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BlueClaws Baseball
Totally CLAWSOME!
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Claws Unable to Overcome Ugly 8-Run Inning
June 28, 2009
Looking to build on last week's inspiring effort, the Claws took the field at West Sunset against the All Blacks, and promptly laid an egg.
Things got off to an interesting start when the umpires almost came to blows in an argument over who should be behind the plate. There's a saying to the effect that the sign of a good umpire is that you don't even notice or remember him. Well, that was not the case with the home plate ump on this day. This guy apparently thought the show was all about him. Back to that later.
After an uneventful first inning, the Claws struck for 2 runs in the second when Li Shen followed consecutive singles by Mike Vidmar and Dutch Klumper with a double to right center. Yes, you read that correctly. Li Shen legged out a double! On the play, Dutch scored all the way from first, barely getting under the catcher's tag. The umpire correctly called him safe and then proceeded to talk for the next inning or so about the shrewd call he'd made (he saw that the catcher had the plate blocked, but that Dutch got around him and touched home plate before the tag was applied). For the record, this umpire also had the most emphatic and animated called third strike routine since Lt. Frank Drebin in The Naked Gun.
The Claws held the lead until what proved to be the ugliest inning since, well, May 31st against the Mad Dogs. Several hits, 3 Claws errors, 2 walks, and a hit batter all led to a disgusting snowman for the All Blacks, and a 9-2 deficit for the Claws. Our favorite umpire contributed in his own special way, missing a straight down the cock third strike that would have significantly changed the outcome of the inning. He also continued his act throughout the game, on multiple occasions loudly shouting things like "that one's through" on clean hits through the infield (in case anyone thought that maybe the shortstop, who didn't dive because the ball was well out of his reach, had come up with it). Thanks for the clarification, Blue!
Entering the top of the 9th, things looked grim as the Claws trailed 10-4 with the bottom of the order coming up. Eric Anderson led off with a single, but after a fielder's choice and a strikeout, the Claws were down to their last out against an effective, but tiring pitcher. The top of the lineup put up one last stand, as Larry Chiang picked up his second hit of the game, Galen Lichtenstein hit an RBI double, Daniel Chu walked, Garrett Mann had an RBI single, and Mike Vidmar had a 2 RBI single (his third hit of the game). Vidmar took second on a wild pitch, putting the tying run in scoring position. Unfortunately, our favorite umpire put his own special stamp on the end of the game, with a "See ya, wouldn't wanna be ya!!" called third strike for the final out. And no, I'm not kidding. That's actually how he called the final pitch of the game.
Congratulations to the All Blacks who played a flawless game defensively and took advantage of their one big opportunity to put the game out of reach. Props to the centerfielder and third baseman, both of whom robbed Galen of extra bases, and the pitcher, Howie, who has been one of the best in this league for several years.
While this was a disappointing loss, the Claws offense did put up 8 runs on 12 hits. Of note with the sticks: Mike had 3 hits and 3 RBIs, Li had a double and 2 RBIs, Garrett had a hit and 2 RBIs, Galen had an RBI double, and Larry and Daniel each had 2 hits. Not a lot to be excited about with pitching and defense, but Ian Mayne started in right field and made an insane catch on a do-or-die line drive that goes for at least a triple if he misses it. Also, Gadi, Ben, and Adam executed a nice 9-3-5 double play to gun down a runner trying to tag from second.
Lesson for the day: Stay away from the big inning and limit the damage when we get in trouble. We've been able to come back from big deficits before, but if you play with fire, you will eventually get burned. Today, we got burned.
Next week, the Claws are off for July 4th, but back in action against the Legends on July 12th. Have a great holiday!!
Claws Back on Track, Handle Legends
June 21, 2009
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!! On a sunny Dad's Day at Marin Catholic High School, the Claws and Legends got together for an important division game. On the bump for the Claws was Daniel Chu. The first inning provided a nice preview of his day, as Chu struck out the side. His final line: 9 innings, 1 earned run, 8 hits, and 9 strikeouts.
On offense, there were several contributors, as the Claws hammered out 12 hits. Claws rookie Gadi Rachelson was all over the diamond with a single, a loud double, 2 walks, and 3 runs scored. Utility extraordinaire Ian Mayne was in centerfield today and had a ground rule double, an RBI, 2 runs scored, and a stolen base. Other hitters of note: Garrett Mann continued his torrid stretch with 2 hits and a run scored. Li Shen had a ground rule double, an RBI, a run scored, and a walk. Ben Lindsey had a hit and picked up 2 RBIs. Pierce Perotti had a double and an RBI. Galen Lichtenstein had 2 hits.
One of the better all around games for the Claws this season. Great pitching, lots of runs, and solid defense. Hopefully, the start of another winning streak. Great game Claws!
Win Streak Ends as Claws Can't Solve Benders
On a sunny Sunday at Willie Stargell Field in Alameda, the Benders and Claws met with first place in the Ocean West at stake. Things got off to a promising start when Daniel Chu reached on an error to start the game and Galen Lichtenstein followed with a single. A double-steal, an error by the Benders' catcher, and a Garrett Mann single put the Claws in front with an early 2-0 lead. Unfortunately, the lead would not last.
In a sloppy bottom of the first, the Benders put up 8 runs, helped by two Claws errors and 3 walks. Despite the Claws' recent string of come-from-behind victories, it was not to be on this day. After the first inning, both teams tightened up the defense, limited the walks, and played 8 more innings of solid ball. But the deficit was too much to overcome.
Props to the Benders, who have beaten us handily twice this year, and now are in sole possession of first place. We hope to meet them again in the playoffs and get some payback.
Although there was not much positive to take from this loss, Garrett Mann continued mashing the ball all over the yard, going 3-3 with a double and 2 RBIs. He is now 9 for his last 11. Also, Daniel Chu came in and pitched 5 innings, giving up only one unearned run.
Next week, the Claws travel to Marin Catholic High School for another division matchup with the Legends.
Claws Roll to 6th Straight Win
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the Claws and Dirtbags took the field at Balboa Park. Early on, it was apparent that the Claws bats would be the story as Larry Chiang lined the first pitch of the game up the middle for a single. The Claws took advantage of a couple of errors and a 3 hits to put up 5 first inning runs. That proved to be enough for Ian Mayne, who pounded the strike zone for six strong innings, giving up only 2 unearned runs.
But the Claws bats weren't through, as they continued to put up crooked numbers. Almost everone got into the action and the Claws pounded out 15 hits. Notably, Part-timer Mann continued to rake and finished just a home run shy of the cycle with 3 RBIs. In addition, Mike Vidmar crushed a home run and had 3 RBIs, Gadi Rachelson had 3 hits and 2 RBIs, and Galen Lichtenstein had 2 hits (including a 2-run triple). Also, Dutch Klumper and Sean Mazza had 2 hits apiece.
And despite the horrible playing surface at Balboa, the Claws played solid defense, except for Sean's "through-the-wickets" grounder (guess who won't be playing any more infield this season?). The Claws improved their record to 7-2 and will try to avenge an early-season loss against the Benders next week.
Claws Erase 8-Run Deficit, Win 5th Straight
The division rival Claws and Mad Dogs went at it for the second straight game, this time at Raimondi Park in Oakland. Pre-game was a bit delayed as the Mad Dogs brought a lawn mower to cut the long infield grass. After a quiet first inning, the Mad Dogs erupted for 8 runs in the top of the second. Claws starter Daniel Chu got a bit rattled and the Dogs strung together several hits to put up an ugly snowman.
Fortunately for the Claws, it was only the second inning, and there was a lot of baseball left. A quick team meeting settled things down and the Claws began to chip away at the Mad Dogs' lead. Meanwhile, Chu got his groove back and began mowing through hitters like a lawn mower through the infield grass. The persistent Claws hitters got a run back in the second, two in the fifth, and two more in the sixth to make it a game.
The seventh inning was all Claws as George Morris muscled up and hit one off the right field fence for a leadoff double. After Ben Lindsey walked, an error led to a run, cutting the lead to 8-6. Another walk and a fielder's choice plated the Claws' second run of the inning, bringing Daniel Chu to the plate as the go-ahead run. Chu delivered, slamming a 2-run homer to left and completing the comeback. Garrett (Part-Timer) Mann, who went 3-4, provided a little insurance with another homer in the 8th. Although the Mad Dogs brought the go-ahead run to the plate in the ninth, Chu finished things off by inducing a harmless grounder to third to preserve the win.
Kudos go out to Chu, for putting the nightmarish second inning behind him, following it with 7 shutout innings, and for hitting the game-winning home run. Other offensive stars were Garrett Mann, George Morris (who had a single, a double, and 2 RBI's), and Sean Mazza (who was all over the bases). Also, the Claws' defense tightened up and made all the key plays when the game was on the line.
Yes Claws fans, that's five straight wins and a 6-2 record. Next week, we'll try to keep the winning streak going against another division rival, the Dirtbags.
Claws' win streak reaches 4 with wild win over Mad Dogs
May 17, 2009
On one of the hottest days of the year, the Claws' tangled with the division rival Mad Dogs. The venue was Balboa Park, quite possibly the worst field in the league, routinely producing more bad hops than true bounces. The Claws started sluggish and allowed the Mad Dogs to jump out to a quick lead. After scratching out 3 unearned runs to take the lead, the Claws sloppy defense and the Mad Dogs' bats contributed to a few more crooked numbers and a 9-5 Mad Dogs lead after four innings.
Finally, the Claws decided to get their heads back in the game. Gadi Rachelson and Ian Mayne opened the 5th inning with singles. Then, after the next two hitters were retired, the Claws put together 5 consecutive hits with 2 outs, starting with a 2-RBI single by Eric Anderson, and ending with RBI singles from Dutch Klumper, Galen Lichtenstein, and Mike Vidmar. The well-timed offensive outburst gave the Claws a 10-9 lead.
In the bottom half of the fifth, Ian Mayne took over on the mound and quickly got into trouble. However, as he has done countless times before, Ian worked out of the jam, put up a zero, and gave the Claws the shut-down inning they needed.
The Mad Dogs still had some bite, however, and tied the game in the bottom of the sixth with a leadoff triple and an RBI groundout. With time running out, and only one inning left to play, it was do or die time.
After the first two hitters were retired, the Claws put together another impressive 2-out rally, this time with the benefit of only one hit. Instead, the Claws took advantage of some wildness by the Mad Dogs' pitcher and drew 2 walks and 2 hit-by-pitches. Ian Mayne started the rally getting plunked in the back, and after Li Shen's third single of the game and a walk by late-arriving Daniel Chu, Eric Anderson put an exclamation point on his best game of the season, taking a fastball off the shoulder with the bases loaded an "earning" what proved to be the game-winning RBI. Larry Chiang followed with another walk, providing an insurance run.
After the Mad Dogs put the first two runners on with the heart of their order coming up, the Claws turned to Daniel Chu, who had arrived just a few minutes earlier and had barely warmed up. Daniel relieved Ian and proceeded to work out the jam with a strikeout, a flyout, and a jam-shot lazy line drive to short, preserving the win.
Although ugly at times, this was one of the most satisfying wins in recent memory. It was great to see the Claws' bats come alive, banging out 16 hits, drawing 7 walks, and putting together two key 2-out rallies. The Claws showed fight and resiliency and came up with a huge win and a share of first place. After a week off for Memorial Day, the Claws and Mad Dogs will be back at in on May 31st. Enjoy the holiday!
Claws Hold On, Win 3rd Straight Game
May 3, 2009
Another nail-biter for the Claws, who locked pincers with Artichoke Joe's on Saturday. Rookie Vince Klumper took the mound again this week, but this time had to deal both with the Joe's hitters, and a mound that was basically a pile of mud with a slab of rubber. Klumper was dominant all day, holding Joe's to just 2 earned runs in 7+ innings. When he ran into trouble in the 8th, Ian Mayne came in and shut the door, striking out the side with the bases loaded. Joe's got the tying run to 3rd base in the 9th, before Mayne coaxed a routine grounder to end it, preserving the 5-4 victory.
On offense, Larry Chiang and Vince Klumper each had 2 hits, while George Morris snapped out of an early season slump with 2 hits, a run scored, and an RBI. Not much offense from the Claws today, but a well-played game and a much-needed win. Next week, the Claws look to push their winning streak to 4 against the Legends.
Claws Blow Lead Late, Win in Bottom of the 9th
April 27, 2009
The Claws met up with the Diablos on Sunday morning at Marchbank Park. Vince Klumper started on the hill and kept the Diablos bats quiet with 5 innings of solid work. The Claws' bats were rolling early, as they built a 9-2 lead after five. Mike Vidmar, Adam Scofield, and Gadi Rachelson all game up with big hits with runners on base.
The Diablos stormed back with 6 runs in the 7th inning, then tied it in the 9th on a big home run. But the Claws were not to be denied. They put together determined at bats and loaded the bases without a hit in the bottom of the 9th. Then Vince Klumper put the finishing touches on his strong day with a walk-off sacrifice fly.
It was a classic BlueClaws win . . . always interesting at the end. Next week, it's the Claws and Artichoke Joe's at Flood Park.
Claws Win Nail-Biter over Red Giants
April 18, 2009
On Saturday April 18th, the Claws made their first visit to San Leandro Ballpark for their first ever night game against the Red Giants. The Claws took advantage of a few errors and walks with some timely hits to take an early 6 run lead. Gadi Rachelson and Ian Mayne both came up with big bases-loaded hits in the second inning.
The Red Giants battled back and got within 2 runs late in the game. The Claws' starter Daniel Chu lasted 6 innings, giving up only 2 earned runs. Vince Klumper relieved and survived a scare in the bottom of the ninth. With the winning run at the plate and 2 outs, Mike Vidmar made a difficult catch while falling down on the warning track on a shot from the Red Giants' Russo.
In addition to picking up the win, Daniel Chu went 2-3 with a double, a triple, a run scored, and two RBI's. Next week, the Claws look to get back over .500 against the Diablos.
Benders' Bats, Sloppy Play Lead to a Claws Loss
April 12, 2009
Things got off to a bad start when game time arrived, and only 8 BlueClaws could be found. Fortunately, Ian Mayne pitched out of a first inning jam by inducing a bases-loaded groundout and escaping with no damage done.
Unfortunately, sloppy play and the big bats in the middle of the Benders' order caught up with the Claws. A 7-run fifth inning put the game out of reach and the Benders cruised to an 11-3 victory. Usually, the Claws and Benders play close games. It was not to be this time.
Nevertheless, there were a few bright spots for the Claws. Despite showing up in the middle of the first inning, Larry Chiang had 3 hits and 2 RBI's. Galen Lichtenstein had 2 hits, including a moon shot over the centerfielder's head, and pitched 3 scoreless innings of relief. Mike Vidmar had 2 hits and an RBI, and Claws rookie Gadi Rachelson smoked a double and scored a run. In addition, Eric Anderson reached base three times, collecting his first hit of the season and scoring one of the Claws' runs. As always, Ian Mayne was selfless in taking the mound with a tired arm, and kept the Claws close, while also collecting a couple of hits.
The Benders have long been one of the best teams in this league and we look forward to a rematch with them later in the season.
Claws Bats Go Quiet Against Storm
April 6, 2009
On Saturday April 4, the Claws and the Storm got together for a hard-fought battle at Flood Park. Despite our catcher having to drive back to the city to drop off his dog (because they don't allow dogs at the park - crazy, I know), the Claws came out focused against a quality opponent. Ian Mayne took the ball and gave us 6 strong innings, allowing only 2 earned runs. Unfortunately, the Claws couldn't solve the Storm hurler and were shut out until the 9th inning, when Adam Scofield and Daniel Chu combined to put the Claws on the scoreboard.
Congratulations to the Storm, who are a very good team and a good group of guys. Hawkins kept the Claws off balance all afternoon long, and O'Driscoll came through with a bases clearing triple to bust open a close game in the 7th.
Next, the Claws look forward to their upcoming game with the Benders on Saturday April 11, 12:00 at Balboa Park.
BlueClaws Win Season Opener With Upset Over the Bay Sox
March 30, 2009
It was a great day for baseball and your 2009 BlueClaws showed up ready to play. We had a difficult opponent in the Bay Sox, but patience at the plate lifted the Claws to victory.
The Claws batted around in the third inning and scored six runs on only two hits. The Claws followed that up with five more runs in the fourth with timely doubles down the third baseline by Galen Lichtenstein and Mike Vidmar. In both the sixth and seventh innings, the Claws added insurance runs that would prove to be crucial.
Daniel Chu started the game on the mound and pitched a solid three innings, but ran into trouble in the fourth. He got through the inning and earned the win. Vince Klumper (it's Dutch) pitched two solid innings of relief, but he too ran into trouble in his third inning of work. The Claws entered the last inning of the game up by five runs, but allowed three runs and loaded the bases with two outs. This is when the call to the pen was made and Adam "Big Red" Scofield entered. Talk about pressure! Two outs, bases loaded, winning run on first, bottom of the final inning. With the count at 2-2, Adam delivered a nasty hook, buckling the hitter's knees, for a called third stike. BlueClaws win!!!
It was a great win all the way around and it wouldn't be a BlueClaw win if we didn't make it exciting.
Quote of the day: "Who's the new guy with white pants and no belt?" This was made in reference to Gadi Rachelson, one of the Claws rookies. Despite his wardrobe, which also included a skin-tight jersey, Gadi had a great day going 2-3 with an RBI and making all the plays in the field.
Update on the BlueClaws Offseason
March 26, 2009
Well, a new year is upon us and we are damn excited about baseball again. We're hoping to build on last year's improvement and become a playoff team this year.
As with last year, we will provide a brief update on each returning player and his off-season. I think this may become a Blue Claws tradition:
GALEN: Given that he has never once caught a ground ball he dove for, and given the fact that he turns 30 this year, Galen will be adopting the Larry Chiang method of fielding and will not be diving for ground balls this year. It would be best if you did not share this information with our opponents. Disappointed in his marked drop in stolen bases last season, Galen determined that he had to become faster. He has decided that the best solution is a regular full-body waxing regimen. If any other hairy teammates are interested (Sean), Galen's got the number of a great place.
ERIC: This past fall, Eric got married. In honor of his loss of manhood, this season he will be wearing a vagina patch on his left sleeve. And a ring.
LI: Last year, Li showed incredible improvement in throwing out base-runners and controlling our opponents' running game by throwing from his knees a la Benito Santiago. Never one to be content with the status quo, Li will be attempting to further improve this season by throwing from his ass.
SEAN: After a surprisingly sober season from the 4th and final member of the OBC's (that's Original Blue Claws), Sean will be taking a large step backwards into his prior pattern of weekend debauchery. Because of his frequent hangovers, Sean will be challenging Nick for the award of "Most likely to volunteer to not play in the field."
LARRY: With Larry turning 50 this season, we should all take a moment to marvel at the fact that Mr. Chiang vividly remembers where he was when JFK got shot: IN HIGH SCHOOL!!!! Hang in there Larry. Social Security is just around the corner.
IAN: After an impressive first stint in the leadoff slot (a la Willie Mays Hayes, the Wesley Snipes version), Ian let his success get to his head. He bulked up over the winter, made a terrible action flick, got a bunch of bling, and now thinks he's going to be a home run hitter (a la Willie Mays Hayes, the Omar Epps version). We're going to need everyone's help to convince Ian that chicks dig singles and walks too.
NICK: It's a good thing baseball is played with hats and helmets because Nick's hairline receded at a tremendous rate over the winter. At one point, he considered replacing his lost hair with excess ass hair, but as it turns out, ass hair doesn't look very good on top of your head. Nick, like Galen, will be turning 30 this season, with the only difference being that Nick is officially turning "Dirty Thirty."
BEN: Frustrated by an almost year-long slump at the plate, Ben sought to re-gain some confidence by participating in a girls' 12 and under Tee Ball league. Impressively, Ben won the triple crown, hitting a whopping .850 with 46 home runs and 135 RBI's in only 10 games. Unfortunately, he was stripped of his MVP award when league officials discovered that he was a 32 year old man.
MIKE: After breaking nearly all SFNABA offensive records last season, Mike decided he needed to work on the "small ball" elements of his game. Expect a lot of bunting from Mike this coming season. In honor of his new found love for small ball, Mike will also be wearing a personalized version of Eric's vagina patch this year. Only Mike's will appear on the left hip of his disgusting pants.
DANIEL: Daniel's baby (although just a toddler) pitched in Winter Ball and threw 2 early shutouts, although arm fatigue ultimately set in. Despite a few ugly starts towards the end of the season, Daniel Jr. finished with a respectable 4-3 record and sported a 3.87 ERA. Watching from the stands, Daniel showed obvious disgust each time Baby Daniel was not permitted to throw the full 9 innings.
MATT: Unfortunately, Matt's arm fell off in early October. Doctor's aren't quite sure what caused this, but suspect that it may have had something to do with a rare congenital condition called "pitchesthroughpain-itis". Fortunately, Matt still has one good arm and has been practicing a Jim Abbott-like delivery.
GARRETT: We have no idea what happened to Garrett this off-season. He was last seen wandering into the Sierra Foothills wearing nothing but a hula skirt and pulling a red wagon filled with Oh Henry! bars. We all wish him a safe return.
ADAM: After an encouraging rookie season, Adam took a well-earned vacation in Cabo. Unfortunately, he was mistaken for Carrot-Top and was beaten mercilessly by a group of vacationing frat brothers. Local police took the assailants into custody, but when they explained that they thought it was Carrot-Top's ass they were kicking, the police understood and let them go. Adam's injuries healed nicely, but the emotional scars remain. Let's be gentle with him.
GEORGE: As many of you know, George and his wife Kim had a baby last May. Like many new parents, George did not sleep for 5 months straight after his daughter was born. As a result of his extreme sleep deprivation, George entered hibernation in early November. Fortunately, he was able to store up plenty of energy in the preceding months with a diet heavy in fish, berries, and small rodents. We expect him to emerge in early Spring when the flowers begin to bloom.
BlueClaws Run the Gauntlet to Open Season
March 26, 2009
Lyman, our friendly neighborhood scheduler was nice enough to have the BlueClaws open the season against three of the toughest teams in the league, the Bay Sox, Storm, and Benders. After the first three games of the season, the BlueClaws will have been battle tested and ready to take on the rest of the SFNABA.
This appears to be a promising season, as Daniel Chu now has a 9-5 job and can make it to the weekend games. Instead of serving tables on the weekends, he will be serving up wicked sliders to opposing hitters.
Expect big things from the 'Claws this season.
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