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Predators 7th Annual Winter Meeting Slated Sunday February 12th
 | |  | | A Winter Scene At Foote Field - January 2006 |
Milford, CT (2/3/2006) The Predators have scheduled their 7th Annual Winter Meeting for 5:30pm on Sunday February 12th at Bella Napoli Restaurant in Milford. All Predator players, family and friends are invited to participate. Our agenda will include in-depth discussion of player retirements, player acquisitions, and team strategy for 2006. As with tradition, this meeting will also feature the relentless verbal harassment of our aging veteran shortstop - "King Carl" Malinosky.
Please RSVP to Matt Kraynak by Thursday February 9th. We look forward to seeing you there!
Where Have The Predators Been Lately?
To find out - you'll have to check out our feature pages - "PREDATOR WORLD" for International sightings and "PREDATOR NATION" for appearances across the United States!
Saturday, March 11
Predator Captions !!!
Let's see what sort of captions we can come up with for some of our more "creative" photographs....
Here is one recently recieved showing "Roxie" (a.k.a. "Poof") sporting a Predator Classic shirt! What might this proud pup say? Send in your captions!!!
Saturday, March 11
7th Annual Winter Meeting
Milford, CT (March 6, 2006) The Predators 7th Annual Winter Meeting was held Sunday March 5th. It is expected that the full 2005 team will return to play again in 2006. The league is beginning to organize a few weeks earlier this year from an administrative point of view - however the first game of the season will still go the first Sunday in May (May 7th). Team sponsorship will be discussed over the next week or so - and is expected to be settled soon. Players should begin to physically prepare for the upcoming season. With the clocks moving forward April 1st - we will look to schedule the first team practice in early April. More news to follow in the coming weeks.
Sunday, April 2
Predators Kickoff 2006 With Intense Practice: King Carl Malinosky a "No Show"
|  | | The Predators as they begin their 2006 campaign April 2, 2006 |
Milford, CT (4/2/2006) The Predators opened up their 2006 season today with what can only be be described as an unprecedented "intense" training camp at Platt Tech Field. The Predators (playing as Shop Rite once again in 2006) are hitting the pre-season training hard as they look to avenge playoff losses that took them out of the running for a league championship in 2005. The team looked good and felt good today - although there was one element out of place. Aging veteran shortshop King Carl Malinosky was no where to be found. Sources close to KC indicated that King Carl was pampering himself at the time the rest of the team was sweating things out on the field. Predator GM Matt Kraynak vowed to get to the bottom of the obvious holdout stance that King Carl has taken. No other details were available at the time the Predator Press came forward with this story.
Friday, May 5
Rumor Mill: New Player Signing In The Works
Milford, CT (5/5/2006) A local watchdog organization has been tracking the movement of various Predator team officials over the last several days - and have concluded that one or more new player signings are "in the works". Predator GM Matt Kraynak had acknowledged in recent weeks that the 2006 Predator team remains solid - but could benefit from a deeper bench. As of now - the Predators expect all players from their outstanding 2005 season to play again in 2006. Any new player signings would likely be placed on the "on call" list that becomes heavily used toward the end of the regular season and into the playoffs.
Monday, May 8
Opening Day 2006: ShopRite Wins 6-5 Over Milford Auto Recycling
|  | | Dave and Fred On Base - and Bob about to launch a 3-run Home Run |
Milford, CT (5/7/2006) Shop Rite opened up their 2006 season on a positive note taking out Milford Auto Recycling by a score of 6-5. Despite showing a lot of winter rust on defense Shop Rites veteran players came through with some clutch hitting to seal the win.
After yielding 2 runs in the first inning, Shop Rite made it a 2-1 game on an RBI single by Dain Runestad to drive in Rick Ruiz. In the 4th inning - Shop Rite was down 3-1 and looking for a rally. Dave Weiss and Fred Bialka answered the call with back-to-back singles setting up veteran Bob Paradis for a key at bat. Paradis promptly dropped a bomb over the fence in dead centerfield for a 3-run Home Run giving Shop Rite a 4-3 lead. In the top of the 6th Shop Rite lost the lead giving up 2 runs on a long triple to left center. In the bottom of the 6th ShopRite tied the game when Kevin McTigue singled and scored Dave Weiss. After shutting down Milford Auto Recycling in the top of the 7th to preserve the 5-5 tie Shop Rite went to work to finish off the game. Mike Ranilla and Barry Kresen led off the bottom of the 7th with back-to-back singles setting up veteran Matt Kraynak for a chance to win the game. Kraynak subsequently blasted a perfect pitch to the base of the fence in left center for a double driving home Ranilla with the game winning run, and leaving Milford Auto Recycling standing on the field.
With the win Shop Rite starts off with a 1-0 record and looks forward to their next game scheduled May 21st.
 | | Dave, Fred and Bob scoring on Bob's Home Run Blast over the Centerfield Fence |
Sunday, June 11
ShopRite's 7th Inning 2-Out Rally Takes Out "The Stugots" 12-11
|  | | Potok on Deck: Ruiz on 3rd and Runestad on 2nd vs. "The Stugots" | |
Milford, CT (6/11/2006) Another come from behind rally lifts ShopRite's record to 2 and 0. For the second time in as many games ShopRite rallied in their final at bat - this time all with 2 outs - to achieve victory. This evening the victim was The Stugots who were left devastated after having ShopRite on the ropes all afternoon leading to a fantastic finish for ShopRite.
ShopRite found themselves in a hole after yielding 5 runs to The Stugots in the top of the first. The Stugots put together an impressive 5-hit attack to establish the early lead. ShopRite put up their first runs of the game in the bottom of the second. Rick Ruiz hustled out an infield hit and came into score after a Mike Ranilla Walk and an RBI single by Barry Kresen. Brian Potok promptly followed Kresen with a double driving in Ranilla and Kresen to make it a 5-3 game.
The game would remain 5-3 until ShopRite put together a 5 run rally in the 4th inning. It started when Brian Potok reached by Fielders Choice, and moved to 3rd on a double by Frank Bevacqua. Carl Malinosky followed with a walk to load the bases for Matt Kraynak. Kraynak followed by crushing a 2-2 pitch to deep left center - just missing a grand slam had it not been for a tall tree hanging over the 270 foot mark. Kraynaks fly hit the tree and came back into the playing field. By rule - the tree is played like a wall and the ball was back in play. Kraynak ended up with a 2-run double scoring Potok and Bevacqua. Dave Weiss followed with a single to drive in Malinosky and Kraynak. The scoring completed for the inning when Dain Runestad reached on an error by the 2nd baseman allowing Weiss to score. This gave ShopRite a brief 8-5 lead.
In the top of the 5th The Stugots fought back with 6 runs on a mix of walks and solid hitting. The Stugots quickly reclaimed their lead 11-8. The game remained 11-8 until ShopRite came to bat in the bottom of the 7th. Mike Ranilla led off with a rocket line drive that went right into the shortstops glove for the 1st out. Barry Kresen drew a walk which was followed by a fly out to right field off the bat of Brian Potok. Down to their last out ShopRite dug down deep and made the magic happen. Frank Bevacqua smashed a long drive to deep right center and legged out a 2-run home run to slice the Stugots lead to 11-10. Carl Malinosky and Matt Kraynak followed with back-to-back singles and Dave Weiss walked to load the bases for Bob Paradis. With the outfielders back - Bob smacked a hard grounder that was tipped by the shortstop into shallow to mid left field. Malinosky came into score and Kraynak was waved home. The throw to the plate was a little wide and a little late as Kraynak slid home for the game-winning run. For the second time this season ShopRite left their opponent standing on the field.
Sunday, June 18
ShopRite Lets Game Go Up In Smoke to Trumbull Fire Dept 22-16
Milford, CT (6/18/2006) ShopRite started their day driving to Platt Tech field for a 3:30pm game against the Trumbull Fire Department (T.F.D.). There was only one problem: The game was to be held at West Shore field across town in Devon. Fortunately - most of the ShopRite squad was able to pull things together and get across town by 3:40pm. This was merely a preamble to another cruel twist in store for ShopRite this first game of a split-doubleheader on Father's Day 2006.
ShopRite started the game as well and anyone could expect - scoring 10 times on a walk, 7 singles, and a 3-run Home Run by Frank Bevacqua. Unfortunately T.F.D. did not give in - fighting back with 5 in the first, 4 in the second and 4 in the third inning to take an 13-11 lead. After scoreless 4th and 5th innings for both teams, ShopRite came back to life scoring 5 times to retake the lead 16-13. That lead would not hold as T.F.D. came storming back in the bottom of the 6th on a combination of dinks and dunks and an occasional long ball - scoring 9 times capping off the final scoring of the game - handing ShopRite their 1st loss of the season 22-16.
Despite the loss, Frank Bevacqua had an outstanding day at the plate scoring 3 times with 2 walks, a single and the 3-run home run. Fred Bialka also had an excellent outing - stroking 3 solid singles and a sacrifice fly. ShopRite packed their bags and headed to Platt Tech Field for their 6:00pm game vs the Aboretto Bushcutters.
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Sunday, June 18
ShopRite Scores 9 In Bottom of 7th To Leave Bushcutters Standing On Field 14-13
|  | | A Dejected Bushcutter Team Congratulates ShopRite in their Big Comeback Win | |
Milford, CT (6/18/2006) ShopRite traveled across town from their 3:30pm game to meet the "Arboretto Bushcutters" for a 6:00pm match at Platt Tech Field. The ShopRite squad was still a upset over their senseless loss to the Trumbull Fire Department earlier in the day. Regardless - ShopRite was determined to make the best of their doubleheader on Father's Day afternoon 2006.
The Bushcutters scored the first 3 runs of the game with one in the first and 2 in the top of the second. In the bottom of the second - ShopRite got on the board after Rick Ruiz reached by fileders choice and came in to score after Barry Kresen reached on an error by the shortstop. In the top of the 3rd - the Bushcutters opened up their lead scoring 4 times giving them a 7-1 lead. ShopRite added a run on a Frank Bevacqua double and an RBI single by Dave Weiss to make it 7-2 after 3 innings. The Bushcutters annoyingly started a string of 5 "dribbler" hits - balls that dribbled down the 3rd base line to a spot that was indefensible. The bizarre string of hits lead to 5 more runs to give the Bushcutters a commanding 12-2 lead that held until the bottom of the 5th inning. In the bottom of the 5th - with Barry Kresen and Mike Ranilla on Base - Frank Bevacqua hit a hot shot single to right field that was mishandled by the right fielder. Bevacqua raced around the bases and drew a throw to the plate that ended up in the stands. Three runs scored on the play cutting the Bushcuttter lead to 12-5. Each team went scoreless in the 6th inning.
In the top of the 7th - the Bushcutters added an insurance run making it a 13-5 game. In the bottom of the 7th - down 8 runs - ShopRite's "comeback machine" fired up. After Mike Ranilla flied out to lead off the inning, Frank Bevacqua singled; Carl Malinosky walked and Dave weiss singled to load the bases. Fred Bialka singled - and after a fielding error occurred - 2 runs came across making it 13-7. Todd Slade reached first on a fielders choice forcing Bialka out at 2nd making it "2 outs - but on life support" for ShopRite. Bob Paradis singled to left - driving in Weiss to close the gap 13-8. Rick Ruiz showed great patience drawing a walk to load the bases for Matt Kraynak. Kraynak followed by ripping a line drive up the middle to drive in Slade and a hustling Paradis to make it a 13-10 game. Dain Runestad followed with a single to load the bases again. Barry Kresen came through with a single to drive in Ruiz and make it a 13-11 game and the bases still loaded. Mike Ranilla followed with a walk to drive in Kraynak making it 13-12. This set the stage for Frank Bevacqua. In the clutch yet again - Frank cranked out a 1-2 pitch to deep centerfield that was deep enough to drive in Dain Runestad for the tie and Barry Kresen with the game winning run. The only shame was that if the game had not ended with Kresens run - this would have been a grand slam for Bevacqua. (Officially this hit went into the books as a single with 2 RBI's). With the 2 RBI's - ShopRite completed the unthinkable comeback - leaving the Bushcutters on the field with a 14-13 loss.
 | | Kraynak batting in the 7th; Weiss and Bevacqua on the sidelines June 18, 2006 |
Sunday, July 9
ShopRite's "Nine Squad" Takes Bulldogs for a Walk 18-5 in 5 Innings
| |  | | Dave Weiss Walks Again against Bulldogs |
Milford, CT (7/9/2006) This afternoon a depleted ShopRite squad took on The Bulldogs in the matinee match of a split venue doubleheader. With several key players unavailable this afternoon - ShopRite had to take on The Bulldogs with only 9 players - translating to just three outfielders for the afternoon. Nonetheless - this veteran squad pulled of an impressive win - displaying excellent patience at the plate - and making timely hits when they counted the most.
In the top of the first - ShopRite yielded three runs to The Bulldogs on a combination of walks and hits. In the bottom of the first - ShopRite quickly put up three runs of their own. Rick Ruiz punched a single to drive in Dave Weiss and Bob Paradis - and Matt Kraynak singled home Ruiz to give ShopRite the lead. In the second - the Bulldogs continued to fight scoring 3 runs on a pair of singles and three walks.
Down 5-3 heading into the bottom of the second - ShopRite got to work. ShopRite exploited Bulldog pitching by waiting on strikes. The strategy paid off. Barry Kresen opened with a single. With one out - Frank Bevacqua and Carl Malinosky drew back-to-back walks loading the bases for Dave weiss. Weiss promptly singled to drive in Kresen and Bevacqua. Bob Paradis then lined out to the Bulldog pitcher - who then made a bad throw to first base attempting to double off the runner. On the errant throw - Carl Malinosky hustled and scored all the way from 2nd base to give ShopRite a 6-5 lead. With 2 outs - Rick Ruiz drew the second of his three walks on the day. Matt Kraynak followed by crushing a 3-Run Home Run to Left Center giving ShopRite a 9-5 lead. The Home Run was Kraynak's first since the 2004 season. Still with 2 outs - ShopRite maintained their patience at the plate. Dain Runestad, Barry Kresen and Mike Ranilla drew back-to-back-to-back walks. Frank Bevacqua singled to drive in Runestad. Carl Malinosky walked to drive in Kresen. After a Dave Weiss single - Bob Paradis singled to give ShopRite an 13-5 lead after 2 innings.
After the second inning was done - the Bulldog team appeared very frustrated and noticably deflated. They would fail to score again. In the meantime - ShopRite picked up more 3 runs in the third after Kraynak led off with a triple to left and scored on a single by Dain Runestad. Runestad and Kresen would later score after additional walks and some fielder's choice plays. Dain Runestad and Frank Bevacqua also scored in the 4th and 5th innings respectively - to cap off the final score giving ShopRite a solid 18-5 win.
 | | Frank Bevacqua Reaches 1st on Walk while Barry multitasks against Bulldogs |
Sunday, July 9
ShopRite Falters Against Degenerates 23-3
Milford, CT (7/9/2006) In their second game of the afternoon - a fairly tired ShopRite team once again brought 9 players to compete against a formidable opponent - The Degenerates. ShopRite knew that they would need a boatload of runs to keep up with the Degenerates. Unfortunately - that boat never reached the ShopRite loading dock.
As anticipated - The Degenerates crushed dozens of balls to indefensible deep outfield positions. Before ShopRite had a chance to bat - they found themselves down 10-0. ShopRite was only able to scrap for 3 runs against the Degenerates in this game. The only offensive "highlights" worth mentioning for ShopRite was a solo Home Run by Matt Kraynak in the 2nd inning, and a hustling double by Frank Bevacqua in the 4th inning. Other than that - this game was a complete train wreck. Fortunately for ShopRite - it only counts as one loss!
Monday, July 17
ShopRite Does Not Make Bail: Falls to Chicos Bail Bonds 6-3
Milford, CT (7/16/2006) With temperatures in the mid-90's - ShopRite arrived at Washington Field hoping to take out a newcomer to the Sunday Night League - Chico's Bail Bonds. The afternoon's blazing sun proved too much for ShopRite. Although the team was able to place a few runners on base from inning to inning - they did not do enough to get the important RBI hits when they were most needed.
ShopRite scored the first run of the game in the top of the 3rd when Frank Bevacqua singled to drive in Dain Runestad who had singled to lead off the inning. Chico's scored 2 in the bottom of the 3rd to take a 2-1 lead. Chicos would go on to score one in the 4th and 3 in the 5th to take a 6-1 lead. ShopRite finally scored again in the top of the 6th after Dave Weiss singled and scored on an RBI single by Fred Bialka. Down 6-2 heading into the 7th - ShopRite started a rally that looked promising but fell just short. Mike Ranilla singled and later scored to make it a 6-3 game. After Runestad and Bevacqua singled and Dave Weiss walked to load the bases with 2 outs - Kevin McTigue lined out hard to 3rd base to end the game.
Chico's had excellent support from the left side - where their outfielders exhibited excellent speed and good arms. Looking back - this was a winable game that ShopRite let slip away.
 | | Dain Runestad just after scoring a run in the 3rd inning against Chico's |
Monday, July 17
ShopRite Overpowers Guards: Blasts Bridgeport Correctional 17- 4 in 5 Innings
| |  | | Mike Ranilla Wins All-Impotant Coin Flip against Bridgeport Correctional |
Milford, CT (7/16/2006) Frustrated by their 6-3 loss an hour earlier - ShopRite regrouped and turned on an overwhelming show of offensive power against Bridgeport Correctional. Before the first inning was over - ShopRite had put up 16 batters and scored 13 times - stunning the Bridgeport squad and leaving them listless for the remainder of the game.
ShopRite's first 13 batters of the game reached base safely as follows: Bevacqua tripled; Weiss singled (driving in Bevacqua); McTigue singled; Bialka singled (driving in Weiss); Paradis singled (driving in McTigue); Ruiz singled; Kraynak tripled (driving in Bialka, Paradis and Ruiz); Runestad walked; Kresen singled (driving in Kraynak); Ranilla singled; Bevacqua hit a home run (driving in Runestad; Kresen; Ranilla and Bevacqua); Weiss singled; Kevin McTigue tripled (driving in Weiss); Fred Bialka grounded out to 2nd base (McTigue scored on the play). ShopRite had broken out to their best start in team history.
Bridgeport Correctional - known for it's excellent hitting - put together a small rally in the top of the 2nd inning to make it a 13-3 game. ShopRite answered with a run in the 4th when Fred Bialka reached on an error scoring Kevin McTigue who had just tripled earlier. ShopRite poured on 3 more runs in the bottom of the 4th to make it a 17-3 game. Barry Kresen, Frank Becacqua and Dave Weiss each singled to load the bases for Kevin McTigue who cleared the bases with a double. In the top of the 5th - Bridgeport Correctional threatened with a rally - scored 1 run and left the bases loaded. The game ended on a nice defensive play at Shortstop by Bob Paradis who fielded a ball to his right and gunned down a runner at third base.
With the win - ShopRite raised their record to 5-3.
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Sunday, July 23
ShopRite Falls To B&J Hyatt 12-11 in 9 Innings
| |  | | Mike, Dain, Fred and Rick at West Shore vs B&J Hyatt |
Milford, CT (7/23/2006) "Well - that sucked!" Predator GM Matt Kraynak summarized moments after B&J Hyatt completed a 9th inning comeback to beat ShopRite 12-11. In reality - the loss carried the weight of two since ShopRite gave up a 6-run lead in the bottom of the 7th - allowing the game to go extra innings. ShopRite blew an opportunity to win again after allowing an 11-10 lead in the top of the 9th to go by the boards in the bottom of the 9th.
B&J earned their win with clutch hitting - particularly in the 7th and 9th innings. B&J outhit ShopRite 22-15 - highlighting a growing issue for ShopRite. ShopRite's hitting is significantly down in 2006. The team batting average has now dipped to .403 - the lowest team average in over 4 years. Counting players who have 20 or more plate appearances in 2006 - only 4 have a batting average over .400 and only one of those players is batting over .500. Frank Bevacqua continues his torrid pace leading the team with a .667 average while also leading the team in On Base Percentage at .750 and Slugging Percentage at 1.250.
There were only a couple of mini-rallies for ShopRite in the game. In the 2nd inning - Rick Ruiz led off with a single. Scott Marcuccio (playing right field for the 1st time this season) singled to right. Matt Kraynak followed with the blast to left center going for a triple to drive in 2 runs. Mike Ranilla and Dain Runestad each walked to load the bases - and Frank Bevacqua followed with a 2 run single. ShopRite's only other offensive outburst came in the 6th inning . After Matt Kraynak doubled and Mike Ranilla drew a walk - Frank Bevacqua smacked a three-run home run. Interestingly enough - ShopRites second half of the batting order scored 8 of the team's 11 runs.
With the loss - ShopRite dropped to 5-4 with 3 regular season games remaining.
Sunday, July 30
ShopRite Goes 9 Innings to Beat Eye On Creation 11-10
|  | | Dain Runestad driving a ball to right field against Eye On Creation |
Milford, CT (7/30/2006) Today's match against Eye On Creation ended up being a much more challenging game that originally anticipated. ShopRite learned early Sunday morning that outfielder Frank Bevacqua would not be able to play due to a shoulder injury suffered the previous week. With their leadoff batter sidelined - veteran King Carl Malinosky handed the leadoff role - and the opportunity to showcase his skills at leading the team into battle.
For the 2nd straight week - ShopRite's second half of the batting order provided most of the offense for the team - scoring 9 of the team's 11 runs. Fred Bialka batted 6th - had 2 singles and scored twice. Batting 7th - Mike Ranilla had 2 singles, 2 walks and scored twice. Dain Runestad batted 8th picking up 2 hits and an RBI. Batting 9th - Todd Slade picked up 2 singles and scored three times including the winning run. Barry Kresen batted 10th - picked up 3 hits and scored twice. Despite the strong showing by batters 6 through 10 - ShopRite squandered a 6 run lead in the 7th inning - allowing the game to go extra innings.
In the bottom of the 8th inning and the game still tied at 10 - a terrible call was made by the second base umpire that took the potential winning run off second base for Shop Rite. With one out - Matt Kraynak had reached first base on a walk. Bob Paradis hit a pop foul ball behind the catcher near the backstop. Kraynak stayed on first base and waited for the catch before jogging off a few steps. Observing that the catcher was distracted by some of his team's fans behind the backstop - Kraynak sprinted for 2nd base. The EOC first baseman appealed to the umpire that Kraynak never went back to the base (not noticing Kraynak held the base until the catch was made.) The 2nd base umpire called Kraynak out - backing up the 1st baseman's claim. Clearly the 2nd base umpire blew the call - as it was his responsibility to watch the only runner on base. Between innings - the home plate umpire indicated he could have overturned the call had we asked for it - rubbing more salt into the wound. Just before the first pitch was thrown in the top of the 9th - kraynak turned to the 2nd base umpire - pointed at him and declared for all to hear: "YOU blew the call!!!!"
In the end - ShopRite would persevere and stick it out for the win with a rally in the 9th inning. Todd Slade led off the inning with his 2nd single fo the day. Barry Kresen followed with a single - and Carl Malinosky drew a walk to load the bases with no one out. Dave Weiss then drove in the winning run with his second sacrifice fly of the day to centerfield - bringing Slade home with the winning run.
 | | Mike Ranilla in a dustcloud and safe at second base |
Sunday, August 6
ShopRite Takes Down Previously Undefeated Gippers 15-13
Milford, CT (8/6/2006) In a pivotal late-season game against an undefeated Gippers team - ShopRite fought hard to overcome a 6-0 4th inning deficit to grind out a 15-13 victory at Washington Field. For the third straight week - the second half of the ShopRite batting order carried the team - scoring 10 of the 15 runs in this afternoon's contest.
Down 6-0 heading into the 4th inning - ShopRite finally showed signs of life. Matt Kraynak opened the inning with a double to center. After Bob Paradis singled and Todd Slade drew a base on balls - Fred Bialka stroked a single to right to put ShopRite on the board. With the bases loaded - Mike Ranilla connected for a double to drive in two making it a 6-3 game. Later in the inning - Fred Bialka would come into score after a hit by Dain Runestad. The rally put ShopRite back in the game. After holding Gippers to nothing in the 4th - ShopRite added a run in the 5th after Carl Malinosky singled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Bob Paradis. By the top of the 6th inning - ShopRite still trailed Gippers 8-5 and needing to make a run. Fred Bialka led off the inning with a double to deep right. Mike Ranilla followed with his team leading 13th walk of the season. Rick Ruiz hustled out an infield hit to load the bases for Dain Runestad - who promptly drew another walk to drive in a run. The momentum changing blow of the game was served up by Barry Kresen when he drove a line drive down the left field line for a bases clearing double - giving ShopRite their first lead of the day. Not to be stranded - Bob Paradis later drove in Kresen with a two-out double to make it an 11-8 game.
In the bottom of the 6th Gippers responded with 5 runs taking advantage of some walks to retake the lead 13-11. In the top of the 7th - ShopRite went right back to work. Fred Bialka and Mike Ranilla opend the 7th with back-to-back singles - and Rick Ruiz reached on a boot by the Gippers 3rd baseman to load the bases for Dain Runestad. Runestad dropped a ball down the right field line to drive in two and tie the game at 13. With one out - King Carl Malinosky tapped a single up the middle - that drew a couple of bad throws allowing Ruiz and Runestad to score making it a 15-13 ShopRite lead. In the bottom of the 7th - pitcher Matt Kraynak finally settled down with his control on the mound - and struck out 2 of the last 3 Gippers batters to help complete the ShopRite comeback.
As a result of this game - Gipper's record dropped to 10-1 while ShopRite upped their record to 7-4.
Monday, August 7
Even In Chicago...They Love Winning Teams Like the Predators...
|  | | King Carl recently negotiated a promotional deal Chicago... |
King Carl Malinosky scored big points in Chicago snagging some great pictures at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. To see the latest photos of the Predator shirt throughout the United States - check out our "Predator Nation" feature!
Sunday, August 13
ShopRite Unloads On "Bases Loaded" 22-2 in 4 Innings
|  | | After a punishing loss - Bases Loaded reflects while Kevin retrieves his bat... | |
Milford, CT (8/13/2006) One week after their big win over Gippers, ShopRite set out to maintain positive momentum against another familiar foe - Bases Loaded. ShopRite started the evening with a 7-4 record - and looked to equal last season's win watermark of 8. Today ShopRite would dominate Bases Loaded from end to end - all four innings of it...
This evening Kevin McTigue took the pitcher's mound for ShopRite, and with Fred Bialka away on a Running assignment - Rich Wolf played Right Center. Having the defense effectively shored up - ShopRite was able to focus on their game plan: Score early and often - and put the game away early. Early and often indeed.... ShopRite administered great pain to Bases Loaded by relentlessly scoring in the first four innings of the game - culminating in a ShopRite win via the 20-run mercy rule. ShopRite scored 4 in the first, 3 in the second, 12 in the 3rd and 3 in the fourth. Bases Loaded was only able to muster 2 runs and went down quietly.
Kevin McTigue set the offensive tone of the game for ShopRite in the top of the first with a three run home run. Eight ShopRite players broke out with a multi-hit game today: Matt Kraynak contributed 3 singles and a double; "King Carl" Malinosky and Bob Paradis each had 2 singles and a double; Dave Weiss and Dain Runestad each had 3 singles; Mike Ranilla, Rick Ruiz and Barry Kresen each stroked 2 singles. Overall - the team took care of business and made today's game a nice tune up as they prepared for the playoffs that start next week.
***** Game Notes *****
This evening's game started a solid 30 minutes late as Bases Loaded lost to "The Pros" 25-24 in 8 innings. It was a rather forgettable display of softball...
With their 12 run outburst in the 3rd inning, it was the 4th time that ShopRite had scored 10 or more runs in one inning this season.
In the 2006 regular season - ShopRite was 6-0 in "Home" games - and 2-4 as "Visitor". ShopRite won their final two games of the regular season as the Visitor.
Dave Weiss drew his 12th walk of the season in the 2nd inning - briefly placing him in a tie for the team lead with Mike Ranilla. Ranilla walked away with the regular season "walks" crown - drawing his 13th walk of the season in the third inning of today's game.
Congratulations to Barry Kresen for leading the team in scoring with 17 runs during the regular season. Barry batted at the end of the batting order for most of the 2006 season and literally held up "his end" by getting on base often.
Congratulations again to Barry Kresen who retained the "Strikeout King" title with his foul ball strikeout in the 4th inning. Barry had two strikeouts during the regular season - twice as many as anyone else on the team...
Tuesday, August 15
Playoffs 2006: ShopRite to Open Against Chicos Bail Bonds
Milford, CT (8/16/2006) ShopRite will enter the 2006 playoffs against Chicos Bail Bonds - 5pm at Washington Field on Sunday August 20th. If ShopRite wins - they would play another team to be determined at 6pm. If ShopRite loses to Chicos Bail Bonds - they would play an opponent to be named on August 27th.
Ending the 2006 regular season - ShopRite finished 5th out of 14 teams. The top 5 of the Sunday Night League regular season were: 1) The Degenerates; 2) B&J Hyatt; 3) M&R Heating & Plumbing 4) Gippers and 5) ShopRite.
Monday, August 21
ShopRite Drops Playoff Opener To Chico's 16-6
Milford, CT (8/20/2006) This afternoon ShopRite looked to avenge a 6-3 midseason loss to Chico's Bail Bonds. Unfortunately ShopRite saved their worst offensive effort in several seasons for this afternoons game. In their 25 plate appearances - ShopRite was only able to come up with three hits. Yes - three. Leadoff batter Carl Malinosky had a single in the 5th; Ninth place batter Rick Ruiz had an RBI single in the 4th; and Eleventh place batter Kevin McTigue had a grand slam home run in the 2nd (cleaning up bases loaded on walks). Other than that - the rest of the team had no hits... period.
Chicos took advantage of the ShopRite drought using a 10-run outburst in the third inning to run away with this first round playoff game 16-6.
Tuesday, August 22
Playoffs Resume September 10th 3pm at Platt vs Aboretto Bushcutters
Milford, CT (9/10/2006) This afternoon ShopRite will take on Aboretto Bushcutters - 3pm at Platt Tech. ShopRite must win to extend their season to play again at 4pm vs. Milford Auto.
ShopRite finds themselves in a tough position - playing without regular season batting champ Frank Bevacqua; veteran shortstop Carl Malinosky, and pitcher Kevin McTigue. Last night - outfielder Dave Weiss was penciled back into Sunday's lineup after initially being scratched due to back pain. ShopRite has reached into their on-call roster player Rich Wolf to play shortstop. ShopRite will also bring down Mike "Juice" Krajewski as insurance for this afternoon's event.
 | | Rick Ruiz sprints for home plate but the ball made it home first..... | |
Monday, September 11
ShopRite's Season Cut Down By Bushcutters 16-10
Milford, CT (9/10/2006) Looking to stay alive in the 2006 playoffs ShopRite took to the field against the Arboretto Bushcutters. Earlier this season ShopRite pulled off an epic comeback against the Bushcutters, erasing a 7th inning 13-5 deficit to win 14-13. This afternoons game would turn out to be competitive but there would be no big comeback this time for ShopRite.
In the top of the first the Bushcutters came out hitting well. Five of the first six Bushcutters ripped hard base hits and scored before ShopRite shut them down. The Bushcutters 5-0 lead would hold until the bottom of the 2nd inning when ShopRite battled back with 6 runs. The bottom of the 2nd opened with four straight walks issued to Bob Paradis, Matt Kraynak, Todd Slade and Dain Runestad to put the first run of the inning across. Rick Ruiz ripped a frozen rope double to left field driving in 2 runs making it a 5-3 game. Barry Kresen followed by drawing yet another walk to load the bases again. Bill Holsworth and Rich Wolf each hit sacrifice flies to tie the game at 5. After Mike Ranilla singled to advance Kresen to 3rd Fred Bialka singled to right to give ShopRite a 6-5 lead.
In the third inning the Bushcutters regained the lead 7-6, and by the middle of the 4th had extended that lead to 8-6. In the bottom of the 4th ShopRite would once again rally to take their second lead of the day. Barry Kresen opened the inning with a rare triple to left center and scored on a hard single by Bill Holsworth. Rich Wolf reached base by Fielders Choice and later scored on a triple by Fred Bialka. Bialka scored the go-ahead run after Dave Weiss walked and Bob Paradis singled to give ShopRite a 9-8 lead heading to the 5th inning.
ShopRites lead held until the top of the 6th when the wheels began to come loose. The Bushcutters rallied for 4 runs to take a 12-9 lead. During the inning, pitcher Matt Kraynak was struck with a line drive to his calf causing the lower leg to immediately swell and lose flexibility. Being shorthanded today ShopRite shifted Kraynak to 1st base, Wolf to pitcher and Paradis to shortstop. In the bottom of the 6th ShopRite closed the gap to 12-10 on a triple by Rich Wolf and a sacrifice fly by Fred Bialka - Bialka's 3rd RBI of the afternoon. Down 12-10 ShopRite altered their defense again this time moving Kraynak to the bench placing Bialka at first base and Kresen to right field.
In the top of the 7th the Bushcutters would rally once again scoring 4 more runs taking a 16-10 lead. During the inning Dave Weiss pulled a hamstring and had to come out. Matt Kraynak went back into the game at 1st base and Fred Bialka returned to the outfield to make up for Weiss coming out. It was a sign that perhaps it was time for the season to end. Ten minutes later - after failing to score in the bottom of the 7th ShopRites season ended with a 16-10 loss to the Bushcutters.
 | | Fred Bialka as he Triples in the 4th Inning |
Taking It To The Streets.....Predator Running
The Predator Running Team moves on to their final run of the Fall Season Schedule as they return to the NIA Jingle Bell 5k in Trumbull on December 3rd. See all of the Fall 2005 Running results on the PREDATOR RUNNING page....
 | | Matt Kraynak at the Pequot 5-Miler in Southport, CT |
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