Milford, CT (12/12/2007)  Jim Dumont - the legendary namesake of the "Dumont Piece" - made a rare public appearance on Wednesday December 12, 2007 as he dined with Mike "Juice" Krajewski, Chuck "Iron Man" Schroeder and Predator GM Matt Kraynak.   In our team's lore - the "Dumont Piece" is the final slice of pizza remaining that can be taken and consumed willingly - OR - is forced upon a recipient by peer pressure.  

The quartet of former Shop Rite employees vigerously discussed subject matters including: "The Grocery Industry"; "Jim Dumont's Avoidance of Technology"; "Mike Krajewski and the Rock and Roll Business"; "The Rail Road Business (since Chuck is an Insider)"; "The Old Softball Team Lives On"; "Golf"; and "Politics". (Mr. Dumont made it clear he does not like Hillary...)  The group once again took up the question "Why Did Shop Rite Close?" (1986 - an amazing 21 years ago...)  For the first time in ages - no one brought up the question "What Is a Throg?" (from the famed Throg's Neck Bridge in New York).  It was great to see everyone again - it has been way too long between.....  

So where is everyone now?  Jim continues his career in the Grocery Industry; Chuck continues to work on the railroad (all the live long day); Mike continues to thrive in the Rock 'n Roll Business (while dating Catherine Zeta on and off); and Matt continues to carry the softball torch by developing a comprehensive war plan for the Predators 25th Season.  Before the evening ended - the inevitable "Dumont Piece" appeared.  To commorate the moment - Jim Dumont graciously allowed Mike Krajewski to take a photo.  At last - Mr Dumont has been revealed!

Todd Slade recently upped his off-season training standard by working out at the Boston Red Sox fantasy camp in Ft Meyers, Florida.  While there - Todd mingled with several former major leaguers including Jim Rice, Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd, and Bob Montgomery.  Todd reported that "Oil Can" Boyd could fit very nicely with our team - should he decide to make the trip to Connecticut! 

Additional photos of Todd's adventure may be found in our new section titled "Predator Encounters".

The Predators will complete their pre-season training on Sunday April 27th - 4:30pm at Foote Field.  All players should bring the team fee ($50) if they have not already done so.  The 2008 regular season schedule will also be distributed at this time.  This year's schedule features a 12-game season with the usual breaks for Mother's Day; Memorial Day and Independence Day. 

Thar She Blows!  A-1 Cleaning - a.k.a. "The Great White Whale" has returned to haunt our  waters (league) once again.  We are scheduled play our once and future nemesis on May 18th.  It is quite a fitting time for A-1 to return as we play in our 25th season.

Milford, CT (5/4/2008) The Predators emerged victorious in their 2008 opening day game versus Self Destruction at Grove Circle Field.  The Predators ripped 21 hits including 15 singles, 4 doubles, a triple and a home run, scoring in every inning on their way their first victory of the season.  The team also drew 11 walks  - including 5 in the first inning as they jumped out to a 9-0 lead.  Although the Predators sufficiently controlled the game most of the time, Self Destruction kept fighting back - forcing the game to go a full 7 innings with some clutch hitting of their own.

Although everyone in the lineup contributed to this afternoon's scoring - several Predators  excelled at the plate this afternoon.  Todd Slade scored 3 times with 3 singles, a double and 5 RBIs; "King Carl" Malinosky scored 3 times; had 3 singles, a double and 4 RBIs; Matt Kraynak scored twice, slugged a double, a 3-Run Home Run and had 4 RBI's;  Rick Ruiz and Dain Runestad each reached base 4 times with 2 singles and 2 walks apiece.  Rick also scored twice and had an RBI.  Even a frustrated Kevin McTigue reached base 4 times on a single and three walks. (They just refused to throw a strike to Kevin).

Game Notes:  Barry Kresen started the 2008 season where he left off in the 2007 season - on the Disabled List.  Barry suffered a hamstring pull in the Predators 5th and final pre-season practice last week.  Jeff Brown made his Predator debut filling in for the injured Kresen.  Jeff is currently a bandmate of legendary Predator player and rock'n roll star Mike "Juice" Krajewski.  During this afternoon's game, Matt Kraynak suffered a mild ankle sprain as he mis-stepped on first base in the 5th inning.  You would think after 25 years of softball Matt would know how to touch 1st base without getting hurt....  Nonetheless, Matt will be ready for the Predators next game. 

Milford, CT (5/18/2008) At Foote Field under cloudy skies, the Predators struggled against their long-time (once and future nemesis) A-1 Cleaners.  The Predator offense collectively went an abysmal 5 for 25 (.200 average).  The only Predator hits were singles by Fred Bialka, David Weiss, and Dain Runestad; a double by Matt Kraynak and an in-the-park home run by Frank Bevacqua.   It was a woeful showing for a team that is very capable of scoring 20+ runs per game.  The team heads into a week off to ponder what happened this afternoon, and to start hitting the batting cages in preparation for their next game in June.

Game Notes:  Frank Bevacqua's 3-run in-the-park home run broke a 12-0 shutout with 2-outs in the 3rd.   Barry Kresen continued to rest his hamstring - and served as a crusty bench coach and scorekeeper for today's game.  David Brunetti was signed to a 2008 Predator contract earlier in the afternoon and played with the team for the first time (albeit a year later than originally planned).  Brunetti showed some youthful speed and scored his first run of the season.  Dain Runestad and Rick Ruiz continued to have quality at-bats and are now tied for the team lead in walks at 3.  Carl Malinosky and Bob Paradis each tossed their hats into the ring for "Strike Out King" by striking out in their 2nd plate appearance of the day.  For the first time in recent memory, the Predators used 3 shortstops in the same game (Paradis, Runestad and Malinosky).

Milford, CT (6/1/2008) On a gorgeous late afternoon at Platt Tech Field, the Predators found themselves on the short end of a truly embarrassing loss to the OAH Dirtbags by a score of 25-4.  As Matt Kraynak explained to his teammates over a post game glass of beer: "It was immediately after we won the coin toss that we lost our momentum..."

The trouble started in the top of the first inning.  Matt Kraynak was making his first pitching appearance of the season in place of the injured Kevin McTigue.  Kraynak could not get the ball over the plate, and the Dirtbags took full advantage.  Before 2 innings were completed, Kraynak had issued 7 walks - helping the Dirtbags to a 16-0 lead.   Disgusted with his pitching - Kraynak replaced himself with veteran Bob Paradis in the 3rd inning.  Paradis walked a few batters in the 3rd inning but was then able to settle down a bit.  This did not really matter as the game was already out of control...  

On offense - the Predators pressed too hard at the plate.  Rick Ruiz was the only Predator patient enough to earn a walk.  The Predators managed to pick up 3 runs in the third inning.  After Carl Malinosky and Todd Slade singled, Dain Runestad reached by fielders choice.  With 2 on base, Matt Kraynak drove a ball to deep center for a triple - driving in Malinosky and Runestad.  Kraynak then scored on a single by steady hitting Fred Bialka.  The Predators put up only 1 other run during a 4th inning rally.  Bob Paradis and Jeff Brown had back to back singles.  Mike Ranilla was put in as a pinch runner for Paradis, and scored on a single by Carl Malinosky.  The Predators scattered 11 hits over 4 innings - but only had 23 total plate appearances in this afternoon's game.      

Game Notes:  No Predator sustained any injuries during this afternoon's game, although mentally it is an entirely different story....  Jeff Brown got his first hit as  Predator - a single up the middle...   With his 4th Walk of the season - Rick Ruiz is tied for the team lead with Kevin McTigue... When Bob Paradis took the pitcher's mound - it was the 4th position he has played in the last 2 games (1B, 2B, SS, P)... In a rather bizarre moment, Todd Slade lost his appeal to 2nd base umpire Tony DePalmer on a call that Tony had made...  The Predators have only played 9 innings over the last 2 games... Through 3 games played - only 2 Predator players have more than 9 plate appearances.  

Milford, CT (6/22/2008) After back-to-back Sundays with rainouts, the Predators saw their first softball action in 3 weeks in their game against Discount Fence at Platt Tech Field.  In their previous meeting against Discount Fence - the Predators won a 21-17 slugfest to open the 2007 playoffs.  Although not truly a slugfest this afternoon, the game today was more of a "tug-of-war" featuring 7 lead changes stretched over 9 tense innings. 

Offensively, the Predators got off to a slow start, finding themselves down 3-2 after 3 innings.  Bob Paradis and Mike Ranilla each hit RBI singles to drive in the first Predator runs.  The Predator defense was also not up to par this afternoon, committing several errors on routine plays that handed Discount Fence several of their runs.  At the end of 4 innings, Discount Fence had assumed a 7-3 lead. 

In the top of the 5th inning, the Predators executed an unlikely rally.  After their 1st 2 batters flew out to open the inning, the Predators exploded for a 7 run outburst.  After Dain Runestad and Todd Slade singled, Kevin McTigue singled to drive in Runestad; Matt Kraynak singled to drive in Slade; Fred Bialka singled to drive in McTigue; David Weiss singled to drive in Kraynak; Rick Ruiz walked to load the bases for Bob Paradis who singled to drive in both Bialka and Weiss.  Mike Ranilla capped off the 2-out rally with the Predators 7th single of the inning to drive in Ruiz setting the Predators 10-7 lead.

After holding Discount Fence scoreless in the bottom of the 5th, the Predators extended their lead to 12-7 in the top of the 6th. After Dain Runestad walked and Todd Slade reached by fielder's choice, Kevin McTigue hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Runestad and Matt Kraynak singled to center to drive in Slade.  Unfortunately for the Predators, a combination of infield errors and good hitting in the bottom of the 6th gave Discount Fence a 13-12 lead heading into the 7th.  The Predators dodged a bullet by scoring one on the top of the 7th on an RBI single by Mike Ranilla.  Ranilla had an outstanding game today, with 3 singles, 3 RBIs and 2 outstanding "circus catches" playing Right Center.  The Predators managed to thwart a 7th inning rally by Discount Fence to force extra innings.  In the top of the 8th, Kevin McTigue doubled and scored on a single by Fred Bialka.  In the bottom of the 8th, Discount Fence tied the game at 14, and left the potential winning run on 3rd base sending the game to the 9th inning.

In the top of the 9th, the Predators scored twice to take a 16-14 lead.  After Barry Kresen and Carl Malinosky singled, hot-hitting Dain Runestad singled sharply to center.  Malinosky hustled home - managing to slide under a tag at the plate, raising a significant amount of dust and the Predator's sprits.  With a final outburst, Discount Fence came storming back in the bottom of the 9th to score 3 times and steal a 17-16 win.

SEASON 25 - Game 4 - June 22, 2008

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	TOTAL
PREDATORS	0	1	1	1	7	2	1	1	2	16
DISCOUNT FENCE	0	1	2	4	0	6	0	1	3	17

Game Notes:  Barry Kresen made his 1st appearance of the 2008 season at catcher for 7 innings - and came away without an injury!  Barry was introduced to the new "no foul with 2 strikes" rule - and got tagged with 2 strikeouts today. Matt Kraynak finally drew a base on balls - following his own advice to the team about being patient at the plate.  Dain Runestad, Mike Ranilla and David Weiss each hit well in the clutch today.  After a scoreless 1st inning, the Predators scored at least once in each of the last 8 innings of the game.  After the game, Rick Ruiz was placed on the 30-day DL with a knee injury.   

Milford, CT (6/29/2008) Today the Predators looked to stop a 3-game skid as they took on The Kings at Platt Tech Field.  Last season, in the only previous meeting between the teams, the Predators mounted a solid comeback to beat The Kings.  This year, The Kings once again took on an early lead, but this time held on for their 4th win of the season, taking out the Predators with ease by a score of 15-5.

Bill Holsworth (ERA 0.00 and Batting Average of .000 heading into the game) did a great job as pitcher - filling in for Kevin McTigue who was on assignment "at home".  For the first 2 innings of the game, the rain was steady - making the ball slimey and the outfield very slick to run on.  As the game unfolded, it was clear that The Kings had their offense in high gear - churning out 21 hits and 15 runs.  The Predators on the other hand were once again inexplicably lethargic at the plate.  It would be a long afternoon for the Predator faithful...

The Kings scored 4 in the top of the 1st on 3 singles and back-to-back triples.  In the bottom of the 1st, the Predators earned 2 runs back.  After Dain Runestad walked, David Weiss tripled to drive in Runestad.  Weiss was later driven home as Matt Kraynak hit into a fielders choice.  The next scoring came from The Kings in the top of the 3rd as they banged out 2 singles and 2 triples to take a 7-2 lead.  After holding the Predators scoreless in the 3rd, The Kings extended their lead 11-2 in the top of the 4th, and again to 13-2 in their half of the 5th inning.  

The Predators - now facing the 10-run mercy rule - finally found some offense.  Barry Kresen led off the bottom of the 5th with a single, and was still on 1st base with 2 outs when finally a Predator rally took place.  David Weiss singled to center, and Carl Malinosky singled to right to drive home Kresen making it a 13-3 game.  Matt Kraynak - looking to make up for his exceedingly embarrassing strikeout in the 3rd inning - belted a deep drive to left field for a 2-run triple to close the gap to 13-5.  Unfortunately that would be the last of the Predators scoring this afternoon.

In the 7th inning, Wallace (#4) of The Kings would hit his 2nd home run of the game to cap the game score at 15-5.  With blazing speed around the bases , Wallace stretched an easy triple into a spectacular home run by hurdling over Predator catcher Barry Kresen - who was fully prepared to tag out a runner with feet on the ground - but not overhead! The Predators now look forward to a week off and time to regroup over the 4th of July weekend.

GAME NOTES:  In the 3rd inning, Matt Kraynak become a strikeout victim for the 1st time since the 2005 season... David Weiss continued his hot hitting by collecting 3 of the Predators 7 hits today including 2 singles and a triple... Barry Kresen avoided a disabling injury for the 2nd straight game, although Barry was struck by a bat in the top of the 1st inning...  Although Barry added another strikeout to his season batting statistics, he was also among the very few Predators this afternoon with a hit.   Bill Holsworth's 0.00 ERA is no longer intact - however his .000 batting average remained steady... In our post-game ritual - we determined that the post-game beer was just as cold after a loss as it is after a win...

After playing their 5pm game at Platt Tech, Gippers hung around to watch The Kings and Predators do battle in the rain.  It is unclear by this photo whether our youthful Gippers pals were enjoying Schlitz, Old Milwaukee, or Sam's Club Cream Soda, but regardless, they stayed for all 7 innings, and by all appearances seemed to be getting along rather well!  Gippers indicated that they enjoy the insightful, edgy and painfully truthful reporting of the Milford Predators web site - and look forward to reading it each week!  Most importantly - Gippers agrees: If it is on the Internet - IT MUST BE TRUE!  

Last season, Gippers finished as runners up in the Sunday Night League - and are likely to be playing well into September again this year. Of course, should the Predators survive past Labor Day - you never know what may happen!

Milford, CT (7/13/2008) The Predators continued their worst season start in over a decade by dropping both games of a doubleheader played at Washington Field this afternoon.  The Predator offense was nowhere to be found, as The Field and the Bulldogs swept the doubleheader by scores of 14-4 and 19-5.

There are very few offensive highlights to speak of for either game other than the return of Daryle Graf who played third base for Rick Ruiz who remains on the DL.  Graf went 4 for 6 with 4 singles, an RBI and a run scored.   Fred Bialka picked up 2 hits against The Field - as did Dain Runestad against the Bulldogs.  Otherwise the Predators bats were ineffective.

Defensively, Graf (sporting his classic Montreal Expos cap) made some excellent plays at 3rd base.  Matt Kraynak pitched both games this afternoon.  In Game 1 against The Field, Kraynak had a shaky start - walking 3 of the first 4 batters of the game.  Fortunately he settled down to issue only 1 more walk during the final 6 innings, albeit in a 14-4 loss. 

GAME NOTES:  Against "The Field" the Predators first 4 batters of the lineup went 0 for 15, reaching base on error 3 times;  The Predators only had 6 hits in each game played this afternoon; Barry Kresen extended his non-disabling-injury streak to 4 games by surviving the doubleheader - while incrementing his strikeout total once again.     

Milford, CT (7/20/2008) In the first game of a sweltering hot doubleheader at Foote Field, the Predators fell behind 10-0 in the top of the 1st inning to Uncle Darrell's Pals and were unable to recover.  In an inning that seemed to take forever - Uncle Darrel's were relentless in the top of the 1st inning - smacking 11 hits and scoring 8 times before the 1st out was recorded.  What was noticable was the a large portion of the lineup were all using  the same bat - raising suspicions the bat was in fact shaved.  Certain shots coming off the bat seemed awfully hot - and some of the relatively small players were hitting balls deep to the fence.    

Milford, CT (7/20/2008) In the second game of a brutally hot doubleheader at Foote Field, the Predators offense finally came alive to snap their 7-game losing streak.  The Predators won soundly by a score of 19-3 over Eye On Creation.  The Predators scored in a each of the 5 innings played on their way to their first victory since opening day.

After taking a serious beating at the hands of Uncle Darrell's Pals in game 1 of this afternoon's doubleheader, the Predators needed to snap out of their season long funk.  The Predators have always done well against Eye On Creation, and this afternoon was no exception.  In the first inning the Predators opened for 3 runs.  After Frank Bevacqua walked; and Daryle Graf doubled, Kevin McTigue drew a walk to load the bases.  With 2 outs, veteran Fred Bialka crushed a double to right center to clear the bases.  EOC answered with 1 in the bottom of the 1st making it 3-1.  In the top of the 2nd the Predators blew the game open scoring 6 times on 7 hits.  In the 2nd - Frank Bevacqua, Carl Malinosky, Daryle Graf, Kevin McTigue and Todd Slade each singled and scored.  Matt Kraynak reached by an error on the 3rd baseman and scored.  David Weiss and Fred Bialka contributed a single and double respectively - giving the Predators their first decent lead literally in months by a score of 9-2.  EOC added 2 in their half of the 2nd to make it a 9-3 game.  EOC would not score again.  The Predators added 3 in the 3rd; 2 in the 4th and 5 in the 5th to make it a 19-3 game, and leaving EOC behind handily.   

GAME NOTES: The Predators seem to have righted their ship offensively - scoring in 8 consecutive innings this afternoon (the last 3 innings of Game 1 and all 5 innings of Game 2).  Daryle Graf continued his hot hitting - contributing a single, 2 doubles and scoring 3 runs.  Frank Bevacqua also excelled this afternoon with a walk, 2 singles, a double and scoring 4 runs.  Kevin McTigue kept the Predators in the game by yielding only one walk against EOC.  Over the post-game beer and pizza - Todd Slade indicated that this would be his last season playing with the Predators... however his teammates immediately rejected any retirement plans Slade may have.  Predator GM Matt Kraynak commented: "Mr Slade needs to understand there are certain protocols involved with the retirement process.... There is a waiting list for retirement as well as a Predator Retirement Committee to work through.  The PRC has a long list of retirement requests to address, and is not planning on meeting anytime soon.  In addition, Mr Slade's request for retirement must first pass a jury of his peers before it can be considered by the POC.  In effect - it could take a very long time befere a final outcome is determined..."  Todd will miss our game Sunday August 3rd as he prepares to play Left Field at Fenway Park on Monday August 4th.  Pictures will follow on our site in the coming weeks... 

Milford, CT (8/3/2008) The Predators continued to show improvements on offense this afternoon on their way to a 13-9 victory over Del Home Improvement at Platt Tech Field.  For the Predators, it was another positive sign that they are snapping out of their season-long offensive drought.  Six Predators had multi-hit games (as is to be expected in softball) and 8 of 10 players scored in todays game.  The Predators have now scored in  13 of the last 15 innings they have played. 

On defense, the Predators shifted Mike Ranilla over to Left Field - in place of Todd Slade who was "on assignment in Boston".  Ryan Fasano filled in for Mike Ranilla in Right Center and did a great job.  Although the Predators did commit several errors today, none was detremental to the outcome of the game.

The Predators lost the coin toss and were visitors this afternoon.  In the top of the 1st - the Predators got right to work. Carl Malinosky led the game off with a single.  With one out, Dain Runestad, Kevin McTigue and Mike Ranilla each singled.  McTigue's single drove in the 1st run.  With bases loaded, Matt Kraynak swung at a bad pitch but lucked out - hitting a bloop single just past the 2nd baseman to make it a 2-0 game.  Bill Holsworth drove a deep line drive to left that went for a sacrifice to make it a 3-0 Predator lead.  Del Home Improvement came right back in their half of the first with 3 runs.  Their fans were enthusiastic and their bench was quite vocal for the first inning - but it would soon quiet down...

After an uneventful second inning, the Predators opened the game up in the top of the 3rd.  It opened up with a walk by David Weiss, singles by Dain Runestad and Kevin McTigue.  Weiss and Runestad ran all the way around on McTigue's hit to make it a 5-3 game.  After Mike Ranilla singled, Matt Kraynak drove a ball to deep Left Center for a 2-run double making is a 7-3 Predator lead.  After Bill Holsworth singled, Kraynak scored on a fielders choice play hit into by Ryan Fasano to make it 8-3.  Del Home Improvement scrapped together 2 runs in the bottom of the 3rd making it 8-5 after 3. The Predators loaded the bases in the 4th but were only able to come away with one run.  Matt Kraynak hit the ball "on the screws" for a deep shot to left that was surprisingly caught by the Del left fielder.  David Weiss scored Kraynak's sacrifice fly.  Kraynak was positive he had a grand slam - but was denied.  The Predators now led 9-3.

In the 5th inning, the Predators took advantage of several errors by the Del shortstop - adding 2 more runs. Del picked up 1 in the 5th and 1 in the 6th making it an 11-7 game heading into the 7th.  In the top of the 7th the Predators added insurance runs. Ryan Fasano opened up with a double and scored on a single by Carl Malinosky.  Malinosky scored on a single by David Weiss.  Del would get 2 in the bottom of the 7th - but their rally halted - ending with a 13-9 Predator victory.

GAME NOTES: Dain Runestad singled in each of his first four at bats today; Kevin McTigue had a single and a double to drive 3 and score twice.  Mike Ranilla singled in each of his first 3 at bats today; Matt Kraynak singled, doubled, tripled, had a sacrifice fly, drove in 4 runs and scored twice - and threw away one ball about 15 feet to the right of third base; Barry Kresen had a solid hit with his new $100 bat (that he got for about $50) - while avoiding both injuries and strikeouts this afternoon.  The team went through 4 large Pizzas and 7 Pitchers of beer in the post game wrap up - even though post-game regular Todd Slade was not there to partake in the consumption!

Milford, CT (8/10/2008) The Predators won their 3rd straight game, this time over "The Field" at Foote Field by a score of 14-7.   Today's win avenged an embarrassing loss to The Field back in July - when the Predators only produced a handful of hits.  Today, the Predators offense was back in business, generating 14 runs on 21 hits.  Eight Predators had a multi-hit day, and four of those players (David Weiss, Carl Malinosky, Fred Bialka and Bob Paradis) contributed 3 hits apiece.  Daryle Graf supplied the power this afternoon slugging a triple and a home run.  

Today's game was an absolute reversal for The Field.  Today The Field was held to just 7 runs on 7 hits, and notably went down 1-2-3 in the 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th innings.  Despite getting off to a slow start, the Predators produced baserunners in all 7 innings - and eventually punched through with 2 runs in the 5th, 5 runs in the 6th and 5 runs in the 7th to seal the win.

GAME NOTES:  Barry Kresen went uninjured and without a strikeout for the 2nd straight week; With his home run - Daryle Graf tied Matt Kraynak and Frank Bevacqua for the team lead - unfortunately Frank and Daryle will not likely have enough at bats to qualify for the honor at the end of the season!  David Weiss and Dain Runestad continue to have a very solid season at the plate - and have firmly established themselves at the top of the lineup; Fred Bialka played today like a man getting ready for free agency!  Fred had three clutch singles and played with great enthusiasm even after being away on a 2 week scouting mission in the former Soviet Union; Rumors have it that Rick Ruiz may be called up to the Predators as early as August 17th after completing his rehabilitation assignment with the Chattanooga Moonshiners developmental squad.. 

Milford, CT (8/17/2008) The Predators saw their late season winning streak snap at the hands of Milford Auto by a score of 15-5.  This evenings game completed the Predators 25th 2008 Regular Season in the Milford Sunday Night League.  Despite their disappointing season end record of 4-8, the Predators will have a fresh new opportunity to win as they enter the 2008 double-elimination playoffs scheduled to start next week.   

The Predators never found their stride today at the plate, as they scattered hits in most innings but failed to get the clutch hits needed to produce runs.  Down 4-0 in the first, the Predators put a run across after Dain Runestad drew a walk and scored on a double by Kevin McTigue.  Milford Auto answered with 2 in the top of the 2nd to take a 6-2 lead.  In the bottom of the 2nd, Fred Bialka and Todd Slade led off with singles.  Bialka came into score on a line drive single to center by Matt Kraynak.  Slade would later score after the Milford Auto first baseman made an error.  The next scoring came when Milford Auto added 1 in the 4th and 1 in the 5th to take an 8-4 lead.  Still in the game - the Predators were able to push a couple of runs across in the bottom of the 5th as Dain Runestad and David Weiss each scored.  Unfortunately runners were left stranded when the short rally died out.  Milford Auto extened their lead to 11-5 after 6 and 15-5 after the top half of the 7th - to which the Predators did not answer. 

GAME NOTES:  The Predators offense sputtered, stranding 9 runners on base.  The last 4 batters in the Predator lineup went a combined 2 for 12, offsetting a good showing by most of the top of the order today.  Barry Kresen sustained a minor injury - but not enough to disable him for the game.  Barry did not strikeout today - although Rick Ruiz, David Weiss and Mike Ranilla each joined the "K" club today.   

Milford, CT (8/19/2008)  The Predators second season is at hand. 

IMPORTANT CHANGES ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY AUGUST 20th: 

• The Bulldogs have "dropped out" - therefore causing a number of changes
• We will now play our game against The Kings 3:30pm at Red Bush Field - a venue we have not played at since the 1990's. 
• We will definitely play 2 on Sunday:
  • If we win at 3:30 - we play again at Red Bush at 4:40
  • If we lose at 3:30 - we must travel to Brewster Field for a game at 5:30

The 2008 Sunday Night League playoffs kick off on August 24th, with the Predators taking on The Kings at Red Bush Field in a 3:30pm match.  The Kings handily beat the Predators earlier this season, and finished with a 7-5 record.  The Predators look forward to returning the favor in a game that counts the most.

If the Predators are victorious over The Kings, they play again at 4:30 at Red Bush.  If the Predators do not win against The Kings, they will travel to Brewster Field for a game at 5:30pm.  

Milford, CT (8/24/2008) The Predators opened up their 2008 playoff run with a tripleheader at Red Bush Field.  It was a day of firsts for the Predators:  It was the first time the Predators had to play 3 games in one day - playoffs or otherwise; and it was the first time the Predators won 2 playoff games on the same day.  Interestingly enough - it was the first time in more than a decade that the Predators had to play at the scruffy Red Bush venue. 

Including the three playoff games today - the Predators have won their last 5 of 7 games played - all as the visiting team.

Game 1 - 3:30pm: PREDATORS 18 - UNCLE DARRELL'S PALS 12 After crushing the Predators 29-7 4 weeks earlier - Uncle Darrell's Pals were taken by surprise in the first game of the 2008 playoffs.  Without a doubt - Uncle Darrells Pals had no idea how poorly the Predators had played in their last meeting - which clearly set them up for a big disappointment.  At one point - UDP's pitcher challenged the legality of Matt Kraynak's Miken Freak 98 - however the ragged 3 year old bat was delared legitimate by the Home Plate Umpire as the only legal Miken bat still allowed in the league.

Coming off their well-fought win over Uncle Darrell's Pals, the Predators were a little tired - but ready to climb uphill against A-1.  Unfortunately the proverbial hill was much steeper to climb, as A-1 jumped our to a 14-0 lead in the top of the 1st - before the Predators even had an appearance at the plate.  During the inning, the ring of the ball coming off the A-1 bats sounded strange - and it was noticed that the ball thrown in by A-1 was cold and sweating despite temperatures in the mid-80's.  Kevin McTigue made his opinion known - which was met with a very testy response by one A-1 player.  Once the A-1 player made a threat against Kevin, the umpires called a time out to cool everyone down and get to playing again.

The Predators did not have much offense to speak of against A-1.  In fact, the final 5 batters for the Predators went 0 for 9 against A-1, and the top of the order only produced a handful of hits.  Needless to say - this game was lost in the top of the 1st.  To the Predators surprise, League Director Al DelloRusso stopped by in the middle of the 3rd to inform the Predators that they would need to play a 3rd game at 5:30!  In their 25 years in the league - the Predators had never played 3 games in one day.  Instead of heading home with a split - the tired Predators would have to play an elimination game at 5:30pm.

Game 3 - 5:30pm: PREDATORS 11 - EYE ON CREATION 2  After enduring 2 long games in the sun at 3:30 and 4:30 - the Predators needed to drag themselves through an unprecedented 3rd game against Eye On Creation.  Unlike the previous 2 games earlier in the afternoon, this game was much more relaxed - and downright friendly - even though it was an elimination game.  The Predators took an early lead and never looked back - and earned their 2nd playoff win of the afternoon.  The great news for the Predators coming into the game against Eye On Creation is that The Predators have won every previous meeting between the teams.  The closest game was a couple of years ago - when a bad call by an umpire lead to extra innings - which the Predators overcame. 

Winning the coin toss - the Predators elected to take "visitor" since almost all of their wins this season came as the visiting team.  The key to this game was getting an early lead and pressing EOC to try and come back.  As the game unfolded, it turned out to be a pretty easy win.  The Predators took a 1-0 lead after Kevin McTigue reached by fielder's choice and scored on an RBI single by Daryle Graf.  The Predators stretched their lead to 4-0 after Mike Ranilla walked; Matt Kraynak singled and Bill Holsworth doubled to drive in Ranilla and Kraynak.  Rick Ruiz later drove in Holsworth on a single.  After EOC scored a run in the bottom of the 2nd, the Predators answered with 1 in the 3rd to make it a 5-1 game.  Once again - Daryle Graf drove in Kevin McTigue on a single.  EOC scored their 2nd and final run in the 3rd inning to make it a 5-2 game after 3.  The Predators then opened up for 5 runs in the top of the 4th.  In the 4th, Matt Kraynak, Bill Holsworth, Rick Ruiz, Barry Kresen and Dain Runestad each reached base and scored.  In the inning, Kevin McTigue stroked a rare 2-RBI Sacrifice fly - with Runestad hustling home from 2nd base.  At the end of 4 the Predators had a solid 10-2 lead.  the Predators tacked on a final run in the 6th after Dain Runestad hit a sacrifice to drive in Bob Paradis. With the win, the Predators extended their 2008 season into September, and to a team record-tying 16th game to be played September 7th.

Milford, CT (9/7/2008) The Predators 25th season in the Milford Sunday Night League ended at Platt Tech Field in a loss to the OAH Dirtbags 17-7.  As was the case earlier in the season, the Predators did not supply enough offense to get the job done.  Despite jumping out to a 5-0 lead after 2 innings, the Predators failed to put up enough runs the rest of the way to keep the game competetive. 

In the top of the 1st, after Dain Runestad drew a walk and back-to-back singles by Carl Malinosky and Daryle Graf, David Weiss drew a walk to bring Runestad home.  Mike Ranilla followed with an RBI single, and Matt Kraynak drove in the Predators 3rd run of the inning with a sacrifice fly to deep left.  After holding the Dirtbags scoreless in the bottom of the 1st, the Predators added 2 in the 2nd using back-to-back walks by Barry Kresen and Dain Runestad and a 2-RBI double by "King Carl" Malinosky.  (Despite his advanced age - "King Carl" still delivers clutch hits.)  The Predators 5-0 lead would hold until the bottom of the 3rd when the Dirtbags rallied with 5 runs to tie the game at 5-5.  After the Predators failed to score in the 4th , the Dirtbags took the opportunity to completely bury the Predators with 10 runs on 2 walks 6 singles and 2 doubles to take a commanding 15-5 lead.

The critically wounded Predators found themselves in a position they had faced all too many times during the regular season: looking straight up out of a deep dark hole.  The Predators briefly extended the game by scoring twice.  Dain Runestad, Carl Malinosky and Daryle Graf opened the top of the 5th with walks to load the bases.  Fred Bialka followed by hitting into a fielders choice to bring in the first run, and Matt Kraynak singled to left field to drive in what would be the Predators final run of the 2008 season. 

In the bottom of the 5th, the Predators needed to hold the Dirtbags to under 2 runs , or lose the game by the mercy rule.  As circumstances would play out, the Dirtbags had one run in, and runners on 1st and 3rd with only one out.  Any base hit to the outfield or fly ball to mid-outfield would result in a Dirtbag win.  With the Predator outfield pulled in, Matt Kraynak and Fred Bialka strategized by intentionally walking the next batter to load the bases.  This move set up a force at all bases - but also presented a risk that a base on balls would also put across the winning run for the Dirtbags.  Feeling his blood pressure rise, Kraynak's first pitch missed for a ball - however his 2nd pitch got enough of the plate to make it a 2-2 count.  On the 3rd pitch, the Dirtbag batter hit a weak grounder to Kraynak at the pitchers mound - playing perfectly into the Predator's strategy.  Kraynak (somewhat stunned the ball came right to him) threw to Bialka at the plate to get the force for the 2nd out, the follow up throw to get the batter out at 1st base was wide left.  As a result - the Dirtbags runner on 2nd base came around to score the winning run - ending the Predators 25th season.