Milford Predators Softball: 2005 Season
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ShopRite played a very managable game early on. After one inning - the score was tied at one. In the second inning - ShopRite opened the game up by scoring three times. After Bill Smith reached on an error and Rick Ruiz reached by fielders choice, Mike Ranilla singled to drive in Smith and Barry Kresen singled to drive in both Ruiz and Ranilla. In the third inning - B&J Hyatt managed to score a run without the benefit of a hit. All of their runners came by virtue of drawing walks. Strangely enough - B&J did not have their first hit of the game until they had 2 outs in the 4th inning. By that time - ShopRite already had a 4-1 lead. In the top of the 5th - ShopRite added to their lead using singles by Mike Ranilla and Carl Malinosky - followed with RBI singles by Todd Slade and Kevin McTigue.
In the bottom of the 5th - the floodgates opened wide as B&J exploded for 8 runs on 7 hits to take a 10-6 lead. With the game still reasonably under control - ShopRite went down 1-2-3 in the top of the 6th. This turned out to be ShopRite's last turn at the plate this season - as B&J hammered ShopRite for 6 more runs in the bottom of the 6th - to take the game 16-6 as a light rain was falling. For ShopRite - this marked a rather bitter ending to an otherwise highly successful regular season.
This completes our 22nd season in the Milford Sunday Night League. With 9 wins - our 2005 team has achieved more wins in a single season than any of our previous teams has achieved in any of the 21 previous years. For this milestone alone - our team can hold their heads high.
Big Rematch With B&J Hyatt Scheduled for August 28th 4:30pm at Foote Field
Milford, CT (8/24/2005) ShopRite's next opponent in the 2005 playoffs will be a very strong B&J Hyatt team. The game is scheduled for a 4:30pm start at Foote Field. Should ShopRite win - the team must then travel to Washington Field for a 5:30pm match against an opponent to be determined. On the other hand - a loss would mark the end of the 2005 season for ShopRite.
Earlier this season - ShopRite beat B&J Hyatt 10-9 using a scrappy 7th inning comeback. B&J Hyatt is a well-rounded team that is as tough as any opponent in the league. With the expected return of Todd Slade to the lineup, ShopRite will be at near-full strength for this weekend.
ShopRite Advances With 16-4 Playoff Win Over Bulldogs (5 Innings)
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| Rick Ruiz making a play against the Bulldogs at Foote Field... | |
With outfielders Frank Bevacqua and Todd Slade both unavailable, and Daryle Graf placed on the DL for the remainder of the season – ShopRite called up deep-roster outfielder Brian Potok. As expected, Potok was a seamless fit in Right Center and held his own taking the leadoff batting slot vacated by Bevacqua. Potok was 3-for-4 with three runs scored.
Today ShopRite returned to their early-season trend of scoring early and often. In the first inning – ShopRite jumped out to a 5-0 lead. After singles by Carl Malinosky and Kevin McTigue, Dave Weiss reached on an infield error to load the bases. Fred Bialka made the Bulldogs pay by smashing a double to right center – clearing the bases. Bialka was driven home on a single by Bob Paradis – and Paradis was driven home on a double by pitcher Bill Smith. The Bulldogs picked up three in the bottom of the first making it a 5-3 ShopRite lead. In the second inning ShopRite put across four more runs. Mike Ranilla doubled and was driven in on a single by Brian Potok. Carl Malinosky reached base on an error and Kevin McTigue reached by Fielder’s Choice. Dave Weiss hit a sacrifice fly to drive in a run, and Fred Bialka knocked in a pair of runs with a single to right. At the end of two innings, ShopRite maintained a solid 9-3 lead. In the third inning - ShopRite was held scoreless – but managed to yield only one run to the Bulldogs to make it a 9-4 ShopRite lead after three innings.
In the top of the 4th, ShopRite added three more runs. After back-to-back singles by Brian Potok and Carl Malinosky, Kevin McTigue blasted a double to the left field warning track, driving in two. McTigue subsequently scored on an RBI single by Fred Bialka. ShopRite once again shut down the Bulldogs to maintain a 12-4 lead heading to the fifth inning. In the top of the fifth – ShopRite put across the runs required to set up a 10-run mercy rule win. Mike Ranilla and Brian Potok opened the inning with back-to-back singles. Carl Malinosky doubled to drive in Ranilla. Kevin McTigue once again launched a bomb to deep left for a 2-run double. Fred Bialka capped off the ShopRite scoring with another RBI single. The Bulldogs were held scoreless in the bottom of the 5th – completing a solid win for ShopRite.
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| Before today's game - the team relaxes with some friends... |
Mystery Meat Playoffs Continues for ShopRite August 21st - 5:30pm at Foote
Milford, CT (8/15/2005) ShopRite will face one of three possible opponents on Sunday August 21st in what shall now be known as the "Mystery Meat Playoffs". ShopRite will face either the Degenerates; the Bulldogs or Bases Loaded at Foote Field - depending on the results of games played earlier in the day. As was witnessed last night against T.F.D. - you never know who you will face in the playoffs.
ShopRite will be in much better shape the weekend of the 21st with two exceptions: In the outfield - Frank Bevacqua is gone for the season to return to school in Arizona. Todd Slade is also unavailable for this week's action. With Daryle Graf's back injury making him a questionable start for Sunday - ShopRite is activating outfielder Brian Potok. Potok has been on ShopRite's deep roster in the now popular "on-call-only" status.
ShopRite's Epic 2-Out Rally Falls Short In Loss To T.F.D. 27-22
Milford, CT (8/14/2005) This evening at Washington field - the steady light rain and lightening-peppered skies did not stop a remarkable game from being played. ShopRite was set to play the winner of the Cherry Construction vs. TFD game. This evening – ShopRite’s opponent turned out to be T.F.D. – a team that had struggled to win all season long – and was a previous victim of ShopRite to the score of 23-7.
ShopRite had pulled together a 10-man team out of their 18-man roster – with no players to spare. ShopRite was missing several core players due to family vacations or work obligations. Among the "ShopRite 10" included Catcher Ken Jasmin – who returned from his softball retirement announced mid-season to make certain his ShopRite teammates were going to field a full defense today. Although ShopRite worked within the rules to field only roster players – it became quite obvious that T.F.D. did not. T.F.D. used players from the Degenerates – a team that finished the regular season atop the Milford Sunday Night League.
The undermanned ShopRite squad cobbled a defense that included Barry Kresen in Right Field, and Matt Kraynak in Right Center. For Kresen – it was his first appearance in an outfield for more than a year. For Kraynak – it would be the most innings he has played in the outfield in more than 5 years. T.F.D. – with a little help from their “friends” – hit many bombs scattered across the ShopRite outfield – creating a level of chaos defending against those T.F.D. players that hit “small dinks” and the others who stretched the outfield to the edge.
T.F.D. scored 5 in the top of the 1st – that was answered by ShopRite with 4 to make it a 5-4 game after one. In the second ShopRite took an 8-5 lead. The big hits in the inning included a Carl Malinosky double and a 2-run triple by Rick Ruiz. After T.F.D. took a 9-8 lead in the top of the fourth – ShopRite tied the game at 9 apiece on Frank Bevacqua’s second solo home run of the game. T.F.D. ripped open the game in the top of the 5th – scoring 9 times using a collection of small hits and a few bombs that sent the outfield sprinting everywhere. Entering the 5th inning – T.F.D. had set up a commanding 18-11 lead – and continued into the top of the 7th with an 20-11 lead. It was at this point that set up an epic 7th inning.
In the top of the 7th – the playing conditions were deteriorating. The persistent light rain and lightening continued. The exceedingly long game was now joined by rapidly darkening skies. After the “umpteenth” call from Al the Home Plate Umpire to “hustle it up out there – it’s getting dark” – the 7th inning started. T.F.D. proceeded to put together a long series of dinks and dunks – and a few squeaker hits between infielders to create an impressive 7-run rally – taking a 27-11 lead. In the bottom of the 7th – ShopRite would mount a very impressive rally of their own. Facing a 16-run deficit in their final at-bat - ShopRite opened the inning with a groundout to Shortstop, a single to center, and a fly out to shortstop. Yes - this rally would start with 2 outs.... Most people would characterize this particular moment as “bleak” for ShopRite. What would happen next only serves to prove the bizarre wisdom of Yogi Berra and his famous adage “It ain't over 'til it's over”. Despite being in a deep, dark hole, ShopRite proved the game was NOT over. With their backs not only TO the wall – but moreso IN the proverbial wall - ShopRite battled, scraped, scratched, scavenged and hustled. Before the inning was over – ShopRite had forced 14 consecutive batters to reach base safely - all with 2 outs.... With bases loaded, and the potential tying run on-deck - Rick Ruiz stepped to the plate. Rick had already singled and scored with 2-outs in EARLIER in the 7th inning. Would he do it again? Just as Rick set himself at the plate - a flock of geese that had grazed the outfield throughout the game - suddenly took off flying over the infield and twisted away. Rick received a good pitch. While in mid-swing - a long lightening bolt streaked across the eastern sky - quite visible by the ShopRite bench. Rick hit the ball hard - however it went right to the T.F.D. leftfielder to pulled it in to end the game.
Despite the outcome of the game – the “ShopRite 10” can look back and remember that despite the conditions, they battled with everything they had - and nearly pulled off the rally of their softball careers. This game goes in the books as a bittersweet memory that will certainly be talked about over pitchers of beer for years to come.
2005 Playoffs Begin: ShopRite To Play in Winner's Bracket August 14th
Milford, CT (8/13/2005) ShopRite's solid regular season play has earned them a winner's bracket start in the playoffs. On Sunday August 14th at 6pm, ShopRite will play the winner of a 5pm game between "Cherry Demolition" and "T.F.D.". Earlier this season - ShopRite split two games with Cherry Demolition - and beat T.F.D. in their only meeting. Regardless of the outcome August 14th - ShopRite will continue in the playoffs the weekend of August 21st.
ShopRite Dropped By Fat Darrell 23-12
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| Daryle Graf (middle) played a solid outfield in return from DL .. |
ShopRite Taken Down By Cherry Demolition 20-4
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| The offense found itself contained today against Cherry Demolition | |
For ShopRite – it was all about the offense – or lack thereof - that lost the game. Coming into this afternoon’s contest - ShopRite was averaging nearly 15 runs per game. Today - ShopRite managed only to squeak across a few scattered runs – and stranded a select few runners on base. The highly reliable leading-five batters in the ShopRite lineup struggled all afternoon - managing just 3 hits in 15 at bats.
There were very few offensive highlights for ShopRite today. Frank Bevacqua singled and scored. Todd Slade had a walk, a triple and scored. Dain Runestad walked and scored. Rick Ruiz went 2 for 2 and scored. Mike Ranilla and Matt Kraynak each collected two singles apiece as well. None of this offense was nearly enough – as Cherry Demolition exploded for 8 runs in the 5th inning and 9 runs in the 6th inning to run away with the game.
With the loss – ShopRite’s season record drops to 8-2 with a final regular season game remaining August 7th – when they take on Fat Darrell, 6pm at Foote Field.
ShopRite Takes Bases Loaded 17-13
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Most of ShopRite’s offense came in the top of the first inning with a classic 10-run outburst. Frank Bevacqua and Todd Slade opened the game with back-to-back singles and each scored on a double by Carl Malinosky. After Dave Weiss walked and Fred Bialka singled to load the bases – Malinosky was driven home on a sacrifice fly by Bob Paradis. Matt Kraynak followed by driving a hard ground ball between the legs of the 3rd baseman driving in Malinosky. Rick Ruiz followed with an RBI single. Dain Runestad hit into a fielders choice that amazingly squeezed in 2 more ShopRite runs. Mike Ranilla singled and Barry Kresen reached on an error by the shortstop to load the bases again. Frank Bevacqua got his second single of the inning and another RBI. Todd Slade capped off the outburst with a 2-run triple. In the bottom of the 1st – Matt Kraynak – making his second surprise start as pitcher this season – yielded one run to Bases Loaded. Thus far – it appeared that ShopRite would run away with the game.
In the 2nd inning – ShopRite’s lone run came in on an RBI single by Rick Ruiz driving in Dave Weiss who led the inning off with a single. Bases Loaded managed to squeeze four runs in the bottom of the second by a combination of walks and singles to close the game to an 11-5 ShopRite advantage after 2. ShopRite re-opened the game by answering with 4 runs in the top of the 3rd inning. Mike Ranilla and Barry Kresen led of with Walks – and Frank Bevacqua singled – loading the bases for Todd Slade who hit a sacrifice fly to deep left field. Carl Malinosky followed with a 2-RBI single – and another run came in when Fred Bialka reached on a fielder’s choice. In the bottom of the 3rd inning – Kraynak struggled to throw strikes – but managed to stay out of trouble. Despite leaving the bases loaded - only one run came across for Bases Loaded. After 3 innings – ShopRite maintained a 15-6 lead. ShopRite scored once in the top of the 4th and gave up 2 in the bottom of the 4th. After 2 batters and no one out – Bill Smith was called from the bullpen taking over pitching duties from Kraynak. Bases loaded went on the score 2 runs making it 16-8 after 4 innings. Bases Loaded scored another 5 runs in the 5th to close the game to 16-13. In the top of the 7th – ShopRite manufactured an insurance using a 2-out rally to do so. Todd Slade and Carl Malinosky each singled. After Dave Weiss walked to load the bases – Fred Bialka drew another walk to force in Slade making is a 17-13 game. ShopRite went on to secure their 8th victory in 9 games this season.
Game Notes: Today’s game featured visits by ShopRite store owner and former First Baseman Harry Garafalo. The game was also visited by one-time ShopRite employee and outfielder Mike Wydra. Garafalo and Wydra were both starting players on the original ShopRite team in 1984 and throughout the 1980’s ShopRite teams. Bill Smith’s relief appearance was his third of the season. Today’s win marked a team franchise record for wins in the regular season. ShopRite is now 8-1 with two games remaining.
Sunday Night League Standings Through 7/18/2005
Milford, CT (7/18/2005) The current Sunday Night League standings have ShopRite leading the league with a 7-1 record. ShopRite maintains a half-game lead over the Degenerates - the only team to have beaten ShopRite to date. There is a difference among the number of games played to date across the league due to a combination of rain-outs and situations where not all teams have played their scheduled doubleheader as of yet. With three games remaining - ShopRite can expect to be well-positioned for the playoffs that commence in August.
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ShopRite Outhustles B&J Hyatt: Takes Game in Bottom of 7th 10-9
Milford, CT (7/17/2005) For the third time this season, ShopRite pulled out a win in the bottom of the 7th - this time by defeating B&J Hyatt at Washington Field. As in previous games – the win was achieved through sound defensive play – and good old fashioned hustle.
In the first inning B&J jumped out first taking a 1-0 lead. in the bottom of the inning - ShopRite got to work on singles by Frank “The Kid” Bevacqua and “King Carl” Malinosky. With runners on the corners – Dave Weiss drove in Bevacqua on a single to center and Bill Smith scored Malinosky on a sacrifice fly giving ShopRite a 2-1 lead after one inning. The next scoring came in the third – when B&J Hyatt rallied for 4 runs to take a 5-2 lead. ShopRite answered in the bottom - loading the bases on consecutive singles by Bill Holsworth, Frank Bevacqua and Todd Slade. Carl Malinosky then reached on an error by the B&J third baseman scoring Holsworth, and Dave Weiss reached by fielder’s choice scoring Bevacqua. Bob Paradis tied the game up at 5 by singling in Slade. B&J quickly broke the tie scoring three in the top of the fourth – and shut down ShopRite in their half of the inning making it an 8-5 game after 4 innings of play.
ShopRite climbed back into the gave in the bottom of the 5th by once again loading the bases on singles by Bill Holsworth & Frank Bevacqua – and a walk by Todd Slade. Carl Malinosky drove in two runs on a single to center and the game was tied up on a single by Bill Smith. Although each teams were able to place runners in scoring position in the 6th – neither were able to score leaving the game tied 8-8 heading into the 7th. In the top of the 7th – B&J put together a couple of hits and a sacrifice fly to take a 9-8 lead. In the bottom of the 7th – ShopRite pulled things together through scrappy play and hustle. With one out and no one on base – Frank Bevacqua and Todd Slade each drew back-to-back walks placing the potential runs to tie and win the game on base. Carl Malinosky hit a short single to load the bases and Dave Weiss followed with a walk to drive in the tying run - leaving the bases still loaded. With the potential winning run on third and one out – Bob Paradis popped out to shortstop – leaving it up to Bill Smith to give ShopRite another shot. Smith then hit a hard grounder to shortstop that was cleanly fielded – and was going to be flipped to 2nd base for the inning-ending force out. The B&J second baseman broke late for the base and was beaten to the bag by ShopRite outfielder Dave Weiss who was running all out to make something happen. Sure enough – the hustling effort by Weiss beat the play at second base – keeping the inning alive and allowing the winning run to be scored. It was a very close call at second – however veteran umpire Chuck called it right – capping off a very good game with a very good opponent for ShopRite.
ShopRite had several highlights. On offense – Frank Bevacqua and Todd Slade continued their “Runs Scored” arms race – scoring 4 times and 3 times respectively. Bill Holsworth – who batted 12th today went 2 for three and scored 2 runs. Carl Malinosky was consistent as usual with three singles a few RBI’s and a run scored. Bill Smith is credited with the game-tying hit in the 5th – swinging momentum back to ShopRite. On defense – Carl Malinosky was awesome at shortstop – making some acrobatic plays – while dealing with several very nasty bounces. Dain Runestad also play a very solid game at second – and Rick Ruiz was consistent and reliable at third base.
This was another great team effort for ShopRite. Even though ShopRite was offensively in a lull – the strong defense, hustle and determination to win today kept the team in the game all along. With the win – ShopRite raised their 2005 season record to 7-1.
ShopRite Oversees "Eye On Creation" 20-16
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| Bill Smith Puts The Stop Sign on EOC & Bob P Bats 7/10/2005 | |
Today's game was a homecoming of sorts for outfielder Frank Bevacqua who was playing against his former team for the first time since jumping to ShopRite in 2005. Bevacqua had another solid evening at the plate with two singles, a double, a sacrifice fly and a three-run home run. Todd Slade also continued his tear at the plate adding two singles, a double and scored three times to take the team lead for runs scored this season (15). A host of ShopRite players had great games at the plate contributing to today's win. ShopRite managed to score in every inning of the game to maintain the lead for all but the first inning.
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ShopRite Comes Back To Shut Off Midwood Electric 8-7
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| ShopRite takes the field in the 6th and Ranilla Bats vs. Millwood Electric 6/26 |
The game started off as a pitcher’s duel – with only four scattered hits and no runs scored for either team through three full innings. In the top of the fourth, Midwood Electric got on the board first after one batter reached base on an error and was subsequently driven in on a triple making it a 1-0 game. In the bottom of the fourth, ShopRite tied the game at one apiece after Carl Malinosky reached by fielder’s choice and was driven in on a triple by Dave Weiss. In the bottom of the 5th, ShopRite opened up their lead after a single by Fred Bialka; RBI doubles by Bob Paradis; Bill Holsworth and Mike Ranilla – and an RBI single by Dain Runestad to making it a 5-1 game. During the rally – Todd Slade was added as a pinch runner and scored on behalf of Bob Paradis.
In the top of the 6th, Midwood Electric scored three times to shave ShopRite's lead to just one run. After ShopRite failed to score in the bottom of the 6th – Midwood Electric reclaimed the lead in the top of the 7th inning on a one-out three-run home run to take a 7-5 lead. This set the stage for what would be a dramatic finish by ShopRite.
In the bottom of the seventh – Todd Slade singled to center, however was quickly forced out when Fred Bialka reached on fielder’s choice. With one out, Bob Paradis singled and was replaced by pinch runner Slade for the second time in the game. Rick Ruiz subsequently singled to drive in Bialka making it a 7-6 game. When Bill Holsworth reached base by fielder’s choice – Todd Slade came in to score for the 2nd time today as a pinch runner for Paradis. This tied the game at 7. With two outs – Mike Ranilla drew a walk forcing Bill Holsworth into scoring position at second base. Dain Runestad then came through in the clutch with his third hit of the day to right center. On Runestad's hit, Bill Holsworth was given the green light to head for home. Holsworth chugged and rumbled (but did not stumble) all the way home where he slid under a slightly high and late throw to score the gamewinner.
This was another terrific team win for ShopRite. As “King Carl” cited after the game – “This shows character”. This season’s squad has managed to find many ways to win - and tonight was another fine example. In today’s game - although ShopRite's offensive balance was a little off - the team objective was still achieved. The first 5 batters in the ShopRite batting order had 2 hits in 15 plate appearances - while the final 7 batters had 11 hits in 20 appearances. Defense for ShopRite was overall very good and balanced. Most importantly, the team remained calm and businesslike when addressing the seventh inning deficit. With the win – ShopRite improves to 5-1 midway through their 2005 campaign.
ShopRite Puts Out Trumbull Fire Department 23-7
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| Kevin McTigue at the plate and Rick Ruiz scores against Trumbull Fire Department |
In his first game since opening day, ShopRite outfielder Frank “The Kid” Bevacqua made his presence immediately known when he blasted a solo home run to open the game. “King Carl” Malinosky followed with a single and was driven in on a triple by Dave Weiss. Weiss then scored on an RBI single by ShopRite veteran Pitcher Bill Smith. TFD opened the bottom half of the first inning with four consecutive hits and closed the inning on the short end of a 3-2 game.
ShopRite scrapped for two runs in the second. Bob Paradis singled and Matt Kraynak reached on an error setting up a sacrifice fly by Todd Slade and an RBI single by Carl Malinosky. After holding TFD scoreless in the second – ShopRite added a run on a home run by Kevin McTigue. In the fourth inning Todd Slade singled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Dave Weiss. TFD added a run in the bottom of the fourth – however still trailed ShopRite 6-2.
In the ShopRite 5th inning, Rick Ruiz walked and later scored on an RBI single by Barry “Blue Ankle” Kresen. After Frank Bevacqua singled, Todd Slade singled to drive in Kresen (via pinch runner Kraynak). Carl Malinosky made it a 9-2 ShopRite lead with an RBI single. ShopRite scored two more in the sixth after Bill Smith walked; Kevin McTigue singled, and Rick Ruiz reached by fielder’s choice to score Smith. Later on, Matt Kraynak lined a single up the middle to drive in Ruiz. Heading into the 7th – ShopRite had a 12–3 that would quickly expand. Frank Bevacqua opened up the 7th with his second solo home run of the day. After a mix of singles by Slade, McTigue; Ruiz, Kraynak and Slade again, and some scattered errors by TFD - ShopRite's 11-run outburst was capped off by a three-run home run by Carl Malinosky. ShopRite surrendered four meaningless runs in the bottom of the seventh and went on to take their fourth win in five games this season.
ShopRite had great fan support today – and were pleased with the all-around team effort offensively and defensively. Nearly halfway through the 2005 season – ShopRite is proving to be one of the "teams to beat" in the Sunday Night League.
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| ShopRite FANS!! Today's game was especially fun having so many friends & family |
ShopRite "Miken-ized" by Degenerates 29-17 in 7 Innings
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| The "Juiced" Bat Lineup ShopRite Faced 6/12/2005 |
Although team bats are inspected and ultimately approved by the umpiring team prior to the start of each game - some bats can still slip through. Bat inspection is a bit more complicated than it looks. New bats are being created all the time. Certain bats deemed "illegal" can be refurbished and repainted to appear "legal". Most of these bats are nearly impossible to detect - except perhaps by witnessing their actual performance. This evening - there was one bat in particular that was not properly caught at the beginning of the game. An A.S.A. banned bat (identified in the photo here) was being used by the Degenerates. The bat is a black and yellow "Blur Advanced Series" bat manufactured by Mizuno. There were also several "legal" high-performance bats made by Miken labeled "Freak" and "Velocit.E" that the Degenerates used to blast several of their home runs into the tall grass at Platt Tech.
Although most of the bats used may have been deemed "technically" legal - the fact remains that these high-performance bats are damaging the integrity of the game in our league. Teams that cannot afford these bats (that range from $250 - $350 each) are immediately placed at a disadvantage. This becomes particularly obvious at open fields such as Platt Tech. With the usage high-performance bats comes an increased risk of injury to defensive players as well as bystanders. Morally - the use of these bats create an unsportsmanlike atmosphere in what is otherwise considered a relaxed Sunday night recreational softball league.
We believe this evening's game demonstrated why rule changes are absolutely necessary to restore fair play, sportsmanship and safety in an environment that is being altered by ever-changing technological advances. A formal request for changes as well as ideas to improve the Milford Recreational League rules are being drafted so that in the near future - our league will have an opportunity to change for the better.
With respect to this evening's game - ShopRite hung in there for most of the game. Offensively, several players for ShopRite did particularly well: Todd Slade had a great night with a walk, a double, a home run - scoring three times. Bill Smith and Carl Malinosky each walked twice and scored twice. Bob Paradis blasted a double and a triple and scored twice. Mike Ranilla had a walk - a single and scored three times. Finally Barry Kresen made his first appearance of the season coming off an ankle injury. Barry had two singles - a walk and scored twice.
Defensively - each team committed many errors in a very sloppy, sweatty and frustrating game. With the loss - ShopRite's record drops to 3-1.
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| BEEP! Todd Slade "scans in" a run at home plate vs. The Degenerates 6/12/2005 |
ShopRite Takes Down Cherry Demolition 16-12
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After spotting Cherry Demolition four runs in the top of the first – ShopRite answered back with five of their own. After Bill Smith led off with a walk, Todd Slade singled, Carl Malinosky walked and Dave Weiss drove in two with a sharp single. Bob Paradis hit a bomb to left advancing Malinosky who subsequently scored on a sacrifice by Fred Bialka. Rick Ruiz drew a walk and later scored after a Bill Holsworth RBI single knocked in Weiss and Dain Runestad reached on an error. At the end of one ShopRite had a 5-4 lead. In the third inning, Cherry Demolition pushed four runs across on a mix of walks and triples taking an 8-5 lead. ShopRite managed to tie the game at 8 using only a couple of walks – a fielder’s choice and a base hit in the bottom of the 3rd.
ShopRite took control of the game in the bottom of the fourth scoring twice (Slade and Malinosky). Cherry Demolition managed to score once in the fifth inning making it a 10-9 game – however ShopRite responded promptly. In the bottom of the fifth, ShopRite strung four singles together courtesy of Dain Runestad, Mike Ranilla, Matt Kraynak and Bill Smith. Each would come in to score after Todd Slade drew a walk and Carl Malinosky stroked a 2-run single to make it a 14-9 ShopRite advantage.
In the sixth inning, Cherry Demolition gained ground on a monstrous 3-run home run to left by their cleanup hitter – making it a 14-12 game. ShopRite added two insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth and shut down Cherry Demolition in the seventh to secure the 16-12 win. Bill Smith was the winning pitcher in relief of Matt Kraynak who pitched the first inning of the game. Mike Ranilla played well in his first game back in right field, and the overall infield defense was very good. With the win – ShopRite improved to 2–0.
ShopRite Mounts Comeback To Put Bulldogs Away 12-11
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| Ranilla, Runestad, Paradis, Ruiz and Smith after beating Bulldogs 12-11 | |
The Bulldogs drew first blood, scoring four in the second and two in the third to take a 6-0 lead. In the meantime - ShopRite had an abysmal offensive start – managing to bring only ten batters to the plate through the first three innings. It was not until the bottom of the 4th when the game took a dramatic turn.
Down 6-0, Matt Kraynak opened the bottom of the fourth inning for ShopRite with a sharp single to center. Bill Smith followed with a walk; Todd Slade reached on an error, and Carl Malinosky drew a walk. Dave Weiss followed with an RBI single, Bob Paradis hit a sacrifice fly and Fred Bialka smacked a 2-run single. Kraynak, Smith, Slade, Malinosky and Weiss each scored – making it a 6-5 game.
In the fifth, the Bulldogs exploded for five runs on six hits to regain the lead at 11-5. In the bottom of the fifth - ShopRite demonstrated their determination and tenacity. After Mike Ranilla and Matt Kraynak each reached base on an infield error, Bill Smith singled to load the bases for Todd Slade. Slade ripped a 2-run single pushing across Ranilla and Kraynak making it an 11-7 game. Carl Malinosky followed Slade with an RBI single scoring Smith, and Dave Weiss crushed a deep sacrifice fly to left field to score Slade. When the dust had settled in the fifth – ShopRite had pulled to within 2 runs in an 11-9 score. Each team went down 1-2-3 in the sixth inning – setting up a dramatic finish.
Down 11-9 in the bottom of the seventh, Matt Kraynak led off with a “Texas League” single to centerfield. After Bill Smith flied out in foul territory – Kraynak tagged up and advanced to second base – taking advantage of the Bulldog outfielder who was flat on his stomach to catch the fly ball. Todd Slade hit a sharp ground ball to the shortstop who managed to stop the ball but could not make a play. With runners on first and second and one out – Carl Malinosky drew a walk to load the bases for cleanup hitter Dave Weiss. In the clutch – Weiss drove a line shot to left – scoring Kraynak and Slade to tie the game 11-11. The game winning hit came off the bat of Bob Paradis – who crushed another “signature bomb” to deep left – wrapping the base of the fence to score Malinosky. With the Paradis blast - ShopRite left the Bulldogs standing on the field.
Once again – Bill Smith was the winning pitcher. Dain Runestad combined with Carl Malinosky for the defensive play of the game – when Malinosky tossed a ball off balance and backhanded to a barehanded Runestad - forcing a runner out at second base while avoiding a collision. With the win – ShopRite improved to 3-0.
Predator DL Report – Early Season Update
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| Predator Developmental Squad "Moonshiners" |
The Predators (now playing as ShopRite) are scheduled to take on Cherry Demolition and the Bulldogs on Sunday June 5th - 5:00pm and 6:00pm at Foote field.
Triumphant Return: ShopRite 15 - M&R Heating & Cooling 12
Milford, CT (5/15/2005) For the first time since the 1994 season, ShopRite was credited with a win in the Milford Sunday Night League. ShopRite overcame a 7-2 second inning deficit and out hustled M&R Heating and Cooling to a 15-12 win. Frank “The Kid” Bevacqua stole the show by socking a double, a triple and a home run - driving in five runs while scoring four times in his team debut. Bob Paradis also provided power for ShopRite by crushing a two run home run to deep left center.
ShopRite jumped out to an early 2—0 lead in the first inning after Frank Bevacqua doubled, Carl Malinosky ripped an RBI single and later scored on a single by Bill Smith. After falling behind 7-2, ShopRite struck back in the top of the 3rd. After Matt Kraynak and Ken Jasmin each reached base – Frank Bevacqua tripled – driving in two. Todd Slade hit a sacrifice fly – scoring Bevacqua. Carl Malinosky singled and scored on the Bob Paradis home run – making it a 7-7 game. M&R responded with two in the bottom of the 3rd to take a 9-7 lead.
After an uneventful 4th and 5th innings for both teams – ShopRite mounted a comeback. After Frank Bevacqua reached by fielders choice, Todd Slade doubled - setting up runners on 2nd and 3rd. Carl Malinosky drove in two with a single – and Bill Smith reached base with a single of his own. Fred Bialka then struck a clutch single scoring Smith and Malinosky – extending ShopRite's lead 12-9. M&R came back with a run in the bottom of the 6th – however stranded two runners on base. In the top of the 7th – ShopRite executed a key 2-out rally. Matt Kraynak punched a single to right center. Ken Jasmin followed with a single – and Frank Bevacqua crushed the death blow – a 3 run home run to Right Field. M&R rallied in the bottom of the 7th – however squandered their chances on the basepaths. Amidst a rally - one M&R runner was forced out at 2nd base when Frank Bevacqua fielded a clean single and came up firing to 2nd base.
Other points of interest this evening: Todd Slade hit a 1st inning foul ball into the parking lot – making solid contact with “someone’s car” – bringing about memories of past cars Todd has hit…. Ken Jasmin had a “spectacular” dive into home plate – bringing back memories of his days as a Navy SEAL ..… Daryle Graf made his debut for the team in left field – filling in for Mike Ranilla who is on a short-term Disabled List.
ShopRite’s current season record is now 1 and 0.
IMPORTANT: SEASON SCHEDULE CHANGES
Milford, CT (5/8/2005) Due to the departure of Bridgeport Harley from our league - the 2005 season schedule has been drastically revised. We will play an 11 game schedule over a 10 weekend period - including a doubleheader scheduled June 5th. Please discard our previous schedules dated April 23rd. The most recent schedule is now dated May 8th and has been posted on our site.
Predator Krajewski Takes His Rock Show on the Road
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After his outstanding performance for the Predators in the 2002 season when he batted .750, Mike cut a highly successful and critically acclaimed instructional batting video. But that was not enough for “the Juice” who set off on a new challenge. After many intense jam sessions in the “Studio K” basement – Krajewski emerged a changed man: Mike became the first Predator to successfully transition from “Starting Infielder” to bona fide “Rock Star” status.
Mike now plays bass and provides vocals for several local bands. One of those groups - a Yes tribute band known as “Siberian Khatru” will play Friday March 18th at Toad’s Place in New Haven. The legendary Toad’s Place has seen the likes of the Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, Frank Zappa, and Joan Jett on their stage. Now – the legends are joined by the Predators own Mike Krajewski. “The Rock’n Roll lifestyle is exactly what I thought it would be like - and sometimes even more than I bargained for." When asked what goals he would pursue next – Mike said: “I’m hoping to catch up with Ringo [Starr] to see if he has any room on his next tour. Yeah – that would be cool….”
Changes Planned After 6th Annual Winter Meeting
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| Predator Outfield "Up For Grabs" in 2005 |
In other discussions, the Predators conversed about the signing of free-agent Frank “The Kid” Bevacqua – a speedy outfielder who comes to the Predators from Eye On Creation. With the acquisition of Bevacqua – Barry Kresen will take over as catcher. In addition – the Predators will re-evaluate the outfield configuration for 2005 to make the best use of the talent available. The Predators now have as good an outfield – if not the best outfield of any team in the league.
Like the Predator outfield for 2005, all other team positions, including the team batting order are essentially “up for grabs”. This means that as players perform well – they will earn the opportunity to maintain their defensive positions in the field and/or bat higher in the batting order. As always – the team will do what is possible to make certain everyone gets playing time each game. Since there are many week-to-week players on the team – platooning is pretty much the norm. Given the increasing frequency of injuries and family obligations that come with this mature team - the Predators may sign additional players as the need arises.
Overall the 2005 Predators are looking good. The Predators anticipate opening up training camp during mid-April – right around the time of the clock changeover to Eastern Savings Time.
Free Agent Frank “The Kid” Bevacqua Signs With Predators
Milford, CT (2/6/2005) Early this afternoon, the Predators signed free agent Frank "The Kid" Bevacqua, a stand out outfielder who had previously played for Eye On Creation during the 2004 season. Bevacqua was discovered by the Predators Senior Talent Scout and Director of Prospect Management, Brian Burrows. In his scouting report – Burrows cited Bevacqua’s speed and acceleration were simply “unparalleled by anyone currently in the Sunday Night League”.
With Bevacqua’s arrival – veteran outfielder Barry Kresen will move to the infield and make catcher his primary position. It is also expected that a reconfiguration of the Predator outfield is likely. The Predators anticipate seeing Frank (a.k.a. “The Kid”) when the Predators open training camp in April.
Krajewski's Music Career Draws Him Away From Softball
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| Juice On Stage 2004 |
** Krajewski went 3 for 4 batting .750 in his most recent softball season.
"Juice" continues to play bass guitar and provide vocals for the Yes tribute band "Siberian Khatru" as well as another group known as "Harmony Incorporated" - a tremendous rock cover band from the New Haven area.
Mike was recently seen signing autographs down at Gulf beach on the Milford shoreline. Despite his newly achieved "elite" rock-start status - Mike still likes to "mingle with the people".
You can follow Mike as he continues to tour with his bands....
http://www.harmonyincorporated.net/
http://www.siberiankhatru.com/
Check out these bands - and go see Mike when you can. You never know who else may show up!
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