Opening Day - Saturday marked the beginning of the regular season for the NBWL. In the first game of season at Secor’s house (a.k.a. Minute Maid Field), Joe Mastriano pitched a complete game shut leading the Legend over Murder Inc. 3-0. Joe allowed 3 hits and 3 BBs while recording 13 strikeouts. Cons pitched well for his team but was doomed by the long ball. He gave up only 3 hits but 2 were for HRs. Cons finished with 10 strikeouts. Doody hit a two-run shot and Joe hit a solo shot for the Legends who are trying to defend their championship.

In the second game, the Smash Brothers defeated Murder Inc. 2-1. Cons pitched masterfully for 4 innings allowing 3 hits, 1 walk, and striking out 11, but he reached his inning max. Marotta relieved him, but could not find his groove. He loaded the bases and then allowed the tying and winning runs to score recording no outs along the way. Kevin Secor kept his team in the game up until the 5th inning when his manager pulled him to save his innings cap for their next game vs. the Legends. Eric Secor came in to hold the Murder Inc. to their 1 run that was a HR by Cons. Kevin and Eric both recorded a run and an RBI in the bottom of the 5th for the win.

The third game featured the two favorites heading into the season: the Legends vs. the Smash Brothers. The Smash Brothers jumped out to an early lead scoring 2 runs off starter Joe Mastriano in the 2nd inning. The Legends came back scoring 3 runs off a triple by Joe Mastriano after being held at bay by Kevin. Doody entered the game to close it out after Joe reached his innings cap. He struck out the side in the 4th, but lost his control in the 5th blowing the game. Kevin returned to close out the game recording his first save of the year.

Sponsored by Wendy’s was attending their senior prom and were unable to begin the season. The league is off to a successful start otherwise.

Doody - June 1st, 2003