ROLLINSFORD – The Beacons’ defense and pitching were strong, but the bats that produced 12 runs the night before fell silent in Thursday night’s loss to Moore Construction.
Beacons fans were in shock as they watched their team hit into three inning-ending double plays and squander other scoring chances by hitting weak foul pop outs to the third base side.
Despite getting some strong innings from starting pitcher Darryl “D-Man” Cauchon and reliever Bob Cook, the Beacons’ offense pulled the ultimate disappearing act.
The team’s three runs were produced by a towering double to left field struck by Beacons outfielder Jeremy Knowles and some aggressive base-running by center fielder Jason Claffey.
Beacons Coach Bob Cook was disappointed in the team’s lack of offense.
“I thought that after we produced so many runs the night before that we would come close to duplicating that effort tonight, but it just didn’t happen. When we did hit the ball well, it was right at their fielders. I just don’t think we gave ourselves a chance to win a game that was winnable.”
The loss ran the Beacons’ losing streak to six games and puts the team firmly in the cellar of the Dover Co-Ed Softball League. The team has 13 games left to play, including three make-up games.
“Sooner or later we are going to get our first win and then once we get over that hump, we may get a few more,” said Cook, who had two hits in last night’s game.
Next up for the Beacons are none other than Navy Yard, which has a league-best 9-0 record and has been steamrolling just about every other team this season.
It’s already shaping up to be another painful day for the Beacons and their fans.
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Saturday, June 21, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Beacons, Merrill's Radiator duke it out in rematch; Beacons rally falls short
ROLLINSFORD -- The Beacons were looking forward to this week's rematch against Merrill's Radiator after the team suffered a 22-7 beating at GoldStar Park in front of their fans the previous week.
In what may have been one of the young franchise's best efforts, the Beacons sported much improved defense, spectacular outfield catches, gutsey pitching and some strong offense. But once again, Merrill's Radiator found their hitting groove when they needed it most and pulled out a 17-12 win.
After falling behind 2-0 in the first, the Beacons stormed back and scored seven runs on hits by Beacons third baseman Justin Palmer, leftfielder Jeremy Knowles and center fielder Jason Claffey. They were joined by Beacons Tiffany Ecker and Molly Palmer, who continue to smash the ball all over the field.
Merrill's Radiator hitters earned every run they scored when Knowles, Claffey and right-center fielder Rick Coughlin played solid outfield defense. Knowles made a diving catch in the bottom of the third to rob a Merrill's Radiator hitter of extra bases and Claffey made a spectacular catch after running all the way back to the centerfield wall and leaping against the fence.
"That was one of the greatest catches I have ever seen on a softball field," said Beacons Manager Bob Cook. "It's plays like that that get the whole team energized and make everybody want to play their best for the team."
After the Beacons found themselves down 13-7 in the fourth inning, the team scratched out three more runs over the next two innings to close the gap to 13-10.
Beacons starting pitcher Bob Cook threw another complete game and managed to keep Merrill's Radiator hitters slightly off balance through five innings, but slowly, but surely, Merrill's hitters stroked sharp singles and managed to score four more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.
The Beacons managed to get two runners in scoring position with two outs in the top of the seventh before the rally and the game ended, 17-12.
"That was a tough game for us to lose, but we played much better ball and we're happy that our team is heading in the right director," said Justin Palmer, who had three hits and knocked in four runs.
Cook, pitched another complete game on the hill, said he was also pleased the team improved its defense and tried to be more aggressive at the plate.
"This game is another step that we took towards becoming a better team that can compete in this league," Cook said. "Hopefully, we can build on it when we play tomorrow night."
The Beacons are scheduled to play Moore Construction at GoldStar Park on Thursday night at 6 p.m. The two teams were unable to play their first regularly scheduled game earlier this month because they could not gain access to the equipment building to retrieve the bases.
This will be the teams' first meeting this season.
In what may have been one of the young franchise's best efforts, the Beacons sported much improved defense, spectacular outfield catches, gutsey pitching and some strong offense. But once again, Merrill's Radiator found their hitting groove when they needed it most and pulled out a 17-12 win.
After falling behind 2-0 in the first, the Beacons stormed back and scored seven runs on hits by Beacons third baseman Justin Palmer, leftfielder Jeremy Knowles and center fielder Jason Claffey. They were joined by Beacons Tiffany Ecker and Molly Palmer, who continue to smash the ball all over the field.
Merrill's Radiator hitters earned every run they scored when Knowles, Claffey and right-center fielder Rick Coughlin played solid outfield defense. Knowles made a diving catch in the bottom of the third to rob a Merrill's Radiator hitter of extra bases and Claffey made a spectacular catch after running all the way back to the centerfield wall and leaping against the fence.
"That was one of the greatest catches I have ever seen on a softball field," said Beacons Manager Bob Cook. "It's plays like that that get the whole team energized and make everybody want to play their best for the team."
After the Beacons found themselves down 13-7 in the fourth inning, the team scratched out three more runs over the next two innings to close the gap to 13-10.
Beacons starting pitcher Bob Cook threw another complete game and managed to keep Merrill's Radiator hitters slightly off balance through five innings, but slowly, but surely, Merrill's hitters stroked sharp singles and managed to score four more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.
The Beacons managed to get two runners in scoring position with two outs in the top of the seventh before the rally and the game ended, 17-12.
"That was a tough game for us to lose, but we played much better ball and we're happy that our team is heading in the right director," said Justin Palmer, who had three hits and knocked in four runs.
Cook, pitched another complete game on the hill, said he was also pleased the team improved its defense and tried to be more aggressive at the plate.
"This game is another step that we took towards becoming a better team that can compete in this league," Cook said. "Hopefully, we can build on it when we play tomorrow night."
The Beacons are scheduled to play Moore Construction at GoldStar Park on Thursday night at 6 p.m. The two teams were unable to play their first regularly scheduled game earlier this month because they could not gain access to the equipment building to retrieve the bases.
This will be the teams' first meeting this season.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Beacons blasted by Merrill's Radiator, 22-7
ROLLINSFORD -- The Beacons battled to within four runs of Merrill's Radiator Wednesday in the bottom of the third inning only to see the lead balloon to 14 runs an inning later before succumbing to a 22-7 defeat.
The sensational catches made by center fielder Jason Claffey and left fielder Sonny Ecker and the 3-3 hitting display put on by pitcher Bob Cook were all for naught after the home half of the third when the Beacons closed the gap to 11-7.
Despite having three women players, one less outfielder and being forced to take an out in the batting line-up at GoldStar Park, the Beacons still flashed some good defense, strong pitching and timely hitting to stay close. In the end, Merrill's Radiator's hitting attack was just too much for the Beacons, who fell to 0-4.
Claffey, a stand-out Beacons rookie, had another great game in center and at the plate. He made two running catches in deep right center field, robbing Merrill's Radiator hitters of extra bases and also made a spectacular diving catch in short center field to rob another hitter of a sure single. Claffey also demonstrated his speed and turned a double into a triple.
Ecker also made a great catch in left when he ran a long way toward the fence and made an over the shoulder grab to rob another hitter of extra bases.
Cook pitched the entire game with catcher Jessica Singer as his catcher and threw no less than 75 pitches, striking out two batters. But not even a veteran pitcher like Cook could keep Merrill's Radiator down for two long.
After falling behind 21-7 in the top of the fourth inning, Cook gave up a bomb to one Merrill's Radiator hitter that soared over the left field fence. The Beacons had one last at bat to try and score some runs, but went down one-two-three. The 15-run mercy rule was then invoked by the homeplate umpire.
"I don't think the final score really reflects this game," Beacons Manager Bob Cook said. "We battled pretty well up to the fourth inning and we put ourselves in a position to compete. We just had some defensive lapses that allowed them to score more runs than they should have."
When the last out was recorded and the game was called, Beacons players collected their gloves and bats and quietly headed to the lockerroom.
"Too many errors. It was just like a conga line when they got up," said dejected Claffey, who also made a few miscues on fly balls he lost in the sun at the beginning of the game.
The Beacons were scheduled to play a Father's Day game on Sunday versus Station House, but Cook already notified league president Ben Hazen that he would not have enough players and the game would need to be rescheduled.
The Beacons now will have to make-up three games against Post 47, Moore Construction and Station House.
The sensational catches made by center fielder Jason Claffey and left fielder Sonny Ecker and the 3-3 hitting display put on by pitcher Bob Cook were all for naught after the home half of the third when the Beacons closed the gap to 11-7.
Despite having three women players, one less outfielder and being forced to take an out in the batting line-up at GoldStar Park, the Beacons still flashed some good defense, strong pitching and timely hitting to stay close. In the end, Merrill's Radiator's hitting attack was just too much for the Beacons, who fell to 0-4.
Claffey, a stand-out Beacons rookie, had another great game in center and at the plate. He made two running catches in deep right center field, robbing Merrill's Radiator hitters of extra bases and also made a spectacular diving catch in short center field to rob another hitter of a sure single. Claffey also demonstrated his speed and turned a double into a triple.
Ecker also made a great catch in left when he ran a long way toward the fence and made an over the shoulder grab to rob another hitter of extra bases.
Cook pitched the entire game with catcher Jessica Singer as his catcher and threw no less than 75 pitches, striking out two batters. But not even a veteran pitcher like Cook could keep Merrill's Radiator down for two long.
After falling behind 21-7 in the top of the fourth inning, Cook gave up a bomb to one Merrill's Radiator hitter that soared over the left field fence. The Beacons had one last at bat to try and score some runs, but went down one-two-three. The 15-run mercy rule was then invoked by the homeplate umpire.
"I don't think the final score really reflects this game," Beacons Manager Bob Cook said. "We battled pretty well up to the fourth inning and we put ourselves in a position to compete. We just had some defensive lapses that allowed them to score more runs than they should have."
When the last out was recorded and the game was called, Beacons players collected their gloves and bats and quietly headed to the lockerroom.
"Too many errors. It was just like a conga line when they got up," said dejected Claffey, who also made a few miscues on fly balls he lost in the sun at the beginning of the game.
The Beacons were scheduled to play a Father's Day game on Sunday versus Station House, but Cook already notified league president Ben Hazen that he would not have enough players and the game would need to be rescheduled.
The Beacons now will have to make-up three games against Post 47, Moore Construction and Station House.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Beacons stage dramatic comeback, but fall to Shirts Happen, 17-14
ROLLINSFORD -- The Beacons played their best game of the young 2008 softball season Tuesday night and staged a dramatic comeback before ultimately losing to Shirts Happen, 17-14.
The game didn't look that promising when the Beacons fell behind, 7-0, in the first inning with Jessica Singer on the hill thanks to a combination of sharp Shirts Happen hits and a few bases on balls.
The Beacons nearly wiped one of those runs off the board when Beacons left fielder Sonny Ecker threw a strike to catcher Bob Cook who applied the tag to a Shirts Happen runner who was called safe at home.
As the game wore on, the Beacons started playing better defense and relief pitcher Bob Cook managed to hold the home team to four more runs through the 5th inning.
At that juncture, the Beacons were down, 11-3, and needed some offense in a hurry if they were going to make a game of it. Then suddenly the Shirts Happen relief pitcher lost her control and started walking some Beacons hitters to load the bases.
Beacons third baseman Justin Palmer, Cook, Josh Rosenson stroked some singles to drive in some runs along with speedy center fielder Jason Claffey. Left fielder Sonny Ecker, still nursing an injured hamstring, struck the big blow that helped propell his team to a 14-11 lead with a bases clearing double in the left-center field gap.
But as fate would have it, the Beacons defense faltered in the bottom of the sixth when they lost the lead after getting two outs. Shirts Happen was suddenly sitting on a three-run lead in the top of the seventh. The Beacons went quietly in their last at-bat, but Beacons Coach Bob Cook said there are a lot of good things the team could take with them.
"I think it was amazing that we staged such a great comeback and generated some big hits when we needed them. I thought our defense and pitching grew stronger as the game went on and some of our new players really made a positive impact in their first game with the big club," said Cook, who pitched two scoreless innings.
The Beacons are now 0-3 and have one game to make up against Post 47 later this season. Cook said he likes what he sees at this point in the season and that Beacons fans should be assured the team will only get better as the season goes on.
"The pieces are starting to fall into place," Cook said.
Next on deck for the Beacons is a Monday game against Moore Construction at GoldStar Park at 6 p.m.
The game didn't look that promising when the Beacons fell behind, 7-0, in the first inning with Jessica Singer on the hill thanks to a combination of sharp Shirts Happen hits and a few bases on balls.
The Beacons nearly wiped one of those runs off the board when Beacons left fielder Sonny Ecker threw a strike to catcher Bob Cook who applied the tag to a Shirts Happen runner who was called safe at home.
As the game wore on, the Beacons started playing better defense and relief pitcher Bob Cook managed to hold the home team to four more runs through the 5th inning.
At that juncture, the Beacons were down, 11-3, and needed some offense in a hurry if they were going to make a game of it. Then suddenly the Shirts Happen relief pitcher lost her control and started walking some Beacons hitters to load the bases.
Beacons third baseman Justin Palmer, Cook, Josh Rosenson stroked some singles to drive in some runs along with speedy center fielder Jason Claffey. Left fielder Sonny Ecker, still nursing an injured hamstring, struck the big blow that helped propell his team to a 14-11 lead with a bases clearing double in the left-center field gap.
But as fate would have it, the Beacons defense faltered in the bottom of the sixth when they lost the lead after getting two outs. Shirts Happen was suddenly sitting on a three-run lead in the top of the seventh. The Beacons went quietly in their last at-bat, but Beacons Coach Bob Cook said there are a lot of good things the team could take with them.
"I think it was amazing that we staged such a great comeback and generated some big hits when we needed them. I thought our defense and pitching grew stronger as the game went on and some of our new players really made a positive impact in their first game with the big club," said Cook, who pitched two scoreless innings.
The Beacons are now 0-3 and have one game to make up against Post 47 later this season. Cook said he likes what he sees at this point in the season and that Beacons fans should be assured the team will only get better as the season goes on.
"The pieces are starting to fall into place," Cook said.
Next on deck for the Beacons is a Monday game against Moore Construction at GoldStar Park at 6 p.m.
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