September
23rd
(Playoffs)
Dodgers 3 White Sox 10
White Sox 1 Pirates 7
The Sox were jonesing to defend their early season loss to the Dodgers
in their first round of the 2012 playoffs. Scheduled starter,
Erin McGee, could not show to the park in time to get the start, so
catcher, Chris Huebner got the nod only 2 minutes before first pitch.
Huebner gave up the only three runs the Dodgers could muster in their
first four at-bats before he settled down to retire that side with a
strike out and a lazy pop fly to center. McGee finally arrived
to take the next two innings not letting a batter advance to first.
From there, veteran Dustin Wilson added to the Dodger frustrations
facing only four batters over the minimum in four innings to get the
win. Wilson once again helped his own cause with a stellar
offensive line: 3-4, 2R, HR, RBI. Others contributing on
offense were Andy Miller (2-3, 3R, BB), Patrick Taliaferro (2-3, 2R,
BB), and Erin McGee (2-2, 2RBI, BB). Matt Villines also knocked
one of the sweetest swingin' home runs I have seen in a long while.
In the bracket final, the White Sox met the Pirates for the first time
this season due to the previous matches being rained out. The
game looked to be a strong pitcher's duel between the Pirates'
stalwart, Brett Reynolds, and our own MVP from last season, Mark
Taylor. Taylor (much like the early game) gave up three quick
runs to the hard-hitting pirates but settled in the rest of the way
with a stellar outing. As much hyped (well deserved) as Reynolds
is, Taylor stood toe-to-toe striking out 10 Pirates batters in 6
innings. After Chris Huebner belted a home run off Reynolds in
the top of the 5th inning the game was 3-1 Pirates. In their
next at-bat, the Pirates had a runner on first and third with one out.
Reynolds hit a sharp grounder to Mike Lopez at second base who tagged
the runner and threw to first that looked like a double play.
However, the umpire reversed his call to keep the runner at second and
the runner from third scoring. Instead of the White Sox coming
to bat in the sixth top of the order, the change of circumstance had
the demoralized Sox down 7-1 instead following an error in left field
by an injured Andy Carpenter. Offensive bright spot was limited
on the Sox side to Chris Huebner and his aforementioned HR (2-3, R,
HR, RBI, K). The White Sox settle for third place in league this
season which is respectable considering difficulties fielding a full
squad much of the way. But the future looks bright and
strong...--Stephen Boudreaux, White Sox
September 7-8th
White Sox 7 Senators 1
August 18-19th
White Sox 4 Royals 3
The White Sox and Royals were supposed to participate in the 2012
Arklahoma Shootout, but due to circumstances out of their control, the
tournament was canceled. Having fields and umpires at their
disposal, the two teams needed to get a league game in each. The
last game between these two teams was a one-run, come-from-behind,
nail-biter that mirrored the 2011 championship game between the teams.
The thoughts were that this third game in the series would be the same
sort of prize-fight. Since the book is in the uniform bucket at
Patrick's house, I cannot reveal details...but what I do recall is
that Erin McGee pitched strong for the Sox in the first four innings
holding the Royals back, but it was Dustin Wilson's 2-hit over 5
inning pitching performance that sealed the victory for the Sox just
as it seemed the Royals would mount yet another come back.
Offensive numbers and line scores to follow...--Stephen Boudreaux,
White Sox
August 11-12th
White Sox 10 Wingnuts 1
I have no idea what it is going to take to get the White Sox to show
up with full strength for a game. As Patrick said, "We either
have pitching, infield and no outfield; pitching, outfield and no
infield; outfield, infield and no pitching, but never all three."
Fortunately, the Sox core group of about 7 guys show up most times and
get the job done. It's getting at least the 8th guy there to
keep from forfeiting or a couple others to be competitive. Gees.
Remember the days when the Sox had like 18 guys for every game?
I do... Today, the Sox were fortunate that Mike Lopez was having
a good day because he's not grumpy when he has a good day and the
equipment is safe. Lopez raked two line drive home runs out of
Phillips III against two different Wingnut pitchers, scored three
runs, three RBI, and got plunked once. Dustin Wilson was also
hot going 3-5, 2B, 2RBI and 2R. Mark Taylor returned to
the mound and was pitching lights out despite a less-than-favorable
zone. Taylor's line: 5IP, 1R, 1ER, 1H, 3BB, 2HBP, 11K and
the win. Matt Mozzoni pitched 2 innings in relief and looked strong
giving up no runs on no hits with 2BB and 4K (Mozzoni also roped a
line drive home run of his own to help the cause). Matt Villines
closed out the affair with 2 innings with only one base hit, 1HBP, and
2Ks. 17Ks in 9 innings is a good day. But the Sox are
going to have to get with the program or crawl into the playoffs way
under-manned.--Stephen Boudreaux, White Sox
August 4-5th
White Sox 9 Tigers 4
Tigers 11 White Sox 3
Another rough outing for the White Sox showing up to the ball park
with only 8 players to start the first game. Taking the mound
was Mark Taylor who was scheduled to start game 2, but was thrust into
covering for the others that didn't show. Taylor pitched well
and earned a tough win going all 7 innings striking out 11 and giving
up only 3 hits. Andy Carpenter's bat came alive despite recent
injuries (3-4, R, RBI, 2B). Also contributing in game one Tim
Hooper (2-4, R, RBI, 2SB) and Stephen Boudreaux (2-4, R, RBI, K).
Game two was a bit of a disaster for the White Sox spotting the Tigers
three unearned runs in the first inning on three errors E4, E5, E6.
In the third inning, the White Sox tied the game on Nick Coe's
second-ever base hit who scored on Mike Lopez moving him over and Seth
White's RBI base hit. However, the next bit stifled the entire
bench... Mike Lopez got caught leaning too far off second base
and was caught in a run-down pickle for the second out. Seth
White moved up to second in the mêlée but danced off the bag trying to
draw a throw and got picked off immediately killing the rally.
Matt Villines was at the plate during the fracas and he was following
up his line drive home run from the 2nd inning with runners on first
and second. It seems from there, the Sox were done. In the
next inning, Villines struck out on Karma and the Sox failed to
threaten again. Erin McGee gets a no-decision leaving with
the game tied. Dustin Wilson gets saddled with a rare loss for
him giving up 6 runs before leaving without recording an out in the
7th. Offensively, there was not much going on: Mike Lopez
(2-3), Andy Carpenter (2-3, R), and Nick Coe (1-2, R, K)--Stephen
Boudreaux, White Sox
July 30th
The NWAMSBL celebrated our 2012 fundraising campaign by having the "NWAMSBL
Day at Arvest Ball Park" on Monday. It was tough to get a total
count on our group's attendance, but I would say close to 300 players,
family, friends, and ticket buyers from our group that showed up on a
day where temperatures exceeded 108º.
The home team NWA Naturals fell to the visiting Springfield Cardinals
after the game was tied in the bottom of the 8th inning in exciting
fashion. NWAMSBL League President, Stephen Boudreaux, was
invited again to the radio booth for a scheduled half-inning
interview. Mark Zaiger, our liaison with the Minor League team,
exclaimed that Stephen's interview last year with team broadcaster,
Steven Davis, during the event was his most favorite all year and that
he was looking forward to having me in the booth again to talk
baseball. Instead of the scheduled half-inning, Stephen was
allowed to remain in the booth for three full innings. After
leaving the booth, his smart phone began to buzz with online
registration announcements from folks that heard the interview.
A total of 6 new registrants came in during the hour following the
interview. That may not sound like much, but it is an evident
spike and great exposure. Immediately following the game, the
NWAMSBL had a successful home run derby getting more than 24
contestants to the plate to try and send a ball out of the big Minor
League park. Even though a few home-run-hitting favorites could
not attend, two members of the West Beech Browns showed why that squad
has been racing up the standings in recent weeks. Shannon
Peterson and Sam Neal, both of the Browns, were the winners of the
derby in a tie launching shots in the deepest part of the park.
Congratulations to them and thanks to our membership and the NWA
Naturals for a great time at the park.
July 28-29
White Sox 7 Cardinals 3
Cardinals 5 White Sox 9
Once again, the White Sox came to the field short-handed (9 players)
for a double header on the hottest game day of the year at 109º.
Fortunately, our position players that can pitch, did and did well.
In game one, Chris Huebner virtually shut down the now-potent Cardinal
hitting giving up only one run on only 2 hits striking out 5 in three
innings' work. Maybe just as impressive was Dustin Wilson who
seems to have found his arm from the past pumping in fastballs in the
mid-80's easy...maybe more? And his curve ball seems to have
found it's way back as well taking care of the Cardinal's 15-spot
hitting lineup. The Cardinal pitching in game one stifled the
Sox, but a few clutch hitters found there way to a good day.
Chris Huebner (2-3, 2-2B, RBI, HBP), Tim Hooper (2-3, R, 2RBI, SB, HBP),
Stephen Boudreaux (2-4, R, RBI). Game two was much the same
scenario with Seth White starting on the mound to cover for regular
starters being MIA. White shut down the Cardinals in the first
three innings allowing only one run and striking out three. Andy
Carpenter tried in relief, but left after an injury and giving up four
runs despite three strikeouts of his own. Trusty Andy Miller
volunteered to come to the rescue after his stellar day at the plate
(3-3, 3R, 3RBI, HR(5)). Miller kept the Cardinal hitters at bay
giving up only one meaningless hit in 2 1/3 innings of relief to earn
the save. Aside from Miller's day at the plate, Seth White also
helped himself (3-4, R, RBI, SB), and newcomer TO BASEBALL, Nick Coe,
gets his first hit in the sport EVER going 1-3 on the day. Nick
never played the sport in Little League or any level, but absolutely
loves the game and wanted to try his hand at baseball at the age of
32. Nick started taking throwing and batting lessons last year
and is making great progress. Most importantly, he is the most
enthusiastic competitor we have ever witnessed in a White Sox dugout.
Way to go, Nick, and thanks for being our teammate.--Stephen
Boudreaux, White Sox
July 21-22
Dodgers 15 White Sox 13
The first inning was a preview of what this day was going to be. The
Dodgers started the top of the first with 2 home runs, one each by
Mike McAllister and Ralph Duenas, scoring 3 runs. The White Sox came
back with 4 runs in the bottom of the 1st with a grand slam. The game
stayed close until the 6th and 7th innings where the White Sox scored
6 runs, to take a 13-11 lead. With time running out, there was only
time for one more inning. Being the visiting team, the Dodgers had to
score in this inning, or end up with a tough loss. Well, the first two
batters struck out to start the inning, the #11 batter in the lineup,
John Finch, got two quick strikes and was in an 0-2 hole quickly.
Well, Finch took that 0-2 pitch, and lined it into left field for his
first hit of the day. Up came Matt Garza, who homered in his last at
bat, the walked him to face Mike McAllister, who promptly took a
curveball in the back to load the bases for Rich Conner. Conner ran
the count to 3-1, and that is when he blasted the fastball over the
left field fence for his 2nd grand slam of the season, and gave the
Dodgers a 15-13 lead. Brian Tomlin came in for the Dodgers, and
pitched a perfect inning, getting the save for the Dodgers victory.
The Dodgers had 9 hits, 4 of them homeruns by Mike McAllister, Ralph
Duenas, Matt Garza and the game winner by Rich Conner--Eric Exner,
Dodgers
July 14-15
White Sox 15 Rangers 5
Rangers 4 White Sox 10
Defense wins ball games and championships and this is why the sox are
defending champions year end and year out they find good pitching and
play great defense its that simple. We beat ourselves in this double
header. Clay Fecht gave up five runs in the first game and the defense
played well until the last two innings of the ball game we just simply
fell apart. Last year we was run ruled in both double headers this
year we hung tough for a good deal of both games but it just wasn't
enough we have to play better defense if we want to beat good teams.
To be the men you have to beat the men.--Reggie Smith, Rangers
The White Sox enjoy playing the Rangers. Not because we have
gotten the best of them the last couple of years, but rather because
they are good guys and enjoy the atmosphere regardless of the end
result. It wasn't obvious that the Rangers needed to improve
(from last year's winless season), but it was important to them to
give a better effort and recruit some help. Winning isn't
everything, but it definitely cures a lot of ails. So, the
Rangers have improved and have won a couple of games in the early
season, so I am certainly hopeful for them. As for my guys...we
have some work to do of our own. The White Sox have a great core
group, but we are piece-mealing our pitching staff. When Mark
Taylor cannot make it to the ball park, we have exactly zero
true pitchers over the age of 25 on the roster. This was
evidenced by the fact that I had to take the old-school knuckleball to
the mound to eat a few innings. I haven't pitched in nearly a
decade (in a scrimmage game), but I will admit I enjoyed the
opportunity. Game one was a quick burst by the Sox offense
scoring 5 runs in the top of the first. Ranger pitcher Clay
Fecht settled down through the 5th when the Sox struck again with 4
runs and then another 6 runs in the 6th. Sox pitcher,
Chris Huebner, shut down the Rangers until I came in for the 4th
inning. I didn't do terrible until the 6th inning plunking 3
batters in a row to load the bases and then my little experiment was
over. Andy Carpenter finished things off for Huebner, but not
after surrendering a few runs. The second game was almost a
mirror image of the first with the Sox again scoring 5 in the first.
Rookie pitcher Erin McGee took the first three innings for the Sox and
didn't give up a run scattering only 2 hits and 2 walks striking out 4
Rangers. Dustin Wilson finished things off with an impressive
outing striking out 5 Rangers and giving up only one hit per inning.
Offensively on the day for the White Sox, Tim Hooper was the breakout
star (5-6, 4R, 2RBI, BB, HBP, SB, K). Seth White (3-7, 5R, RBI,
HBP, 4SB), and Andy Miller (3-8, 4R, 3RBI, HR(3), 2K).--Stephen
Boudreaux, White Sox
July 7-8
White Sox 11 Van Buren Hogs 13
This game was a test of, "which coach can get their full squad
together for a ballgame" which was ultimately won by the younger
bunch. In the first of the Interleague games this season
designed to match up the depleted 18+ teams with 25+ to give them some
variety, the White Sox didn't answer the call with a full squad and
had to rely on a prospect in Dan Nowacinski and Tigers manager, Al
Hatcher, who was game enough to give the Sox a hand to field 9 spots.
Missing from the Sox lineup were 8 out of 15 on the roster including 5
of the top 9 hitters. The Hogs were much better equipped and the
game started off this way through the first 7 innings with the Hogs
leading 9-2. By the time the Hogs had shuffled in their 4th
pitcher, the White Sox were ready to hit scoring 8 runs in the top of
the 8th inning to knot the game at 10 apiece highlighted by Albert
Swann's daring 3-run triple and Stephen Boudreaux's 3-run double.
In the bottom of the 8th, though, the White Sox had run out of
pitching and gave up three runs. In the top of the 9th, the Sox
managed to plate a single run and then load the bases with a chance to
steal the win. However, Boudreaux chased a wild curve ball to
strike out and Mark Taylor dribbled a grounder to first to end the
threat. Mark Taylor pitched a dandy game despite the outcome
striking out 5 batters. Chris Huebner gets saddled with the loss
despite striking out 6 Hogs in 3 innings. Offensively, the White
Sox did better than expected: Chris Huebner (2-2, R, RBI, 2B,
3BB), Stephen Boudreaux (3-6, 2R, 4RBI, 2B, 2K), Albert Swann (1-5,
2R, 3RBI, 3B, BB).--Stephen Boudreaux, White Sox
July 1-2
White Sox 23 Tigers 3
The White Sox rebounded from their disappointing last inning loss to
the Royals last week with an offensive barrage against the Tigers.
Generally surehanded Tiger pitcher, Jeremy Travis, has faired well
against league competition but the Sox were determined and amassed 11
runs against the veteran before running him out of the game. For
the Sox, the combination of pitching by Erin McGee, Mark Taylor, and
newcomer Chris Currier accounted for only 2 earned runs surrendered
and 11Ks in 8 innings. Taylor was most impressive with 7Ks alone
in his three innings. Offensively, the book is hieroglyphical,
but key contributors: Albert Swann (5-5, 3R, 3@2B, RBI, BB, SB),
Mike Lopez (3-5, 2R, 2RBI, 2B HR(1), BB, SB), Seth White (4-6, 3R,
5RBI, 2B, GS-HR(1)), Patrick Taliaferro (5-6, 2R, 3RBI, 3@2B, SB),
Stephen Boudreaux (3-5, R, 2RBI). Things don't get easier for
the Sox...next week comes interleague play with the Van Buren Hogs of
the 18+ division in Van Buren and short-handed to boot.--Stephen
Boudreaux, White Sox
June 23-24
Royals 9 White Sox
8
It was a re-match of last
year's championship game between these two squads and just as tight
til the end requiring a last-inning effort to win it. This time
the outcome was different 9-8 in favor of the Royals (last year's
Yankees). Erin McGee pitched a dandy and deserved a win
basically shutting the Royals down, but his bullpen faltered and let
the lead slip away. A late White Sox rally fell victim to the
dreaded baseball clock. The Royals are better this year even than last
year's Yankees squad we met in the championship game. But the White
Sox without their pitching can still hang with them. The White Sox
still lack some offensive production in key spots that we will need to
improve on before the next game as the competition in the 25+ division
is stronger top-to-bottom. McGee's line: 4inn, 2R, 1ER,
3H, 0BB, 2HBP, 5K. Wilson gave up 2 runs and Swann gave up 3 runs and gets the loss.
Miller gave up the final two runs in the margin, but hit a 2-run homer
to make it that close. Offensive producers for the White Sox:
Seth White (3-4, 2R, RBI, BB), Andy Miller (2-4, R, 2RBI, HR(1)),
Dustin Wilson (2-4, 2RBI, 2@2B), and Andy Carpenter (2-4, R, RBI, 2B,
BB)--Stephen Boudreaux, White Sox
For the Royals
The Royals were
faced with the task of redemption from last years loss in the
championship game to the Sox. With Jacob Koch and Trent Polston only
giving up 1 earned run apiece and key hits by Michael Yates (1-3, dbl
2 RBI) Jacob Koch (2-3), Roger Hill (2-5) and Brice Hall (2-4, 1 RBI)
the Royals were able to hang on for a 1 run win.--Justin Belk,
Royals
June 16-17
White Sox 13
Senators 7
The 25+ division is a plus
one team over last year thanks to some rebels that seceded from the
Dodgers. This new squad will fare well if Sunday was any
indication. Fortunately for the White Sox, last year's league
MVP, Mark Taylor, returned to the mound to shut down the Senators
through 4 2/3 innings before leaving with a 5-2 lead striking out 8
batters giving up only one hit. Newcomer, Albert Swann,
literally stepped off a plane in relief along with Andy Miller to save
things striking out an additional 6 batters. Dustin Wilson should
always make bets about winning some sort of slugger title, because he
is absolutely crushing the baseball going 3-5 with another home run
(3) (3-5, R, HR, 4RBI 2SB). Others contributing offensively:
Patrick Taliaferro (3-4, 2R, BB, SB), Chris Huebner (2-4, HBP), Albert
Swann (1-1, 2R, 2B, SB, RBI, HBP all in two plate appearances).--Stephen
Boudreaux, White Sox
June 4, 2012
Wingnuts 2 White
Sox 17
Kicking off the delayed
2012 season, the game Wingnuts and White Sox hustled out to
expertly-groomed Lincoln HS Field to square off and test their squads.
These two teams actually scrimmaged twice in the pre-season in a pair
of even contests. However, when the reality of the
"games-that-matter" was at hand, the White Sox proved that they might
have picked up where they left off from last seasons' championship
run. Despite missing starting catcher, Andy Miller (broken
foot), starting center fielder, Tim Hooper (cut open hand), starting
short stop, Lincoln Garner (out for season with torn laborum), and
last season's MVP, LHP Mark Taylor, the Sox looked to a couple of
newcomers to take up the slack. Erin McGee took the mound to
start the contest and pitched a dandy 4 innings of 2-hit ball striking
out 6. Shortstop, Albert Swann, made a heckuva play to end the
4th when the Wingnuts were threatening. Rookie, Nick Coe...who
claims to have never played the game ever...stepped to the plate four
times, recorded an RBI and put the ball in play each at-bat.
The king of the day on offense for the White Sox was veteran slugger,
Dustin Wilson who started his day off with a grand slam and ended it
with a solo shot sandwiching a walk, single, and HBP and 6 RBIs.
Others atop the leaderboard were Erin McGee (2-3, RBI, BB, SB, K), and
Stephen Boudreaux (2-3, 2R, 2RBI, SAC), and Mike Lopez (1-1, 2R, 2BB,
SB).--Stephen Boudreaux, White Sox
2011 Final Standings and
Summaries
2010 Final Standings and
Summaries
2009 Final Standings and
Summaries
2008 Final Standings and
Summaries
2007 Final Standings and
Summaries
2006 Final Standings and
Summaries
2005 Final Standings and
Summaries
2004 Final Standings and
Summaries
2000 Final Standings and Summaries
