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The Roger Report, Spring 2015

1) U.S. Exporters vs Maddogs played on 03/30/15

The restocked Bungalow Exporters swept the Maddogs to start the season. This could be the first year in a long time with serious competition for Rookie of the Year honors as they all contributed well to the victories.

In the opener, Jason fought with windy conditions that often changed directions, yet pitched a gem. Solid hitting led to our win by the 10 run rule. Nick notched the first HR of the year with an in-the-park shot into the right field corner. Defensively, we showed good defense with some occasional winter rust mixed in.

The nightcap was a tighter game with the Maddogs scoring 4 runs in the top of the seventh inning pulling ahead by one run. In the bottom half of the inning, the first two veteran Exporters were unable to reach base. The next part of the lineup had the three rookies together. Mike got the first single to give us a chance. Nick laced a ball to right center. Mike went to third when he saw the ball bobbled. When the outfielder unsuccessfully tried to throw him out at third, Nick took the opportunity to speed into second to get the winning run in scoring position. Rick singled up the middle easily scoring Mike. Dennis, coaching third, saw Nick approaching with a full head of steam and waved him home. The play at the plate was close, but Nick slid in under the tag risking a full-body brushburn on the carpeted batters box to win the game. Unfortunately, ending the game on that play prevented Roger from hitting for the cycle in a single game. He was only missing a double and was prepared to bounce one over the fence.

2) U.S. Exporters vs Big Sticks played on 04/06/15

With a makeshift lineup, we played like it. That should not take anything away from the Big Sticks who hit the ball well all over the yard. They are a good team.

3) U.S. Exporters vs Capitol City Brewing played on 04/13/15

The first game we failed to hit. You can't win a game in this league with 1 run. The power outage was across the board.

In the second game, we were only slightly better. Putting Jason on the mound in relief gave Cap City a different look which seemed to help along with the infield turning a DP in each of his innings. Our problem has been a lack off offense. The other teams are hitting the ball well. Our defense is fine, not a problem of errors giving extra outs. We need to hit.

4) U.S. Exporters vs Ballston Tea Party played on 04/27/15

The bats finally came alive for the Exporters who swept both games from the Ballston Tea Party. We had good hitting throughout the lineup. We opened both games with 9 run first innings.

In game 2, Jason hit a 3-run homer followed by a solo shot by Brian. Later, Chris drove one that just cleared the right field fence to score two runs. Glen pitched well walking no one in breezy conditions. We even had one double play when one of their runners thought there were two out on a fly ball and ran home rather than tag up. We're back to .500 and need to keep winning.

5) U.S. Exporters vs Fighting Penguins played on 05/04/15

We played a tough Fighting Penguins team that hit very well. We fought back well in the first game, but were unable to hold onto our lead in the final inning. Rookie Mike Reilly moved into the lead-off position and did an outstanding job of finding a way to get on base going 7 for 8 this evening.

6) U.S. Exporters vs CCR Restaurant (Meldrum) played on 05/11/15

The Exporters continued their dominance of our sister team. Many former Exporters play for C.C. Restaurant and we got a chance to socialize with them before and during the games. However, the night was ours as we hit the ball hard all over the field. In one at bat, Roger was able to get all the way around the bases on multiple errors. Jason unleashed his power hitting three over the fence.

7) U.S. Exporters vs Wyld Stallions played on 05/18/15

The first game was marred by the sun being directly in the batter's eyes at Barcroft. Injuries left the Exporters with a depleted squad. To fill out the lineup, Glen came off the bench to play catcher despite just having had surgery. He wasn't supposed to swing a bat and just took pitches his first two time up. He struck out once and drew a walk the second time. After that, his competitive juices took over and he weakly swung the bat with one arm and went 3 for 5 the rest of the night barely dropping balls just out of reach of the fielders.

8) U.S. Exporters vs First Down Sports Bar played on 06/15/15

Roger Morse wrote: I was unable to get to the games last night but I heard we won by forfeit.

Jay Hatfield asked Jason Boyd: Did we win the games last night by forfeit?

Jason Boyd wrote: Yes that is correct.

Glen Maes wrote: We had 8 players. We still had a few minutes to go for an official forfeited game, the opposing teams coach declared forfeit on their side. Chris showed up under the allotted time. This would be 9 total. [Editor's note: A legal team is 8 players.]

Hawaii 5-0 declares: ~ Book 'em, Danno! ~

9) U.S. Exporters vs Dukes played on 06/22/15

The Exporters swept the Dukes to close out the regular season. With the return of quick-hands middle infielders Zach and John, we turned two infield double plays in game 1. It was a game of small ball where we edged out the Dukes. The Exporters also saw the return of Max who had a very solid night.

In the nightcap, we jumped out to a big early lead and held off a rally by the the Dukes to sweep the night.

On to the playoffs.

Final Spring 2015 Standings (Reported as of 6/25/15)

                      W   L   T    Pts
Big Sticks           13   3   2     28
Fighting Penguins    13   4   1     27
Wyld Stallions       11   7   0     22
Capital City Brewing 10   5   2     22   
First Down Sports    10   7   1     21
Bungalow Exporters   10   8   0     20 
Dukes                 9   9   0     18
Maddogs               5  13   0     10

Ballston Tea Party    3  14   0      6 
C.C. Restaurant       2  16   0      4

Farewell to the Bungalow (U.S. Exporters sponsor, 2001-2015)

THE BUNGALOW CLOSES IN SHIRLINGTON