ScottKoon.com

March-Westin once again showed that they can hit great, even late, as they defeated Wendy’s last night 27-20.Overall MW responded well to the lack of playing time after two consecutive games were rained out. Although their fielding appeared rusty at times, several of the blunders could be attributed to the field conditions.

The fields were in use all weekend, often times during the rain which caused standing water to accumulate in the infield. Although the field had some work done to it before the start of the evening’s games, it was still in poor condition for the 10pm gametime.

Wendy’s, the clear underdog going into the night’s matchup, put up a surprising showcase on the offensive side, with numerous base hits. However Wendy’s was at a disadvantage defensively as they were forced to play with only 3 outfielders, leaving far too many holes for MW to abuse.

And abuse the outfield is exactly what MW did, as the game entered the final innings MW really started to turn up the fire and used a 9 run bottom of the 6th inning rally to help seal a victory. “We thought it would take 20 to win, not 30” said one Wendy’s player.

Some notable orders were Wimer who biggie sized his offensive combo meal as he went 4-5 with two triples. Jackson and Nick also ordered up a couple classic triples, while Johnny, Dave and Tyler took one each. Scott decided to go with a single and a double with a side of diving catch.

James had a good night on the mound, appearing to be in full control of his pitch placement. And although the scoreboard does not reflect it, the pitching surly contributed to limiting Wendy’s big play capability, holding them to mostly singles.

MW has another layoff due to the July 4 holiday, they will return to action on July 10th as they take on #4 ranked John Howard at 7:00pm.

Chasing Bonds Update: Nick-5, Jackson-2, Amie-2, Tom-1

The latest AA standings are out and MW is still on top as they remain the only undefeated team.

See the full AA standings here.

Like many of its games earlier this season, March-Westin showcased its dominant force once again Monday night as they defeated Jackie’s Place extending their winning streak to 9 games.

If the players from Jackie’s Place were causing you to have uncontrollable flashbacks, worry not because it might not be because of the drugs you did in college. Many of the players are from the team that March-Westin defeated not once, but twice last fall to claim the Fall League Championship (and receive a 100% cotton championship T-Shirt and a very shiny trophy).

MW was at full strength for this game, with James returning to the mound and Tyler to left center. And with this traditional starting lineup MW set the tone of the game early, scoring 8 runs in the opening frame. In fact, Jackson started the game out with an inside the park homerun and the rest March-Westin did everything possible to keep pace (Jackson would later homer over the fence adding to his “Chasing Bonds” total).

MW displayed an unvarying barrage of hitting, perhaps thanks to the new bat that Coach Tom purchased for the team. Wimer and Dave contributed HR’s while many other MW players had long drives to the outfield wall, resulting in numerous multi-base hits. However, the new bat was unable to help James as he suffered the first strikeout by a March-Westin batter this season.

Coach Tom, who is also the teams financial advisor, in an uncharacteristic, but brief, moment of blind rage emphasized that the new bat was quite expensive and he would appreciate if no one threw it against the fence.

The infield (brought to you by the letter “J”) of Johnny, Jackson, Jonathan, and James stopped everything hit their way, killing any chance of Jackie’s starting a rally. The outfield also had a stellar performance, highlighted by Tyler who threw out a runner trying to advance on a hit from first to third.

The final score of Mondays contest was March-Westin 16, Jackie’s Place 6.

March Westin (9-0) will return to action on Monday, June 19th at 9:00 pm on Liberatore Field to take on Shockers (2-3*).

Chasing Bonds Update: Nick-4, Jackson-2, Amie-2**, Tom-1

* as of June 2.

**It has been noted by Coach Tom that these homeruns occurred in a girl’s game on a girl’s field. These allegations have not been confirmed by mwball.com.

They say the great teams just find a way to win. Well it has not been pretty, but MW has found a way in its past two games.

Last nights matchup faced heavily favored March-Westin against Mylan Express. The air was ripe for upset as March-Westin had several obstacles facing them, most notably being short a pair of their regular starters and having not played for two weeks. So a rusty start was almost expected for team MW, and that’s precisely what happened.

Carl stepped in for MWs regular hurler, James who was unable to attend the game, although Carl had not seen action from the mound since September. He struggled to find the plate and was eventually replaced by Johnny on the mound but not after the damage had already been done, essentially spotting Mylan Express 10 runs by the end of the first inning.

But March-Westin has showcased a powerful offense all season and with the advantage of less than ideal outfield conditions, this night would be no exception. MW picked apart the outfield with their top 6 batters, 5 of whom attributed for 3 runs each.

Bailey made the trip to Motown to replace Johnny, who at the last minute actually was able to make it to the game. Causing a moral dilemma for coach tom who went from not having enough players to yet again having too many and being forced to make a tough decision on the starting lineup.

Early in the game Dave hit a blast to right center with one out, forcing Nick who was on first base to tag up in case of a catch. The outfielder failed to make the catch as dave rounded first. This created a scene taken straight from Rookie of the Year with Nick a mere three steps in front of Dave who is politely suggesting that Nick continue to run and run fast. Nick scored on the play and Dave ended up with a standup triple.

Both teams hit a bit of an offensive dry spot during the middle innings of the game, but March-Westin was able to really put on the pressure with 7-run sixth inning rally to retake the lead.

In the bottom of the 7th there was one play that reminded Mylan Express and everyone in attendance that MW was destined to win this game, and that was Jacksons diving catch to rob the number 3 batter of a line drive that was sure to be a base hit. You could just feel the energy shift fully to the MW side. The snag would easily rank on any top 10 catches of the week list. And on a more personal note this journalist would just like to say, in the words of the great Craig Kilborn: Jackson, I glove you man.

The next batter then hit a routine pop fly to left field which Nick easily trotted under to end the game and keep the MW winning streak in tact. Final score 20-18.

The scorebook can be viewed here.

March-Westin will be leaving regular season play as they enter the USSSA softball tournament this weekend (gametimes to be announced June 9th, stay tuned to mwball.com for more). MW will return to regular season action on Monday the 12th as they take on Jackie’s Place.

Chasing Bonds Update: Nick-4, Amie-2, Jackson-1, Tom-1.

If you were among the many fans that made it out to Thursday night’s game, you picked a good one. By far the closest game of the season for MW, who was forced into a 7th inning comeback to regain the lead and take home another W.

After a 5 run first inning MW failed to continue their run production, producing an average of only 1 run per inning while Summers slowly chipped away at the early MW lead.  By the end of the 5th inning Summers had tied the game.

A shell-shocked March-Westin team was forced to recompose as they entered the late innings of the game without their usual comfortable lead.

But as you would expect from a veteran squad, MW refused to go without a fight.  Entering the bottom of the 7th with a 3 run deficit and the top of the order stepping to the plate March-Westin reminded everyone that their undefeated record is no fluke.

Jackson, Tom, and then Johnny all reach base on singles, scoring Jackson.  However, Tom got overly greedy and ended up getting picked off at second base, but it would take more than that to stop the now rejuvenated offense.

Nick, who is rumored to be under investigation for performance enhancing substances, singles to left field putting runners on 1st and 2nd.  Dave then doubles, scoring Johnny and moving Nick to 3rd.

Jonathan would then get his own double, scoring Dave and Nick and giving March-Westin their 7th win of the season.

The scorebook from Thursday’s game can be viewed here.

Chasing Bonds Update: Nick-3, Jackson-1, Tom-1, Amie-1

March-Westin is on a 14 game winning streak from last season.

MW has an off week this week, but will return to action on Monday, June 5th as they face Mylan Express.  Game time is scheduled for 7pm.

March-Westin came away with another victory Sunday afternoon after a sluggish start. Due to a series of rainouts which has plagued the Boparc league MW had not been on the field for nearly two weeks and there was no question it took its toll. “We looked rusty, but a couple rounds through the order and everyone started to look more comfortable” said Koon.

However once MW got the bats going everything started to click. The newcomer Randy had a very strong offensive performance as he went 4-4 with a triple and a home run. The other rookie Tyler also had a solid performance highlighted by his grand slam home run.

March-Westin only scored 5 runs in the first four innings, but then went on to score 13 in the 5th and 6th innings.

Carl joined the team to replace the Wimer who was unable to attend the game due to a prior obligation.

Scott again replaced Nick in left field. The team reports this is due to Nicks nagging injury and the poor field conditions, but there are rumors that Nick might have just lost his position as Scott has failed to error thus far while in the traditionally active position.

Jonathan suffered a pair of elbow injuries as he was hit by a throw as he was heading to home and then again as he was rounding second base.

Once Westin got rolling in their first game they not only were scoring at will (as previously mentioned) but they were able to shore up their defense as well, allowing zero runs in the final three innings of play.

March-Westin defeated Finish Line Motors with a final score of 18-6.

I am happy to announce that I have created a new website, MWBall.com This website will be devoted to March-Westin Softball. You will be able to read my game recaps along with blog entries from some of your favorite coaches and athletes.

I will continue to post my personal articles here at scottkoon.com as well as on mwball.com.

If you have any suggestions for mwball.com I would love to hear them so either drop me an email or post something in the comments section of this post.

March-Westin dominated Town Hill in every aspect of the game last night, and the scorebook reflected it. In just three innings it was all over, MW utilizing a rarely used 20-run lead after 3 innings mercy rule. Final score: 21-0.

MW refused to let up on the offense side, practically batting through the order in every inning; essentially putting together a highlight reel of offense. Jackson had two triples, Tom with a double and a triple, home runs for Scott and Dave, a triple and a double for Randy, a pair of doubles and a single for Wimer and… well, you get the idea.

On the mound James pitched one of the best games in recent history, not only hurling a shutout, but allowing only 2 hits, an uncanny feat in this offense orientated league.

However it was not all good news for March-Westin, Nick Mick their number 4 hitter re-aggravated a groin injury from last year forcing him to move from a left field position to AH where he continued to hit solidly but could barley round the bases due to the pain. This forced a rearrangement of the outfield but it proved to be a non issue as MW refused to commit a single error. Nick is 7 for 7 so far this season.

Chasing Ruth Update:
Both Jackson and Nick have one out of the park homerun so far this season.

The scorebook from last night’s game can be viewed Here.

March-Westin returns to action this Monday (5/08) as they take on Panrell Construction at 9pm.

MW started off the season with a solid win Monday night as they defeated team Backdoor with a comfortable final score of 30-16. MW showcased its large number of returning players to the starting lineup, returning over 80% of last year’s fall championship team.

This seasons opening day lineup was as follows:

1. Chris Jackson (SS)
2. Tom Smith (RC)
3. Johnny Moore (3B)
4. Nick Mick (LF)
5. David Craig (1B)
6. Bryan Wimer (C)
7. Jonathan Herbert (2B)
8. James Sanders (P)
9. Randy Herbert (AH)
10. Scott Koon (RF)
11. Tyler Jackson (LC)

The newest addition to the team, the young “Jackson” brother appeared slightly uncomfortable in the Field in his rookie opener. However Coach Tom has been overheard saying that he has confidence in the young lad and expects more solid play as he gains experience in this league.

Overall Westin not only showed a solid defensive performance in this early in the season match up, but was surprisingly productive behind the plate; batting through the order on multiple occasions.

March-Westin plays again on Thursday night at 9pm against Town Hall.

The 2006 March-Westin Mens Division AA Softball Schedule has been posted.

You can view it here: softball schedule