By Keith McCray
Associated Press
KINCAID PARK, W. QUINCY - The Hofbrau came from behind once again to win it's 26th consecutive contest with a 19-5 blowout win over arch-rival Malachy's to take the first game of the Quincy Merchant League best of seven finals.
Playing without Nelson Feliciano, Steve & Mike Yocco and Keith McCray, the three-time defending champs came out flat, mustering only 3 hits in the first three innings and trailed 5-2 after three innings.
Down and seemingly on course to a repeat of last years game one loss, in true Hoffy style, they reached into their bag of tricks and came alive in the 4th inning, sending 14 batters to the plate. A walk to Tom Fratolillo loaded the bases and set the stage for second year player Jon Bosse. Stealing a page from his uncle Glen, who throughout the years has delivered countless clutch hits for the maroon and gold, the 20 year old turned on a 2-1 pitch, crushing the ball to left which cleared the bases and changed the game The grand-slam gave the Hofbrau a lead which they would not relinquish.
For the young Bosse (wearing someone's #25 as opposed to his usual 17), it was the first of two home runs on the night. "I wasn't thinking up there," said Bosse "I'm just having fun and enjoying the moment. Fortunately I got a pitch I could drive and didn't miss it."
After the slam, Dave Brolin, Greg Harper and Ramon hit consecutive singles before Scot Logan knocked in 2 with a double to center. Glen Bosse kept the inning going with a walk, which set up a 2-run triple by Jim Dennis.
Ramon and Logan fought through injuries to provide offensive production and the defensive stability that the Hoffy has relied on throughout the year.
Fireballing pitcher Steve Lannan shut Malachy's down the rest of the way. Hoffy put up 7 insurance runs in the bottom of the 6th on nine more hits, including a 2-run bomb from Jon Bosse. In all, five Hoffy starters had at least three hits, including a 4-4, 4 rbi night from Dennis and a 3-4, 6 rbi performance from J. Bosse.
"That's what this team is all about," McCray said. "The minute you think you have us...you don't."
NOTES: Bill Wysocki returned to the lineup, playing solid defense and going 2-3 with 2 RBI. . . Malachy's pitcher Jack Manning was fined for an undisclosed amount for use of foul language during the game. . . for more information on the Hofbrau visit official team site at www.hoffyblogspot.com
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