08/24/2017
August 20, 2017:
As the regular season winds down, most of the playoff seedings are pretty close to being set. The Giants and Tar Heels (1st place in their respective divisions), squared off for the #1 overall seed throughout the playoffs. In the past, a #1 or #2 seed was essentially equal in that both teams either got a BYE for the first round of the playoffs or were separated in the brackets so they wouldn't meet until the finals (assuming both teams went unbeaten).
This year's story may turn out to be a little different. The Cobb Red Sox have dropped out of contention for the playoffs, dropping the teams to a unfavorable odd number (7). With seven (7) teams, only two scenarios could play out.
Scenario A: the overall #1 seed would get a first round BYE; Seeds #2 - #7 would play in the first round.
Scenario B: the #1 and #2 seeds would get a first round BYE, and only the top six (6) teams would make the playoffs.
With no certainty on what the League is going to do, both the Giants and 'Heels are playing for the overall #1 seed.
Sunday's game played out to be the rubber match between these two teams. The Tar Heels came out on fire and seemed to have everything go their way. Scoring three (3) runs in the Top of the 1st, the Giants fell behind early. From 6-4-3 double plays, to diving catches, to throwing out a guy trying to tag home from third...the 'Heels had an answer for everything. Almost everything...
"Guys were getting on base, but we couldn't punch in any runs," said Captain, Dale Lebder. "They (Heels) played extremely tough defense and were making literally every play possible." One play in particular included a deep fly ball hit by Christian Van Camp to left field. Phil Butch, one of the fastest on the team, stood at 3rd base waiting to tag. With the perfect throw and catch, Butch was tagged out at home, denying the Giants a run and ended the inning. "That was a heck of a throw," said Butch. "I thought I got under the tag," he said with a laugh.
Despite trailing 8-0 in the the bottom of the 6th, the Giants had left nine (9) men on base and continued to play hard. Mark Heard led off the Bottom of the 6th with a double to right center. Later than inning, David Umphreville, switched places with Heard as he doubled off the fence. "I told the guys one run at a time," said Lebder. "Just chip away every inning and we will have a shot in the end."
Trailing 8-1 in the 7th, a lead off single by Rookie, Dan Zatkiewicz, woke up the sleeping Giants. With a combination of back to back hits and walks, the Giants rallied and scored seven (7) runs to tie the game 8-8. "I just try to put a good swing on the ball each at bat," said Zatkiewicz. "We have a very good offense and I'm just glad to contribute."
Retiring the side in the 8th, the G-Men took to offense and Ryan Ermers singled to left field to start the inning. Ermers advanced on an outfield error and wound up at 3rd base with nobody out. Phil Butch doubled to left field, scoring Ermers, putting the Giants up 9-8 and winning the game.
Aaron Hooven (5 IP, 8 R, 10 H, 3 K) and Mark Heard (4 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 7 K) combined for the mound duties.
"I didn't have my best stuff today," said Hooven. "Mark picked me up and got the job done. That's what's awesome about this team. We have so much talent and different guys step up each week. I'm just glad we got the win."
Phil Butch, Dan Zatkiewicz and Ryan Ermers led the team, each with three (3) hits a piece.
The Giants close out their regular season next week vs the Georgia Titans at Osborne Park.
