Another tough-luck defeat for upset-minded B-52s squad

Late-inning heroics were the order of the day yet again as the RMSA schedule
reached the halfway point this week.

The B-52s continued their season-long misery of tough-luck losses as they
failed in their upset bid against Advanced Auto/Tebb’s in the Sunday Community
League, 8-7.

On paper, this game looked as if Advanced/Tebb’s would win handily, but the
B-52s have earned a reputation as a scrappy contender in the Community League
this season. Unfortunately, this scrappiness has only resulted in one win for
the B-52s.

Advanced/Tebb’s had first-inning solo home runs from Bryan Brockway and Shane
Hastings to open the scoring. B-52s were able to tie it up in the top of the
second as Rob Wiley rapped a RBI-triple scoring Dan Jones, who had doubled
previously.

The third inning proved to be the backbreaker for the B-52s however, as
Advanced batted around and scored six runs to take the lead 8-3. The Advanced
bats went silent after the explosive third inning, allowing the B-52s to chip
away at the lead.

B-52s scored two in the sixth but it was all they could muster and
Advanced/Tebb’s moved on, remaining undefeated and tied with Western Legion and
Don’s Auto at the top of the Community League standings.

Black River Ale House/D&D Carpets bounced back from a tough loss to Brew
Crew last week with a walk-off win over Bostwick Liquors 10-9.

Bostwick’s scored all their runs in the first two innings, posting an early
9-1 lead, but their bats went stone cold from the third inning on, allowing
Black River to work their way back into the game.

After a seven-run inning brought them within one run, Black River tied the
game with a Joe Brawdy RBI single, scoring Pat Farmer. Bostwick’s was unable to
answer in their half of the seventh.

Black River methodically went to work in their half. Bob Menter singled to
lead off the inning and was advanced to third on his brother Bill’s single. An
intentional walk to Steve McGowan loaded the bases. Nazie Adolfi hit a sharp
grounder to the shortstop who cut off Bob Menter at the plate for the first out.
Canio Sabia then laced a single that scored John Brawdy, who was running for
Bill Menter, with the game-winner.

The win helped Black River remain tied with Garage/The Mill and Bucky’s in
second place in the Burt Smith League.

A home run derby broke out on field two Thursday night as the 3-2 Mac
Contracting and undefeated Mattacola Law Firm squared off in Korpela League
action.

Travis Piersall opened the home run parade with a lead-off bomb for Mac in
the first inning. Lou Westcott provided a carbon copy of Piersall’s blast to
left two batters later, giving Mac Contracting a quick 2-0 lead.

The normally boisterous Mattacola bats went silent for the first three
innings until they exploded for seven runs in the fourth inning to take a 7-5
lead, one which they would not relinquish. The inning was highlighted by two
three-run home runs, one from Matt Vitalone, the other from Brendon Knight.

Mattacola’s piled on nine more runs over the next two innings to pad their
lead, but Mac refused to go quietly. Mac scored four runs in each of their final
two at-bats but it wasn’t enough, as Mattacola’s held on for the 16-13 victory.

Nick Swancott, blasted a grand slam, the second of his two home runs in the
game, to finish the scoring for Mac Contracting. Shane Kirkham homered and added
a triple in the loss.

Mattacola’s was led by Brandon Lovett, who masterfully took the ball to the
opposite field all night. He finished with three hits, as did the living legend
Rick Kenealy.