OC Sports

DGWB’s season hopes fade to Primary Color

Uninspired 13-5 loss to Primary Color leaves team at 4 -4 with one game remaining.  With playoff dreams now dispelled, team turns focus on new business ideas.

IRVINE -  Many managers would be ripping the players for lack of heart and poor execution after a lopsided loss in a game with playoff implications.  Not this one.  Mark Weinfeld the DGWB manager instead handed out a campaign briefs for a new business pitch and asked his talented players, not for an extra base hit but for value-added promotional ideas. 

DGWB Line UP Skyler Wallace       CF Erica Jason              3B M. Weinfeld           1B J Aleman                 2B  Ed Collins                SS Steph Burns           RF D Koegeboehn     P Wendy Alicea        RCF Kalup Alexander   LF A Smekal                 C Greg Jason            DH Elise Wallace         DH

“It is nights like this that we all take a look at ourselves and remember that we should probably keep our day jobs” said Weinfeld after he briefed the players for a pitch that won’t curve or sink or knuckle.  “Good ideas at this agency come from everyone and many times they come from the most refreshingly unexpected sources, so why not engage the softballers?”

“I came to run hard and play hard and I walk out of here needing to think hard? “ questioned Jasmin Aleman.  Other players seemed to be equally baffled by the manager’s request knowing that the season still has one important game left. 

Monday’s game at Harvard Park started with a sign of things to come.  With runners on second and third and one out in the first inning, Jasmin Aleman grounded the ball up the middle.  Weinfeld breaking from third on contact slid into home with what appeared to be a 3-0 lead.  Instead he was called out by the umpire who may have been under herbal influence thinking it was a force and not a tag play.  “I am not sure what game he was watching” said Ed Collins after the call.  Teammates had to calm the fiery Collins who was pantomiming a person drawing and inhaling an imaginary cigarette and pointing to the umpire.

And if the karma wasn’t bad enough from that play, it got really weird when one of the league’s most consistent hitters over the last 10 years, Doug Koegeboehn followed by striking out swinging to end what was a promising beginning.   Primary Color went on to score 10 unanswered runs after the bizarre ending to the top of the first. 

While the outcome forces DGWB to win next week against a tough Pacific Communications (Pharm Team) to ensure a winning record, there were some significant highlights last night.  Stephanie Burns had two hits and a stellar web gem at second base.  Aleman playing 2B earlier made a sensational over the shoulder catch of a short pop that robbed Primary Colors manager of a single. Antonietta Smekal also contributed with a big single in the 2^nd inning. 

At the post game news conference behind all of the talk about hits and errors, Kalup Alexander and Wendy Alicea were seen collaborating on an interactive kiosk idea that would bring tears to the eyes of the Partners. While most of the buzz at Lamppost was about the status of the Y&R / ADx matchup, DGWB was sitting on the outside patio with an easel pad and Doug Koegeboehn leading the brainstorming session.  “I wasn’t going to come to the post game, but when Weiny handed me the pen and told me to go out and get them, how could I resist.” 

DGWB plays its final regular season game next Monday at Harvard #2 (7:40) against Pharm Team (Pacific Communications).   Maybe they can win the pitch and the game to ensure a winning season.  Stay tuned for updates on DGWB Softball now available at http://dgwbblogging.typepad.com/oc_sports/

2008 Scores and Schedule    DGWB (4-3) 4/21     8:50 pm  HCAP#2        DGWB 7                      Graphic Ind  6    4/28    8:50 pm   Barb #2        DGWB 10                    Swat Team   7 5/05     7:40 pm   Barb #2       Bootleggers 21             DGWB         6 5/12     8:50 pm   HCAP #2      TFKA Doner  13            DGWB        9 5/19    7:40 pm   HCAP #2      RiechesBaird  7            DGWB      13 6/02     7:40 pm   HCAP #2      Rauxa Direct   5            DGWB     15 6/09     8:50 pm   HCAP # 2     Y&R Brands  14             DGWB    12 6/16     7:40 pm   HCAP # 1     DGWB   5            Primary Color  13 6/23     7:40 pm   HCAP # 2     DGWB                          Pharm Team

Still Alive!

We still play Pharm Team and Primary Color.  Winning our two remaining and a loss by Y&R would put us in the championship game against Graphic Industries (whose only loss is to us.)

Standings as of June 11
Pool 1

Place	Team	Win	Loss	Tie	Pct	Games	Runs Scored	Runs Allowed	Games Behind
1	Graphic Industries	6	1	0	0.857	7	94	72	0.000
2	Y&R Brands	5	2	0	0.714	7	93	63	1.000
3	Pharm Team	5	2	0	0.714	7	95	55	1.000
4	Primary Color	5	2	0	0.714	7	101	64	1.000
5	DGWB	4	3	0	0.571	7	67	73	2.000
6	Bangers and Mash	3	4	0	0.429	7	84	64	3.000
7	Bootleggers	3	4	0	0.429	7	76	62	3.000
8	Swat Team	2	5	0	0.286	7	66	78	4.000
9	Rauxa Direct	1	6	0	0.143	7	38	125	5.000
10	RiechesBaird	1	6	0	0.143	7	33	91	5.000

DGWB’s big comeback falls short in 14 – 12 loss.

ASLOC SOFTBALL

Trailing 14-3 after five innings, DGWB scores 9 runs and has potential winning run on base; but rally falls shorts as Y & R holds on for key victory that puts them in driver’s seat for playoffs.

IRVINE -  No, we are not talking about Game 2 of the NBA Finals.  We are talking about Game 7 of the 2008 ASLOC Softball League season.  The Lakers came from 22 down to pull within 2 and had a chance to win.  DGWB came from 11 down to pull within 2 and had a chance to win.  The Lakers couldn’t pull off the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history.  DGWB couldn’t pull off the biggest comeback in their long Ad League tenure.  The loss virtually eliminated DGWB’s hopes to appear in the championship round of the playoffs at the end of the month.

DGWB Line UP Skyler Wallace      CF Erica Jason            2B M. Weinfeld           1B Courtney Betley      LF Dean Dunlap           P Kim                        RF Ed Collins               SS Gia Strauss            RCF Kalup Alexander     3B Elise Wallace          C Greg Jason            DH

After five innings, Y & R (5-2) was boasting an eleven run lead and feeling quite secure.  They had sent 11 players to the plate and scored 8 runs in a error-filled 4^th inning.  DGWB had only managed single runs in the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th innings and went out in order in the 5^th.  The only thing left to decide was who would get to Lamppost Pizza first for the post game beer. 

DGWB’s “never say die” spirit was rekindled in the 6^th inning when Gia Strauss and Mark Weinfeld scored on a Dean Dunlap triple.  But Y&R answered in the bottom of the inning scoring their 14^th run on a mammoth solo homer by Tommy Yoshihara that might still be rolling.  This would undoubtedly take all of the air out of the DGWB balloon.

The final inning started innocently enough with Ed Collins singling up the middle for his second hit of the night.  Courtney Betley, playing for the first time in 3 weeks,  followed with her 3rd consecutive hit.  Then Kalup Alexander, Greg Jason and Skyler Wallace proceeded to produce RBI hits sandwiched by a two force outs to keep the rally going.  All of a sudden the Y&R giggles turned to faces of concern.  The score was now 14-10 as they looked to the on deck circle.  But it would be Elise Wallace stepping toward the plate still looking for her first hit of the season.   

“We still knew we were going home smiling at that point” said Y&R pitcher Bryan Ickes.  But Wallace changed Ickes tone when she laced a clutch single over 3^rd base knocking in Greg Jason for the 11^th run.  After Weinfeld and Erica Jason also singled, the score was 14-12 with Dean Dunlap stepping in representing the go ahead run.  DGWB had come all the way back and had their hottest hitter stepping in against his old teammates. 

“I just had a good feeling at the start of the inning” said Weinfeld who taunted Ickes on the mound the whole inning.  “I thought Elise’s hit was a sign of fate”  Could fate be with the DGWBers on this night with the playoffs in their sites and Dunlap whose two homers last week lifted the team to their fourth win, at the plate?  It just was not to be.

Dunlap ripped the first pitch he saw from the quivering Ickes.  The ball was shot from the aluminum cannon with the speed of a bullet right down the first base line.  Erica Jason’s eyes were open wide as she darted toward second base already anticipating the high fives as she would score the tying run.  The ball whizzed behind her… and right into the mitt of Tommy Yoshihara who after gaining his balance, jogged to the bag to end the game.   

“I have no idea why Coach would compare us to the Lakers?” said Betley a devout Celtics fan wearing her Bosox hat and Ted Williams jersey.  “I guess that makes me Kobe” she said laughing. 

DGWB plays next Monday at Harvard #1 (7:40) against Primary Color in the second to last outing of the regular season.  Maybe they can right the ship like the Lakers did and take their game up a notch against another ASLOC rival.  Stay tuned for updates on DGWB Softball now available at http://dgwbblogging.typepad.com/oc_sports/

2008 Scores and Schedule    DGWB (4-3) 4/21     8:50 pm  HCAP#2        DGWB 7                      Graphic Ind  6    4/28    8:50 pm   Barb #2        DGWB 10                    Swat Team   7 5/05     7:40 pm   Barb #2       Bootleggers 21             DGWB         6 5/12     8:50 pm   HCAP #2      TFKA Doner  13            DGWB        9  5/19    7:40 pm   HCAP #2      RiechesBaird  7            DGWB      13 6/02     7:40 pm   HCAP #2      Rauxa Direct   5            DGWB     15 6/09     8:50 pm   HCAP # 2     Y&R Brands  14             DGWB    12 6/16     7:40 pm   HCAP # 1     DGWB                          Primary Color 6/23     7:40 pm   HCAP # 2     DGWB                          Pharm Team

DGWB guys go on a hit parade for 4th win

Men hit safely in 15 out of 16 at bats highlighted by Dunlap's two homers enroute to a 15 - 5 rout of Rauxa Direct.  Win sets up key showdown next week with Y&R

IRVINE -  It may not have looked that easy at the start.  Rauxa Direct came out and surprised DGWB by scoring 3 runs in the top of the first inning.  They didn't exactly resemble a team with only one win on the season and on the wrong side of several lopsided losses.  No worries.  The veteran leadership of DGWB didn't panic.

"They got a few breaks in that first inning and it seemed as if they would mount some serious momentum" said Dean Dunlap, who shared the pitching duties with early-season starter Doug Koegeboehn making his first appearance in over a month.   But any momentum Rauxa might have conjured up from their 3-1 lead disappeared in the second inning.  Ed Collins quashed any what looked like a promising rally in the top of the inning by starting a 6-4-3 inning ending double play.  After Collins started the home half of the inning with a single, Dunlap took the wind out of their sails as he tied the game with the first of his two home runs clearing the head of the right fielder.

DGWB Line UP Skyler Wallace      CF Erica Jason            2B M. Weinfeld           1B Steph Pye              RF Ed Collins               SS Sylvia                     RCF Dean Dunlap          P Steph Burns           RF Kalup Alexander   LF Jasmin Aleman     3B D Keogeboehn   DH/P Netta Smekal         C Greg Jason        DH/LF Kim                    DH/3B

Gil Aranowitz, a former DGWBer who was among the modest crowd at Harvard Park Monday night, remarked that "Dean has always had that calm demeanor.  I think he still listens to Bob Marley and burns incense before each game."  Dunlap didn't deny the statement as he hiked up his tie-dye socks and went about his business in the field.

DGWB took the lead for good when Greg Jason doubled home Koegeboehn in the third.  Jason and Sklyer Wallace both scored on a freaky four base error where Wallace attempting to leg out a infield hit was hit on the cheek by the pitcher's attempted throw to first base.  As the ball ricocheted into right field,  Jason scored easily but Wallace, the triathlete runner turned on the jets rounding the bases and sliding into home just under the tag.   "I asked the umpire to check the ball for dents" said Mark Weinfeld referring to the shot to the face that the gritty Wallace took on the play.

After Rauxa's two run homer in the top of the 3rd closed the gap to 6-5, DGWB went on to score 9 unanswered runs including back-to-back jacks in the 5th by hot hitting Erica Jason and Mark Weinfeld, who homered in his 3rd consecutive game.  Antonietta Smekal, Jasmin Aleman and Steph Burns all had hard hit shots during the late inning run-fest. 

The DGWB win sets up a huge match-up between teams with identical 4-2 records next Monday with the league's defending champion Y&R Brands.  At the post game press room at Lamppost Pizza, Y&R manager Brian Ickes started the smack talk by belittling the DGWB's margin of victory.  "We'll see next week if you guys can score like that against a real team... a Y & R team with a championship banner" boasted Ickes with a beer mug raised high. 

Weinfeld muttered something to Ickes about their less than stellar new business record as the two had to be separated by teammates.  No further incident ensued as several DGWBers taunted them with over the top impersonations of Jenny Craig pitchwoman, Valerie Bertinelli.  "Have you called Jenny yet?"  mimicked a noticeably agitated Jasmin Aleman.  "You just don't talk smack like that in our house.  We'll be ready for them next week."

The highly anticipated showdown against Y&R next week at 8:45 (Harvard #2) promises to have that post-season atmosphere with the loser mathematically eliminated from any chances of playing in the championship game.  Come out next week as it promises to be a high stakes duel.  Stay tuned for updates on DGWB Softball now available at http://dgwbblogging.typepad.com/oc_sports/

2008 Scores and Schedule    DGWB (4-2) 4/21     8:50 pm  HCAP#2        DGWB 7                      Graphic Ind  6    4/28    8:50 pm   Barb #2        DGWB 10                    Swat Team   7 5/05     7:40 pm   Barb #2       Bootleggers 21             DGWB         6 5/12     8:50 pm   HCAP #2      TFKA Doner  13            DGWB        9  5/19    7:40 pm   HCAP #2      RiechesBaird  7            DGWB      13 6/02     7:40 pm   HCAP #2      Rauxa Direct   5            DGWB     15 6/09     8:50 pm   HCAP # 2     Y&R Brands                 DGWB 6/16     7:40 pm   HCAP # 1     DGWB                          Primary Color 6/23     7:40 pm   HCAP # 2     DGWB                          Pharm Team

Jason shows Reiches Baird the DGWB brand.

ASLOC SOFTBALL

Not Greg, but daughter Erica Jason's 4-hit night leads DGWB to 11-5 win.  R/B challenges her legality to no avail.  Collins solid on the hill again.   

IRVINE -  Greg Jason's biggest contribution to Monday night's game was made 14 years ago.  That is when he and his lovely bride Leah brought Erica into this world.  Who would have ever thought then that many years later this youngster's athletic prowess would push her Dad's team to victory?   

Erica Jason's big night on the diamond included two triples and 4 runs scored as the young second base phenom made several tough plays in field look routine.  "I have always told her, do what I say, not what I do" said her proud father immediately after the game.  "Sorry folks, she is not talking to the press tonight, she has to get home to do her homework."      

DGWB Line UP Skyler Wallace      CF Erica Jason            2B M. Weinfeld           1B Steph Pye              3B Ed Collins               P Steph Burns           C Kalup Alexander   SS Sylvia  (Burns)        RF Greg Jason             LF Elise Wallace         RCF Chris Scuro            DH

Ed Collins was called back to the mound with Dean Dunlap out and Doug Koegeboehn still recovering from nasal reconstruction surgery.  Collins was stellar allowing only 2 earned runs in a 7 inning complete game effort.  He was backed by a defensive web gem from shortstop Kalup Alexander after R/B scored two unearned runs in the sixth to tighten the score at 8-5.   The former Oregon State star, Alexander ranged all the way to the foul line in left field to spear a sinking line drive with two runners on base ending the resurgent rally.

Despite the second straight game with All-Star Courtney Betley unavailable, the other DGWB girls stepped up.  In a addition to Erica's headline performance, Stephanie Pye contributed with a key single to left and scored two runs while Steph Burns was on base twice with solid single and a walk.  The offense was highlighted by home runs from Mark Weinfeld in the third inning and a big insurance two out 3-run shot by Skyler Wallace in the bottom of the sixth. 

At the post game press room at Lamppost Pizza, Reiches Bard left fielder, Joey Paglino questioned the legality of DGWB's young second baseman.  "There has to be an age rule.  She is too quick for this league.  This is just like the damn Danny Almonte story all over again" said the dejected R/B spokesman who later rescinded his threat to file a formal complaint to the league,   Paglino was referring to the swirling controversy that surrounded a young Dominican pitcher who dominated in the 2001 Little League World Series.  Almonte was later found to have a falsified birth certificate saying he was 12 years old when he was actually 16. 

"There is no minimum age rule in this league.  The only requirement is that people work in advertising.  And since Greg subcontracted the last HGI media plan to his 'intern' Erica, she is perfectly legal," said Weinfeld in defending his starting line-up.  Alma Gonzales, DGWB HR Director was at the game and showed the league officials Erica's internship agreement.  "She told me that she always thought advertising would be a good fall back if the softball thing doesn't work out."

DGWB will have a week off with Memorial Day next Monday night but will be back on the field against winless Rauxa Direct at 7:40 at Harvard Park on June 2.   Stay tuned for updates on DGWB Softball now available at http://dgwbblogging.typepad.com/oc_sports/

2008 Scores and Schedule    DGWB (3-2) 4/21     8:50 pm  HCAP#2        DGWB 7                      Graphic Ind  6    4/28    8:50 pm   Barb #2        DGWB 10                    Swat Team   7 5/05     7:40 pm   Barb #2       Bootleggers 21             DGWB         6 5/12     8:50 pm   HCAP #2      TFKA Doner13             DGWB         9  5/19    7:40 pm   HCAP #2      RiechesBaird  5            DGWB      13 6/02     7:40 pm   HCAP #2      Rauxa Direct               DGWB 6/09     8:50 pm   HCAP # 2     Y&R Brands                 DGWB 6/16     7:40 pm   HCAP # 1     DGWB                          Primary Color 6/23     7:40 pm   HCAP # 2     DGWB                          Pharm Team

DGWB left shorthanded.

Alexander is a no show.  DGWB forced to play with only 4 guys losing 13-9 to former Doner team despite strong offensive effort.

IRVINE -  It was game time at Harvard Park on Monday night and there was an uncharacteristic scowl on the face of manager Mark Weinfeld.  After all, he was feeling strong again after sitting out last week’s game and he was looking to make a statement playing against his former team.  However, he was pained in his attempts to stall the start of the game as he only had eight teammates on the sideline ready to play. 

DGWB forfeited it home team status in order to stall for more time in hopes that their missing 10^th player, Kalup Alexander would show.  After the team scored two runs in the top of the first, they were forced to adjust and take the field with only four guys and five girls.  Stephanie Pye moved to left field and Stephanie Burns took over at second base and rookie Jasmin Aleman was left to cover the hot corner at third base.  “We knew it would be a tough game because Courtney was out, but we thought for sure we had a strong ten players to compete,”  said Skyler Wallace who covered a huge territory in centerfield without the customary 4^th fielder.   

The team formerly known as Doner (2-2) took advantage of the short-staffed defense and scored five runs in the bottom of the first to take the lead that they would never relinquish.  “I can’t believe that Weiny showed up with only four guys tonight.  I am sure he circled this game on the schedule months ago.” said Brandon Gill of Bangers and Mash an alias for the team formerly known as Doner.  Doner’s name was officially removed from the team name as the company was concerned that it might look like the agency was based in Orange County rather than Detroit.   

DGWB Line-Up Card Skyler Wallace            CF Stephanie Pye             LF Mark Weinfeld            1B Stephanie Burns         2B Ed Collins                    SS Jasmin Aleman           3B Dean Dunlap               P Elise Wallace              RF Netta Smekal              C Kalup Alexander          DNP

Attempts were made to contact Alexander, but he not return calls prior to this printing. When his agent was reached this morning, he reported that Kalup was ailing from a weekend injury.  Alexander made his highly anticipated season debut last week, but rumors had circulated among players that he was planning a hold out to get a renegotiated contract.  His agent vehemently denied that his absence was due to anything but a recent illness.  Alexander came to DGWB as part of the 12 person Argus trade last year.  Many speculated at the time that Alexander would have insisted on being traded had the Argus / DGWB deal not been consummated prior to the start of the season.

Betley, the team’s leading female hitter was also not available as she was a late afternoon scratch.  Antonietta Smekal stepped up to fill Betley’s big shoes and gave the DGWBers a fifth girl.  “Netta is a great example of dedication and team spirit,” said Dean Dunlap.  “She has always put the team above her personal needs”

Weinfeld led a re-energized offense with a four hit night including a triple off the centerfield fence.  “I knew when I hit it there was a chance, but I was once again fleet footed enough to leg that home run into a stand-up triple.”  Collins, coaching third on the play, called for oxygen once Weinfeld got to the base.  Weinfeld’s almost-round-tripper, brought DGWB back to within two at 11-9 after Dunlap and Wallace scored in the inning.   

DGWB will try to “man up” next Monday night against Reiches Baird at 7:40 at Harvard Park.  Watch your emails as DGWB might be calling a mid-week try-out. 

DGWB Scores and Schedules  (2-2) 4/21     8:50 pm  HCAP#2        DGWB 7            Graphic Ind  6    4/28    8:50 pm   Barb #2        DGWB 10           Swat Team   7 5/05     7:40 pm   Barb #2       Bootleggers 21  DGWB         6 5/12     8:50 pm   HCAP #2      Bangers 13        DGWB         9 5/19    7:40 pm   HCAP #2       RiechesBaird     DGWB 6/02     7:40 pm   HCAP #2      Rauxa Direct      DGWB 6/09     8:50 pm   HCAP # 2     Y&R Brands        DGWB 6/16     7:40 pm   HCAP # 1     DGWB                Primary Color 6/23     7:40 pm   HCAP # 2     DGWB                Pharm Team

Clock strikes midnight for Cinderella DGWB in lopsided loss to ADX

Despite Dunlap and Alexander making impressive debuts, team badly misfires. Controversy swirls about pre-game “meeting” at Original Mike’s.

Originally published: 5/6/2008

IRVINE -  DGWB had an abrupt wake-up call in the midst of a dream season on Monday night at Bill Barber Field.   The on-field culprit: The hard-hitting ADX Bootleggers that rocked the slumbering DGWBers for a 21-6 loss.  The off-field culprit might have been Cinco de Mayo.

Two-sporters Dean Dunlap and Kalup Alexander, making their first starts of the season after the completion of the DGWB basketball season, weren’t enough to overcome a barrage of hits from the deep Bootlegger line-up that improved their record to 3-0.  “We were simply out played in every aspect of the game.  We didn’t play to our potential and we gave a good team way too many gifts” said starting pitcher Dunlap referring to the uncharacteristic defensive gaffs from his usually sure-gloved cohorts. 

It was later reported that many of the team’s key players made a visit to Original Mike’s just prior to the start of Monday’s game.  While team officials would not comment on the speculation, Jose Lopez of Madras Mariachis, a local musical trio playing at the Santa Ana bar for Cinco de Mayo, confirmed that at least eight members of the DGWB team we at the establishment and that alcoholic beverages were consumed.   “They seemed to be having a good time singing along with our mariachi songs and drinking cervezas” Lopez reported.

 

“It was a closed-door meeting and that is all I am going to say” said Ed Collins when asked about the incident.    Insiders speculate that veteran Greg Jason, the team's alleged ring leader, may get suspended for one game.   Team officials are expected to make a statement later today regarding this swirling controversy.

The night on the field started good enough for DGWB as Dunlap recorded a 1-2-3 first inning with Skyler Wallace tracking down a line shot deep into left center field to record the first out.  Then DGWB started the bottom of the first with a 2-run double from Collins and an RBI double by Dunlap for 3-0 lead.  But that is the end of the DGWB highlights for Monday night.  ADX then scored in each of the last 6 innings to amass an insurmountable lead that left a dejected DGWB team questioning itself.

Lost behind the off-field antics, were the debuts of Jasmin Aleman, Wendy Alicea and Alma Gonzales.  “I was expecting a lot more from us tonight” said Gonzales who split time between catching and right field.  “We will bounce back and get things right next week, I am sure of that.”  Chris Scuro, also playing in his first game this season, added a little levity to the night when he batted in the last inning.  Scuro did a little retaliation trash talk to the opposing pitcher and promptly smashed a single to center field.  However, ADX got the last laugh when Scuro was doubled off second to end the game on Courtney Betley’s line-out to left field.

Noticeably absent from Monday’s line up was first baseman Mark Weinfeld.  When asked why he was not playing, he abruptly responded “It was the coach’s decision. Why don’t you go ask him?”

DGWB will try to sober up next Monday night against “the team formally-known as Doner” at 8:50 at Harvard Park. 

DGWB comes out guns a blazing for 2nd win in a row, 10 -7

7-run 1^st inning keys victory over Heil Brice Swat Team.  Late scratch to Keogeboehn forces Collins to hill; scrambles defense.

Originally published 4/29/2008

IRVINE -  DGWB found a great way to deal with adversity.  They simply came out with vengeance and scored 7 runs in their first at bat and then hung on for 10- 7 victory over Heil Brice's Swat Team (1-1) Monday night at Bill Barber Field.

Already playing without ace pitcher Dean Dunlap, things got a little shaky when Doug Keogeboehn, last weeks winning pitcher, was scratched due to a “weekend injury.”  No problem.  In steps, “Easy Eddie” Collins who goes on to frustrate Swat Team’s potent offense that scored 17 runs last week against Rauxa Direct.

Skyler Wallace started the 1^st inning hit-feast with a lead off home run to centerfield.  He was follow by 6 consecutive hits and in all DGWB sent 13 players to plate scoring 7 runs before Collins threw his first pitch.  “Sometimes the waiting for these late games just gets you really fired up.” said Greg Jason, who contributed with two RBIs.  “Everybody just kept hitting it hard and good things happened.” 

DGWB Line-Up Card S Wallace              CF C Betley                 SS/LF M Weinfeld           1B/SS E Jason                  2B E Collins                P S Pye                      RCF G Jason          3B/1B/SS S Burns                  RF J Seraj                    LF/3B A Smekal              C

With Koegeboehn out and Collins moved to pitcher, Courtney Betley came in from left field to play shortstop and made two sparkling plays including ranging deep for a over-the-shoulder catch that ended an early Swat Team threat.  Two sports star, Jahan Seraj, who came straight from DGWB’s final basketball game and filled in at left field and later 3^rd Base, added key hits in the first and fifth innings. Stephanie Burns made her season debut in right field Monday and got a key hit in the 1^st inning to keep the rally alive.

Swat Team tried to cross up Collins by taking pitch after pitch to try to work a walk.  “It is the co-ed softball version of the Hack-a-Shaq, a pretty low place to go in Rec League softball” said catcher Antoinetta Smekal.  “Ed just told me to keep him focused.”   Collins responded.  “Netta started a square dance cheer behind the plate which totally took the pressure off me.  I threw strikes and the defense made the plays behind me.”

DGWB puts its undefeated record on the line next Monday against The Bootleggers at 7:40PM at Bill Barber Field.

2008 Scores and Schedule    DGWB (2-0) 4/21      8:50 pm    HCAP#2    DGWB 7    Graphic Ind   6 4/28      8:50 pm   Barb #2      DGWB 10 Swat Team 7 5/05      7:40 pm   Barb #2      Bootlgr vs  DGWB 5/12      8:50 pm   HCAP #2    Bangers vs DGWB 5/19      7:40 pm   HCAP #2    RchsBrd vs DGWB 6/02      7:40 pm   HCAP #2    Rauxa vs   DGWB 6/09      8:50 pm   HCAP # 2   Y&R vs     DGWB 6/16      7:40 pm   HCAP # 1   DGWB vs Prm Color 6/23      7:40 pm   HCAP # 2   DGWB vs Pharm Team

DGWB wins season debut

SOFTBALL

Behind strong pitching from Koegeboehn and defensive gems by Meza-Dierks and Collins, DGWB edges favored Graphic Industries 7-6.

Originally published 4/22/08

IRVINE -- If the 2008 season opener is any indication of the season ahead, you had better fasten your seat belt for an exciting summer of co-ed ASLOC softball. 

With the tying run on base, Koegeboehn got Graphic Industries (0-1) to ground out to secure victory a see-saw battle between two great defensive teams. DGWB (1-0) overcame a 2-0 deficit to hang on for an improbable 7-6 victory over one of last year's top teams.

DGWB took the lead for good 4-2 lead in the 3rd inning on RBI singles by Ed Collins and both Greg and Erica Jason.  Then in the bottom of the inning, Melany Meza-Dierks made a catch reminiscent of the great Willie Mays in the 1954 World Series which seemed to spark to the DGWB defense.  With Meza-Dierks and Stephanie Pye both retreating in deep right center to chase a sure home run by GI's clean-up hitter, Meza-Dierks reached behind Pye's outstretched glove to snare the fly ball with her back turned to the infield ala Willie Mays... securing the Sportscenter Play of the Day award.

Collins, starting at shortstop for the first time in 14 years, showed why he was known as "The Canon" in his early days as he ranged deep into the hole several times and fired bullets to Mark Weinfeld at first.  Courtney Betley returning to her collegiate position of left field along with the speedy Skyler Wallace in center limited the high powered GI offense to only singles. 

"There is no better feeling than to win the opener with such a great defensive effort.  This is a league where defense makes the difference." said Weinfeld at the postgame meeting at Lamp Post Pizza.  "We had the timely hitting when we needed it.  The back-to-back doubles by Kegs and Court in last inning were huge.   We did the little things right, like Netta moving the runners into scoring position in the big 3rd inning."

DGWB plays their next game at 7:30 next Monday at Harvard Park.

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