Those Sons of Pitches. 

Game # 11

June 30th, 2022

Hurtin' Units vs. Sons of Pitches

Hurtin' Units win 13-11

Team Record 9-2-0

Coventry Park- I enjoy playing ball at Coventry Park most of the time, but when we play on C2 at 7:00pm it is a little bit scary. At this time of the year, the sun starts off at a decent height, but by mid-game it is almost in our eyes. We do have a safety rule for this problem, we can suspend the game for 15 or more minutes until it is safe to play again. This game was full sun coming into the left side of the diamond and we had to be on our guard. 

The weather for this game was warm, the infield on C2 was like being on Mars, it was so dry and dusty and the temperature was close to 30 degrees, and there was the bright sunshine beating down on us with blinding light in our eyes. In other words, it was a perfect night for baseball. The Hurtin' Units were the home team in this game. 

At game time the Units had 11 guys dressed to take on the
SOPs, Fernando was the only missing player, for this game, he doesn't play Tuesday nights. 

I think that the Units hitting has dropped off a little bit from the start of the season, we have struggled in recent games and this game was no different. 

In the top of the first inning, the SOPs put up 2 runs and the Units went down 1,2,3 in the bottom of the inning. Jerry, Marc and Jon all got out to start our night...not a good sign. 

In the second inning, the Sons would score another run, but the Units would score 3 as Peter, Brad and Chilly would all come around to score. In the third inning, the Sons would tack on another 2 runs and shut the Units out again. The score after 3 complete innings was 5-3 for the Sons of Pitches. 

Over the next 4 innings the Units bats with come to life and we would score 10 runs while holding the Sons to another 5 runs in the 5th inning. The Units would not bat in the 7th and the final score was 13-10 for the Hurtin' Units.  A close game, but a nice win for the 2 points. 

The Hurtin' Units next game is on July 5th vs. the Bat Flippers. 

 MASTERS OF THEIR DOMAIN, KINGS OF THE CASTLE.

Game # 10

June 20, 2022

Hurtin' Units vs. The Master Batters

Hurtin' Units lose 11-10

Team Record- 8-2-0

Keogh Park- The Master Batters were last year's champions of the league and the Hurtin' Units were the winners of the regular season, so it was time for a final showdown for all the marbles. I know what you're thinking, the teams are different and this game has nothing to do with last season. This is true and the only players on the Units are Pete and myself and for the Master Batters there are Dave and Gord. Alright, it's a new season with mostly new teams, but these teams have always had good battles. 

The weather for this game was warm, cloudy with over cast and there had been a threat of rain all day, but it actually turned out to be a good night for ball. 

At game time, the Hurtin' Units had 11 guys dressed in red and the only missing player was Brad who needed a maintenance day. The Units were the visitors in this game. 

This was probably the worst I've seen this team hit this season. In our last
game, sorry 2 games ago,  (32- 13 vs. the Dogcatchers)  we could touch the ball and we had a hit, this game we touched the ball and it was an out. I give a lot of credit to the Batters pitcher (Scotty B.) who kept us off balance all night. Scotty was pitching from so far back that it basically through our timing off. The whole Hurtin' Units team had an off night. We were popping the ball up, hitting soft grounders and when we did get a hit, it was caught. So we chalk this game up to " Just one of those nights". The down side is that the Units don't play again until the next Tuesday so we have this loss in our heads until then. 

I did not get a picture of the game sheet for this game, so I will not post a boxscore. 

Next up for the Hurtin' Units are the Sons of Pitches on June 28th. 

 Inglorious Batsters... scary good.  

Game # 9 

June 16th, 2022

Hurtin' Units vs. Inglorious Batsters.

Hurtin' Units win 22-13

Team Record - 8-1-0

Keogh Park- I personally have always liked playing the Batsers, I really like their captains and they are usually a fun team to play. This season the Batsters are have a difficult time on the field, coming in to this game they had not won a game. It worries me when playing teams are due and we have to play them.

The weather for this game was great, warm and sun/cloud mix and just a great night for baseball.

At game time, we had 10 guys dressed and ready (somewhat ready) to take on the Batsters. Missing from this game were Chilly and Darrell. The Units were the home team in this game. 

So you remember how I said I don't like playing teams that are overdue to win a game, this is how I was feeling in this game. The Batsters have a good hitting team (Kahuna, Will, Lahey, etc.) and they showed us that power in the first couple of innings. In the first inning, the Batsters put up 4 runs and in the second inning, they scored another 7 runs against us, the Units countered with 2 in the first and 2 in the second. The score after 2 complete innings was 11-4 for the Batsters. 

In the third inning, the Units stopped the offense of the Batsters and in the bottom of the inning the Units would score 6 runs. In the forth inning the Batsters would score only a single run and the Units would tack on another 7 runs to make the score 17-12 for the Units. 

Over the next 3 innings, the Units defense played stellar baseball allowing the Batsters to score only one more run. The Units cooled off a bit also, but still managed to score 5 more runs and not have to bat in the bottom of the seventh inning. The final score 22-13 for the Units. The Hurtin' Units next game is on June 20th vs. the Master Batters.  

 Tale of the Dog. ⚾⚾⚾

Game # 8

June 15, 2022

Hurtin' Units vs. The Dogcatchers

Hurtin' Units win 32-13

Team Record -7-1-0

Keogh Park-Every once and a while a team has a game where the bats are full of hits and the runs just keep coming. This game was one of those nights that we could do no wrong. 

The weather for this game was great, warm temperatures, soft breeze and a sun/ cloud mix in the sky. 

At game time, the Units had 11 players dressed and ready to take on the Dogcatchers. The Dogcatchers have traditionally been a tough battle for the Units over the years, but tonight it seemed a little bit easier. The only missing player for the Units was Enrico. The Hurtin' Units were the visitors in this game. 

In the first inning, the Units had first at bat and sent 5 guys to bat, 3 got out, we scored a single run as the Units went down quickly. In the bottom of the inning, the Dogcatchers put up 6 runs and it looked like it could be a long game. 

Over the next three innings, the Units held the Dogcatchers to only another 4 runs and the Units bats came alive and scored 3 seven run innings in a row to take a huge lead. The score at the end of 4 innings was 22-10 for the Units. 

Over the next three innings (5th, 6th and 7th), the Units held the Dogcatchers to only 3 more runs, and would score another 10 runs to make the final score 32-13 for the Units.  

  

 

 

 Twist and Shout, twist and shout. 

Game # 7

June 8th, 2022

Hurtin'Units vs. the Tottenham Twisters

Hurtin' Units win 16-12

Team Record- 6-1-0 

Keogh Park- For the first time since the season started the Hurtin' Units only play one game in a week. Over the first 3 weeks the Units have played 2 games a week and have played the most of any team at this point. The Rebels and Draft Kings might actually be tied with games played. There are some teams that have only played 3 games this season. By the end of a month of play, most teams will be evened out, we will all play the same amount by season's end, a 26 game schedule. 

On Monday of this week, the games were canceled because of heavy rain most of the day and through the over night. On Tuesday, it was still raining and I really thought Tuesday's game were going to be canceled, but by game times the diamonds at Coventry looked really good. On Wednesday morning (our game day) there was a beautiful sun cloud mix, the temperature was around 18 degrees at 11:00 am. 

At game time the Units had 10 players in uniform and ready to play. Chilly and Darrell were missing from this game, Enrico was running late and ended up playing the last 3 innings. 

This game was the Hurtin' Units 3rd home game in a row, and our 7th game on the season. The Hurtin' Units defense was solid in the first 4 innings keeping the Twisters off the score sheet. The Hurtin' Units offense was not hitting well, but we managed to score 7 total runs in the first 4 innings. The Twisters would score 2 runs in the 5th inning on a 2 run homerun over the left field fence by Al B. (sub for the Twisters). In the bottom of the inning, the Units would score 7 runs on the board. The score after 5 complete innings was 14-2. 

In the sixth inning, both teams would score 2 runs each. 

In the top of the 7th inning, the Twisters went on a run and scored 8 runs tightening the score. The Units would hold on and win by a score of 16-12. 

 

 GRUESOME,  FOR A BIG WIN. 

Game # 6

June 02, 2022

Hurtin' Units vs. The Gruesome Devils

Hurtin' Units win 22-9

Team Record- 5-1-0

Keogh Park- Coming into this game the Hurtin' Units record was 4-1-0, the only loss coming at the bats of the Rusty Rebels. The Rebels to this date were still unbeaten and had a record of 4-0-0, with only 4 games played. 

After our game with the Gruesome Devils we were now 5-1-0 and with 10 points we had moved up to the top of the standings, at least for the moment. The Units have played 6 games this season, 2 a week for the last 3 weeks and will only play one game next week. 

The weather for the Gruesome game was excellent, a sun cloud mix with a temperature in the high teens. There was a soft breeze keeping the baseball in the park.

At game time, the Units only had 8 players in red shirts, plus 1 Roger (Kahuna) B. as a sub. Missing from this game were Fernando, Chilly, Jon D., and Enrico. Rico was the only one I didn't know about ( I didn't realize he was stuck in traffic and emailed me), I called Rob J. to come and sub for us. 

The Units were the home team for this game, we took the 3rd base dugout and umpire was Joe T. 

In the first inning, the Units actually looked a bit nervous, the infield had a bit of a new
look with Marc at short for the night and Kahuna at second base, and Russell was playing in right field. The Units settled down and closed the door on the Devils. In the bottom of the inning, the Units would score only a single run. In the top of the second inning, the Devils would score a single run tying the game, but in the bottom of the inning, the Units bats would come to life and with a few timely walks by Steve, the Units would string together a 7 run inning. 

In the top of the 3rd inning, things seemed to get a little more interesting, Marc had a bit of a tough inning at short and the Devils took advantage of it, the Devils would score 5 runs and leave 2 runners stranded on base to end the inning. The Units would score only a single run in the bottom of the inning. The score at the end of 3 complete innings was 9-6 for the Units. 

Over the next 3 innings, the Units defense tightened up and only allowed a single run to cross the plate. And over those 3 innings, the Units offense took control and scored 13 more runs to increase the lead. The score at the end of 6 innings was 22-7 for the Units. The Devils would score 2 more runs in the top of the 7th inning, the Units did not bat and the final score was 22-9. 

 YOU GOTTA KNOW WHEN TO HOLD THEM...

Game # 5

May 31st, 2022

Hurtin' Units vs. The Gamblers.

Hurtin' Units win 19-4

Team Record- 4-1-1

Coventry Park- This season saw 2 new teams enter the league. The Strange Crew, who we played last game and the Gamblers who the Hurtin' Units got to play in this game. 

The weather for this game was hot, during the day the temperatures got up to 30 degrees and the humidity was high. By game time the temperature had dropped, the sun was setting and there was a warm breeze keeping us relatively cool. It was a good night for baseball. 

At game time, the Hurtin' Units had 11 players dressed and ready to take on the Gamblers. Fernando was the only missing player, he was on vacation this week. 

The Hurtin' Units were the home team this game and the game was played on diamond #2 at Coventry Park. 

In the first inning, the Units defense was stellar, the Gamblers sent 6 batters to the plate and the lead off batters was the only one to score...nice start Units. In the bottom of the inning the Units sent 10 batters to the plate and 6 runners would come home. The second inning would see the Gamblers send  5 batters to the plate, the lead off batter, Howie would hit a ball to the fence for an in the park homerun. The Units would shut the door on the others. The Units would score 2 more runs in the bottom of the inning. The score at the end of 2 complete inning was 8-2 for the Units. 

Over the next 3 innings the Units defense was fantastic, allowing only 11 batters to come up to bat. The 4th and 5th innings were both 3 up, 3 down innings. The Units also showed some power over these innings scoring 7 runs in the 3rd inning, 1 in the 4th and 3 more in the 5th. The score after 5 complete innings was 19-2 for the Units.

The Gamblers would score 2 runs in the 6th inning and shut the Units down 3 up, 3 down in the bottom of inning. In the 7th inning, the Unitsg defense would close the door again, 3 up 3 down. The Units would not bat in the 7th.  The Units next game is June 2nd vs. the Gruesome Devils.

 Strange Crew, Who Knew.

Game #4

May 26th, 2022

Hurtin' Units vs. Strange Crew

Hurtin' Units win 23-9

Team Record 3-1-0

Keogh Park- This season new welcomed 2 new teams in to the league. The teams are named the Strange Crew and the Gamblers. The Gamblers are captained by the Troy H. and Dave C. and the Strange Crew are captained by Doug D. and  Tim O. This game was the Hurtin' Units first meeting against either team. I believe we will play the Gamblers next week. 

The weather for this game was overcast, with a few sprinkles of rain. The temperature was in the high teens. 

At game time the Units had 11 guys dressed and ready to play...almost. Erico was there, but had to slip away to make an important phone call, and did not make in back until the late innings. Fernando was missing, his wife caught the Covid. 

In the first inning, the teams looked like they matched up well, each team
scoring a single run. In the second inning, the Units' defense shut the door and in the bottom of the inning the Units sent 9 batters to the plate and when the dust settled there were 7 runs up on the board. 

In the 3rd inning, the Strange Crew showed a bit of pushback and scored 4 runs and held the Units to 2 runs. At the end of 3 innings, the Units lead 10-5. 

Over the next 3 innings, the Units took over the game, the defense would shut out the Crew in the 4th, 5th, and 6th and the Units offense would tack on 13 more runs highlighted by a centerfield homerun by Marc L.  The score at the end of 6 innings was 23-5 for the Units. 

In the top of the seventh inning, the Crew's bats would come to life scoring 4 more runs highlighted by a homerun (first of his career) by Dave Doucette. A blast over the left field fence. Awesome!!  The Units next game is May 31st vs. the Gamblers.

Nothing from Nothing leaves Nothing. 

Game # 3 

May 24th, 2022

Hurtin' Units win 10-7

Team Record 2-1-0

Coventry Park- I don't know what it is, but the Draft Kings always seem to have a good team on the field. They always have a great, great, great drinking team at the Legion. They are definitely Champions of the Jugs every season. 

This game was one of those games that the Draft Kings probably wanted to forget, at least until the 7th inning. The Score going in to the top of the 7th inning was 10-0 for the Hurtin' Units. The Units had played a defensive gem and it appeared to be a simple 1,2,3 and that would be the game. NO, no, no, the Draft Kings had other plans and they scored 7 runs and when the dust settled (third out) they had runners on base and the tying run at the plate. The Units stopped the Draft Kings for the win, but it was a lot closer than it should have been. 

When most games end, I usually take a picture of the scoresheet for the
record and the blog, this game I forgot to do it, so I don't know who played in the game or who was the highlight player (if there was one) or anything else. What I do know is the Units were leading 10-0 and came close to choking in the seventh inning. No game sheet, no boxscore. My bad!!

The Hurtin' Units next game (#4) is May 26th vs. Strange Crew. 

 The Rebel Force Was Strong it Was. - Yoda.

Game # 2 - Thursday May 19th, 2022

Hurtin' Units vs. Rusty Rebels

Hurtin' Units lose 13-6

Team Record 1-1-0

Keogh Park- Our second game was not as good as our first game of the season. That's not to say we didn't play well, I really thought we kept pace, but just did not capitalize on our opportunities. The Rebels look like they have a strong team this season. Their roster is peppered with strong bats and the defense is really solid. 

Over the first week of the season, it looks like the league has a handful of good teams, but let's wait and see where things sit after a month into the season. Let each team play 7 or 8 games and then we can look at the standings and stats and see where teams are headed, including the Hurtin' Units. 

The weather for this game was a bit cool, at least cooler than the game on Tuesday night. The temperature was around 12 degrees with a sun/cloud mix. 

Missing from this game was Enrico. Fernando and Chilly made their Hurtin' Units debuts and both played a good game. 

In this game with the Rebels, we got off to a slow start and the Rebels came charging out of the gate. The Rebels scored 5 runs in the first inning, mostly off a homerun by Derek E. who probably had 7 RBIs in this game. Derek would hit another homerun in the seventh inning to put this game away. 

The Hurtin' Units had decent contact while batting, but we hit to a lot of Rebel players. In the later innings we scored some runs, but a too little to late. Overall the Units had a decent game, but were out hit by the Rebels. Mark the next Rebel game (July 12th) on the calendar, these guys are beatable and it will take a solid night of defense and offense to knock them off. The Hurtin' Units next game (# 3) is May 24th vs. the Draft Kings.   

 Opening Night with the Tappers.

 

May 17th, 2022

Hurtin' Units vs. The Tap Masters

Hurtin' Units win 28-5

Team Record 1-0-0

Coventry Park- On draft day, when we are all milling around the tables with the teams displayed, every team looks good and there are usually discussions over who looks strongest. We all look at the variables like rookies, injuries and positions, but in the end we all just want to get on the field and see what teams can do. 

Following draft day, the captains will contact players, arrange batting or practice time, get the team equipment together and look at where players will best be suited on the field. We will also get the players to sign the waivers and then, (like everyone else) sit back and wait for the start of the season. 

I am happy to say the start of the season is here and let's play ball. It has been a long winter and I am looking forward to getting on the diamond.

I don't know what the Hurtin' Units record is on opening nights, but I'm willing to bet it's about 50/50. I could, and may go back in the blog and check out this stat. 

This opening night was cool, about 12 degrees at 7:00pm and there was a strong wind with a sun/cloud mix. 

At game time we had 10 guys dressed to play, introductions were made to Marc, who we were meeting for the first time. Missing from this game were Chris (Chilly) and Fernando (Sup). 

When I first saw the lineup for the Tap Masters, I thought it would be a close game. The Masters have the Candys, that is a triple threat, these guys are good. 

The Hurtin' Units were the away team and we batted first. In the first
inning the Units put up 4 runs on the board and it was game on. In the bottom of the inning the Tap Masters put up 2 runs of their own. 

Over the 3 next innings, the Units scored 17 runs and the defense held the Tap Masters off the board. The score after 4 innings was 21-2. The Hurtin' Units bunting strategy was working, (just kidding about the bunting, but there were a lot of swinging bunts), and it must have felt that way to the Masters. The Hurtin' Units had 5 swinging bunt singles and the Tap Masters added 1 more. A total of 6 bunts in a game, too funny. Darrell G. (Master's pitcher) wasn't enjoying the buntfest as much as the Units, but he's a good sport and you really have to laugh at such a thing. When was the last time anyone saw 6 bunts in one game?

Over the next 3 innings, the Units would tack on an additional 7 runs and the Masters would score 3 more runs. This opening night saw a lot of batting practice for the Units, 8 of the 10 Hurtin' Unit batters had 6 at bats. The final score, on opening night, was 28-5 for the Hurtin' Units. A good way to start the season. Game # 2 is on May 19th vs. the Rebels.