City Park - Week 3

City Park Field 1 (6pm)

Purple Cobras (Violet) vs. Girls Love Big Kicks (Red): Comebacks upon comebacks!!! Absolute pandemonium! If this game took place in the playoffs, it would have been an ESPN Instant Classic! The scoring came early and often, with Girls Love Big Kicks having a 4-3 lead after the top of the 4^th inning. That’s when things got crazy--Girls Love Big Kicks exploded for five runs in the bottom of the 4^th inning to take a 9-3 lead. If Joe Newhart of the Purple Cobras hadn’t made a diving catch to end the inning, who knows how long the onslaught would have continued. However, the Purple Cobras stormed back in the top of the 6^th and 7^th innings to take a 12-9 lead!!! How did they do it you ask? I literally have no idea. But Girls Love Big Kicks wouldn’t go quietly into the night—they scored an additional three runs in the bottom of the 7^th inning to tie up the game just as the buzzer sounded. (I know—there isn’t a buzzer in Kickball, but when you have back-to-back-games, you have got to keep things moving unfortunately.) Now, we will just have to wait for the rematch—one can only dream… Purple Cobras and Girls Love Big Kicks tie 12-12.

City Park Field 2 (6pm)

My Kick Gets it Done (Orange) vs. Real Housewives of Greely (Maroon): Talk about highlights! No need to make up stuff in this contest—everything was for real this time around. Joshua “Deathlock” Devine from My Kicks Get it Done started things off in the top of the 3^rd inning: Just as it looked like the Real Housewives of Greely might finally score, Devine saved an in-field home run with an amazing throw to get out the runner right before home plate. Devine could definitely be a future dodgeball star as well…. For the Real Housewives of Greely, Tuss “Ain’t No Fuss” Erickson showed his defensive “skillz” in the bottom of the 5^th inning when he made a tip catch and threw to 1^st for the double play. The most interesting dynamic of the game however resulted from the relationship between both teams first basemen: Taylor “Super Swift” Smith from My Kicks get it Done and Andrew “Super Fine” Miner from the Real Housewives of Greely. Every time one of them ran to first base, it would always be a tie between the runner and the fielder. Which means, they could never get each other out since the tie went to the runner. Could this be a conspiracy to improve their on-base percentage stats…? GO Kickball will be investigating. My Kicks Get it Done wins 5-1.

City Park Field 3 (6pm)

High Rollers (Gold) vs. Kicktease (Old Gold): Once again, Kicktease teased themselves with the potential taste of victory…  Their defense proved solid as Carolynn Grosh had a throw out at home plate, and Adam Johnson even made a no look catch that can be viewed here. Kicktease’s offense was so close as well… Even in the last inning, they had a runner at 3^rd base, but couldn’t bring the person in to score after Kevin Gallant from the High Rollers caught the last two outs. Next time! High Rollers win 5-1.

City Park Field 4 (6pm)

Lunchbox Violators (Daisy Yellow) vs. Oilers SLTI (Irish Green): The Lunchbox Violators were out to make a statement in this game—that they are a legitimate title contender this season. While not playing their best, they did keep things close between them and the defending champs, which bodes well for future games. Both teams had some dynamic individual plays, with former MVP Paul Schwarz from the Oilers SLTI making a diving catch at 3^rd base in the top of the 1^st inning. You can tell that he wants another taste of that championship trophy… Not to be outdone though, Jonny Craig from the Lunchbox Violators did go spread eagle for the final out of the 3^rd inning when he supermanned to make the catch (no cape required). Ultimately, the Oilers SLTI were too much for the still learning Lunchbox Violators sqaud. Oilers SLTI win 8-5.

City Park Field 1 (7pm)

New Kicks on the Block (Kiwi Green) vs. Kickaholics (Charcoal): With their 2-0 start to the season, New Kicks on the Block really wanted to make it 3-0. They got off to a slow start though on the offensive side of the plate, but the defense was solid from the get-go, including a nice double play to end the top of the 1^st inning and an amazing diving catch by Luke Chamberland slightly later in the game. The Kickaholics definitely brought their A-game, with Captain Robin Rathje making a nice pump fake that juked out the runner for the out. It was all tied up 1-1 going into the bottom of the 6^th inning, which is when New Kicks on the Block finally broke through and scored 5 runs! Rathje from the Kickaholics said after the game that she was please with her team’s effort, but that if they want to win next time, “We can’t lose focus for an instant—constant vigilance!!!” New Kicks on the Block wins 6-1.

City Park Field 2 (7pm)

The Ballin Bison (Cardinal Red) vs. Where My Pitches At (Heliconia): The Ballin Bison were forced to play a woman down, but what they lacked on defense, they made up for with a solid offensive effort. Where My Pitches at on the other hand looked to quickly take advantage of the missing Bison players—Spencer Hellwig, an early season MVP candidate, rocketed a shot to right field in the bottom of the 1^st inning that scored a run, putting Where My Pitches at on top 1-0. The lead was short-lived however, as the Ballin Bison really started balling hard after that. Bryan Silvers in particular showed his true baller-nature as he hit a 3-run home run in the top of the 5^th and a bases clearing triple in the top of the 6^th. In fact, when the dust had settled, our statisticians tell us that Silvers hit for the cycle in this contest. Awesome opossum! The Ballin Bison win 12-2.

City Park Field 3 (7pm)

Suck My Kick (Lime) vs. Balls Deep (Blue): In a matchup between kicks and balls, who would win? Balls Deep jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the bottom of the 1^st inning, and then looked to hold on for dear life. In between though, there were quite a few solid plays: Jared “Iceberg” Aaberg from Suck My Kick made a double play, Nate “The Tank” Sherman from Balls Deep had a really nice diving catch, and Rob “The Blob” Lynde from Balls Deep made a sweet double play of his own. At the end of the game, it appeared that balls were better than kicks, as Balls Deep’s early lead held. Balls Deep wins 5-1.

City Park Field 4 (7pm)

Ballz N’ Dollz (Light Pink) vs. Too Legit to Kick (White): When both of these teams woke up on Wednesday, I doubt they thought that they would be playing 11 innings of kickball later that night… What a marathon!!! This game quickly turned into a defensive struggle, as exemplified by pitcher Tom Torres’ three up, three down performance in the bottom of the 2^nd inning for Ballz N’ Dollz. For Too Legit to Kick, Allen Stefanik had a nifty reflex catch of his own right at home plate in the top of the 3^rd inning as well. But the real excitement came in bottom of the 7^th—the Ballz N’ Dollz were down 2-0 at the start of the inning, but then before you knew it, Stephanie Bucklen’s RBI single had tied up the game!!! In extra innings, the defenses held strong until time became an issue. However, based on the postgame celebration (see it here), I think both teams were happy with a tie. Ball N’ Dollz and Too Legit to Kick tie 2-2.

Sunday Funday - Week 2 Highlights

After School Special vs. Booze on First:

After got on the board first with two runs in the top of the 1st inning. Booze would answer with two of their own in the bottom of the inning to keep the game even. Booze would then score one in the bottom of the 2nd to take the lead. Then in the top of the 3rd inning, Booze's center fielder, Janelle Gorski, made an amazing catch to keep the bases loaded and prevent a few runs. Booze would keep the momentum going with three more runs in the bottom of the 3rd and three in the 4th. The three in the 4th came off a Dorian Wilson blast of a home run. After would score one more run in the top of the 5th but that would be it. Booze's catcher Mook played an incredible game behind the plate...show us what you got Mook!! Booze on First wins, 9-3.

Star Spangled Hammered vs. Fresh Kicks of Ball Air

Star started this show with a Zack Remacle solo home run. Kicks had an answer and scored five in the bottom half of the inning. A couple of these runs were the result of a Brad Callaway home run which is the only way he rolls/kicks!!  Kicks would tack on another run in the bottom of the second inning to extend their lead. Star pushed two runs across the plate in the top of the 3rd inning but that would be all they could Spangle. Kicks added two insurance runs in the bottom of the 5th inning to end the scoring. Fresh Kicks of Ball Air win, 8-3.

11:00 am

Untouchaballs vs After School Special

This was the closest game of the day. Balls scored three runs in the top of the 1st inning. One of those runs was scored by Mike Pettes. Then in the top of the 2nd inning Pettes was at it again and drove in two of his team's three runs. That would be all the scoring that the Balls would get. In the bottom of the 2nd inning, After got on the board with a single run. They would go on to score two more in the bottom of the 5th inning and make this a two run game. It was about this time when After's Mike Topolski made a great catch in right field to keep the game close but unfortunately After just couldn't touch enough balls in the gaps for runs. Untouchaballs win, 5-3.

Hose Draggers vs. New Kicks on the Block

Hose Draggers scored four in the top of the 1st, two in the top of the 2nd and then one run in the 5th,6th, and 7th. New Kicks made major 2nd week improvements with one run in the bottom of the 1st inning and then two more in the bottom of the 7th.  Those middle innings can be killer sometimes if the other team is scoring.  Either way, New Kicks on the Block is making their move to the top of the charts!!  Hose Draggers win, 9-3.

Memorial Ballpark - Week 2 Highlights

Bazinga vs Pitches Be Crazy To: PBC2 was looking to make a huge statement against the Bazinga team that has another title in mind. Bazinga got out to an early 4 run lead, thanks in large part to a Caleb Van Wingerden 3 run blast to left. PBC2 did not panic, but they were unable to score in the 1st. Bazinga blasted the doors open with 7 in the 2nd, lead off by a 2 run Keith Hausam single. Not to be out done, Keith Youngers of PBC2 came barreling home from right field to get the tag out at home on Erik Blessman to end the inning. PBC2 was able to get runners on in the 2nd, but the Bazinga defense stood tall. Bazinga would score 3 in the 3rd to go up by 14, while PBC2 was left scratching their heads trying to get on the board. Bazinga and PBC2 would be held off the board in the 4th. Bazinga would strike again in the 5th with 2 runs to go up 16. Top 6, Bazinga looks loaded to blow the game wide open, but a diving catch by Keith Youngers kept the Bazinga offense at bay. Nate Kischer put the icing on the cake with a 2 run HR to cap a 3 run 7th. Bazinga wins 19-0

Tuckin With Jenner vs Ballsagna: Both teams come into the week looking to make a name in the game. Both teams were kept off the board in the 1st, showing defense was the name of the game. Bottom 2, and Nathan Smith came home like a bowling ball from 2nd to give Ballsagna a 1-0 lead. John Chapman was on the mound for Ballsagna and was dominant, not allowing a runner through 4 innings. Bottom 4, still a 1 run game, and Brian Peterson makes a falling one hand grab to end Ballsagnas offense. Ballsagna would crack home a run in the 5th to go up 2-0. John Chapman was still going strong on the mound and kept his shutout alive with a 1 hand grab of his own. Chapman went 6 2/3 before TWJ converts on a last out heroic, and ties the game with back to back RBI singles. Game ends in a tie, 2-2

Fresh Kicks of Ball Air vs Hashtag Balls: #Balls returns from a great spring season while FKBA makes their debut. FBKA got out to a quick start with 2 runs in the 1st and 2nd to get out to a 4-0 lead after 2 innings. #Balls would return fire in the 3rd after the food settled in their stomachs, and cut the lead in half. FBKA seized their opportunities and dropped 2 more runs in the 4th to go up by 4 once more. #Balls would convert on a crazy double play at 2nd to stop the FBKA attack in the 5th. Bottom 7, and #Balls would go on an aerial assault, but 2 runs was not enough on this day. Fresh Kicks of Ball Air wins 6-4

Aerotek Ball Busters vs Balls and Dolls: BD was making their GKB debut and ABB was making their long awaited return to the field. ABB got on the board early as Matt Helwege got a beautful home run out to the warning track to go up 1-0. Not to be out done, BD would convert on a sac fly to tie the game at 1. Neither team would convert in the 2nd inning, both teams shoing their metal. Both teams would light up the scoreboards in the 3rd with each team loading home 2 more runs to make it a 3 all contest. The defense would stay strong for both teams, neither team allowing another run through 6. Bottom 7, and BD was primed to make a large run count, but ABB pulls a double play at 2nd base to end the game in the 2nd tie of the night. Game ends, 3-3

Headshots Should Count vs Win or lose, we still booze: HSSC would come into this week ready to go 2-0, and WLWB would make their long anticipated debut. HSSC would get on the board early and often, dropping 4 runs in the 1st. Top 2, and TJ Skeens blasts home a solo shot for HSSC to go up 5. Top 3, Luke Northam blasts home a huge RBI double, followed up by a 2 run double by Caleb O Leary to top off a 4 run 3rd. WLWB would get runners on in the bottom of the 3rd, but again were denied a run home. HSSC would stay on the gas pedal with 2 in the 4th to go up 11. WLWB would get runners on 1st and 3rd but were popped out to end the threat. Caleb O Leary would strike again in the 5th, with a 3 run bomb to cap a 5 run 5th. Bottom 5, and Nick Hartbauer would convert an overthrow into a 2 run rbi double to break the scoreless game. Top 6, and a diving catch by Nick Hartbauer at 3rd capped a 1-2-3 inning to keep HSSC off the board. Bottom 6, and a bloop single by Mike Garnett proved costly as 2 more runs came home to make it a 16-4 game. HeadShots Should Count wins, 16-4

Kick Tease vs Pandoras Box: Both teams were new to the game, or so it looked on paper, on the field it was a different story. Jason Kawikami got the game rolling with a solo shot to put KT up 1-0. Zach Gribble would follow suit in the 2nd in what came to be a 6 run inning for KT to go up by 7. PB would silently begin to claw back with a run in the bottom of the 2nd. Irvin Smalls would be killing KT in the bottom of the 4th with a 2 RBI double to make a 6-3 game. Top 6, and KT looked poised to strike again, but a pop out-tag out double play would stop KT in their tracks. Top 7, and KT would put the icing on the cake with a run in the 7th to end the game. Kick Tease wins, 8-3

Beauties and Balls vs Blue Balls: BB made their comeback after a successful spring season and were greeted by a BEBA team that was fresh to GKB. BB would strike early thanks to a bases loaded double by Chris Green to go up 2-0. Top 3, and Wes Wilhelm pulls an unassisted double play thanks to a line drive catch and a base running error at 1st. BB would score a massive 3 runs in the 3rd to go up a handful, 5-0. Jason Miller would get BEBA on the board thanks to a 2 run triple, but got greedy and was pegged out at home. Katie Fransioli would keep BB off the board in the 5th thanks to a rocket catch down the 3rd base line. Bottom 6, and Chris Green blasts a shot to left, gets a head of steam but Megan Couch would catch his heel to get an out at 3rd. BB kept B&B off the bases in the 7th to end the game. Blue Balls wins, 5-2

Weve got the Runs vs Vicious and Ambitious: WGR and VA were both working to make a name in the GKB circuit. WGR would get on the board early with a run in the top of the 1st. Zack Kemnedy woulf crack the game open with a bases loaded double to cap a 4 run 2nd. VA would strike back with a 2 run 2nd. Bottom 4, Mike Didion would blast a RBI double, only to be followed up by an RBI double by Chris Burns to get VA back into the game by less than 1. Bottom 6, and WGR's Chelsea Hartman makes a ridiculous left field catch to hold runners at 3rd and 2nd and would prove to be the defensive play of the game, as neither team scored in the 7th. We've got the Runs wins, 5-4

Wednesday - Cuernavaca Park - Regular Kickball - Week 2

Don't Stop Ballieving vs. Step Parents:

The "backhanders," were in true form tonight!  Chris O'Connor tipped a line shot to the 3rd baseman Dan Welsh for the out.  We thought that might officially get Chris a Step Parents shirt...but this just in...in order to get the shirt, ya gotta make a 5280 Cup!!  Jeremy Wagner for Step Parents has had back-to-back weeks with solo home run shots and we're pretty sure he's got a shirt!!  Nice consistency Jeremy!  Scott Huelskamp had some tricks up his sleeve with 2 diving dodges, a first to home score, and all that with his rally cap on!!!  That got us all Ballieving!  Step Parents just proved to have too much fire power in this one and took the W.  Step Parents win 12-3.

Your Pitch Makes My Kick Hard vs. Team GRIT:

Both teams scored 1 in the 1st inning in this matchup, however Eric Miles got Team GRIT a 1 point lead in the 4th with a solo babablast!!  In the top of the 5th inning YPMMKH tied it up 2 a piece and we had ourselves a close one!!  In the top of the 6th inning with YPMMKH looking to score Team GRIT pulled off a rare triple play from Jeff Dodd and Eric Miles...holy smokes fellas...that's an ESPN top 10!!  With all the momentum going GRITS way, YPMMKH came into the 7th inning feeling the other way and scored a monstrous 4-runs with fancy footwork and aggressive base running.  Your Pitch Makes My Kick Hard wins 6-2.

Punani Patrol vs. Dice:

2015 has been good to Tony Luske playing catcher this year, or what we should say is Tony Luske has played awesome at catcher this year for Punani Patrol!!  Two things PP has down, 1 is the relay and hitting your cutoff person and two is Mr. Luske at the plate with "bump" outs!  Nice job team, this worked again AND against powerhouse Dice!!  We had ourselves a 3-2 ballgame for most of this one, but Graham Palmer put the dagger in this with a 2 RBI 2 out double that capped a 6-run 6th inning for Dice and that was all she wrote!  Dice wins 11-2.

Put It In The Bunt vs. Banzai Lightning:

This game started out all defense and ended with scoring mayhem!  David Bayouth started the scoring for PIITB with a home run in the 3rd inning however we think this put Banzai in full "Lightning mode" as they scorched the bases for 4 innings scoring 8 runs!  BL has burst on to the scene this Wednesday season...can they finish it with a W tonight??  Banzai Lighting wins 8-4.

City Park - Week 2

City Park Field 1 (6pm)

Too Legit to Kick (White) vs. New Kicks on the Block (Kiwi Green): What an inning! New Kicks on the Block exploded onto the scoreboard with seven runs in the bottom of the 2^nd inning after Aaron Harbour knocked in a 3-run homer. This ESPN Top 10 play can be seen here. The real hero of the game though was Kaitlin Wright from Too Legit to Kick when she put her life on the line to save the game ball as it bounced into the street. What dedication! Of course, player safety is much more important than equipment safety, so please keep that in mind everyone. In the end, Too Legit to Kick’s comeback fell short and New Kicks on the Block won 8-3.

City Park Field 2 (6pm)

The Ballin Bison (Cardinal Red) vs. vs. Kickaholics (Charcoal): The Ballin Bison smacked in two homers in the bottom of the 1^st inning and then used stellar defense the rest of the game to hold on. The theme of the game was “double it up” as both the Ballin Bison and the Kickaholics had some sweet double plays. Kelsey Blakkan-Strauss, captain of the Ballin Bison, said after the game, “Much like I have double the number of last names, our team really believes that two is better than one. Especially when it comes to outs.” Ballin Bison win 5-1.

City Park Field 3 (6pm)

Where My Pitches At (Heliconia) vs. Balls Deep (Blue): After going down by two runs in the top of the 2^nd inning, Balls Deep came back strong in the bottom of the 2^nd when Rob “The Sidewinder” Lynde slid/face-planted into home for the tying run! However, from there on out, the runs dried up for Balls Deep as Where My Pitches At turned up the defense, such as when Spencer “The Sprinter” Hellwig ran across the entire field for the 3^rd out of the 5^th inning. Where My Pitches At then proceeded to score four runs in the top of the 6^th inning and take the lead!!! The real heroes of the game though were the helpers on both sides that assisted Deela “The Destroyer” Cox when she hurt her knee. Hope you get better Deela! Where My Pitches At wins 6-2.

City Park Field 4 (6pm)

Ballz N’ Dollz (Light Pink) vs. Suck My Kick (Lime): Speaking of double plays (see the highlight from Field 2), this game had a whole smorgasbord of them! It started in the bottom of the 3^rd inning when Rebecca Benedict from Ballz N’ Dollz completed a double play, then there was Jennifer Rosen from Suck My Kick in the top of the 6^th, and finally Darius Ellis from Suck My Kick in the bottom of the 7^th. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, the original “double trouble”, said after the game, “We were really impressed with both teams. Not quite as entertaining as watching us on Full House, but close.” Ballz N’ Dollz wins 4-2.

City Park Field 1 (7pm)

Oilers SLTI (Irish Green) vs. Girls Love Big Kicks (Red): In a matchup of past GO Kickball champions, this game was all about Girl Power! Kerstyne Towslee of Girls Love Big Kicks started it off with an amazing right field catch in the 3^rd inning. Catch the highlight here.  Not to be out down, the Madysen Jourgensen from the Oilers SLTI had a “surprise” catch for an out while playing the catcher spot. What an aptly named position! Ultimately, the well-greased machine that is the Oilers SLTI could not be caught. Oilers SLTI wins 7-1.

City Park Field 2 (7pm)

Real Housewives of Greely (Maroon) vs. Purple Cobras (Violet): Coming off their week one upset of the defending champs, the Purple Cobras hoped it would be smooth sailing through the rest of the regular season. However, the Purple Cobras soon hit a bump in the road (pardon the mixed metaphors) when their new ace pitcher Bobby Jorgensen pulled a quad. Uh oh!!! The real difference in the game though was the Real Housewives of Greely’s defense—Liz Wolf in particular dominated on defense, including a great catch on a hard line drive into the outfield. Wolf commented on her catch, “Those 100 fingertip pushups a day are really paying off!” Real Housewives of Greely wins 3-2.

City Park Field 3 (7pm)

High Rollers (Gold) vs. My Kick Gets it Done (Orange): Everything was peachy keen, until BAM—the 6^th inning happened. Up until that point, My Kick Gets it Done had put together an impressive defensive effort, with Jenny Adams making double plays and Josh Devine getting it done with his hands (by catching the ball). Then came the bottom of the 6^th inning and the High Rollers went crazy and scored a whopping seven runs!!! The MVP of the game though was Captain of the High Rollers Mike “Harbinger of Hopelessness” Hallczuk. His amazing line drive catch when the ball was three feet over his head really sealed the deal. High Rollers win 10-1.

City Park Field 4 (7pm)

Lunchbox Violators (Daisy Yellow) vs. Kicktease (Old Gold): Slow and steady wins the race. In Kickball parlance, that means the team who gradually scores more runs than the opposition usually wins. In this contest, the Lunchbox Violator’s slow and steady play was too much to handle for Kicktease. Erin “The Glove” Rossiter from the Lunchbox Violators made a solid diving catch in the bottom of the 2^nd inning to keep things close. But then a couple triples in the top of the 5^th inning by Barack “The Other Obama” Stewart and in the top of the 6^th inning by Johnny “The Killer” Craig finally allowed the Lunchbox Violators to pull away. Turtle power! Lunchbox Violators win 6-0.

Memorial Ballpark - Week 1 Highlights

Bazinga vs Ballsagna: Bazinga came into the new season as the reigning defending state champs but not the city champs (how bout that)!!  Ballsagna was looking to put an end to the parade on the week 1 contest. Bazinga would strike early as a 3 run shot from Keith Hausam put Bazinga up 3-0 in the top of the 1st. Matt Howes was on the mound to start out the game and closed out the Ballsagna offense 1-2-3. Bazinga would be held to 1 run in the 2nd thanks to a double play to end a bases loaded jam. Ballsagna would get on the board with a bloop single RBI in the bottom of the 2nd to make it a 4-1 game. However Bazinga would answer back with 4 runs in the 3rd to go up 8-1, and would stay that way through 4. Bazinga racked up another 4 in the top of the 5th and from there we got hit by the weather.  Bazinga wins  12 -1.

HeadShots Should Count vs Kick Tease: Both teams came to the field ready for a rough and tumble season opener.  Neither team was able to get on the board in the 1st which showed both teams meant business!!  HSSC would get on the board early in the bottom of the 2nd with an RBI double and from there the magic started happening!!  KT wouldnt be silenced and in the 4th inning, they would bounce back with 2 of their own to go up by one run!!  The KT chants were starting to come full force and momentum was in their favor!  However, HSSC stayed resilient and in the bottom of the 5th tied the game on a bang bang play at home.  BANG BANG!!  In the Top of the 7th with the game tied, HSSC scored the go ahead run with a SAC RBI to center…for those of you trying to win in kickball…SAC fly’s are the number one way to do it!!  In the bottom of the 7th KT would get batters on 1st and 2nd with no outs, but a pop out at the pitchers mound, some running mishaps, and HSSC pulling out the rarest of plays – a game ending triple play, KT couldn’t get a score in.  Congrats to HSSC for pulling off a season opening triple play!!!  HeadShots Should Count wins, 3-2