SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE



Jake Connolly taking instruction "Just get on  and get us started". 

Dom, Coach, and Jake "What'll we do now"?

Game 2 started out just fine for the away Sons team, as the first two batters Jake Connolly and Jake Parker reached base via base on balls, and after a couple of fielder's choice at bats by "D.K." and Dom DePaoli, Jake Parker scored the all important first run of the game.  The Red Sox quickly changed pitchers and went with their "ace" Zach Bouhov.  The Sons countered with Dom DePaoli (the Sons "ace"),  and this game was now shaping up to be a low scoring pitcher's dual, but with a 1-0 lead, things were looking "real good" for the Sons.  Both pitcher's shut down the opposing team's offense as each pitcher struck out batter after batter.  In the bottom of the fourth with Dom pitching a no-hitter and looking absolutely unhittable and unbeatable, the unthinkable happened.....Dom injured his pitching arm and had to be removed from the mound.  In a tough situation, Cam Comeau came in relief of DePaoli, and even though he pitched his best performance of the season, the Red Sox were able to rally and squeak out a well fought 2-1 victory.  Hats off must go to Zach Bouhov, as he was able to no hit the Sons the rest of the way while compiling 14 strikeouts of the 18 batters he faced.  It also must be mentioned that Dom's no hit effort through 4 innings and prior to the injury, was probably the best pitching performance seen by anyone down at the little league fields this season, and Bobby O'Neil's catch in center field was without a doubt "the best clutch catch" made by anyone in the league this year as well.  Without the injury....who knows?  File this story under the "would've, could've, should've" category or just a case of a "simple twist of fate.... or arm".  Next up, game 3 to decide who advances to the divisional final.


Cam with all eyes on him, pitches his heart out.





Bobby O'Neil with the #1 catch of the year and Robert approves of the effort.

SONS TAKE PLAYOFF OPENER 3-2

D.K.'s masterul mound work

Dom DePaoli patrolling short

The Sons entered the playoffs with high hopes, and for good reason, they had beaten their playoff opponent (the Red Sox) in both their previous regular season meetings 5-3 and 5-4 and they had finished ahead of the Sox in the regular season standings.  In game 1 the Sons held serve and defeated the Red Sox in a closely contested game by a score of 3-2.  Danny "D.K." Keenan pitched a masterful game striking out 10 batters and only allowing 2 runs in 5 2/3 innings.  Dom DePaoli polished off the win with a much needed strikeout of the last batter, as the speedy and distracting Zach Bouhov was lurking on third base as the potential tying run.  Key hits in the game came off the bats of Jake Parker's  double to start the 2nd inning and  Cam Comeau's triple which scored Jake.  Cam then scored on a passed ball for the 2-1 lead.  In the third, the Sons added to their lead with Matt Parker scoring on Dom DePaoli's double, which proved to be the winning hit as the Red Sox could only muster 1 more run to make the final score 3-2.

Game 1 in the books

SONS WIN FINAL GAME OF THE REGULAR SEASON



Jake Parker steals third and goes onto score the winning run

In a preview to the playoffs, the Sons defeated the Red Sox 5-4 in a tightly contested game.  In the first inning the Red Sox got out to a quick lead on a one out single that drove in two runs.  The Sons cut the lead in half in the second, with a clutch single by Jake Sullivan, driving in Dom DePaoli who had previously singled.  The Red Sox quickly answered back with a run of their own in the top of the third.  The Sox threatened further, but after loading the bases, Mikey Swett got the last batter to strikeout, ending any more damage.  In the bottom of the third, the Sons erased the lead, and then went up on top 4-3, after Jake Connolly walked, Danny Keenan, Domenic, and Jake Parker all singled, eventually accounting for the three runs.  Bobby O'Neil came in to pitch in the top of the fourth, and he was able to quiet the bats of the Red Sox until the top of the fifth when Zach Bouhov led off with a double which he eventually scored after stealing third and then came home on a ground out to short (which was "D.K.'s" fifth put out of the game), this tied the score at four.  The Red Sox could sense opportunity to possibly pull this game out with a win, so they went to their ace Bouhov in hopes of shutting down the Sons, which he did for the first two batters; but he then walked Jake Parker who then proceeded to steal second and third, and then he scored on the failed attempt to pick him off as he slid into third, and as the ball got away from the third baseman Jake dashed off to home with the go ahead and eventaul winning run.  In the top of the sixth Bobby O'Neil continued his excellent pitching effort and he got the lead off batter to ground out back to the mound, and then he ritired the last two batters with strikeouts.  The victory over the Sox allowed the Sons to leap frog over the Red Sox into second place in the final standings which gives them home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs versus the same Red Sox.  The Sons final regular season record 13-6-1. 

SONS HOLD OFF DEPENDABLE CLEANERS LAST INNING RALLY FOR 5-4 VICTORY

Jake Connolly at second getting a rally started  

The saying goes, "it ain't over 'til it's over", and luckily for the Sons, they were able to fend of the last inning surge by Dependable Cleaners, who were believers in the "saying", as they were fighting for their playoff qualifying lives.  The game was shaping up to be a pitchers dual between a couple of top pitchers in the league...Sam Edge for Dependable and Dom DePaoli for the Sons.  The Sons had opportunities though in the second and third to score, but stranded a runner at third in the second, and had a runner double off at second base in the third.  For the most part, Dom was in cruise control on the mound throughout the game, but Dependable did have a little bit of a threat in the third as they put runners on first and third, but Dom struck out the next three batters to put an end to any potential rally.  In the top of the fourth the Sons pushed across a run on a single by Jake Parker, who drove in Danny Keenan who had previously doubled.  It appeared after that run had scored, that it might be the only run scored in the game, as both Dom and Sam were dominating on the mound.  In the sixth, the Sons finally got the bats firing against Sam.  Jake Connolly started the inning off with a double, and he then was followed by singles from Domenic, "D.K.", and Jake Parker.  After the dust had settled, the Sons had added four more "insurance" runs which now made the score 5-0.  In the bottom of the sixth, Dependable got the first batter on by a walk and then Dom struck out the next batter and then got the following batter to ground out back to the mound...("just one more out to go").  Dependable was now at the top of the order and the next batter walked, which now left runners on first and second and that had brought Dom to his pitch count maximum, and a pitching change had to be made.  Dependable now was starting to think they had a chance at a rally, and they got back to back singles bringing in three runs, which now made the score 5-3.  The following batter walked and Dependable had runners on first and second again. The Sons made another pitching change bringing in Mikey Swett.  He was rudely met with another Dependable single to left which got by Jake Sullivan.  Jake finally tracked the ball down at the fence as one runner scored; he then relayed the ball to "D.K.".  When "D.K." got the ball, he turned to notice the potential tying runner had rounded third and was heading for home.  He then reared back and fired a perfect laser throw to the waiting glove of Jake Parker who applied the game saving tag.  What a fantastic finish to an excellent all around game; and as stated earlier, always remember..."IT AIN'T OVER 'TIL IT'S OVER", especially in Little League.  The Sons now only have one more game in the regular season and that game is against the Red Sox (a probable first round playoff match-up).

SONS QUALIFY FOR PLAYOFFS WITH WIN OVER DEPENDABLE CLEANERS

Kevin "K.O." O'Neil eyeing a pitch to drive

In a well played game by both teams, the Sons came out on top with a well deserved 6-3 win.  The Sons jumped out on top in the bottom of the first with a two out, two RBI single by Cam Comeau, scoring Jake Parker and Dom DePaoli.  Cam followed by scoring on a passed ball that put the Sons up 3-0.  In the top of the third, Dependable cut the lead to 3-2 with a 2 run inside the park home run by Sam Edge.  The Sons came right back to add a run in the bottom half of the inning with back to back doubles by Dom and Cam's ground rule double.  In the next inning the Sons got two more runs with three straight singles from the bats of Tom Hastry, Kevin "K.O." O'Neil, and Jake Connolly, which now brought the score to 6-2.  In the top of the fifth, Dependable threatened to have a big inning, but could only manage to score one run as they left the bases loaded with  Danny Keenan getting  the last two batters on a strikeout and a pop out to Dom DePaoli at short, ending any more damage.  In the last inning Dom came in relief of "D.K." (who had reached his pitch count maximum) and he promptly struck out the side in fine fashion, using only 12 pitches, as he put a nice finishing touch on a very entertaining and well played game.  Rain permitting, the Sons will face the Red Sox (who sit on top of them in the divisional standings) under the lights Saturday.

SONS BACK ON TRACK WITH WIN OVER SACCHETTI PLUMBING

Cam Comeau fires one in

High Fives all around

Friends and former Sons players and coaches enjoying the game

After the Memorial Day weekend hiatus, the Sons didn't waste anytime getting into gear against Sacchetti Plumbing as they opened the first inning with a 2 walk, 1 hit by pitch, and 4 hit attack that scored three runs.  Key hits in the inning were delivered by Danny Keenan (triple) and Jake Sullivan (double), that drove in "MP3", "D.K.", and Cam Comeau.  In the top of the second the Sons added five more hits, 2 more walks, and another hit by pitch which scored seven more runs, as they sent 12 batters to the plate in the inning.  Big hits in the inning came off the bats of Jake Parker, Dom DePaoli, and Cam (all getting doubles), and Sully and Jake Connolly smashing solid singles.  The hit barage continued throughout the game as Robert Dunphy, Kevin "K.O." O'Neil, and Tommy Hastry added their names to the hit list which helped produce four more runs, and making the final score 14-4.  Cam Comeau had his best pitching performance of the season allowing only 2 runs and recording 9 strikeouts in his five innings of work, Jake Connolly pitched the final inning in relief of Cam, and Dom DePaoli continues his feasting off any pitcher in the league he faces, going four for four at the bat.  Also having a multiple hit game was "Sulldog" three for three, and Jake Connolly two for three with a walk.  This was a nice rebound game (after the Supreme debacle game), which shows the character of the Sons team, being able to re-establish it's winning ways and now putting themselves into playoff contention.  On deck for the team is Dependable Cleaning, who also is making a push to make the playoffs.  This should be a well contested game against a divisional opponent, which should make a little bit more clear the Sons playoff chances.  On a side note, it was great to see so many former Sons players and coaches as well as friends in attendance for this game and it was also great to see the current Sons players perform so well in front of them; they all were very impressed with the 2012 team.     

SONS BOW TO SUPREME (IN A BIG WAY)

For all intent and purpose, this game was an old fashion whoopin' that was over by the third inning.  In the first inning both teams had threatened to score, but neither did.  The Sons went down 1,2,3 rather easily in the second, but Supreme posted two runs in the bottom of the second.  In the top of the third, the Sons batters couldn't muster any offense, but that wasn't the case for Supreme in the bottom half of the inning, as they sent eighteen batters to the plate and ended up scoring fourteen of them, essentially ending the chances for any kind of thoughts of winning this game for the Sons.  The Sons did score a run in the sixth to avoid a shutout, but that was about the only positive that came out of this game; Final score Supreme Auto 17 - Sons 1 (Ouch!).  Sometimes when a team is really on their game and the other team is not on their game, these types of blowout games can occur, but the true test of the character of a team is how they respond in their next upcoming game.  With the Memorial Day weekend break, hopefully the Sons can put this game behind them and get re-focused to getting back at playing some solid baseball.  Next on the schedule is Sacchetti Plumbing.

SONS STAGE LATE INNING COMEBACK TO TIE SUPREME AUTO BODY

Going, Going...

Gone!

"D.K.'s" Game tying Home Run

The Sons rallied in the last two innings to gain a tie against Supreme Auto 8-8.  In case you didn' t realize, Weymouth Little League has a by-law stating that no extra inning can begin 15 minutes after  the next scheduled game is to start; unfortunately, the coaches of both Supreme and Sons didn't realize this rule while the previous game to theirs, Wey Bank versus Red Sox, went 3 extra innings and delayed the start of the Supreme/Sons game by one hour, therefore causing the 6 inning  8-8 tie and "no extra innings to be completed game".   Besides the awkward ending with a coaches discussion determining the "time rule", there was some exciting baseball that had taken place previous; after trailing 8-1 going into the fifth, the Sons got it going in the bottom of the fifth with Jake Connolly, Jake Parker, and Danny Keenan all reaching base safely and eventually scoring with Dom DePaoli delivering another clutch hit double that cleared the bases.  Jake Sullivan, who had come in relief in the third inning, silenced the Supreme bats and only allowed one run the rest of the way, giving his team the opportunity for the unlikely finish.  In the bottom of the sixth and the Sons now trailing 8-4, Robert Dunphy started the inning by getting a base on balls; he was then followed by Mikey Swett's walk who was forced out at second by a fielder's choice off the bat of Matt Parker.  Jake Connolly made the second out of the inning and Dunphy and Matt Parker had moved up to second and third base when Jake Parker came to bat and hit a single that brought in both Robert and "MP3"  and bringing the Sons within 2 runs.  Next up for the Sons----- "D.K.", and he didn't waste any time at the plate, as he unloaded a bomb to center field for a 2 run game tying Home Run (his first of the season).  The Sons continued to get runners on in the inning, as DePaoli was intentionally walked and Cam Comeau also was walked, but the Sons couldn't manage to get the go ahead run for the win, but did they finsh with a nice comeback tie that felt like a victory.  The Sons will face the same Supreme Auto Body team in their next game on Monday night.       

Sully in relief

"MP3" waiting for Big Bro' Jake to drive him in 

DIVISIONAL VICTORY FOR SONS OVER WEY- BANK

Dom ready to deliver the heat   

Mikey styling and closing the show

In another key divisional matchup this week, the Sons came out on top with a 9-2 win over Wey Bank.

Tommy Hastry savoring the victory

Wey Bank had taken leads of 1-0 after the first, and 2-1 going into the bottom of the third and they looked poised to give the Sons all they could handle in this tilt, but the Sons started to get things going in the bottom of the third with Kevin O'Neil and "D.K." reaching base, and then Dom DePaoli delivered a double, scoring both "K.O." and "D.K." to get the Sons back into the lead at 3-2.  Dom also was getting the job done on the mound as well, as he shut down the Wey Bank offense in this tightly contested game to this point.  In the bottom of the fifth the Sons kicked their offense into high gear with the entire line-up getting to bat in the inning.  The big hits of the inning were "D.K.'s" 3 run triple and Dom's 2 run blast, his fourth homer of the season and adding to the hit parade in the inning were, Cam Comeau's double, and singles by Matt "MP3" Parker, Mikey Swett, Jake Connolly, and Tommy Hastry (he also reached base by walk as well, in the same inning).  Although the score finished at 9-2, the game was closer than the score indicates, but the big inning of the fifth and the dominating 15 strikeout effort of Dom, (Mikey Swett in relief, also added a K against Wey Bank's last batter) was enough to seal the deal for the Sons.

Post game pep talk

BACK TO BACK SHUTOUT VICTORIES FOR THE SONS

Bobby O'Neil tracking the ball

Bobby following the ball to the glove

  The Sons posted two cosecutive shutout victories this week; one against Conway Realty and the other against Wey Bank on the complete game pitching of Dom DePaoli and Danny Keenan.  The Sons got up early on Conway with a run in the second inning, followed by two more in the third with the run scorers being Tommy Hastry, and then Jake Parker and "D.K." scoring off the 2 RBI hit of Dom DePaoli.  Dom was keeping the Conway bats silent for the majority of the game (eventually posting 15 strikeouts by the games conclusion), but  in the fourth inning  T. Downs of Conway hit a shot to right center, which was tracked down by the speedy Bobby O'Neil for the "catch of the year".  Two more excellent plays occurred when two Conway runners were cut down at the plate after passed balls, one in the fourth and one in the fifth, but the perfectly executed flip toss---catcher to pitcher (Jake Parker to Dom DePaoli) thwarted any potential scoring chances, and Conway didn't threaten anymore in the game, although the Sons did add three more runs of their own in the bottom of the fifth for good measure, making the final score 6-0.

Bobby completes the "catch of the year"

  In the game against Wey Bank, pitching and hitting were the keys to The Sons victory.  D.K. had a complete game shutout victory by displaying excellent control throught the game, striking out eight and inducing all other outs to the infield.  On the offensive side The Sons got multiple hit performances by Matt (MP3) Parker, Jake Parker, "D.K.", Dom, Bobby O"Neil and a big three hit effort from Cam Comeau, who delivered a 3 RBI bases clearing triple that put the game out of reach early for the Sons.  The final score was a solid 9-0 win, which should have the team very confident for Sundays repeat opponent Wey Bank.    
   

Out at the plate---Jake to Dom

SAGAMORE PLUMBING REMAINS UNDEFEATED IN 12-5 VICTORY OVER THE SONS

In the early going of this tilt between the Sons and Sagamore Plumbing, the bats of Sagamore were hot and the Sons bats were not.  Sagamore Plumbing put up 12 runs by the third inning (aided by too many mishandled defensive plays by the Sons and too many deep gap hits off the potent Sagamore line-up) and the Sons hadn't managed a hit of their own yet. Then in the top of the fourth inning, Jake Parker reached base on a walk and then was followed by a Dom DePaoli single, which then was followed by Cam Comeau's rocket shot three run homer (his first of his little league career) making the score 12-3.  The Sons added 2 more runs in the sixth inning, but then squandered a big rally chance when they left the bases loaded, ending a late game comeback, and ending the scoring at 12-5.  The Sagamore strong pitching trio of McGrath, Smith, and Murphy, mounted a 16 strikeout effort against the Sons who have been guilty of taking too many called third strikes at the plate.  With a more concerted effort, and hopefully earlier than later, the Sons can get the bats swinging, and turn those called third strikeouts into basehits, resulting in a better overall team hitting effort.  Next on the schedule is a Mother's Day matinee game against Jack Conway Realty.    

SONS MISSING "BIG HIT" VERSUS ZUPPARDI DENTAL



Matt Parker takes to the field

Cam Comeau looking for a pitch to drive

The Sons squared off against divisional opponent Zuppardi Dental on thursday night and came away with a 3-1 loss.  Both teams could only muster 4 hits apiece and none of those were for extra base hits.  The tandem of Jake Sullivan and Jake Parker pitched well enough to earn a victory, but the lack of run support left the team on the short side of a win.  The Sons had opportunities to score in every inning, but couldn't manage the "big hit" when they had runners on base.  Credit must go out to the Zuppardi fielders, as they were able to cut down the lead runners of the Sons, and did not allow them to get a rally started.  Some nice fielding plays were turned in by the Sons as well, Bobby O'Neil in center field had a couple of good catches and another well executed relay play was turned in by the Sons defense, this time being Robert Dunphy to Jake Parker, to Kevin O'Neil, which resulted in a put out at second base.  Hopefully, with a full compliment of players, the Sons can challenge undefeated Sagamore Plumbing, and get back in the "W" column on saturday.      

SONS AVENGE EARLY SEASON LOSS TO DUNCAN WITH A BIG 11-5 VICTORY



Dom on his way to third

The Sons overcame the mist, the cold, and the darkness, as well as Duncan MacKellar en-route to a solid 11-5 victory over their divisional foe.  Duncan took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second, and that was the only lead they ended up having on the night, as The Sons answered the call in the top of the third with three runs of their own, as the entire line-up came to the plate in the inning and produced 4 runs, with the big hit of the inning being a three run triple by Dom DePaoli.  Duncan got another run in the bottom half of the inning, making the score 4-2.  But once again, the Sons responded with three more runs, this time on a mammoth 3 run home run, by Dom DePaoli (his third of the season).  Pitcher Bobby O'Neil had been cruising along into the fifth inning, keeping a potent Duncan line-up off balanced and frustrated throughout the night with his pitching effort.  After striking out two of their batters in the fifth, Duncan loaded the bases and Jake Parker came in relief of O'Neil, and finally got the third out, but not until Duncan had scored three more runs, making the game a close 7-5 game.  In the top of the sixth inning and now into the darkness,  the "table setters" of Tommy Hastry and Jake Parker reached base again,  setting the stage for another big hit off the bat of.......you guessed it, Dom DePaoli, who eventually scored on some slick base running.  This put the Sons up by five runs, and the game was moved over to Wanzer Field under the lights for the completion of the last half inning, in which Jake Parker, after allowing the first two batters to reach, settled down and mowed down the last three batters by way of the "K".  This victory has The Sons sitting on top of the division lead along with Duncan, with a records of 6-3.  Next on tap for the Sons is another divisional opponent Zuppardi Dental on thursday night.  

SONS SWEEP HOME AND HOME WEEKEND OVER MOONEY CONSTRUCTION

Dom's Home Run Celebration

Robert' Dunphy After #1 Web Gem Catch

Cam Comeau At The Hot Corner 

Jake Connolly Bringing The Heat

Mikey Swett Looking Cool At The Plate

Matt Parker Getting The Rally Started 

In back to back slugfest wins over Mooney Construction (21-10 Saturday and 13-10 Sunday), it was all about the offense.  The entire line-up reached base via hit, walk, error, and even a hit by pitch in the 2 combined games; most notable was Dom DePaoli, who went 7 for 8, including a walk, a fielder's choice, and of course his 2nd home run of the season.  (Just as an F.Y.I. - A fielder's choice in baseball scoring is defined as - an attempt by a fielder to retire a runner already on base rather than the batter: the batter is not credited with a hit if he reaches first base safely).   Also having outstanding batting performances in the two game set were, Matt Parker and Robert Dunphy; they both reached base one way or another in every at bat they had, going a perfect 8 for 8 each.  Also, J. Parker, T. Hastry, and J. Connolly had 3 or more hits, with Sully, Bobby O'Neil, and Cam Comeau  having 2 hits each and making solid contact in several more at bats throughout both games.  With 34 runs being scored by the Sons in two games, it could easily overlook the defense, but there were 3 web gems that must be noted;  the first one being a Tommy Hastry snag of a line shot at third, the second one, a Mikey Swett catch in right and turning it into a double play by throwing the runner out at first, and the number one web gem, and so far the play of the year, Robert Dunphy's back hand "sno-cone" line drive catch at second.  I guess it really wasn't "all" about the offense afterall.  The two victories have now put the Sons at 5-3 on the season, with divisonal leader and rival Duncan MacKellar next on the schedule tuesday night.  Oh yeah, and by the way, a BIG WELCOME BACK to Mikey Swett.  

SONS TAKE DOWN PREVIOUSLY UNDEFEATED RED SOX

Kevin "K.O." O'Neil

Danny "D.K." Keenan

Robert Dunphy

The Sons needed a complete solid effort in all phases of the game (pitching, catching, base running, hitting and fielding) and got it, against a very good Red Sox club.  The Sons jumped out on top with Tommy Hastry getting a solid single to left and then was driven in by Dom DePaoli's double, in which he ended up scoring as well on some clever base running.  In the bottom of the first, the Red Sox cut the lead in half 2-1, and then tried to score again on a single up the middle, but they were denied by a perfectly executed relay, DePaoli to Hastry to Parker at the plate for the third out.  After Danny Keenan's 3 strikeout inning in the bottom of the second , the Sons struck again, this time for 3 runs off the batting of Jake Parker, "D.K.", DePaoli, and Comeau.  "D.K." retired the side in the bottom of the third, but then in the bottom of the fourth, the Red Sox tacked on two more runs, making the score 5-3.  In the fifth inning the Sons could not add to their run total, but Sons pitcher Dom DePaoli made sure the Red Sox were not going to add to theirs either, as he struck all six batters he faced to save the game in impressive style.  It must be mentioned that in the bottom of the fifth, the Red Sox sent to the plate their 3 best hitters, and Dom fired fast ball after fast ball and retired all 3 batters on only ten pitches (one being a "waste" pitch); certainly one of the best pitching efforts seen this year.  Hopefully the Sons can bring the same team effort to Saturday's game.  The Sons record now stands at 3 wins against 3 losses, and now hope to get above the .500 mark against Mooney Consruction.

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE 5TH AND 6TH INNINGS

Jake "SullDog" Sullivan

What started out as a pitcher's duel, ended up being a barn burner with a flurry of runs scored by both the Sons and Duncan MacKellar Insurance.  The final score after the smoke settled was a 12-9 defeat at the hands of team Duncan.  In the first inning, Duncan scored a two out run on a misplayed ball, but couldn't manage anything more off the stellar pitching performance of lefty Jake Sullivan; but as we've seen so far this season, after a pitch count pitching change is made, anything can happen and usually does.  Duncan tacked on three runs in the fifth to take a 4-0 lead, only to have the Sons rally back with 3 of there own in the bottom of the frame, to make it a 4-3 game.  This is where it all goes crazy, as the next 9 out of 10 Duncan batters all reached base by way of a hit or walk, with 8 of those runners eventually scoring.  In the bottom of the sixth, the Sons now trailing 12-3, mounted an offensive assault of their own, scoring 6 runs to get it close, but it was just a bit to little to late, as Duncan recorded the last out of the game and ended the combined teams 14 run inning of the sixth.  Besides "Sully's" excellent pitching, Jake Parker, D.K., and Dom each had a multiple hit day, and nice defensive plays were turned in by Bobby O'Neil in center, D.K. at short and Jake Parker at catcher (on a text book foul pop up catch behind the plate).  Next on tap for the Sons are the Red Sox on Thursday night.  Hopefully with a solid 6 inning effort, the team can get back on the winning track.    



Bobby O'Neil

SONS BATTLE SAGAMORE PLUMBING INTO EXTRA INNINGS



Dom DePaoli and Tommy Hastry

Jake Connolly

Jake Parker




The Sons held a 3-1 lead into the fifth inning before league powerhouse Sagamore Plumbing tied the game and eventually won it in the seventh by a score of 8-3.  Dom DePaoli kept the Sagamore potent offense in check for the most part, allowing only one run through the fifth before he reached his pitch count maximum and had to give way to the young arms of Tommy Hastry and Jake Connolly.   Sagamore Plumbing took full advantage of the young inexperienced Sons pitchers in the sixth and seventh innings and tacked on 7 runs to run the score up in anotherwise close game.  In spite of the loss, there were some positives that came from this game; one being the solid hitting from the middle of the line-up continues.  Danny "D.K." Keenan, DePaoli, and Cam Comeau each had hard hit doubles in the game and some nice fielding plays were turned in by D.K. and Matt Parker.  It also should be noted that Jake Connolly showed some moxy coming in to pitch the seventh, as he recorded 3 strikeouts to eventually stop the onslaught attack of Sagamore Plumbing, in his first game pitching for the Sons.  The Sons face divisional foe Duncan MacKellar next on Sunday.  

IT AIN'T OVER TIL IT'S OVER---BIG COMEBACK WALK-OFF VICTORY FOR THE SONS

  It took the Sons until their final at bat in the bottom of the 6th to get an improbable come from behind victory friday night against Zuppardi Dental.  After trailing the entire game, and Zuppardi looking like they were going to coast to an easy victory, the Sons never say die attitude kicked into full swing and with two outs in the last inning got consecutive hits from Bobby O'Neil, Jake Sullivan, Matt Parker, Robert Dunphy, Jake Connolly, Jake Parker (his second of the Inning) and then finally the game winning walk off extra base hit was delivered by Danny Keenan (also having a 2nd hit in the inning)  to complete the amazing comeback victory.  It wasn't all about the offense though; outstanding fielding by Jake Sullivan in left, solid catching behind the plate by Danny Keenan and Dom DePaoli's slick fielding at first base, prevented big innings by Zuppardi.  The final score was- Sons 8 Zuppardi 7.


Jake Parker on the mound.

Dom DePaoli at the plate.

It must be mentioned that Alex Kennedy of Zuppardi Dental pitched an outstanding 5 innings, surrendering only 1 run to the Sons before he reached the maximum pitch count and had to exit the mound for a relief pitcher. The Sons have faced some early season tough pitching, and it doesn't look like that trend will end any time soon, as they will be going up against two quality teams this weekend; the first one being Sagamore Plumbing on Saturday and Duncan MacKellar Insurance on Sunday.

SONS BATS SILENCED IN 3-0 DEFEAT

The Sons faced Sacchetti Plumbing Wednesday night and were defeated 3-0.  Sacchetti ace pitcher Dave Irwin pounded the strike zone all night long and put down 17 of 18 batters by way of the "K".  The Sons did manage to get a couple of hits in the first inning by Danny Keenan, and Dom DePaoli, but they ended up being stranded on 2nd and 3rd, squandering a potential big inning.  After the 1st, the Sons couldn't manage to get things going as Irwin kept striking out batter after batter.  There were a couple of bright spots in the game besides the two 1st inning hits; Tommy Hastry made some stellar plays at third and Cam Comeau pitched three very solid innings of relief.  Hopefully the Sons can get their hitting attack back against team Zuppardi friday night. 

WEATHER COLD, SONS HOT IN SEASON OPENER

Jake Connolly's first career Little League hit in season opener

In spite of the cold, raw and wet conditions, the Sons baseball team came out hot in defeating the two time defending league champion Cardinals by a score of 10-2.  The Sons mounted a 13 hit, 10 run offensive attack in a game shortened 5 inning season opener.  In the first inning, the team had 5 consecutive hits that produced 4 runs.  In the second and third innings the Sons scored 1 run in each and then sandwiched another 4 run outburst in the fifth, highlighted by Dom DePaoli's first of the season home run.  Dom led the offensive attack with his 3 for 3 hitting performance and was joined by multiple hit teammates Jake Parker, Cam Comeau, Bobby O'Neil, Jake Sullivan, and first year little leaguer Jake Connolly each contributing 2 hits apiece.

On the defensive side, Dom kept the Cardinal bats quiet striking out all 12 batters he faced in his 4 innings of pitching.  As the conditions worsened and the baseball almost impossible to grip, the tandem of Bobby O'Neil and Jake Sullivan mercifully finished up the last inning to the pleasure of all the rain drenched fans, coaches, umpires, and especially the shivering players.  Next up for the team, the Sons will be facing Sacchetti Plumbing on Wednesday....weather permitting.