Week Two: Summary of Series

Sass fall in close game
Two ties unusual for baseball team
By Beth Sass / hereforthesass.blogspot.com

SEATTLE -- The Sass lost to Crash Davis Returns on Sunday, with a final score of 5-7-2. The two ties are unusual for the Sass, who last year led the league in non-ties.

"We really don't like to tie," admitted outfielder Adam Dunn, "But sometimes things happen when we just can't get the hits we need to, or the pitchers can't quite get the pitch they want. And this year we've got two extra categories to worry about."

The Sass are still in sixth place in the BFB, which has them shocked, being two weeks into the season--last year at this time, they were hanging out in the cellar.

"I'm not sure if Beth and Dawn are having more fun," said second baseman Placido Polanco. "But I know as players we are. I mean, Beth and Dawn are a riot no matter what's going on. But I'll tell you this, Commish "Nick" is the best, and that helps, too."

The Sassians were pleased with their results, and vowed that they could improve. The Sass won with their RBIs (28-19), wins (4-1), ERA (3.31-5.17), WHIP (1.26-1.55), and K/BB (1.94-1.56). The losses came in runs (22-26), stolen bases (2-5), BB (13-19), average (.263-.272), OPS (.696-.740), saves (2-7), and K (35-39). The ties were in home runs (4), and holds (1).

"I think our strategy of focusing on good pitching this year--rather than going entirely for sleepers," Co-owner Beth said. "I think it was a pretty fair performance."

In honor of the close series, the Sassians had apples delivers to the dugout.

"A couple of guys were talking about using apples for batting practice," clubhouse manager Rach said. "I had to convince them that apple abuse was a serious crime in the Sass clubhouse.

Individual leaders amongst the Sass starters included some impressive performances, including Tim Hudson, who led the team in K (11) and ERA (0.64), and tied with Braden Looper having two wins each. Jeremy Sowers led the team in WHIP (0.86) and K/BB (which was infinity, because he did not walk anyone).

"Nice job, boys," gushed Co-owner Dawn, bringing in a new basket of apples.

The relievers had their own trio of leaders, with both closers Jason Isringhausen and Jonathan Papelbon tying with 0.00 ERA. Jason had both Sass saves, while Jonathan had the lone Sass hold. Jonathan also led the WHIP category at 0.00, and an infinite K/BB. Justin Duchschererererer led the bullpen in K (4).

"It was a good week," was the lone comment by the usually terse Sass pitching coach, Bradke.

For the hitting, there were some impressive performances, as well. The stars in each category were: Runs, Michael Cuddyer (6); home runs, Michael, Jeff Francoeur, Adam Dunn, and Craig Monroe (1); RBI, Michael and Jeff (6); stolen bases, Edwin Encarnacion and Adam (1); walks, Edgar Renteria (4); AVG, Moises Alou (.455); and OPS, Moises (1.045).

"There were definitely some great individual performances this week," said Beth. "I hope this keeps up and we can work together to improve the team performance in coming weeks."

The Sass also came out ahead in the ever-important "Letters in the Last name" competition, winning over their rivals with a final score of 170-133.