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PLAYOFFS: GAME 1 and 2:
The Donks earned the #5 seed at seasons end and looked to avenge a sweep dealt the weekend prior by the #4 seeded Padres. Jumping out to a 6-2 lead after the 4th inning, the Donks felt pretty good about their chances. The Padres had other plans. In the bottom of the 5th, the Padres struck back with 6 runs to take the lead 8-6. With their backs to the wall and the possibility of the season sweep at the hand of the Padres, the Donks mustered 2 runs in the 8th and one in the 9th to take a one run lead. A quick 1, 2, 3 and the Donks moved onto the National League Semi-Finals.
In the National League Semis, the Donks expected to see the two-time defending champs, the Ravens. However, the Wizard were able to knock of the TCMABL juggeranaut Ravens in an exciting upset. So, the stage was set for the #5 seeded Donks and #8 seeded Wizards to face off for the right to play in the National League Championship Game. The Donks had seen early season success against the Wizards, but knew this game would be a difficult task. In true fashion, the Donks answered the call winning 4-2 in one of the quickest 9 inning games in TCMABL history (1 hour and 42 mins).
It seems as though the playoff story for the National League would be a slew of upsets. The #7 seeded Reds defeated not only the #2 Snappers, but the #3 Twins as well to earn their spot against the Donks in the National League Championship game this coming Saturday (8/28) at Round Lake Stadium (Eden Prairie) at 1pm.
Leave the women and children at home, because this game is going to be a grudge match. Both the Donks and Reds have high powered offenses, complimented by solid pitching, making this match-up a "can't miss" for all baseball fans alike.
Let's Go Donks! Let's Go Donks!
Game Twenty-one and Twenty-two: Padres Sweep Donks:
Well, the last weekend of the regular season did not go as planned as the Donks drop two to the Padres. The Donks finish the season with a 13-9 record, and the 5th seed. No worries, the Donks have a chance at redemption this week when they take on the Padres this Saturday in the first round of the playoffs.
Game Nineteen and Twenty: Pirates Throw in Towel:
The Pirates have thrown in the towel for the 2010 season. This is bittersweet for the league. Non-the-less, the Donks are awarded the two victories, and are currently 13-7 heading into the last weekend of the season against our rival Padres.
-RJL
Game Seventeen and Eighteen: Donks Sweep Blizzard:
Game Seventeen was one for the record books. The Donks looked to veteran pitcher Erik Esala, to fill in for Dott (out due to illness). Not only did Esala "fill" in, but he dominated the Blizzard pitching one of the most efficient starts in Donks history. Esala pitched a complete game shut-out, allowing only three hits, and issuing only one walk. Defensively, the Donks did not commit an error. Highlighted by Simberg's amazing amount of range, throwing runners out from deep in the hole twice. Offensively, the Donks were led by Lutzka's two doubles, driving in one run and scoring the other. Donks 2, Blizzard 0.
Game Eighteen was more the same, starting pitcher Lutzka had a no-hit bid through four, and the Donks continued to roll. Kevin Davis belted a two run HR in the first to put the Donks up, and they never looked back. Dan Casazza got back on track with a three hit, 2 RBI performance. Anderson, Lutzka, and Simberg had two hit games as the Donks went on to win 7-3.
Some notable performances: John Reid went 2-3 with one run scored in Game One. Kevin Simberg finished the day 4-6, and added a SB. Ryan Lutzka went 4-7 on the day, with two doubles. Dan Casazza also finished 4-7 on the day, with 2 RBI. And Kevin Davis went 2-5, with 3 RBI, one HR, and two walks (with that umps zone that is an amazing stat).
The Donks have now won 4 straight games, and are poised to continue the win streak next weekend against the Pirates.
Great Sweep Boys!!!!
-RJL
Game Fifteen and Sixteen: Donks Sweep Brewers:
Game fifteen was a much anticipated match-up against the Brewers. Last season the Donks ended the Brewers first year in the league with a dominating pitching performance by Dott in the playoffs. Not much changed, as Dott willed the Donks to yet another win over the declining Brewers. Big D struck out six and gave up two unearned runs in eight innings of work. Sharing the spot light with Dott was veteran IF Johnny Reid with a two RBI performance.
Let's catch up with the action in the bottom of the 7th inning where the score was tied 2-2. A double and a sac fly put Brewers five-hole Ferhman on third with one out. Lutzka gathered the boys on the hill, and decided the best option was to walk the next hitter, setting up the double play possibility. Off the bench as a defensive substitute, Dan Anderson gunned down the steal attempt on the first pitch of the next batter, two outs. The inning would end with a routine grounder to Simmy, preserving the 2-2 tie. Leading off the bottom of the 8th was Dan Casazza. Casazza has hit the ball hard all year, only to be snake bitten by "hitting them where they are." Not this time, Casazza belted a ball to deep right field and ended up with a huge triple. Shaver would draw a walk on a 8 pitch at-bat, and took second on a defensive indifference. Johnny Reid would hit a ball up the middle fielded by Brewers short-stop. A look over to Casazza, and a throw to first would put out Reid, but Casazza rushed towards home and with a dirt-filled slide would score the game-winning run, 3-2 Donks win!
Game sixteen was about as interesting as a game can get. The Donks tacked on runs in every inning except the second ending up with 11. Reid would put up another multi-RBI performance with three. Bennett gathered two RBIs himself. Dewolf added two hits to lift his team leading BA to .422. Davis hit the ball well all day, and ended up with a few hits and RBIs. Noble added the second Donks triple of the day. Dan Casazza walked an impressive four times in game two. Watty had yet another big weekend, supplying three more hits to his already impressive season. Lutzka dominated the Brewers, pitching the first six innings only giving up 3 hits and four unearned runs. All that aside, the bottom of the 7th inning is a great example of why you never let a team hang around in baseball. New comer Marcus Sighn took the hill and had some control issue (as to be expected since it was his first time on the hill and he hardly had any warm-ups). The Brewers rallied to get 6 runs, before Lutzka re-entered the game and stopped the bleeding just one run short. It may be the only time in Donks history a pitcher will record a win and a save in the same game. Donks win 11-10.
Great Sweep Boys!!!
-RJL
Game Thirteen and Fourteen: Twins Swep Donks:
Game thirteen was yet another walk off lose for the Donks. The Donks brought a 3-1 lead heading into the 6th. With two outs and runners on first and second a screamer was hit just off the glove of streched out third basemen Nick Nobel scoring two to tie the game. The next batter delivered a hit to put the home Twins up 4-3 heading into the top of the 7th. With two outs already recorded Nik Watkins torched a double to right center scoring Czazza from first. Watty was then waved home off a single from Anderson, but a near perfect throw gunned him down at the plate. In the bottom of the 7th with one out and a runner on second, Nate "All Smiles" Ackmen lined a shot to right center, bringing in the game winning run for the Twins. The Donks suffered thier third walk-off loss of the season, 5-4 Twins.
Game Fourteen was not much of a contest. The Twins scored two in the first, and that seemed to be all they would need as Ackmen continued his big day by only allowing two hits and one run in 6 innings of work. Twins win 8-1. The one bright spot for the Donks was the pitching debut of Matt Shaver. After plunking his first batter, Shaver struck out the next three Twins. At the completion of three innings, Matt had struck out 4 Twins hitters and only allowed two runs. The Donks have been searching for a closer, and it seems as though rookie Shaver is just what the doctor ordered. Look for Matty to get more work on the hill in games to come.
-RJL
Game Eleven & Tweleve: Donks Cast a Spell on the Wizards:
Game Eleven was not the start the Donks were looking for. An onslaught of hits by the home Wizards, capped by a three run bomb that put the Donks down 9-2 in the bottom of the 4th. This set the stage for yet another come from behind victory. Huddling up before the start of the 5th, the boys in blue had a decision to make: throw in the towel and take a loss, or refuse to give up and try to chip at the lead. Well chip they did!!! Lutzka hit a two-run double, Watty struck a two-run single, and Dewolf and Dott added a hit for a run...6 runs in total to bring the score to 9-8. In the 6th, Bennett drew a one-out walk and quickly stole second. With two outs, Lutzka hit a single to score Bennett, and the Donks had rallied back to tie the game, 9-9. Once again, in dramatic fashion, the Donks completed the comeback in the 7th. With two outs, DeWolf roped a double down the left-field line. Nick Watkins, Donks Un-Sung Hero thus far, stepped to the plate. Watty worked a full count, and then delivered a two-out go-ahead RBI single. The Wizards were shut down in the bottom half, and Lutzka recorded the win, only allowing 2 hits and no runs in nearly 4 innings of work. Final score: Donks 10, Wizards 9.
Game Twelve was not nearly as exciting. The Donks struck early and often, scoring 12 runs in the first two innings. Big days at the plate by nearly every hitter, resulted in a 14-3 (6 inning) victory.
The weekend had plenty of highlights, which included: Casazza's three run dinger! DeWolf (team BA leader) went 5 for 7 on the weekend, with 2 RBI and his 7th HBP (also a team leader). Watty was huge with timely hitting (4 RBIs) and a 4 for 7 performance at the plate. Lutzka went 5 for 7, with 3 RBI, 2 SBs, 4 runs scored (in Game 12 alone), and also pitched 8 innings (combined) allowing only 5 hits and 1 run (unearned). Noble, Reid, and Bennett played solid defensively. Anderson didn't allow a runner to advance all day. Esala came off the bench to deliver a big double. And, Shaver hit a ball down the line that would have decapitated any would-be fielders.
Great Sweep Boys! Let's keep the momentum going!
-RJL
All-Star Break:
The Donks head into the All-Star break at 5-5. The season thus far has been a slight roller-coaster with Injuries, Big Hits, Walk-Off Wins, and Walk-Off Loses. The good news is we are right in the playoff race. A chip and a chair is all you need. So, let's finish strong and give ourselves that chance!
-RJL
Game Nine & Ten: Donks Avoid Sweep, Win in Thrilling Fashion:
Game Nine brought a first to the Donks record books. The Reds became the first team to ever shut-out the boys. Lutzka struggled on the hill, and the Reds won 10-0 in Six innings.
Game Ten seemed to start the same way Game Nine ended. Reds power-slugger belted his second consecutive HR in as many at bats, giving the Reds an early 2-0 lead. Erik Esala, making his first start of the season, battled the heat and the Reds bats. The Donks put their first runs on the board with a two out double by Bennett. The Donks continued to battle, and headed into the bottom of the 7th down 6-3. Showing true character, the Donks strung 5 hits in a row by Davis, Anderson, Shaver, Dewolf (2 RBI), Watty (1 RBI). Bennett was intentionally walked with runners on second and third, no outs. Coming to the plate was the red hot Kevin Simberg. Prior to the at-bat, Simberg said to on-deck hitter Lutzka...."Lootie, don't even put on a helmet on, I got this!" Simmy was on-point, hitting the first pitch he saw, scoring Esala (via DeWolf). The Donks 3 game losing streak was snapped, giving them a much needed boost heading into the All-Star break.
Game Seven & Eight: Snappers Sweep Donks:
Well, not much good news came from our first weekend at our new ball park. The Snappers took advantage of our slow defensive start and jumped out to an early lead in Game Seven, never looking back. Snappers 7, Donks 4. The worst news came when Brian Dott suffered an slight rotator cuff injury, and was placed on the 15-day DL.
Game Eight brought more woes for the Donks. Esala roped a 2 out single to give the Donks an early 2-1 lead in the 1st. Lutzka pitched what was to be a gem, only to watch the Snappers tack on two in the bottom of the 7th to steal a 3-2 victory from the ailing Donks.
Game Five: Donks 7 - Blue Ox 1
Game five pinned the Donks against the undefeated (4-0) Blue Ox. To start the game the Donks loaded up the bases for DeWolf. Blue Ox pitcher Ettle was having a hard time finding the zone, which was ever present when he clipped DeWolf in the elbow, scoring Lutzka to make the game 1-0. Ettle was unhappy and as he did much of his very short outing, continued arguing with the umpire. Ettle ignored directions by the umpire to pipe down was given a much deserved ejection. After the delay, Donks first-basemen Matt Shaver stepped to the plate. Working the count full, Shaver smashed the next pitch into the woods for a Grand Slam, putting the Donks up 5-0 in the opening frame.
That would be all Brian "Big D" Dott would need. Dott pitched is second consecutive complete game win, only allowing one run.
The game would conclude in a 7-1 victory for the Donks, snapping the Blue Ox four game winning streak.
Game Six: Blue Ox 9 - Donks 4 (10 innings)
Game six will go down as one of the most exciting battles so far this season. The Donks were down the entire game, only to tie the game in the bottom of the 7th on a 2 out hit by Esala. Heading into the 9th, game still tied, Lutzka remained on the hill. Giving up a few hits the Blue Ox looked to strike. With one out, runners on third and first, a fly ball was hit to mid-CF. Backing up and taking a running start, Czazza gunned down the tagging runner at the plate, 2 outs. The next Blue Ox hitter stepped to the plate with a runner on second. Hitting the ball firmly through the infield, the Blue Ox waved the runner home. LF Dan Anderson threw a strike to Esala to record the second straight put-out at the dish. Donks fans were going bonkers, thinking the win had to come in the bottom half. Unfortunately, the Donks pushed their luck to far in this contest, and eventually lost in the 10th. None-the-less, a very fun game, with a not so fun outcome.
Game Three: Donks 12 - Entourage 2
Game three marked the return of Brian Dott from a very short stint on the DL. As expected, Dott took command of game, pitching a complete game one-hitter! A single in the 1st after two errors by the Donks was the only chink in "Big D's" masterpiece. No drumroll needed, Dott walked away with the game ball, as well as his first win of the 2010 season.
Not to be outdone, the Donks offense fed the Entourage a heathly diet of runs each inning of the game, ten-running the new team in the 6th. Leading the way again, was Dan Anderson, hitting ropes to the gaps resulting in two triples. Kevin Davis added a two hit, four RBI performance. An out-pour of hits by Casazza, Haehn, Shaver, DeWolf, and Simberg added to the domination. Lutzka recorded three more walks in his pursuit of Andy Vanecek's team record. Nick Noble got into the mix walking in the 6th, scremed his way into second, and scored to the game winning run on a RBI by DeWolf. Donks win 12-2!
Game Four: Entourage 4 - Donks 17
Game Four marked the pitching debut of rookie Zack Bennett. Bennett was on-point, recording the win in a 3 hit gem. Look for this kid to get more time on the hill as the season progresses.
Once again, the offense was electric on way to a 17-4 final. The most damage was delivered in a nine run second inning. All Donks contrbuted to the lop-sided victory in what was one of the highest run producing weekends in Donks history.
Great job boys! Nice Sweep!! Welcome back Matt "ZA" Everson! See you next weekend at our new home field Osseo Senior High Memorial Field, where we'll take on the first place Blue Ox.
-RJL
Game One: Ravens 4 - Donks 5
Game one was the start the Donks were looking for, topping the 2009 TCMABL Champs the EP Ravens 5-4. Some errors in the first led to first blood by the Ravens, scoring two to open the game. Not to be outdone, an error by Ravens SS off Lutzka's bat led to Back-to-Back Homeruns by three and four holes Mr. Kevin Davis and Big Joe Haehn. The Ravens struck back with one in the 4th, and took the lead in the 5th off a bomb by Pierce. In true Donk fashion, the boys in blue regained the lead in the bottom of the 5th, starting with Lutzka and Davis roping singles. A walk by Haehn, and a well placed hit by Esala scored Lutzka, tie game 4-4. DeWolf hit into a FC, but no matter, Davis was able to scurry home, making the tally 5-4 Donks. A wild series of plays would end the 5th with a a bang, bang play at home rendering Haehn out. The Donks would hold the lead and gain the victory behind Lutzka's first win and complete game of the 2010 season. Timely hitting, some serious BOOM-BAH's (HRs), great defensive plays by Esala (diving catch to the end the 6th behind the dish) and Casazza (diving catch to end the 1st), and contributions from all Donks alike led to the Donks first "W" of the 2010 season. Great Work Boys!!!
Game Two: Donks 11 - Ravens 16
Game two was a different story. Opening the game Dott was injured twisting his ankle while trying to field a liner of his glove. Remaining in the game, Dott proceeded to walk the following 4 batters, and Big D was done for the day. Reports show there was no serious damage to Dott's ankle, so look for a huge game from the ace in his next apperance.
The Donks called upon rookie pitcher Matt "Hoooch" Houck to come in with bases loaded in the first and get the Donks back on pace. Haven't pitched in nearly a year, Houck gave two strong innings. Capping his debut was a strike-out of Ravens All-Star Aasgaard. Donks see a ton of potential in this new pitcher, and it has been confirmed he will take the rock for his first official start on 6/6 against the Entourage. The key for this young gun slinger will be to trust his defense and pitch to contact.
With the game in the Donks favor 11-6, the game took a turn for the worse in the 4th. An inconsistent strike zone led to walks, which then would lead to a eight run inning for the home Ravens. The final score would be 16-11.
This high scoring game produced many notable offensive plays by the Donks. Leading the way was Big Joe Haehn with his second and third HRs of the weekend, making him 3 for 7, with 3 HRs, and 5 RBI on the weekend. Rookie catcher Dan Anderson had three hits, with one in the first game, to complete a huge 4 for 5, 2 RBI day, and is currently leading the TCMABL in hittng with an .800 batting average. Erik Esala and Kevin Davis also had 4 hit weekends, both hitting safely in half their at-bats. Ryan Lutzka would walk 3 times, adding two hits, to go .400 on the weekend. Nik "Watty" Watkins made an impressive showing with a 2 for 2, 2 RBI weekend. Rookie sensations Zack "ZB" Bennett and Matt "Dewwwce" Shaver would tally their first ever Donk hits. John Reid showed great poise at the plate walking twice and tacking up a hit in his four ABs. Matt DeWolf got robbed of his first Donk hit, when Raven RF "Jr. Smoke" gunned him down after a rope over the first basemens head.
Let's not forget to mention the play Kevin "Simmy" Simberg made on the hot shot up the middle. The range displayed was enough to make jaws drop, but the throw from his back to eventually get his man at first was wizzard-like.
Final Thoughts:
There was some positives and negatives to take out of this weekends game. The most important being....if we remain focused for 14 innings week in and week out, we will be a VERY tough team to beat. Great showing and I look forward to what should be a great summer of baseball. Go Donks!!!!
-RJL
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