15 Run First Powers Carpentry Over Local, 30-12

HOUGHS NECK - The McInnis Carpentry softball club opened the playoffs in a big way last night by sending twenty men to the plate which resulted in a first inning 15 run explosion. The 15 runs tied a McInnis Carpentry playoff record and the thirty runs was the second highest ever scored in team postseason play.

"A crucial win for us," said Hammers GM Tom Fratolillo "There's no time to blink in the first round. The series is so short, you lose that first game your backs are immediately to the wall. We came in knowing we have our hands full with Local. They are a tough team that can score."

It looked like it would be a rough night for the Hammers as Local came out swinging in the first. Local sent ten men to the plate and scored five runs on five hits and walk.

Down 5-0 the Carpenters responded. Greg Harper (4-5, 2 RBI, 4 Runs) led off with an infield single. After a Steve Yocco (4-4, 2 RBI, 3 Runs) hit, Jimmy Dennis (3-4, 2-RBI) walked to load the bases. Scott Logan (3-4, 3 RBI) stepped in and delivered a two run line drive to center field to get the Hammers on the board. Two batters later Gary Smith (2-4, 2 RBI, 2 Runs) drew a walk to load the bases for Steve McInnis (4-5, 2 RBI, Double, 3 Runs). McInnis continued his big season with a double to right center, which cleared the bases and tied the game at five all.

"I feel very comfortable this year," said McInnis "It helps when you finally have the trust of your coach. Last year I wasn't comfortable because these guys didn't have a clue where to play me. One day it's third, the next firstbase. . . I mean, how the hell am I suppose to find a rhythm? So I said the hell with it and just drank a few extra beers before each game. This year I'm where I want to be and where I should be, and that's on the mound. They keep playing me there I'll lay off the booze."

The Hammers big first inning continued, after Player Of The Game winner Mark Free (3-3, 2 HR's, BB, 3 Runs) took first on a four pitch walk, Chris Smith (3-4, Triple, 4 RBI) delivered a triple to score both McInnis & Free. Sal Buonpane (2-4, RBI, 2 Runs) knocked in Smith from third with a single and Tom Fratolillo (1-4, 2 Runs) kept the offense rolling by ripping a double to left center. When the dust settled the black & orange had scored an astounding fifteen runs.

"You couldn't have asked for a better start to open the playoffs," said Hammers DH Gary Smith "This team can hit. We expect to score each and every inning, there's really no let downs in this lineup, one through eleven is an offensive threat. We had good at-bats tonight, guys were focused and hitting the ball hard. This team is for real and we do believe we have a chance to win every time we take the field."

Local came back with two runs in the second to cut the Hammer lead to 15-7 to stay in the game. 104 swung the bats well but just couldn't get that extra hit to match the Carpenters torrid attack. Local left 10 runners on base.

Any hopes of a comeback were dashed with a nine run third inning to put the Hammers up 24-7. Mark Free connected on a grand slam, his first of a two home run night.

Carpentry outscored Local 6-5 through the last three innings to cruise to their first playoff game win since the '06 semifinals. The win broke a six game playoff losing streak (0-4 to Flanagans in the '06 finals & 0-2 last year to VFW).

NOTES: The Hammers were without ss Bill Wysocki, outfielder Sean Munro, Jeff Sheehan and Neal Plant. All are expected back for game two. . . Tom Fratolillo's first inning double broke an 0-6 drought against Local. . . Mark Free's 6 RBI tied a team postseason record (Logan '02 vs. Mauri Electric, Wysocki '05 vs Local 103). . . Rich Brill made his first playoff appearance in 8 seasons. (last was with Cagney's in '00). . . the 30 runs was the second highest scored in team history since a 44-17 win over Mauri Electric in 2002.