a commanding 12-3 lead. Local #392 rallied for two in the 5th and two in the 6th to cut the deficit to 12-8 but pitcher Dwayne Kirkland shut down the defending champions in the 7th.

Brett Lewis and Scott Kennedy collected four hits each, Brad Baker added three and Jerry Ross went 2-for-4 with a homer.

Cincinnati Blue drew first blood in the finals with a run in the top of the 1st, but UAW #863 answered with six, then blew open a 7-5 contest with an eleven run 4th. A Todd Hayes three run sock erased the 1-0 deficit in the bottom of the 1st, and Jerry Ross followed with another three run blast to make it 6-1. A three run homer by Brett Lewis, a Todd Hayes solo and a two run bingle by Chris Chapman highlighted the eleven run 4th. Local #392 refused to go away, however, and outscored UAW #863 10-1 over the next inning and a half to cut the lead to 19-15. But in the bottom of the 6th, Cooper/UAW/Veterans slammed the door on the seventeen time champions, erupting for seven runs to seal the win. Jerry Ross’ three run shot - his second of the game - capped off the inning.

Brett Lewis, Chad Cumberland, Dwayne Kirkland and Jeff Halcomb combined for sixteen hits, Jim Jamison homered and had three hits along with Ross and Scott Kennedy, and Todd Hayes homered twice and drew three walks for the new champions.

“It feels good,” said Cooper/UAW/Veterans manager Steve Ricketts. “We’ve been waiting for this win for ten years. We’ve played at the highest level and lost for several years. Then we won the ‘A’ and there were only two teams and we sat out a year. Then we won the ‘B’ last year, and we came back and won and kept it going.

“We want to thank our fans and our field manager, Chris Sobol,” said Ricketts. “He helped me out when I wasn’t available. We also want to thank (ASA Cincinnati Metro Commissioner) Danney Saylor and his crew for running another great tournament, and we also thank our sponsors.”

MEN'S INDUSTRIAL A DIVISION

1. Cooper Sports/UAW #863/Veterans 3 0 2. Local #392 Blue 2 2 3. CWA #4400 2 2 4. Duke Energy 1 2 5. UAW Sharonville 0 2

Trimpe, Resing Power Comeback After Second Round Setback... Reimeier Lumber Double Dips ADS 12-5, 13-7 In EMR Group-ASA Metro Industrial “B” Division At Rumpke Park

Crosby Township, Oh.--John Trimpe hit a blistering .815 and clubbed six home runs, and Joe Resing batted a red hot .800 with five home runs, to power Reimeier Lumber to a first place finish in the Industrial “B” Division o the EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro July 14-16 at Rumpke Park.

Reimeier double dipped ADS 12-5 and 13-7 in the finals to complete a five game run through the losers’ bracket after ADS had slapped Reimeier with a second round 14-11 loss.

Overall Reiemeier went 6-1 in the ten team affair.

Trimpe went 22-for-27 and Resing 20-for-25 to pace the offense. Todd Walpole batted .625, Matt Bechtel .542, Phil Washum .538 with three home runs and Chris Witt chipped in with a .500 mark. Pete Stokes belted four home runs.

Trimpe was named Most Valuable Player.

“He just took over on Sunday,” remarked Reimeier manager Curt Clark. “It was a tough call (between Trimpe and Resing). Joe was right behind him. The only difference was Joe Walked twice. Every time he (Trimpe) came up to bat with guys on base, he came up big. He was on a mission.

“John had one more home runs than Joe. If he hadn’t walked twice, they might have had identical stats,” observed Clark. “He hit five home runs and played great in the field.”

Despite the efforts of Trimpe and Resing, it was team defense, maintained Clark, that carried Reimeier to the title.

“We played great defense and we just got on a roll,” said Clark, whose team held all five of their opponents to seven or less runs after falling to ADS 14-11 in the second round.

“Our infield was excellent. Everybody played well in the field. Brian Greene (3b) gloved everything. He was awesome. He looked like Brooks Robinson down there. And Mike Bedel played a great outfield. he robbed a guy of a home run in the Builders 1st Choice game. And Jason Schreiver played a solid 2nd base.”

Reimeier hardly looked like tournament champions after a narrow 6-4 win over Viox Services and a 14-11 setback to ADS. ADS had a three run walk-off to pull out the win.

But the defeat appeared to serve as a wake-up call for Reimeier, who roared back to mercy rule Gayle’s Grounders 16-1.

Next John Trimpe banged out three hits, and Pete Stokes socked a pair of home runs in a 16-7 rout of Builders 1st Source. Outfielder Mike Bedel turned in a defensive gem with a catch against the fence.

Trimpe and Joe Resing both homered in an 11-1 spanking of Elect Judge Hartman in the losers’ bracket, setting up a re-match with ADS. Reiemeier then steamrolled ADS in the double finals, 12-5 and 13-7, as Trimpe launched a pair of home runs in each contest. Resing also contributed a home run in each game.

“Everybody chipped in, whether it was to pinch run or with a key hit,” summed up Reimeier’s Curt Clark. “Bill Ramsey helped coach and position our players. I don’t think we could have won it without him.”

Clark said that his son, Lucas, “took over as manager after we lost our first game and called the coin flips and read the line-up and started giving us speeches before the game, and everybody started having fun,” said Clark.

MEN'S INDUSTRIAL B DIVISION

1. Reimeier Lumber 6 1 2. ADS 3 2 3. Elect Greg Hartman 2 2 4. Builders 1st Source 3 2 5. Gayle’s Grounders 2 2 Local #392 Red 2 2 7. Viox Services 1 2 Insulators #8 0 2 9. Feldkamp 0 2 Local #212 Blue 0 2

Lingo Handcuffs Field, Holds Four Opponents To Thirteen Runs... Pitching, Defense Lifts A1/Kahoots To EMR Group-ASA Metro Industrial “C” Division Title At Rumpke Park

Crosby Township, Oh.--Pitcher Terry Lingo held four opponents to thirteen runs and A1/Kahoots won two games in their final at bat en route to a first place finish in the Industrial “C” Division of the EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro Tournament July 14-16 at Rumpke Park.

A1/Kahoots rallied for two runs in the bottom of the 6th to clip Hamilton County Sheriffs 4-3 in the championship game to complete a four game sweep of the eleven team affair. A1 had previously disposed of Meyer Tool 7-6, Budweiser 17-1 and the Sheriffs 6-3.

Jeff Herzog hit a blistering .888 for the champions. Jeff Greer followed at .727, Bob Schlachter batted .667 and Kevin Schleben chipped in with a .636 effort. Terry Lingo and Bill Foster led the team in rbi’s with six each.

Herzog was named Tournament MVP, but his hefty .888 average wasn’t the only thing that gave A1/Kahoots a lift, noted manager Bill Foster.

“He played hurt,” explained Foster. “He ‘ah’d’ a lot because he had a pulled calf muscle. But he trotted down to 1st base every time and toughed it out. He showed a lot of intestinal fortitude.”

But in Foster’s eyes, his club won the tournament largely because of Terry Lingo.

“I think we won because of our pitcher,” stated Foster. “Hamilton County Sheriffs scored more than ten runs in every game except against us. They were a good team. We never gave up more than fourteen runs in the whole tournament - that’s not bad.”

Foster said his team sometimes “breaks down and makes mental errors,” but during the Metro, he said A1/Kahoots “had no mental errors and made no mistakes.

“We also pepped each other up as a team,” said Foster. “No one let their head down and we had leaders to keep our spirits up. We inspired each other and got hits and kept moving.”

A1/Kahoots needed a run in the bottom of the 7th to survive a 7-6 duel with Meyer Tool in their opener. One out singles by Kevin Schleben and Ken Greer and a walk to Seth Lingo set the stage for Bob Schlacter, who sinlged in Schleben with the game winner. Schlacter collected four hits to pace the offense. Jeff Greer added three, and Jeff Herzog, Doug Duwell, Bill Foster and Kevin Schleben combined for eight hits.

Next A1/Kahoots jumped out to an 8-0 lead afte an inning and a half and never looked back in a 17-1, four inning rout of Budweiser. A pair of two run singles - one by Bob Schlacter and the other by Seth Lingo - highlighted the inning. A1 failed to score in the 3rd, but then exploded for nine runs in the top of the 4th to seal the win. Two run singles by Schlacter, Terry Lingo and Bill Foster accounted for six of the nine tallies.

Jeff Greer, Terry Lingo and Seth Lingo were each perfect in three at bats.

In the winners’ bracket finals A1/Kahoots pushed across two runs in the top of the 3rd and never relinquished the lead against Hamilton County Sheriffs. Dale Braun’s two run single broke a 1-1 tie. Kevin Schleben singled home a run in the 4th and another in the 6th to increase the lead to 5-2, then Braun came through again with an rbi single in the top of the 7th to make it 6-2. The Sheriffs answered with a run in the bottom of the 7th before succumbing 6-3.

Braun, Schleben and Jeff Herzog shared nine hits.

The Sheriffs were on the brink of forcing a double finals as they took a 3-2 lead through five and a half in the championship game, but Bill Foster delivered a clutch, two out double following singles by Jeff Herzog and Bob Schlacter to give his club a 4-3 lead and the eventual win. Pitcher Terry Lingo yielded a leadoff single in the bottom of the 7th, but preserved the win by striking out the next batter, then retiring the last two hitters on fly balls.

Jeff Herzog banged out three hits, and Bob Schlacter, Bill Foster and Seth Lingo chipped in two apiece for the champions.

A1/Kahoots’ Bill Foster concluded by complimenting the tournament staff.

“They did a great job running the tournament,” said Foster. “The fields looked good and the umpires were a lot better than normal.”

MEN'S INDUSTRIAL C DIVISION

1. A-1 Kahoots 4 0 2. Hamilton County Sheriffs 3 2 3. M & S Drywall 3 2 4. Shepherd Color 4 2 5. Budweiser 2 2 Meyer Tool 2 2 7. Castle Metal/Harris Corporation 1 2 Neiman Plumbing 1 2 9. Local #212 Red 0 2 Queensgate 0 2 Rumpke Bad Boys 0 2

DeClaire Insurance Double-Dips Schone’s Chiropractic In COSSA Hopalong Cassidy Classic At Berliner

Columbus, On.--DeClaire Insurance tripped up Schone’s Chiropractic 26-25 and 19-17 in a double finals to capture first place in the COSSA Hopalong Cassidy Classic July 15-16 at Berliner Park.

DeClaire went 1-1 in pool play, then rallied from a first round setback to win five straight games in the elimination round.

“We just outlasted Schone’s on Sunday,” summed up DeClaire player manager Mike Hanselman. “In spite of the fact that we played one more game than them, we just held up better in the heat. We played four games in a row, and at the start of the second game, we had two guys go down with heat exhaustion. But we were able to re-group and we had more energy and desire than they did. They just ran out of gas. They were relying on the long ball and power, and as they got tired, they lost their zip to hit the ball out of the park. But we could still hit the holes.”

Donnie Anderson hit a blistering .838, Ted Weingartner batted .765, Tony Hale .759, Dave Warner .750, Bubby Richie batted .739 with four home runs, and Steve Rogers hit .700 with six round trippers.

“Donnie hit the ball well clear throughout the entire tournament,” said Hanselman. “On Sunday he came up lame with a pulled hamstring, and he had to sit out part of the first finals. But he came back to play in the second and kept hitting despite his injury. He even hit a home run, which is out of character with him.”

Steve Rogers, who led the team in home runs with six, stepped his game up on Sunday, said Hanselman.

“He got hot on Sunday in the big games and hit most of his home runs on Sunday,” said Hanselman.

After going 1-1 in pool play, DeClaire got off on the wrong foot in the elimination round as Schone’s Chiropractic outslugged DeClaire 27-24 in game one. Schone’s erupted for nine runs in the top of the 7th to overcome a 19-18 DeClaire lead. DeClaire answered with five to fall a run short.

But that only appeared to serve as a wake-up call for DeClaire, which caught fire and averaged 24 runs per game over their next six contests and rallied all the way back to take the title.

First DeClaire spanked the Central Ohio 50 All-Stars 26-17 to even their record. The winners took a 5-0 lead in the top of the 2nd and never looked back. Bubby Richie’s two run single put his team on the board, then Mike Hanselman followed with a two run double to extend the lead to 4-0. DeClaire put the game away with ten runs in the top of the 7th to take a 26-10 lead. Dave Warner singled home two runs to make it 19-10, then later in the inning Dave Snider cracked a three run home run to cap off the inning.

Tom Becker banged out four hits, and Greg Thompson, Steve Rogers and Donnie Anderson shared nine.

DeClaire mercy-ruled the Columbus Legends next 19-4 in five innings, jumping out to a 10-0 lead with five runs in the 1st and five in the 2nd. Back-to-back two run doubles - one by Steve Rogers and the other by Bubby Richie - capped off the 1st. Ted Weingartner and Tom Becker both singled home a pair of runs in the 2nd as the lead grew to 10-0. The Legends never recovered.

Tony Hale homered and went 4-for-4 along with Ted Weingartner, and Rogers, Dave Warner and Mike Hanselman chipped in with three hits each.

DeClaire ousted the Dayton Legends 26-14 next, again plating five runs in each of the first two innings to open up a 10-0 bulge. The Legends cut it to 10-7 after three, but DeClaire put up five more runs in the 4th to take the wind out of their sails. Tony Hale socked a two run home run and Tom Becker soloed to account for three of the five runs, and the Legends never challenged again.

Steve Rogers launched three home runs, and Tony Hale belted two, and the duo combined with Ted Weingartner, Kevin Greene and Steve Conner for twenty hits. Tom Becker pitched in with a pair of home runs and went 3-for-4.

DeClaire pushed across a run in the bottom of the 7th to outlast Schone’s Chiropractic 26-25 in the first finals. Kevin Greene doubled to lead off the inning, then a walk to Dave Warner and a Mike West single juiced the bases for Steve Conner, who singled home Greene with the game winner.

Ted Weingartner collected five hits, Steve Conner contributed his second straight four hit game, and Greg Thompson and Mike West shared six safeties.

In the second finals DeClaire overcame a 10-9 deficit with five runs in the top of the 5th and took the lead for good at 14-10. Tony Hale singled in the go ahead run. An rbi single by Mike West capped off the inning. DeClaire tacked on five in the 5th to increase their advantage to 19-10, then held on as Schone’s rallied for five in the bottom of the 6th and two in the 7th before succumbing 19- 17.

Donny Anderson and Kevin Greene pounded out four hits each, and Bubby Richie, Tony Hale and Steve Rogers combined for nine to power the champions.

The tournament win was DeClaire’s first of the year in three outings.

Innovative, JTM/Hudy’s 3-0, Brew Crew 2-1 In Schuetzenfest Round Robins At Kolping Park

Mt. Healthy, Oh.--Innovative Remodeling and JTM/Hudy’s each swept to a 3-0 record, while Brew Crew went 2-1 en route to their respective division titles in a twelve team, four division Schuetzenfest Round Robin July 15th at Kolping Park.

Innovative Remodeling blanked Packaged Home Solutions (0-3) 10-0, then trimmed American Tickets (2-1) 7-6 in a key showdown with the eventual division runner-up before polishing off the Jackals (1-2) 15-5.

JTM/Hudy’s used a high powered offense to erase three opponents in division two, slugging their way past Cold Iron Crush (1-2) 16- 15, Outdoor Environment (0-3) 17-6 and Easy’s (2-1) 24-13.

While in division three, Brew Crew bounced back from a 16-4 spanking at the hands of Triweh (1-2) to rout the Zombies (2-1) 12-2 and then shut out Endurance Siding (1-2) 11-0 to nail down the title.

Father Hubbard Outlasts State Farm 10-1 In Queen City “E” Cash Tourney

West Chester, Oh.--Father Hubbard bounced back from a 14-6 spanking in the first championship game to rout State Farm 10-1 in the second finals of a $200 “E” Cash Tournament July 15th at Queen City Sports Complex.

Father Hubbard went 4-1 overall, disposing of D’s Restoration 8-5 in their opener, Beer Bats 15-4 in game two, then State Farm 6-3 in the winners’ bracket finals.

The final standings were: 1. Father Hubbard 4-1, State Farm 4-2, 3. Beer Bats 3-2; 4. Phat Boys 1-2; 5. D’s Restoration 1-2; Industrial Services 0-2; 7. Web Gems 0-2.

Team Seed Outslugs Who Knows 25-21 In Queen City Finale

West Chester, Oh.--Team Seed outslugged Who Knows 25-21 in the deciding game of a six team Saturday night round robin July 15th at Queen City Sports Complex.

Team Seed leveled AAA Laminating (2-1) 14-2 in a key first round match-up with one of two second place finishers, then romped past Damage Inc. (0-3) 17-4 before polishing outlasting Who Knows (1-2) 25-21.

Other participants included Tom Brate Trucking (2-1) and Monroe 1st Church of God (1-2).

Secret Service Outlasts Team Envy 13-12, Guido’s Overpower C-Unit 15-3 To Nail Down Kolping Titles

Mt. Healthy, Oh.--Secret Service outlasted Team Envy 13-12 in extra innings to claim the division one title, while Guido’s routed C- Unit 15-3 to clinch the division two crown, in an eight team, two division Sunday morning round robin July 16th at Kolping Park.

Secret Service spanked 4 & 1 In (1-2) 12-2 in their opener, then drilled Bayes & Sons/Kodiaks (0-3) 16-8 before outdueling Team Envy (2-1) 13-12 in the extra innings showdown for first place.

Meanwhile Guido’s shelled Young Blood (1-2) 25-11, then romped past C-Unit (2-1) 15-3 to seal the title before polishing off The Hogs (0-3) 16-5 in the finale.

July 22-23

Laria/Full Contact Outlasts Moe’s/Saints In Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “D” NIT Finals At Kolping Park

Mt. Healthy, Oh.--Steve Macko’s two out, rbi single in the bottom of the 7th lifted Laria Chevrolet/Full Contact Poker past Moe’s Southwest Grill/Saints 12-11 in the second championship game of a Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “D” NIT July 22nd at Kolping Park.

Moe’s/Saints had blocked a Laria sweep with an 8-3 victory in the first finals. Laria had spanked Moe’s 20-10 in the winners’ bracket finals.

The victory gave Laria/Full Contact a berth to the USSSA “D” World Tournament September 21-24 in Overland Park, Ks., and $600 travel expense.

“We came out and played relaxed and hit the ball,” summed up Laria/Full Contact player-manager Steve Macko. “We also played phenomenal defense. We didn’t give up any runs the other teams didn’t deserve and we hit the ball well. Even in a few games when we fell behind we’d put up another five run inning to go back on top.”

Tournment MVP Denny Lowe led Laria/Full Contact in hitting with a .714 day.

“He hit the lights out of the ball,” said Macko. Every time we needed a hit he was there with one.”

Other hitting leaders included Jeff Hercheck at .650, Steve Macko at .619, Chris Macko at .600 and Chris Brink at .565.

Macko said his club got a big boost from the bottom of their order.

“They were on base so much and they hit so well that our leadoff hitter, Denny Hercheck, drove in most of our runs. That was a big key for us.”

Hercheck also anchored the defense along with Jay Macko and Marty Pastva, said Steve Macko.

“Jeff (lc) and Jay (l) both had excellent tournaments in the outfield. And Marty played an excellent 3rd base for us,” said Macko. “Marty hadn’t played a tournament all year but he came out to fill in for us and played excellent.”

Laria/Full Contact overpowered Big “O” Softball 14-5 and M & M Connection 15-6 in their first two contests. Laria scored five runs in the 4th and five in the 5th to overcome a 5-4 deficit and take a commanding 14-5 lead against Big “O.” Ken Shamblin, whose rbi single put his club ahead to stay at 6-5 in the 4th, also delivered a big two run single to cap off the 5th. Jason Harris doubled home two runs in the 4th. Denny Lowe went 3-for-4 to pace the offense.

Next Laria/Full Contact jumped out to a 6-0 lead after two innings, then used a five run 4th to blow open a 6-4 contest. Back-to-back rbi doubles by Steve and Chris Macko highlighted a five run 2nd, and back-to-back two run singles by Jeff Hercheck and Jason Harris accounted for the final four runs in the 4th. Hercheck banged out three hits to lead the winners.

In game three Laria/Full Contact outlasted Clark State/Clark County Merchants in a 24-23 slugfest, outscoring the Merchants 15-0 on the strength of a nine run 4th and a six run 6th to overcome a 16-9 deficit. Jeff Hercheck’s rbi single put Laria ahead 17-16, and Jason Harris followed with an rbi single to plate an insurance run. Laria added six in the 6th to extend their lead to 24-16 with the help of a two run double by Jeff Hercheck and a two run single by Chris Brink. A furious seven run rally by Clark County fell a run short in the top of the 7th.

Chris Brink and Matt Damsa each went 4-for-5, and Jason Harris, Steve Macko and Denny Lowe chipped in three hits apiece.

Laria/Full Contact needed a twelve run 7th to best Moe’s/Saints in the winners’ bracket finals. The locals took a 10-8 lead into the top of the 7th, but couldn’t stop a Laria onslaught. Jeff Hercheck singled home the tying and go ahead runs, and later in the inning Ken Hartwig and Chris Macko each contributed a big two run triple.

Hercheck, Jason Harris and Denny Lowe combined for twelve hits, and Hartwig and Jay Macko each went 3-for-4 to fuel the offense.

Moe’s then ousted the Playmakers 9-5 to earn a re-match with Laria, and this time their defense was ready for the task as they limited the high-scoring Northern Ohio entry to three runs in an 8-3 contest.

In the second championship game the two finalists battled to an 11-11 stalemate through six and a half, then in the bottom of the 7th Laria finally pushed across the game winner.

Back-to-back one out singles by Ken Hartwig and Marty Pastva put Hartwig in scoring position. Then, after Matt Damsa hit into a fielder’s choice, Steve Macko calmly singled between short and third to plate Hartwig with the game winner.

The hit was Macko’s fourth of the game. Hartwig and Pastva contributed three each.

The championship was a “weight off of this team’s shoulders,” said Macko.

“This team is a combination of two good teams that played in the World last year, and everybody has been waiting for us to produce,” said Macko. “We finally put it together.”

Macko had high praise for Kolping Park, the host complex.

“We enjoyed the facility very much,” said Macko. “It was very well kept. It rained all night long but they didn’t miss a beat on Saturday morning.”

WORTH-BUD LIGHT-USSSA MEN’S CLASS “D” NIT JULY 22, 2006 - KOLPING PARK, MT. HEALTH, OH

1. Laria Chevrolet/Full Contact Poker, Akron, OH 5 1 2. Moe’s SW Grill/Saints, Cincinnati, OH 4 2 3. Playmakers, Sabina, OH 5 2 4. Blue Collar, Burlington, KY 3 2 5. The Merchants, Alliance, OH 3 2 Clark State/Clark Co. Merchants, Spfld., OH 2 2 7. G Z Pete’s/Boisel Tire, Springfield, OH 2 2 Sneaky Pete’s/Noran/Backstab., Ft. Thomas, KY 1 2 9. Big “O” Softball, Florence, KY 0 2 Dirt Merchants, Williamsburg, OH 0 2 Hitmen, Hillsboro, OH 0 2 M & M Connection, Carlisle, OH 0 2 13. Trailblazers, Cincinnati, OH 0 2

Freeze Concrete/James S. Arnold/BW3/Easton Rolls To Sixth USSSA “B” NIT Title At Liberty Park

Sterling Heights, Mi.--Freeze Concrete/James S. Arnold/BW3/Easton rolled to their sixth USSSA “B” NIT title of the 2006 campaign July 29-30, but none of them required more effort than they expended last month at Liberty Park in Sterling Heights, Mi.

Freeze/Arnold/BW3/-Easton found themselves on unfamiliar ground in Michigan, as they were forced to battle out of the losers’ bracket to capture the thirteen team affair. Four of their six wins were by three runs or less, including their final three games. The Cincinnati club double-dipped Steve’s Drywall/Jeko Flooring/Jeds 21-18 and 25-24 in a double finals.

It was pure teamwork, said Freeze/Easton player-manager Homer Matheny, that produced the championship.

“There’s a reason why it’s so important,” said Matheny. “We have thirteen guys who should start every game and we did a great job of rotating everyone and sitting out games and we didn’t miss a beat. Everyone took their turn in the rotation and it was a total team effort. Everyone worked together to win the tournament.

“We didn’t play very well starting out,” said Matheny. “We won our firt game in eight innings, then lost our second game to a team we had already beaten four or five times this year, and we were down to the same team by a lot of runs Sunday morning. We just kept battling, even though we didn’t play our best ball of the year. Everyone knew their roles. It wasn’t a great picture of us, but we did what we had to do.”

Named to the All-Tournament team were Tommy Atha (.727), Bob Noeth (.714), Sean Melampy (.714), Mike Malesko (.692), Trevor Barth (.643), Mike Canupp (.667) and Jeff Click. Jayson Scott chipped in with a .629 effort.

Noeth was selected tournament MVP.

“He did most of the pitching and Sunday it was about 95 degrees and he led our comeback against Steve’s and Journeyman,” said Matheny.

“We probably had four or five guys who could have been named MVP,” said Matheny. “We had a lot of guys chip in at the right time.”

Matheny said that Atha, who led the team in hitting “did a great job at the bottom of our line-up and helped us roll the order over to the meat of our line-up.”

Middle infielder Rob Menke and 2nd baseman Jayson Scott anchored the defense, said Matheny.

“The bases at Sterling Heights are 65’, which is different from what we’re used to playing, so they had to make plays and make them quickly to get the outs, and they did a great job of turning double plays and dealing with the shorter bases. You couldn’t bobble the ball and get the runner out. There was no margin for error.”

Freeze/Easton needed two runs in the bottom of the 8th to get past Pole Position 21-20 in their opener. Back-to-back doubles by Mike Malesko and Mike Canupp and an rbi single by Rob Menke produced the victory.

Canupp collected four hits, and Malesko, Menke and Tom Atha shared nine.

Journeyman/Monster Energy/Sidelines then ambushed Freeze/Easton 16-12 to relegate the nation’s number one ranked “B” team to the losers’ bracket. There a pair of mercy-rule wins got Freeze/Easton back on track.

First they spanked Cal’s/Line Drive 16-9 in five, using a ten run 3rd to break open a 7-6 contest. Jeff Schmidt socked a two run homer and Mike Canupp launched a three run shot to account for five of the ten runs. Canupp banged out five more hits, Jayson Scott added four, and Rob Menke, Bob Noeth, Sean Melampy and Tom Atha each went 3-for-4.

BK Sports/Flash/Adray Sound fell next in a 20-5, five inning rout. Freeze/Arnold scored in every inning, jumping out to an 11-1 lead after a five run 3rd and never looking back. A two run Tony Sharkins homer put his club on the board in the 1st. Mike Malesko cracked a two run homer in the 3rd and another in the 4th. A six run 5th invoked the run rule.

Jayson Scott, who soloed in the 4th, combined with Malesko, Bob Noeth and Sean Melampy for twelve hits.

That put Freeze/Easton into the losers’ bracket finals against Journeyman with a chance to avenge their only loss. The Northern Ohio club appeared to have the game under control after three and a half, as they held a formidable 24-13 lead. But pitcher Bob Noeth held Journeyman to two runs over the final three innings, and Freeze/Easton stormed back to within one in the bottom of the 6th at 26-25. Finally in the bottom of the 7th, Homer Matheny, Jason Scott and Rob Menke each delivered an rbi single to knot the score, then Bob Noeth lofted a sac fly to plate Scott with the game winner.

Malesko, Menke and Scott banged out four hits each, and Noeth, Click and Matheny added three.

A seven run 6th proved to be the difference in the first championship game. With the score knotted at 14-14 after five, Freeze/Easton used a two run shot by Jayson Scott to take the lead, and a three run George Farris bomb to help stretch their advantage to 21-14. Steve’s answered with three in the bottom of the 6th and one in the 7th before succumbing 21-18.

Trevor Barth was perfect in five at bats, and Atha, Noeth, Matheny, Malesko and Canupp combined for fifteen safeties.

Freeze/Easton used another seven run inning to slay Steve’s in the second finals, overcoming a 20-14 deficit with seven runs in the bottom of the 4th. Mike Canupp’s two run sock put his club ahead to stay at 21-20. Freeze/Easton tacked on two runs in the 5th, then two more in the 6th on a two run George Farris tater to extend their lead to 25-21. A three run Journeyman rally in the 7th fell a run short, and Freeze/Easton emerged with their sixth NIT victory of the season.

Jeff Click pounded out five hits, Sean Melampy and Trevor Barth shared eight, and Mike Canupp, Tommy Atha and Mike Malesko chipped in with three each to power the champions.

Freeze/Arnold’s Homer Matheny concluded by thanking sponsors Jim Freeze, James Arnold, BW3 and Easton.

Still Crazy Overcomes Age In Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “E” Qualifier At Expressway Park

By Andy Zureick

Milford, Oh. – Still Crazy went 4-0 to win the five-team Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “E” Qualifier at Expressway Park on July 29 th . Not bad for a bunch of guys many would consider over-the-hill by competitive softball standards as eleven of the 13 players on the Still Crazy roster are over 50. “For a bunch of old guys, we hung in there pretty well,” quipped Still Crazy manager Carl Smith on the effort his team gave in winning the championship.

In game one, Still Crazy took on Greenies. Jason Hillenbrand got them on the board in the bottom of the 1 st with a sacrifice fly. Larry Quinlan followed with an RBI single that gave them the lead at 2-1. Glenn Epure held Greenies scoreless over the final six innings in the Still Crazy 9-1 victory. Carl Smith led his team by going 3-for-4.

Still Crazy got past GHAC thanks in large part to their 10-run 2 nd inning. Glenn Epure singled in two in that at bat. Larry Oliver drove in one more. Mike Cook capped the inning with another RBI base hit. After the dust cleared, it was an 18-10 final. Lee McNeely was a perfect 4-for-4. Gary Herman went 4-for-5. Larry Oliver and Glenn Epure added three hits each.

It took extra innings for Still Crazy to out duel Fusion. In the top of the 8 th with the score tied 5-5, Larry Quinlan led off with a walk. Following a fly out, Mike Cook singled. The next batter grounded out bringing up Chris Ellison. Thanks to a two-base error in his at bat, two runs scored to put Still Crazy ahead 7-5. Fusion failed to score in their half of the frame, and that was the final. Rick Ellison went 2-for-4 in the victory. “We got a little break. The old guys were having trouble getting going again after a break,” noted Smith.

That win set up the game between Still Crazy and Dirty Dawgs. It would decide the tournament. Carl Smith and Larry Oliver drove in one run each in the bottom of the 2 nd , breaking a 4-4 tie. In the next at bat, Skip Busch’s two-out double ignited a five-run rally that increased the Still Crazy lead to 11-4. The final score was 14-4 in six innings. Busch and Chris Ellison were both 4-for-4. Lee McNeely, Tom Stephens, and Carl Smith were all 2-for-3.

Carl Smith hit a team-best .667 in the tournament. That included two doubles and a triple. Lee McNeely and Tom Stephens both batted .636. Gary Herman finished at .600 with four doubles.

“One of the differences in the tournament was that we had 15 walks in four games and probably gave up only five,” explained Smith, the manager. “The walks were a factor and we had very few errors. We took advantage when they had errors and walked us.”

Larry Oliver was solid at third base to lead the defensive effort in the infield. Glenn Epure and Skip Busch made several good plays at second base. Gary Herman was a standout in left center.

“We came into the tournament with Lee McNeely having a bad hamstring and Tom Stephens a bad heel. We weren’t at full speed, but hit real well,” said Smith.

Still Crazy declined invites to postseason play, so Greenies were awarded a berth to the USSSA “E” Nationals in Ft. Knox, Kentucky on Labor Day Weekend. GHAC earned the right to play in the USSSA State tournament to be play at Pastime Park in Harrison on August 19-20.

Moore Powers Speed Kills To Worth-Bud Light-USSSA Mixed “C” NIT Title At Expressway Park

Milford, Oh.--Billy Moore went 20-for-22 (.909) to power Speed Kills to a first place finish in the Worth-Bud Light-USSSA Mixed “C” National Invitational Tournament at Expressway Park.

Speed Kills staved off a challenge from Dented Bats in the finals, 13-11, to wrap up a 5-0 day. The Columbus club ran into little resistance in the nine team affair. Aside from their victory in the finals and a 7-3 win over the Chiefs, the champions outscored three other opponents by a 51-12 margin.

Supporting Billy Moore offensively were Mark Jones at .625, Alan Miller at .619, Marilyn Clifford at .533, and Jen Yontz and Misti Sellers at .500.

Speed Kills player-manager Jason Dawicke credited the title to Miller’s offensive contributions along with solid pitching and defense.

“Billy is our leadoff hitter and he was literally on base and setting the table all day long,” said Dawicke. “We also had excellent pitching by Mark Jones and Dan Clifford and played excellent defense.”

Leading the defense were Heidi Gildow, Alan Miller and Erin Blount, said Dawicke.

“Heidi made all the routine plays at 2nd base and came up with some exceptional plays,” noted Dawicke. “Alan Miller came up with a real big diving catch in left field in the championship game, and Erin Blount threw out a couple of runners from right field trying to take extra bases, and that was also key.”

In round robin play, Speed Kills romped past their first two opponents, Jet Softball/J & E 18-5 and Sizzle Softball 18-1 before polishing off the Chiefs 7-3 prior to the elimination round.

Billy Moore pounded out five hits and Alan Miller added three against Jet Softball. Moore and Miller then shared eight hits, and Dan Clifford chipped in with a 3-for-3 effort versus Sizzle. Then against the Chiefs Moore collected four more safeties, Jason Dawicke and Erin Blount went 3-for-4, and Mark Jones contributed a pair of triples.

In the elimination round semi-finals, J. T. Lawn Care battled Speed Kills to a 6-6 stalemate through three, but in the top of the 4th an Alan Miller sac fly and an rbi single by Marilyn Clifford put their club ahead to stay at 8-6. Speed Kills then broke the game open with seven runs over the next two innings to forge a 15-6 advantage. Billy Moore cracked a three run home run to cap off a four run 5th and make it 12-6. Misti Sellers delivered a big two run single close out the scoring in the 6th.

Moore socked two home runs and banged out four hits along with Clifford, and Sellers went 3-for-4.

Speed Kills’ momentum appeared to continue into th finals, as they jumped out to a 9-0 lead over Dented Bats after two. But in the top of the 3rd, the Indianapolis club exploded for ten runs to go ahead 10-9. Undaunted, Speed Kills knotted the score in the 4th, then put up three runs in the 5th on an rbi single by Billy Moore and a two run base hit by Erin Blount. Dented Bats mustered a final tally in the 6th to make the final 13-11.

Moore swatted out four more hits, Mark Jones went 3-for-4, and Kristin Miller, Misty Lewis and Jen Yontz combined for six hits for the champions.

Speed Kills manager Jason Dawicke said he was proud of the way his team rebounded after Dented Bats’ ten run outburst in the finals.

“Our team displayed a lot of resiliency in the championship game after we gave up those ten runs in the 3rd,” commented Dawicke. “Then in the next inning, our leadoff hitter (Billy Moore) turned his ankle really bad going into 2nd base. We had to put him into catch. Everybody could have gotten down but we fought through it and prevailed.”

API, Silverton Cafe Romp; LEM Products Nips Bad Co. To Claim Queen City Divisions

West Chester, Oh.--API outscored their opponents 47-16, Silverton Cafe romped past their three victims by a 39-15 margin, while LEM Products survived a 2-1 scare in their final contest en route to their respective division titles in a twelve team, three division Sunday round robin July 23rd at Queen City Sports Complex.

API barely worked up a sweat as they mowed down Fat Daddy’s (1-2) 11-4, Niggling Manatees (2-1) 20-3 and C-Unit (0-3) 16-9 in division one.

Silverton Cafe was equally dominant as they knocked off Northern Kentucky Thunder (2-1) 10-5 in a key first round match-up with the eventual division runners-up, then romped past Diamond Dawgs (1-2) 18-8 and T-Baggers (0-3) 11-2.

While in division three, LEM Products leveled Tri-State Supply (2-1) 22-9 and Troy’s Boys (0-3) 17-2 before eking out a narrow 2-1 victory over Bad Company (1-2) in the deciding contest.

Hitmen Rout Trailblazers 20-10 In Worth-Bud Light-USSSA One-Pitch “D-E” State Finals At Pastime Park

Harrison, Oh.--The Hitmen mercy-ruled four of six opponents, including the Trailblazers 20-10 in the championship game, en route to a first place finish in the Worth-Bud Light-USSSA One-Pitch State Tournament August 5th at Pastime Park.

The victory over the Trailblazers avenged a 16-13 loss in round robin play in the combination round robin, single elimination affair. The Hitmen finished the day with a 5-1 mark, while the runner-up Trailblazers went 4-1.

“Timely hitting, strong outfield play and pitching” were the keys to winning the championship, said Hitmen player-manager Greg Carson.

Offensively, the winners were paced by Brian Tolliver, who led his club with a robust .824 (14-for-17) day, and rbi leader Greg Slone (.667).

Slone was named tournament MVP.

“Every time he got up in a crucial situation, he came through,” observed Carson. “He came through with two grand slams and he ended up with seventeen rbi’s.”

Carson said that Tolliver, who was selected to the All-State team, “hit the ball real well the last two weekends.

“He only made four outs in the last two tournaments,” remarked Carson.

Pat Rarick (lf), Adam Dettwiller (cf) and Gordon Cordell (rf) patrolled the Hitmen’s three-man outfield.

“They played six games back-to-back and they played a three-man the whole tournament, and all three made the All-State team,” noted Carson.

Pitcher Ron Sterling was also named to the All-State team, said Carson.

“He’s not our normal starting pitcher, so he did a really good job,” said Carson. “He had only pitched in eight games all year coming into the tournament. Our starting pitcher was on vacation.”

The Hitmen went 2-1 in round robin play, mercy-ruling Northern Kentucky Thunder 17-5 in six and the Bad Boys 23-6 in five before being ambushed by the Trailblazers. The eventual champions then met the same three clubs in the elimination round, but this time ran the table.

In game one the Hitmen erupted for seven runs in the 3rd and eight in the 4th to blow open a 7-3 contest and mercy-rule the Bad Boys 22-6 in four. Pat Rarick’s bases clearing triple capped off the 3rd, while the 4th featured a two run Joe Downing double and a two run single by Greg Slone.

Adam Dettwiller and Greg Carson banged out three hits each, and Joe Downing added two in the win.

The Hitmen overcame an 8-0 deficit with a nine run 3rd and went on to outslug Northern Kentucky Thunder 16-11 in game two. Greg Slone’s one out slammer put his club ahead to stay at 9-8. The Hitmen added five runs in the 4th on a bases clearing double by Ron Sterling and a two-run shot by Pat Rarick, and Thunder never recovered.

Slone went 4-for-4 and hit for the cylce, Brian Tolliver chipped in three hits and Rodney Burns went 2-for-2.

In the finals the Hitmen jumped out to a 14-1 lead after two and never looked back as they evened the score with the Trailblazers 20- 10 in five. The Blazers drew first blood with a run in the top of the 1st, but the Hitmen answered quickly with nine, then improved their advantage to 14-1 with five in the 2nd to seal the win. Tim Roth’s rbi single put the Hitmen up for good at 2-1. Pat Rarick followed with a three run blast. Later in the inning Brian Tolliver collected a pair of rbi’s with base hit. Greg Slone accounted for four of his club’s five runs in the 2nd with his second slammer of the day.

Rodney Burns pounded out four hits, and Adam Dettwiller, Tim Roth and Greg Slone combined for nine hits.

The Hitmen’s Greg Carson said his team is peaking as they head into post-season play.

“We seem to be jelling at the right time and we’re really hitting the ball well,” said Carson.

Journey Church Trims D-Generates, Cardinals Outslug Master Batters For Kolping Titles

Mt. Healthy, Oh.--Journey Church trimmed the D-Generates (1-2) 14-13, while the Cardinals outslugged the Master Batters (2-1) 17- 13 in the deciding games of an eight team, two division Saturday night round robin August 5th at Kolping Park.

Journey battled past Kodiaks (1-2) 14-11 in their opener, then blanked 669 Mafia (1-2) 17-0 before clipping the D-Generates in the division finale.

The Cardinals romped past Team VIP (1-2) 17-7 and All Mixed Up (0-3) 15-2 before battling past Master Batters in the division two finale.

Bushwackers Rally Past No Names For Kolping Crown

Mt. Healthy, Oh.--The Bushwackers rallied from behind to trip No Names 12-11 in the deciding game of a four team Sunday morning round robin August 6th at Kolping Park.

The Bushwackers leveled River Rats (1-2) 16-6 and 669 Mafia (0-3) 18-0 before clipping No Names (2-1) in the division finale.

JB’s Rally Past OC Softball, 19-13, In 6th Annual Expressway Park Mid-Summer Park Championship Gold Division

Milford, Oh.--JB’s rallied for eight runs in the bottom of the 5th and six in the 6th to overcome an 11-5 deficit and hold off OC Softball 19-13 in the second championship game to capture the Gold Division of the 6th Annual Mid-Summer Park Championship August 1-6 at Expressway Park.

OC Softball had forced a double finals by slapping a 7-4 setback on JB’s in the first finals.

JB’s wound up 4-1 in the elimination round after struggling to a 2-2 record in pool play. The winners won two of their four games with big rallies in their final at bat.

The victory netted the champions a $500 cash award. Runner-up OC Softball took away $250.

“We want to thank Expressway Park for continuing to have the Mid-Summer Championship,” said JB’s manager Matt Hutchinson. “We’ve played in it all six years and this is the first time we’ve won. It’s a great tournament. League teams play who might not otherwise play in tournaments and they get play against and compare themselves to other teams at the park. And they can play a lot of games for a reasonable price.”

Brian Walton hit a red-hot .687 to earn MVP honors, Dan Nichols Sr. batted .636, Dan Nichols Jr. 600, Matt Hosterman hit .588 and Chris Perry .571 to pace the offense.

“Obviously Brian was our best offensive player,” said Hutchinson regarding Walton’s selection as Most Valuable Player. “He went 11-for-16 and drove in sixteen runs.”

Hutchinson said his club “played good defense throughout the tournament, which kept us in a lot of games, and we had a lot of timely hitting.”

Perhaps most significant regarding JB’s timely hitting was the efficient use of their home runs, said Hutchinson.

“Every time we hit a home run it was for three or more runs,” said Hutchinson.

The biggest blows of all came from Robbie Dixon in the winners’ bracket finals and Brian Walton in the finals, noted Hutchinson.

“Robbie had a three run homer to give us an 8-7 victory over OC in the winners’ bracket finals, and Brian Walton hit a grand slam in the finals that helped us catch OC in the championship game. Those two home runs gave us a lot of momentum,” observed Hutchinson.

Walton also socked a key three run homer to break a 10-10 tie and give JB’s the lead for good in a 19-15 win over Tri-State Air Filters in the second round.

Defensively, Hutchinson cited the contributions of outfielders Brian Croley (lc) and Dixon (rf).

“Brian made two diving catches coming in on line drives and one on a ball going back to the fence, and he threw out three players trying to take extra bases,” said Hutchinson. “And Robbie made a couple of diving catches in right field and tracked down a ball in our game with Tri-State for the third out, which shut them down from having a potentially big inning because the bases were loaded at the time.”

From the the first game on, every win was a struggle for JB’s. The eventual champions needed three runs in the bottom of the 1st to stun Dirty Birds 8-7. Dan Nichols got things underway with a pinch hit single. A Chris Lack single and a fly out moved Nichols to third, and he scored on Matt Hosterman’s base hit. Jeremy Snider then delivered a single down the left field to plate Lack with the tying run, and an error by the left fielder allowed Hosterman to score the game winner.

Chris Perry and Brian Walton each went 2-for-3 to fuel the offense.

Next JB’s overcame a 10-4 deficit with fourteen unanswered runs, plating nine in the top of the 4th and five in the 5th to grab an 18- 10 lead over Tri-State Air Filters and seal a 19-15 victory. Brian Walton’s three run bomb broke a 10-10 tie in the 4th and put his club ahead to stay. Robbie Dixon accounted for three of JB’s five runs in the 5th with a bases clearing double.

Dan Nichols Sr. and Jeremy Snider combined for eight hits, and Chris Perry and Dan Nichols Jr. chipped in three each for the winners.

OC Softball appeared to have JB’s against the ropes in the winners’ bracket finals, where they took a 7-2 lead into the top of the 7th. But there the wheels fell off the wagon as JB’s struck for six unanswered runs to pull out an 8-7 win. JB’s cut the lead down to 7-4, then with two outs, Jeremy Snider singled in a run to make it 7-5, setting the stage for Robbie Dixon’s huge three run sock to lift his club into the lead at 8-7. Chris Perry, Dan Nichols Sr. and Dan Nichols Jr. each contributed a base hit and two walks.

OC then ambushed JB’s 7-4 in the first championship game, and jumped out to an 11-5 lead after four and a half innings in the second finals. But once again JB’s roared back, exploding for eight runs in the 5th and six in the 6th to pull out an eventual 19-13 victory. Brian Walton’s slammer brought JB’s to within two at 11-9 in th 5th. Jeremy Snider singled to tie the game, then Chris Lack put JB’s ahead to stay with a sac fly. Robbie Dixon then singled home an insurance run to make it 13-11. After OC went scoreless in the top of the 6th, JB’s delivered the knockout blow with six runs in the bottom of the 6th. Jeremy Snider closed out his team’s scoring with a two run single.

Walton collected six rbi’s as he shared eight hits with Matt Hosterman, and Matt Hutchinson went 3-for-4 to power the champions.

“We always seem to start out slow, but we don’t get down on ourselves,” summed up player-manager Matt Hutchinson. “We stay positive and keep ourselves in the games and that’s helped us finish strong throughout the year.”

EXPRESSWAY PARK 6TH ANNUAL MID-SUMMER CLASSIC GOLD DIVISION FINAL STANDINGS

1. JB’s 4 1 2. OC Softball 4 2 3. Dirty Birds/Blade Lawn Care 4 2 4. Wings & Rings 3 2 5. Clarion Hotel & Suites 1 2 Tri-State Air Filters 1 2 7. Airtight Plumbing 1 2 G-Troop/Swarm 1 2 9. Sports Page 0 2 Wild Turkey 0 2

Buffalo Wings & Rings Routs Silverton Cafe, 14-1, In 6th Annual Expressway Park Mid-Summer Park Championship Silver Division Finals

Milford, Oh.--Buffalo Wings & Rings mercy-ruled Silverton Cafe, 14-1, in the second championship game to capture a first place finish the Silver Division of the 6th Annual Mid-Summer Park Championship August 1-6 at Expressway Park.

Silverton Cafe had forced an “if” game with a 12-2 spanking of Wings & Rings in the first finals, but came unglued in the championship game.

Buffalo Wings & Rings finished the elimination round with a 5-1 mark, bouncing back from a lackluster 1-2 record in pool play.

Brad Ballinger powered the champions with a .762 performance. Mike Williams followed at .700, Mike Alsip batted .600, and Reuben Moore hit .500 with five extra base hits, including three home runs.

Some decent pitching and solid defense proved to be the keys for the champions, said manager Doug Naylor.

“We had a couple of pitchers in Mike Shaw and Curt Benlow who threw strikes and didn’t walk a lot of batters,” said Naylor. “They’re both good pitchers.

“And we played good defense,” added Naylor. “We didn’t throw the ball around and we didn’t kick the ball around. Plus we hit good.”

Naylor said tournament MVP Brad Ballinger “didn’t play through the week, but came out on the weekend and went 17-for-20.”

Ballinger and Nick Stevens anchored the defense.

“Brad played 3rd base for us and typically he’s a 2nd baseman, and he got off to a spectacular start and so we left him there all weekend,” said Naylor. “And Nick Steves (rcf) just gets to so many balls other players don’t get to because he sees the ball off the bat well. He judges it well and he’s fast.”

Reuben Moore homered and shared eight hits with Mike Alsip and Brad Ballinger went 3-for-3 as Buffalo Wings & Rings spanked Greenies 13-4 in game one.

Next Dave Brown banged out four hits, and Moore connected on his second home run of the day and laced out three hits along with Ballinger and Mike Williams in a 14-10 win over Tom Brate Trucking.

In game three Wings & Rings exploded for nine runs in the bottom of the 6th to blow open a 7-6 contest with Ferrari’s and seal a 16- 10 victory. Two run singles by Dave Brown and Isaac Barr and a bases clearing triple by Brad Ballinger accounted for seven of the runs int he 6th.

Reuben Moore cracked his third home run of the tournament and went 2-for-4 to pace the winners.

Great Lakes Builders battled Buffalo Wings & Rings to a 6-6 standstill after four in the winners’ bracket finals, but Wings & Rings pulled out to an 8-6 lead with two in the 5th and then to a 12-7 bulge on the strength of a three run 7th. Back-to-back doubles by Reuben Moore and Brad Ballinger lifted their team into the lead at 7-6 in the 5th. Then Williams singled home Ballinger to make it 8- 6. Jeremy Lansing delivered a big two run single in the 7th. Great Lakes mustered up a final tally with a run in the bottom of the 7th to make the final 12-8.

Ballinger, Williams and Dave Wallace each contributed three hits to lead the offense.

Silverton Cafe ambushed Wings & Rings 12-2 in the first finals, but proved no match for the eventual champions in the second. After a scoreless 1st, Wings & Rings scored runs in five straight innings to take a commanding 14-1 lead. Silverton’s only run - and lead - came in the bottom of the 1st.

Consecutive rbi doubles by Mike Williams and Mike Alsip put their club ahead to stay in the 2nd at 2-1. A two run 3rd and a two run 4th pushed the lead to 7-1, then Wings & Rings delivered the knockout blow with a three run 5th followed by a four run 6th. Jeremy Lansing’s two run double accounted for the first two runs in the 5th, and Brad Ballinger plated two runs with a trible in the 6th.

Alsip and Ballinger combined for six hits to power the champions. Fifty-five year old Curt Bandow held Silverton scoreless over the final six innings.

What was the difference for Buffalo Wings & Rings in the elimination round, when they went 5-1, versus their poor 1-2 showing in pool play?

“We just played more our style of ball,” said Doug Naylor. “We normally hit very well and play decent defense. We didn’t put a lot of runs up during the week, but Saturday and Sunday we did.

“We enjoyed the tournament,” said Naylor, whose club took home a $500 first place prize. “We don’t get in the tournament every year, but we had a blast and we’re definitely going to get in next year.”

EXPRESSWAY PARK 6TH ANNUAL MID-SUMMER CLASSIC SILVER DIVISION FINAL STANDINGS

1. Buffalo Wings & Rings 5 1 2. Silverton Cafe Arsenal 6 2 3. Great Lakes Builders 3 2 4. Skyline Xtreme 2 2 5. Ferrari’s 1 2 Tom Brate Trucking 1 2 7. Jacob’s Mechanical Bat Shields 1 2 Jag 1 2 9. 3M Precision 1 2 Coaches Crew 1 2 Greenies 0 2

Who Dey Rallies Past Bad Attitude 12-11 To Claim 6th Annual Expressway Park Mid-Summer Park Championship Bronze Division

Milford, Oh.--Who Dey battled back from a 9-1 deficit in the championship game to stun Bad Attitude 12-11 and claim first place in the Bronze Division of the 6th Annual Mid-Summer Park Championship August 1-6 at Expressway Park.

Who Dey plated five runs in the 3rd, then overcame an 11-6 deficit with six runs in the bottom of the 6th. Josh Reynolds rbi single plated the eventual game winner.

The victory wrapped up a 7-0 week for the champions, who went 3-0 in round robin play prior to sweeping past four opponents in the elimination round to take the overall championship.

The title netted the champions a $500 cash a-ward. Runner-up Bad Attitude took away $250.

Greg Kelly powered the winners with a .750 performance. Rick Spivey and Evan Brashear followed at .667, Mike Mullen batted .540, and Mike Radcliffe, Jobe Homan and Sean Sedam chipped in with a .500 effort.

While Kelley led his team offensively, it was his defense that netted him tournament MVP honors, pointed out Who Dey player- manager Mike Mullen.

“We played a five man infield and he covered every bit of ground he could possible cover in centerfield,” said Mullen. “He had an all-around excellent tournament.”

Mullen, the team’s shortstop, also turned in a fine defensive effort, making only three errors in seven games.

But it was Who Dey’s offense that carried his team to the title, said Mullen.

“Our main keys were good hitting all week except for the first two innings of the last game,” said Mullen. “We run ruled five of the seven teams we played.”

One of those mercy rules came in a 16-6, five inning rout of Team Hold ‘Em in the opening round of elimination play. Greg Kelley, Rick Spivey and Evan Brashear provide the offensive punch with three hits apiece.

The Renegades fell next as Kelley, Spivey, Mike Radcliffe, Richie Schnurr and Josh Reynolds combined for fifteen hits.

Kelley and Brashear collected three more safeties each in the winners’ bracket as Who Dey rolled past Team Marsh 13-3 in five innings.

Bad Attitude jumped out to a 9-1 lead early in the finals, but Who Dey charged back with five runs in the 3rd and six in the 6th to pull out a 12-11 victory and complete the sweep. Josh Reynolds rbi single plated the go ahead run in the 6th.

Mike Mullen and Brett Owens shared six hits for the champions.

Who Dey’s Mullen said his team “tends to lose all our tournaments at the end, but this time we came through and won all seven games.

“We came together and put our heads to it and did what we’re capable of doing,” said Mullen. “We’re 20-1 in league play...we’re a pretty solid team.”

EXPRESSWAY PARK 6TH ANNUAL MID-SUMMER CLASSIC BRONZE DIVISION FINAL STANDINGS

1. Who Dey 4 0 2. Bad Attitude 5 2 3. Team Marsh 2 2 4. Nothing Across 2 2 5. Renegades 1 2 Team Hold Em 1 2 7. Brew Crew 0 2 Ward’s Corner 1 2 9. Good Guys 0 2

Easy’s, Watson’s Sweep, Ruc’s 2-1 In Queen City Round Robin Wins

West Chester, Oh.--Easy’s and Watson’s both swept to a 3-0 record, while Ruc’s Rebels went 2-1 en route to a first place finish in their respective divisions in a twelve team Sunday morning round robin July 16th at Queen City Sports Complex.

Easy’s amassed 52 runs as they overpowered the Ballers (1-2) 23-13, Always Trucking (2-1) 11-0 and Miller Lite Company (0-3) 18- 12.

Watson’s also used a high powered offense, putting up 60 runs as they romped past Caribbean Storm (1-2) 15-5, Chaos (2-1) 19-9 and Troy’s Boys (0-3) 26-6.

Ruc’s Rebels slugged their way past Plating Tech (1-2) 16-9 and Pharmacy Solutions (2-1) to clinch their division before being ambushed by Rush Auto (1-2) 13-4 in the finale.

Six Run 7th Lifts JB’s Past Team Havoc 13-7 In Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “E” World Qualifier At Eggleston Park

Colerain Township, Oh. -JB’s Softball erupted for six runs in the top of the 7th to break a 7-7 tie and pull out a 13-7 victory over Team Havoc in the championship game of a Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “D” World Qualifier July 23rd at Eggleston Park.

A two run double by Dan Nichols broke the tie and proved to be the difference in the game, as JB’s held Team Havoc scoreless in the bottom of the 7th.

An unpaid berth to the USSSA “E” World tournament passed down to GFY Softball.

JB’s went 2-1 in round robin play along with two other teams, but was awarded first place based on run differential to earn the right to advance to the championship game against Team Havoc, the other division winner.

Gene Conner hit a sizzling .643 to pace the champions. Matt Hosterman followed at .625, Dan Nichols chipped in with a .583 mark, Shawn Drake and Jeremy Snyider batted .533, and Aaron Brewster and Matt Hutchison batted an even .500.

JB’s player-manager Matt Hutchinson said his team “woke up” after a “disappointing loss to start off the day,” and won their next two games to earn a berth into the finals.

“There we came up with a big inning in the 7th to win the game,” said Hutchinson.

“We had several big innings in the tournament,” said Hutchinson. “We may start off a little sluggish, but it always seems like just a matter of time before we wake up.”

Hutchinson said that JB’s leading hitter Gene Conner is “one of our role players, and when he was asked to fill in in left-centerfield, he played very well defensively as well as offensively.”

Matt Hosterman, who also hit over .600 for the winners, had “three diving catches - including two in the championship game against Havoc and one in our third round robin game against GJY,” said Hutchinson.

“GFY had the bases loaded, and with Matt’s catch we were able to hold them to one run in the third inning if that ball got through.”

OSCS stunned JB’s 4-3 in game one, but the eventual champions battled back to blank Executive Jet Management 14-0 in six before ralling to best GFY 12-10 to advance to the championship game.

JB’s scored two in the 4th, and six in the 5th and 6th to overwhelm Executive Jet Management and even their record at 1-1. A pair of two run singles - one by Jeremy Snider and the other by Dan Nichols Jr. - highlighted the 5th. An rbi single by Dan Nichols Sr. capped off the 6th.

Snider, Matt Hutchinson, Matt Hosterman and Gene Conner each went 3-for-4 to pace the winners.

A seven run 5th erased a 5-3 deficit and helped carry JB’s to an eventual 12-10 victory over GFY Softball in game three and into the championship game. Gene Conner’s two run double put his club ahead to stay at 7-5 in the 5th. Aaron Brewster followed with a two run triple as the lead swelled to 9-5. GFY battled back to within one at 10-9 after six, but in the top of the 7th, JB’s tallied two more runs to build a three run cushion and held on for a 12-9 victory. Shawn Drake, whose two run single capped off the scoring in the 7th, went 3-for-5 along with Matt Hosterman.

That lifted JB’s into a showdown with Team Havoc for the overall title. The two finalists fought to a 7-7 stalemate after six, but in the top of the 7th, JB’s struck for six unanswered runs to nail down the title. Back-to-back two run doubles - one by Dan Nichols Jr. to break the tie, and the other by Brian Walton - accounted for the first four runs of the inning.

Gene Conner collected four hits, and Jeremy Snider, Matt Hosterman and Shawn Drake combined for nine.

JB’s Matt Hutchinson credited the victory to the team’s “11th man.

“Our 11th man is Johnny R. Hosterman, Matt’s father,” explained Hutchinson. “He passed away last year right before the World. ‘JB’s’ stands for ‘Johnny’s Boys.’ He was our number one fan. He came to our games and always supported us. He was a coach and a spectator all in one. He always referred to us as ‘his boys.’ We didn’t have a sponsor this year so we decided to call ourselves ‘Johnny’s Boys,’ and we abbreviated that to ‘JB’s’ and all the team members know and understand what it means.”

Hutchinson said that Hosterman has been an inspiration to the team as their 11th man throughout the season.

“We always feel like we have an 11th man because in crucial situations when we need to come up with a big hit, we seem to come alive, and we believe it’s due to the inspiration of our 11th man.”

Hoosier Daddies, Nighthawks/Cincinnati Express 3-0 In Expressway Divisions

Milford, Oh.--Hoosier Daddies and Nighthawks/Cincinnati Express each went 3-0 en route to a first place finish in their respective divisions in an eight team, two division round robin on Sunday, July 30th at Expressway Park.

Hoosier Daddies eased psat Good Ole Boys (0-3) 6-4 in their opener, then drilled Vineyard Print (1-2) 12-2 before polishing off Wild Turkey (2-1) 12-8 in the deciding contest..

Nighthawks/Cincinnati Express bested Panama Reds (1-2) 7-3, then romped past Sandlot (2-1) 19-6 and Second String (0-3) 14-2.

Eight Home Run Limit Key To Title… Murphy Pitches StormWessel/Nixco/Flanagan’s Past Watanabe/TPS 20-18, 14-9 For EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati “Open” Metro Title At Rumpke Park

Crosby Township, Oh. – Storm/Wessel Sports/Nixco Plumbing/Flanagan’s Front Porch stunned nationally ranked Watana- be/Kattus/TTP/B & A/Su-perior/CHL/TPS 20-18 in the winners’ bracket finals, and 14-9 in the championship game to capture first place in the “Open” division of the 2006 EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro Tournament July 27--August 7 at Rumpke Park.

The two victories over Watanabe/TPS wrapped up a five game sweep of the twenty team field for the upset-minded Storm team, which was discounted as a threat to win the tournament in the press prior to the Metro.

It may have provided just the extra motivation the new Metro champions needed.

“We weren’t mentioned as a sleeper in any of the newspaper articles or mentioned as a possibility on any of the websites, so we used that as a motivation to play the best we could and earn some respect,” said Storm manager Chris Craddock after the tournament.

Craddock said his club capitalized on “great pitching, good defense, and a lot of heart and intensity.”

He could also have mentioned strategy.

“Our whole game plan against Watanabe was to hit good pitches and to make them make the plays so we didn’t give them any easy fly balls or ground balls for outs,” said Craddock. “And on defense, we didn’t want to give them any extra outs, so we felt we needed to make the routine plays. When we had the opportunity to get an out, we wanted to make sure we made the play.”

The tournament’s eight home run limit played right into strength of the Storm, said Craddock.

“Honestly, we felt pretty good coming into the tournament,” said Craddock. “The eight home run limit is perfect for us...it allows us to free-swing. If we have to hit to a three or four home run limit, we struggle a little more. But if we can free-swing, it makes our offense much better.”

Not so for Watanabe/TPS, said Craddock.

“With Watanabe being able to hit only eight home runs, they had to focus more on getting base hits, and I think that was a big plus for us.”

That proved especially true in the winners’ bracket finals, said Craddock.

“They hit the majority of their home runs in the first three or four innings, so the last four they were hitting missiles right up the middle. That plays right to the strength of our defense because Doug Murphy is a great defensive pitcher, and Jason Kraemer, our middle infielder, turned two double plays, and Mike Cook in centerfield is - in my opinion - the best centerfielder in the city.”

Cook was far from a one man show in Storm’s outfield, stressed Craddock.

“All three of our outfielders made great plays throughout the tournament,” said Craddock. “Mike Cook ran down a lot of balls, and Matt Mason and Brian Sandlin both made several diving catches.”

But the main cog in Storm’s victory machine was pitcher Doug Murphy, who stepped up on both sides of the lines.

“Doug was awesome,” praised Craddock. “He fielded the middle great and made a lot of big plays. And he had some huge hits, rbi’s and home runs. He just had a great tournament.”

Murphy also held four of his team’s five opponents to single digit scoring. But most importantly, he held Watanabe/TPS scoreless for four straight innings in the winners’ bracket finals, and the final two innings of the championship game.

The Storm got off to a slow start against Brock Restoration in game one, needing a five run 4th to overcome a 4-3 deficit. Kevin Greene’s two run shot lited his club into the lead for good at 5-4. A seven run 6th finally broke open an 11-7 contest. Rob Coffey’s slammer ignited the offense, Doug Murphy soloed and Kevin Greene followed with his second two run sock of the game.

Murphy belted three home runs and paced the offense with four hits. Green, Mike Cook and Brian Sandlin went 3-for-4.

Loveless Hardwood/Easton nearly ambushed the Storm in game two, as they took an 8-5 lead after five and a half. But in the bottom of the 6th, the Storm struck for five unanswered runs to pull out a 10-8 victory, as Doug Murphy shut down Loveless over the final two frames. Four consecutive home runs - a two run swat by Steve Klute, and solos by Rob Coffey, Matt Mason and Doug Murphy - accounted for the Storm’s five tallies in the 6th.

Jason Brown banged out three hits for the winners.

Murphy was a one man show in game three, pitching the Storm to a 15-0, four inning shutout victory over EMR. Kevin Greene got his club on the board with a three run blast in the 1st. Jason Brown connected for a grand slam and Steve Bosch went solo in a five run 2nd. Then, after a three run 3rd, the Storm invoked the mercy rule in the bottom of the 4th on a walk-off three run bomb by Jason Kraemer.

Steve Bosch and Kevin Greene shared six hits.

That set the stage for the first showdown between the Storm and Watanabe/TPS. The Storm overcame an 18-16 deficit with three runs in the bottom of the 4th. A two run double by Mike Cook knotted the score, then Scot Young doubled home Cook with what proved to be the game winner, as Doug Murphy shut Watanabe/TPS down completely over the final four innings. Murphy got some key support from middle infielder Jason Kraemer, who turned double plays in both the 4th and 5th innings to help squash Watanabe/TPS rallies. Kraemer also gave his club an insurance run with a solo shot in the bottom of the 5th to close out the scoring.

Steve Bosch pounded out four hits, including a pair of round trippers, and Young, Kraemer, Steve Klute and Matt Mason each went 3- for-4.

Murphy continued to baffle Watanabe/TPS in the championship game, allowing the Storm to rally from an 7-5 deficit to go ahead to stay with six runs in the bottom of the 4th. And, of course, Murphy was contributing on both sides again, this time launching a two run dinger to knot the score at 7-7. Rbi singles by Scott Young and Steve Bosch made it 9-7, and Kevin Greene followed with a two run double as the lead swelled to 11-7.

Watanabe/TPS answered with a pair of solos in the 5th, but Steve Bosch - who had monster games in both the semi-finals and finals - responded with his fourth home run in two games to close out the scoring in bottom of the inning.

Bosch delivered his second straight 4-for-4, two home run performance to power the champions. Scott Young also contributed four hits, and Doug Murphy socked two home runs and shared six hits with Steve Klute.

Bosch (.889), Mike Cook (.750), Steve Klute (.722) and Brian Sandlin (.600) were named to the All-Tournament team for the Storm. Murphy, the tournament MVP, was big at .733, and Kevin Greene chipped in with a .611 effort.

Storm manager Chris Craddock concluded by thanking his sponsors, family and friends.

“They came out to every game and cheered so loud for us,” said Craddock. “They were awesome.”

EMR GROUP-ASA CINCINNATI METRO TOURN. MAJOR DIVISION ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

Tim Keaton EMR John Miller PRI/Easton Terry Rosenbalm PRI/Easton Kevin Birkofer Watanabe/Kattus/TPS Brad Reckart Watanabe/Kattus/TPS Jeff Edington Watanabe/Kattus/TPS Rusty Scott Watanabe/Kattus/TPS Brian Sandlin Storm/Wessel/Nixco/Flanagan’s Steve Klute Storm/Wessel/Nixco/Flanagan’s Steve Bosch Storm/Wessel/Nixco/Flanagan’s Mike Cook Storm/Wessel/Nixco/Flanagan’s Doug Brown - MVP Storm/Wessel/Nixco/Flanagan’s

Late Inning Bombs Lift Champions 15-13, 10-8… Mike Foulks/Team Insanity Outduels Loveless/Easton For EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro “A” Title

Crosby Township, Oh. – Mike Foulks Auto Body/Team Insanity battled past Loveless Hardwood/Easton 15-13 in an eight inning opener, then again 10-8 in the championship game en route to a three game sweep of the Class “A” Open division of the 2006 EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro Tournament July 27--August 9 at Rump-ke Park.

Five late inning bombs made the difference in the two showdows between the eventual finalists. Mike Foulks launched three home runs in the top of the 8th in both teams’ opener, then in the finals a pair of home runs accounted for three of Team Insanity’s five runs as they broke open a 5-5 stalemate in the bottom of the 6th.

Mike Foulks sandwiched a 22-14 victory over Frogtown in between the two Loveless clashes to finish the two weeks event with a 3-0 record.

The championship lifted “the monkey off our backs,” said Mike Foulks/Team Insanity coach Roger Foster.

“A lot of our players have had second place finishes and we were bound and determined to win one and get the monkey off our backs,” said Foster.

Two years ago, said Foster, Mike Foulks was double-dipped by Mitchell’s towing in the Metro finals.

Foster credited the title to “defense and timely hitting.

“Jim Burt (3b) and Roger Drake (ss) saved the first game (vs. Loveless) for us,” said Foster. Jimmy took away a hit down the line in the bottom of the 7th to send it into extra innings, and Roger made a nice backhanded play in the six hole to get a force out at second to end the game.”

Foster said all three of Team Insanity’s outfielders stepped up. “They were getting the balls in the gaps and cutting them off and keeping the guys from getting extra bases,” said Foster.

Offensively Brian Parrish paced the winners with a .818 mark.

“He hit the ball well - he only made two outs the whole tournament,” noted Foster.

Ed Weinberg followed Parrish with a .730 effort, Jim Burt batted .700, and Brandon Johnson and Seth Tracy hit .650.

Andrew McGowan also turned in a solid performance for Mike Foulks, said Foster.

“He was clutch in the 7th inning of both Loveless games,” said Foster. “He had a big two-out double to tie it up in the first game, then in the second game he gave us three insurance runs with a double to left-center.”

Mike Foulks/Team Insanity used a six run 8th to fend off Loveless/Easton 15-13 in game one. Ed Weinberg broke a 9-9 tie with a leadoff solo, then Jason Murphy followed with a two run shot and Jimmy Burt socked a three run homer.

Weinbert homered twice in the game and went 3-for-4 along with Brian Parrish, Jason Murphy and Seth Tracy.

A surprising Frogtown team took an early 7-6 lead over Mike Foulks after an inning and a half in game two, but Team Insanity exploded for five in the 2nd and six in the 3rd to take a commanding 17-8 lead and never looked back. Brandon Johnson delivered a three run blast to break a 7-7 tie in the 2nd, and Brian Parrish followed with a solo shot. A two run swat by Eddie Weinberg capped off the scoring in the 3rd.

Brandon Johnson and Brian Parrish pounded out four hits each, and Andrew McGowan chipped in with three to fuel the offense.

Team Insanity met Loveless again in the finals, and this time used a five run outburst in the bottom of the 6th to break a 5-5 tie and forge a 10-5 advantage. Roger Drake’s solo put his team ahead 6-5, Seth Tracy followed with a two run bomb, then Andrew McGowan drove in two runs with a base hit. Loveless answered with three in the top of the 7th before bowing out 10-8.

Craig Johnson and Jimmy Burt shared six hits for the champions.

“We want to thank our sponsors Mike and Angie Foulks for all their dedication to our team, and Rumpke Park for hosting an outstanding tournament,” concluded Team Insanity’s Roger Foster.

Foster also saluted runner-up Loveless Hardwood.

“They’re a class act,” said Foster. “We knew the loser of that first game would be back in the finals.”

Foster also expressed his team’s congratulations to two other Northern Kentucky teams that won their Metro divisions.

“We want to congratulate Pelle’s and The Storm for winning their respective divisions, which gives Northern Kentucky three champions,” said Foster.

EMR GROUP-ASA CINCINNATI METRO TOURN. CLASS “A” DIVISION ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

Micah Gray Empire/Easton Josh Baird Frogtown Wayne Miller Frogtown Billy Villines Loveless Hardwood/Easton Pete Ems Loveless Hardwood/Easton Judd McMillin Loveless Hardwood/Easton Mike Dillon Loveless Hardwood/Easton Andrew McGowan Mike Foulks/Team Insanity Brandon Johnson Mike Foulks/Team Insanity Eddie Weinberg Mike Foulks/Team Insanity Brian Parrish Mike Foulks/Team Insanity Mike Foulks - MVP Mike Foulks/Team Insanity

Twelve Run 4th Propels Winners At Rumpke Park… TPE/AST/Mizuno Trips Up EAP/Western Hills Window 13-11, 21-19 For EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro “B” Title

Crosby Township, Oh. – TPE/AST/Mizuno double dipped EAP/Western Hills Window 13-11 and 21-19 to capture first place in the Class “B” Open di-vision of the 2006 EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro Tournament July 27--August 9 at Rumpke Park.

The two victories over EAP/Western Hills Window gave TPE/AST/Mizuno a 7-1 mark for the two week affair.

EAP/Western Hills Window had outdueled TPE/AST/Mizuno 13-11 in the winners’ bracket finals.

“They beat us on a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 8th in one of the best games I’ve ever been a part of,” remarked TPE/AST/Mizuno player-manager Adam Shepherd. “There were five lead changes in that game, and we put up four in the top of the 8th, so they were down four going into the bottom of the 8th and scored six to beat us.”

Unfortunately for EAP/WHW, while they were able to mobilize a late rally to stun TPE/AST/Mizuno in the winners’ bracket finals, their memory of the 2006 Metro will be one of blown opportunities, as they failed to capitalize on similar chances late in each of the finals.

In the first finals, trailing 13-11, EAP/WHW put runners on first and third with one out, only to hit two shallow fly balls to squander the opening.

Then in the second finals they loaded the bases with one out in the 6th, only to waste the opportunity with a pair of harmless shallow flies.

“I hated to see them come up short,” claimed TPE/AST/Mizuno’s Adam Shepherd. “We’ve faced them five or six times this season and they’re truly one of the class teams we’ve met. They play with all heart and leave it on the field.”

Named to the All-Tournament Team for TPE/AST/Mizuno were Dean Merriman (.765), Dan Rickman (.679), Shepherd (.667), Roger Boles (.594), and Brian Rudd. Kyle Holmes chipped in with a .667 mark.

Rickman was selected Tournament MVP “for his timely hitting and his excellent defense.

“Danny is our shortstop, and when he gets into a zone, he shuts down the whole left side of the infield and we all seem to fall in behind him when he’s playing like that,” said Shepherd.

For TPE/AST/Mizuno, “playing with intensity and never giving up” proved to be the difference, said Shepherd.

“Almost every game we were down or tied at some point, and we never gave up and kept fighting.”

Probably the most significant instance of that came after EAP/WHW put up eight runs in the bottom of the 3rd to take a 14-8 lead. Most teams trying to rally out of the losers’ bracket would have folded their tents.

Not TPE/AST/Mizuno.

“We answered with twelve in the top of the 4th. That pretty much deflated their morale,” said Shepherd.

EAP/WHW mustered only one run over the next three innings before a last gasp rally in the bottom of the 7th fell short.

In addition to their resilience, TPE/AST/Mizuno played great defense, said Shepherd.

“When Dan Rickman (ss) is on he’s by far one of the best all-around players on our team,” said Shepherd. “It’s hard not to play with intensity when he’s showing the heart that he shows.

“Also our three man outfield of Dean Merriman (l), Kyle Holmes (c) and Chris Long (r) played their butts off, especially considering the heat and humidity over the twelve days.”

TPE/AST/Mizuno mowed down their first three opponents rather handily, knocking off Alic Shell 10-6, Two-N-Out.com/Easton 15-1 and Hamilton West Eagles 14-9.

TPE/AST/Mizuno used a five run 4th to overcome a 6-4 deficit and grab a 9-6 lead against Alig Shell in game one. Kyle Holmes launched a two run homer to knot the score, and Dave Grooms doubled in the go ahead run in the 4th. Grooms, TPE’s pitcher, also held Alig scoreless over the last four innings to preserve the win.

Holmes, Dan Rickman and Dean Merriman combined for nine hits to pace the winners.

A thirteen run 3rd blew open a 1-0 contest and sealed a 15-1, five inning rout of Two-N-Out.com. Dan Rickman cracked a three run homer and Roger Boles delivered a bases-clearing triple to highlight the 3rd. Boles and Merriman shared six hits to fuel the offense.

In game three TPE/AST/Mizuno plated three runs in the 4th and three in the 5th to break a 7-7 stalemate and grab a 13-7 lead, then held off Hamilton Eagles 14-9. Dean Merriman’s single drove in the go ahead run in the 4th. Chris Long doubled in two runs to cap off the inning. Adam Shepherd doubled home a pair of runs in the 5th.

Shepherd, Jason Hawkins and Dan Rickman each went 3-for-4.

TPE/AST/Mizuno built a 14-6 lead after four against PRI/Premier in game four, then held their breaths as PRI outscored TPE 8-1 over the final three innings. A five run 3rd erased a 6-5 deficit and put TPE on top for good in the bottom of the 3rd at 10-6. Back-to-back two run triples by Dan Rickman and Jason Hawkins accounted for four of the five runs. The lead swelled to 14-6 in the 4th on a two run Bart Vaughn double and a two run Danny Rickman shot.

PRI cut the lead to 14-12 in the top of the 6th, then scored two runs in the 7th and put the tying run on 2nd before pitcher Dave Grooms recorded the final out. Vaughn and Kyle Holmes combined for six hits in the win.

TPE/AST/Mizuno was poised for a winners’ bracket sweep after putting up four runs in the top of the 8th against EAP/WHW in game five, but their bid to remain undefeated came unglued in the bottom of the inning.

Undaunted, TPE/AST/Mizuno outslugged Schoch Tile & Carpet/Hoerting 19-14 in the losers’ bracket finals to earn a re-match with EAP/WHW. TPE/AST/Mizuno didn’t take control of the game until the top of the 6th, when they broke a 13-13 tie with a five run outburst. Roger Boles’ base hit put his club ahead to stay at 14-13. Bart Vaughn followed with a two run single and Todd Gomia a two run double to help seal the win.

Dean Merriman collected five hits, Vaughn and Chris Long went 4-for-5, and John Nicely added three apiece.

TPE/AST/Mizuno’s relentless offense came through again in the first finals, this time producing four runs in the bottom of the 5th to break an 8-8 tie in an eventual 13-11 victory. Bart Vaughn doubled home the first two runs, then Dan Rickman homered to cap off the inning. Pitcher Dave Grooms preserved the win by inducing EAP/WHW to hit a pair of harmless fly balls with runners on first and third in the top of the 7th.

Roger Boles banged out three hits for the winners.

EAP/WHW appeared to regain the momentum in the finals with three runs in the 1st, three in the 2nd and an eight run 3rd. But a huge twelve run TPE/AST/Mizuno 4th appeared to break their spirit. A Roger Boles slammer cut the lead to 14-13, then John Nicely put TPE/AST/Mizuno ahead for good at 15-14. A two run double by Dan Rickman would cap off the inning. A four run EAP/WHW rally came up short in the 7th after pitcher Dave Grooms foiled an EAP rally in the 6th.

Dean Merriman pounded out five hits, Bart Vaughn went 4-for-5, and Jason Hawkins and Dave Grooms shared six hits to power the champions.

“We want to thank Joe Amirillo,” said TPE/AST/Mizuno’s Adam Shepherd. “He’s the owner of TPE and over the last three years he’s been a great help to us financially as our sponsor, and we greatly appreciate everything that he does.

“We also want to congratulate (ASA Commissioner) Danney Saylor on a well-run tournament,” said Shepherd. “And also the umpires we had for all eight games were the best we’ve seen all year.

“I’m real proud of our team and how we’ve played the last couple of months,” concluded Shepherd. “We hadn’t been playing very well and it’s the right time of the year to get hot.”

EMR GROUP-ASA CINCINNATI METRO TOURN. CLASS “B” DIVISION ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

Who’s In Charge Dawg Pack/Greene’s Flower Shop Erik Rees Schoch Tile & Carpet/Hoeting Realty Chris Murphy Schoch Tile & Carpet/Hoeting Realty Eric Brock Schoch Tile & Carpet/Hoeting Realty Steve Schon EAP/Western Hills Window Richie Jones EAP/Western Hills Window Steve Atkinson EAP/Western Hills Window Mark Murray EAP/Western Hills Window Jason Hawkins TPE/AST/Miken Adam Shepherd TPE/AST/Miken Roger Boles TPE/AST/Miken Brian Rudd TPE/AST/Miken Danny Rickman - MVP TPE/AST/Miken

Double-Dips Lykins Contracting/Tower To Wrap Up Nine Game Trek Through Losers’ Bracket Guido’s Squeaks Through “C” North Division Of 2006 EMR Group/ASA Cincinnati Metro At Rumpke Park

By Andy Zureick

Crosby Township, Oh. – Six of Guido’s 10 wins in the EMR Group/ASA Cincinnati Metro July 27-August 9 at Rumpke Park were by five or fewer runs. But when things were tight, they stuck together and fought threw to the end and it earned them a “C” North Division championship.

Game one versus Viox Services was typical of many of the games Guido’s would play. Trailing 4-3 in the top of the 3 rd , Tim Pierce hit a three-run homer to give his team a 6-4 lead. They would score seven total in that at bat to take a 10-3 lead. They added three more in the 5 th , but were then outscored 9-3 in the final three innings as they limped to a 16-13 vitory. Jeff “Guido” Cox, Tony Kittico, and Anthony Lawson were all 3-for-4.

Game two sent Guido’s to the loser’s bracket as they dropped an 11-7 decision to Kenny’s/Time Warner. “We felt we shouldn’t have lost the game,” noted Jeff Cox, the manager. “We didn’t play up to our ability. After that, we got it back together and got a game plan together and started hitting the ball. We came out flat, it was an early morning game.”

In their first game of the loser’s bracket, Gudio’s got a free pass as their scheduled opponent, Bud Light, dropped out of the tournament.

They had to earn the next one. Against Classic Carpet, Guido’s went into the top of the 7 th trailing 11-7. Tim Pierce had an RBI single that put them up 12-11. Anthony Lawson capped the eight-run inning with a three-run homer. In the bottom of the 7 th , Jeff Cox held Classic Carpet scoreless and 15-11 stood as the final. Pierce and Lawson both went 3-for-4.

The game between Guido’s and Rush Auto was a defensive struggle. Anthony Lawson’s two-run bomb in the bottom of the 2 nd gave Guido’s a 2-0 lead they would never give up. Shawn Brinkman had a two-run double in the 3 rd that made it 4-1. Steve Gabbard’s RBI single capped a three-run 4 th that made the lead 7-3. Neither team would score again the rest of the way. Tony Kittico led all hitters by going 3-for-3.

Guido’s only mercy-rule victory of the tournament came against Hoops/Quality Sports in the next game. Jeff Cox got the scoring going in the top of the 1 st with a two-run double. Steve Gabbard blasted a three-run homerun in the seven-run 4 th . Six more in the top of the 5 th , including a three-run homer from Matt Wendel, made it 15-1 and that was all she wrote. Scott Lawson and Jeff Cox were both a perfect 4-for-4. Shawn Brinkman was 3-for-4.

Guido’s got another easy win over Take 5/Spud Properties. They plated nine runs in the first four innings to jump on top 9-1. Tim Pierce leadoff the 4 th with a solo johnson. Matt Brunkie chipped in a three-run homer. The final was 12-2. Jeff Cox was 4-for-4. Tim Pierce, Tony Kittico, and Anthony Lawson all went 3-for-4.

Two runs in the bottom of the 5 th thanks to a Tony Kittico RBI single put Guido’s up on Swisshelm/Dog House 6-4. That would also be the final score. Jeff Cox had another perfect game at the plate, this time going 3-for-3.

That set up a rematch between Guido’s and the one team to beat them earlier in the tournament, Kenny’/Time Warner. In the bottom of the 7 th with the score tied 9-9, Jeff Cox led off with a single. Tim Pierce then blasted a walk-off two-run homer. Matt Wendel was 3-for-3 with a two-run homerun. Matt Brunkie was also 3-for-3 as Guido’s avenged their previous loss. Jeff Cox and Tim Pierce were each 3-for-4.

That win earned Guido’s a shot at Lykins Contracting/Tower from the winner’s bracket. Guido’s jumped on top 14-3 after three and a half innings of play. Tim Pierce had a two-run double in the five-run first. Chris Kindt plated two with a triple in the 3 rd . Lykins failed to make a serious challenge in the 14-6 final. Four members of the Guido squad – Scott Lawson, Shawn Brinkman, Tim Pierce, and Matt Brunkie – were 3-for-4.

In the second finals, Chris Kindt put his team ahead 7-6 with an RBI single in the top of the 6 th . Tony Kittico hit a three-run homer in the 7 th to pad the lead to 12-6. Lykins got only one in their last chance to make it a 12-7 final. Kittico was 3-for-4 with two long balls. Shawn Brinkman and Matt Brunkie were also 3-for-4. Jeff Cox, 4-for-4, was once again perfect at the plate.

Jeff Cox led his team by example, going 32-for-42, for a .762 batting average. Steve Gabbard hit .676. Anthony Lawson batted .667 with six doubles. Tony Kittico also had six doubles to go with four homeruns and a .641 average. Scott Lawson hit .614 with five doubles and seven three-baggers. Matt Wendel hit a solid .600. Tim Pierce hit .571 with sever long balls. Shawn “Bubba” Brinkman (.523) also collected six doubles. Adam Ellis (.529) and Matt Brunke (.514) rounded out the offensive notables.

Tim Pierce was named team MVP. “He came through when we need him. It was a team vote, everybody hit well. Tony Kittico and Shawn Brinkman were alternates,” said Cox.

Cox explained that the formula for his team’s success was, “sticking together and never laying down and playing our ball. There’s seven innings in a game and we played all seven.”

“Our whole outfield made key plays. Chris Kindt in right center made two or three diving plays. Tim Pierce (right field) threw a couple people out and made a couple of big plays. Scott Lawson (left field) and Matt Brunkie (left center) held down their positions and didn’t make any errors,” Cox explained.

“I turned a couple of double plays on the mound,” he continued. “Shawn Brinkman (shortstop) turned a couple of double of plays by himself and threw out a couple of runners at home. Anthony Lawson (third base) had no errors. Adam Ellis at second went and got a lot of fly balls and was where he was supposed to be in key situations. Matt Wendel (first base) knocked a lot of balls down and threw a runner out at third.”

“People weren’t expecting us to be as good a hitting team as we were and our defense was pretty soled throughout the tournament,” Cox said in summary. “But we knew we were a good team. It’s always good to be the underdogs and come out and play real good.”

Six Opponents Held To Twenty Five Runs, Five Score Four Runs Or Less… Defense Shines For Niesen Plumbing/Mass Marketing/Sportsco In “C” South Of EMR Group/ASA Cincinnati Metro At Rumpke Park

Crosby Township, Oh. - Niesen Plumbing/Mass Marketing/Sportsco surrendered only 25 runs in six games as they captured the “C” South Division of the EMR Group/ASA Cincinnati Metro played at Rumpke Park from July 27 th to August 8 th .

The first game Niesen/Mass Marketing/Sportsco played against Original Table Top Cornhole was the only one where their opponent managed to score more than four runs. They won the game 16-8. The fell behind 4-0 after the top of the 1 st , but came back to take an 11-4 lead in the bottom of the 2 nd . John Krumdieck drove in the go-ahead run in the seven-run 2 nd . Dan Eigel chipped in a two-run single. Eigel and teammate Nick Donley were both 4-and-4 in the victory.

Game two was more typical of a Niesen win – a low scoring defensive struggle. Chris Osterkamp’s two-run single broke a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the 4 th . Jeff Schumate and John Krumdieck added a pair of RBI singles to increase the lead to 5-1. The final was 6-3. Osterkamp and Krumdieck finished at 2-for-3.

Facing Noonan’s/Hamilton Pediatrics/Carespring Hitmen, Nick Donley doubled in two to snap a 2-2 tie in the top of the 3 rd . John Krumdieck drove in another run in the top of the 5 th . Tom Watkins and Dave McGuffy added two more insurance runs in the following at bat. That led to a 7-3 Niesen/Sportsco win. Jeff Schmutte was a perfect 3-for-3. Dan Eigel collected two hits.

Dan Eigel, Brian Lakes, and Luke Miller each had a two-run single as Niesen built a 10-0 in the first two innings of their game versus Local #392 Red. They went on to win 14-3. Eigel and Chris Osterkamp led the team at the plate going 4-for-4. Miller was 3-for-4.

Niesen never trailed against Death Row in the semifinals as they scored three runs in both the 1 st and 2 nd innings of a 9-4 victory. Dan Eigel picked up two RBI in the 1 st . Dave McGuffey did the same in the 2 nd . Chris Osterkamp was 4-for-4 for the second game in a row. Eric Geiger and Jeff Schmutte both went 3-for-4.

In the finals against Accurate Masonry/Beaches, Niesen/Sportsco got their only mercy rule win of the tournament. They scored three runs in each of their first three at bats to build a 9-4 lead. Dave McGuffey had a three-run inside-the-park homerun in the 2 nd ; Nick Donly’s two-run single capped the three-run 3 rd . Brian Lakes pitched three scoreless innings to finish the game. It ended 16-4 in six. John Krumdieck had four hits in as many at bats. Dan Eigel and Nick Donley were each 3-for-3.

Eigel hit a team best .750 in the event. He also drove in 12 runs. Chris Osterkamp finished hitting .680. MVP Jeff Schmutte collected seven RBI and scored ten runs while hitting .630. “He had some clutch hitting troughout the tournament,” noted Niesen manager Brian Lakes. “He’s our middle infielder and he turned some big double plays for us.”

For Niesen Plumbing/Mass Marketing/Sportsco, it always comes back to defense. “Our defense without a doubt [was key]. Nick Donley our left fielder threw four or five guys out during the tournament, made a couple diving catches to stop them from runs,” added Lakes.

“We only gave up 25 runs in six games and our pitching was pretty good.”

“Chris Osterkamp (shortstop) made numerous diving stops in the infield and turned a couple double plays. Eric Geiger (centerfield) and Dave McGuffey (right field) both are really fast and track down a lot of balls in the gaps for us,” said Lakes.

“We win with defense and speed,” concluded Lakes. “We’re a bunch of young guys, we take extra bases and win with our gloves.”

Pitching, Defense Hold Opposition To Eighteen Runs In Five Games… In Between/B&B Tree Service Clamps Down In 2006 EMR Group/ASA Cincinnati Metro “C” East Division

By Andy Zureick

Crosby Township, Oh. – No team managed to score more than five runs against In Between/B&B Tree Service in the “C” East Division of the EMR Group/ASA Cincinnati Metro July 27-August 9 at Rumpke Park. That lock-down defense and solid bench play led to a divisional championship. In five games, they gave up a meager total of 18 runs.

In Between/B&B started their tournament campaign against Thompson-MacConnell/Vogue Tire. Brandon Bennett blasted a two-run homer as they jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the 2 nd . He had another long ball in the 5 th as the lead was increased to 5-0. Thompson-MacConnell managed to get on the board late, but dropped the game 5-2.

Facing Superior Floor Care, Inbetween plated five runs in the top of the 1 st and never trailed. This time it was Dave Collinsworth with the big shot, a three-run round-tripper. They added two more in the 3 rd and 4 th , three in the 6 th , and another in the 7 th for a 12-5 final. Collinsworth was a perfect 4-for-4. Bill Sullivan and Chris Conly were both 3-for-4. Rob Redalman and Doug Hering had three hits apiece.

Game three versus Schmoe’s Collision was the tightest game of the tournament for In Between/B&B. Brandon Bennett played long ball again, this time it was a two-run job in the top of the 2 nd that put his team up 2-0. Doug Hering did the same in the top of the 5 th to break a 3-3 tie. Schmoe’s got one run back in the bottom of the seventh as Inbetween/B&B Tree Service held on for a victory by the narrowest of margins, 5-4.

The semifinal opposite Hot Wings/Proud Rooster was not nearly close. Brandon Bennett had yet another two-RBI homer in the five- run 1 st . He did it again in the bottom of the 2 nd as In Between scored six more to increase the lead to 11-0. Hot Wings/Proud Rooster came up with four runs in the final five innings, but it was not nearly enough in the 11-4 final. Joe Toney had four hits in as many at bats. Dave Collinsworth went 3-for-4.

The final against Rock’s Boys/Cincy Home Loans was the only mercy-rule victory of the tournament for In Between/B&B Tree Service. Dave Collinsworth’s RBI single got In Between on the board in the bottom of the 1 st . Jesse Conly and Rob Redalman drove in one each in the 2 nd to raise the total to 3-0. They got six more in the next at bat thanks in large part to a Doug Hering grand slam. Joe Toney tacked on a solo johnson. It ended 15-3 in five innings. Hering led all hitters by going 4-for-4. Bill Sullivan and Adam Sellett were each 3-for-4. Don Dragoo saved his best game for last, going 3-for-3.

Joe Toney led In Between at the plate with a .684 batting average, including two homeruns. Dave Collinsworth was close behind at .647, also with two homers. Bill Sullivan hit .631. Brandon Bennett left the yard five times while batting .526. Chris Conly came in at .500.

“Nobody was stellar hitting except three or four guys, but when the top wasn’t hitting, the bottom really picked them up. We just kept getting better as the tournament went on,” noted In Between/B&B team manager Chris Conly

As a result of his exceptional effort on the mound, pitcher Bill Sullivan was named team MVP. “He only had five walks in five games and nobody scored in double digits against us. In fact, nobody scored more than five – that’s a good stat,” said Conly.

He also pointed out that everybody contributed on defense with diving plays, good throws, and fundament play in general. “Joe Toney (second base) was involved in all our double plays. Doug Hering was stellar at third base,” Conly noted. In five games, In Between had 12 twin killings. “Everybody played well defensively - Chris Conly at first base, Adam Sellett at shortstop. He struggled early but really came along towards the championship round.”

“[In the outfield] all four guys gave it up. We had several huge plays where they one-hopped the catcher and threw guys out at home. Those were inning-killers for the other team.” The In Between/B&B Tree Service outfield was made up of Brandon Bennett (left field), Rob Redalman (left center), Don Dragoo (right center), and Jesse Conly (right field).

The In Between/B&B reserves also played a significant role in the team’s success. “The bench was 8-12 in clutch situations. It was unbelievable,” lauded Conly.

The tournament championship was especially sweet for In Between considering how things went down for them in last year’s Metro. “Last year two weeks before the Metro, five guys quit and so we were forced to play ‘D’ instead of ‘C’,” explained Conly. “Some of those guys were key players and we wound up going 9-2 and lost in the finals of the division. Three of those guys came back this year and they’re kicking themselves in the butts for leaving last year. They were huge contributors to this year’s win.”

“Next year, hopefully we’ll do the same thing in the ‘B’ division,” concluded Conly.

IN BETWEEN/B&B TREE SERVICE DOUBLE-DIPS NIESEN PLUMBING/MASS MARKETING/SPORTSCO FOR OVERALL TITLE - In Between/B&B Tree Service double-dipped Niesen Plumbing/Mass Marketing/Sportsco 10-4 and 9-5 to capture the overall title of the “C” Division of the EMR Group/ASA Cincinnati Metro August 8-9 at Rumpke Park.

Neisen had spanked In Between/B& B 15-3 in a second round game, but In Between clipped Union Savings 5-4 to earn another shot at Neisen, then tripped up Niesen in the finals.

In Between/B & B rallied for ten runs over the final three innings to knock off Union Savings 10-4 in their opener. Jesse Conly’s rbi single put his club ahead to stay at 2-1 in a five run 5th. Doug Hering’s bases clearing triple put In Between/B & B ahead 5-1 and capped off the inning. In Between/B & B added two in the 6th and three in the 7th to nail down the win.

Joe Toney collected four hits, and Chris Conley added three for the winners.

After a 15-3 pounding by Neisen, In Between/B & B met Union Savings again for the right to advance to the finals. Once again In Between/B & B rallied for the lead in the 5th, this time overcoming a 3-2 deficit on Rob Redalman’s two run double. In Between/B & B tacked on an insurance run in the 6th, then held on for a 5-4 victory.

Joe Toney, who cracked a two run home run to give In Between/B & B their first two runs in the top of the 1st, went 2-for-3 along with Doug Hering and Don Dragoo.

In Between/B & B started slow in the first finals, falling behind Neisen Plumbing 2-1 after two and a half innings. But In Between/B & B rallied for three in the 3rd and four in the 4th to grab an 8-3 lead, then added two in the 5th to seal an eventual 10-4 victory. Joe Toney clubbed a pair of home runs - one to put his club ahead for good at 3-2 in the 3rd, and the other to produce a 7-3 lead in the 4th. Back-to-back doubles by Adam Sellett and Shaun Huff accounted for In Between/B & B’s two runs in the 5th. Sellett pounded out four hits, and Toney and Bill Sullivan shared six to fuel the offense.

In Between/B & B never trailed in the finals. Joe Toney belted a two run homer to make it 2-0 in the bottom of the 1st. Adam Sellett soloed to make it 3-1 in the 4th. The lead grew to 5-1 in the 5th, then int he 6th Adam Sellett doubled in two runs, and Matt Lutz followed with a two run single as the lead swelled to 9-3. Neisen never recovered.

Sellett, Rob Redalman, Don Dragoo, Shaun Huff and Chris Conly combined for ten hits to pace the champions.

In Between/B & B manager Chris Conly attributed his team’s success to “seven double plays and good pitching by Bill Sullivan.

“Only one team scored i double digits against us in the championship round,” pointed out Conly.

“We also had some clutch home runs. Joe Toney was on fire. He hit five home runs in the championship round. He pulled his hamstring in the second game and it seemed to make him better. He took the team under his wing, batting .687 in the championship round and hitting five home runs, and he had or assisted in seven double plays.”

Following Toney’s 687 performance were Conly and Adam Sellett at .625, and Bill Sullivan and Dave Collinsworth at .500.

“Our bench of Matt Lutz, Shaun Huff and Rick Vicory was awesome,” added Conly. “They didn’t get much playing time, but when they did, they stepped up and made it count. They probably hit over .700.

“I also want to thank our scorekeepers - Lori Sellett and Cathy Conly, and player-coach Bob Conly.”

Harrison Wildcats - Conly proudly mentioned that nine members of the championship team are Harrison High School graduates.

Timely Defense, Two Out Hitting Carry Winners To Title… Union Savings Bank Tops “C” West Division Of EMR Group/ASA Cincinnati Metro At Rumpke

By Andy Zureick

Crosby Township, Oh. – Union Savings Bank was a perfect 5-0 as they won the “C” West Division of the EMR Group/ASA Cincinnati Metro held July 27-August 9 at Rumpke Park.

“We want to thank our sponsor Harry Yeaggy for his support all these years,” said Coach Dave Jacobson. “He’s sponsored a lot of teams but I don’t think he’s ever had a metro winner, so it was a good thing to get one for him.”

Union Savings Bank started their run at the hardware against the River Bats. Derrick Haynes drove in one run and Dave Jacobson two more as they scored five runs and took a 13-9 lead in the bottom of the 3 rd . They tacked on two more in both the 4 th and 5 th to increase the advantage to 17-10. The River Bats rallied in the top of the 6 th for five runs, but centerfielder Larry Schildmeyer earned an outfield assist as he threw a runner out to end the inning. The Bats would get no closer. Union Savings Back put two more on the board in the bottom of that frame to make it a 19-15 final. Schildmeyer was also 3-for-4 at the plate. Teammates Chad Cunningham and Mike Hertel also went 3-for-4.

Game two versus Valley Insulation was a laugher for Union Savings Bank. Chris Warner tossed a shutout as the offense had their biggest game of the tournament, scoring 24 runs. Mark Johnson’s two-run double led the way to a 4-0 1st inning lead. Mike Mills did the same in the 2 nd as Union Savings Bank scored eight more. Chris Warner capped that at bat with a three-run homer. Mills would finish 3-for-3. Warner, Johson, and Mike Hertel all were 3-for-4.

Union Savings Bank followed up their biggest win of the event with the toughest game they would play. Facing Eddie’s Café/Diamond Dawgs, the game was knotted 14-14 after six and a half innings of play. Chad Cunningham’s walkoff RBI-single earned Union Savings Bank a 15-14 victory. Cunningham and Bill Beier were both a perfect 4-for-4 in the squeaker. Chris Warner and Derrick Haynes both went 3-for-4.

In the semifinals the opponent for Union Savings Bank was the Silver Bullets. Going into the top of the 3 rd , the Bank trailed 1-0. But in their next at bat, they scored nine to take a commanding 9-1 lead. Larry Schildmeyer drew a bases loaded walk to plate the go- ahead run. Chad Cunningham followed with a two-run single. Bill Beier added a double that scored two more. After six innings, the Silver Bullets had cut the lead to 11-7. Bill Beier and Chad Loudermilk had a pair of two-out singles in the top of the 7 th to provide some breathing room. The knock out punch came when James Stephens stole home for the final run of the game. “We felt like that really hurt them. They went out 1-2-3 in the bottom of the inning,” noted Jacobson, the coach. Bill Beier went 4-for-4, making it nine straight plate appearances with a hit. Loudermilk was also 4-for-4.

The Silver Bullets won their way back for a second chance at Union Savings Bank. This time, it was not even a contest. Mike Mills had an RBI-triple in the five-run first to get Union Savings on the board. In the 2 nd , they added seven more. Eric Pennekamp blasted a two-run tater and Mills doubled in two more. In the bottom of the 4 th , Mills finished it with a walk-off grand slam that invoked the mercy rule with the score at 21-5. Mills, 4-for-4, hit for the cycle. The trio of Mike Hertel, Chad Loudermilk, and Derrick Haynes were 3-for-3. Chad Cunningham went 3-for-4.

Cunningham finished the tournament with a team-best .765 batting average. Just behind him was Chad Loudermilk at .722.

Team MVP Bill Beier hit .667 with three doubles and a homerun. “In our toughest game he was 4-for-4 and in the finals of the winner’s bracket, he was 4-for-4. He’s our on-the-field leader,” explained Jacobson.

Mike Mills finished batting .647 with three double, a triple, and a homer. Derrick Haynes and Mike Hertel each hit .611. Rounding out the honor role were Eric Pennekamp (.588) and Larry Schildmeyer (.571).

Keys to the Unions Savings Bank success, according to Jacobson, were timely defense and his team’s ability to hit with two outs. The pitching of Chris Warner was also a significant factor.

“Chris stayed ahead of hitters, he didn’t walk a lot of people, and fielded the middle great. He’s also the emotional leader of the team.”

“Larry Schildmeyer (centerfield) patrolled the whole outfield. We play a three-man outfield and he just took over from left to right. Derrick Haynes (third base) had a lot of action in the last couple of games and made all the plays,” said Jacobson.

Jacobson concluded his comments by touching on the emotional side of his team’s tournament victory in the Metro, what is, without a doubt, the biggest event for every area team that is serious about their softball. “Skip Burkhardt our manager has been involved in softball for 34 years,” added the coach, “and it meant a lot to everybody to get him this win.” Good things do come to those who wait!

“Teamwork” Carries Champions Past Six Opponents… Animations/Ballers Polishes Off Innovative Remodeling 13-10 In “D” North Finals Of EMR Group/ASA Cincinnati Metro At Rumpke Park

By Andy Zureick

Crosby Township, Oh. – Animations/Ballers went 6-0 to win the “D” North Division of the 2006 EMR Group/ASA Cincinnati Metro July 27-August 7 at Rumpke Park. According to team manager Matt Allcock, it was teamwork that got the job done. “Everybody was confident and relaxed, up and down the lineup and in the field. We had some guys who hadn’t planned on starting come through. Everybody when they got an opportunity was able to contribute and help this team.”

Animations/Ballers earned their first win with a big late-inning comeback. Facing Poppy’s Sports Bar, they found themselves in a 13- 6 hole after four innings. They cut it to 13-11 with five in the 5 th . In the 6 th , Chris McClenathen gave them the lead with an RBI single. Chris Kennedy added a two-run triple in what would be an eight-run inning. The final was 19-16. Brian Freeman was a perfect 4-for-4 in the win. John Cook went 3-for-3.

Against Gutter Genie, Animations jumped on top in the top of the 1 st with three runs. Steve Stanforth got them on the board with a two-run double. Dan George dove in two with a triple in the 5 th as the lead was increased to 6-3. They tacked on two more in the 7 th for an 8-3 final. Chris Kennedy and Matt Miller were both 3-for-3. George finished at 3-for-4. Team MVP John Cook had an especially good performance on the hot corner. “He was solid and had seven or eight stops,” explained Allcock. “Some of the balls were shots. He looked like a cat swatting them down and recovered and threw them out.”

Game three versus Lawrenceburg Motor Sports/Team Envy was a run-rule win for Animations/Ballers. John Cook’s three-run double spearheaded the eight-run 3 rd that blew the game open. It ended 17-5 in five innings. Chris Kennedy was again perfect at the plate, this time going 4-for-4. Todd Ross went 3-for-3.

The Ballers followed up their biggest win of the tournament with the closest game they would play. Tied 4-4 with Montgomery Law Firm/Troxlein in the 5 th , Steve Stanforth doubled in two runs to give his team a 6-4 lead. Matt Miller drove in another run to make it 7-4. Montgomery Law Firm/Troxlein came back with two in the bottom of the frame, but Matt Allcock pitched two shutout innings to finish the game and preserve the 7-6 victory. Dan George, Steve Stanforth, Matt Miller, and Todd Ross were all 2-for-3.

In the semifinals versus Innovative Remodeling, Animations used one of their biggest innings of the tournament to punch their tickets to the finals. Trailing 3-0 in the top of the 4 th , they scored eight runs and took what would be an insurmountable lead. Dan George got the rally started with a two-run double. Kevin Kauffman later gave them the lead with a run-scoring single. John Cook added another two-run double as the score was increased to 8-3. The final was 10-6. Chris Kennedy had a team-high three hits in four chances. Kevin Kauffman, Matt Miller, John Cook, and Todd Ross all chipped in two hits. First baseman Mike Kelly also turned in a web gem on a foul ball pop up. With what Allcock termed “110% effort”, he laid out for the catch to make the third out of the inning and squash a bases-loaded rally.

The finals pitted the Ballers versus Innovative Remodeling for a second straight game. In the top of the 6 th , Pat George tripled to drive in two and break a 9-9 tie. Dan George had a sacrifice fly to add another run and make the lead three. Todd Ross capped the scoring for the Ballers in the top of the 7 th with an RBI single. That made the score 13-9. Innovative Remodeling could manage only one run in their last chance to make it a 13-10 final. Matt Allcock and Pat George were each 4-for-4 in the victory. Todd Ross was 4-for-5.

Chris Kennedy batted a team-leading .800 and scored 12 runs in the tournament. Matt Miller and Brian Freeman each hit .667. Matt Allcock finished at .652. John Co0k, who was named MVP mainly for his play at third base, posted a .632 batting average. He also scored seven runs. Teammate Todd Ross also hit .632. Pat George scored 11 runs while hitting .600. Rounding out the list of top offensive performances were Lee Barrett (.579), Steve Stanforth (.571), and Dan George (.500). Chris Mack went 3-for-3 in the first game and had some big hits.

Along with Cook, Pat George (shortstop) and Chris Kennedy (second base) were infield standouts. “Pat didn’t start off the year very well, but he’s gotten solid and had good range and a great arm. They were able to turn a couple of double plays. Chris is a veteran, you expect it out of him,” commented Allcock.

“Todd Ross (left center) had a couple of diving catches in the gravel, one against Innovative Remodeling over his shoulder like Willie Mays. Andre Robinson made a foul ball catch and did a plunge into the weeds all the way down the line.”

Allcock, who pitches for Animations, also made what he called a “sizzling play” in the championship game as he snagged a ball hit right at him for the final out of the tournament. “It was a heckuva way to win the North.”

Allcock also had some thank you’s to hand out after his team’s Divisional championship. “We would like to thank Rumpke for a great tournament and our bar owner, John “Scooter” Richards, for sponsoring us. We also want to thank Chris Sobol for his mouth. He was very distracting to the other team. He was loud and kept us up.”

Pitching, Defense Carry Champions To Six Game Sweep… Godbey Law Cruises In “D” South Division Of EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro

By Andy Zureick

Crosby Township, Oh. – Godbey Law was rarely challenged as they won six games with no losses in the D South division of the 2006 EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro at Rumpke Park. The scored in double digits all but one game while none of their opponents ever managed to do better than six runs.

Godbey Law started their run in the city’s biggest tournament against The Buzz. Marc Abel’s RBI single in the bottom of the 3 rd broke a 1-1 tie. They would total three runs in the inning for a 4-1 lead. The added four more in their next at bat on a pair of two-run base hits by John Fiasco and Chris Godbey. Fiasco was 3-for-3 in the 11-4 final.

They won their next two games by way of the mercy rule. The first of them was against Pak Mail/Never Give Up. Four runs in the bottom of the 5 th , including a two-run double from Chris Burke opened up an 8-1 lead for Godbey Law. Then in the 6 th , Art Harmon drove in two to increase the advantage to 10-1. Chris Godbey dropped the hammer with an RBI single for a 13-1, six-inning win. Godbey was a perfect 3-for-3 in the win. Chris Burke, Bryan Gross, and Ed Hartwig were all 3-for-4. Burke also drove in a team-best four runs.

The second of the two consecutive games decided by way of the run-rule matched Godbey Law with Pierre Foods. They would score in every inning except the 1 st en route to a 16-3 victory, again in six innings. Chris Burke continued to produce at the plate with an RBI single in the three-run 2 nd . John Fiasco doubled in two more as they pushed the lead to 7-1 in the 3 rd . They added five more over their next two at bats to make it 12-3 going into the bottom of the 6 th . Brian Godbey in that inning capped the scoring and sealed the deal with a two-run single that ended the game at 16-3. He would finish the game 3-for-4 with 4 RBI. Chris Burke was also 3-for-4; Art Harmon went 3-for-3.

Godbey Law never trailed in their next game against Mohawk Machinery, even though Mohawk put up more runs, six, than any other team Godbey would face. John Fiasco’s two-run single in the 1 st led the way to a 4-0 lead. Brian Godbey and Dan Smith both drove in two runs in the five-run 3 rd that put the game out of reach at 9-0. Mohawk Machinery managed four runs in the bottom of the 7 th to cut the 12-2 lead to 12-6, but it was way too little, way too late. Fiasco had the big game at the plate by going 4-for-4 while driving in three. Ben Cosgrove, Marc Abel, and Dan Smith were all 3-for-4.

The division semifinals versus Money Shots turned out to be the toughest game of the tournament for Godbey Law. Jeff Forbeck and Ben Cosgrove each had two-run singles in the bottom of the 1 st as Godbey Law jumped out to a 4-0 lead. They would never trail from there on in the 6-3 defensive struggle. John Godbey and Ben Cosgrove both went 3-for-3. “We played a great defensive game,” commented team spokesperson Mark Godbey. “We turned three double plays and we set them down 1-2-3 in three innings out of seven.”

In the finals of the D South division between Godbey Law and State Farm, State Farm got off to a quick start and Godbey found themselves trailing 4-0 going into the bottom of the 2 nd . “We have some older guys on the team and we just never got rattled and we never worried about it,” noted Godbey. His team scored three runs in that at bat to cut the lead to 4-3. “That built our confidence and set the tone for the rest of the game. We scored each inning after that.” They claimed the lead in the bottom of the 3 rd on Ben Cosgrove’s RBI double. Two more in the 4 th and one in the 5 th stretched the lead to 8-4. Ed Hartwig drove in two more as part of the four-run 6 th , making the total 12-5. John Godbey then pitched a 1-2-3 top of the 7 th and that is how it ended. Ben Cosgrove was 3-for- 3 for a second straight game.

Cosgrove finished the tournament hitting a team-best .750. John Fiasco drove in 13 runs while batting .619. Rounding out the list of top offensive performances was Art Harmon (.600), John Godbey (.600), Brian Godbey (.500), and Bryan Gross (.500).

John Godbey, the pitcher, was also named MVP. “He was unbelievable. Nothing gets by him up the middle. He turned several 1-6-3 double plays and only walked one guy the entire tournament. Nobody scored more than five runs on him the whole tournament…guys just can’t hit him,” added Mark Godbey, the manager. “And he went 3-for-3 in that real tough game we won 6-3 and carried us offensively along with Ben Cosgrove in the tightest game that we had.”

“Ed Hartwig (second base) is probably our best defensive infielder. He knows how to turn double plays and will go out and get anything hit short into right field. John Fiasco (third base) has got a cannon. I’ve never seen anybody throw the ball to first as hard and fast and accurate as he does,” Godbey explained.

He continued, “Brian Godbey in right center played great outfield. He wasn’t originally in the starting line up, but we lost our [starter] in the third game of the tournament and he stepped in and had several good catches, especially in the 6-3 game that we won.”

Godbey also pointed to his team’s balanced offensive attack as being key to their success. “We had some pretty easy games with good hitting up and down the line up. We scored in double digits every game except one. We have 10 or 11 guys who can all hit so you don’t have to hold your breath when we reach the bottom of the order. We don’t have a weak bat…we all hit.”

Godbey concluded his comments with some high praise for team coach, Mike Shaw. “He’s done a great job all year putting the team together and keeping everybody happy, juggling the line-up, keeping everybody pumped up. He’s a great guy to have running our team…everybody respects him.”

Outfield Play, Huber’s .808 Lift Winners To Title… Secret Service Takes “D” East Division Of EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro

By Andy Zureick

Crosby Township, Oh. – Secret Service won all six games they played to claim first place in the “D” East Division of the EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro at Rumpke Park from July 27 through August 8.

“We believed in each other,” explained team manager David Wade. “No matter how far up or down we were, we stayed positive and refused to get rattled. Everyone on the entire team contributed in one way or another - all 14 guys had a role.”

Secret Service opened play with Two-J-Supply/Renegades. Brian Jones got his team on the board in the top of the 2 nd with an RBI double. Eric Lucking added to the lead in the 3 rd with a two-run inside-the-park homerun. They stretched the lead to 6-0 in the top of the 5 th . John Huber’s triple plated two more in the four-run 6 th , making the score 10-2. The Renegades managed only two more runs in their final two chances to make it a 10-4 final score. Tony and John Huber were both 4-for-4 in the game. Ed Popp, Eric Lucking, David Wade, and Marvin Schuman all went 3-for-4.

In game two, Secret Service jumped out to an early lead over Cincinnati Lawn & Landscape/Rayco and never looked back. In the top of the 1 st , four straight RBI doubles by Eric Lucking, David Wade, Joe Schmuck, and Dave Durkin led to a five-run at bat. The final would be 15-1 in five innings. Joe Schmuck and Brian Jones were both a perfect 3-for-3. Going 3-for-4 was Tony Huber, Ed Popp, and John Huber.

The Secret Service match up with Bargo’s Grill & Tap was a different story. Secret Service found themselves in an early 4-2 hole at the end of the first, but came back to tie it up in the 3 rd . In the decisive 4 th , Brian Jones led off with a walk. He came around to score on a double by Marvin Schuman. Tony Huber’s single plated Schuman for a 6-4 lead. Neither team would score again to make it a 6- 4 final. Tony Huber was again 3-for-4. Pitcher Ed Popp tossed six scoreless innings to seal the victory.

It was a two-out, five-run rally that keyed the Secret Service 12-6 win over Laptop World/C-unit. With the score tied 5-5 in the top of the 5 th , the first two Secret Service batters made outs. Marvin Schuman and John Huber then drove in two runs each to help their team claim a 10-5 lead. Huber and teammate Ed Popp finished the game 3-for-5. Tony Huber and Eric Lucking were 4-for-5. Tim Otting added three hits of his own.

In the semifinals versus Argosy Casino/Creative Dimensions, Secret Service again found themselves in an early hole as they trailed 5- 0 after two innings. Ed Popp came up big on the mound one more time by shutting down Argosy the rest of the way as his team chipped away at the lead. Eric Lucking singled in the go ahead run in the 5 th , making it 6-5. Tim Otting drove in two more to increase the advantage to 8-5, and that would stand up as the final. Tony Huber once again hit a team-best 4-for-4. Ed Popp also contributed at the plate with a 3-for-3 effort.

The division finals pitted Secret Service against CSK Electric/Blue Note. In the top of the 3 rd , Eric Lucking, David Wade, and Tony Huber each drove in two runs as Secret Service totaled nine and posted a 10-1 lead. It was never any closer as Secret Service cruised to a 13-2 win. Ed Popp continued the hot hitting by going 5-for-5. David Wade finished 4-for-4. Four members of the Secret Service team – Tony Huber, John Huber, Eric Lucking, and Tim Otting – went 3-for-4.

With strong performances in the last two games, Ed Popp finished hitting .760. That was second only to team MVP Tony Huber who hit .808. “It (MVP voting) was between our outfielders, and he had more hits than anybody else,” noted Wade, the manager. “He’s our leadoff hitter and he started out each and every game with a hit. That was the difference and why everyone leaned towards Tony for the MVP award.”

Eric Lucking finished with a .667 batting average. John Huber hit .615 in the tournament.

Wade pointed to himself at shortstop and second baseman Joe Schmuck as standouts in the infield. “Joe had two or three spectacular catches that ended rallies and kept us in games. I played steady defense and turned a couple of double plays in key situations and got the ball back to our hitters.”

John Huber (left center), Tony Huber (left field), Eric Lucking (right center), Dave Durkin (right field, left center), and Terry Deyhle (right field) made up an outfield that played solid as a unit. “Not one ball got over their heads or in the gap the entire tournament,” Wade concluded. “Spectators told us how great our outfield was for a ‘D’ level outfield.”

SECRET SERVICE RALLIES LATE PAST GODBEY LAW 15-11 FOR OVERALL “D” CROWN - Secret Service rallied for three runs in the 5th and seven in the 6th to overcome a 7-5 deficit and knock off Godbey Law 15-11 in the championship game of the “D” Di-vision of the EMR Group/-ASA Cincinnati Metro Au-gust 8-9 at Rumpke Park.

Wins over Herald’s Barbershop (11-4) and Godbey Law (19-11 lifted Secret Service into the finals.

Secret Service never trailed against Herald’s in game one. A two run Joe Schmuck double made it 2-0 in the bottom of the 1st. Secret Service added lone runs in the 2nd and 4th and two in the 5th to make it 5-1, then erupted for five runs in the bottom of the 5th to break open a 6-4 contest. John Huber’s two run double capped off the inning.

Schmuck, Tony Huber, Ed Popp and Brian Jones combined for twelve hits to pace the winners.

Secret Service used a six run 3rd to break a 7-7 stalemate with Godbey law in the winners’ bracket finals and seal an eventual 19-11 win. A two run single by Marvin Schuman and a two run Joe Schmuck double highlighted the inning. Schmuck and Tony Huber pounded out five hits each, and Schuman added four.

Godbey took an early 7-5 lead through four innings in the finals, but Secret Service outscored Godbey 10-0 over the next inning and a half to take a commanding 15-7 advantage, and Godbey never recovered. Dave Durkin’s rbi single put his club ahead to stay at 8-5 in the 5th. A pair of two run doubles - one by Eric Lucking and the other by Joe Schmuck - accounted for four of Secret Service’s seven runs in the 6th.

Ed Popp collected four hits, and Durkin, Lucking and John Huber each went 3-for-5 to power the champions.

Brian Jones and Marvin Schuman finished the championship round with hefty .727 averages.

“Their our number nine and number ten batters and they actually carried us through the finals,” said Secret Service manager David Wade. “Without those two guys having key hits in key situations, there’s no way we win the finals.”

Ed Popp also had a big championship round with a .714 effort.

Wade said his team “fought through our aches and pains and lack of sleep and found a way to win games.

“We felt like we had an edge (the last day) because we only needed one win, and we felt like we had a good shot at getting that,” said Wade.

Wade concluded by commending Rumpke Park for a well-run event and saluting finalist Godbey Law.

“We want to thank Rumpke for a good tournament and all the guys from Godbey Law for two games played with class. We hope to meet them again next year in the ‘C’ finals.”

Carroll Pitches, Powers Champions’ Romp Past Six Opponents… Herald’s Barbershop Barely Challenged In “D” West Division Of 2006 EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro At Rumpke Park

By Andy Zureick

Crosby Township, Oh. – Herald’s Barbershop outclassed the competition in the “D” West Division of the EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro July 27-August 7 at Rumpke Park. Only two of their opponents managed to stay within tens runs of them as they outscored the six teams they played 81-24.

The first victim for Herald’s Barbershop was Coman Roofing. Coman managed to keep it close as the score stood 4-3 going into the bottom of the 6 th inning. Herald’s then erupted for 11 runs. Chad Blount had a two-run single and Doug Coffey tripled with bases loaded to score three more. That invoked the mercy rule for a 15-3 final. Billy Anderson had three RBI on 3-for-4 hitting. Ryan Wilkerson was 3-for-3 at the plate.

Game two of the tournament versus Most Wanted saw Herald’s score three runs in the top of the 1 st and they never trailed. John Woods collected two RBI in that opening inning. Billy Anderson matched that accomplishment in the next at bat as the lead was increased to 5-1. Herald’s tacked on three more in the 3 rd and five in the 4 th . It ended 16-3 in six innings. Adam Livingston and John Woods were both a perfect 4-for-4. Billy Anderson and Chad Blount each went 3-for-4.

Noble Electric was the first team in the tournament to make it a full seven innings with Herald’s. Mark Foxbower singled in two runs as Herald’s scored eight in the bottom of the 6 th to take a 14-4 lead. Noble Electric could not manage even a single run in their last chance and that score would stand as the final. Foxbower, along with teammates Dave Carroll and Aaron Pence, was 3-for-3 in the win.

Facing Hot Wings/Shropshire, Herald’s could not manage more than two runs in any one inning. Fortunately for them, Hot Wings could not come up with more than one run…in the entire game. Herald’s won the game 7-1. Doug Coffey led all hitters by going 3- for-4. Adam Livingston, Todd Hoffert, Chad Blount, and Dave Carroll all were 2-for-3.

That win set up a semifinals match up between Herald’s and Castrucci Ford. Dave Carroll had a pair of two-run singles, one in the 1 st and one in the 6 th , as Herald’s built an 11-2 lead going into the bottom of the final frame. Castrucci Ford then put together a seven-run rally to close the gap and fall just short at 11-9, giving Herald’s their biggest scare of the tournament. Carroll finished 2-for-2 with five RBI. Adam Livingston and Billy Anderson were both 3-for-4.

Castrucci Ford would win their way through the loser’s bracket to get a rematch with Herald’s. It would not go well for Castrucci.

Aaron Pence singled in a run in the top of the second to get Herald’s on the board in the 2 nd inning of the finals. Mark Foxbower added a bases-loaded triple and Ryan Wilkerson capped the inning with a run-scoring single. In all, they had plated nine runs and all but ended it. They tacked on seven more in the top of the 6 th to increase the lead to 18-4. Castrucci Ford was down for the count, and that is how it ended after six innings. Todd Hoffert, Ryan Wilkerson, and Chris Evert were all a perfect 4-for-4 in the victory.

Dave Carroll, the pitcher for Herald’s Barbershop, earned team MVP honors by hitting .722. “He kept us in all our games and had the second most RBI’s on the team,” said team manager John Woods. “He only gave up four runs per game. We played great defense behind him, but he’s a great pitcher.”

“It was a close race between him and Billy Anderson for MVP. Billy led us in hits, doubles, triples, RBI’s, and runs scored,” noted Woods. Anderson hit .696 in the tournament.

Other offensive notables included Ryan Wilkerson (.714), Todd Hoffert (.684), Mark Foxbower (.588), John Woods (.571), and Chris Everitt (.563).

The play of Herald’s in the field was equally important to their success. “In the championship game, Ryan Wilkerson (right center) threw a guy out at the plate. Todd Hoffert (left field) had a couple nice catches and nobody ran on him when they saw his arm,” explained Woods.

“Billy Anderson (shortstop) turned a bunch of double plays and had several diving stops. Adam Livingston (second base) played a strong defensive tournament. He had a behind the back force out where he flipped the ball behind his back from way back behind second to Billy to get the force out.”

“We played great defense the whole tournament,” Woods said in summary.

“E” Division Champions “Find A Way To Win” Three Games In Final At Bat… Oops Auto Collision/Bennett Prather Landscaping Squeaks Past EMR Group/ASA Cincinnati Metro Field At Rumpke Park

By Andy Zureick

Crosby Township, Oh. - Oops Auto Collision & Towing/Bennett Prather Landscaping won the “E” Division of the EMR Group/ASA Cincinnati Metro played at Rumpke Park. They always managed to keep it interesting as all six of their wins were by four or fewer runs. That included three one-run victories.

The opener for Oops Auto/Bennett Prather versus Death was a preview of things to come in the tournament. Going into the bottom of the 7 th , the game was tied at 6-6. Greg Williams led off for Oops with a double. Mark Piccard singled him in for a 7-6 win. Justin Hogue and Mike Lipp were both 2-for-3. Piccard had two hits and the game-winning RBI.

The win in the second game against Crosley’s was decided by the biggest margin of victory in the tournament, four runs, for Oops/Bennett Prather. Matt Von Bargen put his team up 3-2 in the 3 rd . Chuck Heis and Nathan Sizemore drove in one run each in the 6th . That made the score 8-5. They got two more in the top of the 7 th while Crosley’s could only manage one in their chance. The final was 10-6. Justin Barnes was 3-for-4. Von Bargen tallied two hits.

Four runs in the top of the 5 th against Who Cares/Builder’s First Choice broke a 4-4 tie and gave Oops/Bennett Prather a relatively huge 8-4 lead. Mike Lipp and Justin Barnes did the greatest part of the damage with back-to-back RBI doubles. James Sims, Mike Lipp, and Justin Barnes were all 3-for-3. Von Bargen collected two more hits.

The next game for Oops/Bennett Prather was an 8-3 loss to the Woodpeckers. Those two teams would meet again later in the championship round.

To set up that rematch, Oops would have to go through Best Damn Sports Bar. This one also went down to the final at bat before it was decided. Trailing 5-4 going into the bottom of the 7 th , Tristan Huff led the Oops at bat off with a single. Greg Williams followed with a fielder’s choice. Jon Peters, the next batter, did the same. Matt Von Bargen knocked a single to move the runner to third. He then stole second. Mark Piccard then singled up the middle to score both runners and win the game. Piccard, along with teammates Jon Peters and James Sims, was 2-for-3.

So, then, Oops/Bennett Prather once again got a shot at the Woodpeckers, but it would take two straight wins to earn a Metro championship. In the top of the 7 th , the ‘Peckers scored nine runs to take a 15-10 lead. Oops battled back to tie the game in the bottom of the frame. Then with two outs, Matt Von Bargen singled in the game-winning run. Nathan Sizemore, Scott McDonald, and Justin Hogue were all 3-for-4 in the 16-15 victory.

That meant it would be a rubber game between Oops/Bennett Prather and the Woodpeckers to decide the tournament. In the bottom of the 1 st , Jason Bates put Oops on top with an RBI double. In all, they would score four and take a 4-2 lead. Tristan Huff drove in one more in the next at bat to increase the lead to 5-2. Huff doubled in two more in the 4 th as Oops stretched it to 7-3. The Woodpeckers got two back in the top of the 5 th to cut it to 7-5, but that was all they would get the rest of the way as Justin Barnes tossed two shutout innings to end the game. 7-5 would stand as the final score. Scott McDonald was a team-best 3-for-3. Nathan Sizemore and Justin Hogue were both 2-for-3 in the championship effort.

Sizemore, thanks to a strong finish, posted a team-leading .727 batting average in the tournament. “He was an absolute machine, especially in the last three games. He hit the ball extremely well up the middle,” commented Oops manager Jon Peters.

Other notable hitting performances were turned in by Mike Lipp (.615), Justin Barnes (.609), Matt Von Bargen (.545), James Sims (.538), and Jason Bates (.500).

Justin Barnes was named MVP. “He hit the ball extremely well and he pitched with a bruised hand and pitched extremely well. He only gave up one walk in the last game,” said Peters. Barnes only gave up four walks total in the last three games.

“Mark Piccard (shortstop) had very few errors. He’s a heckuva steady glove and good arm. Against the Best Damn Sports Bar with two outs, he fielded a shot and threw the batter out at first to preserve our 6-5 win,” Peters elaborated. “Justin Hogue (left and center field) had a huge play in center going back to the wall and made an off balance catch against Woodpeckers in the first finals. James Sims (left field) ran down quite a few fly balls. We put him into left after Matt Von Bargen injured his knee sliding into home in the first Woodpeckers game.”

“We found a way to win,” Peters summarized. “If one person made an out, it seemed like the next three batters would pick that person up. Even when we were down five runs against the Woodpeckers, our team knew we still had a chance because we’d been in that position before. It felt like we knew how to come form behind.”

“Rookie” MVP Paces Offense With .818 Effort... Defense, Pitching Lead Bobcat Defense Of Women’s “Upper” Division In EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro At Rumpke Park

Crosby Township, Oh. –Pitcher Lisa Tyler held three opponents to fifteen runs to help Bobcat Enterprises successfully defend their title in the “Women’s Upper” Division of the EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro July 27 through Au-gust 8 at Rumpke Park.

Bobcat went 3-0 to preserve an undefeated 2006 season behind Tyler and “Rookie” Amy Schweinefes, who hit a blistering .818 to pace the offense.

“She just scorched the ball,” summed up Bobcat manager Bernie Gierach. “She’s been on fire for us all year. She’s solid - she played a great 3rd base and slides into bases head first.”

Tyler and Theresa Hirschauer chipped in with a .667 mark, and Lee Ann Bells batted .636.

“Timely hitting really helped us,” said Gierach. “Our team average was .589 for the tournament. We outscored our opponents 29 runs to 15.”

Gierach cited “good defense” as another key to capturing the title.

“That really helped us. Our outfield knows how to hit the cutoffs. They back each other up. They give you everything they’ve got.”

The infield defense was anchored by Karen Kron (2b) and Linda Schetzer (ss), said Gierach.

“In the second game they turned four double plays. That really took the wind out of their sails. They put runners on base and they got erased in four innings. We turned seven double plays overall...that really helped.”

Bobcat needed two runs in the bottom of the 5th to erase a 5-4 deficit and dispose of Crosley’s 6-5 in game one. Theresa Everman doubled and went to third on Lisa Tyler’s single, then Theresa Hirschauer doubled home both runs to produce a 6-5 victory. Hirschauer collected three hits, and Everman and Tyler added two each.

In game two Mad Maxx battled Bobcat to a 4-4 stalemate after three, but in the top of the 4th Bobcat erupted for six unanswered runs to take a commanding 10-4 lead and went on to rout Mad Maxx 15-4. Karen Kron’s rbi single put her club ahead to stay at 5-4 in the 4th. Cristie Hughes rbi single capped off the inning.

Amy Schweinefes and Lee Ann Bells combined for eight hits, and Linda Schnetzer, Lisa Tyler, Theresa Hirschauer and Punky Kater each went 3-for-4.

Bobcat never trailed in the finals after jumping on top of Mad Maxx 4-0 in the top of the 1st. Lisa Tyler put her club on the board with an rbi single. Crystal Louden’s base hit made it 5-1 in the 2nd, then, after Mad Maxx cut the deficit to 5-4 in the 4th, Punky Kater doubled home an insurance run to push the advantage back to two at 6-4. Back-to-back doubles by Crystal Louden and Lisa Tyler produced a seventh run in the 6th, and an rbi single by Theresa Everman capped off the scoring for Bobcat at 8-4. A two run rally in the bottom of the 7th fell short as Mad Maxx bowed out 8-6.

Any Schweinefes and Punky Kater combined for eight runs, and Lisa Tyler added three for the champions.

“I’d like to thank Bobcat Enterprises for their sponsorship and Rumpke Park for a well run Metro,” remarked Bobcat manager Bernie Gierach. “I also want to thank Meagan Myers for doing a great job keeping our book, and my assistant coach Jason Hughes, who helped us out this year.”

Doyle No-Hits T. I. Racing 15-0 In Championship Game... Pelle’s Romps In EMR Group-ASA Metro Women’s “C” Division

Crosby Township, Oh.--Pelle’s outscored four opponents 59-10 to overpower the Women’s “C” Division of the EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro Tournament July 27-August 8 at Rumpke Park.

Pitcher Stacy Doyle tossed a 15-0 shutout victory over T. I. Racing to help polish off the seven team field in emphatic fashion.

So dominating were the champions that only one team - winners’ bracket finalist Kupper Komputers - came within double figures, losing by a 10-2 margin.

Doyle, who held all four of her club’s opponents to single digit scoring, never allowed more than six runs in any game, and held three victims to two runs or less.

Offensively the winners were led by tournament MVP Tonya Feinauer, who was almost perfect in the event with ten hits in eleven at bats for a sizzling .909 performance. Freedom Fogt followed at .733, Mindy Sawyer batted .692 and Stacy Doyle .600.

“Tonya didn’t make an out the whole tournament,” pointed out Pelle’s manager Butch Holloway. “She went 10-for-11, walked twice and got on through an error.”

Holloway said his club won with “timely hitting and really good defense.

“We only gave up ten runs in four games due to Stacy’s pitching,” said Holloway. “She kept it real high.”

Doyle also anchored the defense from the mound, noted Holloway.

“She covered the middle really well and they hit quite a few shots at her. She played her position well,” said Holloway.

Pelle’s jumped out to a 12-2 lead after two and never looked back in a 17-2, five inning spanking of TNA/Rumpke in game one. Heather Dickerson put her club on the board with an rbi single in a seven run 1st. Later in the inning Chrissy Young contributed a two run bingle. Pelle’s added five in the 2nd, then nailed down the victory with a five run 5th.

Tonya Feinauer, Stacey Doyle, Mindy Sawyer and Abby Voelker combined for twelve hits for the winners.

Pelle’s fell behind Drunk-N-Stuff 5-4 after an inning and a half in game two, but grabbed the lead for good at 9-5 on the strength of a five run 2nd. Stacy Doyle’s two run single broke a 5-5 tie. Pelle’s delivered the knockout blow with back-to-back four run outbursts in the 5th and 6th to round out the scoring. Freedom Fogt, who accounted for two of Pelle’s four runs in the 6th with a double, shared nine hits with Tonya Feinauer and Stacy Doyle.

Kupper Komputer drew first blood with a run in the top of the 1st in the winners’ bracket finals, but could only tally one more run over the next seven innings as Pelle’s steamrolled Kupper 10-2. Laura Schuster tripled and trotted home with the tying run on Stacy Doyle’s double in the bottom of the 1st. Then Freedom Fogt plated Doyle with a single to put her club ahead to stay. The lead swelled to 7-1 thanks to a four run 3rd. Davanna Gulley’s rbi single capped off the inning. Pelle’s tacked on one in the 4th and two in the 5th to push their advantage to 10-1 and Kupper never recovered.

Freedom Fogt pounded out four hits, and Laura Schuster and Stacy Doyle shared six to pace the offense.

Pelle’s looked invincible in the finals, scoring in every inning while completely shutting down T. I. Racing’s offense en route to a four inning, 15-0 blanking. Mindy Sawyer put her club on the board with an rbi single in the 1st. Liz Werrmann’s run scoring bingle capped off a seven run 2nd as the lead ballooned to 8-0. Then, after a two run 3rd, Pelle’s invoked the mercy rule with a five run 4th. Mindy Schuster’s two run triple highlighted the inning. Laura Schuster singled in the last run to bring down the curtain.

Sawyer and Chrissy Young banged out three hits each, while Missy Holloway, Tonya Feinauer and Freedom Fogt added two hits apiece for the champions.

Was Pelle’s managerButch Holloway surprised that his teamwalked through the tournament so effortlessly?

“Yeah, really,” said Holloway. “This was our first year in the tournament so we weren’t sure what division to play in. We play “D” in USSSA so they put us in the “C.”

“It was something nice to win,” summed up Holloway. “It’s the first time we played in it and we hope to play in it for many years to come.”

Brinkman, Erdman Lead Moe’s Southwestern Grill/Saints Past Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “D” Field At Expressway Park

Milford, Oh.--Pitcher Bill Brinkman held three opponents to nineteen runs and Brian Erdman batted .909 to lead Moe’s Southwestern Grill/Saints to a first place finish in a Worth-Bud Light-USSSA “D” Qualifier July 30th at Expressway Park.

Moe’s/Saints sailed past three opponents in the four team round robin affair, knocking off M & M Connection 10-5 in a key first round match-up, Backyard Boys 21-8 and Greenies 13-6.

M & M finished second with a 2-1 mark.

Moe’s/Saints’ player-manager John Tomlinson said that Brian Erdman’s big day brought an end to what had been a bit of a slump.

“Brian’s been struggling this year hitting in the low five hundreds and he really came out and crushed the ball,” said Tomlinson. “He was seeing it really good.”

Other hitting leaders included Bill Brinkman at .800, Tomlinson and Jeff Thomas at .750 and Mike Barone at .727.

But it was “pitching and defense,” according to Tomlinson, that carried the day.

“Bill Brinkman is a veteran and he throws strikes when he needs to,” said Tomlinson. “He tries to get people to hit his pitch. I don’t think he walked one batter the whole day.”

Second baseman Jeff Thomas, shortstop Brian Erdman and leftfielder Mike Barone anchored the defense, said Tomlinson.

“They fielded everything hit at them and dove and made plays in the hole all day,” said Tomlinson.

“Jeff is unbelievable at 2nd base. He plays in the grass and makes diving catches in the hole and has a good enough arm to throw people out from the ground.

“This is Brian’s first year playing competitive ball and he’s a great pickup for us at short,” added Tomlinson. “And Mike runs our outfield for us. He makes sure everybody is playing where they should be, and he gets a great break on the ball.”

A five run outburst in the bottom of the 3rd broke open a 1-1 contest and put Moe’s/Saints ahead to stay at 6-1 against M & M in game one. Craig Risener smacked a two run homer to break the tie. Brian McDonald banged out four hits and Jeff Thomas and Brian Erdman shared six to pace the offense.

A ten run 2nd erased a 3-1 deficit and sealed an eventual 21-8, five inning rout of the Backyard Boys in game two. Bill Brinkman’s rbi single put his club on top for good at 4-3 in the 3rd. Later in the inning Mike Barone launched a slammer as the lead swelled to 10-3. The Saints padded their lead to 17-4 on the strength of a six run 3rd highlighted by a pair of two run doubles - one by John Tomlinson to make it 14-4 and another by Troy Brinkman to cap off the inning.

Tomlinson, Jeff Thomas, Brian Erdman and Chris Reed collected four hits each, and Troy Brinkman chipped in with three.

Greenies held the Saints in check for two and a half innings in the finale, and took a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the 3rd. But there the Saints erupted for five runs to grab a 6-2 lead and never looked back. Bill Brinkman put his club in front to stay at 4-2 with a two run single. The Saints added three in the 4th and two in the 5th and 6th to improve their lead to 13-6. Jeff Thomas delivered a two run bingle to account for two runs in the 4th, and Brian Erdman cracked a two run homer in the 6th.

Erdman, Mike Barone, Brian McDonald and Bill and Troy Brinkman combined for fifteen hits to power the champions.

Sauerback, Richter Lead Tastefully Simple Sluggers Past 9th Annual Women’s Corn Boil Field At Central Turners

Colerain Township, Oh.--Pitcher Heather Sauerback limited four opponents to only 21 runs while tournament MVP Lisa Richter hit a blistering .875 to lead Tastefully Simple Sluggers to a four game sweep of the 9th Annual Women’s Corn Boil Tournament August 5- 6 at Cincinnati Central Turners.

Tastefully Simple rallied for three runs in the bottom of the 5th to overcome a 5-3 deficit and went on to hold off GNO 7-5 in the championship game.

GNO rallied all the way back from an opening round 13-9 setback against the Sluggers to reach the finals, but was forced to settle for second place for the third straight year.

Following Lisa Richter’s team high .875 average were Lisa Tyler at .706, Theresa Everman at .692, Theresa Hirschauer at .625 and Karen Kron at .562.

But it was pitching and defense, said Tastefully Simple manager Megan Myers, that carried her club to the title.

“Heather Sauerback pitched the whole weekend and did a great job moving the ball around and keeping the hitters off-balance,” said Myers. “She never allowed more than nine runs in any game and only gave up twenty one runs the entire tournament.”

Anchoring the defense were Karen Kron and Lisa Richter, said Myers.

“Karen played short for us and did a great job, and that’s not her normal position,” pointed out Myers. “And Lisa tracked all the balls down in left field, and on those open fields, if a ball gets through, it just keeps on rolling.”

GNO Construction scored four runs in the top of the 2nd to take an early 4-3 advantage, but the Sluggers answered with three in the bottom of the inning to go up 6-4 and never trailed again. Pitcher Heather Sauerback held GNO to one run over the next four innings, while the Sluggers tacked on a run in the 3rd, then put up six in the bottom of the 6th to seal the win. Karen Kron’s rbi single put her club ahead to stay at 5-4 in the bottom of the 2nd. Tastefully Simple scored all six of their runs in the 6th with two outs. Heidi Gildow’s rbi single capped off the inning.

Lisa Richter and Lisa Tyler banged out four hits each, and Theresa Everman and Heather Sauerback chipped in with a 3-for-4 effort.

Tastefully Simple never trailed in game two, jumping out to a 5-0 lead in the top of the 1st, then scoring two in the 3rd, two in the 4th and five in the 5th to invoke the mercy rule in a 13-3 rout of Hart Environmental. Jane Eltzroth’s rbi single put the Sluggers on the board in the 1st. Lisa Tyler’s rbi single brought down the curtain in the 5th. Tyler and Richter pounded out four hits apiece, and Karen Kron and Theresa Everman shared six hits to pace the winners.

In the winners’ bracket finals Tastefully Simple used a four run 3rd to overcome a 3-1 deficit and take a 5-3 lead over KMT. Lisa Tyler singled in the go-ahead run in the 3rd. Theresa Hirschauer and Tyler each delivered an rbi single in the 7th as the lead grew to 7-3 before KMT mustered up a final tally in the bottom of the inning to make the final 7-4.

Theresa Hirschauer collected four hits, and Richter and Tyler combined for six to fuel the offense.

Tastefully Simple rallied from behind for the third time in the tournament in the finals, overcoming a 5-3 deficit with three runs in the bottom of the 5th. Theresa Everman singled in the go-ahead run. The Sluggers added an insurance run in the bottom of the 6th on Karen Kron’s rbi single. Kron and Lisa Richter laced out three hits apiece to power the champions.

BEST FOODS - Central Turners’ Athletic Director Ron Rich expressed his appreciation to Best Foods for playing in the tournament to round out the field after another team had withdrawn from the event.

August 12-13

Bernecker Brothers Overpowers EAP 22-3 In EMR Group-ASA “35-Over” Metro

Crosby Township, Oh.--Bernecker Brothers routed EAP 22-3 in four innings to complete a five game sweep of the 35-Over division of the EMR Group-ASA Cincinnati Metro Tournament August 12-13 at Rumpke Park.

Aside from a second round 12-9 victory over Total Package Express, Bernecker Brothers was in a league of their own, as they outscored their opponents 64-17 en route to the title.

The champions mercy-ruled their final two victims, and allowed only eight runs in their final three games.

“Superior pitching by Mark Huber and unselfish play” carried Bernecker Brothers to the title, said sponsor-manager Rick Bernecker.

“We had a lot of guys on the bench and everybody contributed,” said Bernecker. “It was easy to work everybody in because all of the players were willing to let someone hit for them. We had fourteen guys and every one of those guys came in and got some hits. Every player hit .500 or better.

“It was just a pleasure to watch them play,” said Bernecker. “Offensively we had a combination of power and pure hitting. They all knew their role and when to hit a home run, or hit a ball in the gap or just get a hit. It was easy for me to coach a team like that.”

Mark Huber and Rich Brandenburg were stellar handling the team’s pitching chores, said Bernecker.

“Mark just fields the middle so well. I can’t believe his reactions for his age. It’s impressive the way he snags balls up the middle. Also Rick Brandenburg backed him up and came up with a couple of nice hits.”

Mark Parris hit a robust .800 to power the champions. Pat Shanks followed with a .750 mark, Fred Tippitt batted .667, and Kevin Birkofer and Tim Keaton hit .571.

Shanks, Tippitt and Rick Clemens were the teams’ defensive standouts along with pitcher Mark Hubers, said Bernecker.

“For a guy in the 35-over division, Pat Shanks covers a lot of ground in the outfield,” said Bernecker. “He was amazing. Fred Tippitt also made some great catches and reached over the fence and took a home run away. And Rick Clemens stayed in front of the ball and made some big plays at 2nd.”

After benefitting from a 7-0 forfeit victory over American Equity Mortgage, Bernecker Brothers jumped out to an 11-2 lead after an inning and a half against Total Package Express, then held off a late TPE rally to preserve a 12-9 victory. John Steele and Mark Parris each cracked a two run homer in Bernecker Brothers’ six run 1st, then in the 2nd Dave Soult doubled in a pair of runs to cap off the inning.

Fred Tippitt went 3-for-4, and Parris and Pat Shanks added two hits each to pace the offense.

Next Bernecker Brothers plated four in the 1st, one in the 2nd and four in the 3rd to grab a 9-3 lead and never looked back in a 13-3 spanking of Dunno’s. A Dave Soult slammer accounted for all of Bernecker Brothers’ 1st inning tallies. Chris Gaskins had a key two run single to cap off the four run 3rd. John Steele banged out three hits, and Pat Shanks and Dave Destafano shared four.

Bernecker Brothers rolled past the Mudhens 17-2 in six innings in the winners’ bracket finals, scoring seven in the 2nd and three in the 5th, then putting the game away with seven runs in the 6th. Two run singles by Mark Parris, Mark Huber and Dave Destefano highlighted the 1st. Pat Shanks and Chris Gaskins each contributed a two run double in the 6th and Dave Soult launched a two run home run.

Kevin Birkofer collected four hits, and Parris, Huber, Destefano, Shanks and Rocky Manino combined for ten hits.

Bernecker Brothers exploded for nine runs in the top of the 1st and eleven in the 2nd to take an insurmountable 20-0 lead in the finals, and EAP never recovered in a lopsided 22-3, four inning finale. Tim Keaton’s slammer put his club on the board in the 1st, and Chris Gaskins capped off the inning with three run bomb. Then in the 2nd, Keaton and Mark Parris each singled home two runs, John Steele had a bases clearing triple, and Pat Shanks put an exclamation mark on the inning with a two run swat.

Parris, Steele, Shanks, Fred Tippitt and Mark Huber shared fifteen hits, and Keaton, Gaskins and Rick Clemens chipped in two apiece.

“EAP is a good team, so we had to come out and jump on them early,” said Bernecker Brothers’ Rick Bernecker. “They were playing well. We just bombed them early. We came out and jumped on them.”

Bernecker was voted MVP by his teammates.

“They gave me the trophy, but lots of players could have won,” protested Bernecker.

EMR GROUP-ASA CINCINNATI METRO TOURN. 35-OVER FINAL STANDINGS - AUG. 12-13, 2006

1. Bernecker Brothers 5 0 2. EAP 4 2 3. Mudhens 3 2 4. Total Package Express 2 2 5. Dunno’s 1 2 Easy’s In The Village 1 2 7. American Legion 1 2 Mr. Label/Plant Detail 1 2 9. Mueller’s/James Arnold 0 2 Sidelines 0 2

Early Scoring Helps Carry Winners Past Expressway Park Field... Loveless/Conveyor/Total Tan/Tri-Serve/Easton Stops Bencin Trucking 11-1 In Worth-Bud Light-Ohio USSSA “C” State Finals

Milford, Oh.--Loveless Hardwood/Conveyor Solutions/A Total Tan/Tri-Serve/Easton shut down Bencin Trucking 11-1 in the second championship game to capture first place in the Worth-Bud Light-Ohio USSSA “C” State Tournament August 13-14 at Expressway Park.

Bencin had forced an “if” game by slapping an 8-3 setback on Loveless/Easton in the first finals, but appeared to run out of gas in the second.

Jumping on top of their opponents early appeared to be the game plan for Loveless/Easton.

“We just seemed to get on top of teams in the 1st inning and never let up,” summed up Loveless/Easton manager Tom Richmond. “The only game we didn’t do that in was the first finals and we got beat. But we rallied back and started right off hitting again.

“We also played good defense,” added Richmond. “We made the big plays when we needed to. I always tell our team if you play good defense, you’ll win ball games.”

Shortstop Ryan Richmond, 3rd baseman Jason Roeder and outfielders Jason Wood and Tony Huston were Loveless’ defensive standouts, said Richmond.

“Ryan just made some real nice plays backhanding the ball and toward the middle, and Jason made some key plays that shut down rallies,” said Richmond.

“Also there were two nice catches by Jason Wood and one by Tony Huston in centerfield that saved a home run.”

Catcher Billy Villines turned in some stellar plays too, said Richmond.

“He made a couple key plays at the plate,” noted Richmond. “He’s our spark plug because he’s always hustling and he gives a hundred and ten percent. He deserves a lot of recognition for his play.”

Huston (.681), Richmond (.640), Villines (.571) and Vandever (.545) were named to the All-State Team. Jason Wood chipped in with a .545 weekend and Pete Ems batted a solid .526.

Pitcher Kelly Ferreria was named tournament MVP.

“His pitching skills keep us in the game,” remarked Richmond. “He’s a great team player. He works hard every game and keeps hitters off-balance.”

Loveless/Easton took the lead in the top of the 1st in every game they won and never trailed thereafter. Against Design Concepts Plus/Midwest Construction in game one they jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the 1st with the help of a Jason Wood slammer. Design Concepts fought back to within three at 13-10 after five, but Loveless/Easton slammed the door on their opponents with a five run 6th. Wood, who wound up with nine rbi’s in the contest, came through big again in the 6th with a bases clearing double. Pitcher Kelly Ferreria held Design Concepts at bay over the final two innings.

Ryan Richmond bang out four hits, and Jason Wood smacked two home runs and went 3-for-4 along with Bo Heinrich and Billy Villines.

Next Loveless/Easton plated four in the 1st, then tacked on two in the 2nd, two in the 3rd and two in the 4th en route to a 10-6 victory over Bondsmen/Stucco/Worth. Tony Huston’s two run double highlighted the 1st. Ryan Richmond collected three more hits, and Bo Heinrich, Tony Huston and Pete Ems combined for six.

Loveless/Easton met defending state champion Steve’s Drywall/Jeko Flooring/Jeds in game three, and took control early with a five runs 1st followed by a six run 2nd to forge an 11-2 advantage. Tony Huston continued to deliver the big hits, driving in two with a single in the 1st and two with a double in the 2nd. Loveless/Easton delivered the knockout blow with four runs in the top of the 6th. Billy Villines tripled home two of the runs to make it 19-10.

Ryan Richmond and Mike Dillon each went 4-for-5, and Bo Heinrich collected five rbi’s and went 3-for-4 along with Tony Huston and Pete Ems.

Loveless/Easton continued to score early and often in a winners’ bracket showdown with Bencin Trucking. The locals put up six in the 1st and 2nd and four in the 3rd to jump out to a 16-4 lead, then fended off a late Bencin charge to emerge with a 22-15 victory.

Back-to-back three run bombs - one by Jerry Vandever and the other by Jason Wood - put Loveless/Easton on top 6-0 in the 1st. Ryan Richmond’s two run double highlighted the 2nd, and Jason Roeder contributed a big two run double in the 3rd.

Vandever and Richmond pounded out four hits each, and Roeder, Mike Dillon and Judd McMillin shared nine.

Bencin bounced back to oust D & S Engineering 18-11, then tripped up Loveless 8-3 to earn a shot at the title. But pitcher Kelly Ferreria and the Loveless defense were nearly impregnable in the second finals, holding Bencin to a lone 3rd inning run. Meanwhile Loveless put up two in the 1st on a Mike Dillon shot, then added one in the 2nd and four in the 3rd to pull out to a 7-1 lead. Josh Baird delivered a big three run pinch hit home run in the 3rd. Loveless finally invoked the mercy rule with a four run 5th. Jason Roeder’s rbi single brought down the curtain.

Tony Huston and Billy Villines swatted out three hits each, and Mike Dillon, Jason Wood and Jason Roeder combined for six.

BUD LIGHT-WORTH SPORTS-OHIO USSSA MEN'S CLASS “C” STATE TOURNAMENT FINAL STANDINGS

1. Loveless/Conv./ATT/TS/Easton, Cincinnati, OH 5 1 2. Bencin Trucking, Kent, OH 6 2 3. D & S Engineering, Loveland, OH 6 2 4. Bondsmen/Stucco/Worth, Columbus, OH 4 2 5. Steve’s/Jeko Flooring/Jeds, Perrysburg, OH 2 2 TPE/AST/Miken, Trenton, OH 2 2 7. Big Sonny’s, Reynoldsburg, OH 3 2 House Rules/Crosley’s/Colerain, Cinti., OH 3 2 9. Moe’s SW Grill/Saints, Cincinnati, OH 3 2 EZ Cash/Steve’s Tires, Grove City, OH 2 2 Empire/Easton, Cincinnati, OH 1 2 Max Softball, Cincinnati, OH 1 2 13. Marysville Moose, Marysville, OH 2 2 Tilton Trucking, Springfield, OH 2 2 Design Concepts/MW Const., New Rich., OH 1 2 Kimball Shirtworks, Springfield, OH 1 2 17. A & A Enterprises, Cincinnati, OH 1 2 Barille/Scalpers, Willoughby, OH 0 2 Cooper Auto/Tanel, Huber Heights, OH 0 2 East End/Air Industrial, Cincinnati, OH 0 2 Hitmen Softball, Hillsboro, OH 0 2 Pure Romance/Premier Sports, Milford, OH 0 2 Sequa/Kemper/Sexton, Dayton, OH 0 2

BUD LIGHT-WORTH SPORTS-USSSA MEN'S CLASS "C" ALL-STATE TOURNAMENT TEAM

Brett Wolf Bondsmen/Stucco/Worth Shane Ferguson D & S Engineering Kevin Mell D & S Engineering Tim Sheeler Bencin Trucking Perry Perron Bencin Trucking Chris Miller Bencin Trucking Tony Huston Loveless Hardwood/Easton Ryan Richmond Loveless Hardwood/Easton Billy Villines Loveless Hardwood/Easton Joey Vandever Loveless Hardwood/Easton Kelly Ferriera - MVP Loveless Hardwood/Easton Joe Erb - ODP Bencin Trucking

BUD LIGHT-WORTH SPORTS-USSSA MEN'S CLASS "C" ALL-STATE TOURNAMENT TEAM

Brett Wolf Bondsmen/Stucco/Worth Shane Ferguson D & S Engineering Kevin Mell D & S Engineering Tim Sheeler Bencin Trucking Perry Perron Bencin Trucking Chris Miller Bencin Trucking Tony Huston Loveless Hardwood/Easton Ryan Richmond Loveless Hardwood/Easton Billy Villines Loveless Hardwood/Easton Joey Vandever Loveless Hardwood/Easton Kelly Ferriera - MVP Loveless Hardwood/Easton Joe Erb - ODP Bencin Trucking

MVP Johnson Paces Champions With .791 Performance... Best Way Frame/Nasty Boys Outlasts Two-N-Out.com/Easton 30-26 In Miller Lite-Kentucky USSSA Men’s “D” State Finals At Northern Kentucky Sports Park

Taylor Mill, Ky.--Best Way Frame/Nasty Boys outlasted Two-N-Out.com/Easton 30-26 in the second championship game to capture first place in the Miller Lite-Kentucky USSSA Men’s Class “D” State Tournament August 12-13 at Northern Kentucky Sports Park.

Two-N-Out.com/Easton tripped up Best Way 19-18 in eight innings in the first finals, but fell short in the second. Two-N-Out, which lost its first game of the tournament, made a valiant drive through the losers’ bracket before losing the 30-26 slugfest to the Nasty Boys. Two-N-Out held an early 8-5 lead after two innings in the championship game, but Best Way outscored Two-N-Out 14-0 over the next inning and a half, and put up nine big runs in the top of the 6th to fend off the challengers.

“Two out hits” carried Best Way/Nasty Boys to the title, said coach John Schwalbach.

“We had a lot of two out hits,” said Schwalbach. “We hit really well in clutch situations the whole tournament. Normally our defense carries us, but this time our sticks carried us and they carried us all the way through.”

Davey Johnson turned in a sizzling .791 weekend to pace the offense, and was joined on the All-State Team by Lonnie Turner (.680), Doug Amos (.653), Randy Lee (.631) and Benny Fields (.615).

Johnson was named Most Valuable Player.

“He hit in clutch situations the entire tournament and made some really key defensive plays in right field,” said Schwalbach. “He was our most consistent player all tournament long.”

Solid pitching and defensive play from Benny Fields and Johnson were also keys, said Schwalbach.

“Roger pitched a really good tournament, and the team just kept fighting through each game, and we hit really well in clutch situations.

“Benny Fields stepped up every time we needed him to at third base and made all the plays,” continued Schwalbach. “He gunned out a guy from his knees in the championship game and made some stellar plays all tournament long. He really stepped up with his glove and his arm in this tournament.

“Also Davey Johnson made quite a few diving catches and caught every ball hit in his direction and made a lot of plays in the gaps and down the lines.”

Roger Riley tossed a 12-0, five inning shutout victory over American Legion/Bomb Squad in the opener. Benny Fields singled home the first two runs of the game as the Nasty Boys grabbed a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st. The lead doubled to 10-0 in the 2nd with the help of a bases clearing triple by Davey Johnson. Johnson also singled in his club’s final two runs in the 4th.

Johnson collected three hits in the game, and Fields, Adam Barnes and Randy Lee chipped in two hits apiece.

Blue Collar fell next, also in five, 17-7 behind a 4-for-4 effort by Bennie Fields and Lonnie Turner and three hits from Davey Johnson and Roger Riley. Best Way plated four runs in the bottom of the 1st to overcome a 2-0 deficit, tying the game on Lonnie Turner’s two run double, then taking the lead on an rbi single by Bobby Schewmaker. The lead swelled to 10-2 in the 2nd, with Bennie Fields doubling home two runs and Doug Amos contributing a two run single.

John Schwalbach delivered a clutch three run triple to break a 5-5 stalemate with Good Guys/Dino’s Sports Cafe in the top of the 6th in game three, and the Nasty Boys held on for an 8-6 victory. Doug Amos also came through with a huge bases clearing triple the previous inning to knot the score at 5-5. Lonnie Turner and Randy Lee had three hits each for the winners.

Sneaky Pete’s/Noran LLC/Backstabbers drew first blood with a run in the top of the 1st in the winners’ bracket finals, but Best Way quickly wrenched away the lead on a two run double by Lonnie Turner in the bottom of the 2nd. The Nasty Boys added a run in the 2nd, then three in the 4th, three in 5th and three in the 6th to pull away to an eventual 12-5 victory. Jeff Henry’s double produced two of the three runs in the 4th, Benny Fields drove in two runs in the 5th with a base hit, and Bob Schewmaker doubled to account for two runs in the 6th.

Bennie Fields banged out four hits, and John Schwalbach and Davey Johnson shared six to fuel the offense.

Two-N-Out.com then ambushed the Nasty Boys 19-18 in the first finals, and took an early 8-5 lead after two innings in the second finals. But Best Way took the lead for good with six runs in the top of the 3rd, and eventually threatened to mercy-rule Two-N-Out by going up 28-18 with nine runs in the top of the 6th. But Two-N-Out refused to quit, answering with nine runs in the bottom of the 6th to cut the lead to 28-26. But after the Nasty Boys put up two more runs in the top of the 7th, pitcher Roger Riley held Two-N-Out scoreless in the bottom of the 7th to preserve the 30-26 victory.

Mike Williams two run double put the Nasty Boys ahead to stay at 9-8 in the top of the 3rd. Doug Amos’ two run single highlighted an eight run 4th. And a pair of three run doubles - one by Randy Lee and the other by Joe Barnes - accounted for six of Best Ways nine tallies in the 6th.

Davey Johnson and Adam Barnes pounded out six hits each to power the champions. Doug Amos and Randy Led combined for ten, and Mike Williams chipped in three hits.

“I’m really proud of the way the team played as a team,” concluded Best Way’s John Schwalbach. “Throughout the whole tournament we backed each other up and we fought through a lot of adversity.”

2006 MILLER-KENTUCKY USSSA MEN’S “D” STATE TOURNAMENT FINAL STANDINGS

1. Best Way Frame/Nasty Boys, Bellevue, KY 5 1 2. Two-N-Out.com/Easton, Florence, KY 7 2 3. Sneaky Pete’s/Noran/Backstab., Ft. Thomas, KY 3 2 4. Pridecast/S & W/DeMarini, Florence, KY 3 2 5. Blue Collar, Burlington, KY 4 2 Good Guys/Dino’s Sports Cafe, Covington, KY 2 2 7. Black-N-Blue, Erlanger, KY 3 2 Northern Kentucky Thunder, Burlington, KY 2 2 9. Armor Windows, Florence, KY 2 2 Legends, Erlanger, KY 2 2 T & T Lyons/Tanel, Independence, KY 2 2 Team Renegades, Independence, KY 1 2 13. Snappy Snappers, Independence, KY 2 2 Amer. Legion/Bomb Squad, Cold Springs, KY 1 2 Dead Money, Edgewood, KY 1 2 Grass Roots, Maysville, KY 1 2 17. Veteran’s/Friends & Neighbors, Dayton, KY 1 2 Lunatics, Ludlow, KY 0 2 M & M Kroth/Team Xplosion, Burlington, KY 0 2 Pharmacy Solutions, Florence, K Y 0 2 Prime Time, Crescent Springs, KY 0 2

KENTUCKY USSSA MEN'S CLASS D CO-STATE TOURNAMENT - ALL-STATE TOURN. TEAM

Craig Harden Pridecast/S & W/DeMarini Floyd Turner Sneaky Pete’s/Noran/Backstabbers Mike Harris Sneaky Pete’s/Noran/Backstabbers Chris Malay Two-N-Out.com/Easton Mike Hughes Two-N-Out.com/Easton Andy Gebelt Two-N-Out.com/Easton Benny Fields Best Way Frame/Nasty Boys Doug Amos Best Way Frame/Nasty Boys Randy Lee Best Way Frame/Nasty Boys Lonnie Turner Best Way Frame/Nasty Boys Tony Pompilio - ODP Two-N-Out.com/Easton Davey Johnson - MVP Best Way Frame/Nasty Boys

Team Bring It Escapes Kolping Park With “Top Dog” Title

Mt. Healthy, Oh.--Team Bring It limped into Kolping Park for the “Top Dog Challenge” August 12th and survived four close calls to come away with the first place cash prize of $500.

The champions knocked off Team Envy 13-10 in the the finals to nail down the title and wrap up a 4-0 day. Team Envy claimed the $250 second prize in the ten team, double elimination affair.

“Consistent hitting throughout the top of the line-up” proved to be the key for TBI, said manager David Whitehead.

“The top of the line-up produced well,” said Whitehead. “They scored the bulk of the runs.”

TBI, which was nursing some injuries to key players, needed help from their league roster to capture the title.

“We have a lot of players who are injured right now, and we’re trying to play through our injuries, so we picked up some players from our league roster who came in and helped us out defensively,” said Whitehead.

Whitehead said that Larry Cooper and Jamie Ashford turned in a stellar performance at third base and in left field, respectively.

Nakara Stephens paced the offense with a .714 day. Chip Turner, Ron Loveless Jr. and Joe Boyd batted .667. Boyd led the team in home runs with four.

“Nakara came in and got the job done,” said Whitehead. “He actually sat the bench the first game.”

Defensively, right centerfielder Chip Turner and shortstop Ron Loveless Jr. stepped up, said Whitehead.

“Chip had an excellent tournament both from the defensive and offensive side,” remarked Whitehead. “And Ron Loveless Jr. has been the man for us all hear. He made all the clutch plays when we needed an out and our pitching was able to get us a ground ball.”

Team Bring It got off to a slow start, and trailed the Playmakers 15-10 after four innings. But over the next three innings, they outscored their opponent 14-2 to claim a 24-17 victory. Reggie Stallworth’s two run single put TBI ahead to stay in the 5th at 16-15.

Ron Loveless Jr. and Joe Boyd each went 4-for-5, and Chip Turner added three hits.

TBI needed extra innings to get past UHR/Phillies 14-12 and M & M Connection 15-14.

With the scored tied at 12-12 against the Phillies, Darnell Burton and Nakara Stephens singled in the top of the 8th, moved into scoring position on a fly out, then scored on rbi singles by David Whitehead and Chip Turner.

Ron Loveless Jr. collected four more hits, Chip Turner and Joe Boyd combined for six, and Tim Booker went 2-for-3 with five big rbi’s.

Then in the winners’ bracket finals, Team Bring It needed three runs in the bottom of the 8th to overcome a 14-12 deficit against M & M. Jim Loveless got the rally underway with a leadoff single, then went to 3rd on Larry Cooper’s double. Nakara Stephens singled in Loveless, then, with one out, David Whitehead came off the bench to stroke a two run double to plate the tying and winning runs.

Tim Booker banged out three hits, and Chip Turner, Ron Loveless Jr. and Nakara Stephens shared six hits.

TBI found a new way to add drama to their games in the finals, jumping out to a 12-4 lead in the 3rd, then holding off a late Team Envy rally to preserve a narrow 13-10 victory. Team Bring It erupted for nine runs in the bottom of th e 2nd, then tacked on three in the 3rd to grab a 12-4 advantage. Tim Booker’s two run single erased a 2-1 Team Envy lead in the 3rd. Nakara Stephens added a two run double later in the inning. Team Envy stormed back to outscore TBI 6-1 over the final four innings before succumbing 13-10.

Jimmy Loveless pounded out three hits, and Stephens, Chip Turner and Ron Loveless Jr. combined for six.

“It was an impressively run tournament,” remarked TBI’s David Whitehead. “It flowed real well. There wasn’t a lot of sitting. (Park Manager) Kevin Sims and the umpires moved the games along real well. There weren’t any two or three hour waits.”

Final Standings: 1. Team Bring It 4-0; 2. Team Envy 4-2; 3. M & M Connection 2-2; 4. Maintenance 3-2; 5. Playmakers 2-2, UHR Canes/Phillies 1-2; 7. No Names 1-2, Dickweeds 1-2; 9. D-Generates 0-2, Cardinals 1-2.

Three Mercy Rule Routs Clinch Title At Queen City... Ty-1-On Romps To Worth-Bud Light-Ohio USSSA Women’s “B-C” State Crown

West Chester, Oh.--Ty-1-On mercy-ruled their first three opponents to clinch first place in the Worth-Bud Light-Ohio USSSA Women’s “B-C” State Tournament August 12-13 at Queen City Sports Complex.

The champions overpowered James Arnold 18-6, Meissner Insurance 16-2 and Shooters 14-2 before suffering a 16-15 setback in their finale.

Ty-1-On will now advance to the USSSA Great Lakes Division Women’s “B” National Tournament Labor Day Weekend in Rockford, Il., and to the U-Trip Women’s “B” World September 21-24 in Kissimmee, Fl.

Theresa Hirschauer (.667), Karen Kron (.647) and Rhonda Klette (.615) powered the winners. Kron was named tournament MVP.

“She played outstanding defense and was one of our leading hitters,” pointed out Ty-1-On manager Colleen Needham. “She also played moved from second base to shortstop and she’s just a natural athlete that moving her around doesn’t really matter to her.

“She played outstanding at short, and Lisa Tyler made some big plays at 1st base also,” said Needham.

Lisa Richter and Theresa Hirschauer anchored the outfield, said Needham.

“Lisa played left field for us and tracket a lot of balls down,” said Needham. “And Theresa Hirschauer always covers a lot of ground for us in left-center. The ball was flying so they got their running in.”

Needham credited her team’s success primarily to “versatility.

“We only had eleven players all day and we had some illnesses and injuries and had to change players’ positions,” said Needham. “Karen Kron had been playing 2nd base and ended up playing shortstop all weekend because Shelly Cummins was unable to play. Theresa Hirschauer had to play second the first two games and Andrea Costa came and played second the last two games. Truly versatily was our key.”

A twelve run 1st sealed an 18-6 spanking of James Arnold/Beaches in game one. Back-to-back triples by Celia Fritz and Lisa Tyler put their club on the board. Celia Fritz added a slammer to cap off the inning.

Fritz amassed ten rbi’s in the inning and went 4-for-4 along with Theresa Hirschauer. Karen Kron chipped in with three safeties.

Rbi singles by Lori Wilp and M. J. Ranz accounted for half of Ty-1-On’s four runs in the top of the 1st in game two with Meissner Insurance. The lead swelled to 7-2 on the strength of a four run 4th. Lori Wilp’s delivered a three run double. Celia Fritz added a two run single in a seven run 5th. Ranz banged out four hits, and Fritz added three to pace the offense.

Ty-1-On jumped out to a 10-0 lead after two innings in game three and never looked back. M. J. Ranz got the scoring underway with an rbi single in the three run 1st. Theresa Hirschauer contributed an rbi triple, and Karen Kron an rbi double in the seven run 2nd. A two run bingle by Rhonda Klette capped off the inning. Ty-1-On closed out the scoring with a four run 4th that featured a Brenda Ryan two run triple.

M. J. Ranz and Rhonda Klette combined for sixs hits, and Brenda Ryan and Andrea Costa each went 2-for3 to power the champions.

Was Ty-1-On surprised to mercy-rule their first three opponents?

“When we take the field most people are expecting us to win, and everybody gets pumped up to play us,” observed Needham. “I was happy with our good solid defense, and we hit up and down the line-up, and that’s the key to any good team no matter where you’re playing.”

WORTH-BUD LIGHT-OHIO USSSA WOMEN'S CLASS “B-C” STATE TOURN. FINAL STANDINGS

1. Ty-1-On, Cincinnati, OH 3 1 2. Hill & Griffith, Cincinnati, OH 3 1 3. Shooters, Dayton, OH 3 1 4. Meissner’s Insurance, Cincinnati, OH 1 3

Colcobine, Tucker Power Winners Past 16-Team Field... Mad Max Fends Off Pelle’s 14-3 In Worth-Bud Light-Ohio USSSA Women’s “D” State Finals At Queen City

West Chester, Oh.--Traci Colcobine and Sandi Tucker batted .733 to power Mad Max to a first place finish in the Worth-Bud Light- Ohio USSSA Women’s “D” State Tournament August 12-13 at Queen City Sports Com-plex.

Mad Max fended off Pelle’s 14-3 in the second championship game to wrap up a 5-1 weekend. Pelle’s had forced an “if” game with a narrow 8-7 victory in the first finals, but proved no match for Mad Max in the second.

Two out hitting made the difference for Mad Max, said manager Gregory Moore.

“We finally hit with two outs, which we have not done this year,” said Moore.

“It’s good to get some wins. We were 1-4 in the last two state tournaments. We’ve had bad luck in the USSSA State. We finally got all the players there. I told my sister we might win the state.”

Following Traci Colcobine and Sandi Tucker’s team high .733 performance were Iris Strickland at .705, Jenni Thompson at .579, Meisha Causwell at .526 and Theresa Shepard at .500.

“Sandi has been struggling, but she got a new bat and played well,” remarked Moore. “Traci played a new position for us (1st base) and did a great job. She’s normally an outfielder.”

Defensively pitcher Jenni Thompson and outfielder Janeen Johnson were stellar for the champions, said Moore.

“Jenni fielded everything up the middle, and Janeen’s leadership in the outfield was a big key for us. She had three assists, throwing out two runners at the plate and one at 3rd base.”

Mad Max used a six run 5th to break open an 8-4 contest and claim a 14-4, five inning rout of the Underdogs in game one. Meisha Causwell’s two run single highlighted the inning. Iris Strickland, Sandi Tucker and Michelle Pugh combined for nine hits, and Jenni Thompson added two.

Mad Max never trailed against the Columbus Jams in game two. The Cincinnati club jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st, then added two in the 3rd to take a 6-1 lead. But later Mad Max had to fend off a late Columbus rally to preserve a 9-7 victory. Traci Colcobine, whose two run single got her club on the board in the bottom of the 1st, shared six hits with Theresa Shepard. Michelle Pugh, Meisha Causwell and Iris Strickland each went 2-for-3.

Franklin Financial had Max’s number for four innings in game three, as they took a 5-2 lead into the top of the 5th. But there Mad Max exploded for ten runs to grab a 12-5 lead and seal an eventual 14-8 victory. Michelle Pugh’s two run single put Mad Max ahead to stay at 6-5 in the 5th. Sandi Tucker followed with a three run homer to push the lead to 9-5, and Franklin never recovered.

Tucker and Kelli Halpin banged out three hits each, and Keeca Terry added two hits.

Mad Max steamrolled Pelle’s 15-4 in five innings in the winners’ bracket finals. Mad Max took a 14-2 lead on the strength of a five run 1st and a six run 4th and never looked back. Sandi Tucker had a pair of clutch hits, including a two run double to make it 3-0 in the 1st, and a two run single to cap off the scoring in the 4th.

Janeen Johnson and Theresa Shepherd collected three hits each for the winners.

Pelle’s then ambushed Mad Max 8-7 to force the tournament to its limit, but it was all for naught as Mad Max roared back to spank Pelle’s 14-3. Mad Max came out with a vengence, plating six in the 1st, four in the 2nd and four in the 3rd to forge a 14-2 lead. Twelve of the fourteen runs were scored after two outs. Traci Colcobine’s two out single highlighted the 1st, and Iris Strickland contributed a two run single to make it 9-1 in the 2nd. Colcobine pounded out three hits for the champions.

“We want to thank (Ohio USSSA Women’s State Director Myra Burwell) for her normally well-run tournament,” said Mad Max manager Greg Moore. “Everybody had a good time. We also want to thank our sponsor, Herman Brunis III of Mad Max productions.”

WORTH-BUD LIGHT-OHIO USSSA WOMEN'S CLASS “D” STATE TOURN. FINAL STANDINGS

1. Mad Max, Cincinnati, OH 5 1 2. Pelle’s, Silver Grove, KY 5 2 3. Intimidators/Sneaky Pete’s, Batavia, OH 4 2 4. Franklin Financial, Cincinnati, OH 3 2 5. Columbus Jams, Columbus, OH 3 2 Pure Romance, Milford, OH 3 2 7. Playin It Straight, Brownsburg, IN 2 2 Precision Homes, Cincinnati, OH 2 2 9. Crosley’s Bar & Grill, Cincinnati, OH 1 2 Dirt Devils, Hamilton, OH 1 2 G. S. of Ohio, Canal Winchester, OH 1 2 Milford Hit-Hers/Sneaky Pete’s, Milford, OH 1 2 13. Cin.-Day. Cardinals, Cincinnati, OH 0 2 First Financial Bank, Cincinnati, OH 0 2 Roosters, South Solon, OH 0 2 Underdogs, Indianapolis, IN 0 2

JPM Mows Down Kolping Round Robin Field

Mt. Healthy, Oh.--JPM mowed down three opponents en route to a first place finish in a four team Saturday night round robin August 12th at Kolping Park.

JPM outscored their victims by a combined 51-18 margin as they knocked off Allied Restoration (1-2) 7-4 in their opener, then romped past 669 Mafia (2-1) 18-8 and Easy’s (0-3) 26-6.

Schmoe’s Outslugs Kolping Opponents

Mt. Healthy, Oh.--Schmoe’s Collision slugged their way past three opponents en route to first place finish in a four team, Sunday morning round robin on August 13th at Kolping Park.

Schmoe’s drilled the Bushwackers (2-1) 13-7 in a key first round match-up with the eventual runners-up, then battled past the Angry Dragons (1-2) 16-14 before overpowering Youngbloods (1-2) 24-9 in their finale.

Sandlot Rallies For Expressway Mini Title

Milford, Oh.--Sandlot bounced back from a first round forfeit loss to spank two opponents and capture a first place finish in an Expressway Park mini round robin on Sunday, August 13th.

After forfeiting to Bowling Interiors (2-1) 7-0, Sandlot routed Panama Reds (2-1) 13-1 and Ruble (0-3) 17-8.

MEN’S OPEN DIVISION

1 Storm/Wessel 5 0 2 Wntanabe/Tiny Town/Cincy 5 2 3 Pure Romance Easton 6 2 4 EMR 3 2 5 A&K Tile Wessel Sports/Blitz 3 2 Graystone Mortgage 2 2 7 Extreme Softball 2 2 Community Cab 3 2 9 Sneaky Pete’s Franchise 2 2 Harrison Bowl 1 2 Loveless Hardwood/Easton 2 2 Bisch’s/DPP 1 2 13 Total Package Express 1 2 B&B Tree Svc./Inbetween 1 2 Beef O’Brady’s/Epps/Texas 1 2 Win,Place,Show/Sports Conn. 0 2 17 Belly’s Party Bus/Bellyfest XI 0 2 James S. Arnold/Max 0 2 Club Trio/Knab Auto 0 2 Brock Restoration 0 2

MEN’S CLASS “A” OPEN DIVISION

1 Mike Foulks Auto Body 3 0 2 Loveless Hardwood/Easton 4 2 3 Frogtown 2 2 4 Empire/Easton 1 2 5 Win,Place,Show 0 2 Total Package Express 0 2

MEN’S CLASS “B” OPEN DIVISION

1 TPE/AST 7 1 2 EAP 5 2 3 SchochTile & Carpet/Hoeting 6 2 4 Dawg Pack/Greene’s Flower 5 2 5 East End Softball 4 2 Pure Romance Premier 3 2 7 Club Trio/Knab Auto Body 4 2 Chico’s 3 2 9 House Rules/Crosley’s 3 2 Hamilton West Eagles 2 2 Sentry Fire Protection/Apex 2 2 Groundtexx/Ramsey Sports 4 2 13 Artistic Furniture 2 2 CincySoftball.com/Cooper 2 2 Sneaky Pete’s Franchise 2 2 Colerain Ford/Team Nati 3 2 17 Best Prop, Inc./Fluffy’s Car 2 2 Mueller Roofing/Design Conc 2 2 D&S Engineering2 2 Am. Legion Bomb Squad 1 2 Harrison Bowl/El Mariachi 1 2 Two-n-Out.com/Easton 1 2 Brock Restoration 2 2 International House of Carpets 1 2 25 Bestway Frame/Nasty Boys 1 2 Bisch’s/DPP 0 2 Clad Prop./Phillies 1 2 Corner Pub 0 2 ADS 0 2 Belly’s Party Bus/BellyfestXII 1 2 Alig Shell 1 2 Bright/Tidwell Excavating 1 2 33 A&A/Patrick’s/Econ. Linen 0 2 AllNet 0 2 M&S Drywall/Easton 0 2 Old Spice/Putters Tavern 0 2 Mr. Label/Plant Detail/Take 5 0 2 Airway 0 2

MEN’S CLASS “C” OPEN OVERALL

1 B&B Tree Svc/Inbetween 4 1 2 Niesen Plumbing/Mass Mark 2 2 3 Union Savings Bank 1 2 4 Guido’s 0 2

MEN’S CLASS “C” OPEN NORTH

1 Guido’s Sports Bar 10 1 2 Lykins Contracting/Tower 4 2 3 Kenny’s/Time Warner 3 2 4 Swisshelm/Doghouse 3 2 5 Team Lite 2 2 Take 5/Spud Properties 3 2 7 Extreme Softball 4 2 Hoops/Quality Sports 3 2 9 Outlaws 2 2 John Sauber Softball 1 2 Black N Blue/Law Penn 2 2 Cincy Sting/Team Spackle 2 2 13 Rush Auto 1 2 JPM/Woodland/Easy’s 0 2 TB Sports 1 2 Classic Carpets 1 2 17 Armor Windows 0 2 Dynamic Softball 0 2 Viox Services 0 2 Tredway Pollitt 0 2 Bud Light 0 2 Lucky Dog Tavern & Grill 0 2

MEN’S CLASS “C” OPEN SOUTH

1 Niesen Plumbing/Mass Mark 6 0 2 Accurate Masonry 6 2 3 Death Row 3 2 4 Original Table Top Cornhole 5 2 5 Pride Cast/S & W2 2 Local 392 Red 2 2 7 A&A Millwright/Crossroads 3 2 Miami Lakes/Rosemeyer Roof 3 2 9 Noonan’s Pediatrics of Hamil 1 2 4D Screenprinting 2 2 Howell Rehab/Advanced Pain 2 2 Quality Tire 2 2 13 Am. Tickets/Buffalo Wild Wi 1 2 Masur Trucking 0 2 Riverdogs/Tanel 360/DD’z 1 2 BuyCasting.com 1 2 17 Blue Thunder Softball 0 2 Alvis Landscaping 1 2 Kessler Sports 1 2 Calvary Towing/Repetes 0 2 Bud Light 0 2 Prout Painting 0 2

MEN’S CLASS “C” OPEN EAST

1 Inbetween/B&B Tree Service 5 0 2 Rocks Boys/Cincy Home Lns 5 2 3 Hot Wings/Proud Rooster 4 2 4 Covington’s Finest 5 2 5 Schmoe’s Collision 2 2 Community Cab 4 2 7 Brown Bar 3 2 Hot Wings/Village Pantry 2 2 9 Team Bring It 2 2 Reamer’s Taxidermy 3 2 Superior Floorcare 1 2 Queen City Nutrition 2 2 13 Groesbeck Tavern 2 2 Thompson Macc/Vogue Tire 1 2 Auggie’s Chuggers 0 2 Brogan Wolfe/Scoreboard 1 2 17 Friends&Neighbors VSP 0 2 Hickory Homes 0 2 Pursuit Skip-Trace/National 0 2 Beef O’Bradys/Epps/Texas 0 2 Academy Rentals 0 2 Rumpke Bad Boys 0 2

MEN’S CLASS “C” OPEN WEST

1 Union Savings Bank 5 0 2 Silver Bullets 5 2 3 Long Shots/Schreib Tribe 6 2 4 Rug Company 5 2 5 Eddie’s Café/Diamond Dawgs 3 2 Champions/Bachman 2 2 7 J&B Ramrods 2 2 Young Guns/Valvo/Bo’s Boys 3 2 9 Fasttrack Auto & Trailer 1 2 Real Painters 2 2 Valley Insulation 1 2 Quality Sports & M&B 1 2 13 Sportscard Exchange 1 2 Riverbats 1 2 Meiner’s Café/Sibcy Cline 1 2 PBSI/Fairfield Floor/One Call 1 2 17 Pharmacy Solutions 0 2 Rivershore 0 2 Snappy Snappers/Bandits 1 2 Good Guys/Patricks Hardwd 1 2 Clermont Softball0 2 Carstar/Hilltop Perf 0 2 MEN’S CLASS “D” OPEN OVERALL

1 Secret Service 3 0 2 Godbey Law 2 2 3 Herald’s Barbershop 1 2 4 Animations/Ballerz 0 2

MEN’S CLASS “D” OPEN NORTH

1 Animations/Ballerz 6 0 2 Innovative Remodeling/Crum 5 2 3 D’s Restoration/DVH 6 2 4 Stellar Real Estate/Crating 5 2 5 Design Press Falcons 3 2 Montgomery Lawfirm 3 2 7 Old Spice/Win Place of Show 4 2 Champions/Roeve 3 2 9 Vandalay Industries/Pirates 3 2 Lawrenceburg Motorsports 2 2 Marty’s Pub 3 2 Columbia Chevrolet/Amstan 3 2 13 Executive Supply/Bomb Squd 2 2 Landframers 2 2 Schultz Bros. Plumbing 2 2 DMG Contractors 2 2 17 Poppy’s Sports Bar 1 2 Raiders/The Cricket Bar 1 2 Blue Balls 1 2 Sibcy Cline 1 2 The Gutter Genie 1 2 Coldiron Crushers 1 2 Automans/Dirty Dawgs 1 2 Charger Bob Squad 1 2 25 Yoemen’s Web Works/Bargos 0 2 Monty’s 0 2 Hazard County Redskins 0 2 Queen City Steel/FBF Limited 0 2 Jazz in the Park 0 2 Wicked Wayz 0 2 Ramsey Sports 1 2 EST Analytical 0 2 33 Team VIP 0 2

MEN’S CLASS “D” OPEN SOUTH

1 Godbey Law 5 0 2 State Farm 9 2 3 Money Shots/AT Excavating 5 2 4 Mohawk Machinery 4 2 5 Team Crosley’s 4 2 Joe’s 3 2 7 Auto Express 3 2 Pierre Foods 3 2 9 Booj’s Skinless Chicken/Kess 3 2 A-One Kahoots 2 2 Ponder Apparel 3 2 Killer B’s/HHH Insurance 2 2 13 Always Trucking/Mustang Sal 2 2 Pak Mail/Never Give Up 2 2 BMF/Shirt Happens 2 2 Bauer Power 2 2 17 Youngblood 1 2 Local 387/Fat Cats 1 2 Servall Shockers 1 2 Pak Mail/Never Give Up 1 2 Westwood Style/No Worries 1 2 Huesman-Schmid Insurance 1 2 Take A Drop 1 2 The Buzz 1 2 25 Total Quality Logistics 0 2 G & J Pepsi 0 2 All Out Hustle 0 2 Ounce O’ Gold 0 2 Ron’s Landscaping 0 2 Western Plumbing/Oicabins 0 2 Bayes & Sons/Kodiaks 0 2 Linwood Café 0 2 33 Snow’s Lake 0 2

MEN’S CLASS “D” OPEN EAST

1 Secrect Service 6 0 2 CSK Electric/Blue Note 7 2 3 Argosy Casino/Creative Dim 4 2 4 Kentucky Chiropractic 6 2 5 Laptop World/C Unit 3 2 Remax/Merchants Softball 4 2 7 Lost Boys 4 2 Ruc’s Rebels 3 2 9 Easy’s 2 2 Packers 2 2 Snell Bros. Painting 3 2 Bargo’s Grill & Tap 2 2 13 Fairfield Lanes 2 2 Wannaknobme 2 2 Watson’s Of Cincinnati 2 2 Game Face/J&F Yard/Frey 2 2 17 Cincinnati Lawn & Landscape 1 2 Pickering Painting 1 2 Hammertime/Cartwright 1 2 Townmark Tavern/Clearview 1 2 2J Supply/Renegades 1 2 Knotty Pine 1 2 Alcoholics Unanimous/ETP13 1 2 RFW/Bluntmasters 1 2 25 Poppy’s Scrubbs 0 2 Servizzi Excavating/Optimus 0 2 Industrial Services 0 2 Richard Craniums/Koogle 0 2 Swinging Stix 0 2 A.I.M. 0 2 Fader 1 2 All Stars/PBR 0 2 33 Schumtte Custom Flooring 0 2

MEN’S CLASS “D” OPEN WEST

1 Herald’s Barbershop 5 0 2 Castrucci Ford 5 2 3 Holy Grail/Champions Grille 6 2 4 Hartke Kneffin Insurance 5 2 5 Hot Wings/Shropshire Ins 3 2 Gashouse Gorillas 3 2 7 Nirvana Nutition 3 2 Pamco/ECC 4 2 9 Delhi House/Saylor Park Mar 3 2 Nazdar 3 2 Rick’s Auto Body 3 2 Noble Electric/Rockin Rons 2 2 13 Most Wanted/Shire 2 2 Guidos 2 2 Mercedes Benz of Cincinnati 2 2 Countrywide Home Loans 2 2 17 Westside Pools 1 2 Ogara 1 2 Castle Metals/Strategy 1 2 Players Café 1 2 Advanced Transport 1 2 Mothers Softball 1 2 Storm Softball 2 2 Young Guns/Ramsey Sports 1 2 25 Kupper Komputers 0 2 Ecolab 0 2 Petit Plumbing 0 2 Ray Lilly Bulldogs 0 2 Coman Roofing 0 2 Packed Home Solutions 0 2 Gale Building Products/Skull 0 2 Bowlings/Crowleys 0 2 33 Endurance Skiing 0 2

MEN’S CLASS “E” OPEN

1 Oops Auto Collision 6 1 2 Withourselves/Woodpeckers 5 2 3 Best Damn Bar In Town 6 2 4 T-Squad 4 2 5 Evil Twin Bar & Grill 2 2 Who Cares/Builders First 2 2 7 Crosley’s 2 2 Tri-State Supply 2 2 9 Wild Bunch 2 2 Dew Drop Inn 1 2 Playmakers 1 2 Team Fudd 1 2 13 Puma’s 0 2 Death 0 2 Roswells Cheviot 0 2 Champion Windows 0 2 17 Cheifs 0 2 Buffalo Joe’s 0 2

MEN’S INDUSTRIAL A DIVISION

1. Cooper Sports/UAW #863/Veterans 3 0 2. Local #392 Blue 2 2 3. CWA #4400 2 2 4. Duke Energy 1 2 5. UAW Sharonville 0 2

MEN’S INDUSTRIAL B DIVISION

1. Reimeier Lumber 6 1 2. ADS 3 2 3. Elect Greg Hartman 2 2 4. Builders 1st Source 3 2 5. Gayle’s Grounders 2 2 Local #392 Red 2 2 7. Viox Services 1 2 Insulators #8 0 2 9. Feldkamp 0 2 Local #212 Blue 0 2

MEN’S INDUSTRIAL C DIVISION

1. A-1 Kahoots 4 0 2. Hamilton County Sheriffs 3 2 3. M & S Drywall 3 2 4. Shepherd Color 4 2 5. Budweiser 2 2 Meyer Tool 2 2 7. Castle Metal/Harris Corporation 1 2 Neiman Plumbing 1 2 9. Local #212 Red 0 2 Queensgate 0 2 Rumpke Bad Boys 0 2

WOMEN’S UPPER DIVISION

1 Bobcat 3 0 2 Mad Max 1 2 3 Crosleys 0 2

WOMEN’S CLASS C DIVISION

1 Pelle’s 4 0 2 T.I. Racing 4 2 3 Kupper Komputers 2 2 4 J & B Lady Ramrods 1 2 5 Drunk N Stuf 1 2 Beaters 0 2 7 TNA/Rumpke 0 2