Former MVP's Miracle Game-saving Play Highlights Exciting First Week of Action
Whoever said it couldn't be done? With one nearly flawless week of games in the books, and another two scheduled, it appears almost certain that for the first time ever a complete season of Pool Wiffle Ball will be finished. The season kicked off with a Memorial Day doubleheader that saw Bel Air take down Evans Farm and Brooklawn dismantle a shorthanded Meadowbrook squad. The second day of action proved to be by far the most exciting play of the week, as Bel Air hosted an evening doubleheader against Brooklawn and Meadowbrook. Bel Air jumped all over Brooklawn starting pitcher Anders Makoski, as the shorthanded squad of Mitch Gruber and Sean Dobbin put up 12 runs in the first inning. Anders would settle down, giving up just 11 runs over the next 5 innings, as Brooklawn clawed its way back into the game. Heading into the seventh inning, the Fish led 23-17 and relief pitcher Dave "Boof" McCullough was coming off a scoreless 6thin inning. Manager Mitch Gruber opted to stick with the hot hand rather than turn to perennial Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Sean Dobbin. Boof did not fare as well in the 7th, giving up 5 runs and getting two outs. Ahead just one run, Mitch brought in Dobbin to attempt the tough save. Dobbin, who was 13/16 with 13 homers in the game, came in and got Anders Makoski to hit a weak pop up which Dobbin made a full extension dive for, ending the game, and capping one of the best single game performances in recent memory. The nightcap had a tough act to follow but managed to exceed the excitement of the first game. Michael Jachles led his recently battered squad into action, starting Greg Feltes and recent pickup Joe Mauerhaungs. Mauerhaungs proved he was a much improved player since his name change, going 5/7 with three jacks. Feltes struggled to keep the ball fair, but showed signs of improvement in his first game. Jachles was back to his old tricks, connecting on home run after home run. Bel Air started the same three from game one, and Sean Dobbin continued to swing a hot bat. With two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Meadowbrook held a 24-22 lead with Sean Dobbin stepping to the plate, and recent sub Boston Nyer waiting on deck. Jacob Kriegler had come in a few innings back to replace Mauerhaungs and had struggled offensively. Dobbin hit a weak pop up into the outfield and robber Jacob Kriegler, never known for his defensive abilities lept into the pool. As he plunged into the water, a large splash erupted around him, and fans and players alike assumed he had missed the ball. But then, with his head fully submerged, out fluttered the little white ball, delivered perfectly into the hands of firstbaseman Michael Jachles who clutched it for the final out. Jachles's Matzo rode the momentum of the play, as they won their next game against the Evans Farm Bagels. The Bagels had a rough first week, going 0 and 5, but displaying a good deal of heart, notably from stud reliever Josephine Babiarz. Sitting atop the standings are Pete Bertucci and his Brooklawn Kosher Meats thanks to the consistent bats of Bertucci, Anders Makoski and Robbie Ippolito. Week 2 figures to provide more exciting action, with doubleheaders for Meadowbrook on Tuesday and Bel Air on Thursday. PWB Fever. Catch it.