Inside the GBL Week Four Podcast

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Griffleball Week Four Game Recaps

Taka Drivers (4-1) vs Ducks on the Pond (0-4) Game 1

JANKE CAGE - The first game between the Taka Drivers and Ducks on the Pond was a tad closer then most experts expected but, in the end Taka found a way to squeak by in extra innings. At first, it looked like the Ducks were destined to upset one of the GBL's best. In the first, the Ducks had the first three batters of the inning reach base. With the bases loaded, Zack Duvnjak stepped up to the lawn chair. Duvnjak crushed a Jackson Buzea pitch over the fence to give his Ducks an early 4-0 advantage. It was the Ducks on the Pond first lead of the season but, it didn't last long. Already down 4-0, the Taka Drivers roared back in the second. After a triple to lead off the inning, Chris Bartley hit an easy ground ball to starter Brian Brilmyer which ate him up and gave Taka their first run. After a few walks, the bases were loaded for Buzea and with one swing he erased the deficit. He tripled off the fence to tie the game at four. Then, Ryan Voges followed up Buzea's triple with a home run that gave Taka a 6-4 lead heading into the bottom of the second. The Ducks who have been quiet on offense all season answered. Brilmyer would hit a three run homer in the second to regain the lead for the Ducks, 7-6. After a quick third inning for both teams, the action picked back up in the top of the fourth. With the pressure looming, the Taka Drivers needed to manufacture one more run to tie the score. With the bases loaded, Bartley walked in a run to tie the game at seven. The pressure than fell back to the Ducks, who were still looking for their first victory. They had a good opportunity to end the game in the fifth but, could not bring in the runner from second. The Taka Drivers and Ducks on the Pond were tied at seven going into extras and it wouldn't take long for Taka to strike. After the first three batter reached base, Buzea singled to give his squad an one run lead. The Ducks hopes of trying to extend the contest fell flat and the Taka Drivers found a way to hold on for their fifth win of the season. 

FINAL/6 - Taka Drivers 8 Ducks on the Pond 7

W - Chris Bartley (1-0)

L - Brian Brilmyer (0-2)

Taka Drivers (5-1) vs Ducks on the Pond (0-5) Game 2

JANKE CAGE - After game one's back and forth affair, the second contest turned into a good old fashioned pitching duel between Zack Duvnjak and Ryan Voges. In the end, Voges would toss another masterpiece on his way his second win of the season. In three innings, he recorded every out (6) via strikeout and didn't allow a single run. He eventually received the run support he needed in the top of the third. With the game still scoreless, Jackson Buzea led off the third with a solo home run to give the Taka Drivers a 1-0 advantage. It would be Duvnjak's only mistake and it was all the Taka Drivers needed. While the Ducks struggled making contact against Voges, they also had trouble making solid contact against Chris Bartley. The Ducks ended the game with only two hits (one off each pitcher) and never could regain their stroke like they had in game one. To make matters worse, the Taka Drivers added some insurance in the fifth. Bartley led off the inning with a solo home run to doubled the lead to 2-0, Then, Buzea would triple in two to make it 4-0 and later double in two more to make it 6-0. Even one run would have been too much for the Ducks as the Taka staff held them in check all day en route to a series sweep. 

FINAL - Taka Drivers 6 Ducks on the Pond 0

W - Ryan Voges (2-0)

L - Zack Duvnjak (0-2)

S - Chris Bartley (1)

Nighttime Ninjas (2-4) vs Stallionaires (1-3) Game 1

JANKE CAGE -  In need of a win, the Nighttime Ninjas offense came back to life and it could not have come at a better time. After losing four straight, the Ninjas offensive resurrection propelled them to a game one victory over the Stallionaires. They started the scoring as soon as the game started. After missing last week, Sammy Krucek certainly came ready to hit in week four. He tripled in the game's first run to give his team a 1-0 lead. Then, Mike Kubacki Jr. followed that with a triple of his own to make it 2-0. Right after that, Krucek singled to bring in that runner to increase the lead to 3-0. Entering the third, the score remained the same and then Krucek became a man possessed. In the top of the third, Krucek would hit three home runs for a total of six RBI. When the inning concluded, the Nighttime Ninjas led 9-0. Matt Kuna would continue his amazing season at the plate with a solo shot in the bottom of the third to cut the Ninja's lead to 9-1. But in the fourth, Krucek would crush his fourth home run of the game to make it 11-1. The Stallionaires were close to losing another game via the mercy rule but, fought valiantly to make sure that did not happen. After the first two batters reached bases, Josh Ross doubled in a run to extend the game to another inning. Later in the fourth, Kuna doubled in two more to cut the deficit to 11-4. The Ninjas lead was just a bit too much for the Stallionaires to overcome and Nighttime earned a much needed win. 

FINAL - Nighttime Ninjas 11 Stallionaires 4

W - Mike Kubacki Jr. (2-2)

L - Josh Ross (0-1)

Nighttime Ninjas (3-4) vs Stallionaires (1-4) Game 2

JANKE CAGE - After trailing for eight and a half innings, the Stallionaires patience would pay off in game two en route to splitting their series with the Ninjas. In the first inning, the Ninjas picked up right where they led off in game one. Sammy Krucek and Mike Kubacki Jr. would hit back to back solo home runs to give the Ninjas an early 2-0 lead. After the first two batters, the Stallionaires pitching staff settled in. Josh Ross and Matt Kuna would not allow another run for the rest of the game. The score would remain intact until the end of the game, mostly due to the great pitching performance by Krucek. Entering the bottom of the fifth, Krucek was still on the mound in pursuit of his first career no-hitter. That bid would end immediately as Kuna would single to start the fifth. Even with Krucek out of the game, the Stallionaires would still have to deal with Kubacki who stifled them in game one. With the quick turnaround, Kubacki never seemed quite ready to go in the fifth. He would walk four of the next five batters. Kubacki could not locate during the fifth and it ended up costing the Ninjas the game. With the score now tied at two (both runs scored via walks) Kuna had a chance to end the game. With the bases loaded, Kuna hit a walk-off single to steal a win from the Ninjas. Even though they were outplayed for most of the day, the Stallionaires waited until the last moment and ended up staying virtually even with the Ninjas in the standings. 

FINAL - Stallionaires 3 Nighttime Ninjas 2

W - Matt Kuna (2-0)

L - Mike Kubacki Jr. (2-3)

Gashouse Gorillas (4-1) vs Bird Gang (4-2)

JANKE CAGE/GRIFFLE GROUNDS - While the Bird Gang had a big opportunity to prove themselves as contender, the Gashouse Gorillas handled their business as usual in week four's anticipated nightcap. It also turned out to be a fine pitching duel between Jim Tucker and Andrew Felde. In the first inning, both teams were able to get a few runners on but, each pitcher found their way out of tough jams. That would be the best opportunity for both teams to score until late in the contest. In the third inning, the GBL move the game from the Janke Cage to the Griffle Grounds which happened to a first for Griffleball. Yet, the move did not hurt either starter and/or relievers for both teams. The Gashouse Gorillas struck out nine and the Bird Gang did not allow a run until the sixth. In the top of the sixth, the Gashouse Gorillas finally got to work. After a walk by Nick Bobowski, Tucker smashed a pitch from Cole Felde over the tree to clear the fence for a two run homer. It was all Gashouse would need to defeat the Bird Gang and take game one of the series.

FINAL/6 - Gashouse Gorillas 2 Bird Gang 0
W - Jeremy Ratajczyk (2-1)
L - Cole Felde (0-1)

Gashouse Gorillas (5-1) vs Bird Gang (4-3) 

GRIFFLE GROUNDS - Last week the Gashouse Gorillas used their bats to sweep, this week they used their arms to secure another broom worthy performance. Starter, Nick Bobowski, shut down the Bird Gang for three plus innings. He carried a no-hitter into the fourth in his Rookie Pitcher of the Week performance. While the arms were on top of their game, Gashouse needed to score to lock up a sweep. They struck against Andrew Felde in the second with a bases loaded single from Jeremy Ratajczyk. It was Felde's first earned run give up all season. Then, in the third, after an error in the field, Ratajczyk hit a grand slam to extend the lead to 5-0. It would be Ratajczyk's league leading ninth home run and bring his RBI total to 31. Gashouse would add a few more in the fifth because of poor fielding from the Bird Gang. Gashouse would walk in a run and score via an error to make it 7-0. Week four was certainly a week to forget for the Bird Gang as all aspects of their game struggled. On the other hand, the Gashouse Gorillas extend their winning streak to six. 

FINAL - Gashouse Gorillas 7 Bird Gang 0

W - Nick Bobowski (1-0)

L - Andrew Felde (2-1)

Griffleball Week Four Power Rankings and POTW

After a week of one sided contests, the GBL had a more competitive slate in week four. Yes, there was still a few games where one team had the upper hand but, it never felt any team was out of reach. The week had a different aura than week three and it was noticeable from the first pitch. The Ducks on the Pond went toe to toe with the Taka Drivers and nearly had their first victory. Nobody (even myself) thought they could hang with one of the leagues best. They have showed promise in the last few weeks and could sneak into the playoffs if things break their way. On the other hand, the Taka Drivers continue to win. With one of the most talented rosters, they continue to impress and deserve more national attention (on the bubble in week two's NWLA Large League rankings).
The next set of games included two teams who desperately needed victories. Both the Nighttime Ninjas and Stallionaires were a combined 0-6 in the last two weeks (Ninjas 0-4; Stallionaires 0-2). The Nighttime Ninjas almost walked out of the Janke Cage with a sweep but, the Stallionaires found a way to steal one at the very last moment. After the 11-4 pummeling they took in game one, the Stallionaires were down 2-0 in game two but came back on stole a victory to split the series.
The nightcap witnessed the Gashouse Gorillas do what they do best, win. The Bird Gang had much to prove after starting the season 4-2 but, could not score in either game. They only had a few opportunities since the Gashouse Gorillas pitching staff (Bobowski, Tucker, Ratajczyk) shut down the Bird Gang offense.
It was a week where no team made any move in the standings. It has become clear that everyone is chasing the Gashouse Gorillas and Taka Drivers. As for the for the remaining two playoff spots (assuming Taka and Gashouse continue to play the same way for the rest of the season), they are completely up for grabs. The GBL will know more in the coming weeks and the other competitors will begin to surface. For now, here is Week Four's Power Rankings.

WEEK FOUR POWER RANKINGS

1. Gashouse Gorillas 6-1 (Last Week #1)

There seems to be no stopping the Gashouse Gorillas. After coming off a fourth consecutive championship, you would think they would start a bit sluggish. Not a chance. Ever since losing the opener, they have won six straight and outscored their opponents  54-8. They lead the league in offense and pitching. At times they look unstoppable and are clearly the GBL's flagship franchise. 

2. Taka Drivers 6-1 (Last Week #2)

They may have had a close call this week but, the Taka Drivers are easily the next best team in the GBL. Their pitching staff is still sitting under a 2.00 ERA and their hitting continues to improve as the season goes on. They also showed some resilience this week as they fell behind early. They erased every deficit they had and continue to find ways to win. 

3. Bird Gang 4-4 (Last Week #3)

Even after a week where they did not score a run, the Bird Gang are barely clinging to the third spot. They did not have a runner reach third base all night and their defense also had four errors in one game. Week four was a major letdown for the Bird Gang. On the bright side, their pitching continues to impress as they only allowed three earned runs in two games to Gashouse. 

4. Nighttime Ninjas 3-5 (Last Week #4)

The Nighttime Ninjas regained the stroke in week four scoring thirteen runs in two games. They hit six home runs en route to splitting their series with the Stallionaires. They were one out away from a sweep but fell apart in the very last inning. Each week it feels like the Ninjas need to out-slug their opponent in order to succeed. That approach can work but, it has to done every game, not every other week. 

5. Stallionaires 2-4 (Last Week #5)

The Stallionaires now have two wins that have come in the fifth inning or later. After getting clobbered in game one, the Stallionaires fought until the very end stole game two. The turn over on the roster is evident. This is not the same team the GBL has seen in the last two seasons. Their pitching has declined and keeping games within reach could cause a lot of lopsided affairs.

6. Ducks on the Pond 0-6 (Last Week #6)

The Ducks on the Pond are starting to show a bit of the potential they their roster indicates. The Ducks just have not been able to combine it all in a victory. They had the first ever lead this week but, let it slip away in extras. The Ducks are getting closer and closer to their first GBL win but, as other teams seem to find ways to win, the Ducks find ways to lose. 

WEEK FOUR PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

HITTER OF THE WEEK - Sammy Krucek - 13 Hits 21 At-Bats 5 HR 1 Triple 3 Doubles 11 RBI

PITCHER OF THE WEEK - Ryan Voges - 1-0 3 IP 0 ER 1 Hit Allowed 6 K 1 BB

ROOKIE HITTER OF THE WEEK - Brian Brilmyer - 5 Hits 14 At-Bats 1 HR 3 RBI

ROOKIE PITCHER OF THE WEEK - Nick Bobowski - 1-0 3 IP 1 Hit Allowed 2 K 2 BB

WIFFLE OUT!

Inside the GBL Week Three Podcast

Here it is! Inside the GBL Week Three! 

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Griffleball Week Three Game Recaps

Bird Gang (2-2) at Ducks on the Pond (0-2) Game One

JANKE CAGE - No matter how they get the job done, the Bird Gang keep finding ways to win. They always find themselves in close contests and the first game against the Ducks on the Pond was no exception. The Bird Gang had Andrew Felde on the mound attempting to keep his scoreless pitching streak alive. Not only did he keep his streak alive, he even extended it into next week. On the other hand, the Ducks on the Pond had multiple chances to steal this game away from the Bird Gang but failed to accomplish their goal. The action started in the second inning when the Bird Gang loaded the bases. They loaded the bases in the first but were unable to plate a run but they were able to strike in the second. Matt Zurawski singled to give his team the early 1-0 lead and the lead would hold until the fourth. The Ducks tied the game in the fourth with a Brian Brilmyer home run. It had seemed the the Ducks would take the momentum and win their first GBL game but erratic pitching causes them to fold. In the top of the fifth, the Bird Gang loaded the bases for the third time in the game and Felde walked in a run to take the lead, 2-1. With the hopes of the first GBL win dwindling, Shawn Siokis singled to lead off the bottom of the fifth. This gave Zack Duvnjak and Brilmyer a chance to win the game on one swing.  This may have cause them to over swing a bit because they both went down on strikes to end the game. While the Ducks showed promise, it was the Bird Gang finding another way to win.

FINAL Bird Gang 2 Ducks on the Pond 1

W - Matt Zurawski (1-1)

L - Brian Brilmyer (0-1)

Bird Gang (3-2) at Ducks on the Pond (0-3) Game Two

JANKE CAGE - After squeaking by in the first game, the Bird Gang received some help from the wind in game two. They did not receive that fortunate event until late in the game and it looked like the Ducks could have another chance to steal a victory. The Bird Gang jumped out to another early lead thanks in part to Felde. Once again, he shut down his opponent on the bump, pitching three more scoreless innings. Also in the second inning, he tripled in the game's first run to give the Bird Gang a 1-0 advantage. In the following innings, the Ducks were able to get a runner on base each inning but were unable to score until it was too late. In the top of the fourth, the wind began to blow out of the cage. The Bird Gang took advantage. Matt Zurawski started the slug-fest with a two run bomb off the green pole in right-field. Then, Andrew Felde would hit a solo home run, a two run home run, and a three run home run in the same inning. This gave the Bird Gang a nearly insurmountable 9-0 lead. The Ducks on the Pond would answer with a Brian Brilmyer solo shot in the bottom half of the fourth but, it was too late. The Bird Gang would walk away with a two game sweep of the Ducks and improve to 4-2 on the season with a showdown with the champs next week. 

FINAL Bird Gang 9 Ducks on the Pond 1

W - Andrew Felde (2-0)

L - Shawn Siokis (0-2)

Gashouse Gorillas (2-1) at Stallionaires (1-1)

JANKE CAGE - Both these teams have met in the last two GBL World Series and they could not be any further apart this season. While the Gashouse Gorillas still look like the champs, the Stallionaires are trending downward. Gashouse scored in every inning and enforced their will on the inexperience of the Stallionaires. It also did not help the the reigning Cy Young, Jim Tucker, was on the mound. Tucker also started the scoring barrage with a two run homer in the first to give Gashouse a 2-0 lead. Then, he followed it up with a RBI single in the second to make it 3-0. After that, his next at-bat in the the third, he crushed another home run. At that point the Gashouse Gorillas were up 4-0 but, the Stallionaires fought back before the score became out of hand. Matt Kuna added a home run of his own to cut the lead in half going into the fourth. While Kuna finished the game four for six, his rookie teammates, Aaron and Josh Ross, went a combined zero for ten. The brothers did walk a few times during the contest but, the combination of Tucker and Jeremy Ratajczyk will always stifle newcomers to the GBL. Ratajczyk joined the party in the fourth with a three run home run making the score 7-2. In the top of fifth, Ratjczyk caught fire. He had a RBI single, a two run home run, and another three run home run. By the end of the top of the fifth, Gashouse lead 13-2. The Gashouse Gorillas hit their way to a game one victory and it certainly carried over into the next contest. 

FINAL - Gashouse Gorillas 13 Stallionaires 0

W - Jim Tucker (1-0)

L - Aaron Ross (0-2)

Gashouse Gorillas (3-1) at Stallionaires (1-2)

JANKE CAGE - After playing a full contest in the first game, the Gashouse Gorillas would only need two innings to complete a resounding sweep of their rival. They carried their hot bats into the first inning of the second game. It was almost like the NBA Jam version on "He's on Fire" for the Gashouse Gorillas. The scorekeeper (yours truly) had trouble keeping up with the score. At a certain point every at-bat only took one pitch to score a run. Jim Tucker started the scoring with a bases loaded RBI single. Then, Jeremy Ratjczyk triple to clear the bases and make the score 4-0. After a few more reached base, Ratajczyk hit another home run to increase the lead to 7-0. Then, he tripled in another to make it 8-0. Tucker added a RBI single and two run home run later in the inning. By the end of the top of the first, the score was 11-0. The Stallionaires legitimately had no answer for the bats of Gashouse. After one inning the score remained the same, then Gashouse came to bat in the second. They would have just as much success in the second as they did in the first. The on-onslaught recommenced with back to back home runs from Rat and Tuck to make the score 14-0. Gashouse would add five more runs before the Stallionaires were able to record two outs. Going into the bottom of the second, Gashouse lead 19-0. The 15 run mercy rule came into play and the Stallionaires would need five runs to extend the game another inning. That already seemed improbable and Gashouse would keep the score intact to finish their sweep. 

FINAL/2 Gashouse Gorillas 19 Stallionaires 0

W - Jim Tucker (2-0)

L - Aaron Ross (0-3)

Taka Drivers (2-1) at Nighttime Ninjas (2-2)

JANKE CAGE - The Taka Drivers came into week three's nightcap with a little bit of extra juice. After a small hiatus from the GBL, Kyle Lidster made his return for his new team. Lidster got the nod on the bump for Taka and it looked like he never left. On the other hand, the Taka offense exploded and they handled the Nighttime Ninjas in the first game. Without Ethan Arvay and Sammy Krucek the Ninjas offense struggled all night. The Ninjas were only able to muster one hit and seemed out of rhythm in all facets of the game. After a scoreless first, the Taka Drivers started to manufacture runs in the second. Chris Bartley walked with the bases loaded to give Taka a 1-0 lead. The next batter, Lidster, doubled in two which increased the score to 3-0. With the bases loaded, Bartley doubled to plate two more to increase the Taka lead to 5-0. At this point, Lidster had the Ninjas hitters looking foolish and did not need much more support to notch his first win since 2013. He would help his own cause in the fourth with a bases loaded triple. Ryan Voges would add two bases loaded singles and Bartley would add one of his own to make the score 11-0. Already down eleven, the Ninjas tried to extend the game by walking a few times but, they could not buy a hit if they wanted to all night. The Taka Drivers would easily take game one. 

FINAL/4 Taka Drivers 11 Nighttime Ninjas 0

W - Kyle Lidster (1-0)

L - Derek Revis (0-2)

Taka Drivers (3-1) at Nighttime Ninjas (2-3)

GRIFFLE GROUNDS - Apparently one mercy rule win was not enough for the Taka Drivers. They picked up right where they left off in the second game to complete a sweep of the Nighttime Ninjas. While the Taka Drivers could not be stopped, the Ninjas were only able to, once again, muster one hit. This would be the third time the Taka Drivers have mercy ruled the Ninjas in two seasons. This game, Taka did not wait until the second to start the beating. After a bases loaded walk by starter Mike Kubacki Jr, Jackson Buzea cleared the bases with a triple to give Taka a 4-0 lead. They would add one more in the first via a Ryan Voges double to increase the score to 5-0. With they way the Ninjas were hitting, that would be all Taka needed. On the mound, Buzea shut down the Ninjas and continued his stellar season on the rubber (well asphalt but I think everyone understands that). After scoring again in the second by the means of a dropped fly-ball, Taka lead 6-0 entering the third. In the third inning, the Taka Drivers scored in a uncommon method for their squad. As a team, Taka hit their third, fourth, and fifth home runs of the season. Ryan Voges led off the the third with a solo shot, Kyle Lidster would hit a two run homer, and Buzea would have a solo home run of his own. Entering the bottom of the third, the Nighttime Ninjas trailed 10-0. With the way Buzea was dealing on the mound even one run would have been a tiny victory but, the Taka Drivers were just too much to handle. Even down a player (Miecznikowski), the Taka Drivers easily swept the Ninjas to stay in first place and continue their amazing season. 

FINAL/3 Taka Driver 3 Nighttime Ninjas 0

W - Jackson Buzea (2-0)

L - Mike Kubacki Jr. (1-2)

WEEK FOUR

• 3 PM and 4 PM - Taka Drivers (4-1) at Ducks on the Pond (0-4)
• 5 PM and 6 PM - Nighttime Ninjas (2-4) at Stallionaires (1-3)
• 

WIFFLE OUT!

Griffleball Week Three Power Rankings and POTW

After a slow start for many teams offensively, week three is just what the doctor ordered. Entering week three, the GBL as a whole scored 62 runs. When the Taka Drivers ended the nightcap with their second mercy win, the final total of runs scored for the week was 68. The more impressive feat is that 64 of the 68 runs came from only three teams (Bird Gang, Gashouse Gorillas, Taka Drivers). All of those teams swept their opponents and now sit as the top three teams in the standings.

If contact was made, the wiffle ball would carry (and carry and carry and carry) until it would find its way over the fence. The 19 home runs hit in week three would seem to back up that statement. 

For the other three teams (Stallionaires, Ducks on the Pond, and Nighttime Ninjas), they would probably wish to forget this week even happened. The Ninjas, who came into the week with the highest scoring offense, did not plate a single run. The Stallionaires only offense came from a Matt Kuna home run and gave up 31 runs in two games. The Ducks on the Pond are still looking for their first victory and have been outscored eight to one. Luckily for all these teams they still have more then fourteen games left to get their season back on track.

With three weeks past, it seems that the Taka Drivers and Gashouse Gorillas are the league's best. Right behind them are the Bird Gang, who still have some doubts but are definitely improved over last season. While it seems those teams may be heading towards the playoffs, it is too early to consider them locks. For now, they will just have to settle for the top three spots in week three's power rankings. (Also, Kyle Lidster made his return to the GBL in week three. No big deal.)

Week Three Power Rankings

1. Gashouse Gorillas 4-1 (Last Week #1)

After dropping the first game of the season, Gashouse has won four straight. During their winning streak they have outscored their opponents 45 to 5. The deadly combination of Ratajczyk, Tucker, and Galiher can dismantle opponents in any way. They can hit, pitch, and field just as well if not better than most teams in the league. They have a solid chemistry between them and each player knows their roles. They will be favored to win at least one game every week and appear to be on track for a better regular season than last year. 

2. Taka Drivers 4-1 (Last Week #2)

After a bit of a struggle with their offense in week two, the Taka Drivers rebounded with a commanding sweep of the Ninjas. They won both games via the mercy rule and shutout the Ninjas in both games. They also enjoyed the added benefit of having a Hall of Fame Griffleballer this week in the form of Kyle Lidster. Even with the injury to Mark Miecznikowski, their pitching staff is even better then they were last season. They are allowing less then two runs a game. The Taka Drivers may not have the best power lineup but, they will manufacture runs. As of right now, the Taka Drivers are the best bet to dethrone the champs. 

3. Bird Gang 4-2 (Last Week #5)

This will be the highest the Bird Gang have ever been in the GBL Power Rankings. They have finally found a winning formula with Andrew Felde and Matt Zurawski. It may not be pretty but, they are getting the job done. The Bird Gang are also winning without Lucas Baker, Nick Trauscht, and Cole Felde. Between those three players they have only combined to play three games. Even with their four wins, some concerns still linger (inconsistent offense and relief issues). With a big nightcap against Gashouse in week four, they may finally have a chance to silence their doubters. 

4. Nighttime Ninjas 2-4 (Last Week #4)

If Ethan Arvay and Sammy Krucek continue to miss games, it could be a long season for the Nighttime Ninjas. Especially if they miss games against the top two teams in the rankings. Nothing went right for the Ninjas this week. They could not muster any runs, they had trouble getting outs, and they also made a few errors in the field. they have been blown out in their last three contests. The best thing for this team right now is short term memory loss. They need to move on and focus on what is next. If they can do that, they can still be a tough opponent week in and week out. 

5. Stallionaires 1-3 (Last Week #3)

The 2016 season may be a transition period for the Stallionaires. Nate Bryan, David Konopasek, and John Reyna are all still on the roster but, will not be seen as much as last season. Manager Matt Kuna has recruited help but, the players he has added are inexperienced to the GBL. Aaron and Josh Ross are both rookies and are still getting familiarized with the league. They gave up 31 runs to the Gashouse Gorillas and were lost via the mercy rule in both games. The Stallionaires need to keep teams close to win because they are always one swing away from stealing a victory. As long as they do not give up 31 runs in two games, their strategy will continue to work. 

6. Ducks on the Pond 0-4 (Last Week #6)

The Ducks on the Pond still have some work to do but there are signs of promise. They were within one swing of winning their first GBL game but, fell just short in a 2-1 loss to the Bird Gang. The Ducks are having a majority of their issues at the lawn chair. They are scoring exactly one run a game and their pitching has not been too great either. After a good performance in game one, the Ducks allowed nine runs in game two. If not taken seriously, they could surprise a team. Each week will come with new challenges and each week they will grow as a team. 

Week Three Players of the Week

Hitter of the Week - Jeremy Ratajczyk - 19 Hits 26 AB 5 HR 3 Doubles 2 Triples 20 RBI

Pitcher of the Week - Andrew Felde - 1-0 6 IP 0 ER 2 Hits Allowed 7 K 4 BB

Rookie of the Week - Brian Brilmyer - 2 Hits 8 AB 2 HR 2 RBI

Week Three Nightcap: Taka Drivers v. Nighttime Ninjas

WIFFLE OUT!

Inside the GBL Week Two Podcast

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Griffleball Week Two Game Recaps

Bird Gang (1-1) at Taka Drivers (1-0) Game One

THE JANKE CAGE - Both teams fought against the horrid conditions to start the week but, ultimately the Bird Gang were able to break through in extra innings for the win. The Taka Drivers were possibly going to be without their manager, Jackson Buzea. He came to the cage on crutches due to issues with his knee but, he was able to play through the pain to try and help his squad. He made a difference on the mound by pitching four shutout innings over the course of the game. On the other hand, the Taka Drivers (as well as the Bird Gang) had trouble finding areas to hit the wiffle ball. Every ball both teams put in the air was an automatic out. This did not effect Lucas Baker, who finished the game five for eight. The wind and cold pushed the ball down and caused both teams to go scoreless through six innings. In the seventh, the Bird Gang finally began to barrage the Taka Drivers with a bunch of singles. Their strategy of keeping the ball down and keeping it away from the Taka fielders took shape. After loading the bases, Matt Zurawski singled to score the games first run. Then later in the innings, Andrew Felde walked to give Bird Gang a 2-0 advantage. They were able to fight through the weather to steal game one from the Taka Drivers. 

FINAL/7 - Bird Gang 2 Taka Drivers 0

W - Lucas Baker 1-0

L - Mark Miecznikowski 0-1

Bird Gang (2-1) at Taka Drivers (1-1) Game Two

THE JANKE CAGE - After falling in game one, the Taka Drivers' Jackson Buzea, was able to end the game with one swing. Once again both teams struggled to find consistency on offense. In the first inning, neither team reached base. With the weather being a factor, it would not take much for either team to jump in front. In the second, Bird Gang had their first chance to strike. With men on first and third, Chris Bartley was able to strike out Matt Zurawski. Then in the bottom half of the inning, Taka had an nearly identical chance at scoring. With men on second and third, Andrew Felde struck out Bartley.  Both starters Chris Bartley (Taka) and Andrew Felde did not allow a run. Which was a common theme all day between the Taka Drivers and the Bird Gang. After two innings, both team were scoreless and it would stay that way until the fifth. It seemed that Griffleball fans were in for more free wiffle ball but , the Taka Drivers had other plans. In the bottom of the fifth, Bartley led off the inning with a single to put the pressure on Bird Gang. Standing at the plate, injured and possibly in pain, Buzea was able to send Taka home with a victory. Buzea smacked a pitch down the line and over the cage in right to seal the deal. After not being able to score in eleven consecutive innings, the Taka Drivers only needed one swing to split their series with the Bird Gang. 

FINAL - Taka Drivers 2 Bird Gang 0

W - Jackson Buzea (1-0)

L - Lucas Baker (1-1) 

Nighttime Ninjas (2-0) at Gashouse Gorillas (0-1)

THE JANKE CAGE - With one walk-off already in the books for Week Two, the commissioner (Jeremy Ratajczyk) added a second in extra innings to give the Gashouse Gorillas their first victory of the season. After two scoreless innings, the Nighttime Ninjas struck first. In the top of the third, the Ninjas were able to load the bases by going station to station. Making his season debut, Sammy Krucek singled in the games first run to give the Ninjas a 1-0 lead. The next batter, Derek Revis, also singled to make the score 2-0. With the way the day was going that may have been all the Ninjas needed but, Gashouse fought back. In the bottom of the third,  Ryan Galiher doubled in a run to cut the Ninjas lead in half. Then, Ratajczyk singled to tie the game at two. Both teams scored in the third and neither of them would score for the next four innings. Gashouse had a amazing opportunity to end the game in the seventh. With the bases loaded, Derek Revis struck out Ratajczyk to wiggle his way out of the jam. In the bottom of the eighth, this time Ratajczyk would get the best of Revis. After a single by Galiher to lead off the inning, Ratajczyk sent one to the corner of the cage. The ball made it over by inches and gave the Gashouse Gorillas their first official win of the season. 

FINAL/8 - Gashouse Gorillas 4 Nighttime Ninjas 2

W - Jeremy Ratajczyk (1-1)

L - Derek Revis (0-1)

Nighttime Ninjas (2-1) at Gashouse Gorillas (1-1)

THE JANKE CAGE - After a hard fought victory in game one, Ryan Galiher made it a bit easier for the Gashouse Gorillas to take game two. Already down 1-0 after the first via a Sammy Krucek lead-off home run, Galiher went to work. He lead off the bottom of the first with a triple. Then he singled in that same runner to tie the score at one. In his next at-bat with men on first and third, he homered to make the score 4-1. In Galiher's last at-bat of the first inning, he homered (again) with a man on to give Gashouse a 6-1 lead. Galiher ended the inning 4/4 with two home runs and six runs batted in. He followed that up in the second inning with an equally impressive showing. He led off the inning with a solo home run to give Gashouse a 7-1 advantage. After a few walks by Sammy Krucek, Galiher doubled again to score another run and was responsible for scoring the Gahouse Gorillas first eight runs. Jeremey Ratajczyk would add an RBI single in the next at-bat to give Gashouse an insurmountable 9-1 lead after two innings. Galiher had an impressive feat of hitting for the cycle in less then two innings. After all of that, the Ninjas could not respond against the duo of Galiher and Ratajczyk on the mound. The score remained the same throughout the rest of the game and the Gashouse Gorillas brought the brooms to end week two.

FINAL - Gashouse Gorillas 9 Nighttime Ninjas 1

W - Ryan Galiher (1-0)

L - Mike Kubacki Jr. (1-1)

Stallionaires vs. Ducks on the Pond Games One and Two

THE GRIFFLE GROUNDS - Both games were postponed due to inclement weather. The rain fell before the start of the series and the temperature also became a factor. Right before set-up for the night-cap began both managers agreed to play another day. Games will most likely be made up on an off week or before each team play each other again later this season. 

Griffleball Power Rankings and Players of the Week: Week 2

After a solid week one, with no interruptions, the GBL finally hit its first setback. The weather (nothing new for the GBL) postponed week two's nightcap between the Stallionaires and Ducks on the Pond. Near the end of the last game between the Nighttime Ninjas and Gashouse Gorillas, rain began to fall. Then, the wind picked up and the bitterness of cold set in to many of the players/crew/fans. Even with this small hiccup, the day games were still played and two of them finished in extra innings. Free wiffleball seems to be a common theme for Season Seven.

The sun doesn't exist in Northwest Indiana.

The weather also played a factor in the way the ball traveled off the bat. Nearly every fly ball or line drive died while flying through the air. This prevented many hits and possible home runs. It also may have impacted some box scores for this week. It seemed to have a major impact on the set between the Taka Drivers and the Bird Gang. They combined for a total of four runs in two games. The end result was a split between the two teams. Then, the Gashouse Gorillas and Nighttime Ninjas had trouble scoring in the first game, which ended in a extra inning victory for Gashouse. Eventually, the champs found their stroke (especially Ryan Galiher) in game two and finished the series with a convincing sweep of the Ninjas.

With two weeks in the books, only two teams in the league have played all four scheduled games. This will typically create havoc in the standings and and in the power rankings. There was a bunch of shuffling between the top five and tough decisions between teams 3-5. After a week two weather report, let's take a look at the official Griffleball Week Two Power Rankings.

Week Two Power Rankings

1. Gashouse Gorillas 2-1 (Week One - #2)

After a brief absence, the Gashouse Gorillas are back on top. It took them extra innings to take game one from the Ninjas but, game two was a whole different story. Ryan Galiher went bonkers at the plate. He accounted for eight RBI's and three home runs in that game alone. He even did this on a day where the weather became a factor against the trajectory of each ball-in-play. If Galiher keeps hitting like this, the Gashouse Gorillas may be even better than last year. If that's even possible.

2. Taka Drivers 2-1 (Week One - #1)

It seems that I just cannot make up my mind between the Taka Drivers and Gashouse Gorillas. They have alternated the top spot since the preseason rankings. It was a bit easier this week because of a Taka loss to the much improved Bird Gang. There was little offense from Taka this week. There only runs came via a Jackson Buzea walk-off home run (in the last innings of game two). Taka went eleven innings without scoring until that moment. I don't expect them to repeat that feat for the rest of the season. 

3. Stallionaires 1-1 (Week One - #4)

Even without playing a game this week, the Stallionaires moved up in the Power Rankings. I still worry about their offense but, their approach seems to have them fighting for a championship at the end of the season. As long as they get there, that is all that matters for this squad. Their pitching will be the strongest part of their game and will keep them in every game for the rest of the season. If the Stallionaires start hitting, they will be very difficult to deal with on a weekly basis. 

4. Nighttime Ninjas 2-2 (Week One - #3)

The Ninjas would have still been third in my power rankings but, the beating they took in game two prompted a one spot drop. Their offense had trouble scoring without MVP, Ethan Arvay. Without him the Ninjas only managed to score three runs in two games (the weather may had a factor on this as well). On the other hand, Sammy Krucek made his debut and went 6 for 11 with two RBI. He was the lone bright spot in a week to forget for the Ninjas. 

5. Bird Gang 2-2 (Week One - #5)

The Bird Gang have found themselves in a better position then they were in last year. It took the Bird Gang four weeks last year to get two victories. The more impressive feat is that they split these games between two playoff teams from last season. Their offense last week may have also been effected by the weather (which can be said for every team this week). If they want to move into the top four they have to stay consistent through the rest of season. 

6. Ducks on the Pond 0-2 (Last Week - #6)

The Ducks on the Pond were ready to go on Sunday but, the rain came down and postponed their first nightcap. Manager Brian Brilmyer was in attendance and I believe that he will be a big factor on the Ducks success this season. Without him in Week One, the Ducks looked lost. He needs to be the leader of the this squad if they want to be in contention by the end of the season. 

Players of the Week: Week 2

Hitter of the Week - Ryan Galiher - 10 Hits 22 At-Bats 3 Home Runs 11 RBI

Pitcher of the Week - Jeremy Ratajczyk - 1-0 7 IP 2 Hits Allowed 0 ER 8 K 1 BB