5 0
The Reds picked up where they left off last season against the Artists Formerly Known as the Pirates. Mike (#5) started and was outstanding. His pitching line: 4IP 1H 0BB 10K. After four, we were told of a new rule that limits pitchers to 4 innings per game. So we turned things over to Mitch, who did very well on short notice and got the save. He got into some trouble, putting runners on second and third, but Mike (#11) bailed him out scooping a tough grounder at second. An inning later, Denham pounced on an overthrow to the pitcher and threw out a Philly trying to score. Offensively, Mike (#11) had an RBI single in his first at bat. Mike (#5) later helped his own cause with a two-out two-run single. Adam (#3) drove Denham home for the 4th run and then scored on an overthrow. Also picking up hits in their debuts were Kyle and Rickey. Johnathon might've had a hit if he'd remembered to run, and Sarah also made good contact in her first game as a Red. Our first shutout since 1998.

4 1
The pitching and defense was pretty solid in this game. All five runs scored on overthrows or extra throws. Rakib started and pitched three good innings. Mike (#5) tossed 3 innings of shutout relief. We had our chances, but just didn't get any breaks. With 2 down and 2 runners on, Raib smoked a line drive up the middle, but the Mets second baseman stuck out his glove and caught it. Two innings later, with the bases loaded, Mike (#11) blooped a hit to left, but the left fielder hopped on it and threw to second to force the runner and end the inning. Offensively, Mitch had a great game, with a walk, a double, 3 steals and our only run. Taryn had her first stolen base, but had to leave the game after being hit on the hand. LF Rickey made a good throw to cut down a Met trying for a double. We played well, but just couldn't buy a clutch hit.

8 4
Mental mistakes continued to plague the Reds as they dropped their second straight game. Denham made his mound debut and showed an impressive fastball and pretty good control. He didn't get a whole lot of defensive support. We threw the ball away over and over again. Ill-fated pickoff attempts and throwing to the wrong base cost us 4-5 runs. C Rakib made a great throw to third to catch a base stealer. Unfortunately, he was stealing second. We were able to string some hits together early on, with Mike (#5) and Rakib each driving in a run, but we couldn't sustain the offense. Kyle had a great game, continuing to hit the Phillies well and playing an acrobatic first base. He just about did a complete split snagging one throw. Rickey had a good night at the plate, picking up a hit and a couple of walks. Physically, this is a fairly skilled team, we just need to concentrate a bit better.

12 7
Lots to like about this game. Mitch had a sterling start, allowing just a scratch single over three innings. The offense, meanwhile, took advantage of some errant Dodger pitching and defense AND some timely hitting. Mitch was 2-2 with a pair of walks. Kyle and Rakib picked up base hits. Rakib, Ishpal and Denham all had RBI singles. Mike (#5) launched an RBI triple over the centre fielder's head, the most impressive hit we've seen this season. Everybody swung the bats well. Adam (#7). made some good contact, as did Katie and Sarah. In a pinch running role, Katie managed a steal of home. Up 11-0, it was time for a little expermentation. Kyle made his mound debut in the fourth inning, and despite some control trouble, struck out a pair. Denham got his first taste of catching in the last inning and was a quick on-the-job study. He threw out a runner trying to steal third. Finally, Adam (#3), nursing a broken wrist, debuted as first base coach in the 7-run second inning. Not bad for a beginner.

6 0
We were short-handed for this one, but our pitching and defense was pretty good. Mitch started and pitched pretty well. He got some defensive help from 1B Ishpal, who snagged a couple of lined shots. Rookies Adam (#7) and Mike (#11) got to try out some new positions in the infield, and they weren't bad. Mike snagged a hot grounder at third, and Adam did a nice job flagging down a couple of throws at the hot corner. Mike (#5) pitched the last four innings, and held the Cardinals to just a pair of runs. Denham was back behind the plate, and showed great improvement. Offensively, however, we couldn't do a thing. We finally got our first baserunner when Sarah walked in the fifth inning. She'd walk again in the 7th, as would Denham. Ishpal finally broke up the no-hitter in the 7th. It wasn't that we swung the bats badly. Johnathon, Mitch and Sarah all hit the ball, and Mike (#5) stung a line drive, but the Cardinal fielding was very good. Brent, a cornerstone in our 2000 championship, returned to say hi and ended up coaching first base.

12 0
This is a good Cardinals team. Rakib started this one, and got scorched for 9 runs over 2 innings. He was around the strikezone and his mechanics were good, but the Cardinals weren't biting and he didn't get any kind of defensive support. Denham pitched 2 innings, and showed some ability but, like Rakib, he can throw much harder than he was. Ishpal made his pitching debut in the 5th and got stronger as the inning went on. He allowed just a run, and struck out 2. He also continued his hot hitting, punching a single off tough Cardinal pitching. The hitting was better than last game. Many of our younger players swung the bats well. Johnathon had a couple of great at-bats and picked up his first base hit. Adam (#7) spanked the ball and advanced a base runner. Raja FINALLY swung the bat, and smoked a ball, but was robbed by the Cardinal first baseman. We could use a little more consistency from our more experienced players, who cannot afford to watch 3rd strikes sail by. We had one nice defensive play when C Mike (#5), SS Denham and 1B Kyle combined to nab an ambitious Cardinal trying to steal 2nd with the bases already loaded. With some time and some work, we can compete with this team.

8 6
It felt good to score a run again. We jumped on the Padres in the first, largely via the walk, but Kyle punched an RBI single, his first of two. We were on base all night against the Padres, and chipped together 2-3 runs an inning, but we could never deliver the knockout blow. Mike (#11) reached 3 times in the leadoff spot, while Ishpal extended his hitting streak to 4 games with a pair of hits. Rickey had a heads-up steal of home. Mike (#5) was pressing at the plate, but pitched very well. I don't believe he allowed a base hit, and we carried an 8-1 lead into the fourth (and last) inning. Mike's control abandoned him a little, and the Padres took advantage of wild pitches and errant throws to third. C Denham had a pretty good game in just his third at the position, but had some trouble in the 4th. He did throw one base stealer out at third. Mike (#5) helped himself out of an early with the defensive play of the game, snaring a line drive and firing to Raja at third for a double play.

13 2
We sent 9 batters to the plate 3 times in this game. The 7-run 2nd inning was our best this season, with several hits, including a 2-run double by Ishpal. SS Mike (#5) exploded out of a slump, going 3-3 with 6 RBI. Taryn picked up her first hit of the year, an RBI single. Rakib, Kyle and Mitch all picked up base hits, while Rickey and Raja both made good contact. Mike (#11) was productive in the leadoff spot again with walks, steals and runs scored. Denham, Mike (#2) and Johnathon all showed good patience at the plate. Mitch pitched very well, and received good defensive support from 1B Kyle, SS Mike (#5) and C Rakib who, despite a couple of mental lapses, was solid behind the plate. He pounced on a wild pitch and tagged out a Padre trying to steal home. An outstanding offensive game, but our concentration can get better in the field.

8 7
We played a half-decent game, but once again threw away too many runs. The Reds hit the ball well. Ishpal continued his hitting streak, Mike (#5) kept up his torrid hitting. Rakib, Raja and Kyle picked up base hits. Overall, we did more hitting than the Mets, and got a good start from Mitch, who continued his strong pitching. Mike (#5) relieved and had some control problems, but was pretty effective. His defense let him down. Every time the Mets had a runner, he had an excellent chance to score. Our catchers had a ton of overthrows on steals, and our other fielders didn't do a good job of backing them up. Despite all this, we had almost tied the game in the top of the 7th when Mitch and Mike (#5) singled. Mitch scored on a overthrow on a double steal. Ishpal chopped a ball to second, and Mike tried to score, but was called out at home. We think he was safe, but if we'd taken better care of the ball, it wouldn't have mattered. This game also marked the return of Adam (#3) from injury and he played well, picking up an RBI.

10 5
A better effort than last time. The Reds jumped out to a good start, plating 4 runs in the first inning. Mike (#2) had good atbats in the leadoff spot, walking and scoring our first run. Ishpal's hitting streak is now at 7 games. Mike (#5) was 3-3 with a single, double and booming triple. Mike (#11) picked up a base hit, while Mitch and Adam (#3) punched hits to the outfield. Adam (#3) got the start, just to start shaking some of the rust off. He struggled, but should be a regular pitcher by season's end. Mitch relieved him with bases loaded and pitched very well. We took better care of the ball, but found ourselves ahead just 6-3 in the top of the 4th (and last inning). We used a little "girl power" to pad the lead, as Taryn, Katie and Sarah all reached base and scored, Sarah thanks to some very alert baserunning. A very good game, especially considering we were shorthanded. 3 of our 5 all-star players were absent, with Denham filling in for a shorthanded rep team playing on the other diamond.

11 2
We played a heady game and were rewarded with our first win against the Mets in 3 tries. Mitch started and was outstanding, throwing 4 shutout innings and striking out 11. C Mike (#5) helped preserve the shutout when he noticed that the only Met to cross the plate hadn't actually touched the plate. Mike appealed the play and the runner was called out. We did great job backing up throws to bases. SS Adam (#3) snagged an errant throw to third, and LF Sarah showed a great deal of hustle backing up the base as well. We jumped out to an early 4-0 lead and never looked back. Ishpal punched 2 more hits, as did Mitch. Mike (#5) went 3-4 with a walk and 3 RBI doubles. Katie had a couple of great at bats, and reached on a fielder's choice. Mike (#5) relieved Mitch and pitched the final two innings. Kyle made his debut at catcher and faired quite well. Adam (#3) continued his comeback with more strong at bats.

9 7
The Reds opened up a 4-0 lead in the first inning thanks to patience and some timely hitting. Kyle and Adam (#7) walked and stole their way to 2nd and 3rd. Mike (#5) drove them home and later swiped home himself. Adam (#3) was back catching for the first time since Opening Day, and was outstanding. Mike (#5) pitched two flawless innings. At the end of 2, the Reds led 8-0. With the big lead, Adam (#3) and Kyle each got a chance to pitch, and both improved upon their previous outings. Both would have benefitted from a more alert defense, but our concentration demons started to crop up again. We were making plays, but waiting too long to throw, or throwing to the wrong base. Offensively, we're doing pretty well. Rakib returned with a single and double. Katie continued her hot hitting and picked up her first base hit. Ishpal banged a double to right field in the last inning to extend his hitting streak to 9 games. This game also marked the debut of Johnathon at second base.

6 4
We played a solid game with just half a team. Mike (#5) was dominant in his four innings of work, fanning 11 Padres, but with inning limitations, he needed help. Denham pitched very well, striking out a pair of hitters, but plunked back to back Padres and, under league rules, had to be replaced. Kyle finished the inning, but not before the Padres had taken a 4-1 lead. We chipped away at the lead. Steals of home by Adam (#3) and Mike (#5) gave us a 5-4 lead. In the top of the seventh we sent a season-high 11 Reds to the plate and opened a 12-4 lead, but curfew was reached and the inning, runs, and Ishpal's hit-streak extending single, were wiped out. Three players enjoyed their best games in Reds uniforms. Adam (#3) had the steal of home, 5 solid innings at catcher, a scoreless (if somewhat ugly) inning of relief (they were swinging where he was throwing), and a 3-3 night at the plate. Denham made a great play at SS to end a Padres uprising and smashed a triple to the fence. Mike (#11) had a pair of hits and 2 big RBIs. Special thanks to Mario of the Padres, who helped fill out our diminished roster. He drew a bases loaded walk in the 7th and played a mean centre field.

4 1
The best game we've been in this season. The Phillies have excellent pitching, but Mike (#5) and and Mitch matched them pitch for pitch, and at the end of five innings, the score was still 0-0. Sarah opened the sixth with a walk, and advanced to third on a double by Mitch. Two batters later, Mike (#5) thundered a triple to the base of the hill in left field. He scored on Denham's rare sac fly, and we took a 3-0 lead. Mitch did a nice job against the heart of the Phillies order, but ran into a 2-out jam. With runners on first and third, a run in, and the Phillies best hitter, Mike (#5) was summoned for his final inning of work. His second pitch was scorched into the hole at short, where Denham came up with the play of the game, diving to smother the ball and shovel it to Mike (#11) at second to end the inning. In the seventh, an Ishpal single, 2 steals, a walk by John and a clutch RBI groundout by Katie plated an insurance run, and Mitch closed out the Phillies in the bottom of the inning. The defense was excellent. 1B Ishpal and SS Denham were very solid. The defensive star of the game was 2B Mike (#11) who handled five chances flawlessly. At the plate, Adam (#3) and Johnathon continue to hit the ball hard.

10 8
I'm almost positive the score was 9-8, so had we scored a run in the top of the seventh, I might still be reverse-engineering the official scoresheet. This was a slugfest. Both teams hit very well. Mike (#5) got the start, but just didn't have his best stuff. The Mets used a bases-loaded triple to jump out to a 4-0 lead. We fought back with three runs, but the Mets had another bases loaded triple, making the score 7-3. Our bats kept coming, and we took an 8-7 lead, but the Mets managed 2 (ok, 3) runs in the bottom of the sixth, and we just ran out of answers. Every player in the Reds lineup hit the ball, most of them hard. Mike (#5) had 3 hits, Denham had 2, Rakib 2, Raja had a career high 3-4 night. Johnathon's hard work paid off with his first RBI single and Mitch chipped in with a couple of hits. We may have had more hits than in any other game this year, but we just couldn't manage that game breaking hit. Mitch and Denham pitched well in relief, and Adam (#3) played well at catcher, nabbing a Met trying to steal home. We could have been more alert on the basepaths, as we had a few moments of hesitation that cost us. Our thanks to Usman (rhymes with Guzman) of the Mets who filled out our roster. He managed a walk and a line drive back to the pitcher.

9 2
The Cardinals were a little short-handed. Of the 19 players in this game, 13 were Reds. Kyle, Raja and Adam (#7) were lent to the Cards for the night. All 3 played well. Kyle made a great play at 2B to rob Mitch of a hit, Adam played SS and hit a hard line drive just foul, and Raja played 3B and smoked a single into right field. A big thank you to all three. It's not easy to play against your own team. Mitch started and pitched 4 outstanding innings, allowing just 2 runs and throwing his best fastball of the season. We sent 9 batters to the plate in the first inning, took a 4-2 lead and never looked back. 2B Mike (#11) was very good defensively again, and went 2-3. Denham had a pair of hits, John another RBI. Mitch stung the ball a couple of times. On the other side of the ball, C Adam (#3) threw out 3 runners trying to steal, including Raja. 1B Ishpal made the play of the day, leaping to rob a Cardinal of a sure base hit on a line drive that gets over the head of every other 1B in the league and a few right fielders. Mike (#5) and Rakib each pitched a scoreless inning to cap the victory.

12 2
This game was actually much closer than the score indicates. The Phillies held a 5-2 lead heading into the top of the seventh, when things got a bit ragged, but some of younger arms got some mound time. We mustered very little offense against the Phillies pitching. Mike (#11) ripped a solid hit and Denham had a blooped double, but we didn't hit much else, and what we did was handled by the Phillies defense. Mike (#5) pitched a flawless first inning. Rakib relieved and pitched a scoreless 2nd, but lost control in the 3rd and allowed 4 runs. Adam (#3), figures to be a mainstay in the rotation in 2002, and pitched his best game yet. He allowed just a run over 3 innings, getting some help from C Mike (#5), who threw out a pair of Phillies runners. Adam ran out of gas in the 7th, but Kyle, another of our young guns, threw well and ended the inning with a strikeout. SS Denham and 1B Ishpal deserves special mention for making the best defensive play we've seen this year. Denham dove to his left to snag a grounder and then one-hopped a throw to first, where Ishpal dug it out to beat the runner by a step.

5 2
A fine game by both teams. The Cardinal starter was dominant, facing 13 batters over 4 innings and striking out 12. (!) Only Raja managed to dent his armour, singling back up the middle. On our side, Mike (#5) gave up a walk through 2 innings. Rakib pitched a scoreless 3rd. Fine defense by SS Denham and 1B Ishpal helped keep the Cardinals off the scoresheet. They broke through with a run in the 4th, following a walk, an overthrow and a single. In the top of the fifth, the Reds bats finally came alive. Mike (#5) singled. Ishpal singled. Adam (#3) walked. Back to back doubles by Denham and Raja plated 4 runs. Rakib took the mound for the 5th and 6th and was very strong, a far cry from May, when the Cards roughed him up. A brief lack of concentration and an overthrow cost us another run. We got that back when Rakib singled, moved to second on an error, and scored on what was very nearly Mike's (#5) first homer, a double just feet from the top of the fence. Mike returned to mound in the seventh and walked the leadoff man, who C Adam (#3) quickly erased trying to steal second. Mike settled down and retired the side, ending an excellent game.

1 1
Obviously, they don't get any closer than this. The Reds' first ever playoff tie. The Cardinals were awarded an extra point because of a truly ludicrous tie-breaker: they were the first team to "win" an inning (yeah, THAT's baseball). Why not a shootout? Our pitching was excellent, Mitch threw a scoreless 4 innings, while Mike (#5) was very strong for 3. Offensively, the Cardinals pitching is VERY good, and we didn't have a lot of success at the plate, but we also ran ourselves into some outs. Kyle had third base stolen, but turned and went back and ended up in a rundown. John also put on the brakes going home on a ball he likely would have scored on. Then Mike (#5), after singling and stealing 2 bases, went into business for himself and tried (and failed) to steal home. This hurt even more when the next batter Ishpal singled into right field (d'oh). The hit of the game was a triple that Denham killed halfway up the left field hill off the Cardinal ace. We took very good care of the baseball, with catchers Mike (#5) and Adam (#3) each throwing out a base runner trying to steal.

5 0
An airtight effort. Mike (#5 - 4 innings) and Mitch (3 innings) combined on the shutout. Mike also chipped in behind the plate, throwing out a pair of base stealers, one on a wild rundown, which finally saw 2B Adam (#3) chase the runner off the base line. The bats took a while to wake up, but a dropped blooper by Ishpal finally scored Kyle to break a scoreless tie in the 4th inning. In the 5th Denham dropped in a bloop single, swiped 2nd and 3rd and raced home on an overthrow. Mike (#11) walked, and then Raja simply obliterated a ball to dead center field. This ball would have been an easy homer had he hit it to right field. Alas it scooted up the hill just past the fence and was ruled a ground rule double. Adam (#3) hit an RBI single to score our 3rd run. Kyle also added a single. In the bottom of the sixth walks to John and Ishpal, an HBP to Sarah and singles by Rakib and Mike (#5) gave us some insurance. Mike (#5) put runners on 2nd and 3rd with no one out in the top of the seventh, but he slammed the door with three straight Ks.

3 2
This game had just about everything. Mike (#5) got the start and pitched pretty well. The Phillies plated a run in the first on a walk, stolen base and RBI single. In the 2nd, Mike ran into some trouble and loaded the bases with none out. He bore down and retired the side, allowing just a run. The other half of the "M and M boys," Mitch took the mound in the 3rd and shut down the Phillies for 4 innings. He had great support from his defence. Mike (#5) moved behind the plate and threw out a handful of aggressive Phillies baserunners. SS Denham threw his body in front of everything and both he and 3B Rakib were in great position to tag out those Phils who got greedy. 2B Adam made a great heads up play to back up Mike's one overthrow. He snagged the ball and chased down the Philly runner already en route to third. At the plate, the Reds loaded the bases in the second inning, on singles by Ishpal and Raja and a walk to Adam, but couldn't score. Adam and Mitch reached in the 5th, but were stranded. In the 6th, John and Sarah walked and with one out, Rakib screamed a ball into the gap in right scoring John. The Phillies tried to get Sarah digging for 3rd, but a wild throw allowed her to score and Rakib to move to 3rd. Mike (#5) followed with an RBI single. He retook the mound in the 7th and closed the door on the Phillies for a thrilling comeback win.

9 4
For the 3rd time in the playoffs, the opposition scored first. Mitch's streak of consecutive scoreless playoff innings ended at 11, as the hard hitting Mets plated 4 runs in the bottom of the first. Mitch and the team settled down to hold the Mets, but our bats were silent. The few Reds who reached base were stranded, thrown out or doubled off. Finally, in the 4th, Mitch singled, Mike (#11) hit into a fielder's choice, Mike (#5) laced a triple to left and then scored on an RBI single by Denham. In the 5th and 6th, the bats exploded. John went 2-2 with an HBP, Mitch had a pair of bases-loaded singles, Ishpal had a pair of hits, Sarah another bases loaded walk, Adam (#3) and Raja RBI singles. Mike (#11) hit the ball hard times, going 1-4 and Kyle chipped in with a single. The 9 unanswered runs gave us a commanding lead, and the defense held it. Mike (#5) pitched 2 key relief innings, and was his own best friend, snagging a pair of comebackers. He also whiffed the Mets best hitter with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 6th (and last) inning. Adam (#3) starred at two positions, recording an unassisted double play at 2B, and guarding the plate like a bull terrier. Okay, a Jack Russell terrier. But a mean one. He tagged out two Mets trying to score, including the last out of the game, ending a bases-loaded threat.

13 4
A game that followed our playoff pattern. We managed a run in the first, as Rakib singled home Mitch. Ishpal also crossed the plate safely, but was called out for not sliding (don't ask. Just don't ask). Mike (#5) pitched a scoreless first, thanks to some sterling defence by 1B Kyle and his own quick reflexes on a line drive. In the 2nd we discovered that the ump had a rather small strikezone, as Mike allowed a hit and six walks, giving the Dodgers a 4-1 lead. Mitch relieved and held the Dodgers hitless the rest of the way. He also got some defensive support. With the score tied and 2 on, the Mets best hitter lined a shot into centre, where Mike (#11) made a fine catch to end the threat. Having walked our way back into the game thanks to the patience of Ishpal, Sarah, Adam (#7) and Katie, the Reds bats broke out in the 5th. We sent 9 players to the plate, none of whom recorded a batting out. Katie walked and stole second, but was nabbed trying for third. Adam (#7) walked. Mitch and Mike (#11) singled to load the bases. Mike (#5) then unloaded the bases with a drive to left field. Two overthrows turned a double into the classic Little League Grand Slam. Ishpal doubled, but overran the bag. Rakib hit a third straight double, and was singled home by Adam (#3). Last batter John smashed our fourth double of the inning, cashing in our 6th run of the frame. Kyle and Mike (#11) also doubled in this game.

13 10
I wrote earlier this year that with some time and work, we could compete with this team. We did that and more. The Cards used three straight hits to jump out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the 2nd, a source of concern because of their dominant pitching. But the 2nd Cardinal pitcher literally bounced 12 straight balls to Raja, Sarah and Adam (#7), loading the bases. The 3rd Cardinal pitcher walked both Mike (#11) and Mitch, tying the game. Rakib then promptly unloaded the bases with a triple. Mike (#5) drove him home on a single, then moved to third on Ishpal's double. He would later steal home. Last batter Adam (#3) doubled Ishpal home, our eighth run of the inning, more than we scored in our previous two final appearances combined. Alas, we couldn't hold the lead. Mitch had his first rough outing of the playoffs, walking a number of Cardinals. You could argue that the umpire had a small strikezone (and you would be right). The Cards plated 4 runs in the bottom of the 3rd, and 3 more in the fourth. Rakib relieved and pitched well, but he too got no calls.

The Cardinals carried a 10-8 lead into the top of the 6th. Mike (#5) doubled, Adam (#3) singled him to third and then stole second. With 2 down, Kyle came up with a huge clutch hit, tying the game. With two down in the bottom of the sixth, the Cardinals managed to walk in (yet) another run, and then a clutch hit scored two more. (A third Cardinal was thrown out trying to score). We couldn't muster a response in the 7th, and the Cardinals captured the championship. Our hitters had a great day, outhitting the Cardinals. Denham pounded a solid base hit, and Mike (#11) picked a great time for his first career triple. But for a couple of bad bounces and the walks, the result may well have been different, but all of the players can be very proud of a great effort.

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