Griffleball Semi-Finals Recap

Twelve weeks have gone by and the GBL finally has its two representatives in the World Series. Even though the league has been wildly competitive all season, the same two teams will make a repeat appearance in this year's championship round.

The only thing that has changed is the name of one of the two teams. Formerly known as the Anti-Heroes, the Stallionaires will make the their second straight World Series. On the other hand, the Gashouse Gorillas will be looking to win their fourth consecutive Griffleball Championship (5th straight appearance). Both teams will battle once again to see who will be crowned Griffleball Champs. 

Both teams, while being dominant in the postseason, had their share of struggles during the regular season. Before the season began, the Gashouse Gorillas were riding a 30 plus game winning streak. At one point during the season, Gashouse fell below the .500 mark for the first time and were looking for answers. In their defense, the GBL had a better crop of teams then years prior and they may have struggled to make some adjustments. They would eventually find their identity behind the arm of Jim Tucker, the bat of Jeremy Ratajczyk, and the resurgence of Ryan Galiher. Gashouse began to peak at the right time and now have a shot at GBL glory. 

Meanwhile, the Stallionaires have found themselves in the same position as last year and looking for revenge against the team who shattered their dreams last year. The Stallionaires also had their fair share of problems during the regular season and finished the year under .500 at 9-11. The weather may be to blame but, they had trouble hitting early in the season. They have been shut out five times this season, tied for most in the league and finished fifth in team batting average. While their hitting took time to get into a rhythm, their pitching was lights out. Behind the arms of Matt Kuna, Nate Bryan, John Reyna, and David Konopasek (Reliever of the Year), the Stallionaires have a staff that can demoralize any opponent (just look at what they did to the league's best hitting team). 

While the GBL looks forward to the two teams in the finals, the teams who lost in the semi-finals deserve credit as well. The Nighttime Ninjas and Taka Drivers took the league by storm this year. The Ninjas finished with the league's best record and had the league's Most Valuable Player (Ethan Arvay). It was the best season the Ninjas have ever had and it was also the first time they won more then four games in any season. The homer-happy Ninjas hit their way into a playoff match-up with the Stallionaires but, it seems Griffleball is still and may always be dominated by pitching. 

Speaking of pitching, the Taka Drivers finished the year with the league's best team ERA but, their opponent was just a bit better on the mound. In their first year of existence, Taka had a squad of three rookies and one second year player. Without much experience, the GBL can chew up and spit out new players (cough cough me cough). Yet, the Taka Drivers were still ready to play each week and became one of the league's better teams practically overnight. Congratulations to the Taka Drivers and Nighttime Ninjas on great seasons.

Needless to say (even though I am going to say it anyways), this year has been a season to remember for Griffleball. With the first round in the books, let's take a look back and see how the Stallionaires and Gashouse Gorillas found their way back to a World Series. 

Stallionaires v. Nighttime Ninjas Game 2

THE JANKE CAGE - The Stallionaires needed nine innings to finish off the Nighttime Ninjas in the first game. They would not need extra innings in Game 2, as they jumped on the Ninjas early to earn a 2-0 series advantage. 

Without Sammy Krucek in Game 1, the Ninjas welcomed him back for Game 2 and he got the starting nod for his team. He was great on the mound during the regular season but, the Stallionaires showed him why the playoffs are different.

In the top of the second, Krucek ran into a bit of trouble. After a single by David Konopasek and an error in the field, Matt Kuna stepped to the lawn chair. Kuna made the Ninjas pay for the error by blasting one over the fence and the Stallionaires took a 3-0 lead. 

It did not get much better for the Nighttime Ninjas in the top of the third. Already trailing 0-3, Konopasek and Nate Bryan smashed back to back doubled to increase their lead to four. Then, Kuna did it again. Kuna homered for the second time and the Stallionaires had a 6-0 lead heading into the bottom of the third. 

After two good innings pitched by John Reyna, the Ninjas finally broke through in the third. Krucek led off the inning with a solo home run to cut the deficit to 6-1. It was the first and only hit given up by Reyna. 

A five run lead is not insurmountable by any means in the GBL and the Ninjas attempted the comeback in the bottom of the fourth. With Reyna out of the game, Konopasek came in for him in relief and the first two batters were not too kind. Ethan Arvay and Krucek led off the inning with back-to-back solo home runs. 

With the score now 6-3, it may have looked like Kuna would come in to shut the door but, Kuna believe in Konopasek. He left him on the mound and Konopasek got the next four hitters out in two innings. The Stallionaires would take the second game of the series and now were one game away from back-to-back World Series apperances. 

Nighttime Ninjas v. Stallionaires Game 3

THE JANKE CAGE - It was do or die for the Nighttime Ninjas in Game 3 and they came out hitting to start the game. It just was not enough as the Stallionaires brought their brooms to the park. They would only need one big inning to seal the fate of their foes and move on to their second straight GBL World Series. 

With their back against the walls, the Nighttime Ninjas got off to a hot star in the top of the first. After a double by Arvay, Krucek homered to give the Ninjas an early 2-0 lead. Later in the inning, Arvay hit a solo home run to increase their lead to 3-0.

The Stallionaires responded with one run of their own in the bottom half of the first. Nate Bryan singled with the bases loaded to cut the Ninjas lead to 3-1. It would be the only run given up by Ethan Arvay during the game as he only allowed three hits in three innings of work.

By the fourth inning, it appeared that the Nighttime Ninjas had the game under control. Then all hell broke loose in the bottom of the fourth. The Stallionaires put on a show for the fans to remember.

After Kubacki Jr. gave up a triple to David Konopasek, he removed himself from the game in favor for Sammy Krucek. As it turns out, it would not have matter who was on the mound, the Stallionaires caught fire. Bryan doubled to score the runner from third to cut the Ninjas lead to just one. Then, the fun began.

With a runner still at second, John Reyna hit a two run homer over the tennis net in left to give his team a 4-3 lead. But, they were not done yet. The Stallionaires Bryan and Konopasek followed Reyna's home run with to solo shots of their own to go back-to-back-to-back. The Stallionaires smashed their way to a 6-3 lead going into the last inning and they never looked back.

The Stallionaires swept the Nighttime Ninjas by out hitting the best hitting team in the league and now find themselves four games away from a GBL Championship.

Taka Drivers v. Gashouse Gorillas Game 3

THE GRIFFLE GROUNDS - With the series tied at one game a piece, Game 3 may have been the most important game in the series. The momentum gained from winning this game could and would pay huge dividends in the series. Both teams knew the stakes and it was the Gashouse Gorillas who would go all-in to take the pivotal Game 3. 

Last week, the Gashouse Gorillas threw Jim Tucker in one of the two games. This week, he started both and he kept the Taka Drivers guessing all game. In the three innings he pitched, Tucker struck out six batters and only allowed one run. 

Although Tucker pitched great, the Gashouse Gorillas offense would need to give him some support for his efforts. Gashouse would strike first in the bottom of the second by drawing a walk with bases loaded off starter Ryan Voges (who pitched just as well as Tucker). 

Then, in the top of the third the Taka Drivers would finally break through. Chris Bartley led off the inning with a solo home run to tie the game. It seemed that the Taka Drivers and Gashouse Gorillas could have been playing Game 3 until the lights turned off but, one mistake cost Taka the game.

With the score tied 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth, Jeremy Ratajczyk hit a ball back to Jackson Buzea on the mound. Buzz was unable to make the play as the ball slipped out of his outstretched hand and was given an error on the play. The error would come back to haunt the Taka Drivers.

Later in the same inning, Ratajczyk stepped up to the lawn chair again. With the bases loaded, Rat singled and gave the Gashouse Gorillas a 2-1 lead heading into the fifth inning. 

After a one-two inning in the fourth, Ratajczyk needed two more outs to give Gashouse a 2-1 series advantage. He would run into a bit of trouble by walking two batters in the fifth but, he found his way out of the jam. He preserved the victory and the Gashouse Gorillas would win the game 2-1. 

Taka Drivers v. Gashouse Gorillas Game 4

THE GRIFFLE GROUNDS - The Gashouse Gorillas are three time defending GBL champions for a reason. When it comes to playoff wiffle ball, Gashouse is nearly impossible to stop when they get rolling. Nothing would change as the Gashouse Gorillas will be their fifth consecutive appearance in the GBL World Series.   

The Gashouse Gorillas started the action in the bottom of the second. The Commish led off the inning with a solo home run (playoff leading fifth home run) to give his team a 1-0 lead. It turns out they would not need to score again, but they did anyways. In the bottom of the third, Ryan Galiher hit a two run home run to increase the Gashouse lead to 3-0. 

The Taka Drivers needed to respond as their season was evaporating right in front on their eyes. Unfortunately for them, the only hit they had during the game came in the first inning by the form of a Ryan Voges single.  After the single, the Taka Drivers would not reach base again. 

With Jim Tucker on the mound, the Taka Drivers struggled. Taka only got one hit against Tucker and they would not fare much better against Ratajczyk in the latter innings. Ratajczyk struggled a bit on the mound during the regular season, but since the playoffs started he has been untouchable. In the six innings he has pitched this postseason, he is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and has six strikeouts to go with his one save (There. I gave you credit for your performance on the mound. Happy?)

The Gashouse Gorillas out pitched the best pitching team in the league and now find themselves one step closer to winning an unprecedented fourth straight Griffleball Championship.

Players of the Semi-Finals

Hitter - Jeremy Ratajczyk - 11 Hits / 19 AB .579 AVG 5 HR 9 RBI .619 OBP

Pitcher - Matt Kuna - 2-0 8 IP 0.63 ERA 2 BB 13 K 

Rookie - David Konopasek - 6 Hits / 14 AB .462 AVG 1 HR 2 RBI .563 OBP

Griffleball World Series Schedule

August 30th - 7 PM - Stallionaires @ Gashouse Gorillas Game 1

August 30th - 8 PM - Stallionaires @ Gashouse Gorillas Game 2

September 6th - 7 PM - Gashouse Gorillas @ Stallionaires Game 3

September 6th - 8 PM - Gashouse Gorillas @ Stallionaires Game 4

September 13th - 7 PM - Gashouse Gorillas @ Stallionaires Game 5*

September 13th - 8 PM - Stallionaires @ Gashouse Gorillas Game 6 *

September 20th - 7 PM - Stallionaires @ Gashouse Gorillas Game 7*

*If necessary 

Wiffle Out!

GBL Playoffs Week 1 Recap

On Sunday, many of the players were discussing how much the league has grown since last season. The 2015 GBL playoffs are a culmination of its growth. After one week of playoff action, it looks like fans of the GBL will be in store for one of the better postseasons in recent memory.

Both playoff series are destined to go the distance. The Gashouse Gorillas and Taka Drivers series stands tied at one game a piece. On the other hand, the Stallionaires have a 1 - 0 series lead after they beat the Nighttime Ninjas in nine innings.

If one were to watch some of these games, they would notice the competitive nature of the league take them by force. The 2015 Griffleball Playoffs may be one to remember for years to come.

Gashouse Gorillas v. Taka Drivers Game 1

THE JANKE CAGE - The action got started with the Gashouse Gorillas showed the Taka Drivers what the playoffs are all about. Gashouse came out of the gates swinging and won Game 1 behind a great performance on the mound.

After scoreless first, the Commissioner got things going for Gashouse. With two men on in the top of the second, Jeremy Ratajczyk blasted a pitch from Mark Miecznikowski for a home run. The Gashouse Gorillas took a 3 - 0 lead and never looked back.

Three runs would be all Gashouse needed in Game 1. The GBL Cy Young Winner, Jim Tucker, allowed one hit and struck out four in three innings of work. Tucker seems to have the Taka Driver's number as he as already beaten Taka twice this season.

In the top of the third, Ryan Galiher and Jeremy Ratajczyk hit back-to-back jacks to increase the Gashouse lead to 5 - 0. But, in the bottom of the fourth, the Taka Drivers made a push to score some runs.

With one out, Taka had the bases loaded against Ratajczyk. This was there chance to strike and claw their way back into the game. After the walk to load the bases, Miecznikowski popped out to end the inning and ended the best chance Taka had in Game 1.

After a stressful half inning, the Gashouse Gorillas added a few more insurance runs. In the top of the fifth, Ratajczyk crushed a pitch from Jackson Buzea for his third home run of the game. Then, Jim Tucker hit a solo home run for the Gashouse Gorillas for another back-to-back. Gashouse led 8 - 0 and the score would not change as Taka was unable to score in the last inning.

Gashouse Gorillas v. Taka Drivers Game 2

THE JANKE CAGE - After dropping the first game, the Taka Drivers were determined not to fall into a 0 - 2 deficit against the defending champs. They would tie the series as their pitching was the deciding factor in Game 2. 

In the top of the first, Jeremy Ratajczyk hit his third home run of the series to put Gashouse on top early, 1 - 0. The Taka Drivers were not about to allow the Commissioner to decide the outcome. 

In the bottom half of the same inning, Ryan Galiher found himself in a bit of trouble. He walked the first two batters and allowed a single to load the bases. In the last game, Taka had a chance similar to the one they found themselves in the first inning in Game 2. This time they would get the job done. 

Jackson Buzea belted a pitched from Galiher over the cage in center for a grand slam and gave his team a 4 - 1 advantage over the champs. Taka's hitting gave them the lead, now it was up to their pitching to secure a victory. It was not going to be easy. 

Gashouse cut the lead to 4 - 2 in the top of the third with back to back triples by Galiher and Ratajczyk. Overall, Ryan Voges had a good day on the mound only allowing two runs on four hits in three innings of work. Any performance like that will give any team a chance to win and that is just what Voges did. 

In the fourth, Buzea came in for Voges to try an get the save. After getting Nick Bobowski to ground out, Galiher homered to cut the Taka lead to 4 - 3. Then, he walked Ratajczyk and things may have been looking good for Gashouse. But, Buzea was able to get the next three batters out in the fourth and fifth to complete the save. 

After receiving a "Welcome to the Playoffs" beating by Gashouse in Game 1, the Taka Drivers stood tall and tied the series behind one swing and some outstanding pitching. 

Stallionaires v. Nighttime Ninjas Game 1

THE GRIFFLE GROUNDS - If you were looking for a definition of what is playoff wiffle ball, this would be the game to watch. The nine inning epic where the Stallionaires beat Nighttime Ninjas is the poster child of what the playoffs are all about in Griffleball. 

The game had a different feeling from the start as many fans joined and the Stallionaires had a full squad for the first time since Week 3. The only player missing was Sammy Krucek and it may have been the difference. Krucek was the GBL's Silver Slugger winner and his absence was noticed. 

Even without Krucek, it looked like the Ninjas would not need his bat in the first. After, John Reyna walked Mike Kubacki Jr. the MVP gave the Ninjas a spark. Ethan Arvay smashed a pitch into the grass in center and the Ninjas took an early 2 - 0 lead. 

The Stallionaires responded in the second. They loaded the bases in the first against Kubacki Jr. but, were not able to score. The second inning had a different outcome. The Stallionaires loaded the bases once again and delivered. First, Matt Kuna singled in one run. Then, David Konopasel singled in another to tie the score at two. The Stallionaires added another after a John Reyan walk to take the lead, 3 - 2. 

After losing the lead in the second, Ethan Arvay came to the mound in the third. The Stallionaires would not score again until the ninth inning. 

The bottom of the third looked promising for the Ninjas. They loaded the bases and had nobody out against Reyna. He was pulled out of the game in favor for David Konopasek. Turns out that it was a great decision by manager Matt Kuna. Konopasek got the next two batters out and the Ninjas left the bases loaded. Then, Konopasek retired the side in the fourth. In two innings of work, Konopasek did not allow a run or a hit.

The Stallionaires entered the bottom of the fifth two outs away from stealing Game 1 from the Ninjas. After a good outing by Konopasek, Kuna stepped on the mound to finish off the Ninjas. The first batter, Ethan Arvay, had different plans.

The GBL's MVP sent a high fastball past Nate Bryan in center and into the grass to tie the game at three. After a home run like that, Kuna pitched around Arvay in the fifth and extended the game into extra innings. Kuna was would not allow another hit. 

Arvay and Kuna found themselves in an extra inning pitching battle for the ages. Arvay struck out eight in seven innings of work. Kuna struck out nine in five innings. It seemed like the game may go on all night and the lights at the field became an immediate threat (Lights at park turn off at 9:05 PM). 

The Stallionaires John Reyna has not played since Week 3 but, he was putting the bat on the ball. During the game, he had a few bad breaks as the infamous tree down the left field line made its impact known. Reyna had a home run and hit taken away by the tree but, he found away around it in the ninth. 

GIF Provided by Matt Kuna

Reyna sent a line drive down the left field line for a home run and the Stallionaires took a 4 - 3 lead. Kuna shut down the Ninjas in the ninth and Reyna's home run would stand as the winning run. The Stallionaires would take a 1 - 0 series advantage heading into next week and with that the first week of playoff Griffleball was complete. It should be a wild ride. 

Players of the Week

Hitter of the Week - Jeremy Ratajczyk - 6 Hits / 7 At-Bats 4 Home Runs 1 Triple 1 Single 8 RBI 2 BB

Pitcher of the Week - Matt Kuna - 1 - 0 5 IP 1 Hit Allowed 1 Earned Run 9 Strikeouts 2 BB 

Rookie of the Week - David Konopasek - (Hitting) 2 Hits / 6 At-Bats 2 Singles 1 RBI 2 BB (Pitching) 0 - 0 2 IP 0 Hits Allowed 0 Runs 1 Strikeout 0 BB.

Next Weeks Schedule

(Probables Subject to Change)

5 PM - Game 2 - Stallionaires (Nate Bryan) @ Nighttime Ninjas (Mike Kubacki Jr.)

6 PM - Game 3 - Nighttime Ninjas (Ethan Arvay) @ Stallionaires (John Reyna)

7 PM - Game 3 - Taka Drivers (Mark Miecznikowski) @ Gashouse Gorillas (Jim Tucker)

8 PM - Game 4 - Taka Drivers (Ryan Voges) @ Gashouse Gorillas (Galiher)

WIFFLE OUT!

GBL 2015 All-Star Game Recap

After a strenuous regular season, the GBL took a break with All-Star Sunday. During the festivities, the GBL announced the 2015 Award winners, held a Home Run Derby, and played in its fifth annual All-Star Game. Even though the game did not matter, the All-Star game was highly competitive and came down to the last at bat. For the first time, the All-Star game had managers who drafted their teams. Matt Zurawski (Bird Gang manager) and Andrew Felde (Lightning manager) drafted the six All-Star participants earlier in the week to decided who would be on Team Zurawski and Team Felde.

 For Zurawski, his team consisted of Nate Bryan, Jeremy Ratajczyk, and Jackson Buzea. For Felde, he picked Ethan Arvay, Sammy Krucek, and Jim Tucker. It seemed liked that Felde had the advantage before the game but, it didn't turn out the way most thought. Felde's All-Stars had a noticeable numbers advantage on the mound but, Zurawski's All-Stars were nominated for a reason.

After both All-Star teams went scoreless in the first two innings, Zurawski's team struck first. With one out and one on, Buzea sent one into the grass past the basketball hoop to take the lead 2-0. Then, Felde's team answered back. Krucek led of the bottom of the third with a home run and later in the inning hit another to give Felde's team a 3-2 advantage.

Felde's team had the best pitchers in the GBL in 2015 (Tucker and Arvay) but, Zurawski's All-Stars proved that any pitcher is vulnerable. In the top of the fourth, Nate Bryan lead off the inning with a routine grounder to Krucek but, Krucek bobbled the ball. This would turn out to be disastrous for Felde's All-Stars.

After the error, Ratajczyk doubled in one to tie the game. Later in the inning, Bryan also doubled to plate two more runs to give his team a 5-3 lead. Bryan also homered in the fifth to increase their lead to 6-3. Down three, Felde's All-Stars needed a big inning. After a walk to start the inning, Krucek hit his third home run of the game (he was responsible for all the runs for Felde's team) to cut the lead to 6-5.

With nobody out, it looked like the GBL was in store for some free wiffle-ball. Felde's All-Stars did not quit and had the tying run in scoring position but, Bryan was able to find his way out of the jam to end the game. For his efforts during the game, Nate Bryan was also named All-Star Game MVP.

I'll be honest. I did not think Zurawski made the right picks during the draft but, he must have knew something the league did not. In the end, he went with the right players and he ended up as the winning manager.

GBL Final Power Rankings and Week 10 Recap

When Ethan Arvay struck out to end the game between the Ninjas and Gorillas, the regular season had come to an end. The playoffs have been set and the crown as best wiffle ball team in the GBL is up for grabs. The Nighttime Ninjas, Taka Drivers, Gashouse Gorillas, and Stallionaires all punched their ticket to the GBL playoffs. The four teams all have their strengths and weaknesses. The deciding factor may be who will want it more. Gashouse is looking to win their fourth straight GBL championship but, they have not been as dominate as they were in the past. The Taka Drivers had a team full of rookies but, they have shown to be a team who can win any game no matter the opponent. The Stallionaires, who came close to losing the final spot, hunkered down and now find themselves three wins away from back-to-back World Series appearances. Last but certainly not least, the Nighttime Ninjas have had their best season in GBL history and find themselves as the favorites heading into the postseason. If the regular season was any indication of the competitive nature the GBL has come to know this season, the playoffs will be one for the ages. Which team will defy their doubts and become the GBL champion? We will find out in less then two weeks but, in the meantime here are the final regular season power rankings.

FINAL GBL POWER RANKINGS

6. Bird Gang - 5 - 15 (#6 Last Week)

The Bird Gang ended the season on a seven game losing streak and were out of postseason contention before Week 10 even began. They finished with the GBL's second highest team batting average at .397 but, they had a tough time on the mound. Even with the emergence as Nick Trauscht as their ace, they finished last in team ERA at 6.03 in a league where pitching wins. If they plan to come back next year and compete, they may want to add a few pitchers to pair with a good offense. 

5. Lightning - 7 - 13 (#5 Last Week)

After clobbering the Stallionaires in the first game, the Lightning still had hope for a playoff run. With the winning run at the plate, the Lightning failed to score and therefore ending their season. Before entering Week 10, the Lightning were 4 - 12 and needed to win every game left against the Stallionaires. But this is not the Lightning of years past. After losing the second game to the Stallionaires, they were awarded the last two via forfeit. Even though their record looks formidable, the Lightning finished fifth in team ERA and last in team batting average.  

4. Stallionaires - 9 - 11 (#4 Last Week)

The Stallionaires record is better than it looks at 9 - 11. It could easily be 11 - 9 if it was not for forfeiting the unnecessary last two games against the Lightning. Their pitching fell to second in team ERA but, it is still one of the best staffs in the GBL. Their biggest weakness this season has been their hitting where they finished fifth in team batting average. They were also last in team on bases percentage. None of that matters now, as the Stallionaires only have one number left to worry about. Seven. (Wins it would take any team to become champions)

3. Gashouse Gorillas - 12 - 8 (#3 Last Week)

The Gashouse Gorillas had a chance to steal the top seed. After losing the first game, Gashouse was locked into the three seed. In Game 2, they were able to avoid a season sweep from the Ninjas who have had their number all season. Going into the playoffs, Gashouse is still considered to be one of the GBL's best but, their competition this season has been better than years prior. Overall, the Gashouse Gorillas 2015 campaign may have not been there best but, they still have a chance to win their fourth straight championship. 

2. Taka Drivers - 13 - 7 (#2 Last Week)

With a team full of inexperienced wiffle-ballers, the Taka Drivers proved that it does not matter how long you are in the league. The only thing that matters is how you play. They finished the season with the best team ERA at 2.88 and finished fourth in the league in batting average. They have won seven straight games to close the regular season and nearly stole the top spot in the final power rankings. Up next for the Taka Drivers is a tough first round opponent in the form of the Gashouse Gorillas.

1. Nighttime Ninjas - 14 - 6 (#1 Last Week)

Before the 2015 GBL season began, the Nighttime Ninjas had a career record of 12 - 35. They never finished a season above .500. Until now. The Ninjas have the league's best record and arguably the league's most complete team. They have had some issues on the mound but, have the league's best offense without a doubt. They have crushed a league leading 45 home runs, scored the league's most runs (113), and have the league's best team batting average (.431). Anytime an offense can put up numbers like the Ninjas have this season, their issues on the mound become irrelevant. 

WEEK 10 RECAP

TAKA DRIVERS V. BIRD GANG GAME 1

THE JANKE CAGE - The postseason fate of both teams entering the regular season finale was already decided before the first pitch. But that did not stop either the Bird Gang or Taka Drivers from playing. At this point, the Bird Gang were playing for pride, while the Taka Drivers were playing for a better seed in the playoffs. Like most games in the GBL, winning the game was done with one swing. After a quick first inning of play, the Taka Drivers and Bird Gang were scoreless heading into the top of the second. Zach Duvnjak walked the first batter of the inning and one mistake cost his team the game. The GBL's batting champion, Jackson Buzea, stepped up to the lawn chair and smashed one over the cage to give his team a 2-0 lead. That was all the Taka Drivers needed as Chris Bartley and Buzea combined to only allow the Bird Gang three hits. The Bird Gang did have multiple chances to score a few runs in the third and fifth innings but, failed to capitalize

FINAL - TAKA DRIVERS 2 BIRD GANG 0

(W) - CHRIS BARTLEY

(L) - ZACH DUVNJAK

(S) - JACKSON BUZEA

TAKA DRIVERS V. BIRD GANG GAME 2

THE JANKE CAGE - While the first game of the series only took one swing, the second became a slug-fest. The scoring started off with the first batter. Jackson Buzea welcomed Brian Brilmyer to the GBL with a lead-off home run. Brilmyer's pitching debut did not last much longer. Later in the inning, Chris Bartley hit a two run home run and Brilmyer ended up walking six batters in the first inning. He was pulled before the final out of the first inning and the Taka Drivers took a 5-0 lead. The Taka Drivers were not able to hold that lead for very long. In the bottom of the second, Lucas Baked and Zach Duvnjak both hit two run home runs to cut the lead to 5-4. When the Bird Gang cam back to bat in the next inning, Brilmyer made up for his mistakes on the mound. With two men on base, down by one, Brilmyer earned his first career hit in the GBL and it just happened to be a home run. The 5-0 lead the Taka Drivers gained had evaporated and they found themselves down 7-5. Down by two, Bartley tied the game in the bottom of the fourth with his second two run home run and he wasn't done yet. After a Buzea triple (off the foul pole in right) and a Ryan Voges double, the Taka Drivers regained the lead 9-7. Then, Bartley did it again. He hit his third two run home run of the game. The Taka Drivers took the 11-7 lead into the fifth and they ended up holding on to sweep the Bird Gang. 

FINAL - TAKA DRIVERS 11 BIRD GANG 7

(W) - RYAN VOGES

(L) (BS) - ZACH DUVNJAK

STALLIONAIRES V. LIGHTNING GAME 1

THE JANKE CAGE - The 2015 season has not been kind to the Lightning but, even at 4 - 12 they still had a chance to make the playoffs. The only thing standing in their way was the Stallionaires. The Lightning needed to win their next four games against the Stallionaires and they proved that they would not go down without a fight. The Stallionaires struck first with a Nate Bryan two run home run in the first. But the Lightning answered right back. Andrew Felde matched Bryan's two run home run with one of his own tying the game at 2. After Cole Felde was able to complete a quick 1-2 inning in the second, the Lightning turned into thunder. Andrew Felde lead the bottom of the second with a solo home run to give his team a 3-2 lead. The Lightning would have been content with their lead but, they weren't done. With the bases loaded, Cole Felde hit a grand slam to take a 7-2 lead. Later in the inning, the bases were loaded once again for Andrew Felde, who proceeded to clear the bases with a triple. Then, Cole Felde hit his second home run of the inning. Heading into the top of the third, the Lightning had a 12-2 lead and the Stallionaires did not stand any chance of a comeback.

FINAL - LIGHTNING 12 STALLIONAIRES 2

(W) - COLE FELDE

(L) - NATE BRYAN

STALLIONAIRES V. LIGHTNING GAME 2

THE JANKE CAGE - With the Lightning only three wins away from sneaking into the playoffs, the Stallionaires only needed to win one. If the Stallionaires did not win this game, both teams would have needed to play next week in order to decide one another's fate. The Stallionaires started the first inning the same way they did in the last game. With a man on, Nate Bryan hit a two run home run to give his team a 2-0 lead. This time Matt Kuna was on the mound for the Stallionaires and he did what he normally does. In his three innings pitched, Kuna struck out three and held the Lightning to only one hit. He helped his own cause in the third with a solo home run. Kuna's solo home run gave the Stallionaires a 3-0 lead and proved to be the deciding factor in the game. The 3-0 deficit for the Lightning remained the same heading into the last inning and nearly came home with a sweep. Cole Felde tripled to lead off in the fifth then, Derek Revis hit a two run home run to cut the lead to one. The next batter, Andrew Felde, doubled and there were still no outs. The Stallionaires David Konopasek almost let the lead slip away but, he was able to get the next two batters to ground out. The Stallionaires clinched a playoff spot with a win but, it was not as easy as most thought.

FINAL - STALLIONAIRES 3 LIGHTNING 2

(W) - MATT KUNA

(L) - COLE FELDE

(S) - DAVID KONOPASEK

(AFTER CLINCHING THEIR PLAYOFF SPOT, THE STALLIONAIRES FORFEITED BOTH MAKE-UP GAMES TO THE LIGHTNING)

NIGHTTIME NINJAS V. GASHOUSE GORILLAS GAME 1

GRIFFLE GROUNDS - Before the game the Gashouse Gorillas knew they had to sweep and outscore the Nighttime Ninjas by fifteen to earn the GBL's top seed. The problem was that the Ninjas were already 2-0 against the three time defending champions and neither game was close. This one followed that exact same story. After a scoreless first, the Gashouse Gorillas were given a 3-0 advantage courtesy of a Jeremy Ratajczyk home run in the second but, their lead did not last long. In the top of the third, Mike Kubacki Jr. answered back with a three run home run of his own to tie the score at 3. Then, the Ninjas proceeded to answer Kubacki Jr.'s home run with two more consecutive home runs by Sammy Krucek and Ethan Arvay. The Nighttime Ninjas were the only team this season to beat Jim Tucker and they were on their way to handing him another loss. After giving up five runs, Tucker cut the Ninjas' lead to 5-4 with a solo home run but, it would be up to his bullpen to get him off the hook. In the top of the fourth, Ratajczyk did the exact opposite as Krucek and Arvay both hit two home runs a piece. Then, Kubacki Jr. would add a solo home of his own in the fifth. Ratajczyk gave up seven runs in two innings and the Ninjas claimed a 12-4 win. Also, earning them the best record in the 2015 season. 

FINAL - NIGHTTIME NINJAS 12 GASHOUSE GORILLAS 4

(W) - MIKE KUBACKI JR.

(L) - JIM TUCKER

NIGHTTIME NINJAS V. GASHOUSE GORILLAS GAME 2

GRIFFLE GROUNDS - After 59 games, the GBL regular season only had one left. The playoff seeding was now locked in but, the Gashouse Gorillas were attempting to avoid a season sweep from the Nighttime Ninjas. Early in the contest, it looked like the Ninjas were going to complete that task. Ethan Arvay started the game with a solo home run in the first. He added a three run home run in the second and the Ninjas went up 4-0. After giving up four runs, the Gashouse Gorillas called Nick Bobowski to the mound. He held the Ninjas scoreless for the next two innings and Gashouse capitalized. In the bottom of the third, Jim Tucker lead off the inning with a solo home run. After two walks, Jeremy Ratajczyk hit a home run of his own to tie the score at 4. Then, Tucker hit his second solo home run of the inning to give Gashouse the lead, 5-4. In the fourth, Tucker hit his third home run of the game and Gashouse increased the differential to 7-4. Entering the top of the fifth, Gashouse had a 7-4 lead but, the Ninjas would not go quietly into the night. Sammy Krucek hit a two run home run to cut the lead to one. Shortly after, the Ninjas were able to load the bases for Arvay but, Ratajczyk struck him out to end the game. Gashouse earned their first win against the Ninjas and dodged a season sweep. 

FINAL - GASHOUSE GORILLAS 7 NIGHTTIME NINJAS 6 

(W) - NICK BOBOWSKI

(L) - MIKE KUBACKI JR.

(S) - JEREMY RATAJCZYK

WEEK 10 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

HITTER OF THE WEEK - ETHAN ARVAY - 7 HITS 18 AB 5 HR 9 RBI 1 BB

PITCHER OF THE WEEK - MATT KUNA - 1 WIN 3 IP 1 HA 0 ER 3 K 0 BB

ROOKIE OF THE WEEK - CHRIS BARTLEY - 5 HITS 11 AB 3 HR 7 RBI 4 BB 1 WIN 3 IP 2 HA 3 K 0 BB

GBL FINAL REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS

1. NIGHTTIME NINJAS        14 - 6

2. TAKA DRIVERS                13 - 7

3. GASHOUSE GORILLAS   12 - 8

4. STALLIONAIRES                9 - 11

5. LIGHTNING                         7 - 13

6. BIRD GANG                         5 - 15

2015 GBL Playoff Schedule

Sunday, August 16th

5:00pm - #3 GasHouse Gorillas vs #2 Taka Drivers (GAME 1)

6:00pm - #3 GasHouse Gorillas vs #2 Taka Drivers(GAME 2)

7:00pm - #4 Stallionaires vs #1 Nighttime Ninjas (GAME 1)

8:00pm - #4 Stallionaires vs #1 Nighttime Ninjas (GAME 2)

Sunday, August 23rd

5:00pm - #1 Nighttime Ninjas vs #4 Stallionaires (GAME 3)

6:00pm - #1 Nighttime Ninjas vs #4 Stallionaires (GAME 4, IF NEC.)

7:00pm - #2 Taka Drivers vs #3 GasHouse Gorillas (GAME 3)

8:00pm - #2 Taka Drivers vs #3 GasHouse Gorillas (GAME 4, IF NEC.)

Sunday, August 30th

7:00pm - #3 GasHouse Gorillas vs #2 Taka Drivers (GAME 5, IF NEC.)

8:00pm - #4 Stallionaires vs #1 Nighttime Ninjas (GAME 5, IF NEC.)

Sunday, August 30th or Sunday, September 6th

7:00pm – World Series (GAME 1)

8:00pm – World Series (GAME 2)

Sunday, September 6th or Sunday, September 13th

7:00pm – World Series (GAME 3)

8:00pm – World Series (GAME 4)

Sunday, September 13th or Sunday, September 20th

7:00pm – World Series (GAME 5, IF NEC.)

8:00pm – World Series (GAME 6, IF NEC.)

Sunday, September 20th or Sunday, September 27th

7:00pm – World Series (GAME 7, IF NEC.)

WIFFLE OUT!