NEWS FROM 2010
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ROBBED!
Saturday September 11th
The Generals feel a little a bit robbed after falling to the Nats 12-11 in 15 innings on Saturday. Yes, 15 innings. In a game that appeared to be dead on arrival, the Generals quickly fell back 9-1. Thanks to some late game heroics, the Generals began chipping away at the lead starting in the 5th inning, and then taking the lead by the top of the 8th inning going up 11-10. In the bottom of the 8th inning, the Generals felt robbed over a call at second base that resulted in a 4 out inning as the Nats scored the tying run. In extra innings, Brent Ebling battled a tough Nationals line up allowing only 1 unearned run in 6 2/3 innings, which just happened to be the game winner. Ebling battled tough conditions, issuing 5 intentional walks to keep force outs on all bases in a relief effort that can only be described as sensational. Further highlights in the game include Erick Mortenson scaling the wall in center field and at the very least preventing a double, if not a homerun. Mario Morelli nearly jacked a homerun to right center during the Generals comeback, while Juan Tapia threw a baserunner out from his knees on a diving play. With a chip on their shoulder, the Generals are already awaiting the 2011 season.
Finished On A Good Note
Sunday August 29th
The game started out in true Generals fashion where the Generals' defense gave their best effort to make their pitcher work as hard as possible for every out. As time went on their defense improved and actually showed some glimpses of supporting a strong 5 inning effort on the mound by Erick Mortenson. Chris Aliperto relieved Mortenson and pitched shutout ball to close the game out and earn the W. As the game got closer the Generals stranded as many runners as possible in scoring position before finally breaking through in the last inning with a 2 out game winning clutch RBI hit from the bat of Erick Pederson. Most of the Generals offense, RBI's and extra base hits were provided by Chris Gilbert, Chris Aliperto and Nate Lukecart. On a related note, Tim Johnson almost broke out of his season long slump by a return to old form: he got tattooed his last two AB's. To his credit he simply jogged to first base as opposed to another player who shall remain nameless who has made a career out of writhing around on the ground and squealing like a snipered stuck pig every time he gets hit (leans into) and off speed pitch and then upon finally getting up to go to first loudly complains about the general unfairness of life and baseball while on the way there. I have no idea what that last part means. What matters is the Generals won 7-6. Next up is the Nationals on Saturday.
WINNING STREAK 'BROKEN'
Thursday August 26th
The Knights/Generals finally got around to playing the second part of their game following a rain out earlier in the season. After sticking with the Knights for the first half, Thursday's second half did not go the way the Generals had hoped. The Generals managed to score only 2 runs off of RBI singles from Brent Ebling and Jeremy Rowso during the second half, the first RBI's for the season for the both. Chris Aliperto and Erik Pederson both collected two hits and a double while Tim Johnson struck out a batter without throwing a pitch. Perhaps the only exciting moment was the last out when Jeremy Rowso grounded to the short stop and shattered the bat. The bat, owned by Erik Mortenson, sounded like glass on contact. A visibly shaken and distraught owner of the bat was unavailable for comment after the game. Nate Lukecart continued to work on his new grip and even belted a homerun. Sadly, homeruns in batting practice do not count towards the stats. The Generals lost 17-7.
WINNING STREAK REACHES 2
Thurday, August 22nd
Smothers field was suprisingly quiet on Sunday. That's because the Diablo's decided they couldn't play with less than 9. Sadly, Sunday marks the one day of the week that most of the team can get away from their wives and kids and enjoy themselves. "I was stuck at home all evening changing diapers," said Tim Johnson, "I just can't get that smell out of my nose."
Frank Volkers wasn't too thrilled about being home either, of course, he felt better when he was reminded the Vikings were playing. "Yeah sure, I love them der Vikings. I can't get enough of Brett Farve."
When Erik Pederson was asked about the game he said "Diablos game? I forgot, I was at the golf course anyways, how did you guys do?"
Jeremy Rowso and Brian Kostick made it to the field before word spread of the Forfeit. "It's too bad," said Jeremy as he urinated in right field, "I was really looking forward to earning this win."
Winning The Toilet Bowl
Sunday, August 15th
The Lakers had mentioned this game would be the toilet bowl. It's true that both teams have struggled this season and have found themselves at the bottom of the division. Thankfully, the Generals found a way to win this week. With a 4-way tag team of excellent pitching and the bats coming to life, the Generals won 12-4. Jamie Glade started and cruised through 3 innings, striking out three and allowing only one run. Erik Mortenson also pitched a stellar 3 innings while picking up the win. Brent Ebling and Tim Johnson combined to shut down the Lakers for the final three innings. Also worth noting, Ebling struck out the side in order during the 7th inning, the only Generals pitcher to pull it off this season. While the combined pitching performance was awesome, equally great were the General bats. 7 different members of the team collected 2 hits or more while Chris Aliperto collect 4 RBI's and Juan Tapia collected 5. Nate Lukecart also practiced his new grip. This win brings the Generals out of the cellar and in a tie with the Lakers. Of course, the Generals own the tie breaker having beat the Lakers both times this season.
BOTTOM FEEDING POSTPONED
Sunday, August 8th
The so called ‘Bottom Feeders’ of the league ran into the first place Knights on Sunday. The game got off to a great start with clutch hitting and strong pitching. The Generals quickly jumped on the Knights scoring 4 in the first, and another in the second. Jeremy Rowso started for the Generals striking out 5 and walking only 1 through three innings, allowing no earned runs and 3 unearned. The Knights were able to pick up a couple runs in the 4th, and another in the 5th, pulling ahead by a score of 6-5. Then, Mother Nature struck. The game time temperature was 96 degrees with a heat index near 105. These hot temperatures made the game nearly unbearable. Thunderstorms rolled in by the 5th inning, prompting the game to be postponed to a later date. The Generals enjoyed a case of beer under shelter while listening to Tim Johnson tell stories of times past. For being the ‘Carp’ of the league, the Generals look to continue giving the Knights a run for their money when this game continues.
Apex Predator: Bottom Feeder:
A FULL 9/SPRINKLES OF HOPE?
Sunday August 1st
Sunday's game felt similar to many others this season, yet a bit different as well. It looked like it could be a pitchers duel after Jeremy Rowso shut down the Nationals in order through the first two innings in a 0-0 game. Then, the Nationals started to hit, picking up a few in the third, and a couple in the fourth, eventually totalling 10 runs through 5 innings and leading the Generals 10-1. Tim Johnson came in and pitched two stellar innings of relief to keep the Generals alive. Tim wasn't too interested in pitching a third inning because he was too sweaty. In the 6th inning, the skies darkened and a bit of light rain/sprinkles fell from the sky. Although no lightning was detected, something ignited the Generals bats that had been asleep for weeks. Perhaps it was the free handfull of walks to start the inning that made things easier? Regardless, groundball hits that were outs in previous weeks were getting through, while line drives and gap shots were much more numerous. The Generals managed to score a run each inning from the 6th through the 9th. Paul Henderson collected 3 hits and 2 RBI's to help lead the charge. Although the Generals fell 15-8 to the Nationals, there is now hope that the bats are alive; they were also happy to play a full 9 innings for the first time in a few weeks. The Generals hope to build upon this improved effort against the first place Knights on Sunday.
UNARMED GENERALS
July 25th
The Generals continue to struggle swinging the bats this season having scored only 34 runs through 8 games(4.25 runs per game). Sunday was no exception as the Generals could only come up with one run for the second week in a row. Instead of only cashing in 2 hits this week, they collected 3, a stellar improvement! Brent Ebling was the tough luck loser, pitching much better than the score indicates. With the run support the Generals have been creating, it’s a surprise anyone wants to be the starting pitcher. There were a couple positives this week that can’t be ignored. Props goes out to Juan Tapia for showing up on time, he gets a gold star next to his name this week. Although Juan was not early enough to get some warm-ups in, at least this time a lineup change was not needed. Juan looked like a celebrity as his wife dropped him off 5 feet from the dugout. He also scored the only Generals run. Continuing with the theme of positives, Nate Lukecart had the hardest hit ball of the game sending a shot off the fence to left field. On his swift legs, his blazing speed prevented him from being thrown out at second base. When it was all said and done, the Generals lost 13-1. Up next, the Generals and their plastic wiffle bats will face off against the Nationals.
BAD NEWS BEARS GET 2 HIT
July 18th 2010
The Generals probably have forgotten what it feels like to win considering it's been many weeks. Prior to the game Sunday, the team felt high with confidence as they felt this would be one they could win. However, lack of hitting and some bad fielding held the Generals back again. The only good highlight in the game came when Erik Pederson launched a solo homer to left in the second inning. A first pitch knuckle ball sitting belt high was just too good for Erik to pass up. Later in the game, Erik nearly sent out another one on a curveball, sadly he got just a bit under that one. Erik's home run was the only run the Generals could muster as the team only collected one other hit by Mario Morelli. Jamie Glade started for the Generals and was effective, yet burned out in the 9 run 4th inning as the Generals worked to get 6 outs. The Generals will be at home again next week vs the White Caps with hopes of cooling their hot bats and finding their own.
KNIGHTED
July 11th 2010
It was mostly bad from the start on Sunday. The Generals had Juan Tapia penciled in as the lead off hitter at 4:59pm, at 5:00 he was moved to the back of the order since he did not show up on time. This was not good considering Juan lead the team going 3-3; we could have used that extra at bat. He also managed to steal 2 bases late in the game while we were down by 8. If only effort could buy you 8 runs. Nate Lukecart also collected 3 hits and is now leading the team in hitting. The Generals scored the first three runs of the game, yet never scored again. The Knights tied it up in the second inning and pulled ahead in the 5th to never look back. Jamie Glade pitched 4 and a third gritty innings before being introduced to some Knight power. The Generals hope to turn it around next week against the Bandits.
ALL STAR BREAK
The Generals sent two players to represent the team on June 30th, one who was deserving (Chris Aliperto) and one who went because no one else wanted to go (Jeremy Rowso). Chris and Jeremy helped the metal division win 18-4.
The Run Down
Sunday June 27th Vs Diablos
The Generals suffered a tough loss on Sunday falling 11-7 to the Diablos. Following a good start from Jamie Glade, the Diablos started to chip away runs during the middle innings. After knocking out their starting pitcher, the Generals attempted to mount a come back. Frank Volkers lead the charge going 2-2 and drawing three walks. In typical Kirk Anderson fashion, Kirk notched 5 SB's to help the effort. Sadly, it was too little to late. The worst defeat came after the game when the Generals discovered there was no beer boy. We all drove home safely.
