News and Announcements
The play-offs are set to begin Tuesday. First round is best 2 out of 3 games.
There was a three-way tie for 4th between Willis Tent, Drew Farms, and Pro Sports Therapy. Because of the unbalanced schedule, the tie-breaker starts with run differential, providing the final finish of Willis being the 4-seed, Drews being the 5-seed, and PST getting the 6-seed. For those really interested, the results last week where SCL run-ruled PST and Drews then run-ruled CSA changed the final order. Lesson to all that every game counts.
The schedule is as follows:
Tuesday (8/23)
6:30 PST @ Floral Arts
7:45 Drew Farms @ Willis Tent
Wednesday (8/24)
6:30 Willis Tent @ Drew Farms
7:45 Floral Arts @ PST
Friday (8/26) – if both series go 3 games
6:30 PST @ Floral Arts
7:45 Drew Farms @ Willis Tent
OR
If only one series goes 3 games, that final game will be played on Friday night at 7 PM.
Round two will begin on Sunday (8/28) at 5:30 with the Mustangs playing the highest remaining seed (#4, 5, or 6) and SCL playing the lowest remaining seed (#3, 4, or 5) at 6:45 if at least one series goes the distance. If both series end in 2, Round 2 will begin on Friday.
Heading into the final week of the season, our attention is drawn away from our fantasy football mock drafts and onto the Westford Over 30 playoff race. On Tuesday night, Floral Arts faces the Mustangs as Floral has dropped from the second place bye position to third place below Short Cut Landscaping. Drew Farms and Burton's Grill face off in a winner take all game Tuesday night in a battle for the last playoff spot. Drew's is hot but Burton's is hungry for their first playoff series in several years. And, Short Cuts plays the team no ones wants to play in Pro Sports Therapy who are hitting and fielding under John Bodi's management.
Pro Sports Therapy 10 - CSA Graphics 6 CSA jumped out early, scoring two runs in the first and another in the third. PST could have been in a much deeper hole but escaped the second inning with an unconventional and slightly controversial double play. CSA put up another run in the third to go up 3-0, but it could have been much more without a base running error that led to a triple play to end the inning. The top of the order contributed for CSA with Bill Ryan going 2 for 4 with two runs, Jim DeMarco going 3 for 4 with two runs, and Matt Sepe going 2 for 4 with three RBI. PST hurler Dave Chirokas took advantage, shutting down the CSA lineup from that point on only giving up a three-run homerun in the fifth by Tim greenwood (2 for 4 on the night). PST then broke out for six in the bottom of the 5th to take an 8-6 lead, taking advantage of CSA only having nine in the field. PST tacked on two more in the sixth for the final of 10-6. For PST, Chirokas paced the offense with two hits including a double and three RBI. Brian Dubey also had a big night, going 3-4 with two doubles and two RBI.
Willis Tent 23 - Burton's Grill 17 Willis Tent outlasted a persistent Burton's team winning 23-17 when it was all over. Willis led the whole way and kept Burton's from ever getting ahead. Willis' pitcher Rob Swinamer did a great job making a few Burton's hitters swing at bad pitches. Swinamer also went 4-4 with two singles and two huge homeruns. Also for Willis, Rick Devanna went 5-5, and Andrew Metters, John Mangiartti, and Jeff Briggs each contributed a homerun. In addition, six of the eleven Willis players contributed to the win with a 3-5 night at the plate. Burton's brought it to within six in the final inning and had offensive contributions from several players along the way. Leading the charge were Charlie Chungo with another six RBI, two three-run homerun game. Chungo was 4-4 at the plate. Eric Cataline went 4-4 as well, including three doubles, a single, and four runs scored. Cataline goes for an extra base every time and it paid off with three extra base hits and the team lead in runs scored. Murph McKeon, 3-4, two RBI and three runs scored. Jeff Kott, 3-4, Jason Lenicheck 2-3 with a double and two runs scored, and Jerry Breen 3-4, four RBI and three runs scored.
Willis Tent 9 - Floral Arts 5 Willis Tent beat Floral Arts 9-5 as a result of the fine pitching of Bob Fleury as well as great infield and outfield defense. Floral's usually high-scoring offense stalled against Willis. Floral got runs when Frank Lancelotta hit a three-run homer and Mark Chambers hit a solo shot in the seventh. In a night of numerous singles, a grand slam by Justin Swanson and a 3-4 night by Keith Wauters helped the winning cause. Eight Willis players contributed two singles each.
Mustangs 18 - Willis Tent 5 A very good Willis team was no match for the dominant Mustangs squad and lost to the run rule, an unfamiliar Willis experience. Mustangs winning pitcher Don Cusano had two homeruns, Bill Knute also had two homeruns (#29 and 30 on the season). Paul Selfrige, Mike Kennedy and Keith Reynolds also added homers for the Mustangs. Willis' Rob Swinamer hit a blast halfway to Groton that almost reached the basketball court in the air; part of a 3-3 night. Rick Devanna 2-3 including a triple, Rob Fluery 2-2 and John Mangiaratti contributed with a home run for Willis in the lost.
Drew Farms 11 - Floral Arts 5 Drew Farms continues to put together a very strong end of season run in an attempt to lock up the final playoff spot. Drew's beat an excellent Floral Arts team 11-5 keeping Floral to their second five run total of the week. Simon Tripp and Jeff Moore each homered for Floral, but beyond that there was not much offense on the losing side.
Healy Oil 7 - CSA Graphics 0 Healy Oil wins by forfeit.
An interesting and exciting week for sure in Westford Over 30 Softball. The Nashoba Valley Veterinary Mustangs are no longer undefeated, losing to Short Cut Landscaping. Pro Sports Therapy continues to be the hottest team in the league and now has fifth place locked up. The biggest game of this upcoming week is clearly between Burton's Grill and Drew Farms as they face off on Wednesday with the winner likely taking the final playoff spot. Short Cut and Floral Arts will battle to grab the second place spot and the important first round bye that comes with it.
Floral Arts 23 - CSA Graphics 7 Floral Arts beat CSA Sunday night, 23-7. Larry Mardany pitched well for Floral. Ryan Dunn (two), Kenny Delaney (two), Simon Tripp (two), and Geoff Pavao each homered for Floral. Floral Arts jumped to an early lead after scoring three in the first and then piling on 10 in the second. CSA Graphics, playing with only nine for the game, hung in for a bit, before falling to the run rule in the bottom of the fifth inning. Gary Lavelle, of CSA, playing in his first game this year, pitched well for CSA Graphics and added a couple hits (including a double). Rey Vienneau also coming off the reserve list for his first game, hit a home run on his first swing of the year, and played solid at shortstop. Jim DeMarco was four for four at the plate.
Pro Sports Therapy 22 - Floral Arts 15 In a game with playoff implications for both squads, PST continued on their hot streak with a 22-15 victory over perennial power Floral Arts. PST jumped out immediately with lead-off hitter Ben Armstrong going deep for the 1-0 lead. PST kept the pressure on, pushing three more across before leaving the bases loaded. Floral, not to be fazed, kept at it and after three took a 7-6 lead. After Larry Mardany shut down the PST offense again in the 4th, Floral hit their 6th and 7th home runs in the bottom of the inning to increase their lead to 10-6. Then came the inning that may define the PST season- in the top of the 5th, PST exploded for 10 runs to go up 16-10. Shortstop Donald Slate was the offensive star of the inning with two hits (single and three-run home run) and two runs scored. Other highlights were a booming James Chen double over a drawn in outfield and another Ben Armstrong home run. Out of home runs after reaching the league limit, Floral had to chip away, and they did, responding immediately with two more to close the gap to 16-12. But, an energized PST squad immediately posted another four to increase their lead to 20-13 at the end of six. Brian Dubey homered again to increase the lead and then PST hung on, giving up two in the bottom of the 7th for the final score of 22-15. PST had four players with four hits (Armstrong, Mark Urlage, Ryan Steele, and Tim Schutt) and another five with three hits each. In a game that would seeming be dominated by offense, it was the defense that provided some of the biggest highlights. Floral’s Mike Alonardo made a spectacular diving catch in centerfield to end an inning, only to see PST LF Armstrong rob the Floral hitter leading off the next inning with an equally dazzling dive. Floral turned two double plays, PST one. And, PST 3B Steele and 2B John Bodi both laid out to corral ground balls and throw out a runner at first to get big outs late in the game. Floral Arts hit seven home runs including blasts from Mike Alonardo (two), Chad Kirby (two), Roger Whittlesey, Frank Lancelotta, and Ken Delaney.
Nashoba Valley Mustangs 16 - CSA Graphics 3 The Mustangs jumped to an early 13-0 lead against CSA Graphics, who could never catch-up. Don Cusano, Mike Kennedy and Corma Bordes all homered for the winners. CSA did quiet the bats of the Mustangs by deploying a short-fielder strategy, but in the end fell to the run rule with a walk-off run in the bottom of the fifth. No big heroes for CSA, although Jeff Bernier was perfect at the plate (1-1 with an RBI), and a now two-time contributor for CSA in games versus the Mustangs. Interestingly, the addition of one of the Mustang's sons (Paul) led to another solo homerun for the CSA scoreboard. Outstanding defense for the Mustangs was highlighted by Don Cusano at third base. Winning Mustangs pitcher Paul Liguori kept his three year undefeated streak alive
Short Cuts Landscaping 25 - CSA Graphics 12 On Wednesday night, a similar story for CSA of not being able to keep up with the opposing offense and eventually losing to run rule. CSA Graphics and Short Cuts Landscaping exchanged punches over the first few innings, leading to a 6-5 lead by CSA. Short Cuts then mounted an attack with 10-run inning, benefitting from some poor defense on the other side. CSA Graphics worked their way back into the game, led by Matt Sepe (2-2, two homeruns, five RBI), Bill Cullen (2-3 with a homerun and double), Jim DeMarco (3-3 and three runs scored), and Tim Piwowar (2-2, with a double). In the bottom of the fifth, Short Cuts turned a 15-12 lead into a 25-12 win. The men in black put up a hitting display and hit nine home runs. A 10 run fifth inning finished the night with a big three run home run by Donny "White Shoes" Morash and a walk off two-run home run by Rob Prendergast. Prendergast also made his season debut at first base and fielded the position as "smooth as sandpaper." Other Short Cut notable performances for the night: Mike Gross, 4-4 with two home runs, and John Ablondi, 4-4 and a home run.
Burtons Grill 19 - Healy Oil 14 Burton's Grill narrowly edged a very competitive and energized Healy Oil squad 19-14. Healy jumped out early putting up eight in the first but Burton's quickly recovered with a massive 12 run inning sending 17 to the plate. The 12 runs were all scored with two outs and were much needed as the game remained close from there on as Healy scored another five in the third inning. Offense for Burton's was highlighted by Tim "Usain" Scott with an inside the park three-run homer, Eric "lets play two" Cataline, 4-4, fours runs scored, Charlie, "the Big Hurt", Chungo, 4-4, three runs scored, Dave, "scoop", Batchelder 3-3, two RBI, three runs scored, Murph,"Giuseppe," McKeon, 2-3, three run homerun and five RBI, Jerod, "it's pizza night, right?" Colley with a key three run homerun, and Peter, "all fields," Morano 2-3, and an RBI. Healy Oil, out of the playoff race, came to play the role of spoiler. Contributing with home runs were Matt Dowling, Tony Pantoja and Steve Cuzziere executing a sweet lefty swing resulting in a three-run blast. Healy pitcher Wayne Meadows contributed with home runs and pitched well for most of the night.
Floral Arts 24 - Healy Oil 4 Floral Arts beat Healy Oil, 24-4, in five innings on Friday night. Simon Tripp, Jeff Moore, and Frank Lancelotta homered for Floral. David O'Keefe hit the only home run for Healy.
Short Cuts 17 - Mustangs 15 Short Cuts and Mustangs battled late into the night in a classic Friday summer showdown. Mustangs jumped out early with five runs but Short Cuts answered with eight in the bottom of the first highlighted by a big two-run home run from Pat Flaraty. Defense was the key to the game as Short Cut continuously made the big defensive stops all night. The men in black turned three double plays. Don Morash, Jason Humphrey and John Proulx were stellar all night with their leather. Donny Aiken also made a Willie Mays over the shoulder grab in left. A monster three-run home run by John Ablondi gave Short Cuts a five run cushion late in the game. Mike Martell had a key two out double in the bottom of the sixth and Jason Humphrey knocked him in to give the winners a six run cushion through six. To top off the night the legend Carl Dean came out of retirement to be the 10th player for Short Cut and he proceeded to do his typical 3-4...just awesome!!!!
A surging PST team beat Burtons this week and jumped into a relatively comfortable fifth place knocking Burtons down into the sixth position and fighting for their playoff lives with a Drew's team only one game behind. Both Burtons and Drews need to have a solid finish, highlighted by a game versus each other during this final run. Second, third and fourth place are all still up for grabs with the winner earning a first round bye along with the Mustangs.
Floral Arts 22 - Willis Tent 11
Floral Arts defeated Willis Tent on Sunday evening, 22-11. Jeff Moore, who has been smashing the ball in the second half, hit two home runs and knocked in five for Floral Arts. Ken Delaney, Ryan Dunn, Mike Donaruma, Mark Chambers, and Rob Beaudette also hit home runs for the winners. Pitcher Larry Mardany kept the powerful Willis bats in the park until the sixth inning when Dennis Kane homered. Rob Swinamer went 4-4 (with four singles) and Keith Wauters, 3-4, (three singles) for Willis in the loss.
Nashoba Valley Veterinary Mustangs 29 - Floral Arts 16
Floral jumped out to a quick 9-4 advantage, blasting four home runs through the first two innings, but the Mustangs came storming back with a ten run third inning and a 12 run fifth inning to pull away. Paul Selfrige and Jim Ward set the tone at the top of the Mustang order as they usually do by reaching base in all 12 of their plate appearances and scoring 9 runs combined. Selfrige had six hits, including two bases loaded, bases clearing three-run doubles. Bill Knute had a key grand slam (after Don Cusano was walked with the bases loaded) and a three run home run, and made a great running catch at the foul line in left field for the winners. Mike Kennedy and Mark Cusano also added home run blasts for the Mustangs, while Dan Crogan (three runs scored and two RBI), Craig Smith and Cormac Bordes all chipped in with three hits apiece. Crogan also snagged a scorching line drive at second base to aide the Mustang defense and to end a potential big inning for Floral.
Willis Tent 16 - Healy Oil 2
With a combination of a stellar pitching performance by Willis Pitcher Bob Fluery and solid defense, Willis was able to hold Healy to just two total runs. This game saw eight out of the 12 Willis players putting in a 2 - 3 night. In addition, Willis reached the seven home run maximum, taking a 5th inning run-rule win over Healys 16-2. Contributing to the win with single home runs were Rick Devanna, Brian Gallardo, Jeff Briggs, Roger Neild, and Glen Harding. Also, John Mangiaratti had two home runs on the night. Healy could only muster 2 hits as the bats were silent. Wayne Meadows pitched well and hit a two run shot over right in the 4th.
Short Cuts Landscaping 15 - Burtons Grill 13
Burton's Grill nearly pulled out an important win versus a very good Short Cuts team losing by just two, 15-13. Burton's fell behind as Short Cuts used all seven of their allowed home runs including several during an eight run inning. Burton's fought back, tightened up the defense, and were behind by six coming into the bottom of the seventh inning. Burton's offensive contributors included lead off standout Tim Scott, 3-4 with a double and three runs scored, Private Eric Cataline, 3-3, double, sac fly and three runs scored, Charlie, "Ivan Putski" Chungo 2-3, a double, grand slam and six RBI. Brian Haley, 2-3 and two runs scored and John "single eye" Geary 2-4 and two RBI. Down six in the last inning, Chungo hit the light pole with the bases loaded and brought Burtons to within two with two outs. Unfortunately, this author let the boys down grounding out weakly to second and ending the comeback. Dave Batchelder went 2-2 and other fine Burton's efforts were put in by Greg Fitzgerald, Peter Morano, Mike Jerzlyo and Jason Lenicheck. On an outstanding defensive note, Charlie Chungo took a throw from Raghu Mantena and pitched a tailing laser beam over the shoulder of the runner to a waiting Fitzgerald at third to get the runner.
Pro Sports Therapy 17 - Drew Farms 14
In a battle of two teams trying to get the last play-off slot, PST jumped out to a 8-2 lead after three and then put up six more runs in the fourth to go up 14-5. Drew’s fought to make it a game, but a six run rally in the bottom of the seventh came up just short. For PST, Donald Slate’s three-run home run in the first started PST off on the right track (part of a 3-4, five RBI night for the rookie). In the third, Steve Sawyer (2-4, three RBI) and Ryan Slate (4-4, two RBI) hit back-to-back home runs. Also having big nights for PST were Ben Armstrong (3-4) and Andrew Fletcher (3-4). Dave Chirokas got the win on the mound and contributed two hits. Drews had an off night defensively but saw offensive contributions from Jason Gothwaite, 3-3 including a home run and a double, Kurt Camblin, 2-2 and two home runs, Tom Menici 2-3, and Middle Schools Rec Basketball coaching champ Todd Shepherd 2-3 with a home run and a double.
Floral Arts 18 - Short Cuts Landscaping 14
Floral arts beat Shortcut Landscaping on Friday night, 18-14. Simon Tripp and Ryan Dunn each homered twice for Floral, Frank Lancelotta and Rob Beaudette also homered. The big hit of the night came in the top of the seventh, with Floral down by one, when Mike Donaruma smacked a go-ahead three-run shot over the left field fence.
Drew Farms 18 - Healy Oil 12
At a time in the season when every win is needed, Drew Farms outlasted Healy Oil 18-12. In a game that didn't end until 10 PM on Friday night, Drew Farms gained an offensive push from several players. Mark Kost 3-4, Tom Millante, 2-4, Mark McAleese, 3-4, Scott Cole 2-4, and Todd Shepherd 2-4 with a home run and a double. Sal Bonacoure went 2-4 and Alex Lachook pitched well for the winners as they had to finish the last four innings with only nine in the field. Healy gave up 11 in one inning, but kept Drews at bay for 6 out of 7 innings. Tom Hudson returned to the mound and pitched a solid game for Healy. Matt Dowling added two solo shots over center field as well as providing great defense in left field including throwing out a Drew's runner at 2nd on a one hop single to left. Glenn Robinson went 4-4 at the plate as well for Healy.
Pro Sports Therapy 22 - Burtons Grill 7
In a game that didn't see its first pitch until 10 PM, PST played one of their best games in years in a battle for playoff positioning with Burton’s Grill, taking a run rule win 22-7 in five Innings. Burton’s jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead, hitting everything in sight (three batters, three runs). PST came right back with seven- big blows including Burton's killer Jerry Cressman’s three-run home run (3-4 with two home runs and five RBI) and Ryan Steele’s two-run blast (2-2 with five RBI). PST settled down on defense and limited the potent Burton’s offense to just two more runs and continued to pile on the crooked numbers, highlighted by three in the second after the first two were set down- a rally that was sparked by an infield hit by John Bodi (4-4 with three runs scored) followed by eight in the third led by a Ben Armstrong home run (2-3 with three RBI), Donald Slate’s triple (3-4 with two doubles, a triple, and three runs scored) and Governor Al Nudler’s two RBI single. Also having big nights for PST were Dave Chirokas (3-3 with a double and two RBI) and Derek Donegan (3-3 with three runs scored). Burton's strong first inning start was quickly stalled but contributing to the seven run total were Tim Scott 2-3 and two runs scored, Charlie Chungo two-run dinger, Eric Cataline, now a sergeant, 2-2, double, triple and 3 RBI, Jason Lenicheck 2-2 and two runs scored and dog-watcher Murph McKeon 1-2, including a double and run scored. Chris Brooks came in from the bullpen and pitched well in the final two innings for Burtons.
With most of the regular season behind them, the Nashoba Valley Mustangs remain undefeated at 18-0 and 6.5 games up on the second place Short Cut Landscaping the Mustangs now have 400 runs scored on the year. Third, fourth and fifth place all have nine wins and include Floral Arts, Willis Tent and Burton's Grill in that order. Six places earn a playoff spot and the race is still far from over. Pro Sports Therapy currently has the sixth spot with eight wins followed by Drew Farms with six. In the upcoming week's games, Drews faces a tough Short Cut team and then two days later PST. Floral Arts has two tough opponents having to face off against both Willis and the Mustangs. Highlight of the week was a Floral Arts comeback being down 16-0 in the bottom of the first versus Shortcut and pulling out the win.
Floral Arts 31 - Shortcut Landscaping 27 On Sunday night, Short Cut Landscaping hit four home runs and scored 16 runs in the top of the first inning, but then Floral Arts clawed their way back and claimed the victory, 31-27! The game, which last nearly two hours, was a slug fest. Floral hit seven home runs, Short Cuts blasted nine. Simon Tripp hit two 3-run homers for Floral, which also got home runs from Larry Mardany, Frank Lancelotta, Rob Beaudette, Jeff Moore, and Mike Donaruma. Tom "Tank" Lester went 4-for-5 and made several nice plays in the field, including starting a 5-3 double play at third. Chad Kirby was 5-for-5 hitting from the lead off position. Ken Delaney, in his first game since knee surgery, went 3-for-4 and played well at short.
Burton's Grill 20 - CSA Graphics 7 In an important playoff race game, Burton's beat CSA by 13 and kept their lead in the standings. Burton's hit the ball well and played strong defense in marching to the convincing run rule win. CSA simply left too many men on base and committed costly errors. Burtons posted six, four, and nine run innings over the first four of the game and CSA could not keep pace. Dave Batchelder continued his torrid hitting blasting a grand slam , Murph McKeon 3-3 with a two run homerun and 3 RBI, Tim Scott 3-4, three runs scored and threw out a runner at home plate to Jason Lenicheck. Eric Cataline 3-4, another two doubles and game winning RBI in the fifth, Luke Boulanger 2-2, a double and three RBI, and Greg Fitzgerald, 2-3 and a pair of doubles. Fitzgerald also played great D at third. Chris Brooks led the team by stepping in as the starting pitcher and put in a Cy Young performance. For CSA Graphics, Thanh Nguyen (playing in his second game of the year) had a solo homerun, and Mike Cioffi was 3-for-3.
Pro Sports Therapy 14 - Healy Oil 4 PST jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead in the first and cruised to a 14-4 win over Healy Oil. The middle of the PST order exploded, with Donald Slate once again led the way for the surging PST squad. Slate hit a three run bomb in the opening inning and another two run shot in the third on his way to a 3-3, five RBI night. He also proved his value to the PST defense, making an outstanding over-the-shoulder catch on a blooper and then taking a relay throw from the outfield and gunning down a Healy runner at the plate. Steve Sawyer was 3-3 with a homerun and Ryan Steele drove in three with two homeruns.
Nashoba Valley Mustangs 22 - Willis Tent 9 The Mustangs again won convincingly and this time over a top tier squad in Willis Tent. Strong hitting across the board as usual an included Mike Kennedy with two homeruns and six RBI, Mark Cusano two homeruns, four RBI and four runs scored, Jack Erickson, a homerun and three runs scored. Leadoff hitter Paul Selfrige, two hits and a homerun, lefty Bill Knute a homerun and three RBI and Cormac Bordes, four hit, three runs scored and a homerun...that counted as a single. Knute also contributed with the glove making a nice diving catch in left field. Player highlights for Willis included Dennis Kane, 3-3 with three homeruns and Brian Gallardo, 2-3 and two homeruns.
Pro Sports Therapy 16 – Healy Oil 13 In one of the sloppier games of the year, Pro Sports Therapy and Healy Oil went back and forth in a tilt more reminiscent of many of their games circa 2004. The Oilers put up crooked numbers in the 2nd, 4th, and 6th to take a 13-8 lead, but PST exploded for eight in the bottom of the sixth, keyed by a hustle single by the Governor Al Nudler to go ahead 16-13 and ultimately close it out. PST had contributions up and down the lineup including a triple from Ben Armstrong to start a three run outburst in the first, two-hitter John Bodi on base four times, Jerry Cressman with two doubles and three RBI, Derek Donegan, two hits and three RBI, Ryan Steele, three hits with two doubles, Brian Dubey, three hits including a double and a homerun, and the aforementioned Governor, who had two hits in the critical sixth inning and whose hustle sparked the PST squad all night.
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