Week 3 Power Rankings
6. Lightning 2-4 (#5 Last Week)
The Lightning struggled again this week. Without manger, Tommy Merkelis, the Lightning dropped both games to the Gashouse Gorillas by a combined score of 20-3. Andrew Felde, Brandon Garcia, and Tyler Walk are all hitting below .200. The biggest problem this week was not their hitting efforts. Their play was doomed by their fielding efforts. The Lightning had three errors that cost them eleven runs. They are still looking for their first official win this season (Two wins came by forfeit).
5. Bird Gang 1-5 (#6 Last Week)
Earlier in the week, reports suggested that manager, Matt Zurawski, predicted a Bird Gang sweep over the Nighttime Ninjas. His words nearly game true. In their first game of their series, every player homered. When Bird Gang had runners in scoring position, they delivered. The second game was the total opposite, as they were held hit-less for the second time this season. They've been competitive this season but, they need to generate more offense if they want to make the playoffs.
4. Taka Drivers 3-3 (#3 Last Week)
Even with three rookies on their roster, the Taka Drivers, are proving to be a difficult opponent. They have won a game in every week thus far. In the last two weeks, they have two wins with only scoring four runs in four games. The Taka Drivers believe they can win. Last week, it was a walk-off home run. This week, it was their patience. The Taka Drivers drew eight walks and, one of those walks won them a game. Once the Taka Drivers become more familiar with the league, they may be dangerous.
3. Gashouse Gorillas 4-2 (#4 Last Week)
This week, the Gashouse Gorillas, were finally able to take both games of their doubleheader. After losing two games this season in the last inning, the Gashouse Gorillas made sure their would be no theatrics. It was all business for the three time defending GBL champions. When opportunities arose they attacked and, broke their opponents will. The Gashouse Gorillas are still a force and will continue to be so barring any setbacks.
2. Nighttime Ninjas 4-2 (#2 Last Week)
The Nighttime Ninjas are hitting on all cylinders. Ethan Arvay and Mike Kubacki Jr. clobbered nine home runs in two games this week. They have now matched their highest single season win total in since entering the league in 2012. In their victories this season, their pitching has only allowed six runs but, in their losses they have allowed 24 runs. If they continue to pitch well, the Nighttime Ninjas will be a tough out come playoff time.
1. Stallionaires 4-2 (#1 Last Week)
After Week 3, the Stallionaires have the leagues best pitching staff. They have only allowed three runs to cross the plate all season. They have a combined team ERA of 0.47 with 22 strikeouts. Even with a dominant pitching staff, they have managed to lose two games. They either pitch a shut-out or they manage to get shut-out. In all six of their games this season, they have been shut out twice and, have pitched four shut-outs. Once the offense starts rolling, they may be the leagues best team.
Week 3 Game Recaps
Stallionaires v. Taka Drivers Game 1 - An exciting early season match-up pitted two ball clubs that have found ways to win this season. As most would expect, there was not much offense in this series. In Game 1, John Reyna and David Konopasek held the Taka Drivers to only three hits all day. Their opponent, also had their way on the mound. The Taka Drivers only allowed two hits all game but, walked five batters. This left many opportunities for the Stallionaires to score and, in the 4th inning Nate Bryan came through once again. It was the only run scored all game and the only run the Stallionaires needed. Final Score - Stallionaires 1 - Taka Drivers 0.
Stallionaires v. Taka Drivers Game 2 - After a tightly contested Game 1, Game 2 was something the GBL has never seen before. Both the Taka Drivers and Stallionaires were held hit-less. Matt Kuna, Nate Bryan, Mark Miecznikowski, and Ryan Voges combined to allow zero hits on the mound. The only base-runners were the combined eleven walks between the teams. Once again, the Taka Drivers found a way to win a game they had no business winning. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the 2nd, the Taka Drivers walked in the games only run. Final Score - Taka Drivers 1 - Stallionaires 0.
Lightning v. Gashouse Gorillas Game 1- Reports suggested that the Lightning were going to forfeit both games. The commissioner, Jeremy Ratajczyk, allowed Tyler Walk to come out of retirement to help his former team. In the first inning, the Lightning jumped out to an early 3-1 lead off a Andrew Felde home run. The Gashouse Gorillas tied the game in the 3rd and, it looked like the game was going to be more competitive then most believed. With Gashouse batting in the 4th and the game tied at 3, the rain began to fall. There was a short delay and it seemed to suck all the momentum out of the Lightning. When the game resumed play, the Gashouse Gorillas scored nine unearned runs and ended any doubt of a comeback. Final Score - Gashouse Gorillas 12 - Lightning 3.
Lightning v. Gashouse Gorillas Game 2 - Game 2 led right where Game 1 left off. Jim Tucker had another masterful performance on the mound allowing only one hit in three innings. The Gashouse Gorillas pitching did not allow a run since the first inning of Game 1. Jeremy Ratajczyk hit two home runs and drove in three RBI. Tucker also added three RBI and, the Gashouse Gorillas stomped their opponent. Up by a score of 8-0 going into the 5th, Gashouse had the game wrapped. The Lightning did load the bases on the last inning but to no avail. Final Score - Gashouse Gorillas 8 - Lightning 0.
Nighttime Ninjas v. Bird Gang Game 1 - Bird Gang was still looking for its first official win of the season. Manager, Matt Zurawski, guaranteed two victories in Week 3's nightcap. After losing the lead in the top of the 4th, 4-3, Bird Gang came out hot in the bottom half of the inning. Ethan Arvay had trouble locating allowing five runs in the 4th inning. That was all the Bird Gang needed. Each Bird Gang player homered and they were able to shut the door on the Nighttime Ninjas. Final Score - Bird Gang 8 - Nighttime Ninjas 4.
Nighttime Ninjas v. Bird Gang Game 2 - After a wasted effort from Mike Kubacki Jr. in Game 1, Ethan Arvay started Game 2. Arvay went to the mound and pitched with an relentless anger. In four innings, Arvay struck out seven Bird Gang hitters. Entering the 4th, Arvay had not allowed a hit. An amazing play by Mike Kubacki Jr. sealed Arvay's perfect game. It was the first official perfect game of the season. The Nighttime Ninjas also added plenty of offense. Arvay hit three home runs and Kubacki hit four. Both Ninjas combine to hit 12-23, 7 HR, and 16 RBI. Matt Zurawski was half right. Final Score - Nighttime Ninjas 16 - Bird Gang 0.
Week 3 Players of the Week
Many players had an amazing week but, these are your winners for POTW.
Hitter of the Week - Mike Kubacki Jr. - 8/20, 5 HR, 12 RBI
Pitcher of the Week - Jim Tucker - 2-0, 6 IP, 3 ER, 6 K, 6 BB
Rookie of the Week - Lucas Baker - 3/11, 1 HR, 3 RBI.
Week 4 Games
(Sunday, May 31st)
3:00 PM - Gashouse Gorillas v. Bird Gang Game 1
4:00 PM - Gashouse Gorillas v. Bird Gang Game 2
5:00 PM - Stallionaires v. Nighttime Ninjas Game 1
6:00 PM - Stallionaires v. Nighttime Ninjas Game 2
7:00 PM - Taka Drivers v. Lightning Game 1
8:00 PM - Taka Drivers v. Lightning Game 2
Wiffle Out!
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