AAA Tryout Date Announced

Below is the announcement just posted on the Needham Baseball site. There has been a recent rule change allowing 9-year-olds (baseball age) to try out for AAA. This means that all Rockets players are eligible to try out for AAA. Those who have already played a year of AAA ball do not need to try out.

TRIPLE AAA TRYOUTS – Sunday October 2^nd at Mills Field

9:00am – 10:00am eligible players last name A-G

10:00am – 11:00am eligible players last name H-M

11:00am – 12:00pm eligible players last name N-S

12:00pm – 1:00pm eligible players last name T-Z

 Eligible players to tryout for Triple AAA are baseball ages 10 and 9 year olds.

MAJORS TRYOUTS – Saturday, October 1^st at Mills Field

9:00am – 10:00am eligible players last name A-D

10:00am – 11:00am eligible players last name E-I

11:00am – 12:00pm eligible players last name J-M

12:00pm – 1:00pm eligible players last name N-R

1:00pm – 2:00pm eligible players last name S-U

2:00pm – 3:00pm eligible players last name V-Z

Baseball 10 year olds – All registered baseball 10 year olds are eligible to tryout for Triple AAA. Baseball 10 year olds who tryout for Triple AAA are not guaranteed a spot in this league and may be placed on a Double AA team. Registered baseball 10 year olds who do not tryout will be placed on a Double AA team.

Baseball 9 year olds - All registered baseball 9 year olds are eligible to tryout for Triple AAA. Players and parents of 9 year olds should give this option much consideration as very few 9 year olds will be selected to make a Triple AAA team. They may end up being the only 9 year old on a team. Registered baseball 9 year olds who do not tryout will be placed on a Double AA team.  

Questions on Triple AAA tryouts - contact league director Bob Whalen atrwhalen@thecolonygroup.com.

 The age cutoffs to determine baseball age are listed on our websitewww.needhambaseball.com.

Blue Sox Edge Out Rockets for a Chance at League Title

In quarterfinal action the morning before, the Needham Rockets upset Eastern Division champion Quincy in dramatic fashion, and the Needham Blue Sox came from behind to defeat a plucky Weymouth squad with Cinderella plans of their own. Inspiring performances for both Needham teams to be sure, but today's semifinal showdown was destined to take center stage. At stake was a trip to the Suburban Youth Baseball League Championship Game this Wednesday in Norwood.

These two teams had battled it out twice already during this short summer season. Clutch hitting allowed the Rockets to even it up in the late innings and force a 4-4 tie in the season opener. In their second meeting, the Rockets fell 6-1 as Blue Sox pitchers combined to spin a gem. What would Game Three of the subway series hold in store?

Tom was eager to find out with one out in the top of the first. First pitch swinging, he connected and sent a hard line drive into center field for a single. He advanced to second on a passed ball and then took third with some alert base running. The Blue Sox first baseman chased down a fly ball in shallow right field for out number two. He held the ball a little too long and had his back to second base, where Tom tagged up and took off for third. No throw, and the Rockets had a man on third with two away. The Blue Sox starter was sharp, though, and struck out the next batter to escape the inning unscathed.

Rockets starting pitcher Steven retired the side in order with some help in the first. Second baseman Alex gloved a hot ground ball towards the hole and fired to Tom at first for out number one. Matt G scooped a ground ball at short and fired a perfect strike to Tom for the second out. Steven took care of the third out on his own with a three-pitch K to put a perfect inning in the books.

The Rockets would make some noise in the second. With one out, Roman worked a walk. He scored from first on a deep single to right off the bat of Matt M, and the Rockets were on the board first. Matt would advance to third on two passed balls. Steven put himself on with a walk and stole second to give Matt G two in scoring position with two outs. Matt hit a bomb to right field deep enough to score both Matt M and Steven. 3-0, Rockets. With Matt G on second, Tom singled to center field. Matt rounded third and the Rockets sent him home. A perfect throw from center field, though, had him out by a step to end the inning.

The Rockets entered the bottom of the second with a 3-run lead in their pocket. But it was not meant to last. The Blue Sox bats suddenly woke up and as soon as the dust cleared, they had put up five to take the lead after two complete. Blue Sox 5, Rockets 3.

The Rockets would tie it up again in the top of the third. Patrick was hit by a pitch, Alex hit a screamer to short, but the Sox got Patrick at second. With one on and one out, Timmy hit a shot to right field for a single. He stole second, and the Rockets had two in scoring position with one out. Roman walked to load the bases for Matt M, who, as we've seen, has been raking of late. The slugger knocked in his second and third RBI of the morning with a double to deep center field. All knotted up at 5 apiece after two and a half.

But the Blue Sox continued their rampage in the bottom half, putting up another run before Tom came in to close the door with three straight Ks. 6-5, Blue Sox at the end of three.

Matt G led off with a single in the top of the fourth. Tom moved him over with a ground ball to first, and then Matt took third on a passed ball to put the tying run 60 feet away with one out. Patrick W hit a shot to first, but that pesky first baseman got leather on it, stepped on the bag, and fired home. Matt G was on his way. It was a great hustle by Matt, a very close play, but the umpire called him out to end the inning. Still 6-5, Blue Sox.

After the Sox beat out a leadoff infield single, Tom was sharp again, retiring the next three in order. Out number one was an infield fly to second. Number two was a ground ball to short, where Matt G ranged left to glove it and fired a laser to Alex at first to beat the runner by half a step. Perfect execution. A run scored, though, and put the Sox up by two.Tom fielded a tapper back to the mound and fired to first to end the inning.

The Blue Sox sent their Papelbon to the mound in the fifth to close it out. He was tough, striking out the first two. But Roman was able to get down a bunt on him. The Blue Sox were ready for it and executed their bunt defense flawlessly, but they still could not beat Roman's blazing speed to first. Roman's second bunt for a base hit in as many days put a runner on with two out. The Roman show wasn't over yet. He stole second on the next pitch, and the Rockets had a runner in scoring position. Then he made a break for third. The Blue Sox catcher made a quick throw. It was on target and right there, maybe even ahead of Roman, yet he managed to slide in under the tag. With Roman 60 feet away, the tying run came to the plate in hot-hitting Matt M. Matt battled, but the Blue Sox closer was throwing serious heat, and the Rockets were not able to bring Roman in.

Tom took the mound again for the Rockets in the top of the fifth. The Blue Sox clean-up hitter managed a single off of him, but after that he shut the door. He got one to pop up to the first base side of the mound and made a diving catch to glove it. He struck out another and got another to line to third base where Timmy's quick glove hauled it in. Another quality outing for Tom: 2 hits and 2 runs over 3 innings pitched, with 4 Ks against a punishing Blue Sox lineup.

The Rockets had their last chance in the top of the sixth. The Blue Sox closer was good--very good--but not unhittable, as Ryan would prove. He got his bat on a 1-2 fastball, sent it to left field for a single, and provided some hope for the Rockets. Ryan made it around to third on two passed balls, and Tom stepped in with two out. Tom was patient and took four to put himself on and bring the tying run to the plate. It was Patrick W, who had tied the game with a late innings triple a month ago in the first meeting between the two Needham teams. Patrick was confident he could get his bat on one this time around, too, but he wanted to see a couple first. He took two balls. Then he swung away, put good metal on a fastball, and sent it hard up the middle. But the pitcher was able to get his glove on it and that would be the end of a brilliant season for the Needham Rockets.

Final score: Needham Blue Sox 8, Needham Rockets 5.

As predicted, this game was a tug of war that was either team's to win all the way through the last pitch. A great effort on both sides--a thrilling game to have played and coached.

The game ball once again went to the entire Needham Rockets team. Like yesterday's, this game depended on everybody doing their job. Pitchers Steven, Matt M, and Tom each put in a solid performance on the mound to keep the game within reach for the Rockets. And consistent play in the field, especially from Matt G, Patrick W, and Alex, certainly helped our effort on the mound. Roman put himself on base every time up and was a force once again on the base paths. And our two catchers, Timmy and Ryan, combined for six solid innings behind the plate. They each earned the Hustle Award today for getting their gloves on almost every pitch, hustling after the ones that did get by them, and making good throws down to second and third all morning.

Thank you to all of the Rockets and their parents for a wonderful season of baseball. The coaches are currently organizing an end-of-season celebration--most likely a pool party at Needham Pool and Racket. Look for details soon.

Tom and I will be attending the Suburban Youth Baseball League Championship Game to cheer on our neighbors as they take on Wellesley for all the marbles. The game is this Wednesday evening 7:00 at Wall Field, 1315 Washington Street, Norwood. Come join us if you can!

Rockets Advance on Defense, Pitching, and Clutch Hitting

Some rain the night before had Tarallo Field in Braintree, the venue for today's showdown with Quincy, pleasantly damp but in good condition for the morning's first round playoff action. The grounds crew were wrapping up their work, having dragged the infield and drawn the lines, when the first few Needham Rockets began their warm up. It was a beautiful morning for baseball.

Rockets' leadoff man Matt G, however, did not care about the beauty of his surroundings. He only had eyes for a fastball over the heart of the plate which he proceeded to crush and send deep to right field for a single. One pitch, one hit, man on first, nobody out. Tom ripped one up the third base line next and the Rockets had two on with nobody out. The Quincy pitcher was able to retire the next three, though, and the Rockets would strand two.

Rockets starting pitcher Tom found his groove in the bottom of the first. He had a blazing fastball and was commanding it well. After giving up a leadoff walk, he struck out the next batter and then got the next to fly to center field where Patrick W made a clean grab blinded by the sun. The runner on third tagged up, though, and Quincy was able to get the run in. Tom struck out the next guy looking to put the first inning in the books.

1-0, Quincy.

Roman bunted for a base hit to light a spark for the Rockets in the top of the second. We've seen Roman burn down the line so many times it starts to seem routine, but there is nothing routine about a play like this against a good defensive team like Quincy. This was a great effort. Roman stole second and advanced to third on a passed ball. With Roman at third, Ryan ripped a screamer up the first base line. Somehow, the first baseman was able to get to it and put leather on it. Ryan was robbed of a hit, and the Rockets were robbed of a run. The Quincy pitcher was able to get out of the inning. 1-0, Quincy.

Tom returned for the top of the second. He got one to ground to short, where Matt G scooped and fired on to Alex at first. Flawless. He got another to pop up to second where Roman hauled it in for out number two. The final out was another ground ball to short for Matt G. Alex made a nice stretch at first, and a clean inning was in the books for the Rockets. Still 1-0, Quincy.

With two away in the top of the third, Tom worked a walk and stole second. Patrick W moved him to third with a single to left. But the Quincy pitcher was able to escape the jam and keep the slim 1-run lead.

Tom kept his groove in the bottom of the third. He struck out one and got another to ground to second. Roman was there, fielded, and fired to Alex at first. Tom struck out the third to record another shutout inning for the Rockets. It was a solid outing for Tom: 2 hits over 3 innings pitched, 1 earned run, and 3 Ks.

A new Quincy pitcher retired the Rockets in order in the top of the fourth. Still a 1-run game after three and a half.

Steven and Alex combined to pitch the fourth. With the bases loaded and nobody out, the Quincy cleanup hitter knocked a blooper to centerfield. Roman got to it quickly and fired it in. One scored, and another was rounding third. Alex cut off the throw from Roman and gunned it home where Timmy received and applied the tag. Out! And not by more than a hair. Timmy had a split second between gloving the throw and tagging the front foot of the sliding runner. So many things had to go right to get the out and prevent the run--the run that might very well have made the difference in the game for Quincy. Roman in centerfield had to get to the ball quickly and get it in, Alex had to have the presence of mind to direct it home, Timmy had to make the catch, get the tag down, and hold onto the ball. This was a Major League play and, even though the Rockets went down by another run in the inning, it was the turning point of the game.

Alex struck out two to finish off the inning without any further damage. 2-0, Quincy, after four.

It was high time the Rockets made some noise with the bats. With one out in the top of the fifth, Harry singled to left. Steven hit a shot up the middle and found himself on at first, but Harry was thrown out at second. Two outs and a runner on first for Matt G. Matt looked at strike one and took a good cut at another. Then he absolutely demolished the 0-2 pitch, launching it way back to deep left field for a triple. Steven crossed the plate and it was 2-1, Quincy. With Matt at third, Tom put down a bunt--a work of art, a slow dribbler on the first base side. Matt got a good jump and gunned it home. Safe! A beautifully executed squeeze play to tie the game at 2 apiece. The Rockets dugout erupted in cheers and they only got louder when Patrick W ripped one up the third base line and beat out an infield single. Two on now for Alex. First pitch swinging, he clocked one to left to bring Tom in and give the Rockets the lead for the first time in the game. The show wasn't over. Timmy put down another beauty and the second squeeze of the inning brought Alex in from third. Four runs in the inning for the Rockets--all with two outs.

But the staunch Quincy lineup was not going to go out like that. They produced two more in their half of the fifth to tie the game again at 4. Alex did well to strike out three and limit the damage to two runs.

A 4-4 tie going into the final frame. Still anyone's game.  Until Matt M put fat metal on an 0-2 pitch and knocked it into centerfield for a single. Matt then stole second and advanced to third on a passed ball. He would score on a single off the bat of Steven. It would become the game-winning RBI.

5-4, Rockets entering the last half inning. Alex returned to the hill for the save. He got the first two to fly to centerfield. Roman reacted quickly to glove the first, a hard sinking line drive, and then had to cover some real estate to get the second. All in a day's work for the gold glover. Alex took care of business himself to strike out the last and close the book on what might be the finest performance to date by the Needham Rockets.

The final: Rockets 5, Quincy 4.

Today's game ball went to the whole Rockets team. In order to win this game, all ten players had to make a critical play at some point in the game. If Ryan at catcher does not get his glove on a pitch that's down in the dirt, maybe a runner advances to third and scores on the next ground ball out. If Steven doesn't beat out the throw to first in the sixth inning, he's the third out and Matt's game-winning run does not count. If Tom isn't able to get the bunt down, Matt doesn't score from third to tie the game in the fifth. If Timmy is late with the tag at home in the fourth, another run scores and we end up in extra innings. In a game so close, every play like this can be the difference between winning and losing.

The Hustle Award went to Roman, whose hustle at centerfield accounted for two out of three outs in the last inning and whose hustle on the base paths helped make the Needham Rockets believe when they were down early in the game.

With this first round win, the Rockets advance to the semifinal round, where we face our crosstown rivals, the Needham Blue Sox, tomorrow in Walpole.

See you there!

Semifinal Showdown Tomorrow v. Blue Sox

It's a Needham v. Needham semifinal tomorrow as both the Blue Sox and the Rockets advanced to the second round of the Suburban Youth Baseball League playoffs.

The game will be at Burt Field, 600 West Street, Walpole. Map.

First pitch at 10:00. Warm up at 9:00.

See you there!

Location of Tomorrow's Playoff Game v. Quincy

With the fourth seed in our division, the Rockets draw Quincy tomorrow in round one. We will play at Tarallo Field at Hollingsworth Park, 348 Pond Street, Braintree. Map

First pitch will be at 10:00. We will warm up an hour ahead of the game this time, starting at 9:00.

See you there!

Rockets Finish Regular Season Strong

The Needham Rockets are on their way to the Suburban Youth Baseball League playoffs. The only question to be answered tonight was whether they would be the fourth or fifth seed in the Western Division. With a win tonight, the Rockets would still need a little help from their neighbors, the Needham Blue Sox, who were due to make up a rainout against Walpole National. Walpole National entered the final week of the regular season in fourth place. A Rockets win plus a Walpole loss would mean a fourth place finish for the Rockets and a chance to take on Eastern Division leading Quincy in the first round of the playoffs this Saturday.

But Rockets leadoff man Timmy was not thinking about any of this when he stepped in. His focus was on the ball, particularly a 2-1 fastball that he smacked to center field for a single. With Timmy aboard and nobody out, Tom singled hard to left. Alex drove them both in with a bases-clearing double, and the Rockets jumped ahead 2-0 with nobody out in the first. Calvin would keep the line moving with a walk, and Matt G drove in another to make it 3-0. Matt M would work a bases-loaded walk, and Harry would drive in another to make it 5-0, Rockets, after their half of the first.

Calvin took the hill for the Rockets in the bottom of the first and got Westwood's leadoff man to tap one back to the mound. He knocked it down and fired to Tom at first for the out. He struck out two more to make quick work of the first.

Steven led off the top of the second with a walk and then stole second. Timmy sent another shot up the middle and scored Steven to make it 6-0, Rockets. Tom brought Timmy in with a double to left, the second of four consecutive base hits for the Rockets. Alex singled in Tom, stole second, and came around to score on Calvin's shot to right. Another crooked number for the Rockets, and they would go up 9-0 after one and a half.

Calvin was back for the bottom of the second. The flame-throwing righty sent the first batter away with three pitches, but Westwood battled, put one on and drove him in with a triple. 9-1, Rockets. Calvin did not sweat it, though. Cool as always, he just went back to work and struck out the next two to retire the side. Another quality start for Calvin: 2 innings pitched, 1 earned run, 4 Ks, and an 8-run lead going into the third inning.

Roman worked a walk and then stole second to spark another rally in the third. Patrick B launched one to center field for a single and there were two on with nobody out. Matt M sent one up the middle to score Roman and make it double-digit runs for the Rockets, 10-1. Harry brought Patrick in to make it a double-digit lead. Two RBI on the night for Harry. Steven kept the inning alive with a walk and then advanced to second on a passed ball. Two in scoring position with two outs for Noah. Noah unloaded on the first two pitches and hit them hard but just foul. He fought back to fill the count but went down on a tough pitch over the outside corner. An epic battle at the plate for Noah finished another productive inning for the Rockets. 11-1 after two and a half.

Matt M and Patrick B combined to record a shut-out bottom of the third for the Rockets. Matt struck out one and got another to ground to short, where Alex made a nice back-handed grab and fired to first for the out. Patrick nailed the door shut with a three-pitch K. Still 11-1, Rockets.

With time marching on, a healthy lead for the Rockets, and another game scheduled at Morrison Field right on the heels of this one, the umpire requested that we end it after four. So, the next inning would be the last.

Five consecutive singles would produce five runs for the Rockets in the final frame. Tom led off with a shot to center field and advanced to third on a pair of passed balls. Alex brought him in with a rip up the middle. Calvin and Matt G continued the hit parade, both launching theirs to left, and Roman burned it up the line for an infield single to cap it all off. When the dust cleared, the Rockets found themselves on top 16-1 going into the last half inning.

Westwood mounted an impressive 6-run offensive in the bottom of the fourth. Alex did his best to slow them down, though, with some gold glove work at short stop. Ranging left, he put leather on a hard ground ball and got the lead runner at second. Out number two was a great effort at the plate by Rockets catcher Ryan. On a tapper back to the mound, Ryan was up quickly to receive and get the force. Good awareness on his part to prevent the run. Tom came in get the final out, and got the job done with a three-pitch K to end the game. Only a third of an inning for Tom, but he looked sharp and ready for the playoffs.

Final score: Rockets 16, Westwood 7.

A prolific night at the plate for the Rockets: 16 runs on 15 hits in only 4 innings. Alex set the tone in the first with a 2-run double on a deep shot to left field. He was 3-3 on the night with 4 RBI and earned the game ball for his efforts. The Hustle Award went to Patrick B for his consistent focus the field, always where he needed to be to make the play or back it up. He also helped his team on the mound, getting the final out in a scoreless third inning.

The Rockets now turn their attention to their first round playoff match-up with either Wellesley or Quincy this Saturday morning in Braintree. See you there!

Rockets Advance to the SYBL Playoffs

The Needham Rockets have clinched a spot in the Suburban Youth Baseball League playoffs! Depending on this week's results, the Rockets will either be the fourth or fifth seed in our division. In either case, our first round playoff game will be at 10:00 this Saturday in Braintree. We will have the field location later this week. We have scheduled two additional practices to prepare for Saturday's game: a full practice Thursday evening and a shorter batting practice on Friday. Following Friday's batting practice, there will be a team outing to The Junction for some ice cream.

These additional practices are coming at you on short notice, so they will be optional. If your son can make it, great. If not, we totally understand.

Here's the whole playoff schedule of games and practices (the Master Schedule has been updated):

• Thursday, July 28 Practice 6:00-7:30 at Memorial
• Friday, July 29 Batting Practice 6:00-7:00 at Memorial
• Friday, July 29 Ice Cream 7:15 at The Junction
• Saturday, July 30 First Round Playoff Game 10:00 at Braintree

     If the Rockets win...

• Sunday, July 31 Semifinal Game 10:00 at Walpole

     If the Rockets win...

• Tuesday, August 2 Practice 6:00-7:30 at Memorial
• Wednesday, August 3 Championship Game 7:00 at Norwood

Tonight's Practice Canceled

I was just over at Memorial. Saw the lightning, heard the thunder. Don't want to mess around with that, so we'll call it off.

See you all in Westwood tomorrow!

Location of Tomorrow's Game at Westwood

We will be playing at Morrison Field in Westwood tomorrow, located at the corner of Washington Street (Rt. 1A) and East Street. Map

5:30 first pitch, 5:00 warm up. See you there!

Rockets Fall to Strong Wellesley Squad

Reidy Field, the jewel of Suburban Youth Baseball League's crown, was a spectacular sight this afternoon: picture-perfect baseball weather, a beautifully groomed diamond, professional dugouts. Every batter was to be announced over the loudspeaker, and the local cable channel, Wellesley's NESN, was going to cover the game. It was a pleasure just to be part of the scenery.

It would be an even greater pleasure, though, to take it to this tough, undefeated Wellesley team, who sat confidently atop the Eastern Division standings. Tom did his best to do just that in the top of the first. With one out, he sent a 2-2 fastball the other way for a single. He stole second on the next pitch to put himself in scoring position with one out. Unfortunately, Wellesley's ace was able to strike out the next two and put an abrupt end to the Rockets' plans in the first.

Steven, the hard-throwing righty, turned in a shutout inning of his own for the Rockets. He struck out two in a row to escape a bases-loaded jam and keep Wellesley off the board. No score through one.

With two gone in the top of the second, Patrick came out first-pitch swinging and sent one up the middle for a single. He then stole second. Steven walked to keep the line moving and bring up Alex. The slugger put good metal on a fastball and drove it to left for a double. Patrick scored, making it 1-0, Rockets.

Steven returned for the second. He got one to ground to first where Tom scooped it and stepped on the bag for the unassisted out. He struck out two more, but Wellesley was able to get one in to tie it up at one run apiece. A solid outing for Steven against a stacked Wellesley lineup: 2 innings pitched, 1 earned run, 5 Ks.

Top of the third. Roman singled and promptly stole second. It was a good throw from the Wellesley catcher, but with Roman's wheels, you've got to be better than good. He was safe at second standing, giving the Rockets a runner in scoring position with nobody out. Roman moved to third on a ground ball out at first. That brought Jonah to the plate. Speed at third and speed at the plate. Jonah dropped a good bunt, Roman took off, burned it home, and beat the play to put the Rockets up 2-1. 

The punishing Wellesley lineup would put up five runs in the bottom half, though, and just like that, they were back in command 6-2.

But there is absolutely no quit in the Rockets. This game was far from over. Ryan led off the top of the fourth and was hit by a pitch. Timmy then stepped in and launched the shot of the night into right field. The right fielder did well to get it in quickly and hold Timmy to a single. With two gone, Steven singled and drove in Ryan, a great hustle to the plate to put the Rockets back within reach, 6-3.

Calvin came out to pitch the fourth and was lights-out. He had great velocity on his fastball and was pounding the zone, striking out one, getting another to fly to second where Patrick made a nice grab, and getting the third to fly to center field where Jonah made a spectacular sliding catch running in. A one-two-three inning for Calvin and the Rockets. Still 6-3, Wellesley.

Harry led off the bottom of the fifth with a single up the middle. With one out, Roman bunted and nearly beat the throw, but Wellesley was ready this time and made the play. Matt did his best to spark a two-out rally working a walk, but solid play in the field would retire the next batter 1-3 and put an end to the inning.

6-3, Wellesley, going into the fifth. Calvin would overcome a leadoff triple to strike out two. The third out came off the arm of Rockets catcher Ryan. After a throw to the plate, Ryan immediately turned and fired a laser to third, perfectly placed for Alex to lay down the tag and get the Rockets out of the inning. Great heads-up play by both Ryan and Alex.

Unfortunately, Wellesley was able to bring in a few more and put themselves up by six going into the final frame. They sent their closer to the mound, and he retired the Rockets in order.

The game was closer than the 9-3 score indicated. Both teams played well in the field. Both teams threw strikes. The difference was at the plate: Wellesley got their bats on a few more than we did.

Tonight's game ball went to Timmy, who was 1-2 at the plate, with an absolute bomb to right field in the fourth against some tough Wellesley pitching. Timmy also put in two innings of excellent work behind the plate. He made a great play in the third to get to the ball, get the force at home, and prevent the run. The Hustle Award went to Calvin, who pitched two solid innings, battling and never giving up against a very good Wellesley lineup.

On Wednesday, the Rockets travel to Morrison Field in Westwood for our final regular season game. As of now, the Rockets are in fifth place. The top five teams in our division will make the playoffs. So, we will need to continue to play good Rockets baseball against Westwood to secure that playoff spot and get us in gear for the post-season.

We still have not received any word about a playoff schedule, but as soon as we do, we will post it here.

Rockets Are Lights Out -- Literally -- In Regular Season Home Finale

The lights over the Memorial turf diamond were scheduled to power on at 7:30 sharp, right at first pitch. At 7:30, the Needham Rockets, and their coaches and parents, and the visiting team from Parkway, and their coaches and parents all gazed expectantly up at the stadium lights high above the diamond. Nothing. Then, suddenly, the lights burst on above the Needham High School diamond a little ways down the hill. Wrong diamond. All five Rockets coaches took to their phones and called everyone they knew, but no luck: nobody knew how to turn on the lights over the turf diamond. The umpires and coaches gathered and exchanged suggestions. Could we try to make the lighted 90-foot high school diamond into a 60-foot little league diamond? Could we try to get as much of the game in as we can while there was still a little daylight?

The sun was setting over Sudbury Farms. There was enough light to start the first inning, and maybe we could bide our time until we hit on somebody who could help us with the lights.

So, Rockets starting pitcher Steven trotted out to the mound. His fastball was enough to light up the diamond by itself. And he was commanding it superbly, retiring the side on two Ks and a ground ball to second for Jonah who fielded and flipped to first to end a quick inning.

In the bottom half, there was apparently still enough light to see the ball as Roman led off with a single. He stole second on the first pitch to Tom and then advanced to third on a passed ball. Tom ripped one to left field for a single and Roman scored. 1-0, Rockets. With one out, Calvin walked and once on promptly stole second. Ryan walked to put two on for Timmy, who took a big swing at a 1-0 fastball and crushed it. The center fielder made a great catch on the run, though, and then fired to second to catch the runner off the bag. Double play to end the inning.

Still no lights over the turf diamond in the top of the second, but Coach Hasenfus was digging deep into her Rolodex. Working the book in one hand and the phone in the other, she was tracking balls and strikes and dialing up an old friend's father who could maybe get in touch with his daughter who might know someone else's cousin who might know the password to log on to the site that controls the lights over Memorial. Meanwhile, Jonah came out to pitch. He got the first to line hard to short, where Roman made a nice grab. Jonah struck out two more to put up another shutout inning. Still 1-0, Rockets. Still no lights.

Bottom of the second. Jonah had no trouble picking up the ball under darkening skies. He got all of the first pitch and sent it to the gap in left-center, way back, way back... Gone! A four-bagger for Jonah and the Rockets would go up by two. But the fun was just beginning. Alex shot one up the middle for the first of three singles in a row. The next came off the bat of Patrick and the third off the bat of Matt M. Patrick would eventually come around to score on a single to left by Steven. 3-0, Rockets.

By the top of the third, it was just plain dark. The umpire called the coaches together and there was much discussion about what to do, all of which was suddenly interrupted by... a miracle! Coach Hasenfus' old friend's father must have tracked down his daughter whose friend's cousin knew the password because... there was light! Dim at first but gaining intensity until the whole turf diamond was awash in the glow of bright stadium lights. Playball!

Tom came out to pitch the top of the third under the lights. He was commanding a blazing fastball tonight and wasted no time in striking out the side, all looking. A third shut-out inning for Rockets pitching.

The Rockets went in order in their half of the third, and after three complete, it was 3-0, Rockets.

Matt G took the hill in the top of the fourth. Parkway battled, putting two on with nobody out, but Matt kept his poise, did not panic, and just went about making each pitch. Parkway was able to get one run in, but Matt nailed it shut after that, striking out three to get out of the inning with a two-run lead for his Rockets.

A two-out rally in the bottom of the fourth produced another run for the Rockets. Timmy got it going with a double to deep right, and then Jonah doubled to score Timmy. 4-1, Rockets after four.

The Rockets sent Harry to the mound in the fifth. The tough Parkway lineup ignited another rally that put up three runs to tie the game, but Harry did well to stop the damage there. He kept his cool, worked himself into a groove, and retired three in a row to get the Rockets out of the inning.

Tie game going into the bottom of the fifth. Patrick led off. He put good solid metal on a 2-2 fastball and sent it into center field for a single. One on with nobody out. It looked like this could be the beginning of a big inning for the Rockets, but we will never know, because at that moment, at precisely 9:00 PM, the lights suddenly shut off and the Memorial turf diamond went dark. End of game.

This was a strange one to be sure. The Rockets gathered to shake hands with Parkway, and the coaches from both teams and umpires gathered to figure out what just happened. The final call: a 4-4 tie with an option to play the final inning and a half if a win would make a difference to either team in the playoff hunt.

Tonight's game ball went to Jonah, who homered in the second, doubled in the fourth, and pitched a scoreless second inning for the Rockets. All that in just a little more than four innings! The Hustle Award went to Patrick, who battled at the plate to come away with two hits tonight.

The Rockets travel to Wellesley on Sunday. This will be a great challenge for us, an excellent opportunity to test ourselves against the division leaders. See you there!

Saturday Morning Practice Shortened: 8:30-9:30

We will run a shorter session tomorrow morning, from 8:30 to 9:30 at Memorial.

Then, we're in Wellesley on Sunday. See you there!

Location of Sunday's Game at Wellesley

We will take on Wellesley Sunday at Reidy Field, 448 (or so) Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02481. Washington Street is the same as Rt 16. Map

See you there!

Friday Night Lights!

An excessive heat watch is in effect from Thursday afternoon until Friday at 6:00. The temperature is predicted to break the century mark early Friday afternoon, which means the Memorial turf will be unbearable and possibly even dangerous at 5:30 when we were scheduled to begin warming up for our game against Parkway. However, by 7:00 the temperature should return to normal heat-wave levels, and by 7:30 it may even dip into the 80s.

So, we will avoid the late afternoon heat and play a night game at Memorial. We will have first pitch at 7:30, right as the lights fire up over the Memorial diamond. The lights will be shut off at 9:30, so we will have to wrap up our game by then.

This will be a cooler, safer, and more exciting way to play our final regular season home game.

Practice Moved to 6:00 Tonight

The Master Schedule has indicated this, but we wanted to be sure everybody noticed that practice will run from 6:00 to 7:30 tonight (not 5:30 to 7:00). This change was necessary to ensure that we would have enough coaches present for the beginning of practice, and we also wanted to keep the start time consistent with the other weekday practices we added.

Thank you for your continued patience with the fluctuating schedule!

Rockets Bounce Back against Natick

Much can be said of the Memorial turf. It's springy, fast, and the grounds crew always keeps it perfectly groomed for us. This afternoon, though, the only way to describe the turf was hot--about ten degrees hotter than the 90-plus degree air. Coach Tacelli's tent over the dugout and two barrels of Gatorade certainly helped keep the Rockets cool in the dugout, but there was no shelter from the heat once they took the diamond.

Harry's fastball didn't help matters either in the top of the first. As if it wasn't hot enough out there, he cranked up the heat even more to strike out three, the last one looking. But not before Natick brought in two to jump out early, 2-0.

Natick's lead wouldn't last long. The Rockets would overcome the deficit in their half and then some. Calvin sparked a two-out rally with a double and the first of six consecutive extra-base hits. After Calvin, Ryan doubled, Tom doubled, Timmy doubled, Jonah tripled, and Patrick doubled, each knocking in a run to make it 5-2, Rockets, after one.

Alex took over for Harry in the top of the second and picked up right where Harry left off, striking out the side, all looking. Natick was able to bring one in to make it 5-3, Rockets.

Roman led off the bottom of the second with a single. He took second on an error. Matt M then singled to left and brought Roman in. 6-3, Rockets. Steven singled to left to score Matt, and the Rockets were up by four after two complete.

Matt M would also make a contribution on the mound with a shut-out third inning. He struck out two and got one to fly to first, where Calvin made a nice grab running in.

Alex singled to ignite a big third for the Rockets. He stole second on the first pitch to Calvin to put himself in scoring position with nobody out. Calvin walked, and Tom singled to load the bases for Timmy, who worked a walk to bring in Alex. 8-3, Rockets. The show would go on. Jonah singled, Patrick walked, Roman was hit by a pitch, and Matt M singled, all producing four more for the Rockets. 12-3 after three.

Jonah took the hill for the fourth and put up the second perfect frame in a row for the Rockets. He was lights-out, striking out two and getting one to ground to Calvin at first.

Harry worked a leadoff walk in the bottom of the fourth and scored on a hard ground ball off the bat of Noah. A great hustle up the line, but Noah was out at first by half a step. He did his job, though, and got the run in. 13-2, Rockets. Matt G stepped in next and ripped one to short. Another great hustle up the line, and he beat the throw. Unfortunately, though, Matt would be stranded at first, as the crafty Natick pitcher was able to pitch his way out of the inning.

The Rockets sent Tom to the mound for the fifth, and he delivered the third scoreless inning in a row, striking out two and getting one to ground to short, where Matt G made the stop and fired to Alex at first in time. Great execution. Tom had a good fastball and was commanding it well to keep Natick's bats silent. Still 13-2.

The Rockets put together another impressive two-out rally in the bottom of the fifth. Tom got it going with a single to left. Timmy hit a shot to the gap in right center for a double and scored Tom from first. Timmy would finish the afternoon 2-2 with 2 doubles, a walk, and 2 RBI. The heat was clearly not a factor for him. Jonah singled next, and then Patrick sent a 1-2 fastball into left field to load the bases for Matt M, who rocketed one to center field--a 2 RBI single for the young slugger. Harry would single in another, and the Rockets were able to post another crooked number. 18-2 after five.

Timmy and Calvin combined to close out the game in the sixth and put another win in the books for the Rockets. After managing only one run the previous game against very tough Blue Sox pitching, Rockets bats certainly came back to life this afternoon pounding out a total of 21 hits, 7 for extra bases, and putting up 18 runs.

Today's game ball went to Tom, who pitched a shutout inning and went 3-3 at the plate, with a double and 2 RBI. Steven earned the hustle award for his focus in the sixth inning. In the heat, after five long innings, and with his team up by 11 runs, he was just as alert and intense as he was in the first inning. At second base, he took the cutoff on a ball hit to shallow right field, turned and gunned it home, throwing a perfect strike to Ryan at catcher, who applied the tag to get out number one at the plate and prevent the run. Hustle can mean a lot of things in baseball. Here, it meant playing your best baseball no matter what the score is, no matter how long you've been out there in the heat, no matter what position you're playing or who your opponent is. You play hard and play well no matter how the game is shaping up.

A lot of highlights in this game for the Rockets, but I think one of the most exciting moments came after the game, when we trotted off the scorching Memorial turf and headed to the Needham Pool and Racket Club to cool off and enjoy some pizza together. The pool party was a lot of fun--swimming, diving, and games of pickle in the grass out front. A huge thank you to Laura Hasenfus and Kim Christie for organizing the event!

We take on Parkway next, Friday 6:00 at Memorial. See you there!

Pool Party to Follow Sunday's Game

The boys are invited to cool off after the game today at the Needham Pool and Racket Club, 1550 Central Ave. We will head over there right from the game, around 5:30 or so, and stay until 8:00. Pizza will be served. Please remember to have your son bring a separate bag to the game with a bathing suit and towel.

Rockets Drop Game Two of Subway Series

With memories of Game One still fresh in their minds, the Needham Blue Sox and the Needham Rockets gathered at Memorial Field well before first pitch to begin their warm up. Game One was a classic battle of pitching and clutch hitting that resulted in a 4-4 tie back on June 28. As the players warmed up for Game Two, it was clear that both teams wanted the win badly. They threw a little harder, the squeezed their gloves a little tighter, snapped the bat around a little quicker in their warm-up reps. There is a lot at stake in this three-game series (I'm predicting a third, post-season meeting). There are many close friends on both sides of this cross-town rivalry, and a great deal of trash talk has already been exchanged. Tonight, that trash talk would be put to the test.

Rockets starting pitcher Patrick B came out pounding the zone in the top of the first. He helped his own cause by putting his glove on a shot up the middle by the Sox leadoff man. He fired to Jonah at first for out number one. He got another to line to short, where Patrick W hauled it in for the second out. The next batter, the Sox cleanup hitter, sent one to deep center field, but Steven was there to make the grab and end the inning. A combination of excellent pitching by Patrick and the Rockets flashing the leather behind him kept the Blue Sox off the board in the first.

The Rockets were not able to get anything going against some very tough pitching by the Sox starter in the bottom half of the inning, and we were scoreless through one.

Patrick B returned for the top of the second and picked up right where he left off. He got one to fly to third, where Matt M made a nice catch ranging back into shallow left field, struck out another, and then got the third to ground to second, where Jonah scooped it and threw to Tom at first to put another scoreless inning in the books.

Jonah led off the bottom of the second for the Rockets and worked a full count. He put a quick bat on the payoff pitch and sent a screamer to second. The Sox second baseman was there but lost the handle for a split second--just enough to give Jonah an extra step. It was all the speedster needed to beat the throw and hustle out an infield single. An excellent effort for Jonah with both bat and wheels. Once on board, Jonah wasted no time and advanced to second on the next pitch, a passed ball, and the Rockets had a man in scoring position with nobody out. Ryan stepped in next and sent a 2-2 fastball into left field that scored Jonah. An RBI single for Ryan that put the Rockets on top early 1-0.

Jonah got the job done with his bat and his legs in the bottom of the second. Now it was time to get it done with his arm in the top of the third. He struck out the first batter he faced and got another to fly to shallow left field, where third baseman Roman made a highlight reel grab ranging back. Look for this gem in the Sports Center Top Ten. The Blue Sox lineup is explosive, though, and wasn't going to stay quiet for long. Their number three hitter singled in a run and their clean-up guy tripled, scoring two more. But Jonah kept his poise. These guys are very good hitters, and we all knew they were going to hit eventually. Jonah was not phased. He put everything else out of his mind and stayed focused on the next pitch. He threw a beauty, a fastball over the outside corner. Then another. Then a big swing at a fastball low in the zone, a three-pitch K to close out the inning. Pitching isn't about perfection. It's about keeping the game close, and Jonah certainly did his job to keep the game within reach.

The Rockets went quietly in order in the bottom of the third, and after three, it was Rockets 1, Blue Sox 3.

Matt G took the hill in the top of the fourth. He had good command of his fastball and struck out three of five batters faced. A shut-out inning for Matt and the Rockets remained down by only two.

The Blue Sox sent their hard-throwing closer to the mound for the last three innings. This kid was throwing bullets, but Patrick W was not at all intimidated. He connected with the 0-2 pitch and ripped it up the third base line for a single. He stole second and advanced to third on a passed ball to put himself 60 feet away with nobody out. The Blue Sox pitcher found his groove after that, though, and retired the next three. Still 3-1, Blue Sox, after four.

Matt G returned for the top of the fifth. He got the leadoff man to ground to first, where Matt M dug it and took it to the bag himself. Matt G would strike out two to end the inning, but the Sox were able to pick up three more runs. Like Jonah, Matt showed excellent poise on the mound and was able to focus on each pitch and forget about the score and baserunners. He was consistently throwing strikes--exactly what he should be doing. Unfortunately, the Blue Sox were able to get their bats on a couple of good pitches.

With one out in the bottom of the fifth, Timmy made some noise knocking an 0-2 fastball up the middle, but the pitcher was able to get his glove on it. Timmy ran hard up the line and almost beat the throw. A great hustle. Timmy also showed great hustle behind the plate for the first three innings, stopping nearly every pitch and getting to passed balls quickly. This kid is developing into a very solid catcher for the Rockets.

After five, the Blue Sox were up 6-1.

Patrick W came in to pitch the top of the sixth and he was lights-out. He retired two on Ks. The second out of the inning came on a ground ball hit very sharply up the middle. The ball was hit hard, and it flew across the turf. Second baseman Matt G got a great jump on it, though, got to it quickly and put a glove on it. He fired on to Patrick B at first, who made a long stretch for the out. Excellent infield play.

Last chance for the Rockets. Noah worked a leadoff walk to get things going. Harry moved Noah to second with a rip up the first base line. Unfortunately, the Sox first baseman was able to get to it and step on the bag for the out. But the Rockets had a runner in scoring position with one out. Matt M got all of a fastball and sent it to deep left field for a long single--one of the hardest hit balls of the evening for the Rockets. The Sox did well to get the ball in to prevent the run. The tough Blue Sox pitcher then put an end to the Rockets' rally with two straight Ks to close out the game and hand the Rockets their first loss of the season.

A good team effort for the Rockets despite the loss. Six innings of solid pitching, consistent execution in the infield, but the Rockets ran up against some of the best pitching we will see in this league.   Not to worry, though. The Blue Sox pitchers were good, but we were able to get the bat around and make some solid contact. Straighten out a couple we ripped foul, put a couple more guys on base, and it's a different ball game. We'll get 'em in Game Three.

Tonight's game ball went to Jonah, who burned up the line for an infield single that he converted to a run to give the Rockets an early lead. Jonah also contributed an effective inning on the mound and excellent defensive support at first base and second base. The Hustle Award went to Matt M, who battled at the plate every at-bat, and won the battle in the bottom of the sixth with a single that fueled the Rockets' late rally.

With our first and only loss of the season, the Rockets remain in good shape for the playoffs. We will need to continue to play our best baseball when we face Natick on Sunday at Memorial. See you there!

Rockets to Move All Practices and Home Games to Memorial for Remainder of Season

The Rockets will hold all remaining practices and host all remaining home games at Memorial Field instead of Greene's. There are several reasons for this, but chief among them is the fact that Memorial is usually playable immediately after it rains, even if the rain is heavy. Greene's takes a while--sometimes days--to drain. We are more likely to get our games and practices in if we just plan to have them at Memorial in the first place.

Rain Delay: Today's Practice Moved to Memorial 6:30

We will hold an OPTIONAL practice at Memorial at 6:30 tonight in hopes that the rain will clear a bit by then. If you can make it, great. If not, no worries.

Tomorrow's Showdown v. Blue Sox Moved to Memorial

We will play at Memorial rather than Greene's tomorrow when we take on the mighty Blue Sox. It's just a better field, and we figure we might as well use it when we can.

Same time: first pitch will be at 6:00. Warm up at 5:30.

Squeeze Play Evens It Up for Rockets in Sixth

The 90-plus percent chance of a thunderstorm never materialized, so Greene's would have remained playable after all, but I think we were all glad to be on the turf at Memorial. Ground balls zip across that surface, yet the bounce is always true, and any infielder will tell you they prefer a fast infield to a bumpy one. Plus, the turf is made for running, which favors the Rockets' aggressive style on the base paths. But what would Walpole American bring to the Memorial turf diamond? How would this Walpole team compare to the other two that the Rockets had already faced this season?

Rockets' starting pitcher Patrick W stood atop the portable mound ready to put the top of American's order to the test. Patrick got the leadoff guy to ground to second, where Timmy scooped and threw to Tom at first. Well executed. One away. A walk and an error put two on, but the next batter grounded to first. Tom took it himself for the unassisted out. Two gone. It looked like the Rockets might escape the first without damage. Patrick was battling hard, but the middle of Walpole's order was tough, and they were able to bring in two to jump out in front early.

Patrick W would get one of those runs back in the bottom half. With one on and one out, Patrick connected with an 0-2 fastball and sent it to deep right field for an RBI double. Alex shot one up the middle for a single, and Patrick scored to even it up at 2 apiece. Alex wasted no time stealing second on the next pitch to put himself in scoring position for Calvin. With a 1-1 count, Calvin saw one he liked, put a good swing on it, and absolutely crushed it, sending it deep to the gap in right center, way back, way back... Homerun! A two-run dinger, and the Rockets were on top 4-2 after one.

Matt G came out to pitch the second. He was pounding the zone but had to contend with the top of American's order. Matt was able to strike out two and got one to fly out to Roman who made a nice grab at shortstop. Walpole picked up two more in the inning, though, and we were all knotted up at 4.

Bottom of the second. With one out, Tom singled up the middle. He stole second on the next pitch, and then stole third on the next. Runner on third with one out for Jonah. Jonah worked a 2-2 count and then put good metal on a fastball and sent it deep to right field. If this one gets by the right fielder, it's a two-run homer. Unfortunately, the guy was playing deep and was there to make the catch. A good throw in prevented Tom from tagging up. Nothing you can do about good defense. With two outs, Noah would work a walk--his first of two on the night--to put two on for Harry. With the score tied at 4, the Rockets needed Harry to make something happen here. And Harry delivered, knocking an RBI single into left field to put the Rockets up by one. A fine piece of clutch hitting by Harry. On the first pitch to Matt M, Harry stole second, and the Rockets had two in scoring position with two outs. Matt M worked the count full and then fouled one off. He liked the payoff pitch and connected solidly with it, launching a bullet line drive up the third base line. But, the third baseman was somehow able to put leather on it. A great catch to get Walpole out of a jam.

After two, Rockets 5, Walpole 4.

The Rockets sent Tom to the hill in the top of the third. After a leadoff walk, he was sharp, retiring three of the next four. He struck out one, got one to pop up to the mound where he took care of business himself, and got one to tap it back to the mound where he scooped and fired to first baseman Calvin to end the inning. Still 5-4, Rockets.

With one out in the bottom half, Roman hit a hard ground ball to short. The shortstop fielded cleanly and made a good throw to first but not in time to get Roman, who was burning up the line for an infield single. Great hustle! Roman stole second to put himself in scoring position for Matt G. Matt got all of the first pitch and shot it to deep left field for an RBI triple. 6-4, Rockets. Hot-hitting Patrick W was up next. He sent one up the middle for a single and scored Matt to put the Rockets up by 3.

Rockets 7, Walpole 4, after three.

Tom returned for the top of the fourth. He continued to pound the zone, but a Walpole hitter got his bat on a fastball and sent it to deep right field for a two-run homer. Calvin came in to relieve Tom and put an end to the inning with some outstanding defensive support at second base from Patrick B, who fielded a tough ground ball up the middle and fired on to first to close it out. Unfortunately, Walpole was able to to put up five total and take the lead, 9-7.

The Rockets remained confident, though. They had been here before--down two late in the game--and had always found a way back in. They knew they had a great lineup and an excellent pitcher on the mound. All they had to do was take good swings at the plate and play solid defense.

In the bottom of the fourth, Calvin led off with a single to right. He stole second, and the Rockets had a man in scoring position with nobody out. But the Walpole pitcher battled and worked his way out of the inning. Still 9-7, American.

Calvin pitched the remainder of the game for the Rockets and was lights-out. He struck out the side in the fifth with only 11 pitches and was dominant again in the sixth, striking out two and getting one to fly out to right field where Patrick W was in perfect position to make the catch. Calvin was in a groove, and there wasn't much the Walpole batters could do.

In the bottom of the fifth, Jonah hit another bomb that found the glove of the Walpole left fielder. Unlucky. Noah walked. Harry hit a shot foul, but the first baseman made a nice catch on the run. Two away for Matt M, who hit a hot ground ball up the middle. The pitcher made a great stop on it, though, and threw to first to end the inning. Rockets' bats were making noise, but Walpole was excellent in the field and escaped the inning with their two-run lead intact.

The Rockets would have their last chance in the bottom of the sixth. Steven led off and ripped one up the third base line. This ball is through against most teams, but Walpole American was playing exceptional defense tonight. The third baseman got leather on it and fired to first. The throw was on target and just in time to get Steven by a half a step. A great effort by Steven as well as by the Walpole third baseman. One out, with the top of the order due up. Matt G stepped in and hit a shot up the middle. The second baseman got to it but bobbled it just enough to allow Matt to hustle up the line and beat the throw. Matt stole second and put himself in scoring position for Patrick W, who would represent the tying run. Patrick ripped his third hit of the night to short and beat the throw. Matt scored, and the Walpole lead was cut to one with two outs in the bottom of the sixth. With Patrick at third, Ryan stepped in. Ryan hits with a great deal of power, as we have seen, but he is no stranger to small ball either, when the situation calls for it. The situation was calling for it. The third base coach gave the sign. Ryan knew what to do, and so did Patrick, who has the baseball smarts to go along with his other five tools. Ryan laid the first pitch down--a beautiful bunt--and Patrick took off. The pitcher fielded and flipped home. Patrick slid. Through a cloud of dust came the call--Safe! Tie game. A perfectly executed squeeze play to tie the game with two outs.

And that's how the game would end: a 9-9 tie.

There were many heroes for the Rockets in this one. Calvin went yard and then pitched two shutout innings to close. Patrick W was 3-3 with 3 RBI and scored the tying run. Matt G's triple in the third put us up by 2. But the game ball tonight went to Ryan, whose bunt in the bottom of the sixth made the difference and allowed the Rockets to come away with a tie. The Hustle Award went to Harry, who hustled on and off the diamond every inning, hustled after every passed ball as catcher, and hustled on the base paths for a single and a stolen base.

The Rockets take on the Blue Sox next, this Thursday at Memorial. We know these guys well: excellent pitching, a solid lineup, and they're strong everywhere in the field. We played them to a tie a few weeks back, so we know we will have our hands full. But, the way the Rockets have been playing, we have a good chance to come away with the win this time around.

See you at Memorial!

Reminder: Tomorrow's Game v. Walpole American Moved to Memorial

In anticipation of some early afternoon rain, we have moved our game to Memorial.

First pitch is still at 6:00. Warm up at 5:30.

See you there!

Rockets Continue to Light It Up

Curt Schilling would have been proud of the way his Metacomet Field weathered the mid-morning thunder storms. By the time the Rockets arrived, the grounds crew was hard at work removing the tarp over the mound and dragging the infield. The diamond was a work of art--grass neatly trimmed, dirt smooth and dry, bases locked into their proper places. But would the baseball played here tonight live up to the beauty of the ballpark?

Rockets' leadoff man Jonah was ready to find out. He worked a full count walk, and once on, the speedster stole second on the first pitch to Tom. No surprise there. Tom walked and then advanced on a passed ball to put runners on second and third with nobody out. Matt G then rocketed a single to right that scored Jonah and put the Rockets on the board 1-0. Alex would bring in Tom with a ground ball up the first base line. The Medfield first baseman was there, but the run scored, making it 2-0, Rockets. Patrick W and Roman both singled in two more. 4-0, Rockets. Timmy drove in another two with a shot to center field, but only one would be recorded as it was the fifth run and by league rules would end the inning.

5-0, Rockets, with Medfield due up in the first. Matt M took the mound for the Rockets. He had a blazing fastball working for him and struck out the side to work out of a bases-loaded jam. Another scoreless inning for Matt.

Steven led off for the Rockets in the top of the second. He launched a fastball up the first base line, but the first baseman made a good play to stab it and then step on the bag. One away. Noah connected with a 0-1 fastball and sent it past the shortstop for a single. But with one on, the Medfield pitcher was able to bear down and get the next two to ground to first. Some good contact, but Medfield was able to escape without damage.

Matt M returned to the hill for the second and picked up right where he left off. He struck out the first two quite comfortably and got a little help with the third. One on with two out, the runner at first broke for second. Catcher Alex was up and throwing--a bullet to second, and right on-target. Roman, the shortstop was there in perfect position to make the tag. Out! End of inning.

5-0, Rockets after two.

Matt G hit is second of four singles on the night to get things going for the Rockets in the third. Patrick W, also with four singles on the night, put himself on with a shot up the middle. Had Medfield called on Curt Schilling himself, I don't think they would have been able to get these two guys out. Not with the way they've been swinging the bat recently. Roman walked to load the bases with one out and set the table for Calvin. He took a quick, tight swing at the first pitch and got all of it--a two-run double to the gap in left center. 8-0, Rockets. The show would go on. With the bases loaded again, Timmy walked in another, and Steven sent one into left field for an RBI single to cap a second five-run inning for the Rockets.

10-0 after two and a half.

The Rockets sent Calvin to the mound for the third, and he was superb. He struck out the side in dominant fashion--the only base runner reached on error--and recorded another clean frame for the Rockets. Still 10-0.

In the top of the fourth, Tom walked and then stole second. Matt G got on with a single and moved Tom to third. Alex sent one hot up the middle for a single and scored Tom. A pair of throwing errors brought in two more and when the dust cleared, Alex found himself standing safe at third. Roman would bring him in with a rocket to center field and increase the lead to 14.

Calvin spun another beauty in the bottom of the fourth, retiring the side in order all on Ks. He was pounding the zone with his usual heat, and the top of Medfield's order could not touch him. Six strikeouts for Calvin in two scoreless innings pitched.

Ryan hit what may have been the shot of the night in the fifth--an absolute bomb to the gap in right center all the way back near the fence. It was good for a double. But solid Medfield pitching shut the door on the inning, and the Rockets stranded Ryan at second.

Alex took the hill in the bottom of the fifth. The hard-throwing righty struck out two and got one to ground softly to the mound. Another clean inning in the books for the Rockets.

Top of the last. Jonah worked a walk to put speed on at first. In a closer game, he'd be running of course, but tonight the skipper chose not to give the sign. Tom ripped one up the third base line for the first of five singles in a row for Rockets batters in the sixth. Jonah did get to exhibit his electrifying speed on the base paths after all, as he was thinking third all the way on Tom's single. The third baseman fielded the ball, saw he had no chance to get Tom at first, and made a play to get Jonah at third. But he was too late! First to third on an infield single hit to third base--you don't see that often. Matt G, Alex, Patrick W, and Roman finished up five singles in a row, each one bringing in a run to max out the inning at five. 19-0, Rockets, heading into the final frame.

Alex returned to close it out for the Rockets. Medfield was able to put one on with a walk and bring him in to make it 19-1, but beyond that Alex was lights-out. He got one to ground to first and then struck out two more to put this one in the books.

A great win for the Rockets tonight and an excellent team effort with important contributions from every player. The game ball could have gone to a number of guys, but one in particular stood out for his work on the mound, at the plate, and at first base late in the game. The game ball went to Clavin, who was a perfect 2-2 with a double and two RBI, was excellent on the mound with 6 Ks and only one base runner allowed on an error over two scoreless innings, and was solid at first base to help Alex close in the bottom of the sixth. An outstanding effort for Calvin. The Hustle Award went to Timmy, who backed up every throw in the field, ran hard on and off the diamond every inning, and hustled on the base paths.

The Rockets face the third Walpole team, Walpole American, on Tuesday at Greene's. See you there!