Spring 2026 AL Games Summaries
by Jeff Smarr
March 6
Today featured 4 games as we begin the process of making up the rained out games. All the games were relatively close and today's doubleheader ended up with identical final scores. Here's some highlights:
Timber Creek 10, Armed Forces 4
Timber Creek, despite their record has been "in" most of the games they played. Today's game was a non-slugfest through the sixth as the teams were tied at a measly 3 runs apiece heading into the open inning. The visiting TC then broke the game wide open sending 12 to the plate on the way to a 7 run seventh. That was more than enough to get the job done as Creek won their second game of the season, 10-4. Mike Ickes reached all 5 times with 2 doubles and 3 walks. Dave Price broke the game open in the seventh with his third hit, as he went 3 for 4 on the day. Kevin Gregory also reached 3 times going 2/3 with a walk as did Keith Zelhofer who went 3/5 with a double. Armed Forces, now 4-9 on the season saw Don Parker go 1/2 with two walks and Pete Laufer go 1/2 with a walk.
Reynolds Rangers 15, Peace Smoke Shop 11
Reynolds Rangers scored all 15 of their runs in innings 2-5 giving them a 15-11 lead. The scoring stopped as did the hitting with both teams combining for only one hit in the sixth and seventh. As such, 15-11 ended up being the final with Reynolds Rangers getting their sixth win of the season. For the Rangers, now 6-7, Dave Burton was 3/3 while 5 others went 3/4: Bob Thaden who added a triple and double with Tom Reynolds, Mark Richter, Sky Soom and Rich Brinkman going 3/4. Also, Steve Starr went 2/3. For Peace Smoke Shop, now 7-6, manager Mark McGehee was a perfect 4/4, Joedy Pack was 3/4 with a double, Craig Josz and Bob Strawser 2/3 with a walk and Bob Hamilton 2/3.
Kingers Medicare 16, Bibiano's 11(game 1)
While both games between the two teams had similar final scores, the first game was more suspenseful with Kingers holding a mere 9-8 lead through 5 innings. KIngers then pulled away, outscoring Bibiano's 7-3 the rest of the way with a 5 run outburst in the top of the seventh putting the game essentially out of reach. Multiple strong performances from the league leaders; Mike Ickes (5/5, 2b, 3b,) Jerry Sepich (4/4, 2b, bb,) Pat Moran (4/4,) Mark Maynard (4/4, 2b,) Doc Doxtader (4/4,) and Les Strueby who went 3/5. For Bibiano's, still in second at 8-5, Arne Kvarnberg was 2/2 with a walk, Randy May, Ron Barrio and Dale Smith were 3/4 while Scott Cole and John Galles were 3/5.
Kingers Medicare 16, Bibiano's 11 (game 2)
In the re-match, Kingers came out firing scoring 4 runs in the first and second innings while making only two outs. Perhaps bored, Kingers took the next two innings off. Meanwhile Bibiano's chipped away at the lead and the score was 8-7 Kingers after 4 innings. Kingers bounced back scoring 4 runs in the fifth with only 5 batting with Tom Nadel's second double of the day finishing the job. Bibiano's came back in the top of the sixth to make it a one-run game, but no problem for Kingers who put up 4 more in the bottom of the sixth to make it 16-11. That ended up being the final as Bibs was scoreless in the seventh. For Kingers, who now hold a 5 game lead in the standings, everyone had at least two hits, including winning pitcher Doc Doxtader who was 4/4, making him 8/8 in the DH. Greg Bradley was 3/3, Mike Ickes was 2/3 with two walks and 2 doubles, meaning in the three games he played, Ickes reached safely in all but one plate appearance. Craig Josz was 3/4 with a double, while Nadel, Mark Maynard, Tony Willett, Jerry Sepich and Pat Moran were all 2/3. For Bibiao's, John Galles was 4/4 with a double, Alan Kniager, Arne Kvarnberg and Tim Ely were 3/4 while Rodger Beckes and Dale Smith were 2/3.
Games resume on Tuesday at 12:30.
March 3
Another beautiful day at the ball park. All the "favorites" won. First and third games were run-rules and the middle game came down to the last inning. Here's the story, starting with the best game of the slate:
Peace Smoke Shop 18, Timber Creek 16
Peace Smoke Shop led early, but when their offense stalled, Timber Creek came to life. As such, Creek led 12-8 going into the sixth. Peace, the visitor, tied it at 12, but Creek came back in the bottom with 4 so the open inning began with TC holding a 16-12 lead. Turns out Peace was saving the best for last as they sent 11 to the plate and scored 6 runs to take the lead. Creek did get the winning run to the plate, but a fly-out ended it and Peace Smoke Shop went home with a come-from behind, 18-16 win. For Peace, now in third place at 7-5, four players reached 4 times: winning pitcher Bob Strawser (3/3,2b,bb,) Steve Glaviano (3/3,bb,) Dave Rachau (4/4,2 2b,) Ron Barrio (4/4.) Reaching 3 of 4 times were Bob Hamilton and Ron Wiebold with Ron getting a leg triple to right. Also reaching 3 times were Craig Josz and Bob Schweitzer. For Timber Creek, both Mark Maynard and Pete Bell were 4/4, with Maynard getting a pair of doubles. Kevin Gregory also reached in all 4 plate appearances going 3/3 with a walk. John HInson was 4/5 with a double, Steve Oberg and Dave Price were 3/4 while Keith Zelhofer and Bill Mann went 3/5 with Keith getting a double.
Kingers Medicare 14, Reynolds Rangers 4 (6 innings.)
Our first game of the day started with the home team, Kingers Medicare scoring 4 in the first with only 6 batters coming to the plate. Reynolds wouldn't score until the fourth as they put up what turned out to be their only 4 runs of the game. When Kingers scored 3 in the sixth, the 10 run rule kicked in and Kingers had their 11th win of the season. The duo of Mike Ickes and Les Strueby both reached all 4 times with both having interesting stat lines: Ickes was 2/2 with 2 walks and 2 doubles, while Les was 1/1 with 3 walks. Lori Alexander was 3/3, Greg Bradley 3/4 with a double and winning pitcher Doc Doxtader was 2/3 with a walk. For Reynolds Rangers, who dropped to 4-8, only 4 people got more than two at-bats as Kingers held them to six over the minimum. Sky Soom made the most of his two at bats, going 2/2 while Steve Starr was 2/3.
Bibiano's 14, Armed Forces 4
The last game was frighteningly similar to our first game. The top of the order had a good day for Bibiano's as the top two batters combined to go 7/7, Their production alone might have done it but of course they had help. Bibs led 10-2 after the third and the only solace Armed Forces could take as they did hold Bibiano's scoreless in the next two innings to extend the game to the sixth. Needing 4 to end it, Bibs did just that with Roger Piazza's single scoring Joe Broch with the 14th run. Bibiano's, still in shouting distance of Kingers with a 8-4 record, got a 4/4, 2b day from John Galles while Brouch also reached 4 times, going 3/3 with a walk. Alan Kniager finally did something worth writing (his words,) about, going 3/3 with a sac while scoring two runs. Four others went 2/3: Dale Smith, Tim Ely, Piazza and Randy May who both added a walk. Scott Cole got the win. For Armed Forces who dropped to 4-8, the red hot Mike Adair went 3/3 as did Bill Mathews. Joedy Pack was 2/3.
Play resumes Friday. Check the schedule as two teams play two games.
February 27
Early tee times on Friday but still games to be played. A couple of somewhat close games, and one, not so much. Every team who won on Tuesday, lost today and vice-versa. Things remain fairly tight in the middle of the standings. Let's talk about it:
Bibianos 16, Timber Creek 11
Bibianos jumped to an early 4 run lead, but after three we had a one run ball game. For the next three innings the visiting Bibs put up 3 or 4 runs and for the first two of those, Timber Creek would answer right back. Finally in the sixth, Creek was blanked and neither team scored in the seventh as Bibianos walked away with the 16-11 victory. Bibs, now in second place at 7-4, had a 4/4, 2b game from Scott Cole, while John Galles also reached 4 times going 3/3 with a walk and double. Joe Brouch also went 3/3 and 4 others reached 3 times: Randy May (3/4, 3b,2b,) Tim Ely and George Fairbanks (3/4,) and Ron Barrio (23, bb.) For TC, Bill Mann and John Hinson were 4/4 with Mann hitting his second homer of the season, a towering shot over the right field scoreboard while also doubling. Dave Price reached three times, going 2/3 with a walk.
Kingers Medicare 9, Peace Smoke Shop 1
Kingers Medicare, coming off their first loss of the season, went back to their usual formula of pitching and defense, as they held Peace Smoke Shop to just 9 hits in only 26 plate appearances. The result? A 9-1 victory which gave them their 10th win on the season. Kingers never scored more than 2 in an inning, but Peace sent the minimum to the plate in 3 innings with their high being 5 at-bats in the fourth where they scored their only run of the game, an inning where the first 3 reached, only to be followed by a ground-out and a double play. Medicare got a 3/3 day from Tony Willett and a 3/4, 2 double from MIke Ickes. 4 others went 2/3: Les Strueby, John Galles, winning pitcher Doc Doxtader and Pat Moran, with Pat getting Kinger's only other extra base hit, a second inning triple. For Peace, who now sit in third at 6-5, Bob Strawser and Dave Rachau were 2/3 with Craig Josz going 1/2 with a walk.
Reynolds Rangers 14, Armed Forces 11
Our final game featured a pair of 4-6 teams: Reynolds Rangers and Armed Forces with AF looking for their fourth win in a row under new pitcher George Fairbanks, a streak that saw them give Kingers their only loss on the season. The Forces came out swinging and after their first two at-bats, it looked like they were well on their way as they led 7-0. Turns out, the Rangers had an answer, scoring 4 in both the second and third. Would AF respond? Not today as they only scored one run in the next 4 innings while RR kept adding and the game was 14-8 heading to the seventh. AF did score three and had the tying run on with one out, but back-to back outs ended the threat and Reynolds ending up victorious, 14-11. For Reynolds, now 5-6 on the season, two batters reached base all 4 times: Winning pitcher Jim Alexander who went 4/4 and sub lead-off hitter Steve Glaviano who went 3/3 with a walk and two doubles. Tom Reynolds and Rich Brinkman were also perfect in their three bats, both going 3/3 with Brinkman garnering a double. Randy Searcy was 1/2 with two walks while Bob Thaden and Mark Richter went 2/3. Richter asked me to point out that he was involved in the "ultimate choke-job," as his one out was a bases loaded pop-fly that turned into a triple play. For Armed Forces, now 4-7, four players went 3/4: Fairbanks, Mike Adair, Rob Merrill and Pete Laufer went 3/4 with Pete and George getting a double.
Back to work on Tuesday.
February 24
Today saw one team lose it's first game and another win their first. In between was a nail biter. Overall, pitching and defense was the theme with nobody scoring more than 11, and 4 teams scoring 5 or less. This is softball, right? Here's today's summary;
Armed Forces 10, Kingers Medicare 5
In starting the season 9-0, Kingers Medicare has often let the other team think they have a chance, only to take over mid-game and then put it away late. Today's game started in a similar fashion with the Forces blanking Kingers 4-0 through two, only to have Kingers put up 4 in the third and tying the game through 3. Unlike the other games, it was Armed Forces who finished strong, scoring 3 in the fourth and sixth while holding Kingers to just one run. Credit timely hitting by AF as well as strong pitching by George Fairbanks for the win, Armed Forces third straight. It's been said that as the bottom of the line-up goes, so does the team, or something like that. In this case, hitters 8-10 for AF, now 4-6 on the season, were 7/9. Mike Adair was 3/3 with a double and both Rodger Beckes and Jeff Smarr were 2/3. John Galles subbed and went 3/4 with a pair of doubles and Fairbanks was 3/4. For AF, 9-1 and still holding a three game lead, Lori Alexander was 3/3 with a walk, Doc Doxtader 3/4 with a double and Mark Maynard 2/3 with a double.
Peace Smoke Shop 5, Bibiano's 4
Dave Rachau's, bottom of the ninth, high chopper through the infield scored Craig Josz from second as Peace Smoke Shop came from behind, scoring 4 runs, including the game winner to beat Bibiano's 5-4. Bibs led the entire game and prior to the seventh, had limited Peace to just 1 run, that coming in the fifth. The seventh, however, was a different story. All six batters reached base with Bill Mathews singling, Bob Hamilton, Steve Glaviano, Craig Josz and Bob Schweitzer all singling. After Josz got his 4th hit, knocking in Glaviano to tie it, Schweitzer moved him to second, setting up Rachau. Dave then hit as I think he called it, a "California chopper." which found it's way through and the speedy Josz crossed the plate with the game winning run. Both teams are now tied for second at 6-4. For Peace, Josz was 4/4 with two doubles, and Mathews was 2/3. Four others reached only twice but all reached in the seventh, including Rachau who only had a walk before his clutch hit. For Bibiano's, Randy May was 2/2 with a walk, Tim Ely, Dale Smith and Roger Piazza were 2/3 while Alan Kniager had 2 doubles.
Timber Creek 11, Reynolds Rangers 5
Timber Creek led early and late resulting in an 11-5 victory over Reynolds Rangers. Creek, despite being winless, has jumped out to the lead in many of their games. Unfortunately, they haven't been able to hold on. Today, Creek put up 3 in the first and after putting up 4 in the fifth, found themselves leading 11-5. Neither team would score again and Creek walked away with a relatively easy first victory on the season. TC had four players go 3/4: Keith Zelhofer, Ron Coppes, Bill Mann, and John Hinson with both Mann and Hinson getting a double. Mike Ickes subbed and went 3/5. For the Rangers, Steve Starr was 3/3, Tom Reynolds 2/2 and Pete Laufer 3/4.
Play resumes Friday at 8:30. No undefeated teams. Suddenly anything seems possible.
February 20
Following a 1 week break courtesy of Mother Nature, play resumed on Friday. Two close games, including a walk-off and a third game that went to form. I've been in SW Arizona for the weekend, but this is my recollection of what happened:
Bibianos 15, Reynolds Rangers 12
Bibianos led the entire game, although a 4 run top of the fifth by Reynolds Rangers made it a one-run game at 11-10. That was as close as the Rangers would get as Bibs outscored the Rangers 4-2 down the stretch, shutting down a Rangers rallly in the seventh to secure a 15-12 victory. Bibianos, now in solo second at 6-3, got strong production with three batters reaching in all 4 plate appearances: John Galles, with league leading .821, and Scott Cole were 4/4 while sub George Fairbanks was 3/3 with a his league leading 6th walk. Alan Kniager was 3/4 with a double and sub Mark Maynard was 2/3. For the Rangers, now 4-5, Mark Richter was 3/3 with a walk, as he improved to .723 on the season. 4 others were 3/4: Sky Soom, JIm Alexander, Vernell King and sub Rob Merrill with Vernell getting a double. Craig Josz was 3/5 with a double.
Kingers Medicare 17, Timber Creek 8
Our second game featured the undefeated Kingers Medicare squad against Timber Creek, still looking to hit the win column. Creek put up two in the top of the first and did hold the lead after one, 2-1. Kingers then went to work, scoring 4, 2 and 4 runs and after four innings, held a 15-6 lead. At this point the only suspense was if the run-rule would kick in, but Creek kept it going, eventually falling 17-8. Both Mark Maynard and Les Strueby were 3/3 with a walk, with one of Les's hits being his league leading 14th double. Also for Kingers, winning pitcher Doc Doxtader was 4/5 while 4 others reached four times: Jerry Sepich (3/4, 2b, ) Greg Bradley (3/4,) Tony Willett(2/3, bb,) and Mike Ickes (2/4, 3b, 2b, bb.) For Timber Creek, Steve Oberg was 4/5 with a double, Bill Mann, Dave Price and Kevin Gregory were 3/4, with Dennis Zafferano and Rob Merrill going 2/3.
Armed Forces 15, Peace Smoke Shop 14
Pete Laufer's seventh inning single to right scored Don Parker from second, breaking up a tie game and sending Armed Forces home with a walk-off, 15-14 victory over Peace Smoke Shop. Armed Forces held a narrow lead most of the way, but Smoke Shop rallied in the seventh to tie it at 14 and then with one out, were poised to take the lead with runners at second and third. A ground-out to short followed, with the runner holding and then a fly to left sent the game to the deciding bottom of the seventh. With one-out, Parker and Mark Dudzik singled, with Parker going to third. Laufer then followed, lashing a single to right center to knock in the game winner. For Armed Forces, winners of two straight, sub Dudzik was 5/5 as he improved to .852 on the season. 2 others reached 4 times: George Fairbanks, 2/3 with 2 walks and Laufer, sporting his new senior bat, 3/4 with a walk. Rob Merrill and newcomer Richard Milligan went 3/4 with Rich getting a double off the wall. For Peace who walked a total of 13 times and sent 49 men to the plate, Bob Strawser was 4/4, Dave Rachau 3/4 with a walk, Bill Mathews 2/3 with 2 walks, Ron Wiebold 2/3 with a walk, Dennis Zafferano and Craig Josz 1/2 with two walks, Pete Bell and Steve Glaviano 1/3 with 2 walks while Mark McGehee was 3/5 with 2 doubles.
Play resumes Tuesday, 2/24 which is either tomorrow or today depending on when you read this.
February 13
Love was in the air on Valentines eve with a pre-game serenade orchestrated by Jimmy Alexander. "Let me call you Sweetheart," was still on the minds of many and also set the bar for the rest of us. On the field, Kingers Medicare had a small scare, but remained undefeated, Armed Forces found a way to win and Peace Smoke Shop kept pace in what some are calling a battle for second. Here's a few details:
Kingers Medicare 14, Reynolds Rangers 12
Kingers Medicare had their closest game of the season, allowing a season high 12 runs, but their offense, including a near cycle for Les Strueby, responded with a season high 14 runs and that was enough to edge Reynolds Rangers 14-12. Kingers never trailed and were ahead 14-7 going into the home sixth. The Rangers put up 4 to make it a three run game and after Kingers, who left Strueby in the on deck circle needing only a single to complete the cycle, went scoreless, the Rangers had a chance. Winning pitcher Doc Doxtader allowed a couple of singles, but back-to-back fly outs to left center ended the game. For Kingers, now a perfect 8-0 on the season, two "3's," Jerry Sepich and a resurgent Tom Nadel were both 4/4. Three others were 3/4: Strueby (HR,3B, 2B,) Greg Bradley(2B,) and Pat Moran, while Lori Alexander was 2/3. For the Rangers, now even at 4-4, the top of the order went a combined 15/16 with Mark Richter (2b,) Bob Thaden (2b,) and Sky Soon going 4/4 and Alan Kniager at 3/4. Jim Alexander was also 3/4 and his battery mate Steve Starr was 2/3 with a walk.
Armed Forces 12, Bibiano's 10
Armed Forces used a three run rally in the bottom of the sixth to take their first lead of the game and their defense did the rest, as Bibiano's went down 1-2-3 in the seventh giving Bibiano's their second win of the season, 12-10. Things looked dicey early for Forces as Bibs jumped to a quick 6-0 lead. AF then scored two in the second and three in the third and after both teams put up 4 in the fourth, the score sat at 10-9 Bibs. Bibs failed to score the rest of the way and the 3-run sixth was enough to earn the win for the Forces. Armed Forces got a 4/4,2b day from both lead off hitter Don Parker and George Fairbanks with Joedy Pack also reaching four times, going 3/3 with a walk and double. Pitcher Jim Alexander went 3/4 while earning the win both on the field and off, while Lynn McAdams was 2/3. For Bibiano's, now tied for second at 5-3, both Alan Kniager and Scott were 3/4 with Cole getting a double and triple and Alan getting a pair of doubles. Joe Brouch, John Miller and Bill Mathews were 2/3.
Peace Smoke Shop 10, Timber Creek 5
Our final game was even through 4 innings, with the low scoring putting the game tied at 3 apiece. Peace Smoke Shop then pulled away with a 4 run fifth, followed by a 3 run sixth to take a 7 run lead into the open innings. Timber Creek got three straight hits to start the seventh, but the next three batters made outs and that ended the game with a 10-5 final score victory for Peace. Smoke Shop, now tied for second at 5-3, saw Steve Glaviano and Bill Mathews both go 3/3 with Bill getting a double. Craig Josz was 3/4 while three others reached two times: Pitcher Bob Strawser and Mark McGehee (2/3,) and Dave Rachau (1/2, bb.) For Timber Creek, Rich Brinkman was 2/2 and Dennis Zafferano was 2/3. Keith Zelhofer, Bill Mann and Steve Starr did get a double.
Pitchers and catchers have reported and the World Baseball Classic is a few weeks. My guess is this won't affect participation and we will have three games this Tuesday.
February 10
Tuesday, the day after, the day after (the Seahawks Super Bowl victory,) featured games that were almost as one sided as the Seahawks destroying of the Patriots on Sunday. Also, like on Sunday, all the favorites won. The first game was a mercy rule and the other two both featured "flip-flops," as the home team trailed by more than seven going in to the seventh. Here's some highlights:
Bibiano's 15, Timber Creek 3
Bibiano's put up 8 runs in the first two innings, making only one out along the way. Timber Creek, meanwhile, was done scoring after the third inning. When Bibs scored two in the fifth, the 12 run rule kicked in and Bibs had their fifth win on the year. John Galles, Joe Brouch and Arne Kvarnberg all went 3/3 with John also walking. Roger Piazza and Dale Smith were 2/2 with a walk. Alan Kniager, Mike Ickes and Randy May were 2/3 with Alan getting yet another walk. Timber Creek, in limited at-bats, saw John HInson go 2/2 while Bill Mann went 2/3 with a pair of doubles.
Reynolds Rangers 10, Armed Forces 6
Reynolds Rangers scored in each of the first 4 innings while Armed Forces only scored two runs. The Rangers also were gifted 7 walks. As such, this game was basically over after 4 with Reynolds holding a 9-2 lead. Armed Forces, down 7 entering the open inning, did rally, scoring three but that just made the score more respectable with the Rangers prevailing 10-6. For the Rangers, now 4-3 on the season, Mark Richter batted leadoff and went 4/4 with a pair of doubles. Bob Thaden went 2/2 with a walk, Rich Brinkman and Sky Soom were 2/3 with a walk. Steve Starr, winning pitcher Jimmy Alexander and Randy Searcy were 1/2 with Steve and Jimmy walking once and Randy twice. Armed Forces wasted a 4/4 day from Lynn McAdam. Don Parker and Pete Laufer were 3/4 with a double while George Fairbanks and Mike Adair were 1/2 with a walk.
Kingers Medicare 12, Peace Smoke Shop 6
This game featured the first and second place teams. Kingers wasted no time, scoring 4 in the first, Peace Smoke Shop hung around for awhile and the score stood at 8-5 after three. Medicare's defense, as it usually does, limited Peace to one more run and combined with their 4 run sixth had Peace chasing 7 in the open inning. They were unable to do much and the score ended up 12-6. For Kingers, now 7-0, Greg Bradley and John Galles were both 3/3 with Bradley doubling. Mike Ickes and winning pitcher Doc Doxtader were each 3/4 while Tom Nadel and Les Strueby were 2/3 while Les added to his league leading doubles total. Peace Smoke Shop, now 4=3 on the season, had sub Lynn McAdam go 4/4 making him 8/8 on the day. Ron Barrio was 3/3 and Craig Josz was 3/4.
Three more games this friday. Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn't end with Go Seahawks!
February 6
On the day before the day before (the Super Bowl,) or as it's known in Seattle as Blue Friday, it was only appropriate that two of three teams wearing shades of blue won their games. Two of the three games were close and the third was business as usual. Here's my last report before Super Bowl LX:
Bibianos 18, Peace Smoke Shop 15
Our first game, featuring the second and third place teams, wasn't as close as the score indicated. Bibianos was ahead the whole way, scoring 11 runs in the first 3 innings to go up 11-5. Peace was never closer than 3 and entered the open inning trailing 18-11. That's when the top of the order started a seventh inning rally scoring 4 runs and getting the tying run to the plate. The rally ended with a FC groundout giving Bibianos the win. For Bibs, now tied with Peace at 4-2, the damage started at the top with the first three hitters combining to go 13/15 with 5 doubles and a triple, and continued through most of the lineup. Scott Cole was 5/5 with 2 doubles, Alan Kniager 4/5 with a double and triple and John Galles was 4/5 with a pair of doubles. Tim Ely reached 4 times, going 2/2 with 2 walks, Joe Brouch was 2/3 with a walk while John Hinson and Doc Doxtader each went 3/5. Lots of good days from Smoke Shop as well: Craig Josz was 5/5, Steve Glaviano, Mark McGehee, Tom Reynolds and Dave Rachau all went 4/5 with Rachau getting 2 doubles and ending the day batting .818. Bill Mathews was 3/4 and Ron Barrio 3/5.
Kingers Medicare 10, Armed Forces 3
For the 5th straight game Kingers Medicare held their opponent to under 6 runs, this time it was 3 and their 10 runs was more than enough as the undefeated Kingers cruised to a 10-3 victory. Both teams gloves were sharp early and Kingers only led 3-2 after three. The bottom of the fourth is where the tide turned as Kingers put up 4 runs, followed by 3 in the fifth. That was all they needed with Armed Forces only scoring one in the seventh giving us our 10-3 final. It's been said in the American League you are only as good as the bottom half of your order, and in this one 5 of the top six top performances came from 6-10 with leadoff Mike Ickes being the exception going 3/4 (with no doubles.) Pat Moran and Tony Willett were both 2/2 with a walk while Mark Maynard, Lori Alexander and Tom Nadel were 2/3. For Armed Forces, Pete Laufer was 3/3 while 5 others went 2/3: Lynn McAdam, Mike Adair, George Fairbanks, George League and Rodger Beckes.
Reynolds Rangers 14, Timber Creek 13
Reynolds Rangers scored 4 runs in the top of the sixth inning to take a one-run lead and held Timber Creek scoreless the rest of the way to eke out a 14-13 victory. Creek led after each of the first 5 innings and looked like they might be on the way to their first victory. TC had a chance to win it in their last at-bat with runners on the corners with two outs, but the next batter, who was 4/4 on the day , was unable to make it a perfect 5/5 and Creek fell just short. Reynolds Rangers, now even at 3-3, had a balanced attack with 4 batters going 3/4: Bob Thaden, Steve Starr, Tom Reynolds and Jimmy Alexander. Alexander ended the day batting .857. Randy Searcy was 3/5 with a double. For Timber Creek, Dave Price and Bill Mann were 4/5 with Mann doubling and Price getting 5 rbi's. Pete Bell and Mike Ickes were both 3/4. Ickes had six hits on the day, but get this, no doubles! Keith Zelhofer was 3/5.
Games resume February 10. Oh, and Go Seahawks!
February 3
February started off beautiful. George Fairbanks presented tee-shirts to last sessions champs Specialty Companies. They were purple with gold lettering, so I felt right at home. Others in the crowd might have been a bit more taken aback. Good times and thanks to George for providing the shirts.
Peace Smoke Shop 17, Armed Forces 12
Don Parker led the game off for Armed Forces with an inside-the-park HR. Unfortunately for Armed Forces, this was the only time they would lead, eventually falling 17-12. Peace Smoke Shop, who came into this game in second place, showed why as they scored at least 3 runs in each of the first five innings. Only a late push by the Forces kept the mercy rule from kicking with a 4 run sixth allowing the game to go seven, Bob Strawser finished off AF in the seventh to pick up the win. Collectively Peace walked 6 times. Also helping, Craig Josz and Ron Barrio going 4/4, Strawser 3/3, Bill Mathews 3/4, Ron Wiebold and Mark McGehee 2/3 and Mark Richter 3/5. For Armed Forces, Rob Merrill was 4/4 while Joedy Pack, Lynn McAdam and Parker were 3/4 with Parker adding a double to go along with his HR
Bibianos 14, Reynolds Rangers 11
Our second game, featuring a pair of teams with identical 2-2 records, looked like it would be a high-scoring shootout with Bibianos holding an 10-8 lead after 3. Bibs kept it going in the top of the fourth, scoring 4, giving them 14, but that was it for their day. Fortunately for Bibs, Reynolds Rangers didn't have much to show either as they scored only 3 more. The Rangers did get the tying runs on, as they loaded the bases, but a routine fly ended the rally and Bibianos walked away with a 14-11 win. John Galles led the way for Bibs, going 4/4 with a double. Also, Arne Kvarnberg was 3/4, with 4 others going 2/3: George Fairbanks (3b, bb,) Scott Cole (bb,) Tim Ely and Dale Smith. Also, while he did go hitless, Alan Kniager did reach base 3 times with 3 walks which is believed to equal his 2025 total, perhaps even his career. For the Rangers, Jim Alexander was 4/4, while three others went 3/4: Mark Richter (2b,) Bob Thaden (2b,) and Dave Burton,
Kingers Medicare 15, Timber Creek 5
Our final game featured the undefeated Kingers Medicare facing off against a Timber Creek team still seeking their first win. Early on, it looked like Timber Creek might knock off Kingers as they held a 5-3 lead after two innings. Turns out 5 would be all the Creek would get off the stingy Kingers defense. Kingers, meanwhile, got 4 in the third, fourth and sixth inning and at the end of the day ended up with a 15-5, six inning victory. Kingers with a plus 46 run differential, is doing it with defense, giving up only 19 runs in 5 games. They also do, of course, have some hitters. Today, that included Lori Alexander whose 4/4,2b day made father/daughter 8/8 collectively. Mike Ickes had a standard 3/3. 3b, 2b, bb afternoon. Greg Bradley, Les Strueby and Tom Nadel were 3/4 with Les adding 2 doubles while Jerry Sepich and Mark Maynard were 2/3. For Timber Creek, Mike Pruden was 2/2 including an opposite field hit, while Keith Zelhofer, Bill Mann and Steve Oberg were 2/3 with Oberg doubling.
Friday we start the second time around the league with each game a re-match of the first day of the session
January 30
Two games decided in the final at-bat and one that was decided in the first inning. Here's a bit about how it happened:
Armed Forces 12, Timber Creek 11
Pete Laufer's bases loaded single in the bottom of the 7th, the seventh straight single in the inning, completed a come-from-behind 12-11 victory for Armed Forces. Both teams came into this one looking for their first win on the season. Both Timber Creek and the Forces came out strong with each team scoring the max 4 in innings one and two giving us an 8-8 tie after 2. The offense screeched to a trickle as AF would then go scoreless for four straight innings while Creek added just 2 runs. Creek increased the lead to 3 with a run in the top leaving Armed Forces down 3. Rob Merrill led off with a single and the next 5 batters singled as well, tying the game at 11. Laufer then lashed a single to left and AF walked off with the win. The scoresheet for the Forces shows all 10 players with 3 at-bats and each player had 2 or 3 hits. Getting 3 were Laufer and winning pitcher George League, while Don Parker, Lynn McAdam, Joedy Pack, John Galles, Merrill, Mike Adair, Jeff Smarr and manager Rodger Beckes each had 2. Worth noting Beckes had a triple down the RF line. For Timber Creek, Steve Oberg was 3/3 with a walk, Doc Doxtader was 3/4, Keith Zelhofer, Ron Copppes and John Hinson were 2/3 with a walk and Bill Mann was 2/3. Randy May did triple to RC.
Peace Smoke Shop 5, Reynolds Rangers 4
Mark McGehee's single to (you guessed it,) left field gave us our second straight walk-off victory, this being a 5-4 one for Peace Smoke Shop. Lotsof wasted opportunities in this one, with plenty of hits, just not many runs. The game was tied after three and Peace held a one-run lead as the seventh began. Reynolds started with the first three batters reaching safely and quickly tied the game, but a double-play and ground-out ended the threat, meaning Peace only need a run to win. Dennis Zafferano led off with a single, Dave Rachau followed with a double, followed by an intentional walk to Bob Strawser to load the bases. McGehee only needed a fly-ball, but did more than that and Peace got the win. Strawser got the win for Peace, now in second place at 3-1. At the plate, Pete Bell was 3/3 while both Rachau and Zafferano were 3/4 with Rachau ending the day batting .813. Ron Wiebold and Mcgehee were 2/3. For the Rangers, Mark Richter was 4/4, Rich Brinkman continues to impress going 3/3, putting his average at .714, while Vernell King and Sky Soom were 2/3 with Sky adding a walk.
Kingers Medicare 14, Bibiano's 1(5 innings)
Kingers Medicare used this game to show why they are the only undefeated team, scoring in all 5 innings in an eventual 14-1 run-rule victory over Bibiano's. Bibiano's scored their only run in the first, managing only 12 hit on the day. Kingers, meanwhile scored in every inning with 4, 3, 4,2 and one runs. Winning pitcher Doc Doxtader was 4/4, Mike Ickes, leading the league in average at .824, was 3/4 with3 doubles putting him at 9. Greg Bradley was also 3/4 while Jerry Sepich, Tom Nadel, Lori Alexander and Tony Willett were 2/3. For Bibianos, Alan Kniager and John Galles were the only batters who managed two hits with both going 2/3 with a double. Galles ended the day batting .789.
Games resume Tuesday as we count down the days until Super Bowl Sunday.
January 27
First softball games since the Seahawks clinched a berth to the Super bowl. The best game was the last one, followed by the middle one with the first one being a snoozer. As such, we'll start with the third game. Here's the report:
Bibianos 15, Armed Forces 14
Roger Piazza's bottom of the seventh single scored Alan Kniager from second to complete a come-from behind win for Bibiano's. There was never much separation in this one until Armed Forces put up 4 in the top of the sixth to take a 5-run lead. Bibs would answer with two so the seventh inning began with a 3 run lead. AF went down quickly in the top, but after Bibs saw 2 of the first three batters make outs, AF looked safe. John Galles then tripled to right, his fifth hit, followed by a Kniager double, also his fifth hit, that tied the game allowing Piazza to knock in the winning run. Bibianos, now 2-1, had 5/5 days from the aforementioned duo , with John also getting a double and Alan ending up with two doubles and a triple. Arne Kvarnberg and Tim Ely were 3/4. Armed Forces, still winless, found a 4/4 day, including a double from Jeff Smarr, while both Lynn McAdam and Mark Dudzik were 3/3. Mark Richter was 3/4 and Joedy Pack was 2/3 with a double.
Peace Smoke Shop 17, Timber Creek 12
Peace Smoke Shop scored 4 runs in four of the first five innings as they jumped to a 17-4 lead. Timber Creek did manage to put up a pair of 4's in the fifth and seventh, but all that did was make the score more respectable. Smoke's first seven batters were a combined 21/24 while adding 3 walks. Individually, Dave Rachau was 4/4 with a double, Mark Dudzik 3/3 with a walk and double, winning pitcher Bob Strawser was 2/2 with two walks, while Steve Glaviano, Bill Mathews, Ron Barrio, Craig Josz and Mark McGehee were 3/4 with Glaviano getting a double and triple. Timber Creek saw 4/4 days from both Keith Zelhofer (2b,3b,) and Dennis Zafferano (2 2b's,) Also, Bill Mann was 2/2 with a walk, Dave Price 2/2, while John Hinson was 2/3 with a walk.
Kingers Medicare 12, Reynolds Rangers 2 (six innings)
Kingers Medicare came into this game having won their first two games with a plus 11 differential, while Reynolds Rangers, also unbeaten, was at plus 6. Meddicare finished it at plus 23, 22 more than the second place Bibianos who are at plus 1 after their one run victory. Reynolds Rangers did a reasonable job in holding Kingers to only 12 runs. Sadly, they, themselves, only scored two runs, both in the second innings. Kingers, meanwhile, put up eight runs through five and then put up 4 in the home sixth to mercy rule the Rangers 12-2. Kingers, the only unbeaten team at 3-0, had 5 doubles between Les Strueby, Doc Doxtader and Mike Ickes with Les getting 3 while Doc and Mike each had one. Lori Alexander was 3/3 with a walk, Strueby and Ickes 3/4, with Pat Moran and Randy May going 2/3. For the Rangers, now at 2-1, Randy Searcy was 3/3, while Sky Soom and Tom Reynolds were 2/3.
Play resumes Friday, featuring a 3-1 vs 2-1 game, a pair of 2-1's and the other game between a couple of teams seeking their first win. (I bet one of them gets it.)
January 20
Opening day for the Spring Session. The deck has been shuffled. How will it all play out? Well, if today’s games are any indication, it’s going to be another fight to the finish. Three games decided by a total of 4 runs. And even an extra inning affair right out of the gate. Here’s the highlights:
Peace Smoke Shop 17, Bibiano’s 16
Ron Wiebold’s base hit scored Mark McGehee giving Peace Smoke Shop an extra inning walk-off victory. Peace Smoke Shop was ahead comfortably most of the game, leading 11-3 after three and 15-8 after six before Bibiano’s scored 7 runs in the top of the seventh to tie the game. Peace had a chance to win it in regulation but left the tying run stranded at second. In the top of the eighth, Bibiano’s did plate the “ghost” runner from second, but that wasn’t enough and Peace came away victorious. Wiebold, whose hit made him 4/4 on the day was joined at 4/4 by Bob Hamilton. Dave Rachau was 4/5 with a double, two others were 3/4: Craig Josz (3/4, 3b, bb,) and Mark Richter ( 3 /4 , 2b, bb.) McGehee and Ron Barrio were 3/5. For Bibianos, Arne Kvarnberg was 4/4, John Galles 4/5 with two doubles and a triple, Jeff Smarr and Alan Kniager were 3/5 and Roger Piazza was 2/4 with a walk.
Kingers Medicare 12, Armed Forces 10
Both teams came out firing with each scoring the max 4, Armed Forces while making no outs and Kingers only one. Armed Forces got what would end up being their only lead of the game when they scored 3 in the third to go up 7-6. They would only score one more as Kingers pulled ahead with a 4-spot in the fifth and led by two going into the open inning. Medicare would then put up 2 in the top of the inning, leaving the Forces chasing four. They did plate two and had the tying run on, but a well hit ball was caught by left fielder Tony Willett to seal the victory for Kingers. Mike Ickes didn’t miss a beat, going 5/5 with a double, Tom Nadel was 3/4, Greg Bradley and Mark Maynard 2 /3 with a walk, winning pitcher Doc Doxtader 3/5 while Les Strueby had two doubles. For Armed Forces, the top of the lineup was strong with leadoff Don Parker going 4/4 with a double, Joedy Pack 3/3 with a double, Pete Laufer 3 /4 with two doubles, Lynn McAdam 2/3 with a walk. Mike Adair also went 2/3.
Reynolds Rangers 19, Timber Creek 18
Jack Smith’s single scored Doc Doxtader with the winning run in the bottom of the seventh giving Reynolds Rangers a come from behind win in the opener for both teams. Creek was ahead 17-12 heading into the bottom of the sixth and after the Rangers scored 4, had a one lead as the seventh began. TC scored one to increase the lead to two, but the Rangers would answer with three and get the victory. Lots of offense in this one. For the Rangers, Steve Starr took over where he left off last session going 4/4 with a double, Vernell King was 3/3 with a walk, Mark Richter 3 /4 with a walk and a double, Rich Brinkman, Dave Burton, winning pitcher Jimmy Alexander and Randy Searcy were 3/4 with Searcy getting a double, Smith 3/5 with a double and Doxtader subbing mid-game and going 2/3. For Timber Creek, Bill Mann was 5/5 with two doubles, super-sub George Fairbanks 4/4 with a double and a triple, Pete Bell 4/5 and Dave Price 4/5 and John Hinson 3/5.
Play resumes Friday. This writer will be gone watching the NFC championship game in Seattle. Have fun!