Game 19 & 20 vs Mariners: Donks Sweep M's

The Donks positioned themselves in an ear shot of the prized #1 seed in the National Legue by sweeping the Mariners this past weekend.  Game one was highlighted by Parker's 3 hit performance.  Other notable highlights included Lutzka's two out RBI Single, followed by DeWolf's double giving the Donks the lead in the 5th.  

Final Score: Donks - 11  Mariners - 5

Game two was yet another dominating performance by rookie Donks pitcher Lance Logan.  Logan only allowed 4 hits, and fanned seven in a complete game victory.  Other highlights included Davis's 2-2 day;  Chciky's frozen rope for a triple; Lutzka extended his hit streak to 8 games; and Parker added two more hits on the day.  

Final Score:  Donks - 8  Mariners - 4

Next weekend the Donks revive their rivalery with the Ducks, as well as meet the Diamond Kings on monday.  The next four games have huge playoff implications.  Let's bring our "A" game, and go fetch four victories.  

Game 17 & 18 vs Diamond Kings: 

Games were postponed due to standing water on Simley HS field.  Games will be made-up on 8/13 at Lighted Field in New Hope.   

Game 15 & 16 vs Tigers:  Tigers Tame Donks:

The Tigers gave the Donks a lesson in baseball this weekend.  

Final Score (game 1):  Tigers - 10  Donks - 5

Final Score (game 2):  Tigers - 13  Donks - 7

Let's put these two games behind us and get ready for our match-up with the Diamond Kings.  

Game 13 & 14 vs Orioles:  Donks Split with O's:

The Donks entered the second half of thier season one game back of the 1st place Twins.  The competition level is only going to intensify as the boys in blue head down the back stretch.  This was proven as the visiting Orioles strolled into NEAF for their weekend series against the Donks.  Brian Dott held the O's in check most of the day, only allowing 5 runs on 7 hits in 8 innings or work.  The Donks had many opportunities to plate the winning run in the 6th, 7th, and 8th inning, but failed to do so as the O's nipped the Donks 5-4 in extra innings. 

Final Score:  Donks - 4  Orioles - 5  (8 innings)

Game two was a much different outcome for the Donks.  Lance Logan logged his second consecutive complete game victory only allowing 3 runs on 6 hits in 6 innings of work.  The Donks offensive erupted for 13 runs to win in a ten run fashion.  Some highlights from the game included: Lutzka 2-2 1RBI, 2BB; DeWolf's 2 hit 3 RBIs; Davis, Hanson, and Anderson all had 2 hits (1 single, 1 2B, and 1 RBI.  Parker added a hit and RBI.  And finally, Nik Watkins added two hits and 3RBI.  

Final Score:  Donks - 13  Orioles - 3  (6 innings)

All- Star Game: National League Thumps American League:

The American League came out swinging scoring 4 runs in the top of the 1st inning.  However, the National League would not be denied on a beautiful summer evening at NEAF #1.  The Nats rallied back chipping away in the first three inning, capatalizing on a big inning and eventually winning 14-7.  Donks Dan Casazza and Ryan Lutzka combined for 3 hits, 3 runs, and at one point made 5 consecutive outs on the field.  It was a great experience for both players as they helped secure home field for the Championship game.  

All-Star Selections:

The Donks would like to congratulate Dan Casazza and Ryan Lutzka on being selected to participate in the 18+ All-Star game on 7/8 at NEAF#1 in NE Mpls at 5pm.  We know they'll both do us proud as they try to capture home field advantage for the National League.  Good luck boys!  

Games 11 & 12 vs Mudhens:  Donks Beat the Heat and the Hens:

On a day where the heat reached a cool 95 degrees (with no dugouts in sight), the Donks swept the Mudhens.  The tone of game one was set when Dan Casazza belted a triple into the right field gap, only to then score on a Lutzka sac-fly.  Dewolf, Davis, Shaver, and Chicky would all score in the inning to make the score 5-0 before the Hens even picked up a stick.  That was all that was needed, as Dott only allowed 3 runs in 7 innings of work.  The Donks would tack on 15 runs total.  Casazza lead the way with his 3 hits.  Lutzka, Davis, Shaver, Chicky, Anderson, and Hanson would all add two hits.  Dewolf and Simberg also added one hit, which resulted in every hitter recording at least one hit.  Nice work boys!

Final Score:  Donks - 15  Mudhens - 3

Game two was not nearly as easy of a win as game one.  Mudhens pitcher Weaver pitched 5.1 extremely impressive innings.  In fact, Weaver had a no-hitter through 4 innings, until Davis hit a single between 3B and SS.  That said, Lance Logan answered the bell, going pitch for pitch with Weaver.  Logan only allowed 2 unearned runs, which resulted from a throwing error with two down in the 3rd inning.  Logan recorded an electric 10 K's in his complete game win.  With the Donks down 2-0, Davis led the way recording the first Donk hit and run in the top of the 5th.  In the 6th, with bases loaded Davis would score again on a perfectly read pass-ball.  The Mudhens would battle out of the inning not allowing the Donks to take the lead.  With the game tied 2-2 in the top of the 7th, the first Donks hitter to the plate was Simberg.  Simmy was soon plunked and took his base.  Then Casazza stepped to the plate hoping to ignite the Donks.  Casazza worked the count to 3-2.  He took a deep breathe and on the very next pitch crushed a ball to deep center.  Knowing the ball was well over the head of the CF (and because Casazza yelled "GO") Simmy raced around the bases and scored the go-ahead run.  Casazza would eventually score on a DeWolf sac-fly.  Logan strolled out to the mound and made quick work of the Hens in the 7th, earning his first Donks victory.  This one was a total team win and a great character builder.   

Final Score:  Donks - 4  Mudhens - 2

One final note, today was Matt Shaver's last game for the Donks.  Matt is a class act on and off the field.  His quite approach and thunderous swing struck fear in the heart of all Donk opponents.  We wish Matt the best of luck as he prepares to move to Boston, MA to pursue a teaching opportunity.  We love ya Matty!  Thanks for all the memories and good play!       

Games 9 & 10 vs Reds - Donks Split with Reds:

The Donks 4 game winning streak was snapped in game one this weekend against the Reds.  Brian Dott gave the Donks 5 strong innings, but was received very little run support from the boys in blue.  Un-rostered #4 for the Reds had the Donks hitters off balance all day.  Needless to say, this is a game the Donks would like to forget.

Final Score:  Donks - 3  Reds  - 5

Game two was yet another commanding start by new Donks pitcher Godell.  Corey gave the Donks 4 strong innings only allowing one run and striking out 5.  Ryan Lutzka came into record the 3 inning save not allowing a run, while fanning three.  The Donks offense supplied a few more runs than the previous game and escaped with the weekend split.

Final Score:  Donks - 5  Reds - 1

Games 7 & 8 vs Piranhas - Donks Earn 3rd Sweep of Season:

Hot off a sweep of the Ravens the Donks looked to extend their winning streak against the visiting Piranhas.  With Brian Dott back on the hill, the Donks rolled in game one.  After a flawless first inning the Donks offensive went to work.  Leading off the game Casazza drew his 7th consecutive walk (6 BBs against the Ravens in game two), stole second, and scored on a Lutzka single.  Davis eventually executed a Sac Fly, scoring Lutzka.  The two runs ended up being the difference as Dott only allowing 1 run off 2 hits in 5 innings of work (10-run rule).  The Donks offense continued their assault on the record books, plating 14 runs in total.  Offensive highlights include: Lutzka's three hits and 2RBI, Davis's 2 hits and 6 RBI, four of which came on a towering Grand Slam to deep left center.  Duffy added two hits (one was an RBI 2B).  Billy Hanson smashed a 2B and added an RBI.  Parker and Anderson both added an RBI as well.  

Final Score:  Donks - 14  Piranhas - 1 (5 innings)

Game two was dominated by new Donks pitcher Cory Godell.  Godell had the Piranhas hitters off balance all day, pitching 5 scoreless innings, only allowing 3 hits., and fanning 5.  Duffy took the ball in the 6th, and only faced 3 hitters, striking out 1.  Lutzka closed out the game with a 1,2, 3 inning of his own which also included a K.  The Donks offense did not miss a beat, scoring 8 runs in total.  Offensive highlights included: Casazza's three hit, 1RBI performance.  Both Lutzka and DeWolf added two hits and 2RBI.  Davis's 2 hit, 1RBI.  Duffy (2RBI) and Hanson (2 hits in game 2) added their second 2Bs of the day.

Final Score:  Donks - 8  Piranhas - 0 

One more note to add, the Donks did not commit an error all day.  Great job Boys!!!    

Games 5 & 6 vs Ravens - Donks Cage Ravens for 2nd Sweep:

After two disappointing loses to the Twins the week before, the Donks knew the series with the Ravens would be an important turning point.  This would have to be done with a lean roster.  Due to scheduling conflicts only 9 Donks were able to make the games.  That said, the 9 present seemed to be the perfect mixture for a sweep.  Parker Hagerman made his first start for the boys in blue and pitched a gem only allowing 2 runs on 6 hits.  The offense hit the ground running, plating the first 5 hitters of the game.  Offensive highlights included: DeWolf's three hit performance, Davis went 2-3 with 2 RBI and an SB, Shaver's two RBI double (and SB), Parker's 2 RBI, and 7 Donk walks (3 by Lutzka), and Simmy's two HBPs.  

Final Score: Donks - 12  Ravens - 2  (5 innings)

Game two was a wild one.  Also making his first start as a Donk , Lance Logan pitched two very solid innings, until the heat took over and forced control issues.  With the Donks down 8-7 in the 3rd, Ryan Lutzka took the ball and pitched 5 innings only allowing one more Raven to score.  Once again, the Donks offense took command scoring 17 runs in total.  The Donks finished their domination of the depleted Ravens and completed their first ever sweep against the "Black Birds".  Offensive highlights included: Casazza's record breaking 6 BBs in 6 plate appearances.  Lutzka went 2-3 with 4 RBI.  DeWolf's 2 run triple, and Simmy's 3 hit performance.    

Final Score: Donks - 17  Ravens - 9

The Donks enjoyed a few adult beverages after the sweep at their new sponsor Station 280 Bar & Grill.  It was the perfect way for Ryan Lutzka to celebrate his 30th birthday!  Nicely done boys, nicely done!  

Games 3 & 4 vs Twins - Donks Fall Twice to Twins/Smiley:

The Donks met a strong team in the Twins for the second week of play, and were on the losing ends of both contests.  In game one, Brian Dott gave a gutsy performance and held the Twins in check with only allowing 5 through the first 6 innings.  Heading into the top of the 7th, the Donks trailed 5-1.  In true Donks fashion, the boys in blue mounted a comeback to tie the score at 5-5.  Unfortunately, the comeback was spoiled as the Twins scored in the bottom of the 7th to steal the victory.    

Final Score: Donks - 5  Twins - 6  (walk-off loss)

Game two was one veteran Ryan Lutzka would like to forget.  The Twins flying high off their walk-off win in game one, destroyed Lutzka's pitching to take a commanding 9 run lead after the 3rd.  Parker Hageman came in and cleaned up the mess, not allowing the Donks to fall in a 10-run rule fashion.  Regardless, the damage was done and the Donks fell again.

Final Score: Donks - 4  Twins - 13

Even though the Donks were swept, some good came out of the weekend.  First, newcomer Billy Hanson stepped up and showed his ball club he has what it takes to be a very good asset for the Donks in 2012.  Second, Parker Hageman won himself a starting pitcher role after his impressive showing.  Finally, any team can have a bad day, but it takes character to pick each other up and continue to fight the good fight.  

One more note to add, Nate "Smiley" Ackmen recorded both wins for the Twins today.  Good weekend for his family, who also just welcomed a new baby into the world.  Congrats Nate!  

Opening Day - Games 1 & 2 vs Indians - Donks Sweep Indians:

The Donks kicked off the 2012 season with a sweep of the Indians.  Game one started with the Donks plating 3 runs in the top half of the first.  That was all that was needed as veteran pitcher Ryan Lutzka held the Indians in check, earning his first victory of season.  Highlights from game one included two hit performance by Dan Casazza, Ryan Lutzka (2RBI), and Matt Shaver (1RBI).  Lance Logan recorded his first hit, RBI, BB, and outfield assist in his Donk debut.  Kevin Simberg started his 2012 season with a double down the left field line and an RBI.  And, Donks vet Nik Watkins recorded his first hit with the help of his brand new Twig Bat.  

Final score: Donks - 8  Indians - 2

Game two began with Brian "Big D" Dott taking the mound.  He set nearly every Donks pitching record the season before and started where he left off, striking out the first two batters.  The offense started nearly identical to game one, with a lead off hit by Casazza, followed with a hit by Lutzka, DeWolf, and Davis.  The first four Donks to the dish recorded a hit and scored.  The Donks never looked back as they went on to score 17 unanswered runs in a 5 inning (10 run rule) game.  There were a ton of highlights from this game, multiple hit performances from Casazza and Davis.  Duffy recording his first hit of the 2012 season.  Add multiple walk performances by Logan, Watty, Parker, and Simmy and multiple RBI performances by Casazza (3), DeWolf (2), Davis (4), and Logan (2).  The list of great showings goes on and on.  That said, the boys in blue enjoyed their first sweep of what hopes to be many more.  

Final score: Donks - 17  Indians - 1 (5 innings)