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Joe Senser's Softball
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BATS SILENCED IN NIGHTCAP
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Joe Senser's Softball
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ROSEVILLE, MN- Manager Mike Dirksen couldn't have asked for a better way for Senser's 2001 to start their season- a 10-run, 2-homer top of the first inning to lead the way to a 22-12, 6-inning victory over the Desciples. "It was evident from the first pitch all the extra BP paid off," Dirksen stated after the game. "We were selective at the plate, we got runners on, and we had a few key bombs in there." The big blast of the night was turned in by Eastside, whose grand slam capped off the big first inning. Arguments ensued after the blast, which bounced off the top of the fence and went over, on whether the stat sheet should include an asterisk in East's home run column. "Without a doubt, that was the weakest homer I've seen," outfielder Mike Kennedy quipped. "But hey, he didn't strike out, so I've gotta give him credit for that." Senser's also put up a 7-run 3rd inning and a 5-run 6th to win the game by the 10-run rule. Jeremy Kletzin and Ryan Thomas added homers to pace the bar team. Kletzin also saved Brette Hjelle an at-bat in the book after scoring from second on a fly out. "Hey, that was a big run," Kletzin quipped in the dugout. "Not only did it save Hjelle an AB, but I kept pace for the run-scoring title. I could use that bonus at the end of the season."
The second game of the doubleheader, well, pretty much sucked. After scoring two runs in the 1st, Senser's managed to manufacture only three more the rest of the game en route to a 18-5, 5-inning loss. "It's not too often that you 10 a team one gane and get 10'd the next," outfielder Tim Bruns mused after the game. Eastside once again was the offensive bright spot, going 3-for-3 and scoring 3 of the team's 5 runs. "See, that's the kind of production we need out of the leadoff spot," East said over a pint at the bar. "When I take over this team, no more boozing after the games. It's extra BP and infield, and I don't give a shit if the infield's as smooth as 694. Get in front of the damn ball and knock it down." The game featured a lot of warning-track power and a handful of shots off the fence. Most notable of the fence balls was Bill Remick's, whose shot hit about eight feet up on the 10' wall. "I guess I have to get on East's conditioning program so I can get those extra two feet," Remick was quoted after the game. Second baseman Pete Fanucci overheard Remick's comment and added, "Hey, just bat like you're trying to hit the cut-off, then every ball will sail clear over the fence." At one point, Fanucci was so frustrated with outfielders missing the cut that he offered a beer to anyone who hit a relay man. "Shit, I don't care if I hit the damn cut, I'm still paying for those beers anyway," Kennedy quipped. "Maybe that dago should keep his mouth shut until he gets a job since he's betting my damn money now." The second game lasted just longer than an average Martina Hingis first round matchup- 28 minutes. "Pretty f--kin' sad," fan Mike Biebl moped after the game. "I f--kin' don't know which of those f--kers had the biggest f--kin' manp---y that f--kin' game. At least we get to go to the f--kin' bar early, since that game was f--kin' horses--t." At the bar, similar topics came up again, such as the potential managerial switch. "That win bought me another week," Dirksen told our beat reporters after the game. "I'm going to keep wearing the skipper hat though- I'm a survivor. I'll never give up." Next week's games take place at 6:00 and 7:00, offering the team a golden opportunity to improve on this week's $60.24 bar tab.
Swelvax Player of the Week:
Eastside. Earned this honor by going 5-for-6 with a walk, a grand slam, a triple, and five runs scored. Also made the pilgrimage to the bar post-game, cementing this honor. Honorable mention goes to Ryan Thomas (5-for-6, 3 runs, 1 HR).
MVMP of the Week, presented by Mike Biebl:
Mike Kennedy. Batted 1-for-5, but most importantly, struck out, which virtually locked up this award by the 3rd inning of the first game.
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