AAABA of Buffalo: Welcome

August 1, Altoona PA.  The Cleveland entry in the Altoona Regional tournament will advance to the national Tournament by virtue of their win over Mader Construction in the championship game.  The final score was 15 to 5, their second 10 run victory over the Mader team in two days.  The difference in the two games was that today they manhandled Mader pitching, getting 6 extra base hits among their total of 12 hits in the game.  Buffalo jumped out to a first inning lead on a single by Matt Corigliano and 2 consecutive errors loading the bases.  Dylan Baun singled in one run and another scored on an infield out by Jim Fitzgerald, but the inning ended there with 2 men left on base.  Cleveland came back in the bottom of the first, scoring 4 runs on a walk, a single, a hit batter, a fielders choice and a 3 run homerun.  They added 3 more in the second on a walk and 3 consecutive doubles.  Mader came back in the third, scoring 2 on a single by Vince Bomasuto, then Jim
Fitzgerald reached on an error and they both scored on a single by Dan Karstedt.  The 4th inning was the downfall for Mader, giving up 7 runs as Cleveland sent 11 batters to the plate, scoring 7 runs.  Mader got one more on a double by Tyler Ferretti and a double by John Knauth, but Cleveland got that one back in the5th inning, thus ending the game on the 10 run mercy rule, the second time that they did it to Mader.  This Cleveland team should do quite well in Johnstown.  They are a veteran team that is stocked with college players, with only two players just graduated from high school.  I would like to congratulate the Mader players and the pickups, for they played just as hard in the seventh inning of the last game as they did in the first inning of the first game.  They only lose two players from this years team, and should be a factor in our league for the next couple of years.

July 31, Altoona PA.  Mader Construction split 2 games today to remain alive in the Regional Tournament. After losing to Cleveland in the first game, 14 to 4, they came back to defeat Schnectady, 18 to 14. 

In the first game, the inability to find the plate cost Mader dearly.  They issued 12 walks in just 7 innings while leaving 7 baserunners stranded in the first 4 innings.  Mader got on the board first, scoring on a walk to Vince Bomasuto who advanced on a stolen base, an overthrow and an infield out.  Cleveland came back in the bottom of the 3rd inning with 4 runs as the result of a single, three consecutive walks, a sac fly and a double.  Mader came back, scoring twice in the top of the 4th with 4 singles and a sacrifice fly to make it a one run game, but that was about all she wrote for Mader.  Cleveland scored 6 in the bottom of the 4th.  Four walks and 3 singles did the damage.  Mader scored another in the seventh on a single by Knauth, a fielders choice and a double by Dylan Baun.  Cleveland scored 2 in the 5th and2 more in the 6th to invoke the mercy rule.  Vince Bomasuto scored 2 runs and Dylan Baun's double were the highlights  in a listless attack. 

     Mader bats came alive in the second game, churning out 19 hits while scoring 18 runs to eliminate the Schmectady entry.  Schnectady struck first, plating 2 runs in the first inning, on 5 consecutive walks.  Schnectady added 4 more in the 3rd, on 4 singles and a double to take a 6 run lead.  Bomasuto reached on an error and scored after 3 walks.  They scored 3more in the 4th.  Tyler Ferretti lead off with a walk.  One out later Matt Corigliano singled followed by a John Knauth double, scoring Ferretti.  Bomasuto singled to score Corigliano and the gap was 2.  Cleveland added another on a pair of singles and an error, but Mader tied it with 2 in the bottom of the 5th.  Brian Barry, who entered the game when Charles Mosey was ejected for arguing a called third strike, started the rally with a 2 out single, followed by a Corigliano single, a double by Knauth and a ground rule double by Bomasuto.  Mader broke it open with 6 runs in the bottom of the 6th.  Dan Karstedt led off with a triple, followed by a Mike Wagner walk, a walk to Barry, a single by Corigliano, a walk to Knauth and another double by Bomasuto. A sac fly by Baun and a single by Jim Fitzgerald ended the inning with Mader holding a 5 run lead.  Schnectady scored 2 in the seventh, matched by 2 more from Mader.  Brian Barry homered followed by a Corigliano double and a Knauth single to keep the lead at 5.  Mader added 4 more in the bottom of the 8th.  Baun reached on an error, and after a flyout, Karstedt doubled, Wagner singled, Dave Crowley doubled and Barry singled to finish off the scoring by Mader.  Schnectady scored 5 in the top of the ninth, but it was too little too late  for the team from Schnectady.  Mike Wagner got the win in relief, but a lot of credit goes to Sean Larson, who pitched 4 innings in the middle of the game to keep Schnectady from pulling away.  Matt Corigliano had 4hits, followed by John Knauth, Vince Bomasuto, Dan Karstedt, and Brian Barry who each had three.  Buffalo must win 2 games against Cleveland tomorrow to qualify for the National Tournament in Johnstown the following week, and while it is a difficult task, if they continue to hit as they did in the second game today, they are quite cabable of winning those 2 games.

Saturday, July 30, Altoona PA.  Mader Construction took the first step towards representing Buffalo at the National Tournament in Johnstown next week by defeating the Maryland State Bombers, 7 to 1 behind the 4 hit pitching of Asa Johnson.  Johnson pitched the complete game, giving up one unearned run and just 4 hits, while striking out 7. Maryland State struck first, getting an unearned run in first.   Leadoff hitter Tommy Barksdale reached 1st on an error, stole second, advanced to third on a sacrifice fly and scored on another sacrifice fly.  That was the only offense Maryland could muster, never batting more than 4 people in an inning for the rest of the game. Maryland starting pitcher, Dan Herron cruised along, shutting Buffalo down for the first 5 innings, giving up just 3 hits.  If you know Mader, you know that they would put something together and  Mader would get all the runs they would need in the 6th inning.  Matt Corigliano led off with a single and advanced on a botched pickoff attempt by the Maryland pitcher, he then went to third on a sacrifice bunt by John Knauth, and scored on a single by Vince Bomasuto.  Bomasuto then scored on a triple by Dylan Baun.  Mader put the game away, scoring 5 runs in the top of the ninth to give Johnson breathing room.  Charles Mosey drew a one out walk, and Corigliano reached on an error, John Knauth walked to load the bases. Vince Bomasuto drove in 2 runs with a single followed by two more walks, forcing in another run.  Dan Karstedt drove in a run with a sacrifice fly and another run scored on an error.  Vince Bomasuto had 3 r.b.i.s and Matt Corigliano and Bomasuto each scored 2 runs.  Jim Fitzgerald reached base 4 times on a single and 3 walks.  By virtue of their win, Mader drew a bye and will play again Sunday, their opponent will be determined by the results of the second game today.

 Saturday, July 23.  Mader Construction earned the right to represent Buffalo in the AAABA Altoona regional with a hard fought win over Pignataro Financial Service, 8 to 7.  Asa Johnson got the win with Rich Kowalski coming on in the bottom of the seventh to get the final 2 outs and earn the save. Johnson struck out 8,  giving up 6 hits and all seven runs. 

Pignataro's scored first with a run in the 2nd inning on singles by Matt Creenan and Adam Urschel and an infield out.  They scored again in the third on a walk to Ron Canestro and a triple by Vince Sheehan. Mader went ahead in the 4th, scoring 5 runs on 5 hits.  The highlight of the inning was a two run homer by Jim Fitzgerald.  The other three runs came as the result of a walk, singles by Tom LoCongo, Vince Sherman and Charles Mosey, an error and a fielders choice.  Pignataro's closed to within one run in the fifth, on a walk, a single by Dillon Lowe, a fielders choice and a sacrifice fly.  Mader came back in the top of the 7th to score three more on a single by Dylan Baun, an error and a three run homer by Tom LoCongo.  Pignataro's would come back to score 3 in the bottom of the 7th.  Josh Vaccaro led off the inning with a single, and scored on a triple by Canestro.  Canestro scored on a single by Jesse Kelso, who scored on a fielders choice.  Enter Kowalski, and after hitting a batter he got the last 2 outs to end the game.  Congratulations to both teams for the calibre of baseball played this season.  Either team would have made a good representative for Buffalo in the regional. 

July 23, 2011   The third and final game will be played at Cazenovia Park on Saturday starting at 5:30 pm.  The two teams fighting for the right to represent Buffalo in the Regional tournament in Altoona next weekend split the first two games of the series.  Pignataro's won the first game, suspended after 8 innings on Tuesday, and completed tonight prior to the start of the regularly scheduled game by defeating Mader 9 to 8 in 9 innings.  The first 8 innings were played on Tuesday and it was a real barn burner.  Mader jumped out to a 2 to 0 lead in their first three at bats.  Dan Karstedt tripled with 2 outs and came home on Dylan Baun's triple to take a one to nothing lead in the first.  Mader scored another in the third.  Matt Corigliano singled, stole second and went to third on Dan Karstedt single and scored on a single by Baun.  Pignataro's came back in the bottom of the third with 5 runs.  Nick Kellner led off with a single followed by a single from Kyle McClain.  Ron Conestro reached base on an error to load the bases.  A run scored on a walk to Jesse Kelso, followed by a 2 run single by Jesse Zellner.  Josh Vaccaro and Adam Urschel each singled, driving in a run apiece.  Pignatro's led 5 to 2.  In the top of the seventh, Mader came back to score 4 runs to take a one run lead.  Corigliano doubled, followed by singles from John Knauth, Dan Karstedt, Dylan Baun and Brian Barry.  In the bottom of the seventh, Pignataro's tied the game.  McLain reached on an error, advanced to second on a  sacrifice bunt, took third on an infield out and scored on a single by Jesse Zellner.  Mader scored 2 in the top of the 8th on a hit batsman, a couple of walks, passed balls and a fly out.  Pignataro's came back in the bottom of the 8th, Kyle McLain drove in 2 runs with a triple.  The game was stopped because of darkness and was completed tonight, with Pignataro's scoring a run in the bottom of the ninth on a walk, an error and a single by Adam Urschel to take a 1 game to none lead in the series.  Josh Vaccaro got the win in relief.

The second game went to Mader, 8 to 4.  Brian Barry, who took the loss in the first game, was the winner in the second game, going the distance.  Ron Canestro led off for Pignataro's with a single, advanced to third on an error and scored on a double play by Mader.  In the bottom of the first, Mader scored 2 on three singles, a walk and a hit batsman.  In the top of the third, Jesse Kelso homered for Pignataro's to tie the game.  But in the bottom of the third, Mader scored 5 runs on an error, 2 walks, a double by Vince Sherman, a single by Matt Corigliano and a triple by John Knauth.  Mader added a run on a triple by Dylan Baun, a walk and singles by Tom LoCongo and Vince Sherman.  Pignataro's scored a couple in the 5th on an error, a double by Kelso and singles by Vaccaro and Urschel, but that was all the offense for the night.  The game ended almost in darkness, so it was decided that we will start the game on Saturday at 5:30 to try to eliminate the darkness issue.  The game will be played at Cazenovia Park, starting at 5:30. 

July 16, 2011  Mader Construction fought its way into the final playoff series against Pignataro's with a 5 to 2 victory over Ken-Hy Auto at Cazenovia Park.  Dan Karstedt and Jim Fitzgerald were the offensive stars for Mader, involved in 4 of the 5 runs Mader scored.  Karstedt started the offense with a single in the first and scored on a double by Fitzgerald to get Mader off to a good start.  Ken-Hy came back in the bottom of the first scoring 2 runs.  Mike Orlowski led off with a walk, went to third on a double by Jim Pantano and they both scored  on a single by Sean Larson.  Mader would come back in the top of the second scoring a run on a single by Tom LoCongo and a triple by Charley Mosey.  Mader took the lead for good in the fifth, scoring 2 runs on a single by John Knauth, a double by Karstedt, and they both scored when Fitzgerald's infield dribbler was thrown away at first base.  Mader added an insurance run in the seventh on a home run by Dan Karstedt.  Patrick Hayes went the distance for the shorthanded Mader team, giving up just one earned run.  He spread  9 hits and stranded 9 runners while striking out 4.  Mader played the game with only 10 players. 

The final series will start Tuesday, July 19 at Delaware #2.  They will play at Delaware #2 on Thursday, July 21 with the third game, if necessary, will be played at Cazenovia on Saturday, July 23.  The winner of this series will report to Altoona PA to participate in regional tournament with the winner going on to Johnstown for the National Tournament.  

July 14, 2011 Ken-Hy, behind the 5 hit pitching of Corey Paige, evened the series with Mader Construction, scoring a well played 3 to 1 win at Delaware Park.  Sean Larson had the big hits for Ken-Hy, hitting a double and later a 2 run triple to score the winning runs for Ken-Hy.  Joe Pantano added an insurance run by tripling and scoring on an overthrow.  Asa Johnson pitched a strong game for Mader,  in taking the loss.  Dan Karstedt had two hits for Mader and scored their run on a double by Charley Mosey.  These two teams will meet on Saturday to decide the series.  The game is to be played at Cazenovia Park.

In the other game Thursday, Pignataro's eliminated Royal Printing, 13 to 3.  Pignataro's started the game by scoring a run in the first without benefit of a hit.  Ron Canestro, who was on base three times and scored 3 runs, walked, stole second and scored on two wild pitches.  Pignataro's added 3 more in the second on a walk and 3 hits.  Jesse Kelso drove in 2 of the runs with a single.  Royal Printing scored 2 in the bottom of the second on singles by Chris Brigham and Joe Christiano and a double by Marc DeLeo.  Royal made it a one run game in the bottom of the third, with a triple by Vince Bomasuto and a single by Chris Podlucky, but that was all the offense Royal could muster.  Pignataro's sent 15 hitters to the plate in the 4th, scoring 9 runs on 8 hits, 3 walks and a hit batsman.  Big hits in the inning were a leadoff triple for Kyle McLain, a 2 run double by Jesse Kelso and a 2 run homerun by Jesse Zellner.  Kyle McLain added a double for his second extra base hit of the inning.  Zack Murray had an easy time of it tonight, scattering 7 hits in going the distance for Pignataro's.

Pignataro's awaits the winner of the Ken-Hy / Mader matchup and the final series will start on Tuesday, July 19 at Delaware #2,  the second game of the series will also be played at Delaware on Thursday, July 21.  If a third game is needed, it will be played at Cazenovia on Saturday, July 23.  The winner will go to Altoona on Friday, July 29 to participate in a 6 team regional, with the winner going on to Johnstown for the National tournament which is set to commence on Monday, August 8.

July 12, 2011,  Rich Kowalski pitched Mader Construction to a decisive win over Ken-Hy
Auto, 9 to 2 at Cazenovia Park.  Kowalski went the distance, giving up only 2 runs, both unearned.  Ken-Hy started the action in the bottom of the first.  Joe Pantano led off with a single, stole second and scored on two overthrows to give Ken-Hy the early lead.  Mader started the fireworks in the top of the 4th inning.  Dan Karstedt led off with a single and one out later, Jimmy Fitzgerald singled, sending Karstedt to third.  Tyler Ferretti followed with a walk to load the bases.  Brian Barry hit into a fielders choice, scoring Karstedt with Fitzgerald taking third.  Tom LoCongo singled to score Fitzgerald and Barry who had stolen second, to give Mader the lead that they wouldn't relinquish. Ken-Hy came back in the bottom of the 4th to score another unearned run.  Sean Wolf singled and Derrick Mort walked.  They then proceeded to pull a double steal, with Wolf scoring on the overthrow to third base.  Mader came back to score one in the 5th, 2 in the 6th and 3 more in the top of the 7th on Dylan Baun's three run homerun.  These same 2 teams will meet Thursday, July 14 at Delaware in the second game of the best of three series. 

     In the other game between Pignataro's, the rugular season champion, and Royal Printing, Pignatro's won 7 to 3.  Angelo Sciandara went the distance for Pignataro's to get the win. Ron Canestro had 3 hits for Pignataro's and Kyle McLain and Jesse Kelso added 2 hits apiece and Kelso also had 2 r.b.i.s.  Austin Benschadle went 2 for 4 for Royal Printing.  This series resumes Thursday at Cazenovia Park. 

July 9, 2011 The Playoff schedule is as follows.  Ken-Hy vs Mader at Cazenovia #1 at 6:00pm on Tuesday, July 12.  Mader vs Ken-Hy at Delaware #2 at 6:00 pm  on Thursday,July 14.  Ken-Hy vs Mader at Cazenovia #1 at 6:00 pm on SaturdayJuly 16 (if needed)

Pignataro's vs Royal Printing at Delaware #2 at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, July 12.  Royal Printing vs Pignataro's at Cazenovia #1 at 6:00 pm on Thursday July 14.  Pignataro's vs Royal Printing at Delaware #2 at 6:00 pm on Saturday, July 16 (if needed)

 Mader Construction defeated Pignataro's 2 to 1 to enter the playoffs on a positive note.  Pignataro's, in spite of the loss, wins the league, with a record of 10 wins and 5 losses.  Mader finishes third.

In other games tonight, Ken-Hy defeated Royal Printing, 7 to 1.  Joe DeLeo pitched 6 innings to get the win. Joe Pontano had 2 hits including a double, driving in 2 runs and Vince Perricelli contributed 2 hits and one r.b.i.  Vince Bomasuto continued his hot hitting for Royal Printing with a double and triple in the loss.  Royal Printing gains the final playoff spot because of A-Turf Titans loss to New Era, 5 to 3.

 As the season nears the end, Pignataro's, Mader Construction, and Ken-Hy have made the playoffs, although their final order is still up in the air.   Royal Printing, with 2 games left, needs one win in their remaining 2 games or a loss by A-Turf Titans to secure the final Playoff spot.  If there is a tie between Royal and A-Turf at the end of the season, they will play one game on Tuesday to determine the final playoff spot.  All I can say is, stay tuned.

July 7, 2011.  At Cazenovia Park, Pignataro's defeated Royal Printing, 4 to 1.  Matt Creenan broke up a pitchers duel with a 3 run home run in the bottom of the 6th inning, giving Angelo Sciandara the victory over Vinnie Bomasuto of Royal.  Bomasuto scored Royal's run with a first inning homerun. 

At Delaware, Mader got by A-Turf Titans in 8 innings, 5 to 3.  Brian Barry pitched the complete game for the win.  Tom LoCongo had 3 hits while Jim Fitzgerald had 2 hits including a r.b.i. triple in the first and the game winning r.b.i. in the 8th.  Sam Cumbo and Aaron Gilbert split 4 hits for A-Turf.

Also at Delaware, Ken-Hy held on to defeat New Era, 5 to 3.  Pat Kazely got the win and Jim Pernick went 2 for 3 with an r.b.i..  Jon Klein went 2 for 3 with an r.b.i. and Cody Stonish reached base 4 times for New Era.   

July 5, 2011. The race for the playoff's just got a little bit tighter with tonights action.  At Cazenovia, Royal Printing defeated Ken-Hy, 2 to 1.  Brad Smith pitched a complete game, giving up just 3 hits while striking out 4.  The play of the game occured in the top of the 7th.  With 2 outs and a runner at second for Ken-Hy, the runner tried to score on a single to center field.  Matt Rosenhahn threw a perfect strike to the plate to cut down the runner and preserve the victory for Smith.

At Delaware, Mader Construction got by Pignataro's 2 to 0.  Garrett Pauly pitched a complete game for Mader, giving up 4 hits and got 5 batters on strikes.  Tom LaCongo had one hit and an r.b.i. while Dan Karstedt went 2 for 3 with an r.b.i.  Zack Murray pitched a strong while absorbing the loss. 

In the other contest at Delaware, A-Turf Titans defeated New Era, 15 to 5.  Cam Carney got the win.  Mickey Franczyk had 3 hits and 2 r.b.i.s while Tyler Lloyd had 2 hits and 2 r.b.i.s for the Titans.  Ryan Struzik and Jake Tyno had 2 hits apiece for New Era.

June 30, 2011. This evening saw 2 pitchers duels and a slugfest for the evenings entertainment.  At Delaware, Ken-Hy defeated Mader Construction, 2 to 0.  Corey Paige went the distance for Ken-Hy, giving up just one hit while striking out 8.  Jim Pernick had an r.b.i. single and Sean Wolf had a solo home run for Ken-Hy's runs.  Zack Derrico went the distance for Mader, giving up just 2 hits, while taking the loss.

In the other game at Delaware, Royal Printing got by New Era, 2 to 1.  Vinnie Bomasuto went the distance for Royal, striking out 9, to get the win and aided his own cause with a  game winning home run. Austin Benshadle added 2 hits for Royal. Paul Lane pitched the  complete game for New Era and Chris Brigham  had two hits .

At Cazenovia, Pignataro's defeated A-Turf Titans, 14 to 8. This was Pignataro's 6th consecutive win while A-Turf Titans extended their losing streak to 4.  Angelo Sciandra went the distance for Pignataro's while Jesse Kelso had a single and a bases loaded Home run to lead the attack for Pignataro's. Josh Vaccaro had 3 hits for Pignataro's and Brian Sheehan chipped in with 2 hits.  Nick Fronczak had a bases loaded triple for A-Turf.  

June 28, 2011,  For those who are checking the standings, there is a mistake that I am trying to correct.  Royal Printing and Mader's suspended game was completed on Saturday, with Mader winning.  Unfortunately, the automatic standing calibrator does not take the tie out of the standings. So, Mader and Royal have only played 10 games and the tie should not be there, but it is, so please disregard. 

 Pignataro's stayed on top of the league with a 4 to 1 victory over Ken-Hy.  Triples were the hit of the day with Jesse Kelso collecting 2 and Nick Kellman had an r.b.i. triple to support Zack Murray on the mound.

In the other game at Delaware, Royal Printing came from 6 runs down to defeat A-Turf Titans, 8 to 6.  Charlie Moran came on in relief and got the win for Royal, pitching 3 no hit innings.  Ronnie  Lawrence keyed the big comeback with a 3 run triple and Mike Wagner contributed 2 hits for Royal.  Aaron Gilbert had 2 hits for A-Turf.

At Cazenovia Mader Construction continued their win streak with a 6 to 2 win over New Era.  Garrett Pauly pitched a complete game, giving up 5 hits.  Charles Mosey led Mader with a 2 run double, and Jim Fitzgerald had a r.b.i. triple.  Cody Stonish had 2 hits for New Era.    

Just a reminder to everyone, there are no games being played on Sunday, June 26 because of conflict with other leagues.  See you all on Tuesday 

June 25, 2011  On a very cool evening, Mader Construction defeated Royal Printing, 3 to 2, in a game that was suspended in the bottom of the seventh inning on opening night, due to an injury to a player.  The game was restarted in the bottom of the seventh inning, with the score tied at 2 each.  Mader had a runner on second and one out, and failed to score.  The game continued into the 13th inning with each team having opportunities to score and each team had a runner cut down at the plate.  Finally, in the bottom of the 13th inning, Mader scored the winning run when an infield error allowed a runner to score to end the game.  Rich Kowalski pitched the complete 13 innings to record the win while Mike Tolsma pitched the entire game for Royal Printing. 

In other action, Ken-Hy defeated A-Turf Titans, 3 to 2.  Corey Paige pitched 6 innings for the win, and Tom Ryan had 2 hits and 2 r.b.i.s to move Ken-Hy into sole possession of 2nd place.  Jesse Puscheck had 2 hits for the Titans.

 Pignataro's won by forfeit over New Era, 7 to 0. 

June 23, 2011  4:00 pm.  Tonights games have been postponed and will be played on July 9 on the diamonds that they were originally scheduled for.

June 21, 2011  Pignataro's moved into sole possession of 1st place with a 3 to 2 win over A-Turf Titans at Delaware.  Dan Potter had one hit and drove in the winning r.b.i. with a bases loaded walk in the bottom of the 7th.  Brian Sheehan contributed a triple to support winning pitcher, Josh Vaccaro, who went the distance for the win.

Mader Construction defeated Ken-Hy, 2 to 1 to inch closer to the front of the pack.  Garrett Pauly pitched a complete game with 6 strikeouts.  Vincent Sherman had a triple to drive in the winning run for Mader, and Charles Mosey got the othert r.b.i.  Joe Pernick and Brian Dixon had 2 hits apiece for Ken-Hy.

At Cazenovia, Royal Printing defeated New Era, 7 to 2.  Nick Schuh threw a 3 hitter with 4 k's to get the win, and Chris Podlucky had 3 hits, scored a run and drove in another to lead Royal.  Ricky Mendiola had 3 hits and 2 r.b.i.s for Royal.  Chris Brigham had 2 hits and one r.b.i. for New Era.

The Sunday June 26th schedule has been rescheduled for Thursday, July 7, at the same locations as per the schedule for 6/26. 

June 19, 2011  Pignataro's win over Ken-Hy, coupled with A-Turf Titans win over Royal Printing has created a bit of a log jam at the top of the league.  Pignataro's 11 to 1 win over Ken-Hy was highlighted by the pitching of Zack Murray who went the distance, giving up 4 hits.  Murray got stronger as the game went on and he shut down Ken-Hy after the second inning.  Matt Creehan had a 2 run double and scored three runs to lead Pignataro's, and Josh Vaccaro added a couple of hits to lead the attack.

A-Turf Titans came back tonigh to shut out Royal Printing, 3- 0, moving into a first place tie with Pignataro's and Ken-Hy.  Mike Wagner got the win and Jesse Puscheck drove in the winning run for the Titans.

Meanwhile, Mader continued its torrid hitting, pounding out a 14 to 4 win over New Era.  Jim Fitzgerald led Mader with 2 hits and 4 r.b.i.s including a 2 run homer.  Dylan Baun added 2 hits and 4 r.b.i.s while John Knauth had 2 hits and scored 3 times. Billy O'Neill went the distance for the win.  Chris Brigham had 3 hits for New Era. 

June 18, 2011  On a perfect night for baseball, Pignataro's, Ken-Hy, and Mader Construction came out winners tonight.  In a game called after 6 innings by darkness, Ken-Hy outlasted New Era, 9 to 8.  Jim Pernick got the win in relief, while helping his own cause with 2 hits and 2 r.b.i.s.  Joe Pernick aided his brother with 2 hits and 2 r.b.i.s also.  Brian Dixon had 3 hits and Sean Wolf had 2 hits.  For New Era, Nick Caboot had 3 hits and 2 r.b.i.s.

     In a game that was over in an hour and 15 minutes, Pignataro's got by Royal Printing, 3 to 1.  Angelo Sciandra got the win for Pignataro's striking out 4, helping his own cause with a hit and a run batted in.  Dan Potter chipped in with one hit and an r.b.i.  Chris Podlucky had the only r.b.i. for Royal Printing while getting 2 hits.

     At Cazenovia Park, Mader unloaded on the A-Turf Titans, winning 11 to 1.  Winning Pitcher Rich Kowalski gave up 3 hits while recording 4 strikeouts.  Dan Karstedt led Mader with 2 hits including a bases loaded triple.  Tyler Ferretti was 3 for 3, and Jim Fitzgerald added 2 hits and 2 r.b.i.s. 

Keeping score for Mader tonight was Don Colpoys, recently nominated to the Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.  .  Don had coached in our league many years ago and is richly deserving of this honor.  Congratulations to Don.

June 16, 2011

      To start the second round of the season at Cazenovia Park, Pignataro's defeated New Era, 10 to 3.  Jesse Zellner pitched a 3 hitter, and didn't give up an earned run.  Ron Canestro had a triple and a double, Dilon Lowe contributed a triple and double, Nick Kellner had a triple, single and a stolen base to lead the attack for Pignataro's.

      At Delaware, Royal Printing outlasted Mader Construction, 9 to 8.  Mike Wagner and Vinnie Bomasuto and Sean Tenney contributed 2 hits and an r.b.i. apiece, and Ron Lawrence had 2 hits and 2 r.b.i.s.  Charlie Moran picked up the win for Royal.  For Mader, Tom LaCongo had 2 hits and 2 r.b.i.s., Brian Barry had 3 hits and 2 r.b.i.s.  and  Tyler Ferretti contributed 2 hits.

     Also at Delaware, Ken-Hy continued its winning ways, getting past A-Turf Titans, 5 to 2.  James Tronolone pitched the complete game for Ken-Hy, striking out 9 and giving up only 2 hits.  Tom Ryan had 1 hit and an r.b.i..  Pat Quinn homered for the Titans.

 June 14, 2011

     At Delaware Park tonight, Mader Construction earned its first win of the season, upending Pignataro's, 5 to 4.  Garrett Pauly was the winning pitcher, going the distance, while John Knauth was the big gun for Mader, with 3 hits and 2 r.b.i.s.  Dylan Baun also contributed 3 hits, while Jim Fitzgerald had 2 hits and 2 r.b.i.s.  Dan Potter led Pignataro's with 2 hits.

     Also at Delaware, Ken-Hy slipped by Royal Printing, 7to 4.  Joe Pantano went 2 for 4 with an r.b.i., Pat Ruggerio also went 2 for 4 with 2 r.b.i.s.  Brian Dixon chipped in with 2 hits also.  Kevin Miller pitched a complete game for Ken-Hy.  Ricky Mendiola had 2 hits for Royal in the loss.

      At Cazenovia, A-Turf Titans outlasted New Era, 9to 5.  Adam Urschel led off the game with a home run for the Titans, who went up 3 to 0.  Urschel ended up with 3 hits for the Titans.  New Era came back to take the lead, 4 to 3, but the Titans scored the next 6 runs to seal the victory.  George Weber got the win for the Titans.  Jesse Puscheck and Mike Orlowski each had 2 hits.  Asa Johnson went 2 for 2 for New Era.

 June 12, 2011

     On a cool Sunday, our league played its first scheduled Sunday games since I became involved in the mid 80's, and we got a real thriller out of at least one of our games.  One night after losing a high scoring game, A-Turf Titans pulled out a win over Pignataro's, 6 to 5.  Mike Orlowski had 2 hits, and 2 r.b.i. s, and Sam Cumbo had 2 hits and 1 r.b.i., but the man of the hour was Jesse Polcheck.  He contributed 3 hits but the big blow was a walkoff home run in the bottom of the 7th.  Cam Carney pitched a complete game for the Titans, getting 7 strikeouts.

     In the other game at Delaware, Royal Printing scored 9 runs for the second game in a row, defeating New Era, 9 to 0.  Mike Tolsma got the win striking out 6 while giving up just 4 hits.  Ricky Mendiola led the attack for Royal with 4 hits and 3 r.b.i.'s.  Sean Tinney chipped in with 2 hits.

     At Cazenovia, Ken-Hy handed Mader Construction it's 3rd loss with a 9 to 7 win.  John Larson got the win for Ken-Hy, while Brian Dixon drove in the winning runs with a triple.  Zack Hayes contributed 3 hits for Ken-Hy.  John Knauth had 3 hits for Mader. 

 June 11, 2011

     Ken-Hy Auto snuck by Pignataro's, 2 to 1, to hand the losers their first loss of the season.  Brian Dixon drove in the winning run to support the pitching of Corey Paige, who gave up 4 hits and pitched the complete game.  Joe Pantano chipped in with 2 hits for Ken-Hy.

      The extra base attack by Royal Printing dropped the A-Turf Titans from the undefeated ranks, 9 to 7.  Royal Printing had 3 triples and 3 doubles to support Chris Podlucky, who came on in the 5th inning and pitched 2 and 1/3 innings of no hit ball to get the win for Royal.  Podlucky helped his own cause, scoring three runs.

     In the nights third game, New Era defeated winless Mader Construction, 1 to 0. Zack Lander drove in the only run Adam Lane needed. 

     To clarify a situation, the game between Royal Printing and Mader Construction is suspended in the bottom of the seventh inning and will be completed at a later date.  It currently shows in the standings as a tie game when in reality it is incomplete.

 June 9, 2011

     Pignataro's continued undefeated by shutting out Royal Printing, 6 - 0.  Zack Murray pitched the complete game, giving up 5 hits for the win.  Ron Canestro wielded the big bat with 3 hits for Pignataro's.

     In the other game at Cazenovia Park, A-Turf Titans hung on to defeat Mader Construction, 7 to 6.  Brandon Bielicki got the win in relief for the Titans.  Sam Cumbo led the Titans with 3 hits and drove in the winning run.  Dave Crowley had two hits including a double and Jim Fitzgerald had two hits with a triple for Mader.

      At McCarthy, New Era defeated Ken-Hy Auto, 6 to 4.  Zack Lander led New Era with two hits and 4 r.b.i.'s, and pitcher Paul Lane got the win.  Brian Dixon had a solo home run for Ken-Hy.

June 7

     Pignataro's defeated New Era, 3 to 2.  A-Turf Titans (formerly Meridian Medicine) defeated Ken-Hy, 3 t 1 and Mader Construction and Royal Printing were tied 2 to 2 when the game was suspended due to an injury to a player.

August 12.  Buffalo/New Era was eliminated from the 66th annual AAABA Tournament by the Johnston entry, Delweld, 6 to 1.  Delweld struck first, scoring one run in the top of the third on a walk and 2 singles.  They added 2 more in the fifth inning a hit batsman, three stolen bases, and 2 more singles.  Buffalo got on the scoreboard in the sixth inning.  Justin Urschell singled, advanced to second on a fielders choice and scored on a single by Steve Karnyski.  Johnstown added two more in the seventh.  Three consecutive singles followed by a double chased Jon Klein, the starter, and Jordan Cave, who came on in relief.  Mike Kowalski finished the game, giving up one more run on a hit batsman,a walk and a single. Buffalo finished sixth in the tournament, their best finish in at least 10 years.  Congratulations go out to Chuck Righetti, and the 2010 edition of Team New Era.

August 11.  Buffalo/New Era lost a great opportunity to stay in the winners bracket by losing to Philadelphia, 8 to 3.  Mike Hackett started the game with a single, and 2 outs later Joe Polichetti singled to give Buffalo men on first and second. Travis Denman singled to right field and a perfect relay cut down Hackett at the plate.  The game stayed scoreless until the top of the third when buffalo loaded the bases on two hits and a walk.  Travis Denman hit a one out fly ball to deep center field, and Jesse Kelso scored after the catch, while the other two runners advanced a base.   Philadelphia appealed the runner from second base leaving the base too soon, and he was called out.  The umpires declared the run didn't count and the game remained scoreless.  It was later determined that the run should have counted, due to the timing of the third out.  Philadelphia  thenjumped out to a one run lead on the basis of three hits in the bottom of the third.  Steve Karnyski then tied the game with a home run to left field.  After that it was all Philadelphia, who scored 6 runs in the bottom of the 4th on 6 hits, including 2 home runs and a double.  Buffalo scored 2 runs in the top of the ninth, but too little too late, and Buffalo drops into the losers bracket.  Zack Leitten started the game and went 3 2/3 innings giving up 7 runs on 11 hits.  Garrett Cortright came on in the 4th and gave up one run in 4 1/3 innings.  Buffalo left 12 men on base.   Mike Hackett and Steve Karnyski each had 3 hits while Travis Denman and Justin Urschell added two hits each.  Buffalo's next game will be against the loser of the Baltimore-Johnstown contest, which at the time of this writing, Baltimore leads Johnstown 6 to 0.

August 10.  A HUGE win for New Era.  Buffalo defeated Toledo, 6 to 3, at Roxbury Park today.  Toledo, coming off the win over New Orleans, last years tournament winner, was favored to go to 2 and 0.  Chuck Righetti's team had other thoughts.  The game started off well for New Era. Joe Polichetti led off the second inning with a home run to right field, but Toledo came back in the third with the tying run as the result of a 2 hits and 2 walks.  Toledo went ahead in the 6th on a single and a botched sacrifice bunt. Toledo laid down the sacrifice, but the throw went into right field, and the runner went all the way to third, and then scampered home when New Era didn't get the ball in crisply.  Toledo then went 2 runs up in the seventh as the result of an error, a passed ball and a double.  After leaving 6 runners stranded, New Era came alive in the bottom of the seventh.  Relief pitcher Garrett Cortright, replacing the D.H. was hit by a pitch, and advanced to second on a fielders choice.  Mike Hackett reached on an error, and promply stole second.  Cortright scored on a single by Jesse Kelso, advancing Hackett to third.  Kelso stole second, and the bases became loaded when Justin Urschel was hit by a pitch.  Joe Polichetti then walked, forcing in Hackett to tie the score.  After a flyout, Steve Karwinski drove in Kelso and Urschell with a double to left, and  Polichetti scored on a single by Cody Stonish.  Jordan Cave started the game and went 6 innings, giving up 2 runs, only one of which was earned.  Garrett Cortright came on in the seventh, giving up one unearned run, and was the recipient of the win.  For the second time in two days, Jon Klein came in to close out the win.  He pitched 2 innings, setting Toledo down in order, striking out the last 4 batters he faced.