Game 9, 10, & 11 - Fall 2007

A Bunch of Mugs and A Pitcher (9-2) made an impressive run through the KLOB's City Finals, coming from behind to win exciting quarter- and semi-final round matches before falling just short in the championship. Despite their shortcoming, the Mugs successfully enhanced their reputation as one of KLOB's premier franchises, appearing in their fourth consecutive City Finals and advancing further than they ever had before.

Perhaps hungover from a long layoff, the Mug defense was a little sluggish in the early goings of their opening quarter-final match and fell behind Team Betty Ford (6-4) by what seemed to be an insourmountable four runs. But veterans Mike Randolph, Suketu Sonecha, and Eric Mack intervened, sedating Betty Ford's hopes by sparking a three run rally in the bottom of the third to tighten the score. After tacking on two more runs in the next inning, the Mugs quickly became dependent on defense to maintain their new found lead. The treatment worked; Jess Wilson's intoxicating play snared a line drive and started a clinic of stellar play which held Betty Ford scoreless for the remainder of the contest.

Advancing to the semi-finals, the Mugs were again plagued by a slow start, this time finding themselves in an early three run hole against VCF (8-2). Fortunately for the Mugs, their offense didn't wait long to penetrate the V 'D'. The leadoff duo of Brian and Morgan Pietryka each reached base safely and were promptly brought home on a Mug homer that tied the score. Speedster Jimmy Lien tapped the V's for one too, advancing his way around the bases with some aggressive moves and giving the Mugs the lead. But the lead was short lived as the V's banged out four runs to reposition themselves on top. That was until slugger Dave Packer stepped to the plate. Not liking the feeling of being down, Packer single handedly knotted up the score with a monster three run bomb over the left field wall. A slick fielding Aaron Ricks then made a diving catch which inspired the Mug defense to stiffen, coincidentally giving the V's a load of trouble offensively. With the score tied, the contest went to extra innings. Looking for another notch on their belt, Sonecha executed a perfect sacrifice fly that allowed the staunch Matt Frese to race home with the winning run, propelling the Mugs to the KLOB championship game for the first time in franchise history.

In the finals, the Mugs faced off against the Turtleheads (9-3), last spring's FH JV-Thursday champion. A pitchers duel between Mr. Pietryka and the Turtle's sensei immediately ensued. Both were backed up by superb defensive play highlighted by surehanded Robin Lien's shredding of a Turtle attack. It wasn't until the fourth inning that Pietryka was able to help his cause, scoring on a sac fly to give the Mugs a slim lead. Unfortunately for the Mugs, the lead didn’t last long. With the bases loaded and one out, some dude used his Turtle powers to launch a two run single off the top of the left field fence. The 2 to 1 score would stand and the Mugs were handed their first real defeat of the season.

Still thirsty for the KLOB Cup, the Mugs will be in action again next season. Stay tuned for details!