Lee Martinez Park - Week 8 Highlights

LM East Field 1 @6pm

Social License to Intoxicate (Carolina Blue) vs. Skies Out Thighs Out (Sapphire Blue): Going into this one, Skies Out Thighs Out knew they would have to play stellar defense if they had any hope of containing the high-powered offense of Social License to Intoxicate… The defensive charge was led by Rachel Timmons, Captain for Skies Out Thighs Out, who displayed great effort throughout the night, including a diving catch on a ball that was clearly going foul in the bottom of the 2^nd inning. Skies Out Thighs Out kept it close through the 5^th inning—they even had a great scoring opportunity in the top of the inning when they had two on, nobody out. Unfortunately, Social License to Intoxicate then decided to amp up the defense with Paul Scharwz making a diving catch to end the scoring threat. Schwarz proceeded to later show his versatility on the offensive side as well with a bases-loaded 3 run smack to right. Kickball analyst Peter Gammons explained afterwards, “With the colder temperatures, Skies Out Thighs Out was unable to show as much thigh as usual, which really hindered their game strategy. They are more of a summer team.” Social License to Intoxicate wins 11-0.

LM East Field 2 @6pm

Odd Balls (Purple) vs. Muddy Wing Tippers (Charcoal): Sometimes all it takes is one winning to really clinch a game. For the Muddy Wing Tippers, that inning came in the bottom of the 5^th when they scored 4 runs to take a 6-0 lead over the Odd Balls. And despite some stellar defensive play from Ty—he only goes by “Ty”, no other names, kind of like Pele—the offense for the Odd Balls really stalled once again. The Muddy Wing Tippers wins 6-0.

LM West Field 1 @6pm

2 Legit 2 Kick (Athletic Gray) vs. Girls Love Big Kicks (Cactus Green): Usually, more people=a better chance to win. In this case, having more people allowed Girls Love Big Kicks to advance to the semifinals. Girls Love Big Kicks wins by forfeit 3-0.

LM West Field 2 @6pm

Ballbarians (Cardinal Red) vs. KickTease (Red): In a rematch of a hotly contested game earlier in the season, the Ballbarians came in looking for revenge. Their plan—focus on the defensive side of the plate. Colton “I Prefer Catching” Kuny started things off by completing an impressive double play to end the bottom of the 2^nd inning. Meanwhile, Brennen “I prefer Batting” Bridge had a highlight reel moment with a reflex play as the catcher in the bottom of the 6^th inning. Once again, after teasing themselves with the lead through the first three innings, KickTease gave up six runs in the top of the 4^th inning, which ultimately cost them the game. The Ballbarians win 7-3.

LM East Field 1 @7pm

Social License to Intoxicate (Carolina Blue) vs. Muddy Wing Tippers (Charcoal): The MVP of the playoffs so far has to be Social License to Intoxicate’s captain and pitcher, Michael Schwarz, for his valiant effort while playing on injured/casted foot. Schwarz had another excellent outing in this one as he held the Muddy Wing Tipper’s potent offense scoreless through six innings. However, the Muddy Wing Tippers also showcased their defensive prowess, with Kelsey Blakken-Straus making many catches for outs while playing second base, including a couple diving saves. With the Social License to Intoxicate leading 4-0 going into the bottom of the 7^th inning though, the Muddy Wing Tippers saw their season start to flash before their eyes… Then they rose to the occasion and piled on three runs before an instant replay challenge ended their comeback chances. (Insert sad face emoji) Social License to Intoxicate wins 4-3.

LM East Field 2 @7pm

Odd Balls (Purple) vs. Skies Out Thighs Out (Sapphire Blue): In another instant classic between these two evenly matched squads, extra innings were definitely needed to decide things. With Skies Out Thighs Out winning 1-0 through five innings, the Odd Balls would not taste the lead until the 6^th inning when they finally scored two runs. However, before you knew it, the 7^th inning ended and it was now tied up at 3-3. Finally, in the 11^th inning, the tie would broken and the Odd Balls could claim victory!!! And there was much rejoicing! Kickball enthusiast President Obama said after the game: “We look forward to many more matchups of these teams in the future… Kind of like we look forward to many more filibusters in Congress.” Odd Balls in 4-3.

LM West Field 1 @7pm

Ballbarians (Cardinal Red) vs. Girls Love Big Kicks (Cactus Green): The Ballbarians jumped out quick to a 1-0 lead in this one, but it wouldn’t last long. The consistent play of Girls Love Big Kicks eventually carried the day, and three straight outs all by Steve Esarey in the top of the 5^th inning didn’t hurt either. When asked about how Girls Love Big Kicks wins games in such a methodical fashion, Brady Andersen, Captain of Girls Love Big Kicks explained, “We just have a ton of belief in our team. We know someone will come through. If one person isn’t having a great day, it’s someone else’s turn to step up. Also, performance enhancing drugs help a lot too.” Girls Love Big Kicks wins 5-1.

LM West Field 2 @7pm

KickTease (Red) vs. 2 Legit 2 Kick (Athletic Gray): Another forfeit… But at least KickTease could play against themselves. They would have made a great only child growing up. Kicktease wins by forfeit 3-0.

Wednesday Cuernavaca - Week 7 Highlights

Hose Draggers vs. Dice: Lacey Moore set the defensive tone for Dice in the top of the first inning when she tipped a hard kicked line drive straight up, secured the catch and ended the inning. Dice carried this momentum into the bottom of the first inning where they plated an incredible 6 runs. Ashley Feller was responsible for one of those RBI's when she laid a bunt single down. Hose Draggers got their only run in the top of the second inning by playing some solid small ball. But in typical Dice fashion, they answered back - this time, scoring their 3 final runs of the game in the bottom of the second inning. From then on, both teams showcased some really good defense. Dice's Lisa Fitzbeck had a fantastic diving catch, in the dark, to end the game.  Dice wins, 9-1.

Punani Patrol vs. Step Parents: This was a really close game. Punani got on the board first with 2 runs in the top of the first inning. Punani's Nathan "Noodles" Newell kicked in one of those runs with a well placed single. Punani extended their lead to 3-0 by scoring their last run of the game in the top of the third inning. Punani got some great pitching from Russell Thesing to keep Step Parents off the board for most of this game. Step Parents put together a valiant effort in the bottom of the seventh inning with almost zero daylight remaining. They were able to get one run and bring the tying run to the plate. But, Punani practically turned into werewolves and got some crazy D from the right side of their infield. Their first baseman some how tipped a hard kicked line drive just enough so that the second base gal could secure a diving catch. What a great ending! Punani Patrol wins, 3-1.

Zuni Park - Week 6 Highlights

Menace 2 Sobriety vs. Backdoor Ohoulihans:  It's a bird, no it's a plane, no it's Billy Lions and his Superman socks scoring!!  Billy brought his showmanship AND BO took the early lead bottom 1...nice work Billy!!!  Menace 2 Superman came back with their kryptonite kicking and manufactured 3-runs in 2 innings with aggressive base running, AND excellent beer drinking.  BO answered with 2 runs of their own and had this game tied up going into the bottom of the 6th inning.  Then Ben Whitehead smacked a super-man-SAC-fly that scored 2 and BO stymied Menace from there on.  Backdoor Ohoulihans wins 6-3.

Highlanders vs. Not In The Face:  Highlanders were getting Faced early in this one as Not in the Face got out to an early 4-0 lead by the 3rd inning.  In the bottom of the 4th inning, Highlanders quit due to a controversial foul OR not foul call and walked off the field.  Not In The Face wins 3-0 by forfeit.

Lee Martinez Park - Week 7 Highlights

2 Legit 2 Kick (Athletic Gray) vs. Skies Out Thighs Out (Sapphire Blue): Skies Out Thighs Out finally brought out the offense on this night while 2 Legit 2 Kick proceeded to score more runs than they had all season. However, the MVP of the night was Tom Jorgenson from Skies Out Thighs Out who knocked home a 2-run dinger in the bottom of the 2^nd inning that really opened up the metaphorical floodgates for his team. While the final score may be misleading in terms of this game’s competitive spirit, fortunately we can measure the quality of play in relation to hearts and minds of those competing as well… Not too sound corny or anything. Skies Out Thighs Wins 23-3.

Muddy Wing Tippers (Charcoal) vs. Ballbarians (Cardinal Red): Fresh off their first loss of the season, the Muddy Wing Tippers wanted to bounce back and make it known they are still gunning for a championship. After scoring four runs in the top of the 1^st inning, Kyle “Oh Captain, My Captain” Pettyjohn proceeded to hit a 2-run home run in the 3^rd inning to give the Muddy Wing Tippers a 7-1 lead. The Ballbarians didn’t go down without a fight though as Colton “The Crusher” Cuny made a great double play in the top of the 4^th inning to stop the bleeding temporarily. Unfortunately for the Ballbarians though, Samantha “Frisky Fingers” Brooke ended things in the bottom of the 7^th inning with an impressive reflex fingertip that ensured the Muddy Wing Tippers would stay on top for good. Muddy Wing Tippers win 9-2.

Social License to Intoxicate (Carolina Blue) vs. Girls Love Big Kicks (Cactus Green): In a battle between newcomers (Social License to Intoxicate) and veterans (Girls Love Big Kicks), this game ended up being quite the nailbiter! Girls Love Big Kicks jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the first inning while showing great defensive prowess along the way. Not one to throw in the towel early, Social License to Intoxicate came back in the top of the 3^rd inning to claim a 3-2 advantage. Meanwhile, Tivory Luevane made a diving catch in the top of the 5^th inning that halted a bases loaded threat from Girls Love Big Kicks which kept Social License to Intoxicate in the lead. Finally, in the bottom of the 7^th inning, Steve Walker from Girls Love Big Kicks once again rose to occasion and bombed a 2-run walk-off home run for victory!!! Walker said after the game, “I was just trying to do my best Sid Bream imitation…” Girls Love Big Kicks wins 4-3.

KickTease (Red) vs. Odd Balls (Purple): KickTease was hoping to use this game as a springboard for their playoff run, and boy, were they looking solid!! Despite trailing 1-0 to the Oddballs after the 1^st inning, KickTease proceeded to tie up things in the 2^nd before a home run from Joshua Devine in the bottom of the 3^rd inning put them on top for good. The Odd Balls once again stalled on the offensive end while just a couple defensive lapses hurt them big in the long run. The captain for the Odd Balls, Rebecca Benedict, mentioned that they might be in the market for a new strength and conditioning coach at the end of the season. Word on the street is that the Odd Balls are in talks with Todd Helton to be a player/coach going forward. In this game though, Kicktease wins 7-2.

Wednesday Cuernavaca - Week 6 Highlights

Dice vs. Step Parents: This game started off quietly with two scoreless innings, with both teams exhibiting some pretty great pitching and defense!!! Finally, the action began in the top of the 3rd inning when Dice was able to plate one run. Luckily for Step Parents, Amber Kassell made a nice catch in shallow right field to end the inning before too much damage could be done. Dice got some great defense from third baseman Matt Graffam. All three kickers in the bottom of the 3rd inning kicked right at Matt and he secured all three outs like the champ he is. Then, in the top of the 4th inning, Dice blew this game wide open!! They scored six runs, two of which came off a Brett Stanilka 2-run double. Step Parents would score their only two runs in the bottom of the 4th inning. Dice finished off the scoring in this game with one more run in the top of the 5th inning. Dice wins, 8-2.

Punani Patrol vs. Hose Draggers: Hose Draggers got off to a quick start in the bottom of the 1st inning. Dwayne Keaton drove in the first run with an RBI single. Then Chad Frier booted a SAC fly for the second run. Finally, Stefanie Hayes kicked a 2-RBI fielder's choice to finish off Hose Dragger's power scoring. After getting out of that inning, Punani Patrol regrouped and was able to keep Hose Draggers scoreless for the rest of the game. A big part of that was some good pitching from Russ Thesing. Punani Patrol eventually plated one run in the top of the 4th inning, but that was all they could muster. Hose Draggers wins, 4-1.

Memorial Ballpark - Week 6 Highlights

Pitches Be Crazy vs. Kickboxing Kickballers: In preparation for the Pikes Peak Cup, both teams knew it was time to fine tune their skills. Both defenses were rock solid in the 1st, with neither team scoring. PBC broke the scoreless tie in the second to go up 1-0. Beau Kelly went into beast mode in the top of the 3rd and sent a shot to left center for a 3 run HR. PBC would score 1 more in the inning, but an insane sliding catch by Shane Kinkennon ended the inning. PBC wanted more, and got some with a 5 run outburst in the 4th to go up 10-0. KBKB got the dirt off their shoulders and scored 2 in the bottom half. KBKB found a way to keep PBC off the base paths in the 5th, while rallying offensively to put up another run. PBC eventually pulled away on this night, scoring 4 in the 6th and 1 more in the 7th to put an exclamation point on an astounding game. Pitches Be Crazy wins, 15-3.

Super Eagles vs SchoolYard AllStars: The SchoolYard AllStars came to the field full ready to piece together the perfect playoff squad. The Super Eagles were shorthanded and couldn't field a full team, giving SYAS the win by forfeit. The scrimmage that ensued, however, was so storybook-like that we just had to record the highlights! SYAS was able to get out to an early 1-0 lead in the 1st. The Super Eagles responded in the best way possible, with the father/son combo of Kevin and Emmerich Leonardo scoring runs in the top of the 2nd. SYAS was flabbergasted but able to regain their composure and score 2 in the bottom half thanks to a Matt Boggs bomb. SYAS squeezed a run out in the 4^th. The Super Eagles needed runs, and thanks to some handy recruits for the next game on hand, were able to erase the deficit! The Super Eagles scored 1 in the 6^th, but the SYAS scrimmage squad stayed resilient and scraped across the game winning run. SchoolYard AllStars wins, 3-0 (forfeit)

Saved By The Ball vs Bazinga: All season long, it’s been no secret that Bazinga hopes to end this season with another championship. This passionate drive sure did show in the 1^st inning, when they scored a massive 7 runs, thanks to a 3 run triple by Craig Duncan. Matt Howes wanted to make sure Saved By the Ball wouldn't strike back, converting an unassisted double play to end the top of the 2nd. Bazinga kept the pedal to the metal with one run in the 2nd, 4 runs in the 3rd and another in the 4th to go up 13-0. SBTB just couldn’t handle the idea of a Bazinga shutout – luckily, an overthrow in the top of the 5th gave SBTB the chance to get a run in. Michael Spekhardt used that momentum, and nailed a sensational diving catch to end Bazinga’s 5th inning. Michael turned his defensive intensity into offensive power with a solo shot in the 6th. SBTB had one last pop, and scratched across 3 more runs in the 7th. Bazinga wins, 13-5.

CareCore vs Lights Out: CareCore came out with a roster of 7, as compared to a fully loaded Lights Out. Lights Out put up an early run in the 1st and used their defense to preserve the lead. Braylon Adams had other ideas for CareCore, sending a solo shot to right field to knot the game up in the top of the 3rd. Seeing that infuriated Lights Out and they went off for 3 runs in the bottom of the 4th. Wes Wilhelm was on the mound for Lights Out and struck out CareCore in the 5th, then proceeded to kick an opposite foot solo home run to bolster their lead.  CareCore made a valiant effort, but Lights Out took home the win. Lights Out wins, 3-0 (forfeit)

Hangin With Patch Adams vs. Chocolate Sensation: Hangin With Patch Adams  hoped to get another statement win, while Chocolate Sensation was clinging to the top seed coming in to Week 6. Chocolate Sensation came out of the gates firing on all cylinders, scoring 4 runs in the 1st. Demetrius Harris was on the mound for Chocolate Sensation and made Hangin With Patch Adams look a little silly with a brutal combo of pitches, forcing Hangin With Patch Adams  hitless through 2. Chocolate Sensation  was solid on offense too, scoring 2 more to go up 6-0. Harris wasn't letting anything get to him, as another 1-2-3 inning for Hangin With Patch Adams made it 3 innings of no-hit kickball. Chocolate Sensation added 2 more in the 3rd and 4 runs in the 4th to go up 12-0, with the no-hitter still intact. Jimmy Sheehan of Chocolate Sensation  made 2 spectacular plays to keep Demetrius' no hitter alive, and added the dagger run with a solo shot in the 5th to go up 13-0. In the top of the 7^th, Hangin With Patch Adams hadn’t given up hope – The 2^nd  kicker bunts one down the line and it stays fair, ending the no-hitter at approximately the 6 1/3 inning! Chocolate Sensation wins 13-0.

Lee Martinez Park - Week 6 Highlights

Ballbarians (Cardinal Red) vs. KickTease (Red): In an important contest for playoff positioning, both teams pulled out all the stops and really lit up the highlight reel!!! KickTease jumped out early to a 4-0 lead by the top of the 4^th inning on the heels of Kyle “The Matrix” Oldham who dodged a ball (while staying on the base path of course) and scored a run. However, like the Vandals of yore, the Ballbarians did not go quietly as Tyler “The Vacuum” White made a great over the shoulder catch to end a KickTease scoring threat. In the end though, perennial Kickball all-star Adam “Thunder Foot” Eccher from KickTease decided to put the kibosh on the Ballbarians comeback attempts when he crushed a three run home run out of the park (or out of the grass I should say) to put things away. KickTease wins 8-2.

Social License to Intoxicate (Carolina Blue) vs. 2 Legit 2 Kick (Athletic Gray): Both squads wanted to give themselves a challenge by having fewer players than allowed…. Unfortunately, that means neither team could technically win either… Much merriment and joy was had in a game “just for fun” though, which is what really counts right? Social License to Intoxicate and 2 Legit 2 Kick tie 0-0.

Girls Love Big Kicks (Cactus Green) vs. Muddy Wing Tippers (Charcoal): With the #1 spot in the playoffs on the line, you knew this game of unbeatens would come down to the wire… And the tens of fans in attendance were not disappointed!!! It was a defensive battle from the start, with each teams’ attempts to play “small ball” being mostly thwarted by the quickness and dexterity of the other teams’ pitchers. However, the Muddy Wing Tippers were able to get two quick runs on the board in the top of the 2^nd inning to take a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the 4^th inning though, Girls Love Big Kicks was able to tie up the game before a booming solo home run in the bottom of the 5^th inning by Drew Nelson from Girls Love Big Kicks put them on top 3-2!!! From there on out, Girls Love Big Kicks just tried to hold on for dear life. After the game, Kickball analyst Peter Gammons said, “This is the kind of matchup you love covering as an analyst as well as a fan. The strategy, the determination, the heroes, the statistics… It just doesn’t get any better than this for a regular season game. Of course, now we have a potential post season matchup to look forward to...” Girls Love Big Kicks wins 3-2.

Skies Out Thighs Out (Sapphire Blue) vs. Odd Balls (Purple): If you like defensive struggles, then you would have loved this game… Let’s just say not a lot happened until the 7^th inning, so we will skip ahead. Callie Stockler had an amazing catch for Skies Out Thighs Out to end an Odd Balls scoring threat in the top of the 7^th inning. Then came the bottom of the 7^th inning… Mac Fuller probably didn’t wake up Wednesday morning thinking that he would be hero for tens of adoring fans, but that’s exactly what happened after he kicked the ball that scored the game ending run!!! Fuller said after the game, “Securing our team’s first win of the year is a dream come true… That game winning kick was undoubtedly the highlight of my life up to this point.” Skies Out Thighs Out wins 1-0.