Oxford Blues: 12, Scripps: 10

After enduring some close losses in the last few weeks, the Oxford Blues earned their first win of the season on Monday night in Central Park. The forecasted rain did not arrive and the Blues put together an exciting come-from-behind victory to take down Scripps (media company that includes Food Network and HGTV).

The game got off to an even start with both teams trading runs to keep the score tied 4-4 after three and a half innings. In the bottom of the fourth inning, good hitting by Scripps allowed them to take a 9-4 lead. With their backs against the wall, the Oxford offense focused on simple base hits and were able to string together 8 runs over the next three innings.

At the same time, the Blues buckled down on defense. They allowed just one more run in the fifth inning. Then, with all of the pressure on them in the bottom of the seventh (and final) inning, they were able to protect a two-run lead by retiring the Scripps batters in order: one, two, three.

The victory was a true team effort and after the game the team carried the celebration to Jake's Dilemma on the UWS for some libations. For pictures of the game click here or on the photo above.

Next week, the Blues take on the Pirates on Wednesday at 5:30pm in the North Meadow of Central Park. Come cheer them on to another win.

SG Bank: 10, Oxford Blues: 2

The Blues were more successful at having a good time at Jake's Dilemma last night than they were at home plate. That's not to say that the Blues were bad. The last two games have just raised the bar of expectations so that now the team will settle for nothing less than victory.

Even though we took a loss, it was apparent just how far our team has come in the last month. It was only three games ago that we were beat 30 to 8 in three and a half innings on the same field in the North Meadow. At that point we would have loved to keep the score close for a full seven inning game. Last night, we did just that but were still dissapointed. This could mark a real turning point for the team. No longer out to just keep the score close, we want a win! Monday will be a great opportunity for that win as we square off against Scripps, a team with only two wins since the beginning of last season.

As for our hitting, it was obvious that the Blues meakness at the plate had more to do with the opposing pitcher than any team slump. Other than Dan "Wizard of" Ozzi, who had a homerun and a single, the team was kept off balance by the SG pitcher's ability to mix up the speed of his pitches. We were also missing some extra thump in the lineup usually afforded by Ned and Joe C. *Injury Update* Joe C is hoping to come off of the DL in time for our game on July 2nd.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Blues put on a good performance. Rob was able to entice a ton of fly balls from SG Bank's mammoth hitters. While Brian Hurley again played a great left field and was able to track them down.

For some great pictures from the game and post game activities, click the photo above. Blues fan Tim Sachs even makes a cameo.

IBI Swingers: 9, Oxford Blues: 7

The Oxford Blues followed up Game 4's close outcome with even more of a nailbiter on Thursday night. In fact, not only did the Blues play their first complete seven inning game of the season, but they also ended up going into their first extra innings game in franchise history. In the end, the Blues walked away with a 9-7 defeat but their heads were high due to a great performance, especially under pressure.

IBI jumped out to a three run lead in the top of the first but the Blues came right back in the bottom half of the inning to tie it up on a three run homer from Ned "The St. Louis Swatter" Sears. After that, Rob Repino (aka The Rocket aka Roba Chamberlain) took over and limited the Swingers to only six more runs over the next seven innings. His pitching mojo was getting it done and he finished with 4 (or 5) strikeouts. He also came up with two clutch RBI hits on his way to earning the honorary game ball. The Swingers scored two runs in the top of the eighth inning which proved to be the difference maker but the Blues have come a long way and are without a doubt on the verge of a victory.

As a team, the Blues played strong defense all over the field. Some memorable moments include:

Ben's catches with the sun in his eyes in right center field. He also sacrificed his knees again for the team which is becoming a motivational habit at Dewitt Clinton.

-Brian Hurley's catch on a deep fly ball to foul territory.

-Michelle's quick stops and solid glove at second base.

. . . and one of my favorites . . .

-On an errant throw to first base, the opposing runner made the turn to second to try for the extra base. Kate Brown ran to the fence to get the ball and got back to first base to tag the runner out. Heads up play and great hustle.

As if that wasn't enough, the team made their way to the Bull Moose Saloon once again for some wings and unforgettable karaoke. The medical and law marketing departments made an appearance and added to the ruckus. Also, my girlfriend's family from Germany attended to make it an international affair. Here are just a few of the hits that rang through Hell's Kitchen Thursday night. You guess the OUP performers.

ACDC - "Shook Me All Night Long"

Michael Jackson - "Billie Jean"

No Doubt - "Spiderwebs"

Gwen Stefani - "Let Me Blow Your Mind"

Neil Diamond - "Sweet Caroline"

Nena - "99 Red Balloons"

Dr. Dre - "Nuthin But a G Thang"

Finally, here are the photos:

Pictures from Steph's family

Pictures from Michelle Lipinski (and other random people who used her camera)

Dewitt Clinton game cancelled: Scrimmage, Singing ensues.

Thursday's game was cancelled on site due to a couple of ponds on our infield. Since the other team, Coach, was already there we decided to have a scrimmage for a couple of innings. After they left, we had our own little practice and then headed to the Bull Moose Saloon as usual.

The bar atmosphere appeared the same but they have added a new twist to Thursday nights, Karaoke. Rob "The Rocket" started the night off with some Blues Brothers and Ebin quickly followed. We had to bring the whole team up for a group song towards the end of the night though. Luckily, Catherine was able to capture, among other great photos, a snippet of the musical magic on video. Here are some other photos of the night.

Oxford Blues: 8, Diller's Killer's: 11

(click picture for game & beer pong photos)

After two rainouts and lots of disappointed softball players, the Blues finally played a game 4. Their patience was rewarded by a brilliant sunshiny day on the Great Lawn, surrounded by sunbathers and Frisbee players the ump tried to scare away with powerful flyballs (it didn’t work). But despite the interference of the crowd, the Blues played an amazing game!

They came out strong, scoring 2 runs in the first and shutting down Diller’s Killers. It was a rough 2nd inning for the Blues, when they allowed 7 runs to score, but that would be the last of the runs until the 6th. Robert “The Rocket” Repino shut down the Diller’s Killers for 3 straight innings. He was backed by an impeccable defense, most notably Michelle who was knocked off her feet after catching a ball at second, but still managed to hold onto the ball and get the out (see Jared’s action shot of this). In the meantime, the Blues put up 6 more runs, with most of them coming from Ned’s HR’s. It came down to the top of the 6th with the Blues up by one. Unfortunately, the Diller’s Killers staged a comeback and scored 3. The ump shut the game down after the 6th to allow the next game to begin, so the Blues were denied a chance at a comeback.

But they left the field with their heads held high, knowing that they played a solid game and feeling that things were finally coming together. They moved on to Jake’s Dilemma for well-earned cold pitchers of beer and some friendly games of beer pong.

Next game is Thursday. Now that the Blues can taste a win, there’s no stopping ‘em!

--Tanya, coach for a day