Donks Upset in First Round of Playoffs

The Donks season came to a disappointing close in an extra-inning loss to the Reds in the first round of the playoffs.  The Donks had their chance to put the game away several times in the late innings, but were ultimately denied by a sensational pitching performance by Reds All-Star Ryan Carlson.  Hats off to the Reds!    

End of the Regular Season: Donks finish 14-8 with #3 playoff seed:

The Donks finished with their best record in franchise history at 14-8 record, which is good for the #3 seed in the upcoming playoffs.  It was a season filled with highs and lows.  New club records for RBI, BA, runs scored, wins by a pitcher were all part of what was an extreamly fun and successful summer.  That said, the heavy lifting is yet to be done.  The Donks fell short in last years TCMABL League Championship game, and have some unfinished business to take care of in this years playoffs.  Its "go-time" Donks!  Great season, now lets go get that trophy!  See you all at Castle Field at 2pm next Saturday for our first playoff game against the #6 seed Blizzard.    

Games 21 and 22: Donks Split with Twins:

In the last weekend of the reagular season the Donks faced off against the streaking Twins.  Both teams locked up playoff spots prior to the weekends game, but wIth two wins the Donks would leap frogged the Twins into 2nd place.  Needless to say, neither team wanted to give up any ground.  Game one got under way with Casazza, Lutzka, and DeWolf all reaching base.  Chris "Chicky" Chicoine roped a 2RBI single to get the Donks out in front.  The Donks would never relinguish the lead, as new comer Josh Mohwald pitched a complete game 3 run gem.  This was a true team effort.  Highlights in this contest included a 4 hit performance by Chicky, solid IF play by Duffy, and an outstanding display of OF defense.  Having one of the most sound games was catcher Dan Anderson.  Anderson did all the little things right, driving in 3RBI, two of which by Sac Fly, and gunning would be base-stealers.  Donks win 7-3. 

Game two was yet another classic pitchig duel between Osseo HS alums Nate "Smiley" Ackman and Ryan Lutzka.  The Donks jumped on Ackman to score the games first run in the 1st.  The Twins Winfeild hit a moon ball that just snuck between the foul pole and the fence resulting in a 2-run HR in the 4th to give the Twins the lead.  The Donks tied the score in the 4th with a HBP (DeWolf), a sac bunt (Chicky) and a two out hit by Anderson.  Both pitchers locked in and from that point on the duel begun.  In the 9th, with the score still tied, a rare throwing error in the Donks IF occured.  The Twins would cash in with a big two out hit by three hitter Hoberg.  In the bottom of the 9th (like the two previous innings) the Donks first hitter would reach base, and be moved over on a Sac Bunt.  Unfortunately, the Donks were unable to score resulting in a 3-2 extra inning loss.  Regardless, these kind of games is what makes the TCMABL great.  Hats off to the Twins as they earned the #2 seed with that win.         

Games 19 and 20:  Donks/Ravens Clash:
The Donks and Ravens went head to head in two epic baseball games at Round Lake Stadium in Eden Prairie last weekend.  The Donks set the tone by scoring in the first with a two out double by DeWolf followed by a Davis single.  In fact, the Donks were able to score four two out runs off one of the most dominant pitchers in the TCMABL Andrew "AB" Berenguer.  Also, this game would be ABs first loss of the season.  There were plenty highlights within game one: DeWolf had a four hit performance and by days end would finally pull his batting average up in the area it deserved (.397).  Davis (3 hits) and Shaver (2 hits) added 2RBI performances.  Meisinger added yet another RBI, and continued his assult on the Donks record books in one of the finer seasons turned in by a Donk.  Duffy made his presence known with his impressive blocking ability behind the plate, not to mention added a two bagger resulting in a run late in the contest.  The Donks defense was solid, and helped Brian "Big D" Dott to a record 9th win (previous record was 7 by Berg).  The game turned in by the Donks showed how dangerous this team can be when they play focused for a complete game.  Donks win 6-4.  

Game two was an epic pitching duel between first year Raven sensation Huether and savvy Donk vet Lutzka.  With a 2-0 lead, Huether seemed to be locked in and had the Donks puzzled until the 6th inning. DeWolf added his 6th hit of the day with two outs.  Follwed by yet another hit by Davis (4th of the day).  Per usual, Meisinger added his 28th RBI with a single to finally put the Donks on the board.  Then Shaver struck a double into the RF corner scoring both Meis and Davis to give the Donks a 1 run lead heading into the top of the 7th.  Unfortunately, the Donks could not close the deal having three IF errors in the 7th resulting in 4 unearned runs.  Ryan Lutzka finished the conest only allowing 1 earned run, but the Donks fell 6-3.  Tough loss.  However, the Donks learned an important lesson,  they can compete and beat any team in the TCMABL.  

Next weekend will decide the Donks playoff seed.  A sweep over the streaking (9-1 in the last 10 games) Twins will earn the Donks a 2nd place regular season finish.  The Donks will have to earn this sweep without six of their regular players.  That said, the Donks have a "never-say-die" attitude and the Twins will need to bring their "A" game if they want that covented 2nd seed.  Either way, this will be a good test before the playoffs for both clubs.  Go Donks!       



Games 17 and 18: Donks Fall to Pinnacle:
The Pinnacle took it to the visiting Donkeys in what turned out to be an epic sweep.  Game one was put away early by the Pinnacle as they stormed out to a huge lead, and never let go.  In true Donk fashion, the boys in blue battled to the bitter end, Donks lose 14-9.

In game two Brian "Big D" Dott strolled to the hill as he had 8 times before with his unbeaten streak in tack.  Working the first 5 innings as he had so many times, only allowing a few hits and runs.  In the meantime, the Donks offense sparked what seemed to be a comfortable lead.  However, with the temperatures hoovering around 100 degrees (yet again), the Donks became complacent.  The home Pinnacle seized the opportunity and mounted a late comeback, capped by a Grand Slam to give them a two run lead heading in the top of the 7th.  The Donks were unable to recover and were swept for the first time in the 2011 season.  Donks 9, Pinnacle 11.

Some highlights to take away from the contest was the HRs by three Donks.  DeWolf hit his second of the season and career.  Dan Casaza added his forth career HR.  Not to be outdone, Donk HR career leader (11) Kevin Davis added his second of the season.     


Game 15 and 16: Donks dominate Blue Ox:
The Donks showed up with their hitting shoes on for their weekend series against the Blue Ox putting up 36 runs in two games (18 each game).  The day was highlighted by a slew of hits, none bigger than Dan Anderson's 345 ft bomb off the light pole.  Nick Meisinger recored 3 RBIs on the weekend passing former Donk legend Paul Berg for the season record for RBI (previously 21).  Congrats to Nick on a great season thus far.  DeWolf and Dott both pitched well in their complete game victories.  Every Donk hitter recorded a run as the Donks literally put a beat down on the Blue Ox. Great Sweep Boys!  On to the Pinnacle!   


Game 13 and 14: Donks split with Blizzard:
Game 13 and 14 took place on yet another extreamly hot days.  Game one was a relaxed tempo with niether team really busting out the gates.  It wasn't until Shaver belted a two run HR that the Donks took control.  Dott yet again pitched a gem to earn his 7th victory of the year.  Donks win 6-2.

Game 14 was the pitching debut for Matt DeWolf.  Wolfy pitched his heart out in 4 innings of work only allowing 2 runs.  Also getting some work in on the mound was Meisinger and Shaver.  The three new Donk pitchers did all they could to keep us in the game.  The Donks offense went cold scoring only 3 runs.  It was a tough loss (9-3), but the Donks look to get back on track next week against the Blue Ox.  


Game 12 (Make-Up): Donks Fall to Pinnacle:
The Donks jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, but could not hold on.  Dott started, giving up only 1 hit in the bottom of the 5th, which resulted in 2 runs.  The Pinnacle added their 2nd and third hits to tie the ball game up in the 6th.  The game headed to extra innings, where Meisinger roped a double for his third RBI of the game giving the Donks a 4-3 lead heading into the bottom of the 8th.  In a wild sequence of events which included Lucca gunning his ex-mate Walt at the dish the Donks eventually fell to the Pinnacle.  The Donks realiable pitcher Lutzka had a minor melt down and walked the last three Pinnacle of the contest resulting in a disappointing 5-4 loss.  Ouch!      


Games 10 and 11: Donks Split with Reds:
The Donks battled tough in the extream heat to split with the Reds.  In Game one, per usual, Brian Dott continued his domination on the National League and erned his 6th win of the season.  However, this game was a true showcase of the Donks offensive ability.  Leading the way was Meisinger and Anderson who both hommered.  Simberg and Lutzka added RBI doubles.  And DeWolf set a team record with 3 HPBs.  Donks win 13-7.

Game two was not an epic extra inning battle with not only the Reds, but the blistering heat.  The Donks went up early, but could not put away the pesky Reds.  Once again, Meisinger lead the way with his 3 RBI performance.  In the 6th, down by two, the Donks rallied to tie the score on Turner's infield single.  However, the Donks gave up 3 in the 8th and were not able to summon the baseball Gods for any more runs.  Donks lose 11-8 in 8 innings. 


Donks to Run Wild at All-Star Game:
The TCMABL All-Star game will be held on July 5, 2011 at Round Lake Stadium in Eden Prairie.  The Donks will be well represented!  Leading the way is manager Ryan Lutzka who will assume the coaching duties for the National League side.  Joining him on the bench will be father and son Dan and Al Casazza.  With a 5-0 record and sub 3 ERA, Brian Dott has been named the starting pitcher.  Also, the Donks voted in Matt DeWolf and Kevin Simberg.  Congrats to Simmy, Wolfy, and Dott on their first All-Star selections.  What a great 1st half, let's get ready to defend our National League title in the 2nd half!  Go Donks! 



Game 8 and 9: Donks Sweep Wizards:
Last weekend, the boys in blue stepped up and delivered two more wins.  Once again, Brian Dott was able to hold the opposition in check in game one.  Dott improved his record to 5-0, and continues to puzzle hitters.  On the opposite side of the ball, the offense threw up another 10 run performance.  Leading the way was Matt DeWolf with 2 hits, which included a monster HR and 3 RBIs.  Kevin Davis added two hits.   Nick Meisinger had a bases clearing double.  Turner and Lucca both added pinch-hit knocks.  Last, but not least the Donks played steller team defense and did not render an error.  Final score 10-4, Donks!

Game two resulted in yet another Donk victory, 8-5.  Lutzka earned his second victory of the season.  This was the game of two hit performances.  Nick Meisinger, Justin Turner, Matt Shaver, Dan Casazza, and Matt DeWolf all had two hits.  Great job fellas!  Enjoy the long break!    



Game 6 and 7: Donks Sweep Snappers:

The Donks rebounded nicely after a disappointing loss the previous week to sweep the Snappers.  Game one resulted in yet another win for Brian "Big D" Dott with the score being 8-6.  The tone of the game was set in the first inning when veteran Donk Nik "Watty" Watkins blasted a bases loaded double over the out-stretched CF's head, scoring three.  Not to be outdone, Kevin "Simmy" Simberg added two two out hits resulting in three runs.  Other key highlights: Anderson recorded two hits and an RBI.  Lutzka, Davis, and Turner also added a hit.  Game two was one of the quickest games in Donks history.  Once again a big hit in the first inning set the tone.  Kevin "KD" Davis blasted a HR down the left-field line with two outs and one on.  Lutzka took the hill and made quick work of the Snappers going 5 innings, giving up two hits, and allowing one run.  The final score was 12-1.  Other highlights: Turner's two out RBI, followed by a SB, and eventually a run (great sequence of baseball events).  Simberg yawned and had another 2 hit performance (4 on the day).  Meisinger had a two hits, and two RBI.  Lutzka went 1-2 with a 2B, 2BB and 2RBI.  Casazza got back on track with 2 hits.  Dewolf added a hit, and 2RBI.  

Great Sweep Donks!!!  The Snappers are a strong veteran team with a tremendous amount of success through their long history.  The next stop is the Wizards.  Let's keep this TRAIN going! 

 


Game 4 and 5: Donks Split with North Stars:
In the second full weekend of the season, the Donks faced the expansion North Stars.  Game one was a land slide in favor of the boys in blue.  Another great start by Dott held the North Stars to one run.  The offense did it's job putting up 10 runs.  Highlights included: 3 hit, 4 RBI performance by Chicky and a 3 RBI game for Shaver.  Game two was not the best showing for the Donks.  A number of defense misques and timley hitting by the Stars eventually lead to a 7-4 loss.  Hats off to the expansion North Stars on their first TCMABL victory.  Its always a pleasure to play against a class-act ball club.   



Game 3 and 4: Donks Sweep Blue Ox:
In the first full weekend of the season the Donks swept the Blue Ox, winning both contests by comfortable margins.  Game One was highlighted by a strong pitching performance by from savvy vet Brian Dott, disciplined at-bats, and stellar defense.  Game Two was the debut start of Xavier Black.  Black showed great poise as he worked 6 innings.  Congrats to Xavier on his first win with the club!    The offense did their part outscoring the Blue Ox 17-6 on the weekend.  Once again, Dan Casazza led the way with his 4 hit weekend.  DeWolf started where he left off last season by quietly adding 4 hits.  Key hits by Anderson, Meisinger, Shaver, and Davis kept removing "Donks from the pond."  

Great sweep guys!  You are all a class act, and an even better ball-club!  Let's keep the TRAIN rolling into next weekend’s tilts against the North Stars.   

Opening Day - Game 1 & 2:
For most TCMABL teams, opening day was a bust, as storms tore through the Twin Cities.  However, before the rain came, the Donks were able to play 5 full innings against the expansion  Pinnacle, resulting in a come-from-behind 7-4 victory.  Highlights from the this shortened tilt were Captain Casazza's three doubles, Chicoine's base-loaded two out 2 RBI single, Dott's rebirth as the Donks #1 starter, 4 HBPs (two handed to Watty) by the opposing pitcher, strong IF play, and the never-say-die attitude by a savvy veteran Donk squad.  The boys in blue look ready for yet another magical run in 2011.  Good Job guys!    
 
Game 2 will be re-scheduled at a later date.