McKay Club Defeat Two Top YBL Teams!

MCKAY CLUB BEACONS OF YBL HAVE IMPROVED TO 11-8!

After a miserable and frustrating 3 games losing streak the McKay Club rejuvenated themselves to once again contend for the Tarpey Division Title and a major role in the post season in the Yawkey League.

The Beacons defeated the two top YBL Teams in the person of Brighton Brewers and Somerville. Each team posed a threat to eliminate the Beacons from the top tier of the playoff contention. Two more loses would have posed a threat to the hopes of McKay Club. BUT - they sounded the attack and came battling back.

It was very satisfying to see the Beacons defeat Kevin Christina (Brewers) and Scott Rogers (Somerville) SOUNDLY! Each pitcher had their most difficult outing of the '07 season against the Beacons. Christina gave up 8 runs in 5 innings pitched allowing 10 hits for the Brew Crew. He also gave up a solo home run to Rob Linn out of Ronan Park. Rogers gave up 7 runs on 10 hits. He gave up two dingers: Linn - a solo job in the first and Dan Ciocca - 2 run job in the first as well. Both were towering shots over the fence at Friendly Ronan Park.

McKay Club pitching on the other hand was solid. Sean Sullivan (4-4) recovered very well after tow straight loses to defeat the Brewers. Sully gave up only 3 hits and 2 earned runs in his 5.2 innings of work. He K'd 8 but allowed 10 free passes. Ever reliable, Ryan Thomas (3-1) came in to shut down a prospective rally in the 6th. Thomas ended the threat by striking out a batter with the bases loaded. he pitched a perfect 7th to seal the deal. Mike Barthell (1-0) returned to glory with a complete game victory over Somerville Barthell a perennial All Star in the YBL for 6 years moved to Houston for two seasons and has returned to help lead his old team. Mike shut down the Alibrandi hitting attack by rolling grounder after grounder. His fielders: Shawn Raposo, 3B; Jake Souto, SS; Ciocca, 2B and John Ratauskis at 1B turned over 4 spectacular double plays to keep Somerville quiet.

Hitting has been the strength for the Beacons all during the 2007 season. These two games were a mirror of the season thus far. The Beacons scored 8 runs vs Brighton Brewers and 7 runs vs the 9 time YBL Champs. The team leads the YBL in hitting: .318 BA. Dana Lavensaler (.509 BA 2nd in YBL) has been at or near the top of the league in hitting all year and Rob Linn (.453 *th in YBL) is knocking at that door. Dana and Ciocca have been the RBI machine for the Club. Dana has 13 RBI (5th in YBL), while Dan leads the team with 15 (4th in YBL).

The defence has been the only flaw that has helped cause 8 tough loses. Yes, pitching always has a hand in a loss - BUT the errors made early in this season have caused two loses to Al Thomas; a loss to Somerville and loses to revere and Brighton Braves. These last two games helped end that horrible defensive slide. it is hoped that solid fielding will aid the pitching staff to take advantage of the tremendous hitting support.

So - the roller coaster ride - which is the 2007 season continues for the McKay Club. Stay tuned!!