Cumberland Valley Red Sox

New Site for 2009

2009-05-19T20:42:00.002-04:00

2009 CV Red Sox info is now at http://cvredsox.blogspot.com/

Championship Game - Sox Win!

2008-10-06T00:18:00.003-04:00

Red Sox 19, Yankees 12
Sunday, October 5 @ In The Net, Palmyra

Playoffs Round 2

2008-09-22T19:58:00.003-04:00

Red Sox 7, Angels 6
Sunday, September 21 @ Lawnton Legion Field

The Red Sox advance to the league championship game against the Yankees for the second straight year.

Playoffs Round 1

2008-09-19T20:23:00.001-04:00

Red Sox 7, Dodgers 3
Sunday, September 14 @ Dover High School

The Sox advance to the next round.

Week 16

2008-09-12T21:40:00.005-04:00

Indians 7, Red Sox 5
Sunday, September 7 @ Penbrook

The Red Sox packed a full day's worth of miscues and missed opportunities into a game that started late and ended early due to darkness, stumbling to a lackluster loss to end the regular season on a sour note.

The Sox gave away bases like Halloween candy and were too anxious at the plate, popping up 8 times in a 7 inning game. The Indians played a solid game and got a big home run late to add some insurance, and a good outing from their relief pitcher. The Sox rallied to put the tying run on base as the darkness fell, but the Indians were able to escape with the win.

The loss didn't change anything in the overall standings or playoff seedings, but it was still a disappointing way to end a successful regular season.

Matt LaBuda scoops up a grounder and fires to Joe Rogers.

Week 15

2008-08-24T22:16:00.008-04:00

The Sox had their ups and downs during a long day of baseball, but when all was said and done, they clinched second place in the division.

The day featured a rare away-away doubleheader, with the regularly-scheduled game against the Dodgers followed by a makeup against the Orioles. Both games were trimmed from 9 to 7 innings by agreement of the teams.

Red Sox 5, Dodgers 3
Sunday, August 24 @ Fisher Park Field, Upper Allen Township

With the game tied at 2 in the top of the sixth, Matt LaBuda tripled deep to right-centerfield leading off the inning. John Lindholm and Jerry McKeon followed with singles and later came around to score a pair of important insurance runs.

Curt LaCoe earned the win in relief, but not before another strange chapter in the Dodgers-Sox rivalry was written. Trailing 5-3 in the bottom of the seventh, the Dodgers appeared to have cut the lead and seized the momentum when the first batter of the inning hit a drive well over leftfielder Kirk Strous' head and easily circled the bases before the Sox could get the ball back into the infield. But the Sox appealed that the batter had missed second base, and the base umpire was right there with the call, turning the play into the first out of the inning and wiping the run off the board. LaCoe then got the last two outs to escape with the win.

Curt LaCoe delivers against the Dodgers.

Orioles 9, Red Sox 6
Sunday, August 24 @ Creekview Park

In the nightcap against the Orioles, the Sox put up 4 runs in the top of the first, but quickly gave them back and more. The Sox flubbed a few plays, but the Orioles hit the ball hard all day. Meanwhile, the Sox had a frustrating game at the plate, making decent contact but failing to get the big hit to take advantage of some good opportunities. Give credit to the Orioles for a solid all-around game.

While the Sox were stumbling against the Orioles, the Dodgers were losing to the Mets. As a result, the Sox locked up second place in the division. A win against the Orioles would have kept alive a shot at edging out the Angels for first place. Instead, the Sox will line up against the Dodgers when the playoffs begin after the regular season finale.

Lance Strous squeezes a pop up.

Kirk Strous tracks down a fly ball.

Week 14

2008-08-19T21:11:00.003-04:00

Angels 4, Red Sox 1
Sunday, April 17 @ Lawnton Legion Field

The Sox couldn't solve the home team's pitching, whiffing 18 times on the way to a 4-1 defeat.

The loss snapped an 8-game winning streak for the Sox. More importantly, it dropped them 2.5 games behind the Angels for the division lead. The Red Sox and Dodgers are tied for second place at 9-4, with a big showdown looming this weekend.

Upcoming Games

2008-08-12T09:30:00.000-04:00

The Sox hit the road in the next two weeks for three tough games, including two against division rivals.

First, the Sox cross the river on August 17 to take on the Angels in a showdown for first place in the division.

The Angels lead the division at 11-2. The Sox are 9-3. Both teams have clinched playoff spots, but are fighting for top seeding and all the advantages that go along with it.

The Sox held off the Angels 8-7 on June 15 at home. This time, the Sox will visit Lawnton Legion Field off Derry Street in Harrisburg. Game time is 1:00. Directions:

Take Route 83 across the Susquehanna River to Exit 47, Derry Street.
Turn left at light.
Pass Hess Gas Station on left and continue approximately 4 blocks.
Just before the 7-11 on the right side, turn right on to South 48th Street.
Field is visible on the left.

View Larger Map

Lawnton Legion Field is visible near the lower right hand corner in the map above, just below Derry Street.

On August 24, the Sox double up against the Dodgers and Orioles. The Dodgers game is part of the regular schedule, while the Orioles game is a makeup from a rainout on May 18.

The Dodgers are 8-4 and looking for a chance to move up in the division. The Sox handled them 11-6 on July 13 on a windy day at home, with the game cut short by lightning. The Dodgers will play host this time for a 1:00 p.m. game at Fisher Park in Upper Allen Township, a field the Sox have visited several times in the last couple of years.

The makeup game against the Orioles is scheduled to start at 4:00 p.m. at Creekview Park South. Directions from Upper Allen Township:

Take Route 83 North to the Camp Hill/Harrisburg Split.
Stay in the left lane towards Camp Hill/581 West.
Continue on 581 West towards I- 81 to the Creekview Road Exit.
Make a right at the stop sign at the end of the ramp on to Creekview Road.
Go approx. 1 mile to the traffic signal, continue straight.
Creekview South is 3/10 of a mile on the right.

(Directions from other points of origin can be found on the Hampden Township website.)

View Larger Map

Creekview Park South is visible near the upper right hand corner in the map above, just below Creekview Road.

Site News

2008-08-12T06:42:00.002-04:00

Player profile pages now include video. Check out short clips featuring Mike Craig, Gary Dubas, Keith Humes, John Lindholm, Jerry McKeon, Dave Strock, Kirk Strous, Lance Strous and Tim Wendel. Videos for other players will be added soon. Meanwhile, here's a bonus video of Tim Wendel knocking in Lance Strous against the Astros:

Week 13

2008-08-10T20:48:00.014-04:00

Red Sox 6, Astros 1
Sunday, August 10 @ Cumberland Valley High School

After scoring in double digits for 6 straight weeks, the Sox played a different type of game, flashing some leather at the Astros in a hard-fought win.

The first time these teams met this year, the Sox kept a bunch of innings alive with 2-out hits on the way to a 23-8 mercy rule win. This time, they banged out 17 hits, but couldn't put together a big inning to knock out the Astros.

The Astros pushed a run across to take an early lead, and threatened to rally for more. But shortstop Tim Wendel made a nice play on a ball deflected off the pitcher to get a force out and limit the damage. Later, he picked a line drive off his shoetops to help put out another fire. Check the video:

Tim Wendel snares a line drive up the middle.

Still later, secondbaseman Michael Plank got a good hop on a smash up the middle and flipped to Wendel to start a doubleplay, leftfielder Jerry McKeon made a tremendous running catch over his shoulder on a deep drive to left, thirdbaseman Bill Miller made a nice pickup on a shorthopped ground ball, and catcher Lance Strous snagged a popped up bunt attempt in foul ground.

The Sox went to plate hacking, with Joe Rogers drawing the team's only walk of the game. Dave Strock had 3 hits, and Wendel, Plank, McKeon, John Lindholm, Keith Humes and Matt Eckenrode each had a pair.

Mike Craig picked up the win and helped himself with an RBI. Eckenrode and Humes closed it out, with Humes bouncing off the mound to grab a foul pop for the final out.

Lance Strous drives in Jerry McKeon.

Matt Eckenrode rips a double to left.

Week 12

2008-08-04T20:35:00.003-04:00

Red Sox 24, Phillies 11
Sunday, August 3 @ Cumberland Valley High School

With the season winding down, the pennant races look like this:

Our Division
Angels 10-2
Red Sox 8-3
Dodgers 7-4
Astros 3-7
Indians 1-9

Other Division
Yankees 10-1
Mets 7-4
Diamondbacks 7-4
Cubs 5-7
Orioles 3-7
Cardinals 1-10

Top 4 teams in each division make the playoffs. More details here. There are 4 more weeks on the regular season schedule, but the Sox and most other teams have a makeup game to fit in somewhere.

Week 11

2008-07-27T19:49:00.008-04:00

Red Sox 11, Cubs 8
Sunday, July 27 @ Yetter Memorial Field, Wass Park, Lower Allen Township

Matt LaBuda did it all for the Red Sox in his return to action, leading the Sox with his bat, his glove and finally his arm. He even brought a quart of Rita's Water Ice to share with the team on a hot day against a tough Cubs team.

LaBuda missed last week with an ankle injury, and showed up for the game against the Cubs with a noticeable limp. But in his first at bat Sunday, he blasted a 3-run homer over the leftfield fence (see video below). In his next at bat, he ripped a single to drive in Kirk Strous, who had tripled. Next time up, the Cubs intentionally walked LaBuda to load the bases, setting up Matt Eckenrode's fluke infield pop that fell untouched and plated 2 runs.

LaBuda started the game at shortstop and made several nice plays. Meanwhile, the Sox built an 8-1 lead behind starting pitcher Keith Humes. Humes' defense let him down in the 6th, and Eckenrode came on in relief.

The Cubs battled all the way back, and loaded the bases with no outs in the 9th and the tying run on third. LaBuda came in and struck out the first two batters, then gave up a ground single to right to tie the game. But Humes fired home and nailed the potential winning run to send the game to extra innings.

Jerry McKeon led off the 10th with a bunt single and stole second. Dave Strock then doubled deep to centerfield to put the Sox back on top. Bill Miller later singled in a run, and Kirk Strous added a sacrifice fly to give the Sox some breathing room. LaBuda got 3 ground balls in the bottom of the 10th to close out the victory.

Lance Strous made a great grab of a foul pop up behind the plate. John Lindholm had a base hit, ran down a deep drive to centerfield, and filled in flawlessly at firstbase over the final 2 innings of the game. Michael Plank had 2 hits, a walk and a stolen base, and Gary Dubas, one of many Sox playing with nagging injuries, made a couple of nice grabs in rightfield and collected a beautiful bunt single (see video below).

The Sox greet Matt LaBuda at the plate after his 3-run homer.

Gary Dubas drops a perfect bunt down the third base line.

Annual Benefit Game on City Island

2008-07-24T21:12:00.003-04:00

The Central Pennsylvania Over Thirty Baseball League will once again host a game at Commerce Bank Park on City Island to benefit a local charity.

Last year's game was a big success. This year's game will take place August 2, 2008. Admission is free; proceeds from concession sales and entry fees for players participating in the game and the pre-game home run derby will benefit a local charity. Details to follow.

Week 10

2008-07-21T21:46:00.006-04:00

Red Sox 23, Astros 8
Sunday, July 20 @ Fisher Park, Upper Allen Township

The Sox got out of the hot sun early with a mercy-rule win over the Astros.

The Sox limped on to the field with 9 players, and suffered a few more tweaks throughout the afternoon. The players in uniform were boosted by injured Sox Matt LaBuda and Gary Dubas, who showed up to provide moral support and help around the dugout.

Curt LaCoe took the ball knowing that he couldn't count on much, if any, relief pitching behind him, and delivered a solid game. LaCoe walked just 2 batters and kept the Astros from putting together any big innings en route to a well-deserved complete game win.

The defense didn't do anything spectacular, but was made most of the plays behind LaCoe. The Sox cut short one Astros rally when John Lindholm charged a line drive to centerfield, picked it up on the bounce, and forced a runner at second base. Bill Miller and Dave Strock, who were both bothered with minor injuries by that point, then hooked up on a 5-4-3 double play to end the inning.

On offense, the Sox kept the heat on all day, scoring more than half of their runs with 2 outs. Kirk Strous and Lance Strous each finished 3 for 5 with a triple, 2 singles and a walk. Joe Rogers hit the ball hard every time up, finishing with 3 hits. Jerry McKeon, despite suffering from flu-like symptoms, singled and walked and stole a couple of bases, and Michael Plank reached base 5 times in 6 trips to the plate.

The win was the fifth straight for the Sox and kept them tied with the Dodgers, a game behind the division-leading Angels.

Astros Preview

2008-07-17T21:35:00.012-04:00

The Red Sox travel to Fisher Park in Upper Allen Township Sunday, July 20 to take on the Astros. The game starts at 1:00 p.m. Directions are below.

It's going to be hot! Drink plenty of water Friday and Saturday, and follow the National Weather Service's Heat Wave Safety Tips. (And always wear sunscreen.)

The Astros are trying to get untracked this year. Last year, they beat the Sox in both regular season matchups on their way to a division title, then fell to the Sox in the second round of the playoffs. The teams will meet again on August 10 at Cumberland Valley High School.

Fisher Park
Upper Allen Township
Route 15 South toward Dillsburg.
Exit at Bowmansdale exit.
Turn right, then first left at light on to Old Gettysburg Road.
Go approximately 3/4 mile and turn right on to Fisher Road.
Enter the park by the last entrance on the left.

Week 9

2008-07-15T22:39:00.003-04:00

Red Sox 11, Dodgers 6
Sunday, July 13 @ Cumberland Valley High School

The Red Sox pulled out a big win over the division rival Dodgers in a game shortened by lightning.

Mike Craig and Matt Eckenrode each hit 2-run singles in a 7-run first inning. The Sox added a run in the second when Gary Dubas, who walked in each of his 4 plate appearances, hustled home from first on a 2-out double by Michael Plank.

Craig cruised for 2 innings, then ran into trouble as the defense misplayed a few balls behind him. He bailed himself out of one rally by picking a runner off second to end an inning, but the Dodgers cut the lead to 8-6 after 4. Curt LaCoe then entered in relief and tossed 3 scoreless innings as the Sox padded their lead by scratching out 3 more runs.

Outfielders on both teams struggled with a strong wind that blew several deep drives back toward the infield. With only 10 players in uniform, the Sox moved around quite a bit on defense, especially after shortstop Tim Wendel went down with a bad leg rounding first base on a deep drive to leftfield. The defensive highlight of the game was fill-in catcher Dubas' nice grab of a foul pop straight behind the plate. John Lindholm in centerfield and Jerry McKeon in left each made nice grabs as well, and Kirk Strous knocked down a hard spinning liner at thirdbase and threw the batter out easily.

In the bottom of the 7th, Dave Strock doubled into the rightfield gap to plate 2 more runs for the Sox. Moments later, the game was suspended and eventually called off due to lightning, wiping out Strock's hit and leaving the final score at 11-6.

Week 8

2008-06-30T22:12:00.002-04:00

Red Sox 20, Cardinals 5
Sunday, June 29 @ Cumberland Valley High School

Week 7

2008-06-22T19:59:00.005-04:00

Red Sox 10, Phillies 4
Sunday, June 22 @ Highspire

Keith Humes had a big day for the Red Sox at the plate, on the mound, and in the field.

At bat, Humes knocked a single and a double, stole a base, and hustled in from second base to score a run on a sharp hit to the outfield.

In the field, he scooped up a hit to rightfield and fired a one-hopper to the plate to cut down a runner trying to score.

On the mound, he struck out 8 batters in 4 innings of relief work to keep the Phillies in check through the middle portion of the game.

Curt LaCoe went 3 for 3 to lead the Sox offense, and John Lindholm blasted a long triple to right and laid down a nice sacrifice bunt to move up two runners.

Both teams botched some easy plays in the field, but the Sox compensated with a handful of gems that shut down rallies by the Phillies. Kirk Strous threw out two runners at second base from his station in leftfield. Lance Strous nailed a runner stealing second. Tim Wendel took Humes' throw on a bouncer back to the mound and turned it into a double play. Bill Miller made a couple of nice plays at third base late in the game.

Matt LaBuda grabs a grounder up the middle and fires to Curt LaCoe for the out.

Keith Humes strikes out one of the Phillies with a good fastball.

Week 6

2008-06-15T19:39:00.011-04:00

Red Sox 8, Angels 7
Sunday, June 15 @ Cumberland Valley High School

Maybe it was the juggled lineup.

Maybe it was the missing outfield fence.

Maybe it was the cooler weather, or the good feelings from Fathers Day, or the pent-up frustration from the past couple of weeks.

Whatever it was, something helped the Sox get back on track and pull out a close win over the resilient Angels.

The offense was still inconsistent, and 8 runs won't guarantee a win most weeks, but at least there were flashes of life.

The Angels jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the third on an infield single and a home run. The next batter hit a long drive to leftfield, but Kirk Strous hustled after it, tracking the ball down well past where the outfield fence used to be, and held the batter to a triple. Starter Mike Craig got the next batter to keep the game in hand.

The Sox then rallied for 4 runs in the bottom of the third thanks to some aggressive baserunning. Jerry McKeon fueled the rally with a line single and a stolen base (see below).

The Angels tied it at 5 in the top of the 8th, but the Sox jumped back in the lead with 3 runs in the bottom of the inning. The Angels scored twice more in the top of the 9th, but the Sox held on for the win.

Jerry McKeon lines a single to drive in Kirk Strous and Gary Dubas...

...steals second base...

...and scores on a hit by Dave Strock.

Week 5

2008-06-08T23:07:00.000-04:00

Diamondbacks 3, Red Sox 2
Sunday, June 8 @ Cumberland Valley High School

The good news is that the defense returned to form, as the Sox committed just one harmless error. Jerry McKeon made two outstanding grabs in rightfield, Keith Humes hustled off the mound to snag a foul pop up, Lance Strous gunned down a runner trying to steal second, and Matt LaBuda made several nice plays at shortstop.

The bad news is that the offense took the week off again. The Sox had enough runners on base, but couldn't get the big hit to break anything open. The only rally the team put together came in the 4th inning, when Gary Dubas walked and stole second, then scored Dave Strock's ground single through the middle. Tim Wendel followed with a line double deep to left to knock in Strock, but the Sox couldn't cash in any more runs. The Sox spent too much time with the bats on their shoulders, taking a called third strike 5 times with men on base. Give credit to the D-backs pitcher, who kept the Sox off balance with some tricky curveballs and pitched out of numerous jams to go the distance for the win. Humes had his fastball working for the Sox, striking out 9 in 6.1 innings, but you aren't going to win too often in this league scoring 2 runs a game.

Kirk Strous lays off a close pitch for ball four to load the bases and keep a rally alive.

Week 4

2008-06-01T23:03:00.000-04:00

Yankees 13, Red Sox 3
Sunday, June 1 @ Cumberland Valley High School

This was a definite low point in recent Sox history as the defense crumbled, committing 11 errors, the offense managed just 4 hits, and the Sox had 2 runners thrown out at the plate -- all against a team that the Sox hung with to the bitter end in the 2007 championship game just 9 months ago. The less said about this one, the better.

Week 3

2008-05-18T22:59:00.001-04:00

Red Sox @ Orioles
Sunday, May 18
Postponed Due To Rain
Makeup Date To Be Announced

Week 2

2008-05-05T23:21:00.002-04:00

Mets 12, Red Sox 6
Sunday, May 4 @ Joe Carr Field

After battling back and forth through the middle innings, the Sox took the lead in the top of the 8th, only to hand the Mets 8 runs in the bottom of the inning with 2 outs, leading to a disappointing loss to a tough division rival.

Keith Humes pitched well, Gary Dubas did a great job as an emergency catcher, Jerry McKeon continued his hot hitting, and Tim Wendel smashed a long double to deep centerfield to highlight the offense, but the Sox ran themselves out of a few innings early and couldn't hold off the Mets at the end.

Week 1

2008-04-30T21:46:00.003-04:00

Red Sox 18, Indians 2
Sunday, April 27 @ Cumberland Valley High School

Roster Moves

2008-04-26T21:36:00.001-04:00

The Sox have lost talented infielder Troy Jensen, but will return everyone else from last year's CPOT runner-up, and have added three new players. Say hello to Joe Rogers, Jerry McKeon and Curt LaCoe.

2008 CPOT Schedule

2008-02-07T23:17:00.000-05:00

Week 1 – April 27^th
Dodgers @ Phillies	Angels @ Cubs
Cardinals @ Diamondbacks	Orioles @ Mets
Yankees @ Astros	Indians @ Red Sox 1:00
Week 2 – May 4^th
Red Sox @ Mets 1:00	Indians @ Yankees
Orioles @ Angels	Dodgers @ Cardinals
Diamondbacks @ Cubs	Phillies @ Astros
Week 3 – May 18^th
Red Sox @ Orioles TBD	Yankees @ Cubs
Mets @ Dodgers	Astros @ Diamondbacks
Phillies @ Cardinals	Angels @ Indians
Week 4 – June 1^st
Yankees @ Red Sox 1:00	Orioles @ Diamondbacks
Astros @ Cardinals	Indians @ Phillies
Angels @ Mets	Cubs @ Dodgers
Week 5 – June 8^th
Cubs @ Cardinals	Dodgers @ Indians
D-backs @ Red Sox 1:00	Phillies @ Orioles
Angels @ Yankees	Mets @ Astros
Week 6 – June 15^th
Indians @ Diamondbacks	Cubs @ Phillies
Mets @ Cardinals	Angels @ Red Sox 1:00
Dodgers @ Astros	Yankees @ Orioles
Week 7 – June 22^nd
Diamondbacks @ Angels	Yankees @ Mets
Cardinals @ Indians	Red Sox @ Phillies 1:00
Astros @ Cubs	Orioles @ Dodgers
Week 8 – June 29^th
Diamondbacks @ Mets	Angels @ Dodgers
Astros @ Orioles	Cubs @ Indians
Yankees @ Phillies	Cardinals @ Red Sox 1:00
Week 9 – July 13^th
Angels @ Phillies	Indians @ Astros
Diamondbacks @ Yankees	Cardinals @ Orioles
Dodgers @ Red Sox 1:00	Mets @ Cubs
Week 10 – July 20^th
Dodgers @ Yankees	Diamondbacks @ Phillies
Cardinals @ Angels	Red Sox @ Astros 1:00
Cubs @ Orioles	Indians @ Mets
Week 11 – July 27^th
Angels @ Astros	Mets @ Phillies
Dodgers @ Diamondbacks	Yankees @ Cardinals
Red Sox @ Cubs 1:00	Orioles @ Indians
Week 12 – Aug 3^rd
Phillies @ Red Sox 1:00	Cardinals @ Mets
Astros @ Dodgers	Indians @ Angels
Diamondbacks @ Orioles	Cubs @ Yankees
Week 13 – Aug 10^th
Mets @ Orioles	Yankees @ Diamondbacks
Cardinals @ Cubs	Indians @ Dodgers
Astros @ Red Sox 1:00	Phillies @ Angels
Week 14 – Aug 17^th
Orioles @ Cardinals	Red Sox @ Angels 1:00
Astros @ Indians	Phillies @ Dodgers
Cubs @ Diamondbacks	Mets @ Yankees
Week 15 – Aug 24^th
Orioles @ Cubs	Red Sox @ Dodgers 1:00
Astros @ Angels	Cardinals @ Yankees
Phillies @ Indians	Mets @ Diamondbacks
Week 16 – Sept 7^th
Phillies @ Astros	Diamondbacks @ Cardinals
Cubs @ Mets	Orioles @ Yankees
Red Sox @ Indians 1:00	Dodgers @ Angels

T-Shirts

2007-10-15T17:23:00.000-04:00

2007 Playoff Results

2007-09-30T21:24:00.000-04:00

2007 Final Regular Season Standings

2007-09-30T21:22:00.000-04:00

Our Division
Astros 10-3
Red Sox 9-4
Dodgers 8-5
Mets 6-7
Indians 2-10

Other Division
Yankees 10-3
Diamondbacks 9-3
Phillies 5-8
Cardinals 4-8
Orioles 0-12

2007 Regular Season Game Results

2007-09-30T21:21:00.001-04:00

2007 Statistics

2007-09-30T21:19:00.000-04:00

Championship

2007-09-09T21:09:00.003-04:00

Yankees 10, Red Sox 9
Sunday, September 9 @ Commerce Bank Park, City Island

Aargh! Just aargh!

In the words of disappointed players and fans everywhere, wait 'til next year.

Congratulations to the Yankees.

Playoffs Round 2

2007-08-26T23:57:00.000-04:00

Red Sox 8, Astros 1
Sunday, August 26, 2007 @ Fisher Park Field

Everything clicked for the Red Sox at exactly the right time, with the result being a surprisingly smooth win over an Astros team that troubled the Sox all year.

As in the first round of the playoffs, the Sox faced a pitcher who racked up a lot of strikeouts and frustrated a lot of hitters. But also as in the first round, the Sox played superior defense and made the most of their opportunities on offense.

In one sense, this was truly a team effort, as every one of the dozen Sox in uniform contributed both at the plate and in the field. But at the same time, the day belonged to Mike Craig, who pitched perhaps his best game of the season. Craig went 8 strong innings, striking out 8, and was still sharp when he turned the ball over to Keith Humes to close it out.

Craig got some help from his defense, as the Sox committed just one error for the second week in a row and made a half dozen outstanding plays. Kirk Strous made a nice catch of a tough line drive in leftfield to end a scoring threat. (See video below.) Troy Jensen made a great backhanded stop on a ball down the thirdbase line and gunned the batter out at first. Bill Miller and Matt LaBuda both scooped up everything hit their way. Tim Wendel saved a couple of runs with diving stops at secondbase, and also made a quick pivot to turn a double play with a runner bearing down on him.

At the plate, the Sox whiffed 15 times against a tough lefty, but managed to bang out 11 hits. The big blows were a first inning triple by Lance Strous to start the scoring, a ground rule double by Humes that could have been a home run if it had stayed in play, and a triple by Wendel. John Lindholm and Dave Strock set the table with a pair of hits apiece, and Craig chipped in with a hit and a walk.

Gary Dubas pokes a single through the left side.

Kirk Strous grabs a line drive to leftfield.

Lance Strous makes a nice play on a chopper in front of the plate.

John Lindholm rips a double the opposite way.

Playoffs Round 1

2007-08-21T20:25:00.000-04:00

Red Sox 8, Dodgers 5
Sunday, August 19, 2007 @ Dover High School

Defense was the difference in this win over the Dodgers on a damp and drizzly day. The Sox played nearly flawlessly in the field, while the Dodgers had all kinds of trouble on defense, racking up 11 errors.

The Sox didn't do anything flashy, but they made all the routine plays and a couple of very good ones. Matt LaBuda set the tone right away, scooping up three chances at shortstop in the first inning, and knocking down a shot up the middle and nearly making a great play on it. Later, John Lindholm ran down a deep drive to centerfield, Bill Miller came up with a tough short-hop at thirdbase, and Dave Strock gathered in a high pop up in foul ground outside of firstbase.

Mike Craig earned the win with 6 strong innings, giving up only 1 run while striking out 5. LaBuda closed it out with 6 strikeouts in 3 innings to earn the save.

On offense, many of the Sox batters had frustrating days as individuals. The team managed only 3 hits through 7 innings while striking out 16 times, but they were able to take advantage of openings provided by the Dodgers defense to build a 6-1 lead. Gary Dubas was in the middle of everything, scoring 3 runs after reaching base twice on errors and sparking a rally with a single leading off the 8th. Dubas also ran the bases aggressively and forced the Dodgers into making 3 errors attempting to throw him out or pick him off.

The Sox finally got something going in the 8th, lining 4 straight singles, but came away with only 2 runs after a fluke double play. Those 2 runs would prove to be important when the Dodgers rallied in the top of the 9th, thanks in part to the only error of the day by the Sox, but LaBuda was able to seal the deal.

Final Regular Season Batting Statistics

2007-08-13T07:30:00.001-04:00

Name	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
Wendel	37	16	19	2	2	3	5	2	.514	.571	.919	1.490
Lindholm	43	17	20	4	1	1	7	1	.465	.540	.674	1.214
Eckenrode	12	1	6	1	0	0	4	3	.500	.625	.583	1.208
Strous, L	49	18	19	5	1	3	7	8	.388	.464	.714	1.179
Strock	47	13	17	2	1	3	13	5	.362	.500	.638	1.138
Miller, Bill	39	10	19	1	0	0	8	1	.487	.574	.513	1.087
Humes	34	9	12	2	2	1	2	2	.353	.389	.618	1.007
Strous, K	44	9	16	2	0	1	11	11	.364	.491	.477	.968
Plank	24	10	8	3	0	0	7	5	.333	.484	.458	.942
LaBuda	33	9	11	2	1	1	3	11	.333	.389	.545	.934
Jensen	21	6	7	0	2	0	1	3	.333	.364	.524	.887
Miller, Bart	31	7	8	1	0	1	8	6	.258	.410	.387	.797
Dubas	29	9	8	1	0	0	4	4	.276	.364	.310	.674
Craig	38	9	10	1	0	0	3	6	.263	.317	.289	.607
Williams	23	3	5	0	0	0	3	4	.217	.308	.217	.525
TOTALS	504	146	185	27	10	14	86	72	.367	.459	.544	1.003

Game 13

2007-08-12T23:54:00.001-04:00

Red Sox 12, Mets 3
Sunday, August 12, 2007 @ Monroe Township Municipal Park

The Red Sox wrapped up second place in the division with a 12-3 win over the Mets in the regular season finale. The game was scheduled as a 7-inning affair to accommodate the Mets, who had a date with the Dodgers later in the day.

Matt LaBuda returned from a month off due to injury and excelled in the field, on the mound, and at the plate. First, playing shortstop, he made an outstanding running catch of a pop up down the left field line. Next, he pitched three strong innings in the middle of the contest as the Sox batters built a lead. Finally, he launched a high drive over the left field fence for his first home run of the year.

Keith Humes started the scoring with a 2-run double to deep centerfield, and finished the game by tossing two scoreless innings. Tim Wendel hit a 3-run homer in the second inning, and John Lindholm added a solo shot later. Dave Strock and Lance Strous also had RBI hits and Bill Miller had a key infield single to spark a rally.

Mike Craig started and pitched two effective innings. Kirk Strous made a controversial grab of a slicing line drive in leftfield, and Troy Jensen made a nice turn on a double play ball to end a threat from the Mets.

City Island Benefit Game & Home Run Derby

2007-08-12T21:49:00.000-04:00

The Central Pennsylvania Over Thirty Baseball League hosted a benefit game for Bethesda Mission on City Island Saturday, August 11, 2007. The game was preceded by a Home Run Derby.

The event was held at Commerce Bank Park, home of the Harrisburg Senators. Each team in the league was represented. With plenty of players on hand, everyone shared the playing time so that each player got an inning or two in the field and at least one at bat.

Seven players from the Red Sox attended. Keith Humes finished second in the Home Run Derby with four homers. Lance Strous got the game started by drawing a walk. Dave Strock, playing secondbase, made a nice running catch of a pop up in shallow right field. Bill Miller also pulled down a high pop up down the third base line. Mike Craig pitched an inning and a third of scoreless ball, striking out two. Kirk Strous chased down a couple of balls in left field. Michael Plank made a nice pickup on a ground ball at shortstop.

The Sox's division came out on the short end on the scoreboard, but the day was a success as everyone had a good time and the league raised several hundred dollars to benefit the Mission.

Kirk Strous makes solid contact during the Home Run Derby.

Mike Craig rips a line drive right at the thirdbaseman during the benefit game.

Wild Weekend Preview

2007-08-09T06:37:00.000-04:00

The CPOT regular season concludes this Sunday with some key divisional rivals meeting with playoff spots on the line.

The top four teams in each division will qualify for the playoffs and will be seeded in order of finish. In the first round of the playoffs, the division winners will play the teams seeded fourth, and the second and third seeds will play each other.

The Red Sox, at 8-4, are tangled up with the Dodgers, who are 7-4, and the Mets, 6-5. But all three teams play each other this week. The Mets host the Sox at 1:00 p.m. while the Dodgers host the Astros. The Mets then travel to a 4:00 p.m. battle with the Dodgers, making up a game that was postponed earlier in the year.

As a result, all kinds of crazy stuff can happen this weekend. The matchups and records are listed below for those inclined to try to sort it all out.

This much is clear: if the Red Sox beat the Mets, they'll lock up second place in the division. If they lose, they could be leapfrogged by the Dodgers or even the Mets, depending on how the tie-breakers shake out. The good news is, it doesn't look like the Red Sox can fall to fourth place, because somebody has to lose the Dodgers-Mets game, which means that at least one of those teams is guaranteed to finish behind the Sox.

Things are a lot less complicated in the other division, where the Yankees and Diamondbacks have already clinched first and second, the Cardinals and Phillies will sort out the final two seeds, and the Orioles will regroup and wait 'til next year.

The goal for the Red Sox is simple: beat the Mets and earn a home playoff game against either the Dodgers or Mets next week. The Mets put up a tough fight when these two teams met in the season opener, but the Sox pulled away late in the game and came out of it with a 13-7 victory. A lot has happened since then, and the Sox have to be ready to face a different Mets team than they did back in April. The Mets will be fired up and aiming for a big finish to a solid season. The Sox have gotten back in gear over the past few weeks and hope to be firing on all cylinders just in time for the playoffs.

The weather forecast for Sunday calls for highs over 90, capping off a hot week in central Pennsylvania.

The schedule:

Red Sox (8-4) @ Mets (6-5) 1:00 p.m.
Astros (9-3) @ Dodgers (7-4) 1:00 p.m.
Indians (2-9) @ Phillies (3-8) 1:00 p.m.
Cardinals (4-8) @ Orioles (0-11) 2:00 p.m.
Yankees (10-2) @ Diamondbacks (8-3) 2:00 p.m.
Mets (6-5*) @ Dodgers (7-4*) 4:00 p.m.
*plus result of 1:00 p.m. game

City Island Benefit This Saturday

2007-08-08T23:02:00.000-04:00

The CPOT Home Run Derby and All-Star Benefit Game are scheduled for this Saturday on City Island in Harrisburg.

The Derby starts at 12:30 p.m. with the game to follow at 2:00 p.m.

Proceeds benefit Bethesda Mission, a non-profit Christian Rescue Mission located in Harrisburg.

More information.

Game 12

2007-08-06T16:10:00.000-04:00

Red Sox 11, Dodgers 4
Sunday, August 5, 2007 @ Cumberland Valley High School

Batting Statistics Through 11 Games

2007-08-06T16:00:00.001-04:00

Name	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
Wendel	28	13	16	2	2	1	5	2	.571	.636	.893	1.529
Lindholm	34	14	17	4	1	0	6	1	.500	.575	.676	1.251
Eckenrode	12	1	6	1	0	0	4	3	.500	.625	.583	1.208
Strous, L	42	15	17	5	1	2	6	6	.405	.479	.714	1.193
Strock	37	10	13	0	1	3	13	5	.351	.520	.649	1.169
Miller, Bill	33	7	15	1	0	0	6	1	.455	.538	.485	1.023
Strous, K	38	8	14	2	0	1	9	10	.368	.489	.500	.989
Jensen	19	6	7	0	2	0	1	2	.368	.400	.579	.979
Plank	23	9	8	3	0	0	6	4	.348	.483	.478	.961
Humes	27	7	9	1	2	0	2	2	.333	.379	.519	.898
Miller, Bart	31	7	8	1	0	1	8	6	.258	.410	.387	.797
LaBuda	30	7	9	2	1	0	3	11	.300	.364	.433	.797
Dubas	28	9	8	1	0	0	3	4	.286	.355	.321	.676
Craig	31	6	8	1	0	0	2	5	.258	.303	.290	.593
Williams	19	3	2	0	0	0	3	3	.105	.227	.105	.333
TOTALS	432	122	157	24	10	8	77	65	.363	.460	.521	.981

Game 11

2007-08-06T15:58:00.000-04:00

Red Sox 12, Orioles 2
Sunday, July 29, 2007 @ Cumberland Valley High School

Orioles Preview

2007-07-26T21:11:00.001-04:00

The Red Sox host the Orioles this Sunday, July 29, at 1:00 p.m. at Cumberland Valley High School.

The weather forecast calls for scattered thunderstorms with highs in the low 80s.

The Orioles have had a tough year and are hungry for a win. The Sox have stumbled to ugly losses in each of the last two weeks and now find themselves trailing the Astros and Dodgers by a full game.

Last week's loss to the Astros was a disappointment, but a few positives did emerge. Dave Strock played a full game at secondbase for the first time in over a month and made a couple of nice plays. Greg Williams continued to heat up at the plate after a slow start this season. Bill Miller showed he can help out on the mound, and kept up his hot hitting at the plate. John Lindholm and Tim Wendel were effective at the top of the order, as usual.

The Sox should be near full strength this week for the first time in a long while. Michael Plank will have a week of vacation time to brood over his recent slump, but his absence will be more than offset by the return of several key players. Mike Craig is due back and will likely get the ball to start. Keith Humes should return also, and Matt Eckenrode might be able to slip away from new dad duties to toss a few innings. Bart Miller and Troy Jensen are ready to return and eager to get their batting numbers back to their customary levels. The big question is whether Matt LaBuda is recovered from his shoulder injury, or whether he needs another week of rest.

Things won't get any easier for the Sox from here on out. No matter what happens this Sunday, next week's matchup against the Dodgers will be a key to sorting out the playoff picture in the division. The season finale against the Mets could also have major playoff implications.

But the Sox can't worry about those games yet. First, they have to take care of business against the Orioles. If they start looking past them, they'll be asking for trouble.

Batting Statistics Through 10 Games

2007-07-23T07:40:00.001-04:00

Name	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLUG%	OPS
Wendel	25	11	14	2	2	0	5	2	.560	.633	.800	1.433
Lindholm	29	13	15	4	0	0	6	1	.517	.600	.655	1.255
Eckenrode	12	1	6	1	0	0	4	3	.500	.625	.583	1.208
Strock	33	9	10	0	1	3	12	5	.303	.489	.636	1.125
Miller, Bill	28	7	14	1	0	0	6	1	.500	.588	.536	1.124
Strous, L	38	12	14	3	1	2	5	5	.368	.442	.658	1.100
Strous, K	33	6	13	2	0	1	9	8	.394	.524	.545	1.069
Jensen	19	6	7	0	2	0	1	2	.368	.400	.579	.979
Plank	23	9	8	3	0	0	6	4	.348	.483	.478	.961
Humes	27	7	9	1	2	0	2	2	.333	.379	.519	.898
Miller, Bart	28	7	8	1	0	1	6	5	.286	.412	.429	.840
LaBuda	30	7	9	2	1	0	3	11	.300	.364	.433	.797
Dubas	24	7	7	1	0	0	3	4	.292	.370	.333	.704
Craig	26	5	6	0	0	0	2	5	.231	.286	.231	.516
Williams	19	3	2	0	0	0	3	3	.105	.227	.105	.333
TOTALS	394	110	142	21	9	7	73	61	.360	.460	.513	.973

Game 10

2007-07-23T07:31:00.000-04:00

Astros 17, Red Sox 5
Sunday, July 22, 2007 @ Cumberland Valley High School

The Red Sox came into this game shorthanded, especially on the mound, and knew that they'd have to push a lot of runs across to keep up with the Astros.

For a while, everything went according to plan. The Astros opened up with 3 runs in the 1st inning, but the Sox got the counterattack rolling immediately in their half of the 1st. John Lindholm drew a leadoff walk and scored on Tim Wendel's triple to deep left. But the Sox couldn't knock Wendel in, and the inning ended in disappointing fashion.

The Sox batted around in the 2nd, scoring 4 runs to take a 5-3 lead, but also left 2 runners on base. They rallied again in the 3rd, but the inning ended suddenly when a runner was doubled off second base on an appeal play.

Bill Miller, making his first start of the season on the mound, shook off a bases loaded jam in the 4th, and the Sox maintained the lead.

The wheels came off in the 5th. The Astros tied it on a walk and a triple. Miller had a chance to get out of trouble, but the Sox were unable to get an out on a smash back to the box and a bunt in front of the plate. The Astros took advantage of the opening and built a 9-5 lead before the inning was over.

The Sox couldn't get anything going after that, and the Astros broke the game open with rallies in the 7th and 9th.

The bright spots for the Sox in this one were mostly on defense. While the game was still close, catcher Lance Strous made a sensational diving catch of a foul pop behind the plate, secondbaseman Dave Strock chased down a flare in shallow rightfield and made a tough over-the-shoulder catch, and shortstop Tim Wendel made a diving stop to his right to get an inning-ending forceout. John Lindholm in centerfield and Kirk Strous in left also made nice grabs of line drives in front of them.

Bill Miller battled through five gritty innings on the mound, and was able to reach back for a little extra in a couple of key spots to keep the Sox within striking distance.

At the plate, the Sox did bang out 13 hits, led by Miller and Wendel with 3 each, but Wendel's triple was the only one that went for extra bases, and the Sox wasted a lot of scoring chances in the first four innings. To give credit where it's due, the Astros didn't give the Sox much for free, as their defense came up with most of the balls hit to them, and their pitchers worked ahead in the count for most of the day.

Astros Preview

2007-07-19T19:39:00.001-04:00

The Red Sox host the Astros this Sunday, July 22, at 1:00 p.m. at Cumberland Valley High School.

The weather forecast is mostly sunny with a high around 83 degrees.

This is a huge matchup which will go a long way toward determining the final standings in the division. The Astros have been hot lately and have matched the Sox and Dodgers with a 6-3 record. The league rules state that the first tie-breaker is head-to-head record, so on that basis the Astros currently hold the advantage by virtue of their victory over the Sox on June 3. The winner of this Sunday's game will be in good shape to finish out the season on top, but both teams still have to contend with the Dodgers.

When the two teams met on June 3, the Astros pulled out a comeback win thanks to some shaky defense by the Red Sox late in the game. The Sox have been kicking themselves for letting that one get away. But the fact is that the Astros held the Sox offense to just 6 runs over 9 full innings, one of only two games in which the Sox haven't scored in double digits.

As always at this time of year, absences due to vacation and other adventures will play a big role. The Sox will be without the services of workhorse pitcher Mike Craig for sure, and Matt Eckenrode is questionable. In addition, the enigmatic Matt LaBuda is still trying to shake off the effects of an injury he suffered on a freak play last week. If he's unable to perform at full strength, it will force the Sox to shuffle the defense to cover his spot at shortstop, and take away another option on the mound.

On the plus side, the expected returns of Bill Miller and Troy Jensen will add pop to the lineup and help settle the defense.

Another 7-6 game is unlikely. The Sox will need to score early and often and find a way to get 27 outs against a determined Astros squad.

Play ball!

Details Set For City Island Benefit

2007-07-18T11:15:00.001-04:00

The Central Pennsylvania Over Thirty Baseball League will sponsor a benefit game at Commerce Bank Park, home of the Harrisburg Senators, on City Island, Harrisburg, on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 2:00 p.m.

The game will be preceded by a Home Run Derby beginning at 12:30. Kids of reasonable age will be allowed on the field to shag balls during the Derby.

Admission is free for fans. Proceeds collected from entry fees charged to players will benefit Bethesda Mission, a non-profit Christian Rescue Mission located in Harrisburg. Players and fans may also bring a canned food item to donate to the Mission.

The league will provide players with bottled water and Gatorade. Food can be purchased at the concession stands on the Island.

Red Sox manager Dave Strock, who leads the team with three home runs and is a favorite in the Derby, says, "It should be a pretty laid back time and a cool chance to play on a nice field."

Batting Statistics Through 9 Games

2007-07-16T13:16:00.001-04:00


Name	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLUG%	OPS
Lindholm	25	11	13	4	0	0	5	0	.520	.600	.680	1.280
Miller, Bart	28	7	8	1	0	1	6	5	.286	.412	.429	.840
Strock	29	9	10	0	1	3	11	4	.345	.525	.724	1.249
Jensen	19	6	7	0	2	0	1	2	.368	.400	.579	.979
Miller, Bill	23	7	11	1	0	0	6	1	.478	.586	.522	1.108
Strous, K	28	5	11	2	0	1	9	7	.393	.541	.571	1.112
Humes	27	7	9	1	2	0	2	2	.333	.379	.519	.898
Dubas	22	6	7	1	0	0	0	4	.318	.318	.364	.682
LaBuda	30	7	9	2	1	0	3	11	.300	.364	.433	.797
Plank	18	9	8	3	0	0	6	2	.444	.583	.611	1.194
Craig	26	5	6	0	0	0	2	5	.231	.286	.231	.516
Strous, L	33	12	12	3	1	2	5	4	.364	.447	.697	1.144
Wendel	21	10	11	2	1	0	4	2	.524	.600	.714	1.314
Williams	15	3	1	0	0	0	2	3	.067	.176	.067	.243
Eckenrode	12	1	6	1	0	0	4	3	.500	.625	.583	1.208
TOTALS	356	105	129	21	8	7	66	55	.362	.462	.525	.987

Game 9

2007-07-16T07:16:00.001-04:00

Diamondbacks 14, Red Sox 12
Sunday, July 15, 2007 @ Wolf Field, Dillsburg

In a close, high-scoring contest like this, you could pick any number of moments that could have turned the game around for the Sox, from the offense leaving two runners in scoring position in the 1st inning, to Lance Strous's screaming line drive just finding the leftfielder's glove in the 9th.

But the truth is, this one was lost in the bottom of the 7th, when the Sox defense gave the D-backs at least six outs on a series of misplays. The Sox had re-taken the lead moments earlier when Strous, who hit the ball hard all day, launched a long homer to leftfield. Taking the field with a one-run lead in the bottom of the 7th, the Sox gave up a soft single, then got a spectacular play by shortstop Matt LaBuda, who ranged far to his right and fired a laser across the diamond to nip the batter at first base. But the Sox then botched a couple of routine plays to hand the D-backs a four-run lead.

The offense threatened in the top of the 8th, but the inning ended abruptly after one runner was picked off and two more were erased on a double play awarded to the D-backs on an interference call.

The Sox scratched out a pair of runs in the 9th, and brought Strous to the plate representing the tying run, but his wicked liner was just snared by the leftfielder in the tip of his glove high above his head.

Any time you lose, especially a close one, you can point to mistakes and missed opportunities, and the Sox had plenty of both. The Sox jumped to an early 6-0 lead, thanks in part to a double by Bart Miller in the first inning and a triple by Dave Strock in the second, but left runners in scoring position in each of the first three innings. Another scoring opportunity was missed when the Sox lost a runner at third base on a close play leading off the 5th.

The D-backs threatened right from the start, but Sox starter Mike Craig did a nice job picking his spots to challenge their deep lineup, and was able to nurse a lead into the middle innings. The trouble started when a high pop up down the leftfield line fell just out of the reach of three Sox defenders. The D-backs took advantage of the opening, driving several balls through the unfenced gap in leftcenterfield on the hard, fast outfield grass. The D-backs eventually grabbed a one-run lead in the bottom of the 6th, before Strous temporarily put the Sox back in front with his two-run shot in the 7th. But the tough Diamondbacks squad wouldn't let the Sox get away with their miscues.

Still, the Sox did a lot of things right in this game. Tim Wendel had three hits and made a nice relay to the plate to cut down a runner in the bottom of the 8th and keep the Sox within striking distance. The infield executed a slightly frantic, but ultimately successful, rundown to end a scoring threat. Matt Eckenrode showed an effective curveball in relief of Craig, but was the victim of the defense's lapses.

Diamondbacks Preview

2007-07-12T17:41:00.001-04:00

Who's on first.
What's on second.
I don't know's on third.

The Red Sox travel to Dillsburg on Sunday, July 15 to take on the Diamondbacks at 2:00 p.m.

The weather forecast calls for isolated thunderstorms, with highs in the upper 80s and lows in the mid 60s.

Both teams have been hot, too. The D-backs are 5-2 and in second place in their division. The Red Sox are in first place in their division, a game up on the Dodgers and Astros.

The battery for the Sox is set with Mike Craig on the hill and Lance Strous behind the plate as usual. John Lindholm in centerfield and Matt LaBuda at shortstop will provide their usual strong defense up the middle. Beyond that, things are a little unsettled. With Matt Eckenrode expecting a baby, and a few other guys on vacation or otherwise occupied, the rest of the defense will have to be shuffled a little bit. Look for Kirk Strous to continue to get the job done, whether at third base or in leftfield. The big questions are whether Dave Strock is ready to do battle again at second base, and whether the Sox can fill the hole at shortstop if LaBuda is called on to pitch. Sure-handed infielder Tim Wendel has vowed to make it to the game if at all possible to give a boost to the defense.

The Sox have had hot bats all year. They've scored in double digits in each of their last four games, and six times overall. Lindholm has been consistently setting the table, with an on base percentage of .600, and Strock and the brothers Strous have been supplying most of the power. Greg Williams returns to the lineup after a few weeks off, looking to join in the fun, and Bart Miller has been heating up lately.

The Sox have jumped out to an early lead in most of their games, but have had trouble pulling away in the middle innings. Against a tough team on Sunday, with some key players missing, they'll have to keep the pressure on the D-Backs for a full 9 innings.

Play ball!

Batting Statistics Through 8 Games

2007-07-10T13:05:00.001-04:00

Name	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLUG%	OPS
Lindholm	21	9	11	3	0	0	4	0	.524	.600	.667	1.267
Miller, Bart	24	7	6	0	0	1	6	4	.250	.400	.375	.775
Strock	24	8	8	0	0	3	11	4	.333	.543	.708	1.251
Jensen	19	6	7	0	2	0	1	2	.368	.400	.579	.979
Miller, Bill	23	7	11	1	0	0	6	1	.478	.586	.522	1.108
Strous, K	27	5	11	2	0	1	6	6	.407	.515	.593	1.108
Humes	27	7	9	1	2	0	2	2	.333	.379	.519	.898
Dubas	22	6	7	1	0	0	0	4	.318	.318	.364	.682
LaBuda	27	7	9	2	1	0	2	10	.333	.379	.481	.861
Plank	16	9	8	3	0	0	4	2	.500	.600	.688	1.288
Craig	22	3	4	0	0	0	2	4	.182	.250	.182	.432
Strous, L	28	10	10	3	1	1	5	4	.357	.455	.643	1.097
Wendel	17	7	8	1	1	0	3	2	.471	.550	.647	1.197
Williams	12	2	1	0	0	0	1	2	.083	.154	.083	.237
Eckenrode	8	1	5	1	0	0	4	2	.625	.750	.750	1.500
TOTALS	317	94	115	18	7	6	57	49	.363	.460	.521	.980

Game 8

2007-07-09T07:53:00.000-04:00

Red Sox 15, Indians 4
Sunday, July 8, 2007 @ Cumberland Valley High School

This one followed a familiar pattern: the Sox jumped out to an early lead, but left runners all over the bases early, while the Indians slowly chipped away. Finally, the Sox batted around in the bottom of the sixth and put the game away early via the 10-run rule.

For the third time this year, Dave Strock homered in the first inning to give the Sox an early lead. In the sixth, pretty much everybody chipped in as the bats finally broke through with 8 runs.

Mike Craig went the distance for the Sox on a hot day, and also laid down a nifty sacrifice bunt. Craig was in trouble only once, after his defense couldn't come up with two tough plays, but he pitched out of it thanks to a nice backhanded play by shortstop Matt LaBuda and a strikeout with runners on the corners.

Batting Statistics Through 7 Games

2007-06-26T19:28:00.001-04:00

Name	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLUG%	OPS
Lindholm	17	7	9	3	0	0	4	0	.529	.619	.706	1.325
Miller, Bart	21	5	5	0	0	1	5	4	.238	.385	.381	.766
Strock	20	6	5	0	0	2	11	4	.250	.516	.524	1.066
Jensen	19	6	7	0	2	0	1	2	.368	.400	.579	.979
Miller, Bill	20	6	9	1	0	0	5	1	.450	.560	.500	1.060
Strous, K	24	4	10	2	0	1	5	5	.417	.517	.625	1.142
Humes	27	7	9	1	2	0	2	2	.333	.379	.519	.898
Dubas	18	5	5	1	0	0	0	3	.278	.278	.333	.611
LaBuda	23	7	7	1	1	0	2	9	.304	.360	.435	.795
Plank	14	7	7	3	0	0	2	2	.500	.563	.714	1.277
Craig	20	3	4	0	0	0	2	3	.200	.273	.200	.473
Strous, L	25	8	10	3	1	1	4	4	.400	.483	.720	1.203
Wendel	14	5	8	1	1	0	2	2	.571	.625	.786	1.411
Williams	12	2	1	0	0	0	1	2	.083	.154	.083	.237
Eckenrode	8	1	5	1	0	0	4	2	.625	.750	.750	1.500
TOTALS	282	79	101	17	7	5	50	45	.358	.455	.521	.976

Game 7

2007-06-26T06:55:00.001-04:00

Red Sox 14, Dodgers 10
Sunday, June 24, 2007 @ Fisher Park Field

We jumped on them early and never relinquished the lead. Mike Craig started the game with 5 solid innings and Matt Eckenrode closed out the final four.

The mighty Brian Doyle (relegated to second option out of the bullpen) looked like he got over 200*F a couple times but never reached the boiling point.

Game 6

2007-06-21T14:57:00.000-04:00

Red Sox 19, Cardinals 4
Sunday, June 17, 2007 @ Silver Spring Township Municipal Field

The bats led the way to a victory over the Cardinals in a game that was shortened due to the 10-run rule.

Dave Strock hit a 2-run homer in the 1st inning, and Kirk Strous added a 3-run shot in the 5th. Tim Wendel finished with a single, double and triple.

On the mound, starting pitcher Mike Craig battled his way to a win without his best stuff, Gary Dubas was effective in the middle innings, and Matt LaBuda closed out the last 2 innings.

The pitchers were helped by several key defensive plays. Bill Miller fielded a sharp ground ball and started a 5-3 double play, Craig picked a runner off second, and catcher Lance Strous cut down a runner trying for third after a pitch in the dirt.

Game 5

2007-06-14T18:10:00.001-04:00

Red Sox 11, Indians 4
Sunday, June 10, 2007 @ Penbrook

The Red Sox wasted numerous scoring chances early, including having two runners thrown out at the plate, but the offense kept hitting the ball hard and finally provided some breathing room. Starter Matt Eckenrode and reliever Mike Craig kept the Indians from putting together any big innings. Michael Plank finished 3 for 3 with 2 stolen bases, and Troy Jensen stole 4 bases and hit a big 2-run triple to break the game open late.

Game 4

2007-06-05T18:13:00.000-04:00

Astros 7, Red Sox 6
Sunday, June 3, 2007 @ Cumberland Valley High School

The Red Sox led most of the way, but the Astros kept the pressure on and took advantage of some sloppy defense late in the game to hang a tough loss on the hosts.

Game 3

2007-05-21T18:14:00.000-04:00

Yankees 7, Red Sox 4
Sunday, May 20, 2007 @ Cumberland Valley High School

The Yankees jumped out to a quick lead on a 2-run homer in the 1st inning, and turned away several rallies by the Red Sox in a hard-fought contest.

Game 2

2007-05-07T18:21:00.000-04:00

Red Sox 14, Phillies 1
Sunday, May 6, 2007 @ Cumberland Valley High School

The Red Sox hit early and often in a game that was shortened due to the 10-run rule.

Game 1

2007-04-30T18:24:00.000-04:00

Red Sox 13, Mets 7
Sunday, April 29, 2007 @ Cumberland Valley High School

The Red Sox raced to an early lead, but couldn't quite put the Mets in the rear view mirror until an 8th inning homer by Bart Miller provided some breathing room. The Mets scored twice in the top of the 1st, but Dave Strock erased the lead with a ~~2-run~~ 3-run homer on his first swing of the season. The Red Sox followed up with 3 more runs in the inning. Both pitchers settled in after that, giving up a run here and there but preventing any more big rallies. Lance Strous also homered for the Sox.

Curt LaCoe

2007-03-22T21:36:00.003-04:00

#27 Curt LaCoe

Firstbase - Pitcher

Joe Rogers

2007-03-22T21:35:00.009-04:00

#22 Joe Rogers

Firstbase

Jerry McKeon

2007-03-22T21:35:00.008-04:00

#12 Jerry McKeon

Outfield - Secondbase

Tim Wendel

2007-03-21T14:41:00.018-04:00

#13 Tim Wendel

Secondbase - Shortstop

Monday-Friday: Slacker (He teaches)

Sunday: Takes over for people that have Steve Blass disease

Lance Strous

2007-03-21T14:41:00.017-04:00

#17 Lance Strous

Catcher

Monday-Friday: Does everything he can to make Joanna happy

Sunday: Proves he is the best catcher in CPOT Red Sox history

Dave Strock

2007-03-21T14:41:00.015-04:00

#7 Dave Strock

Secondbase - Firstbase

Monday-Friday: Cunnilinguist

Sunday: see "~~Steve Blass~~ Chuck Knoblauch Disease"

Kirk Strous

2007-03-21T14:41:00.014-04:00

#11 Kirk Strous

Leftfield - Thirdbase

Monday-Friday: Brown Truck Driver

Sunday: Steals bases with a 14 run lead

Greg Williams

2007-03-21T14:41:00.009-04:00

#1 Greg Williams

Firstbase

Monday-Friday: Doesn't work on hitting

Sunday: It shows

Bill Miller

2007-03-21T14:40:00.015-04:00

#37 Bill Miller

Thirdbase

Monday-Friday: Drinks beer

Sunday: Goes to golf outings instead of playing in big games

John Lindholm

2007-03-21T14:40:00.014-04:00

#9 John Lindholm

Centerfield

Monday-Friday: Goes to the church of rotational hitting

Sunday: Kindergarten Graduation

Michael Plank

2007-03-21T14:40:00.012-04:00

#10 Michael Plank

Firstbase - Secondbase - Thirdbase - Shortstop

Monday-Friday: Charges ~~$500~~ $600/hr.

Sunday: Nobody has more fun than Planker!

Matt LaBuda

2007-03-21T14:40:00.011-04:00

#33 Matt LaBuda

Shortstop - Pitcher

Monday-Friday: Performs meaningless mathematical analysis on on upcoming opponent's run production

Sunday: Switches from numbers to letters, his favorite is K

Bart Miller

2007-03-21T14:40:00.007-04:00

#3 Bart Miller

Outfield

Monday-Friday: Wishes he could still catch

Sunday: Apparrently not much of anything

Matt Eckenrode

2007-03-21T14:39:00.017-04:00

#21 Matt Eckenrode

Pitcher

Monday-Friday: Thinks about BBQing chickens

Sunday: Eats subs until it's time to go in

Gary Dubas

2007-03-21T14:39:00.016-04:00

#5 Gary Dubas

Outfield - Catcher

Monday-Friday: Counts beans

Sunday: Jamie Moyer impressions

Keith Humes

2007-03-21T14:39:00.015-04:00

#43 Keith Humes

Pitcher - Outfield

Monday-Friday: Gets up at 4:00 AM to work out

Sunday: ~~Somehow has problems converting all that power into long balls~~

Mike Craig

2007-03-21T14:39:00.014-04:00

#18 Mike Craig

Pitcher

Monday-Friday: Gets mad about the Dodgers

Sunday: Flicks it

Troy Jensen

2007-03-21T14:39:00.010-04:00

#6 Troy Jensen

3B-SS-OF

Monday-Friday: Has off for the summer

Sunday: Gets asked out by Bart