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Around The Corner Spiders
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One Horrendous Inning Eliminates ATC
July 27, 2009
ATC (12-11 CABF, 12-14 Overall) season came to a close last night after being routed 12-2 by The Lake Erie Buckeyes. In the 1st inning ATC put the pressure on Lake Erie when Taylor Kraus hit a monster 2B but Troy Matthews was thrown out at plate. Lake Erie then jumped out on top with a 3 run 1st inning, keyed by 3 1B's. ATC then jumped right back by scoring 2 runs on a bases loaded BB by Alex Botsch and Kyle Richards running out a groundball. With runners at 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs ATC was unable to get anymore. In the bottom of the 3rd Lake Erie jumped on Kraus with a leadoff 1B followed by a 2B. The next batter was intentionally walked, then the following batter struck out to set up a great double play sitaution. However, it never happened and the hitter hit a 2-run 1B to knock Kraus out of the game. Matt Jurcevic was brought in to relieve but just couldn't find it, then LaBar was brought in and got touched up a bit and when it was all said and done Lake Erie scored 8 runs to make it 11-2. In the 4th ATC got back-to-back BB's with 1 out but were unable to gain any positive momentum and left 5 runners on through the 1st 3 innings and managed just 1 hit after 3rd. In the 6th Lake Erie got the 12th run needed on an RBI 1B. After a nice playoff run, it came to ATC not getting that big hit in the 1st 3 innings and for the first time all year the pitching was unable to get the job done. Although it was frustrating season at times due to lack of offense, it was a good season as ATC peaked when it needed but just came up short again of thier 1st trip to Youngstown.
Spiders Rally Past Marlins
July 26, 2009
ATC (10-10, 12-13) came through with a close 1-0 win vs. The Fairview Marlins (13-10) in thier 2nd round matchup. The game was locked in a pitchers duel through the first 7 innings. ATC had several chances along the way, stranding 9 runners on 8 hits through the first 7 innings. Luckily ATC has the best staff in the league and Jared Lease held down the Marlins by carrying a no-hitter through 7. In the top of the 8th ATC finally got Lease a run. C Taylor Kraus 2B'd to lead the inning off, followed by a 1B by 1B/RF Rob Pecl. CF Matt Trotto was then hit by a pitch to load the bases. DH Tim LaBar then hit a flyball to CF to score Kraus. ATC was only unable to get the one run. In the 8th, Fairview got its 1st hit with a 1 out 2B. The next batter was IBB to set up a force and Lease then K'd him. Lease then hit the next batter and was removed from the game. LaBar was brought in for the save and got it by K'ing the only hitter he faced with bases loaded. Lease pitched a beauty going 7 2/3 innings allowing just 1 hit with 2 BB's and 6 K's, and got some nice plays from the defense. ATC pounded out 10 hits for second straight game, but was unable to get the big hit to break the game open.
ATC's 3rd round matchup will be with The Lake Erie Buckeyes, whom ATC beat 4-1 in the middle of the season. Lake Erie moved on via forfeit vs. Winking Lizard. ATC is 8-1 (including playoffs) vs. American League opponents this season. Game is set for Monday 7:00 PM @ Brookside Park.
Taking Care of Business
July 21, 2009
After a late season meeting, ATC (10-10, 11-13) let the worst team in the league hang around on them, but ATC came away 2-1 win. With the playoffs underway, ATC played how its been capable of all year, with a 10-0 blanking of The Black Sox (1-25). The pitching was dominant, defesnse was sharp, and the offense cam through. Tim LaBar fired a 2 hit shutout in 6 innings with no walks and 10 K's. After ATC was held at bay for the first 3 innings, 2 runs scored on 1st and 3rd steals and a rundown/pickoff play. In the 5th the bats came alive with a 5 run inning led by 4 hits. The big hit was after a double steal C Taylor Kraus hit a 2-run 2B. In the bottom of 6th, ATC got the run rule victory when CF Matt Trotto was hit with the bases loaded to score the 10th run. Offense was led by Kraus (2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, SB), LaBar (2-3, R, RBI) and EP Kyle Richards (3-3, R, RBI). ATC moves on to the 2nd round to face The Fairview Marlins (13-9, 19-12), whom they beat 4-2 on Opening Day.
Jurcevic Pitches ATC Past Chiefs, Regular Season Ends On High Note
July 16, 2009
ATC (10-10, 10-12) was able to finish the regular season .500 and avoid only their 2nd sub .500 season in 9 years with an 8-2 win over The Cleveland Chiefs. Matt Jurcevic was able to throw 5 solid innings to pick up his 1st win of the year. The offense came around and gave Jurcy run support, scoring 8 runs. The 3rd inning ATC did the most damage with a 4 run inning led by several steals that allowed the runs to score. SS/1B Troy Matthews paced the team with 3 hits and a BB.
The next game is a non-league game Saturday 6:30 PM @ Gordon #1 vs R.B.I. Nationals, who beat ATC 5-4 last Saturday.
Kraus & Matthews Rally ATC vs. 'Sox
July 12, 2009
After a gut-wrenching loss Friday night and a sloppy loss Saturday, ATC (9-9) bounced back to beat The Blacksox (1-22). With the offense struggling all year, ATC needed a dominant performance from P Taylor Kraus and he rose to the occasion. Kraus could easily be 4-0 if he had run support, but was able to get just enough to pick up 1st win by going the distance scattering 5 hits and had 13 K's (2 short of record by West Lucas '06 /Alex Beavin '04 /John Bakalar '02). ATC got their 1st run in 3rd when in a 1st and 3rd run down allowed C Alex Botsch to score. In the 6th ATC nearly let it slip away, when a routine pop up was dropped allowing the runner at 3rd to score. In the bottom of the 6th LF Jim Conway led off inning with a BB then moved to 2nd on passed ball, then stealing 3rd. SS/EP Troy Matthews then lofted a flyball to score Conway, for what would be winning run. In the 7th Kraus ran into his only threat of the game when The 'Sox 1B'd and got an HBP with 1 out, but Kraus closed the books on a 2-1 win. Kraus also paced the team hitting, getting 2 of the teams 3 hits and had a BB. The win puts ATC in position to challenge C-Town Woodies (11-7) for 3rd place in the National League and a top seed in the round robin tournament.
Next game is Tuesday vs. C-Town Woodies 7:30 @ Gordon Park. John Bakalar (2-0, 1.66) will make his 1st start since injuring knee vs. Becky's three weeks ago. Time to start hitting, get those playoff beards going.
Kraus Added to All-Star Team
July 7, 2009
C/3B/P Taylor Kraus was added to the National League All-Star roster as an at-large selection by The Blackwolves. Kraus was last years MVP leading the team in hitting at .391, this year after starting out in a slump, has come around to .250 and going 0-3 on the mound with a miniscule 1.07 ERA in 19 Innings with no run support. The game is Friday 7:30 @ Brookside Park.
LaBar & Pecl Named to CABF All-Star Game
July 4, 2009
ATC has named 3B/OF/P Tim LaBar and 1B/OF/EP Rob Pecl as thier 2009 All-Star selections. The game is Friday July 10th, 7:30 @ Brookside Park.
LaBar has been one of ATC's top pitchers, going 3-1 with a 2.63 ERA in 16 IP with 23 K's. His bat has come along way from an early season slump, is now 4th on the team with a .303 clip and is second on team in runs scored and RBI's wih 8 to go along with great defense. This is LaBar's second selection and he will throw Thursday vs. Steve's Sports.
Pecl will be going to his 1st All-Star game. Pecl has been ATC's most consistent hitter all year, and is 3rd on the team with a .341 average after hitting .250 last season. Pecl leads the team in 2B's, 2nd in SLG (.432), 3rd in runs (7) and 3rd in SB's (5).
ATC stands 8-8 in the league, in 4th place just behind C-Town Woodies (10-7) for 3rd. Next game is Thursday July 9 vs. Steve's Sports.
Wolf Cycle Wasted, Fairview Parades Around Bases
June 29, 2009
Last night at Bohlken Park ATC (8-8, 8-9) dropped a non league game to Fairview Bubba Q's, in a 15-11 shootout. ATC got on the board first, when in the top of the 2nd C Chris Wolfe blasted a 3-run HR to Center. It was ATC's 1st HR since Phil Stephens inside-the-park in 2006 and first to leave the yard since 2005 by Carlos Laboy. Fairview came right back by scoring two in the 2nd, aided by a throwing error. In the 3rd Fairview tied it when a run was walked in. In the 4th they scored to take the lead on a SAC Fly. In the 5th things unraveled. Fairview plated 7 runs via 6 BB's, 2 hits, and a HBP. Down 11-3 ATC's bats came alive led by CF Matt Trotto's SAC Fly, LF Tim LaBar's RBI 1B and a 2-run 2B by Wolfe, cutting the deficit to 11-7. ATC still could not stop Fairview, as they scored 4 more runs to make it 15-7. ATC did not go down quietly in the 7th. SS Ricky Hiles 3B'd to lead off and scored on a SAC Fly. EP/P Troy Matthews then 1B'd to start a new rally. Trotto then 2B'd him in and would score on a LaBar 1B to make it 15-10. Kyle Richards then 1B'd. Needing just a 1B for the cycle, Wolfe lined a 1B at the RF to score LaBar and put 2 men on down 4. Pecl then lined a shot at the 2B, who leaped to make a great play and end the game. Wolfe becomes the 1st Spider to ever hit for the cycle, tallying 6 RBI's and a R. LaBar and Matthews each had 3 hits, and ATC had a season-high 15 hits. The pitching killed ATC, as the gave up 11 hits but walked 13.
Tonight is cancelled vs. C-Town (10-7). Next game is Thursday 6:15 & 8:45 vs CMBC/Davis (6-10). Chris Wolfe will throw Game 1 and Taylor Kraus will go Game 2.
ATC Busts Out vs. 'Bucks
June 28, 2009
ATC (8-8) ended thier 4 game losing skid with a 4-1 win over the 1st place American League team, The Lake Erie Buckeyes (11-5). Jared Lease was back to on point, throwing a complete game to pick up his 3rd win by scattering 6 hits and allowing 1 run with 4 K's. After loading the bases in the 2nd, C Alex Botsch hit a flyball to RF to score CF Matt Trotto. In the 4th Lake Erie tied it with a 2 out 1B to score a runner from 2nd. In the 6th ATC took the lead for good when 2B Eric Vajda and 3B Taylor Kraus hit back-to-back 1B's. After a K, Trotto blasted a 3B into the right/center gap to score 2. Lake Erie's pitcher was so ratteled, he threw a WP to the next batter to score Trotto making it 4-1. In the 6th The Buckeyes had runners at 1st and 3rd 1 out, and a groundball was hit in the hole to 1B Rob Pecl, who made the heads up play to go to home and nab the runner. That deflated The Buckeyes and any chances they had of a comeback. Lease then went 1-2-3 in the 7th to cap off the win. Trotto paced the offense with 3 hits, 2 runs and 2 RBI's.
Next game is a no-league contest 8:15 @ Bohlken Park vs. Fairview Bubba Q's (www.leaguelineup.com/bubbasqbaseball) who are 7-10 in Strongsville AAA. Former ATC All-Star C/3B Owen Donelon is currently playing for Farview. Greg Bennett will get his first start of year.
ATC Whiffs Vs. 'Wolves
June 21, 2009
ATC's was shutdown offensively this afternoon by the 1st place Cleveland Blackwolves, 3-0. ATC managed just 2 hits and 2 BB's on the day, meanwhile striking out a season-high 13x. In the top of the 2nd, The 'Wolves did their damage with a leadoff 2B. The next batter K'd but then an RBI 2B and RBI 3B followed to make it 2-0. In the 3rd after intentionally walking the bases loaded, ATC got the double play ball it needed but did not sucessfully turn it, scoring a run to put it 3-0 and that was pretty much the ballgame. The Blackwolves continue their undefeated run, while ATC is still left scratching their had about their lack of offensive production. Tim LaBar was the hard luck loser this time around, after a rough 2nd LaBar really batteled and threw well for 5 innings giving up just 4 hits but walked 4 and had 7 K's.
Next game is Tuesday 7:30 @ Brookside. John Bakalar (2-0, 2.14) makes his 4th start vs. Becky's Tavern.
Steve's Pulls Out Another Close One
June 17, 2009
Steve's Sports (9-2) has had ATC's (7-5) number over the years and it's always close but they find a way to get it done, as they did last night 4-2. One bad inning spoiled a solid effort by Jared Lease. Steve's jumped out on top 1-0 in the 1st after the leadoff hitter 2B'd and the 3 hitter 2B'd. In the 3rd, after retiring the first two hitters the leadoff hitter 1B'd and the 2 hitter was HBP. The 3 hitter hit a deep fly ball that ATC couldn't make the play on and it scored 2. The next batter hit a groundball in the infield that ATC couldn't field cleanly to make it 4-0. In the top of the 4th EP/1B Rob Pecl reached on a FC, C Taylor Kraus 2B'd to put runners on 2nd and 3rd. 3B Tim LaBar then drove a 2-run 1B to cut the deficit to 4-2. In the top of the 7th ATC had a chance when Lease Bb'd and RF Chris Wolfe 1B'd with 1 out. The next batter grounded out and then a K ended it. ATC had plenty of chances in the game to score, leaving 8 men on. Lease threw well enough to win, but 2 miscues in the same inning spoiled that.
Next game is Sunday, June 21 @ Talty vs. The Cleveland Blackwolves (11-0). Makeup games and non-league games have been added to schedule.
Late Inning Rally Tops Mustangs
June 14, 2009
Yesterday afternoon ATC (7-4) pulled out a comeback win over The Strongsville Mustangs (4-9), by a score of 10-7. In the top of the 1st starter John Bakalar got to a rocky start, with 2 outs and no one on gave up back-to-back 1B's. The 5th hitter then hit a 2B in the gap to score both runers. In the bottom of the 1st 3B Taylor Kraus hit an RBI 1B to cut the deficit. After the rough 1st, Bakalar settled in the next 4 innings. In the 2nd helping his own cause, Bakalar hit an RBI 1B to score RF Chris Wolfe. In the 3rd ATC broke open for 4 runs to make it 6-2, led by a 2-run 1B by EP Tim LaBar and 2-run 3B by Wolfe with 2 outs. In the 6th with 2 outs and a 6-2 lead, Bakalar couldn't finish. After a 2-run 2B to make it 6-4, he got a slow bouncer back to him but threw the ball into RF, scoring a run to make it 6-5. The next batter blooped a 1B to tie it 6-6. LaBar was then brought in, with the runner now at 3rd, was able to score on a passed ball to make it 7-6. In the 6th ATC came back when Conway hit his 4th 1B of the day to start it with one out, after a flyout, LaBar and Kraus eached ROE, with Conway scoring on Kraus's. 1B Greg Bennett to load the bases with 2 outs. With bases loaded, 2 outs and tied 7-7, SS Ricky Hiles delivered the knockout blow with a bases clearing 3B to put ATC up 10-7. LaBar held The Mustangs down in the 7th to close out a game that was closer than it should off. Many players broke out of slumps and had notbale days at the plate including: LF Jimmy Conway (4-4, 2 R, 2 SB), CF Matt Trotto (3-4, 2 R, 2 SB), and RF Chris Wolfe (3-3, 3B, R, SB, 2 RBI).
ATC takes on Steve's Sports Tuesday 7:30 @ Talty, with Jared Lease (2-1, 2.41) taking the hill.
Another Tough One To Swallow
June 12, 2009
ATC (6-4) was beat by the 1st Place Cleveland Blackwolves 2-1 last night. ATC has several blunders that helped them beat themselves. In the 1st The Blackwolves struck for the first run after a bloop 1B was moved over on a FC and the stole 3rd, a 1B then knocked him in. In the 3rd ATC got a 1B by 3B Rickey Hiles, 2B Eric Vajda then blooped one to RF but was thrown out trying to stretch it to 2nd. LF Jim Conway then knocked in Hiles. In the 3rd the leadoff hitter reached 2nd on a misplayed flyball, and a 1B scored him making it 2-1. ATC the had another opportunity with runners at 1st and 3rd, the runner at 1st was attempting to steal but was picked off in a rundown and the runner at 3rd broke for home and was thrown out at the plate. In the top of the 7th with 2 outs C Alex Botsch and Hiles hit back-to-back 1B's. PH John Bakalar then K'd to end the game. ATC has struggeled running the bases this year and this game was no different, along with a costly error and leaving 8 men on base compared to The 'Wolves 3, ATC did themselves in. ATC hit the ball solid, but was unable to get the big hit. Taylor Kraus was the tough luck loser for the 2nd straight start, receiving no run support after going 6 innings and scattering 6 hits with 0 BB's and 5 K's. Hiles & Vajda had 2 hits each to lead the offense.
Next Game is Sunday 5:00PM @ Gordon #1 vs. The Strongsville Mustangs. John Bakalar (2-0, 0.50) will make his 3rd start.
Late C-Town Rally Sinks ATC To 3rd
June 9, 2009
C-Town Woodies (6-2) won in extras vs. ATC (6-3) 9-3, with C-Town now likely tied with Steve's Sports(6-2 heading into last night) and ATC slips to 3rd. ATC got great pitching from Jared Lease. but were playing short handed due and had no one to really turn to in the bullpen. Lease gave up 2 runs in the 1st but really settled down the next 6 innings allowing only 2 hits the rest of the way. ATC played small ball to get the 2 runs to tie it, relying on an error and SAC Fly by C Taylor Kraus. In the top 8th things unraveled. Lease got tired, and allowed 7 runs (4 earned) in the inning via 4 hits, 2 walks, and 3 errors. Friday's starter Kraus had to be brought out of the bullpen to record the last 2 outs. In the 8th ATC reached on an error to start and then a single. CF Matt Trotto laced an RBI 1B to make it 9-3 but that is all ATC could muster. RF Rob Pecl led ATC with 2 hits.
Dunk Tank Fundraiser Tonight. June 10 @ 10PM at ATC. $1 = 1 throw, $2 = 3 throws.
Next game is Thursday @ Talty vs CMBC/Davis and Chris Wolfe (0-0, 6.00) will make his 1st start of the season.
Bats Wake Up; Pitching Business As Usual
June 8, 2009
ATC (6-2) was able to regroup vs. Winking Lizard (4-4) with an 8-1 win. The offense came alive, pounding out 12 hits. ATC was able to play some small ball with a number of steals, capitalizing on errors and using the hit and run. In the 1st LF Matt Trotto knocked in CF Jim Conway to score the first run, 3B Rob Pecl then executed a perfect hit and run. With runners on 1st and 3rd, ATC twice was able to steal 2nd and score the runner on 3rd due to errors on the infielders. In the 2nd SS Ricky Hiles hit an RBI 1B to make it 4-0. That would be all SP Tim LaBar would need. LaBar was cruising through 3 innings with a 1 hit shutout, but took a ball off his pitching hand and needed to be removed. The bullpen duo of Chris Wolfe & John Bakalar combined for 4 innings with 1 run on 5 hits and 5 K's. ATC got 2 insurance runs in the 4th, 1 in 6th and 1 in 7th. Leading the team offensively was EP Troy Matthews (2-4, 2 R), 3B Rob Pecl (3-4, 2 R, RBI, SB) and SS Ricky Hiles (2-3, R, RBI).
Next game is Tuesday vs. surging C-Town Woodies (5-2). ATC is currently tied for 2nd with Steve's Sports (6-2), so this game is for the hold on 2nd. Jared Lease (2-0, 0.54) beat C-Town previously 11-3 and will be on the bump again.
Reminder ATC's Dunktank Fundraiser is this Wednesday @ ATC starting at 10:00PM. $1 = 1 throw, $2 = 3 throws.
Lifeless ATC Falls To Chiefs
June 5, 2009
Every year ATC loses games on paper they should win, so why should this year be any different? The Cleveland Chiefs (1-6) came into the game winless, but played great baseball against a feable ATC (5-2) to win 5-2. For the 4th straight game, ATC managed just 3 hits from its punching judy lineup. The Chiefs jumped on top in the 1st with 3 straight singles to open the game and an error that allowed their only run. Starter Matt Jurcevic really settled in the next 3 innings. In the 3rd ATC got him some support, when RF Jim Conway had an RBI 1B to score 2B Eric Thomas. Conway took 2nd and 3rd with steals then CF Mike Allen BB'd and stole 2nd with Conway breaking for home from 3rd and scoring. In the 5th Jurcevic loaded the bases with no one out and Allen was brought in and got a groundout but it tied the game. The next batter hit a 2B that scored 2 runs. ATC wasn't able to capitalize with the middle of the order up the next inning. In the 6th The Chiefs scored an insurance run on ATC's 2nd error of the game. After a leadoff BB by 1B Greg Bennett topen the 7th, ATC went in order to end it.
Next game is Sunday 2:00PM at Talty vs Winking Lizard (3-3).
Becky's Blanked
June 2, 2009
ATC (5-1) was able to eek out a close 2-0 win over Becky's Tavern (2-5). Jared Lease was lights out, throwing a complete game 3 hit shutout. ATC got their only 2 runs in the 2nd, when with runners on 1st and 3rd, EP Mike Allen stole 2nd and the catcher threw the ball away allowing 1B Rob Pecl to score from 3rd. Allen was able to then advance to 3rd on the play, setting up an RBI groundout by DH West Lucas. Other than that, the offense was held in check again with just 3 hits. Lease would only run into trouble in the bottom of the 6th with the bases loaded and 2 outs, but then was able to end the threat with a strike out. ATC's pitching continues to carry the torch with a solid outing and have just allowed 10 runs (5 earned) in 6 games. CF Jim Conway, 3B Ricky Hiles and Allen were the only hitters to reach with a hit. Lease got some great defense from 2B Eric Vajda and SS Troy Matthews, and turned a nice 1-6-3 DP himself.
Next game is Thursday 7:30 @ Gordon Park vs. The Cleveland Chiefs (0-6). Matt Jurcevic (0-0, 0.00) will make his first start of the year for ATC.
ATC Battles Umps & Bedford, Come Up On Short End; Bats Silenced
June 1, 2009
ATC (4-1) was handed its first loss of the year 1-0 at the hands of Bedford Baseball (4-2). ATC managed just 3 hits and left 3 on base, while Bedford had 2 hits and left 1 on base. A marvelous performance from Taylor Kraus was wasted. Unfortunately the game came down to one play, and at the hands of the umpire. With the same ump working the plate as last game, and the same play being called.
After hitting the 2 hitter to put a runner on 1st with one out, Kraus threw a pitch that grazed the 3 hitters bat. Once again, it was called a passed ball and the runner adavanced to 2nd. The 3 hitter then reached on a costly error, and allowed the 2 hitter to score. The next batter grounded into a DP. Had the play been correctly called, ATC would have had runners at 1st & 2nd or 1st & 3rd.
In the top of the 1st ATC had a runner at 2nd with 1 down but were unable to capitalize. Bedford got their only 2 hits in the 2nd, but ATC escaped on a fine DP by 3B Tim LaBar. ATC did not put up much of serious threat themselves until the 6th, when LF Jim Conway BB'd with 1 out. He then stole 2nd, but the following 2 batters K'd. 1B Rob Pecl then 1B'd with 1 out in 7th, the next batters grounded out and then followed with a K to end it. The pitching staff continued to shine, as Kraus deserved better going the distance allowing just 2 hits with 2 BB's, a HBP and 6 K's, facing 3 over the minimum. Hats off to Bedford's pitcher, it's just unfortunate that the game came down to one play that was out of the hands of the players.
Next game is Tuesday vs friendly rival Becky's. Jared Lease (1-0, 1.17) will get his 2nd start of the year.
ATC Takes Advantage of Early Errors, Pitching and Defense Hold On
May 24, 2009
ATC (4-0) had their second crossover win, with a 5-2 win over The Elyria Buffaloe's (1-3). The offense managed just 3 hits, but were able to capitilize on 5 Buffalo E's and had another quality start and good defense. RF Jim Conway and 3B Taylor Kraus led the game off with back-to-back singles. SS Troy Matthews then ripped a shot to SS that couldn't be fielded cleanly, scoring Conway. Kraus then scored on a passed ball. In the 2nd, C Alex Botsch walked and 2B Eric Vajda 1B'd to have runners at 1st and 2nd with one out. Conway then ripped a ball that Elyria couldn't handle to score both Botsch and Vajda. In the 4th Elyria got their 1st run with 2 outs and a runner at third, when a ball appeared to hit the bat of the hitter but the ump said it was a passed ball. The next batter grounded out. In the 6th LF Chris Wolfe hit a groundball to 2B to score 1B Matt Trotto to make it 5-1. In the 6th Elyria tacked on another run with a 2 out single. Ryan Flanigan looked on point and pitched a scoreless 7th for the save.John Bakalar did not have his best stuff or velocity, but threw 6 solid by scattering 6 hits with just 1 BB and 2 K's. CF Zach Schreiber made 3 nice diving catches, and Trotto looked sharp at 1B by making some solid plays.
Next game is Thursday 7:30 @ Gordon #3 vs. Steve's Sports.
LaBar & Big Inning Leads ATC Past CMBC
May 21, 2009
ATC (3-0) were victorious over CMBC (1-2) last night at Gordon, by a tally of 6-2. Tim LaBar was outstanding despite a tight strike zone, throwing 6 solid innings allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on just 1 hit and K'ing 7. It marks the second straight game in which ATC's dominant staff limited the opposition to 1 hit. In the bottom of the 2nd, ATC went throught the lineup and scored 5 runs. DH Eric Thomas 1B'd in the 1st run, then CF Mike Allen and C Taylor Kraus worked walks with bases loaded. SS Troy Matthews followed up with an RBI 1B, LF Matt Trotto was then HBP with the bases loaded to get the 5th run in. In the 5th RF Chris Wolfe hit a 2 out 1B to score 1B Greg Bennett for an insurance run. Taylor Kraus then worked a perfect 7th with 2 K's. 2B Eric Vajda and EP Jimmy Conway each had 2 hits and CF Mike Allen had 3 BB's, R, RBI and SB.
Next game is Sunday 2PM @ Gordon vs. Elyria Buffaloes (formerly Harry Buffalo). John Bakalar (1-0, 0.00) will get the nod for ATC.
Offense Fuels Win
May 19, 2009
ATC (2-0) beat C-Town Woodies (1-1) by an 11-3 score last night at Gordon. Although the rivalry was more subdued this time around, ATC came out swinging. After struggling with just 5 hits the past game, ATC busted out the whooping stick en route to 11 runs. Jared Lease didn't have his best stuff having several walks and hits batsmen, but still pitched effectively for 6 innings only allowing 1 bloop hit behind the pitchers mound that should have been caught. EP Greg Bennett and RF Chris Wolfe each hit big 3B's and 1B Rob Pecl hit his 3rd 2B of the year, with PH-EP Alex Botsch picked up his 1st hit of the year on a monster 2B. Although ATC had several errors, they were still able to pick themselves up with a few nice plays made, including the 1st double play of the year by turned by SS Ricky Hiles and 2B Eric Vajda. In his first appearance of the year, Matt Jurcevic struck out the side in the 7th.
Thursday ATC takes on CMBC/Davis (0-1), which is a result of Steve's Sports having a messy divorce and splitting up. Tim LaBar who recorded a save Opening Day, will get his start of the year.
Season Starts On Good Note
May 17, 2009
ATC (1-0) beat The Fairview Marlins (0-1) 4-2 to take the season opener vs. The Marlins for second straight year. John Bakalar threw 6 scoreless innings allowing just 2 hits with no walks and 4 K's on 64 pitches to pick up the win. In the bottom of the 3rd ATC capitalized on 2 Marlin errors to score 2 runs, with 3B Tim LaBar and EP Rob Pecl recording RBI's. In the 6th ATC struck again for 2 runs, led by an RBI 2B by Pecl. In the 7th, Fairview was able to make it interesting when new aquisition Chris Wolfe allowed 2 runs on an error, 2 hits and 2 BB's. With the bases load and 1 out LaBar closed it out by getting a K and a groundout to himself. ATC got some outstanding defensive plays by RF Zach Schreiber and SS Ricky Hiles. Pecl led the team offensively with 2 2B's and 2 RBI's.
Jared Lease will start Tuesday vs. rival C-Town Woodies 7:30 @ Gordon. No love lost between these two teams.
Why Buy When You Can Lease
July 26, 2008
Jared Lease stepped up with the big lights upon him, throwing 6 quality innings allowing just 1 run on 5 hits in a 3-1 win over Becky's Tavern (15-10). In the first Lease gave up a walk and a hit, and then a single scored their only run. Lease threw 40 pitches to get out of the first 2 innings, but then threw just 44 over the next 4 innings. ATC was held off balance until the 3rd, when with 2 outs ATC put up a 3 spot keyed by RBI 1B's by SS Troy Matthews and 3B Kyle Richards. After that some great defense in the infield stopped any rallies Becky's may have had. Tim LaBar was then brought in the 7th to close out the win, picking up his 5th save. The win pins ATC vs. Bedford Bearcats on Sunday 4:00pm @ Talty. Earlier in the year ATC run ruled Bedford 11-1 and just recently lost 4-0 on the last day of the regular season, without several starters. Bedford was recently swept by Steve's Sports in The City Championship by scores of 5-1 and 3-1, the winner moves on to the 3-game Consolation Series to determine the other C.A.B.F. State representative.
Demons Routed in 1st Round Playoff Game
July 24, 2008
The Demons (3-22) #11, who had given ATC (16-8, 17-11) fits in 2 earlier meeting, was eliminated last night by #3 seed ATC 10-0 in 5 Innings. In the 1st inning, things looked dicey for ATC as The Demons would not give in. The very first batter of the game reached when P John Bakalar bobbled a tapper back to him. He then walked the next batter on 5 pitches. With 2 on, no one out, 3B Kyle Richards made a great double-play when he fielded a grounder and stepped on the bag and threw to 1st. The next batter hit a shot in the hole, but SS Troy Matthews made a diving play and got up and threw out the runner to avoid any damage. In the bottom of the 1st CF Mike Allen reached on an error, then stole 2nd. LF Zach Schreiber then 2B'd him in. That would be all the runs needed to win. 9 of the 10 starters collected a hit, and several players had notable days including: LF Schreiber (2-3, R, 2 RBI), 1B Matt Trotto (2-2, 2B, 2 RBI, SB), SS Matthews (1-3, 2 R, RBI, 2 SB). Bakalar went 4.0 Innings not allowing a run and yeilding just 1 single in the top of the 3rd, and walked 2, while recording 11 groundball outs. DH Rob Pecl was brought in to close out the 5th, and K'd and had a walk in his pitching debut. The win puts ATC in the second round, and they will have to await the winner of Liquid Planet Cheifs (5-18) vs. Becky's Tavern (14-9) tonite. 2nd Round game is scheduled for Friday 7:30 @ Talty with Jared Lease (2-4, 1.51) toeing the hill.
Two Close Losses End Regular Season
July 21, 2008
ATC finishes up the regular season at 15-8 (16-11) and with a 5-6 record in the 2nd half. Friday night, playing arguably their biggest rival, C-Town Woodies (13-8), ATC blew a 4-1 lead in the bottom of the 7th with 2 outs on 4 costly errors. In the 1st inning ATC jumped on top 3-0 when 3B Kyle Richards hit a 2-Run 1B and then P John Bakalar 1b'd in Richards. C-Town then scored in the bottom of the second when with 2 outs, a booted ball and errant throw on the same play scored a run. In the 3rd C Alex Botsch hit an RBI groundout to put ATC up 4-1. That would seemingly be all Bakalar needed, as he was cruising at just 55 pitches entering the 7th. The first batter lined out to CF Mike Allen. The next batter reached on ATC's third error of the game. Bakalar then struck out the next batter. With two outs and a runner on first, ATC could not get the third out. Bakalar then walked his first batter to put two on. The next batter then hit a reached on an infield error, and a throw that missed the cut off scored a run to make it 4-2 with runners on 2nd and 3rd. The very next batter reached on an error and it scored a run to make it 4-3 with runners at the corners. The next batter singled to RF, only C-Town's 3rd hit of the game to tie it 4-4 with runners on 1st and 2nd. Jared Lease came in and tried his best, but gave up the winning single to his first batter. In all the damage was 4 runs (0 earned) on 1 hit, a BB and 4 E's. C-Town had 4 hits for the game but managed to pull it out, for ATC's most disapointing loss, with the Steve's Sports collapse aside.
Sunday ATC took on Bedford Bearcats (21-3) despite missing 5 key starters and lost 4-0. Jared Lease pitched well, making only 2 mistakes. In the 3rd with runners on 2nd and 3rd and 2 outs, a single scored 2. In the 4th Bedford scored again with 2 outs. In the 5th a misplayed flyball would lead to a unearned run. Lease would go 5.0 Allowing 4 runs (3 earned) while giving up 8 hits and had 4 K's. He also provided ATC's only runner in scoring position when he 2B's and moved over on a passed ball, but ATC couldn't make contact to get him in when they were down 2-0. ATC struck out 10x for the game and managed just 3 hits. Bedford moves on to play Steve's Sports in The City of Cleveland Championship.
The good news is, despite the poor showing in the 2nd half, ATC finished 5th overall and therefore is the #3 seed in the playoffs, and with Lake Erie being the #1 and getting a bye, ATC plays the 2nd worse team The Demons (3-19) on Wednesday 7:30 @ Brookside in the 1st round. John Bakalar (4-2, 1.99) will get the ball. ATC and Bakalar beat the Demons 8-2 on Opening Day and just recently pulled out a close 7-4 win on Wednesday. Last year ATC lost to the last place Woody's Bar & Grill, so there is no taking anyone lightly.
LaBar Helps Hold On To Close Win
July 17, 2008
ATC 5-4 (15-6, 16-9) was able to pull out a very close win over a cellar dweller in The Demons (3-18) by a score of 7-4. Things got dicey in the 7th when starter Matt Jurcevic tired after giving up 3 straight singles with no one out. Tim LaBar then came in to pick up his 4th save by K'ing the first two batters, then getting a weak groundball out to put it in the book. In what has been a struggle as of late, ATC was able to pound out 9 hits from the offense. With runners on, ATC was able to do what it does best by continuing to run, compiling 8 steals. The top of the order led by CF Mike Allen, LF Jim Conway, EP Troy Matthews and DH Taylor Kraus went a combined 5-11 with 6 R's, 4 RBI's, 6 SB's and 2 BB's to pace the offense. 2B Rob Gruss went 1-2 with a HBP, SB and 2 RBI's and RF Eric Thomas picked up his first hit on the season. Jurcevic, after a rocky start was lights out from innings 2-6, having 4 consectutive 1-2-3 innings. Jurcevic went 6.0 Innings allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 7 hits, while walking 3 and K'ing 2. The 15th league win matches the Spider's (Cherokees) inaugural 2001 season, and with 2 games left ATC has a chance to set the record for most regular season wins. Friday night ATC has a showdown with their biggest rival, C-Town Woodies 7-1 (12-8). After a poor showing in the 1st half, C-Town has a shot at the 2nd half championship with a 7-1 record to face Steve's Sports in the City Championship and ATC would love nothing more to dash their title hopes. ATC will be without a few starters, but will send John Bakalar (4-1, 2.41) to the mound.
Westlake Wallops Spiders
July 16, 2008
Last night ATC (14-6, 15-9) got blown out in a non-league game vs. The Ohio Titans (33-6) by a score of 13-1, last night at Bohlken Park. In the first inning RF Jim Conway hit what appeared to be a bloop single, but The Titans SS made a nice running grab, and that's how ATC's luck went the rest of the game. In the bottom of the 1st, The Titans hit a 2-run home run vs. starter Taylor Kraus, and that would be all they needed. ATC got it's lone run when Conway BB'd, moved to 2nd on an errant pick off throw and then stole 3rd. Kraus then hit a roller to the SS that was misplayed to score Conway. Not many positives to take away from this one. The offense continues to struggle as a whole, managing just 2 hits. Having dropped 8 of the last 10, after starting 13-1, scoring a total of 11 runs in the 8 losses and 24 runs in the past 10 games. The team average has dropped from .408 after 14 games to .268 overall. Tonight ATC takes on one of the doormats of the league, The Demons (3-17), in hopes of getting back on track and ending the season on a winning streak these last 3 games. Matt Jurcevic (1-0, 1.17), who has been excellent in relief will get his 2nd start of the year.
Wasted Opportunities Cost ATC Crucial Win
July 11, 2008
The Lake Erie Buckeyes (17-4) were able to outlast the ATC Spiders (14-6, 15-8) in 10 innings, for a 2-1 win. Early on it was a pitchers duel, with starter Tim LaBar throwing 5 shutout innings and K'ing 6. ATC had the bases loaded twice off Lake Erie's starter, but was unable to come away with anything. The second time with no one out in the 6th, L.E.B. brought in a reliever to face Matt Trotto. Trotto hit a shot down the RF line, but was stabbed by the 1B and got the runner at second for a double play. ATC then loaded the bases in the 9th, but was only able to get a run when Jim Conway hit an INF RBI single that he beat out to score Trotto. ATC was unable to get anything after that. L.E.B.'s leadoff man singled, then advanced to 3rd with two outs. The hitter then singled to tie it 1-1. The same again in the 10th, with the bases loaded and no one out, the 4-5 hitters K'd and the next batter got out. L.E.B. then started 10th with a 1B, a wild pitch advanced him to second. A groundout to the pitcher and a K made 2 out. The leadoff hitter then 1B'd, the runner at third was held. The runner at 1st then got in a rundown, and instead of holding the ball or throwing home, ATC's infield tried to get the runner out before the runner scored, but the man from 3rd scored to win. It was perhaps the most frustrating loss yet. ATC had the bases loaded 4x (2x with no one out), and scored 1 run, leaving a total of 17 runners on for the game. If ATC wishes to win the round-robin playoff, they must change their approach because what their doing is not working, and isn't going to advance them out of 1st round.
Big Country Tames 'Buff
July 10, 2008
Around The Corner (14-5, 15-7) was able to win it's second game in a row over Harry Buffalo (8-11) 8-0, behind a masterful performance by Ryan Flanigan. Flanigan worked out of trouble the first 3 innings and had only 1 K. From the 3rd on he K'd 10 and only allowed 1 more hit to pick up a complete game win, with 11 K's and scattering 3 hits, while walking 4 to improve to 3-1 on the year. Up 4-0 in the 6th, Mike Allen delivered the knock out blow with a 3-run double. The 14th win tops ATC's record of 13 Cleveland Adult regular season wins, set in 2007.
Back On Track
July 7, 2008
After a 6 game losing streak, ATC (13-5, 14-7) was able to snap out of it win a 5-0 win over The West Side Rage (6-11). Tim LaBar, who is making the Joba Chamberlain transition from reliever to starter, got the win in his 1st start fo the year by pitching 3 scoreless innings while having 7 K's. ATC started the game by loading the bases with no one out. The next two batters whiffed, then All-Star CF Mike Allen had a straight steal of home, to make sure ATC didn't come away empty handed. In the 2nd RF Jim Conway delivered a 2-run 2B. Allen then knocked Conway in on a 1B, to make it 4-0. Matt Jurcevic then threw 2 scoreless out of the 'pen, and Allen was brought in to close out the last 2 innings. In the 7th Conway stole 3rd and was able to make the catcher throw the ball into LF to score. Allen led the way with 3 hits, R, RBI, and 5 Sb's. Conway added 2 hits, R, and 2 SB's. The All-Star game is tonite, and ATC will be well represented with P Tim LaBar, P Jared Lease, C Taylor Kraus, CF/P Mike Allen and Manager John Bakalar. Next game is Tuesday 7:30 @ Brookside vs. The Iron Men (1-14) with John Bakalar (4-1, 2.41) getting the nod.
Late Error's Cost ATC
July 2, 2008
Winking Lizard (10-5) were able to capitalize off of 2 crucial error's in the top of the 10th inning to pull out a 3-0 win over ATC (12-5). The loss is ATC's 6th straight and 4th straight in league play, in the past two games the offense has scored 1 run in 19 innings and 9 runs in the past 6 games. ATC would strand a total of 12 runners on base for the game. In the 2nd with the bases loaded and no on out, Jim Conway hit a fly ball but Rob Pecl was thrown out at the plate. In the 3rd ATC had a runner on 3rd with one out, and was unable to bring him in. Once again in the 4th inning, with the bases chucked and one out, they were unable to put the ball in play and get any runs. Their last chance came in the bottom of the 9th with runners on 1st and 3rd and two out, ATC couldn't do anything. Jared Lease followed up a great performance by Kraus, and pitched 9 scoreless. He opened the 10th by walking the 8 and 9 hitters. John Bakalar was brought in, and that is when things fell apart. The batter attempting to move the runners over with a bunt, was forced to hit a linedrive bunt right at 1st baseman Pecl, but was dropped to load the bases. The next batter blooped in a single before RF Jim Conway to score it 1-0 Winking Lizard. With the infield in, a routine ball was hit to SS Matthews but he fell and mad a bad throw home and it allowed 2 runs to score. The next two batters were retired on pop ups, and all 3 runs went unearned. Zach Schrieber started the 10th with a walk, and was caught stealing on a strike out-throw out. Mike Allen then walked and stole 2nd. Rob Gruss then K'd to end the game. Jared Lease went 9.0 Innings allowing 2 runs (0 earned) on 6 hits with 4 BB's and 6 K's. The offense again struggled to get a win for an excellent starting pitching performance. The loss drops ATC to 2-3 in the 2nd half, which may cost them a shot at the Championship and will now have to play for a high seed in the playoffs.
Mike Allen (2-0, 1.72 ERA) toes the hill tommorrow vs. The Black Sox, whom he is 4-0 lifetime.
Beck'y Outlasts ATC
June 30, 2008
Becky's Tavern 3-0 (9-5) continued it's unbeaten streak in the 2nd half and remains the only undefeated team left, by beating ATC 2-2 (12-4, 13-6) 2-1 in 9 innings. Taylor Kraus gave ATC it's best pitching performance of the year, going 8.1 Innings allowing just 1 earned run on2 hits, walking 3 and K'ing 8, but was the hard luck loser. Former LHS grad '97 and Baldwin Wallace Pitcher Darryl Thomasik, who was All-LEL and All-Ohio, went the distance allowing only 1 run. ATC continues to play short-handed, and the offense continues to struggle in the 5 game losing streak only scoring 9 runs. In the 2nd, ATC got it's only run off Thomasik, when two pitchers were forced in the lineup, John Bakalar scored after a 1B by Matt Jurcevic. ATC left 9 runners on for the game. In the 8th, pinch hitter Matt Trotto led off the inning with a single and stole second. With the top of the order up, no one brought him in, as the first two hitters K'd. In the bottom of the 9th, Becky's first hitter reached on an error when an infield fly dropped in. The next batter sacrificed him to second, and a passed ball put him at 3rd with one out. Closer Tim LaBar was brought in and intentionally walked the next hitter to set up the double play. The runner stole 2nd to stay out of it, but LaBar K'd the batter up. With 2nd and 3rd and 2 out, Becky's catcher lined a shot into the right-center gap to win it. It was Becky's first victory over ATC since 2006.
ATC gets back in action on Tuesday 7:30 at Brookside vs. Winking Lizard 2-1 (9-5). The Lizard lost 6-3 to ATC. Jared Lease (2-1, 1.91) will make his 5th start fo the year, and will put a stop to the losing.
Bedford choose to award ATC with an extra All-Star, and ATC selected CF Mike Allen to represent them. Allen is currently hitting .298 while 2nd on the team with 13 SB's and is 2-0 with a 1.72 ERA on the mound in 20.1 Innings.
Losing Skid Hits 4 Games
June 28, 2008
The Cleveland Blackwolves hosted ATC 2-1 (12-3, 13-5) last night and the rain held off, but ATC's offense is still MIA, as they fell 6-2 in 8 Innings. The Blackwolves first batter in the 1st reached on an error and the next batter walked, after a double steal , a single and SAC made in 2-0. After that starter Ryan Flanigan settled down for the next 3 innings. In the top of the 5th ATC had runners on 1st and 3rd after back-to-back 1B's by C Taylor Kraus and 1B Rob Pecl with no one out. The next batter hit into a double play, but good baserunning by Kraus allowed him to score to cut it to 2-1. In the bottom of the 5th things unratteled for ATC. The leadoff man led off with a walk, then the next batter K'd but reached first after Kraus tried to get the runner at 2nd instead of 1st. With 2 on and no one out, The Blackwolves strung together 5 hits in the inning, scoring 4 to make it 6-1. ATC got it's 2nd run in 7th when Kraus reached on a K and Pecl 1b'd. Kraus stole 3rd and the catcher threw it away to allow him to score to make it 6-2, and put Pecl on 2nd but no more damage was done. Matt Jurcevic was brought in to throw relief in the 6th and 7th, and delievered two scoreless innings. In the top of the 8th ATC went 1-2-3, and the 9 inning game was called after 8 due to darkness.
Despite the losing streak, ATC is still in the hunt for the 2nd half Championship. With The Bedford Bearcats losing, ATC must win out and have Steve's Sports lose and they will be in Championship Series vs. Steve's Sports.
Around The Corner Spider's Send 3 To All-Star Game
June 25, 2008
Around The Corner, who finished up the first half in 2nd place at 10-2 and is currently 2-1 as the chase the 2nd half crown, have 3 players going to this years Cleveland Adult Baseball Federation All-Star Game held Monday July 7th 7:30pm at Talty Field in Brookside Reservation. Here are the following All-Stars:
P Jared Lease
This is Lease's second time being named a C.A.B.F. All-Star, after being elected in 2007. Currently 2-1 and sporting a 1.91 ERA with 17 K's in 23 Innings of work. Should be 3-0 after defense lost tough game to C-Town Woodies 3-2. Beat Lake Erie Buckeyes and left with a 7-3 lead over Steve's Sports before bullpen let it slip away.
C/3B/P Taylor Kraus
Kraus has been ATC's most consistent overall player. Leads the team in ERA with a 0.70 in 10.0 Innings of work. Had a start against Black Sox washed away when he was up 3-2 in the 4th and could have held on for 3rd win. Defensively is best player on the field, whether at 3rd or C, and leads the team at a .432 clip with team leading 16 hits and has 11 RBI's, which are third on the team.
3B/P Tim LaBar
Although LaBar has batteled shoulder injuries as of late, his play has been excellent. Was hitting around .480 before injury, but is still at a rock solid .370 which is good enough third on the team, and is also third with 9 RBI's. Has also been one of the most reliable closers in the league, converting 3/4 Save opportunities with an ERA of 3.00. Has a great fastball and off-speed that have made him devestating in short innings, and will be looked at to have larger role in rotation as playoffs begin.
John Bakalar was named an All-Star Manager, after leading team to third best record overall at 12-3, being joined on Bedford Bearcats Manager Bob Belesitio staff, along with Winking Lizard's Manager and C-Town Woodies Manager. Belesito with have 4 wildcard All-Stars to choose from, and only one may come from his team, so ATC may have another All-Star on the way.
Burnout Setting In
June 23, 2008
Once again ATC (2-1, 11-2, 13-4) failed to show up with it's best players in the biggest game of the year, with a shot at the 2nd half Championship, falling to Steve's Sports 6-0. ATC managed just 3 hits, 2 by C Taylor Kraus, as Steve's Sports brought in their ringer, former Atlanta Braves farmhand Rick Seibert. It was a miracle the game was played as thunderstorms surronded everywhere but the field. In 1st inning, the first hitter hit a ball down the line that just died in the mud. The second batter then reached on an error. The next two hitters got out, and the #5 hitter hit a single to CF to score one and then 2nd runner tried to score but was thrown out by Jim Conway. Down 1-0 in the 1st, ATC put up their only rally. With runnners on 1st and 2nd and 2 outs, Rob Gruss hit a slow roller that he beat out, Kraus tried to catch the 1st baseman asleep and ran home, but was thrown out to kill the rally. In the 3rd with a runnner on 2nd and one out, a bunt attempt was hit right at Bakalar and he threw it into RF to score then runner and the batter advanced all the way to 3rd. The next hitter hit a looping fly ball to make it 3-0. In the 4th things unhinged, when the leadoff batter singeled, Conway then misplayed a flyball and that made it 4-0. The next hitter then 2B'd in a run to make it 5-0. The runner then adavnced to 3rd, and would score on a wild pitch. to make it 6-0. Steve's pitching then shut it down the rest of the way, and the rain came after the completion of 6 to put it in the books. The loss makes it 3 in a row and puts ATC at 2-1 in the 2nd half with Steve's 1-1, Bedford 3-0, and Lake Erie 3-0. ATC is going to need help the rest of the way, and get it together offensively and win out the 2nd half. Some players have to decide whether they want to make a commitment to the team and win and be ballplayers, or be guys who show up and play baseball.
Offensive and Defense Struggles C-Town Pulls Out Late Inning Win
June 22, 2008
After having 19 players attend Friday night's game @ LHS, ATC had just 12 players show, missing 4 key starters. Although the game goes down on the first half standings, it was a game of bragging rights vs. C-Town Woodies. ATC had no intensity to play and it showed as they lost 3-2, when they held a 1 run lead with 1 more out to go to close out a win. ATC ends the first half at 10-2, with Steve's Sports 0-1 (11-1) clinching a the first half with a forfeit win over The Bengals. Jared Lease was exceptional, throwing 7 innings allowing no earned runs and K'ing 6. An error with 2 outs allowed C-Town to have runners on 2nd and 3rd, then Lease's one mistake, as the next batter hit a 2-run single. In the 7th ATC had it's shot, with 1st and 2nd and 1 out, Matt Trotto lined a 1B to RF, but the runner on second was thrown out. With runners and 2nd and 3rd and 2 outs the next hitter K'd to end it. Once again too many errors and not enough hitting, wasting a great performance by Lease.
With Steve's Sports losing to Bedford to open 2nd half play, all ATC MUST do it WIN OUT and they will play Steve's Sports in The City Championship to go to the State Championship.
Westlake Keys On ATC Mistakes
June 21, 2008
In a battle of the two top area team ATC (12-1, 13-2) and Westlake Titans (19-1), only Westlake showed up. ATC commited 4 costly errors and starter Alex Cammock walked 8 batters and hit 1, coupled with mental mistakes, ATC let this one get away and was too much to overcome. Westlake got on the board in the first with 2 runs, with a leadoff walk and 2 singeles. With runners on 1st and 2nd no one out ATC had a chance to get out of it when a double play ball was booted. ATC then got a leadoff 1B from Jimmy Conway. Mike Allen then executed a perfect hit-and-run, to make it first and third no one out. Allen then stole but was called out when clearly safe, and it was a strike-them-out-throw-them out to kill the rally. Westlake scored 2 more in the 2nd via 2 singles, 2 BB's and a HBP. Another error in the 4th allowed a run in the 4th. In the 6th, starter Alex Cammock was pulled for Ryan Flanigan with the bases loaded. Westlake would unload them on a 3B to make it 8-0. In the 6th ATC was able to claw back into the game. West Lucas worked a walk to start. Then an error put runners on first and second. Another error loaded them up for Zach Schreiber who hit an RBI single. Ricky Hiles then followed with his own RBI single. Allen then stepped up and crushed a 2-run 2B into the gap to close it to 8-4. ATC was then able to load the bases back up with 2 outs, but was unable to get anymore. Flanigan held it down in relief, pitching into the 9th before leaving with the bases loaded. He went 3.0 Innings allowing 1 run on 5 hits, while walking 2 and K'ing 2. Alex Botsch was then brought in and got a flyball out that scored a run, and then another flyout to minimize the damage. With the game 9-4 in the bottom of the 9th, Rob Pecl walked to lead it off. Westlake's reliever then struck out the side to end it. Westlake came up with some big plays in the early innings, and took advantage of a few errors, coupled with a wild starting pitching performance, it was too much to come back from. Leading the way offensively was Allen (2-4, 2B, 2 RBI), who made an spectacular catch in CF in the 7th, and Conway (2-4).
ATC goes back to league play against C-Town Woodies today 2pm @ Gordon with Jared Lease on the hill.
ATC Walks Away With Win Over Liquid Planet Chiefs
June 20, 2008
Liquid Planet Chiefs pitcher's were wild last night, and ATC (12-1, 13-1) took advantage by drawing club record 14 walks, en route to a 12-2 win. Entering the bottom of the 6th, ATC was clinging to a 4-2 lead and had only 1 hit. In the 6th, they exploded for an 8 run outburst. With a number of bases loaded walks, Rob Gruss smashed a 2-run double to crack the game open. It was his first hit of the year and ATC collected 4 more in the inning. ATC's starting pitching continues to excel, as Mike Allen went the distance, allowing 2 earned runs in 6 innings while scattering 6 hits and striking out 3. He improves to 2-0 with a miniscule 1.72 ERA in 20 1/3 Innings of work. Bill Kelley collected his 1st hit of the year and scored 2 runs and added a SB. ATC is now 2-0 in 2nd half play.
Tonight two of the top teams in the state square off, as ATC (13-1) takes on The Westlake Titans (18-1) of The Northern Ohio Semi-Pro Baseball League. ATC is 0-2 lifetime vs. The Titans, having lost 5-4 in 2005 and 6-1 in 2007. The start time is 7:00 pm @ Lakewood High School.
Second Half Starts With Close Win
June 18, 2008
Last night at Talty Field, ATC (11-1, 12-1), did not put on it's best performance, but was able to pull out a 3-1 over the Bengals (4-7) to open the second half off the season. In the bottom of the 1st ATC scored a run when SS Troy Matthews had an RBI groundout to score RF Jimmy Conway, who had stole 2 bases to get to third and now has 15 on the year. In the 2nd ATC had 1st and 3rd with 2 outs and DH Zach Schreiber got in a pickle at first that allowed 2B Owen Donelon to score from third. Then in the 3rd inning, CF Mike Allen scored when the pitcher had a throwing error trying to nab him at third in a run down. The Bengals then scored in the top of the 4th with two outs. With runners at first and second, a weak groundball was hit to SS Matthews, the runner at 2nd shielded the ball perfectly and Matthews couldn't come up with it as it rolled into LF to make it 3-1. ATC wasted opportunities in the 5th with bases loaded no one out and 3-4-5 up, and all struck out. In the 6th with runners and 1st and 2nd no one out, they again went down in order, leaving a total of 9 LOB for the game. John Bakalar had his finest perfromance of the year, throwing his second complete game to pick up his 4th win of the year, while scattering 6 hits and K'ing 6. Conway (2-3, R, 2 SB) and Allen (1-2, BB, R, 2 SB) paced the offense. Hats off to the young Bengals who really played hard and will be a team on the rise in The CBF next few years. Mike Allen (1-0, 1.47) takes the hill vs. Liquid Planet Chiefs on Thursday 7:30 @ Gordon, whom ATC beat 8-7 but had to come back to take into extra's to win.
ATC has an outside shot at the first half championship, that would send them to The City Series. With Steve's Sports (10-1) losing to The Bedford Bearcats (9-2), ATC and Steve's are each 10-1 in first half but Steve's holds tiebreaker after gutwrenching loss. Even though second half play has begun, Saturday is a first half makeup. ATC must beat C-Town Woodies and The Bengals must beat Steve's in order to go to City Series. If both teams lose, Bedford is first half champions.
ATC Adds 3 To Mix
Around The Corner Spider's have added 3 new players, 2 who are old faces.
P Alex Cammock, who pitched well vs. #1 Nationally Ranked Cleveland Mosquitoes, has been brought in to add depth to an already deep pitching staff.
INF Kyle Richards, who was last years starting 3B while hitting .314 and playing excellent defense, will add more depth to the infield and possibly see time on the mound as well.
INF Eric Thomas, who was a key member of last years 22-5 Lakewood High School team, will be brought in to back-up second baseman Eric Vajda and see time as a EP and DH
Lease Cools Bengals Bats
June 16, 2008
Jared Lease threw 4 shutout innings en route to a 6-2 win over the Bengals (3-6). Lease gave up a leadoff single, the Bengals only hit of the game, and struck out 5 while walking 3. ATC (10-1, 11-1) jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first by a pair off RBI singles by 3B Taylor Kraus and SS Ricky Hiles, a 2B by C Alex Botsch and CF Mike Allen scoring on an errant pick play. Hiles picked up his first hit of the year, and added another in 3rd to jump his average to .286. Kraus added another hit and saw his average climb to a team leading .520. Alex Botsch, meanwhile went 2-2 and is 6 for 8 in last 3 games. In the 5th the Bengals scored 2 unearned runs off Matt Jurcevic from 2 errors, but Jurcevic threw a scoreless 6th and pitched well. Ryan Flanigan was brought in for 7th and retired the side in order to close the win. ATC was missing 4 key starters, but their depth stepped right in and played great and filled in the holes. ATC will see the Bengals again Tuesday to begin the second half off the season, with John Bakalar (3-0, 2.33) taking the hill.
Allen Leaves Black Sox Out To Dry
June 13, 2008
In a makeup game from Monday's game, ATC (9-1, 10-1) beat up on The Black Sox (5-4) 6-0 last night. Mike Allen went the distance for a complete game shutout, allowing just 2 bloop hits and 8 K's, and improved to a lifetime 4-0 vs. Black Sox. In the 1st inning, ATC struck for two runs when EP West Lucas 2B'd in LF Matt Trotto, Lucas then came around to score on a passed ball. In the 2nd, John Bakalar drew a bases loaded walk, and Allen helped his cause with an RBI groundout. The Black Sox then booted the ball around in the 5th and Bakalar scored on an error and Mike "The Jet" Allen had a straight steal of home plate, the first time since Alex Beavin in 2004. Despite getting only 2 hits, great teams find a way to get it done and ATC was able to win their second in a row, behind another excellent starting pitching performance.
Next game is today 6:30 @ North Olmsted Community Park off Lorain. It is a rematch from last years 19-0 drubbing by The Cleveland Blackwolves of the Northern Ohio Men's League
Rain Saves Sox's
June 10, 2008
Last night's game with the Black Sox has been postponed, as ATC (8-1, 9-1) was leading 3-2 with runners on 2nd and 3rd with three hitter West Lucas up to bat. In the bottom of 2nd Zach Schreiber hit a monster double to score P Taylor Kraus and RF Jimmy Conway. Schreiber then scored on an error by the catcher. The Black Sox came back and scrored 2 runs on a 2 out double after stealing signs at second. In the bottom of 3rd back-to-back walks put runners on 1st and 2nd, then a passed ball put them at 2nd and 3rd. With Lucas due up, the rains came down for the second delay and was too much. With the first half ending Sunday, it remains to be seen if the game will be completed. If the rain hold off ATC plays tonight, with Jared Lease toeing the hill vs. C-Town Woodies.
West Side Rage Tamed
June 9, 2008
After a painful loss, ATC (8-1, 9-1) got back on the winning track by dominating The West Side Rage (3-7) by a score of 9-1. ATC got 4 runs in the 2nd keyed by EP Taylor Kraus's 2-run 2B. In the 3rd ATC was able to scratch 2 more runs, with RBI's by 3B Tim LaBar and C Alex Botsch. That would be all starter John Bakalar needed, going the distance and only allowing 2 hits while notching 7 K's, in picking up his 3rd win on the year. Several players had great offensive days, Kraus (2-3, 2B, R, 3 RBI), Botsch (2-3, 2 R, RBI, 2 SB), 1B Rob Pecl (2-3, 2 R, SB), CF Mike Allen (2-4, 2 RBI) and 2B Eric Vajda (1-3, 2 R, SB).
Next game is Monday 7:30 @ Brookside vs. Black Sox, then Tuesday 7:30 @ Brookside vs. rival C-Town Woodies and a non-league game on Friday 6:30 @ North Olmsted vs The Cleveland Blackwolves.
Late Inning Rally Sparks Another Comeback
May 31, 2008
ATC (5-0, 6-0) came form behind against The Winking Lizard Tavern (2-2) last night. 6-3. Things looked rough early, as starter John Bakalar was unable to find the strike zone and when he did got pounded. The Lizard jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first via 2 2B's, 1B and a BB. In the top of the 2nd ATC came back and got a run when SS Troy Matthews scored on C Taylor Kraus's fielder's choice. Bakalar pitched in and out of trouble in 2nd and in the 3rd got a lot of help from his defensive, as 2B Eric Vajda and Matthews turned a great double play to get out of the jam. Then in the bottom of the 4th, after a walk, Kraus threw out the runner trying to steal. The next batter then singeled. Again the defense came up huge as Vajda and Matthews turned their second double play of the game. Down 3-1 in the 5th with 2 outs and 2 men on, ATC got a rally going. Jim Conway hit a sure groundball to the 2B, and he booted it. That brought Matt Trotto up with the bases loaded. He drove a pitch just out of the reach of the 2B, to score 2 and tie it at 3-3. West Lucas then went the other way and hit a infield single to the 3B, but he threw it away, and it allowed Conway and Trotto to score, on some excellent baserunning. The score was now 5-3 and Bakalar held it together in the 5th. Then in the 6th, Zach Schreiber hit a base knock to score Tim Labar to make it 6-3. Bakalar was taken out after 5 innings allowing 3 runs on 7 hits, while walking 4 and 2 K's, without his best stuff found a way to win. Labar then closed out the final two innings, and was lights out agin, K'ing 4 to pick up his second SV. The offense was led by Trotto (2-3, 3B,R, 2 RBI's, BB) and Schreiber (2-3, R, RBI, SB). Defensively ATC was outstanding, as they helped bail out Bakalar when he was in trouble. EV and Matthews turned 2 DP's, and Kraus came up clutch throwing out a runner. Next game is Sunday 4pm @ Talty.
The Buck Stops Here
May 25, 2008
ATC (4-0, 5-0) overcame an early 4-0 deficit to pull out a 6-5 win over the Lake Erie Buckeyes. Lake Erie was able to jump out to a 4-0 lead on 2 costly errors in the 2nd inning. However, ATC never panicked and came back to score 1 in the 3rd, when Jimmy Conway 3B'd, then Matt Trotto knocked him in on a 2B. Lake Erie was held scoreless in the 4th and ATC would tie the game at 4, when Zach Schreiber hit a 3-run 1B. Lake Erie was held at bay again in the 5th and ATC knocked in 2 runs off a Troy Matthews 1B, to take a 6-4 lead. In the 6th, starter Jared Lease tired a bit and Lake Erie was able to scratch a run by playing some small ball to make it 6-5. Lease would go 6 strong innings, allowing 4 earned runs on 7 hits. ATC then went down 1-2-3 striking out in the 6th and appeared to give Lake Erie a momentum swing. In the top of the 7th with their top 3 hitters due up, last year's D1 All-Ohio Pitcher Tim Labar was brought in to close it. Labar made the top of the order look foolish, as he sat the first two hitters down looking on some gas and knee-buckling curveballs. Labar then just gassed the 3 hitter and closed out the win. ATC now is in first place at 4-0, and will be off til Friday vs. Winking Lizard (2-1).
Win Streak Hangs On
May 23, 2008
The win streak is extended to 4 games, as ATC (3-0, 4-0) continues to roll with a victory over Becky's Tavern, 8-6. The offensive continues to spark the club, as the team pounded out 12 hits, led by 3BTaylor Kraus who had 3 hits and OFJimmy Conway and SSTroy Matthews who had 2 hits apiece. Conway also swiped 3 bases. Ryan Flanigan ran into trouble in the 2nd, when an error and some bloop singles led to 3 runs, to make it 3-1 Becky's. ATC responded by getting the run back in the 2nd to cut the deficit to 1. Flanigan held it down in the 3rd but had to leave the game due to soreness. In the 3rd ATC was able to make a winner out of Flanigan, by exploding for 5 runs in the bottom of the 3rd. ATc then got a run in the 4th to go up 8-3. Mike Allen came in relief and pitched through tremendous pain, to give ATC 4 solid innings out of the 'pen. Becky's would make things interesting late in the game, as they had the typing run at second, but Allen was able to close the door on any rally.
Bearcats Declawed
May 22, 2008
The Bedford Bearcats (1-1), a Nationally Ranked High School summer team a year ago, were trounced 11-1 by ATC (2-0, 3-0). In the very 1st inning, ATC put up a 5 spot on the board, with RBI's by Troy Matthews, Matt Trotto, Tim Labar and Alex Botsch. In the 2nd inning, West Lucas lined a 1B to score Mike Allen, making it 6-0. After being held scoreless in the 3rd, ATC platted 3 more runs in the 4th, with Rob Pecl driving in 2 RBI's on a 1B. ATC then ended the game in 6th when Botsch knocked in his 2nd RBI of the game.
What got lost in the offensive output, was the dominant pitching effort by Taylor Kraus. Making his pitching debut, and one of his longest outings since his LHS days, Kraus threw 5 solid innings allowing only 1 run on 3 hits. Taylor also fanned 6, while walking only 3, which came in the 5th. ATC's next game is vs. longtime friendly rival Becky's Tavern on Friday.
ATC Win's 100th Game As Franchise, Excercises Demons
May 21, 2008
The Around The Corner Spiders Franchise won it's 100th game as a team last night 8-2 over the Demons. The win puts their overall 8 year total at 100-71, 84-49 in league play.
In the first inning ATC had bases loaded with 1 out but was unable to scratch any runs, as Troy Matthews lined into a double play. The Demons, last years worst team in the league, jumped out a 1-0 lead in the first off of a pair off broken bat singeles. ATC came back in the 2nd to score 2 runs, when back-to-back walks with the bases loaded gave them a 2-0 lead. In the 3rd ATC broke things open, with the bases loaded Zach Schreiber lined a 2-run 2B down the line. West Lucas then followed up with his own 2-run 2B into the gap, to take a 4-1 lead. That would be all starter John Bakalar would need, going 6 innings allowing 2 runs on 6 hits, while adding 7 K's in picking up the win. ATC then added insurance runs in the 4th and 5th to make it 8-1. The Demons then scratched a late run in the 5th, but the game was over at that point. In the 6th ATC turned a great double play started by 1B Rob Pecl for the rare 3-6-1 DP. Devin Keaney then came in for the 7th, and after a pair of walks, struck out the side. Lucas led the way with 3 RBI's and Schreiber added 2 hits. ATC stole 10 bases, led by Matt Trotto, Mike Allen and Jim Conway who each had a pair. ATC showed continued patience at the plate, workin the Demons for 13 walks, with Matthews, Pecl, and Tim Labar each having two on the night. However ATC struggled knocking in runners, leaving an astronomical 16 runners on base for the game. ATC will play 3 big games in 4 games, that could help propel them into a 1st half Championship.
Next game is Thursday, 7:30 May 22 @ Gordon Park #1 on East 72nd off the shoreway (Route 2).
ATC Takes Season Opener
May 16, 2008
ATC (0-0, 1-0) opened up the season on a winning note vs. The Marlins, 4-2. Playing with a lot of fresh new faces, ATC is now 1 win away from it's 100th win as a Franchise.
Ryan "Big Country" Flanigan made his pitching debut and was sparkling, throwing 3 scoreless while allowing only 2 hits and K'ing 2. With the game deadlocked in a pitchers duel, The Marlins struck first in the 4th, scoring 2 runs OFF reliever Alex Botsch, from 5 walks. Botsch would settle back down in the 5th and have a 1-2-3 inning. In the bottom of the 5th ATC started a rally with runners on first and second. Taylor Kraus and Rob Pecl each took off on a double steal, and a throwing error by the catcher allowed Kraus to score to cut it to 2-1. Matt Jurcevic then came in for the 6th and did the job by not allowing a run and keeping ATC within striking distance. In the bottom of the 6th, ATC loaded the bases with no one out. A passed ball allowed Jim Conway to score on a pass ball to tie it, then Zach Schreiber was plunked to knock in a run and make it 3-2. Things then got dicey as Kraus lofted a flyball to right and was appeared to be caught, and Owen Donelon tagged to make it 4-2. The ump then said the ball was a trap, and The Marlins threw to 2nd and then 1 to get 2 force outs and not count the run. After discussion, the ump reversed his call, and allowed Donelon's run to count. Jurcevic didn't leave any doubt that it mattered in the 7th, as he went 1-2-3 to pick up the win. ATC played excellent defense led by newcomers 3B Tim Labar and 1B Rob Pecl, as well as 2B Eric Vajda making a great diving stop in the hole. Although ATC managed only 3 hits, they hit the ball hard at guys and showed patience at the plate, working 10 walks and getting hit 4 times, but did leave 10 men on base for the game. Overall, it was a great game by both teams, and a good start to the year.
Next game is Sunday, May 18 5:00pm @ Gordon vs. Steve's Sports. Reminder there is batting practice Saturday at noon after Lakewood JV game @ Turf.
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