The Braves were in action Thursday night last week due to the 4^th of July holiday weekend. They were matched up against the expansion Reds at Trinity Ballpark, with this being the final game before the All-Star break.  The Braves got going early when Dominic Marino scored on a sacrifice fly by Matt Burke. Later in the first, Andy Zellers plated on a Nick Smiley single. The second inning saw four more runs go on the board when Marino drove in Matt DeWolf and was followed by a three-run homerun by Zellers. After being shutout in the third, the Braves scored five more runs in the fourth, highlighted by a two-run homer by Brandon Tallman. The Reds made a charge in the fourth, putting up a four-spot that was sparked by an Erik Plotner homerun to leadoff the inning. However, Ryan Angrick would regain control of the game and shut down the Reds for the remaining three innings, while the offense tacked on another five runs to induce the mercy rule. Final Score: Braves 16, Reds 4.

            The Braves showed up at Brebeuf HS yesterday looking to salvage a split of the season series with the Arrows, who have remained atop the American league standings all summer. The team sent Zach McLean to the mound to battle the Arrow’s ace, Eric Teall. After retiring the Arrows in order in the first inning, McLean ran into some trouble, allowing two runs in the second. What followed was an afternoon to forget for the home team. The Braves allowed fourteen runs in the third inning, an attack that was highlighted by Seth Paul’s second homerun on the day. The Braves managed to get two runs back in the bottom of the inning when Matt DeWolf blasted a two-run homer. But, the Arrows were just warming up. They added nine more runs over the next three innings, with most of the damage coming on a grand slam by Teall. The Braves showed a little fight in the sixth inning when they scored five runs, sparked by a solo homerun to leadoff the inning by Nick Smiley (pictured). Mitch Brock tossed three innings of relief, battling through a hot Arrows lineup and some poor defensive play behind him. Jerad Tallman finished up on the hill for the Braves, shutting the Arrows out in the final two innings. Final score: Arrows 25, Braves 7.

            After last week’s close call against the O’s, and now a lopsided loss to the Arrows, the Braves have to decide what has gone wrong in the middle of the season. Normally a sound defensive team, the Braves have made several errors the past couple weeks and can’t seem to get their revamped offense on track. Critics say that the team has seemed distracted and their inability to focus has led to the sudden slip. Rumors circulated Sunday that manager Erich Rusie seemed to be the one having the most trouble blocking out distractions. Sources told the media that Rusie had received threats of having his car blown up by a disgruntled former outfielder. Infielder Matt DeWolf said that Rusie seemed nervous and that he was worried about him because “Rusie is always concentrating on the game, he game plans all week while he is sitting at the batting cage. I mean sure he takes a break every now and then to play miniature golf or dust off Ridge Racer, but it’s not like him to not have us ready for the game.” When asked about his mental health, Rusie diverted the questions, saying that he was a “gamer” and that he believed other members of the team were guilty of not making the Indiana Adult Baseball League priority number one. He stated, “We got guys who seem to think baseball isn’t as important as other things in their life. I mean, I got an all-star outfielder in Tyler Gastin, but he blew off a game because he would rather go swing dancing with a bunch of beautiful women.” Rusie continued by saying, “And some of these other guys, with all their talk about their families and their j.-o.-b. being more important than my quest to win a championship, I just don’t get it, I’m a former manager of the year, kiss the plaque.” Despite refuting that he had an anxiety about his 2000 Pontiac Grand AM being blown to pieces, infielder Steve Gentry said that he swore he saw Rusie catching the IndyGo after the game. Nick Smiley stated that he told Rusie to relax, nothing was going to happen to him because “Pat Bell doesn’t drop bombs, I do.” The Braves next play on Thursday against the Shaun Arnold and the Reds. Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Ballpark.

The Braves and Orioles played a close game on Sunday June 21^st. It was a muggy day down at Decatur Central HS and the Braves seemed to be sluggish at the plate for most of the day. The Orioles scored two runs in the first inning when Josh Ward and Justin Hole opened up with back-to-back singles and later plated on an error and fielder’s choice. The O’s put up another two-spot in the third inning when Hole led off with a single and was followed by a Jason Twomey double. Both later scored on one-out base hits by Cissel and Hixson. The Braves fought back to score a run in the third when Scott Friedline doubled off the leftfield fence to start the inning, and later scored on a groundball by Matt DeWolf. The Braves added another run in the fourth when Steve Gentry reached on an error and later scored. The game would remain close, with the Braves catching a break in the sixth when Gentry and DeWolf both scored on a two-out error. The club would take the lead in the seventh courtesy of three consecutive base hits that plated veteran, and 80s pop music fanatic, Matt Matheis. Newcomer, Andy Zellers (pictured), would hit a towering homerun in the eighth inning to give the Braves a three run lead. That proved to be more than enough for rookie Ryan Angrick who logged a complete game, striking out eight.

The team seemed relieved after the game to escape with a win after not playing their best baseball. Youngster Zach McLean stated that he was nervous throughout the afternoon and became dehydrated for the second game in a row. Fans may remember McLean requesting a cup of water while on the mound a few weeks ago versus the Mustangs. Lefty reliever, Mitch Brock, refused to take a cup of water out to the mound for McLean and later said, “I don’t know who Zach thinks I am, I’m not his waterboy. He needs to call Bobby Bouche if he wants his high-quality H2O.” A bashful McLean spoke to reporters after the game and said, “Mama said Mitch is the devil.” McLean’s high school sweetheart, who attended the Mustang’s game, was unavailable for comment. The team stood at 6-3 at the halfway point of the season, which caused some players to reflect on the first half of the season and what lies ahead. Matt Matheis was the most forward of the players, referencing Bon Jovi to describe his feelings after nine games, “I told the guys ‘whooah, we’re halfway there, take my hand, we’ll make it I swear. Cause it doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not, we’ve got eachother and that’s a lot for love, we’ll give it a shot.’”

The Braves bounced back from their loss to the Canes this past Sunday by taking care of business against the Mustangs. This was the second match up between the two teams this season, with the Braves winning the first duel 14-8 back on May 9^th. This time the Braves offense once again did the job, but the defense and pitching were able to avoid a Mustang rally in the sequel. Zach McLean made his first start of the season and cruised along, facing only twenty-eight batters in seven innings of work. The offense was sparked by leadoff man Jerad Tallman, who scored in the bottom of the first inning on a groundball by Dominic Marino. In the second, Jordan Marsell (pictured right) continued his resurgence with a double and later scored on a single by Tyler Gastin. Gastin later plated on a Matt DeWolf single. The club added one more run in the third when Gastin notched his second rbi single of the day, driving in Nick Smiley. The Braves scored their fifth and sixth runs in the fourth on consecutive base hits by Marino, Burke, Matheis, and Smiley. The Mustangs broke through for a run in the fifth when Nick Malatesnic walked and later came home on a single by Matt McLaren. However, the Braves came up with a six-run sixth to put the game out of reach. Mitch Brock came on in relief of his pupil, McLean, and retired the Mustangs in order in the eighth. In the bottom of the inning, Brandon Tallman came across on a passed ball to end the game. Final score: Braves 13, Mustangs 1.

Solid defense and efficient pitching were the cornerstone of the victory, but they were somewhat overshadowed by the steady offense levied by the heart of the Braves lineup. Zach McLean said he appreciated the effort and spoke about it after the game, “I think we were a little too laid back on defense before, but since my arrival, the intensity has gone way up. I think it all started when I drilled Dominic with an 85 mph fastball from about five feet away on a double play a couple weeks ago.” Marino then spoke about McLean and his perspective, “I think Zach has been good for the ball club. Originally we just brought him on so that Smiley can use his bat, but I guess he can pitch a little too.” Most of the team seemed in good spirits when the press caught up with them the day after the game, except for veteran Matt Matheis. When questioned about what was wrong, Matheis simply stated “It’s just another manic Monday, wish it was Sunday, that’s my fun day, my don’t have to run day.” When asked if he was purposely quoting lyrics from the 80s female pop band, The Bangles, Matheis began to leave, saying, “Have to catch an early train, got to be at work by nine, and if I had airplane, I still couldn’t make it on time.”

The Braves will battle the Orioles on Sunday at Decatur Central HS, game time is 12:30 p.m. However, the team isn’t sure on Matheis’s status for Sunday’s game. The club is trying whatever it takes to get him back, but rumor has it that he is permanently stuck in the 80s.

The Braves bounced back from their loss to the Dodgers by knocking off the Astros on Sunday May 31^st by a score of 15-4. The game was close early as Ryan Angrick limited the Astros to three runs in seven innings. The offense was steady all day and erupted in the top of the ninth to put the game away. The eight run ninth was started with a walk to Matt Burke and followed with rbi hits by Tyler Gastin, Scott Friedline, Zach McLean, Jerad Tallman, David Dugger, and Dominic Marino. The scoring was capped off when Burke doubled in his second at-bat to plate Marino. Angrick picked up the win and Mitch Brock made his first appearance of the season, holding the Astros in the final two innings. The club was content with a split of the two games over the weekend and even happier to see the return of Zach McLean (pictured right). McLean played for the Braves last season in between his junior and senior years of high school. Although it is unusual for a high school player to be eligible to compete in an adult league, manager Erich Rusie cleared up the confusion after the game by saying, “Although Zach attended Zionsville HS this year, everything is legit. Because of his young looks, Zach is assigned to go undercover in local high schools to bust teenage drug dealers and other youthful offenders. He is a police officer assigned to a unique squad full of officers who can still pass as high schoolers, it’s almost like something off of t.v.” When informed that it actually was something off of t.v. and that he made McLean’s life sounded exactly like that of Johnny Depp’s character in 21 Jump Street, a police drama that aired in the late 1980s, Rusie refused to answer anymore questions because “it’s classified.”

The Braves and Dodgers met on Friday night after an eleven day layoff due to the holiday weekend. However, neither team showed signs of rust as both put runs on the board early. The Braves struck first when Jerad Tallman singled to lead off the game and later scored on a sacrifice fly from Dominic Marino (pictured left).  The Dodgers took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the inning when Dan Taylor and Jeremy Honaker both plated on a Josh Fuller double. The Dodgers would start to pull away by adding three more runs in the second, highlighted by a Matt Bush homerun. The Braves would battle in the fifth and sixth innings to push across a run in each frame. In the fifth, Erich Rusie would reach on an error to lead off the inning, and courtesy runner Matt DeWolf would later score from first when Steve Gentry smashed a double to the right field fence. In the sixth, Matt Matheis singled to start the action and came home on a Scott Friedline base hit. During the Braves’ half of the sixth, an argument broke out in the team dugout, which was followed by a tirade from outfielder Pat Bell. More information on this event was available after the game. After narrowing the lead to two, the Braves would allow five more Dodger runs in the sixth, making it 10-3. The onslaught was led by another homerun, this time by Dodger catcher Jeremy Honaker. The Braves would add one run in the seventh and three more runs in the eighth to pull within three.  Jerad Tallman came on in relief of David Dugger, who allowed only five earned runs in six innings of work. Tallman shut the Dodgers down in the seventh and eighth to keep the Braves within striking distance. In the ninth, the Braves loaded the bases with one out, but failed to score as Dustin Waalkens earned the save for the Dodgers. Final score: Dodgers 10, Braves 7.

After the game, all the talk was about the outburst in the team’s dugout during the sixth inning. Sources say Bell was upset over not being in the batting lineup and promptly left the dugout, disrobed, came back to the dugout to return his uniform and solicit a refund from manager Erich Rusie. Rusie, being a ridiculous character that doesn’t carry his checkbook while in the on deck area, asked Bell to please speak to him after the came. Bell refused and a mass disruption broke out in the dugout. Bell, who is scheduled to be an instructor at a baseball camp on the east coast this summer, later said, “I have a crazy fire for this game…I’ll go to Maine, train, and teach kids ball.” Manager Erich Rusie told the media that Bell was suspended indefinitely from the team, but would be released if he wished to find another MABL team or try his luck in the Central and South American Baseball Association of Indianapolis, you know, the CSABAI. Rusie voiced his frustration after the game, saying “This whole matter was very embarrassing for the team and the league. I don’t know if they teach that kind of behavior at that camp in Maine or what. I’m guessing Pat will just be a junior staff member out there. I’m sure the camp has guys like Carols Zambrano and Milton Bradley to cover the lessons on self destruction. Maybe T.O. or Stephon Marbury will be there to counsel the kids on team building and personal conduct.” Further attempts to reach Bell were unsuccessful. One member of his entourage said that Bell’s mobile device and computer were both malfunctioning due to the massive amounts of emails, text messages, and phone calls that were placed to manager Erich Rusie. The Braves, but not Bell, took on the Astros Sunday afternoon, check back for the recap on that game later this week.

The Indiana Braves were back in action Sunday as they met the Cubs for the first time this season.  The Cubs are led by rookie manager Mike Siegrist, who took over the reigns from IABL veteran Don Noel. Despite the change at the helm, the outcome was decided early as the Braves got the offense going early. A five run first inning was fueled with rbi doubles from Dominic “Cage Fighter” Marino, Matt Matheis, and Erich Rusie. Two more runs were tacked on in the second when Jerad Tallman singled in Pat Bell and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Marino. The Cubs, also known as the Captains, scored two runs of their own in the second when they drew five walks. However, the Braves pitching staff would regain form and allow only one hit all day and no runs after the second inning. The Braves’ offense levied another five run attack in the fourth when Marino, Burke, Gastin, Matheis, and Friedline all scored with one out. The fifth inning saw seven runs plate, highlighted by a Matheis single after four consecutive Braves drew walks. A four-spot in the sixth inning was the final dagger. Final score: Braves 24, Cubs 2.

Nick Blomeke earned his first win of the season, throwing three innings in relief of starter Charlie Zimpelman. Ryan Angrick came in and closed out the game, throwing less than a dozen pitches in two innings of work. Despite the solid pitching and onslaught of offense, the highlight of the game was undoubtedly a diving catch in centerfield by Matt Burke. At the time of the catch, the Braves were still holding on to a combined no-hitter from Zimpelman, Blomeke, and Angrick. Burke laid out in the right-centerfield gap, coming up with a ball that everyone thought for sure would fall in. Angrick, who was on the mound at the time, showed his gratitude for the web gem by promptly giving up a base hit to the next Cubs batter. After the game, a somber Burke spoke about his outstanding play and how it ended up not meaning anything, “I really wanted to see the first no-hitter in franchise history, I personally blame Nick Smiley and Jordan Marsell, if they had been here, we would have gotten it done. I know Jordan had Lamaze class and 12:30 games are a little early for Smiley after a night out, but they will have to answer to me.” Marsell was unavailable for comment as cell phone reception is a little shaky in the basement of the West Lafayette YMCA, where his Lamaze class is held. However, cell phone reception in Broad Ripple is still excellent, and when Smiley caught wind of Burke’s comments, he replied, “Burke needs to calm down, he is talking trash about the wrong guy, and doesn’t he know who I am? I’m Nick Smiley, welcome to the gun show.” The Braves will take this weekend off for Memorial Day weekend, but are back in action Friday May 29^th at Manual HS, game time 7 p.m.

            The Indiana Braves took on a familiar foe Sunday, who had a whole new look. The MABL Mustangs rejoined the 18+ division this year and are primarily made up players from the White Sox, who made the jump to the 28+ after the 2006 season. The Braves weren’t sure what was in store for them and it turned out the Mustangs can still swing the bat. On the hill, Ryan Angrick continued his role as the Braves’ starter and turned in a quality start. The Mustangs would jump on top when leadoff man Matt McLaren doubled to lead off the game and later scored on a single by Brad Bennett. Alliterations aside, the Braves held the Mustangs to one run and put two on the board in their half of the second. Scott Friedline singled with one out and Matt DeWolf followed by drawing a hit-by-pitch. Matt Matheis promptly doubled home Friedline, which allowed DeWolf to reach third. Erich Rusie then drove DeWolf in with a ground ball to give the Braves the lead. Two innings later, the Braves would put up a four-spot and once again it was Friedline who got the rally started with another base hit. DeWolf then singled to put two runners on for the wilily old veteran Matt Matheis. Matheis then powered his first home run of the season over the leftfield fence. Rusie would then walk and steal second. Matt Burke came through with a two-out single to plate Rusie and give the club a 6-2 lead after four.  The Mustangs would battle for another run in the fifth when Tony Ranek was hit-by-a-pitch and after reaching third, scored on an attempted steal of second base. The Braves would push across another eight runs in the next two innings, highlighted by another double by Matheis that plated two runs. After building the lead to twelve, the Braves would allow six runs in the final three innings. The Mustang rally was led by Kylan Stuck who had three hits from the sixth inning on, including a solo blast in the eighth. However, the attack would fall short and the Braves held on for the win. Final score: Braves 14, Mustangs 8.

            After the game, players congratulated Matheis on his day at the plate and head first assault on third base. Matt was awarded MABL “Player of the Week” honors, going 3-for-5 with a HR, 2 doubles, 6 RBI, and a memorable stolen base. In all seriousness, Manager Erich Rusie spoke highly of Matt after the game, “I don’t know what got into Matt, he has always been a cornerstone of my team going back to 2004, but he has never raked like this, I sure am glad I didn’t package him in that deal with Arnold to the Central and South American Baseball Association of Indianapolis.” Reserve infielder Steve Owens was slated to keep the book for the game against the Mustangs but had to attend a beach volleyball tournament. He later spoke about not being able to see the “Player of the Week” performance, “I was going to come to the game but I had the 22^nd Annual Top Gun Beach Volleyball Tournament of Near Eastside Indianapolis to go to, you know the ‘TGBVTNEI.’ But, that’s okay, Matt can still be my wingman anytime.” To which Matheis replied, “To heck with that, he can be mine.” The Braves next play on Sunday against the Cubs at Trinity Ballpark, game time 12:30 p.m.