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2007 Season

Playoff Games 3&4: Gnats Upset Twice in Championship Match

The Sand Gnats saw their two year run as Playoff Champions come to an end. Traditionally a strong cool weather playoff team, this years edition was the opposite. Was it the unseasonably mild temperatures that threw the Gnats off?
Game One of the Finals saw the Gnats jump out in the lead scoring four runs in the first inning. The defense played well with Don Harris making several snags at first base. Kerry "White Jeter" Felstead lived up to the nickname earned during last years playoff run with an amazing catch on a looper over second baseman Mike McLean.
Unfortunately those were the only highlights of the game for the Gnats as the bats went cold, and the defense went colder allowing Somebuddy's to mercy the Gnats 16-4 after five innings.
Game Two brought renewed hope as this was Somebuddy's third game of the night. Again the Gnats jumped out early with two runs in the first inning to lead 2-0. Somebuddy's scored their first run in the third inning to close within one.
Again the Gnats bats went cold the remainder of the game. The second inning saw five Gnats appear at the plate with no runs. They would not have more than four batters appear in an inning the rest of the game. It's difficult to score runs with that scenario. Kerry "White Jeter" Felstead pulled a muscle just below the rib cage while swinging at a pitch in the fourth inning. He tried to field in the fifth but couldn't continue the stellar play from game one, and relinquished his position to Christian Oliver for the remainder of the game.
Somebuddy's bats were the complete opposite of the Gnats on this night, with the fifth inning being their strongest where they scored five runs. Somebuddys lead 15-2 going into the bottom of the seventh, where the Gnats went three up-three down to conclude their season.

The Gnats clsoe the season under .500 with a 19-20-2 record. The season was considered lost in the late summer months as the Gnats were riddled with numerous injuries. The teams front office will evaluate all player performances from this season before making decisions on resigning and releasing players. They have promised to put a better product on the field next season.


Game Notes:

Highlight(s) of the Night:


Box Score Line(s) of the Night:




Roster Report:

***NEWS***
*Sand Gnats season finally ends, and they finish below .500 for only the third time in team history with a 19-20-2 record.

Additions (updated Oct. 3, 2007)
*Players who re-sign with the team will be announced in the spring

Deletions (updated Oct. 3, 2007)
*Players released will be announced in the spring.

Injuries (updated Oct. 3, 2007)
*Mike Pietrangelo is looking at off-season knee surgery. He is questionable for the 2008 season, depending on when the surgery takes place.


Game Summaries (in order of most recent)
Playoff Game 2: Gnats Advance to "B" Championship Game

The Sand Gnats advanced to the "B" Flight Championship game with a late inning rally as they defeated Somebuddy's 11-8.
The game was a closely contested battle through the early innings. Christian Oliver got the Gnats off to a terrific start with a first inning solo homerun. The Gnats lead 6-3 going into the sixth inning. Somebuddy's scored five runs to take an 8-6 lead. The Gnats responed with five of their own to clinch the game 11-8. Steve Fish had the game winning RBI, and John Carruthers added two insurance RBI's in the win.
The Gnats now advance to their third straight Playoff Championship game.

Playoff Game 1: Gnats Open Playoffs With a Win

The Sand Gnats finished the regular season in 8th place which relegated them to the "B" Flight Playoff Tournament.
The Gnats received an opening round bye due to Diablo's forfeiting their playoffs. The Gnats played LT's, a team they somehow had not faced all year due to strange scheduling. After a scoreless first inning, the Gnats managed a single run on a Harold Ahle SAC fly to score Mike Pietrangelo. LT's then exploded for seven runs in the bottom of the second inning to lead 7-1. The Gnats defense played solidly in innings 3-5, holding LT's scoreless. The Gnats offense chipped away at the 6 run lead scoring 2 runs in the third, one in the fifth, and three in the sixth to knot the game at seven. The "TSN Turning Point" of the game came in the sixth inning when John Carruthers collided with the LT's first baseman. Carruthers was running out a ground ball when an errant through dribbled by the first baseman. The LT player turned to go after the ball behind first base, just as Carruthers was crossing the orange safety bag. The smaller Carruthers sent the LT player to the ground in pain. The ball was still in play as LT's players went to aid their teammate. The Gnats took advantage and scored two runs which tied the game. The lead didn't last long as LT's scored a run to go up one heading to the final inning.
Spurred on the Carruthers hit, the Gnats went on a tear in the top of the seventh inning thanks to timely hitting with runners on base. Carruthers had a different kind of "hit" in this inning. He scored two runs with a liner to right field with LT playing a rover just behind and between the SS and 2nd base. The right fielder had also shifted anticipating Carruthers to pull the ball to left. Those two run were in essence the winning runs, as LT's made a late comeback scoring three runs, two shy of tying the game.
With the 13-11 win, the Gnats advance to the semi finals on Sept. 28 at 9:00. A win there puts them in the "B" Finals where they would have to be beaten twice.


Game 31-36: Regular Season Finally Ends

After going winless through August, September started out promising for the Sand Gnats. Their first opponent for the month was Somebuddy's. Somebuddy's was also experiencing troubles getting wins and believe it or not, had a longer winless streak. The last time the two teams played, they fittingly played to a 9-9 tie. After a close game, the Gnats managed some late inning runs to squeak out a 12-8 victory (their first since July 27, also against Somebuddy's).
The Gnats were soundly defeated 17-6 by Mofia, and were in the midst of getting trounced by Sin City when a rain and wind storm kicked up out of the blue ending the game before the 5th inning mark. Sin City was up 21-6, needing only 3 out to have the game "official". The next week saw a forfeit win over Somebuddy's, and a forfeit loss to Sin City due to a missed game on the schedule.
The Gnats closed out the regular season with a tough 13-11 loss to the Stallions. A few costly errors allowed 5 unearned runs in one inning which turned out to be the difference in the game.
The Gnats end the regular season with an overall record of 13-15-2.

Game 30: Gnats Embarrassed

The Sand Gnats only managed to score four runs in a humiliating 13-4 loss to Diablo's, the worst team in the Regency League.
Diablo's got off to a fast start thanks to errors (bobbled/misplayed balls) scoring seven runs. They were held in check only getting a single run in the fourth and fifth innings until they opened up the sixth with four more.
The Gnats were not only dreadful in the field but also at the plate. Despite having sixteen hits in the game, the Gnats were unable to score six runners who were in scoring position.
The lone bright spot on offense was the improbable inside-the-park home run by SS Kerry Felstead. He hit a looper down the right field line that bounced past the outfielder and rolled to the fence. Felstead with his deceptively blazing speed, thought he had an easy triple until the bench coaches sent him home with no play coming to the plate. Felstead had three of the four Gnats RBI's on the night.

Game 29: Gnats Lose Double Dip

The Sand Gnats played their first double header of the year losing 18-10 to the Rebels, and getting mercied 14-2 to Sin City.
Against the Rebels the outfield was playing far too deep against the light hitting Rebel team. Essentially the Gnats were singled and doubled to death with bloopers and bobbled balls.
The second game was over in a hurry as the Gnats offense did it's disappearing act once again. The Sin City pitcher only allowed six Gnats hits and no walks.
The winless streak is now at 9 games.

Game 28: Gnats Crushed

With a depleted roster, the Sand Gnats were easily defeated by Janz 20-7 after only five innings. The Gnats played with nine players and only one of them is a regular outfielder. Mike McLean was 3-for-4, with 2 RBI's to lead the offense.
The Gnats winless streak is now at seven games.

Game 27: Gnats Late Inning Charge Falls Short

The Sand Gnats have run their winless streak to six games losing to the Stallions 17-15. The third inning proved to be the fatal blow to the team as they gave up 10 runs in the inning. One early error instead of an easy out became contagious and more errors followed. The Gnats scored in all innings except the third inning.
Down five runs after four innings, the Gnats managed a late rally but it wasn't enough to make up for the third inning collapse.
Christian Oliver, Kerry Felstead, and Pete Saddler (the Gnats 2, 3, & 4 hitters) provided most of the offense for the night going a combined 12-for-14 on the night with 9 RBI's.

Game 26: Gnats End Losing Streak, Settle For Tie

The Sand Gnats ended their losing streak with a last inning rally to tie Somebuddy's 9-9.
Sand Gnats Manager, Kerry Felstead, decided to shake-up the offense and moved batters who normally hit at the bottom of the order to the top. This plan worked early for three quick runs in the first inning.
Holding a slim lead at 4-2, Somebuddy's scored four runs before the Gnats scored two runs of their own in the third to tie the game 6-6. Somebuddy's looked to have taken the lead for good in the sixth by scoring three runs to lead 9-6. The Gnats were unable to score any runs in the sixth.
The Sand Gnats defense held tight in the top of the seventh and staged their own rally to pull out the tie. Stephen Fish lead off the inning by grounding out to the pitcher for the first out. Harold Ahle then singled to start the rally. Don Harris followed the single with a walk. With runners at first and second, Pete Saddler hit a shot off the fence for a double. Unfortunately, Ahle didn't get a big enough jump from second thinking the ball could be caught. He was easily thrown out at home for out number two. Steve Dever doubled to score Harris and Saddler to close the gap to one. Christian Oliver singled in Dever to tie the game. Al Covelli and Kerry Felstead both walked to load the bases with two outs. Covelli and Felstead were both looking to drive a shot over the outfielders (who had moved way in to try to get a force out at a base should a single be hit) but were not given good enough pitches to do so. Nathan Boorom had the chance to be the hero, but he flew out to end the game. In all, a better performance from the Gnats.

Game 25: Gnats Lose Yet Again

The Sand Gnats lost their fourth game in a row to the Hillbillies 14-11. The game was very winnable had the Gnats play better defense and had more patience at the plate. The defense was a sore point due to only having three outfielders. There was just too much space for them to cover.
Offensively, the Gnats bats were non-existant, mainly due to the struggling pitching of the Hillbillies. The Hillbillies pitcher gave up ten walks alone in the second inning which allowed the Gnats to get back in the game by scoring ten runs. After a pitching change, the Gnats showed some impatience and were shut-out until scoring one run in the last inning to close the gap to three runs. In all, the Gnats left nine batters on base. Five of which were in scoring position. Gnats batters were undisciplined at the plate swinging on 3-0 counts and either popping out or grounding out.

Game 24: Gnats Skid Continues

The Sand Gnats losing streak is now at three games thanks to a 15-7 loss to the tough Screaming Eagles.
Mike Pietrangelo started on the mound for the Gnats and had a difficult time finding the plate. After allowing four runs without a hit, he removed himself. The Gnats sent in Mike McLean to finish out the game. McLean made his first official pitching appearance for the Gnats after pitching a week earlier in their "scrimmage" game against Mofia (the Gnats forfeit loss).
The Gnats hung with the Eagles who earlier in the year destroyed them 21-3. The Gnats were only down 3 runs until the fifth inning when the Gnats defense self-destructed. A number of costly errors allowed the Eagles to score 5 runs to take a 15-7 lead. No more runs were scored in the final two innings, as both teams buckled up their defense.
The play of the game was a miracle catch by Gnats outfielder Steve Dever. Dever had been playing in on the usually powerless Eagles hitters. A long fly ball looked to have burned Dever. He sprinted back looking over his left shoulder, then his right, then back to his left as the wind played havoc with the flight of the ball. All of the twisting around Dever was doing forced him to lose his balance. As he was falling to the ground, the ball landed between Dever's body and glove. He managed to hold on to the ball for the out, and the play was a definite HON Candidate for Sports Centres that night and for the Top 10 plays in baseball this year.

Game 23: Gnats Sinful in Loss

The Gnats lost their second straight with a depleted roster, losing to Sin City 23-9.
With only six regular roster players available, G.M. Kerry Felstead had been on the phone and sending frantic emails looking to get enough players to get the game in. Thanks to Josh Gullion and Christian Oliver, who were able to get a player each, the Gnats started the game with eight players. Felstead's recruit made his appearance after the first inning was completed.
The game marked the return of Don Harris and Mike Pietrangelo from their Europuean excursion. With John Carruthers away on his scheduled vacation, Harris hd to make another emergency start on the mound. Harris, not having played in month struggled. Sin City's first two batters came up to bat three times in the top half of the first inning, as they scored 18 runs. Harris was replaced by Mike Pietrangelo who was making his Gnats pitching debut, and first pitching appearance in a number of years. Pietrangelo pitched fairly well, and the Gnats defense played fairly well despite some errors.
If you take away the entire first inning, the Gnats win the game 6-5.

Game 22: Gnats Forfeit First Game in Three Seasons

The Sand Gnats were forced to forfeit thier game against Mofia as they only had seven players available. Efforts to find an eighth player were futile. Instead the Gnats had a scrimmage against Mofia.

Game 21: Gnats Win Third Straight

The Gnats won their third consecutive game with 13-8 victory over Somebuddy's. For some reason Somebuddy's elected to give up their home game, and batted first.
It looked like their strategy might have some merit when they batted through eight batters in the top pf the first inning, but they could only manage two runs and stranded three runners. The Gnats batted nine in the bottom half, and cashed in four runs for the early lead thanks largely to a Josh Gullion triple. The next inning saw the Gnats score three more runs as it was Steve Dever's turn to hit a triple, as the Gnats lead 7-2. The top of the third inning was Somebuddy's best as they batted through their order scoring 5 runs to knot the game at seven. The Gnats were unable to respond in their half as Somebuddy's added one more in the fourth to regain the lead 8-7. The Gnats bats exploded again in the bottom of the fourth scoring five runs. Kerry Felstead, making his return to the lineup after his East Coast tour, hit his first triple in two seasons to score the 12th run. The Gnats added a single run in the sixth inning and held off all Somebuddy's rally attempts to end the scoring 13-8.

Game 20: Gnats on Cruise-Control in 15-2 Win

Flawless defense, combined with a 10 run Sandgnats first inning resulted in a merciful early ending to the Diablo's rough ride.

Highlights: -The emergence of the "Mormon Jeter" at shortstop as Christian Oliver was involved in close to half of the game's put outs with no errors, including vacuuming up some sizzling grounders and making a couple of crazy over-the-shoulder catches in the shallow outfield.

-Mike McLean at second was right behind Christian with a great over-the-shoulder catch of his own; a couple of long reach line drive catches, including one that resulted in a pretty double play as he tossed a floater over the runner's head to Gullion at first; and 3 for 3 batting with 3 runs scored, a sac fly and 2 ribbies.

-A rare 2 home run game as Gullion crushed an unsuspecting blob of yellow onto the asphalt of Montrose Road for another grand slam and Oliver added yet another inside-the-parker.

-Innings 1 to 4 were scoreless with only 4 Diablos reaching base.

-Coach K returns to the management helm for Friday's game!

Notes: Interim manager Carruthers would like to thank all non-Roster players who came out to support us. Only once did we reach 8 roster players! Thanks Chris (2 games), Ben (6 games), Greg (3 games + 1 for the opposition who would have forfeited!), Frank (2 games), Will, Pete, Weaver, Nick, Sam, Tim, Walter, Bud (all one game). Without you we would have forfeited 5 out of 6 games.


Game 19: Gnats Win a Weird One to Get Back on Track

One might have mistaken Friday night's game for a competition for most errors by a team as both the Gnats and the Rebels made too many to count. One Gnat said everybody on the team made at least one error but that's not true as Ben Carruthers caught a foul ball cleanly in his only test. Others had fly balls bounce off the tips of gloves and fall out of the middle of gloves, throws to base go wildly off in creative directions, and bases that they might have covered left open.

In spite of all that and a one two three first inning, the score was 11-10 for the Rebels after five. The umpire suggested that the next inning might be the last if it took to long. After the fact, one wonders if he has a little clairvoyance working for him as the sixth inning counted twenty runs for the two teams, just one short of the game total to that point.

After falling behind 20-10 in the top half of the sixth as the Gnats moved convincingly into the lead in the error department, the first 7 Gnats batters (and 9 of 10) scored, causing a growing glimmer of hope on the bench. One can't be sure but it seemed that the Rebels were not going to let us have the error lead by the end of the game, especially when, with two out, Josh Gullion, the thirteenth Gnat batter of the inning, the very same Josh Gullion who had broken out of his mini-slump (see highlights below) put a slow tapper back to the pitcher who easily scooped it, jogged toward first and tossed a soft underhander to the first baseman only to see it go off the tip of his glove for the mother of all errors of the game (Gnats, reluctantly, conceded the error title to the Rebels). Christian Oliver followed with a double to score Josh for the game-winning run - oh, well, if we can't have the error lead, we might as well have something!

Highlights: Call-up Walter Wegellin celebrated his first catch in the outfield a little too long, allowing runners to advance two bases but reached in all four of his at-bats with two hits, a reach on an error, and a gutsy base on balls with the count full.
Steve Dever went 2 for 4 with 2 triples and 3 rbi's.
Christian Oliver was 4 for 5 with 2 doubles and 3 rbi's.
Veteran John Carruthers was 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 3 rbi's.
Nathan Boorom had 3 hits in 4 tries.
Josh Gullion broke out of his self-perceived mini batting slump with a homerun, a double, four runs and 4 rbi's.
It was great to see the Gnats bats alive again.

Game 18: Gnats Lose for Second Time in a Row

Playing with only 6 regulars for the second straight game, and with 3 pickups from a previous game, the Sandgnats were reeling from the lack of chemistry in the early going, giving up 8 runs, then 7, in the first two innings on error after error after ... well you get what we mean. However, after scoring 10 runs of their own in the first three innings, the Gnats looked ready to crawl back into the game, except that only July fill-in, Ben Carruthers, reached base after that. Sinclair's chipped in with a few more to take a 4 and a half inning time curfew game 20-10.

Highlights: Steve Dever hit two singles in 3 at bats, scored two runs and batted in two.
The only extra base hit in the game was hit by a pick-up from another team named Weaver.

Game 17: Lady Luck Turns Her Back on SandGnats in 17-5 Drubbing

Down to 6 regulars, the Sandgnats struggled to find the form they had displayed in their previous two outings, both at the plate and in the field. Only July pickup, Chris Ratelle, showed any consistency at bat as he continued his hot July, going 4 for 4 with a run scored. All other Sandgnats combined for only 8 hits and 4 runs.
In the field, things went fairly well from the second through the fifth innings. The trouble was that a cement hard, bump strewn outfield played havoc with two different left fielders in the first and sixth inning helping, along with a few misplayed balls, the Stallions to count 14 runs in those 2 innings.
The gnats had been able to stay within possible striking distance until the eight run sixth inning which put the mercy in the books for the Stallions.

Highlights: Chris Ratelle continues his torrid pace at the bat (now, I believe 12 for 13).

Game 16: Sand Gnats Take Mercy Win in 5

The Sand Gnats stymied the Stallions Tuesday, 19-5, with stingy defense, again with only eight regulars. Maintaining their strong showing from the previous game, the Gnats bats struck for 22 hits, earning at least 3 runs every inning.
Highlights - Mike McLean, in his option year looked to be making an argument for his value as a free agent, going 4 for 5 with 2 doubles, 4 rbi's and 3 runs scored. Pete Saddler also had a strong game with 3 hits, all for extra bases. His 2 doubles and triple brought in 5 runs. Confusion at home: in the fourth inning the Gnats batted through the order and looked as if they would keep rolling until just after Jay crossed the line at home. MacJanet retrieved a bat and then crossed the mat before time was called, prompting the umpire to declare Pete Saddler out while he was standing on the bag at second! Rumours suggest MacJanet was disoriented, having filled in at first base for the first time.

Game 15: Sand Gnats Win Comfortably in Spite of Shaky Seventh

The Sand Gnats gave up home field advantage with only eight regulars showing up and allowed 4 consecutive batters and 5 out of 6 to score in the bottom of the seventh. Unlike last game, errors were not a factor as line drives and bloopers managed to find green space. Fortunately, Gnats bats were enjoying some action of their own, with 25 hits, including 8 for extra bases.
The Gnats hit very well in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th inning but the 5th was their big inning as 2 of the 9 players batted twice and 7 runners counted.

Highlights included Christian Oliver's grand slam home run and 5 rbi's. Chris Ratelle continued his hot batting, going 5 for 6 with a double and 2 runs.

Game 14: Sand Gnats Win Close One!

The Sand Gnats continued their blooper reel defense but managed a win over the Hillbillies 13-12. Some say "A win is a win", but after hearing the Hillbillies celebrate not getting mercied, the Gnats will need to play much better baseball and soundly defeat mediocre teams.
The Gnats never had a break-out inning in the game, with the only exception being the third inning when they managed four runs. Errors, errors, and more errors kept the Hillbillies in the game all night long. The game was knotted at nine going into the final inning. The umpire used the "International Tie Breaker Rule" to end the game. Each team started the inning with one out and a runner at second base. The Gnats jumped on the Hillbillies for four runs. Needing only two outs to secure the victory, the Gnats defense let them down by giving up three runs thanks to a Hillbillies triple with a couple of runners on base. The Gnats got a flyout to end the game on top 13-12. Adding to the Gnats potential woes is that over the next few weeks a number of key players are off on vacation.
The team will be managed for the next six games by John Carruthers. Carruthers is an original team member who has countless years experience in the organization. He will be faced with the tough challenge of calling up recruits should the Gnats be short players.

Game 13: Sand Gnats Squashed!

The Sand Gnats suffered their first loss of the regular season at the hands of the Screaming Eagles 21-3. Including the exhibition game earlier in May, the Screaming Eagles have outscored the Gnats 28-4 this season. The game also saw the return of "Mormons in the Outfield" Version 2007 (+Derek).
The Gnats were never in the game, as their once hot bats went freezing cold. A normally steady defense struggled all game. The outfield had an embarrassing time dropping, misplaying, and juggling the ball on more occasions than one could fathom. For whatever reason, the Gnats defense could not pick up easy grounders, instead bobbling them allowing Eagles runners to advance extra bases.
Thankfully the mercy rule was applied after five innings, ending the misery. The game was the last one for Don Harris as he heads out on a scouting trip to England and France. He is expected to return at the beginning of August.
Game 12: Gnats Annoy Nemesis!

The Sand Gnats upped their unbeaten streak to 6 games by defeating their rivals, Sin City, 12-6. Sin City and the Gnats have battled for league supremecy the past two years. Sin City has won the past two regular season titles, whereas the Gnats have been Playoff Champions the past two seasons, knocking off Sin City in the Finals both years.
The Gnats opened up the game with a string of five straight hits which lead to six quick runs by the end of the first inning. The Gnats scored three more in the second to lead 9-4 after two innings. The scoring slowed until the fourth when the Gnats again scored three runs to take a commanding 12-6 lead. The game was called due to time-limit in the sixth giving the Gnats the victory.
The offense was dominated by the Gnats top half of the order. The first six hitters went a combined 13-for-18, for a 0.722 avgerage for the game. The defense was also solid, settling down after allowing four of the six runs in the first two innings.

Game 11: Gnats Rally late and Settle For a Tie!

The Sand Gnats kept their unbeaten streak alive at 5 games as they managed a late inning rally to tie Mofia 11-11. The game was a closely contested match as Mofia took an early lead which they held until the last inning. It seemed like they would run away with the game, but the Gnats picked up their defense and offense in the late stages of the game.
After a single run in the first inning, the Gnats got a bunch back in the third, thanks to Christian Oliver's Grand Slam. The Gnats were blanked for the next two innings, when they scored four more runs thanks to Steve Dever and Kerry Felstead's consecutive doubles. Trailing by two going into the last inning, the Gnats managed to tie the game, but were unable to score the winning run from second.

Game 10: Gnats Win By Forfeit, But Lose Game!
The Sand Gnats won their game over Somebuddy's by forfeit as Somebuddy's only managed to field 7 players. The Gnats agreed to supply a catcher so both team could at least get a game in. Luckily for the Gnats, the game didn't count in the standings as they were defeated handily 9-2. The Gnats left the park with their tails between their legs after this humiliating loss.

Game 9: Gnats Survive Scare to Remain Undefeated!

The Sand Gnats won their third straight game, defeating Diablo's 12-11. Both teams played the game with only nine players.
The Gnats dominated the game early scoring four runs in the first inning thanks to Christian Oliver's three run inside the park home run. Oliver hit a liner into centerfield which the outfielder just couldn't get to and rolled past him to the fence. The Gnats added three runs in the third, and four more in the fourth to take a commanding 11-1 run heading into the fifth. Needing only two runs to mercy, the Gnats went three up, three down to move the game to the sixth inning where the real fireworks of the game began.
John Carruthers pitched a gem of a game striking out a total of four Diablo's batters, including a strikeout in each of the first three innings. He ran into loads of trouble in the top of the sixth. He allowed 3 runs on a series of singles and doubles hit to the gaps of the outfield. Further damage ensued when he gave up a grand slam to make the game 11-8. The umpire then declared this the last inning due to time limit. Three runs later the game was tied, as the Gnats finally recorded the third out in the top half of the inning.
With one out in the inning, Pete Saddler came up to bat. Saddler hit the second pitch thrown to him clear over the centerfield fence for the walk off home run to clinch the win and save the Gnats from total embarrassment.

Game 8: Gnats Win Second Straight!

The Sand Gnats won their second consecutive game, defeating Ricki Jo Rebels 12-4. A dominant game on all levels for the powerhouse Sand Gnats team.
The offense came out hitting on all cylinders, opening up a quick lead scoring 4 runs in the first inning thanks to Josh Gullion's first "official" homer of the season. Gullion, Kerry Felstead, and Derek Gallacher all had 3 hit nights. Christian Oliver broke out of his hitting slump going 2-for-2 with a walk.
Defensively the Gnats were again solid not committing any major errors. John Carruthers was helped out a bases loaded jam in the fourth inning as the Gnats pulled out a 5 unassisted, 5-2 double play to end the threat.
The Sand Gnats play their next game Friday June 15th @ 7:45 p.m.. Come out and join the Gnats after the game at Optimist Park as they will be attending the "Niagara Falls Ribfest". Pulled Pork for everyone!
Game 7: Gnats Win Regular Season Opener!

The Sand Gnats opened the 2007 regular season with a convincing win over Somebuddy's 15-7 after the time limit for the game expired.
The Gnats jumped on their opponent early scoring 6 runs in the first inning, thanks to four straight doubles by the first four hitters in the Gnats line-up. The Sand Gnats had a quiet second inning before exploding for four runs in the third including Nick Pietrangelo's second homer on the year. Josh Gullion had the bases loaded in the same inning and hit a shot over centre-field but was called out due to league's "One HR per Game" rule. The Gnats added another five runs in the fourth after sending eleven batters to the plate in the inning.
The umpire called the last inning with the Gnats firmly in control leading 15-3. Somebuddy's managed four runs in the top half of the sixth inning before ending the game with a force out at second.

Game 6: Gnats Take One on the Chin!

The Sand Gnats played in their final "Exhibtion Game" against a tough Spiccoli's team this past Friday night getting trounced 14-1.
The first inning came complete with fireworks as Gnats second baseman Mike McLean was ejected after being called out at home. The umpire who has a bit of a history of blown calls around the league and in partciular with the Gnats, again blew the call as the catcher clearly came off the mat to catch the ball. McLean argued the call briefly and was tossed for saying the call was "brutal". The umpire then called McLean a "Dick" in front of everyone watching the game, including many children. Team Manager, Kerry Felstead, approached the umpire and asked why he called McLean a "Dick", to which the umpire responded, "What, it's not a swear word! It's a guys name." At the end of the inning Felstead again approached the umpire and asked if McLean said anything derrogatory towards him to which the ump said, "No". Felstead then asked "Why he was ejected then?". The umpires response was, "He's had it coming for a few games. He always argues calls". Felstead has a call into the League regarding the actions of the umpire.
The rest of the game was dominated by Spiccoli's as they singled the Gnats to death, coupled with a futile Gnats offense.
The regular season starts Tues. June 5th at 6:30.

Game 5: Gnats Win in Dramatic Fashion!

Playing with a depelted roster of eight, the Sand Gnats showed true grit defeating Somebuddy's 9-8 in the bottom of the seventh inning.
The Gnats lead 5-1 after the second inning thanks to great defense and solid pitching. Somebuddy's made a late inning charge scoring five of their own runs to tie the game at 7's. A single Somebuddy's run in the sixth set the stage for a Gnats comeback.
Leading 8-7 in the final inning, Somebuddy's tried to hold their lead with the heart of the Sand Gnats order coming up. With one out, Mike McLean singled to put the tying run on the base paths. Pete Saddler lined out to short to make it two outs. Steve Dever making his season debut hit a single and moved to second on an error which sent McLean to third. Dever went a perfect 5-for-5 on the night. With the winning run at second, up to the plate stepped...Don Harris.
Somebuddy's set their defense to resemble something the Red Sox opponents do when David Ortiz bats. They shifted an outfielder to play rover between short and third, expecting the notorious pull hitter Harris to hit in that direction. Instead, Harris hit a liner up the middle to score the tying run, and the winning run came home after the ball trickled under and by the centre-fielders glove to give the Sand Gnats the win.

And there was much rejoicing!

Steve Fish also put in a gutsy performance after severely pulling his quadriceps muscles in the middle innings. Fish kept himself in the game istead of pulling himself out of the line-up which would have resulted in a forfeit.

Game 4: Gnats Lose to Janz For First Time in Team History

The Casa D'Pizza Sand Gnats suffered their second defeat of the season losing to Janz Electric 14-7. The Gnats were without their usual line-up and had players at positions they haven't played before. The Gnats were easily defeated as they didn't manage a run past the fourth inning. No other details on the game were provided.

Game 3: Gnats Lose First of Season

The Casa D'Pizza Sand Gnats lost a tough decision this past Tuesday night. Playing with nine players, the Gnats played solid defense and hit fairly well throughout the contest. Don Harris got his first start on the mound for the short-staffed Gnats, and gave up a team record 16 walks. Even with the 16 walks, the Gnats were tied 9-9 going into the final inning. Jay MacJanet hit two shots off the fence showing the "muscle" acquired through his recent off-season training with Barry Bonds. MacJanet, along with Kerry Felstead and Mike McLean, all went 3-for-4 with two doubles to lead the Gnats offense. Felstead showed why he was nicknamed "White Jeter" as he was busy at shortstop.

Game 2: Gnats Flex Their Muscle in Win Over Stallions

The Casa D'Pizza Sand Gnats won their second striaght exhibition game defeating the Stallions 12-9. After struggling in the first inning, giving up three quick runs, the Gnats bats came alive in the middle innings scoring five runs in the third inning thanks largely to Nick Pietrangelo's 3-run homer. Four more runs were added in the fourth with the number 3, 4, and 5 hitters (Felstead, Pietrangelo, and Saddler) each cashing in RBI's to extend the lead to 9-4. Three more insurance runs in the fifth secured the win, as the Gnats held off a late rally by the Stallions.

Game 1 vs Ricki Jo Rebels (EXH.)

The Sand Gnats started their 2007 season in fine form, playing their first exhibition game against the Rebels. The Gnats started off the game strong scoring five first inning runs. Ryan Hodges had the first hit of the season hitting a triple. 2006 Co-MVP (and proud new papa), Josh Gullion, cashed in the first two RBI's with a double. These were the Gnats only extra base hits of the game. John Carruthers pitched four strong innings before the skies opened up and the game was halted with the Gnats firmly in control 9-2.

HOME GAMES IN CAPS


EXHIBITION SCHEDULE:

Date Time Opponent Diamond Score Regular Season Record
Tues. May 15 9:00 Ricki Jo Rebels 2 W 9-2 (4 innings) 1-0-0 (EXH.)
Fri. May 18 7:45 STALLIONS 1 W 12-9 2-0-0 (EXH.)
Tues. May 22 9:00 MOFIA 1 L 14-9 2-1-0(EXH.)
Fri. May 25 9:00 JANZ ELECTRIC 2 L 14-7 2-2-0(EXH.)
Tues. May 29 6:30 SOMEBUDDYS 1 W 9-8 3-2-0(EXH.)
Fri. June 1 7:45 SCREAMIN EAGLES 1 L 14-1 3-3-0 (EXH.)


REGULAR SEASON

Date Time Opponent Diamond Score Season Record
Tues. June 5 6:30 SOMEBUDDY'S 2 W 15-7 1-0-0
Fri. June 8 6:30 Sinclair's 2 PPD. (Rain) 0-0-0
Tues. June 12 6:30 Ricki Jo Rebels 1 W 12-4 2-0-0
Fri. June 15 7:45 DIABLO'S 1 W 12-11 3-0-0
Tues. June 19 6:30 SOMEBUDDY'S 2 W (1-0 forfeit) 4-0-0
Fri. June 22 6:30 MOFIA 2 T 11-11 4-0-1
Tues. June 26 7:45 Sin City 2 W 12-6 5-0-1
Fri. June 29 6:30 SCREAMIN EAGLES 2 L 21-3 5-1-1
Tues. July 3 9:00 Hillbillies 1 W 13-12 6-1-1
Fri. July 6 6:30 Somebuddy's 1 W 18-11 7-1-1
Tues. July 10 9:00 STALLIONS 1 W 18-5 8-1-1
Fri. July 13 7:45 Janz 2 L 10-20 8-2-1
Tues. July 17 6:30 SINCLAIR'S 2 L 5-17 8-3-1
Fri. July 20 6:30 RICKI JO REBELS 1 W 21-20 9-3-1
Tues. July 24 9:00 Diablo's 1 W 15-2 10-3-1
Fri. July 27 6:30 Somebuddy's 2 W 13-8 11-3-1
Tues. July 31 6:30 Mofia 1 L 1-0 (forfeit) 11-4-1
Fri. Aug. 3 7:45 SIN CITY 2 L 23-9 11-5-1
Tues. Aug. 7 7:45 Screamin Eagles 1 L 15-8 11-6-1
Fri. Aug. 10 6:30 HILLBILLIES 2 L 14-11 11-7-1
Tues. Aug. 14 7:45 SOMEBUDDY's 2 T 9-9 11-7-2
Fri. Aug. 17 6:30 Stallions 1 L 17-15 11-8-2
Tues. Aug. 21 9:00 JANZ 1 L 20-7 11-9-2
Tues. Aug. 28 6:00 Ricki Jo Rebels 1 L 18-10 11-10-2
7:45 Sin City 1 L 14-2 11-11-2
Fri. Aug. 31 7:45 Diablo's 1 L 13-4 11-12-2
Tues. Sept. 4 6:30 SOMEBUDDY'S 2 W 12-8 12-12-2
Fri. Sept. 7 6:30 MOFIA 2 L 17-6 12-13-2
Tues. Sept. 11 7:45 Sin City 2 Game called after
4 innings (losing 21-6)
Fri. Sept. 14 6:30 Somebuddy's 1 W 1-0 (forfeit) 13-13-2
7:45 Sin City 2 L 1-0 (forfeit)
missed game on schedule		 13-14-2
Tues. Sept. 18 9:00 Stallions 1 L 13-11 13-15-2



***PLAYOFF SCHEDULE*** (To begin Sept. 21)


Date Time Opponent Diamond Score Playoff Record Season Record Overall Record
Fri. Sept. 21 7:15 Diablo's --- W 1-0 (forfeit) 1-0 14-15-2 17-18-2
9:00 JT's 1 W 13-11 2-0 15-15-2 18-18-2
Fri. Sept. 28 9:00 Somebuddy's 1 W 11-8 3-0 16-15-2 19-18-2
Tues. Oct. 2 9:00 Somebuddy's 1 L 16-4 3-1 16-16-2 19-19-2
10:15 Somebuddy's 1 L 15-2 3-2 16-17-2 19-20-2