2024 Season
Rockies Hit Way to Championship Game(s)
October 3, 2024
Grand Park
The Rockies hosted the Monarchs on Tuesday in the losers bracket final, with a date with the Reds awaiting the winner. The Monarchs found themselves in unfamiliar territory in the 2024 HABL post-season tournament; the tournament's top overall seed, defending champion, and 4-time champion in six HABL seasons, were trying to navigate the losers bracket gauntlet.
Playing their third game in eight days, they met up with a rested Rockies team that came out with authority in the first inning. Jeff Schmitt’s bases loaded double was the key blow in the inning. With two out, the lefthander went the other way, sending a hard hit ball down the line, past third baseman Rod Decker, into the corner, plating all three runners, giving the home team a 6-0 lead after one.
The Monarchs came back with two in the top of the second. Robert Newton’s RBI single scored the first Monarchs run, as the East champs showed signs of life, pushing two across. The game started similarly as last Thursday’s win over the Fusion, where the M’s fell behind by a 7-0 mark, but were able to come back to win 11-9. The Rockies had a different idea, as the 2022 champs added on in the bottom of the inning. Mike Aslin tripled home a run in a 3-run third, and the Rockies were up 9-2.
They continued to keep the Monarchs at arms-length, before the lead was trimmed to 9-5, but that was as close as they got. Father Rob Hausladen’s RBI single with two out in the seventh made it 11-5, then Joe Kowalow’s 3-run triple in the bottom of the 8th gave the Rockies more breathing room at 14-5. 14-6 was the final.
Jeff Kinder pitched five innings for the win. Mike Poore pitched the 6th and seventh, working out of a one-out bases loaded jam in the latter frame. Down 3-0 to the hitter, Poore was able to come back and induce a pop up on the infield for the second out, followed by a ground out to third unassisted for the force play, ending the Monarchs' best threat. Jeff Schmitt pitched the final two for the victors.
The Rockies will now face the Reds Thursday, and will need a win to force a final Tuesday the 15th. The Reds enter Thursday’s contest 3-0 in the tournament, so it will take two wins in a row by the Rockies to claim their third HABL title (2018, 2022). The Reds are playing in their third title game (2021, 2023), losing to the Monarchs in both previous trips. They have been riding the strong pitching of Mike Shadoan and Donnie Noel through wins over the Fusion, Monarchs and Rockies, who they defeated in the winners bracket final last Tuesday by a 1-0 final. Without a tournament loss, the Reds will be the home team. If a second game is necessary, a coin toss will decide who gets to bat last. Game time is 6:30 PM on field D5.
Monarchs Rally to Edge Fusion 11-9
October 3, 2024
Grand Park
The Losers bracket semi-final of the 2024 HABL post season Championship took place Thursday at Grand Park. On D5, the home Monarchs hosted the Fusion in a match-up that would determine who advances to meet the Rockies in the Losers bracket final on Tuesday the 8th. The Fusion started strong, scoring five in the top of the first. They added a few more, taking a 7-1 lead before the Monarchs started chipping away. The defending champs finally made it all the way back, scoring three in the 8th to take an 11-9 lead, which is where it ended.
Scott Metzinger pitched the final five innings for the win. The Monarchs will now visit the Rockies Tuesday, with the winner moving on to Thursday’s championship game against the Reds. The Reds have not yet lost a game in the tournament (3-0), and if defeated on Thursday the 8th, a second game would occur on Tuesday the 15th.
James Harter had a pair of RBI singles for the Fusion in the loss, including a go ahead knock in the top of the 8th. Their season ends at 4-10-1, but the level of play in the playoffs represented that they were much better than their record would indicate.
Reds Advance to Final; Monarchs, Fusion Move On
October 1, 2024
Grand Park
The first year of the double elimination format for the HABL reached its first elimination games Tuesday. It was a full slate of action for the final time this season. 3 games to determine who stays alive in the chase for the 2024 HABl Championship.
Reds 1, Rockies 0
On D4, the winners bracket final pitted the 2 seed Rockies hosting the 4 seeded Reds. The Reds took the longer road the Tuesday’s matchup, winning the September 17 play in game over the Fusion, then defeating the Monarchs last week in the winners bracket semi-final. Th Rockies received a first round bye, and handled the Black Sox September 24th. The winner would advance to the HABL championship game October 10, while the loser drops into the loser’s bracket final on October 8. Pitching was the storyline in this one. Jeff Kinder and Mike Shadoan locked horns and were both extremely effective. Donnie Noel finished for the Reds as the two pitchers combined for the shutout. Jeff Schmitt did the same for the Rockies, but the Reds emerge victorious by the slimmest of margins 1-0. The Reds advance to the HABL championship game on October 10, where they await the winner of the losers bracket. If they should lose that game, a second game would be played on Tuesday October 15. The Rockies move down to the losers bracket final, where they await the winner of the Fusion Monarchs matchup Thursday.
Monarchs 11, Clowns 5
On D3, the top seed and defending champion Monarchs found themselves in unfamiliar territory, after losing last wee to the Reds. The dynastical M’s have suffered just one post-season loss since 2019 prior to last week, which came at the hand of the Rockies in the 2022 HABL championship game. Holder of 4 of the 6 HABL titles, they were pitted against a 3 seeded Clowns team that dropped their play in game to the Black Sox two weeks earlier. Goeff Woodman started things right for the home team, starting the bottom of the first with an inside the park home run. A Rodney Wilson single led to another M’s run, before the Clowns grabbed the lead in the third on a Craig Carns single, and Guy Vreeman 2 run triple. Wilson powered a 2 run bottom of the frame with a double, giving the lead back to the Monarchs at 4-3. They added on in the sixth, scoring 5 runs on 5 hits behind singles by jeff Johnson and Rod Decker, and a double by Scott Metzinger. That took the lead to 9-3, on the way to an 11-5 final. Steve Powell started for the winners, going 4 innings, allowing 3 runs, none of them earned, allowing 5 hits. Metzinger pitched the final 5 in relief, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits. Vreeman and Carns each had 2 hits for the Clowns. The Monarchs move on to face the Fusion Thursday October 3 on D5, in another elimination game. The winner meets the Rockies Tuesday October 8 in the Losers bracket final, with a trip to the championship game on the line. The Clowns bow out of the 2024 campaign at 6-6-2.
Fusion 15, Black Sox 3
Over on D5, the Fusion got 5 excellent innings of work from starter Kent Works, stingy defense, and plenty of offense cruising to a 15-3 win over the Black Sox. Chris Jensen had 4 hits, including a triple and two doubles, driving in 6 runs. Ryan Schowe contributed 2 hits including a double. Works allowed just 4 hits striking out 3 for the win. Greg Scarpone and Doug Phillips had a pair of hits for the Sox, who end their season at 4 and 11. The Fusion now face the Monarchs Thursday on D5 in the Losers bracket semi-final, with the winner facing the Rockies Tuesday October 8.
Reds, Rockies Advance to Winners Bracket Final
September 24, 2024
Grand Park
The 2024 HABL playoff tournament entered the Winners Bracket Round on Tuesday. Familiar opponents squared off as The East Champion Monarchs, the overall top seed, hosted the fourth seeded Reds on D3, while the Western Division Champion Rockies hosted the Black Sox on D4.
The Monarchs Won two of the three regular season contests with the Reds this season, and the Reds hoped to even that slate in a game that would make the path to the 2024 HABL Title much easier. A Rob Yeary double and a Scott Yanney single in the first propelled the Reds to a 2-0 advantage out of the gate. They built upon that lead with a busy fifth inning in which they had seven hits, scoring five runs. Ryan Easterhaus had an RBI double, and Keith Baute cleared the bases with a 3-run double. Mike Shadoan pitched five innings, allowing one run on three hits, and Donnie Noel finished, as the Reds went on to an 8-4 victory. Steve Powell had a double and 2 RBIs for the defending champion Monarchs. Robert Newton went 3-for-3 in the loss. The Monarchs will go to the losers bracket where they will host the Clowns on Tuesday, October 1. Reds advance to the winners bracket final where they will meet the Rockies Tuesday, October 1 as well.
Those Rockies earned their way to the winners bracket final, by posting 15-3 win over the recently resurgent Black Sox in seven innings. The Rockies took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first after Tony Iacobucci, Joe Kowalaw, and Jeff Kinder all singled. The Sox grabbed the lead in the top of the second. Jack Zaborowski and Chris Schmidt both singled. With one out, Kent Lindeman singled to right, bringing home Zaborowski to knot the score at one. Two batters later, Duane Fillmore gave the Sox a 2-1 lead, sending a line drive to right field to score Schmidt. The lead didn’t last long, as the Rockies came right back with three in the bottom of the frame. Henry Bryant’s bases clearing double was the key hit. Kinder pitched five terrific innings, allowing just those two runs scattering seven hits. The lefthander struck out the side in the first, on his way to eight strikeouts. Kowalaw pitched the final two frames. He was also 2-for-2 at the plate scoring twice, reaching base four times. Rob Hausladen also had two hits for the Rockies. Ray Moistner collected a pair of hits in three at-bats for the Sox, who drop to the losers bracket, where they will host the Fusion on Tuesday, October 1.
The home team in the losers bracket is the team coming from the winners bracket games. The winners of the losers bracket games Tuesday, October 1 will meet Thursday, October 3. The winners bracket winner advances to the HABL title game Thursday, October 10. The loser of the Winners Bracket final will play in the losers bracket final on October 8.
Reds, Black Sox Win Playoff Openers
September 17, 2024
Grand Park
The 2024 HABL playoffs began Tuesday at Grand Park. The league’s 7th season brought with it, their first ever double elimination post-season tournament. The Monarchs and Rockies, by virtue of winning their respective divisions, earned byes, which left the Fusion and the Reds, and the Black Sox and Clowns to open things up.
On D3, the 4-seed Reds rode strong pitching from Mike Shadoan and Don Noel on their way to a 5-0 win over the fifth seed Fusion. Shadoan went five innings, allowing six hits, striking out four to earn the win. Noel went four innings allowing just one hit, striking out five. Brian Eyer went 3-for-3, while Jeff Johnson had two hits in three at bats. The Reds scored two in the first and three in the third and that is where it stayed. Chris Kania pitched five shutout innings in relief for the Fusion, allowing just one hit, striking out five. He also had two hits in the loss. Curt Bennett added a pair of hits as well. The Reds will face the top seeded Monarchs Tuesday, while the Fusion will move to the losers bracket with their next game October 1, and await the Black Sox and Rockies loser.
On D5, the 6th seeded Black Sox visited the 3-seed Clowns. The visitors started fast, scoring three in the first, only one of them earned. They added two more in the 3rd to take a 5-0 advantage before the Clowns scored three of their own. The Sox scored one in the 4th, and four in the sixth to gain a 10-3 lead. The Sox scored in seven of the nine innings, in their best offensive effort of the season. Brian Kelley, Jack Zaborowski, Chris Schmidt and Kent Lindeman all had three hits. Kelley drove in five, while Tim Berry had a 2-for-4 night with 3 RBIs. Brent Steele went four innings, allowing three runs on eight hits. Kelley pitched the final five for the win. Jeff Bertsch had three hits for the Clowns, while Darren George, Tom Nickol, and Randy Schuller each added a pair of hits. Guy Vreeman went 3-for-2 with 2 walks. The Clowns will wait until October 1 to play the loser of the Reds, Monarchs game which is this coming Tuesday. The Black Sox will meet the 2-seeded Rockies in the second round Tuesday.
2024 HABL Double Elimination Playoff Tournament Begins Tuesday
September 11, 2024
HABL HQ
For the first time in the league’s seven year history, a double elimination post-season tournament will determine the champion. Set to begin Tuesday September 17, with two first round games, each team will get two shots at keeping their season alive in the field of six playoffs.
The Monarchs enter as the top seed, and the Rockies as the second seed, both winning their respective divisions, with the East winning Monarchs having the best overall record at 8-2-2. The Rockies finished as West champs at 7-3-2. Both teams receive a first round bye to September 24, and await the first round winners on each side of the bracket.
#3 Clowns (6-4-2) vs. #6 Black Sox (3-9) – D5
For much of the season, the Clowns led the Eastern Division, starting 4-0 out of the gate. They finished 2-4-2, but possess a potent offense top to bottom. Their 98 regular season runs was second only to the Rockies 101. They will host the 6-seed Black Sox, who started 2-1, before dropping eight straight. They finally broke that skid Tuesday in a 7-1 win over the Fusion. It was a July 30th game between the two teams that sent the Sox into their tailspin. They held a 13-4 advantage in that game, before taking a 14-10 lead into the 9th. The Clowns rallied for five in their last at bat to win it 15-14. The two teams met again September 27, with the Clowns prevailing by a 15-7 count. The game is set for 6:30 pm Tuesday on D5. The winner advances to face the 2-seed Rockies on September 24. The loser goes to the Loser’s bracket, where they will next play on October 1.
#4 Reds (5-6-1) vs, #5 Fusion (3-8-1) – D3
Despite finishing the season one game below .500, the Reds had a +9 run differential in 12 regular season games. Allowing 73 runs, second only in run prevention to the Monarchs 71. After an 0-3 start, they have gone 5-3-1 in their last 9. The core of this Reds group has been to two HABL championship games (2021 and 2023), falling to the Monarchs both times. The Fusion started the season 0-4, before winning three straight, but finished 0-4-1 in their last 5. With an impressive middle stretch to their regular season, they proved they could beat anyone when healthy. The Reds took both match-ups between the two teams in 2024, winning 11-1 July 30, and 8-3 on September 3. The two meet for the third time this season Tuesday at 6:30 pm on D3. The winner earns the right to face the Monarchs on September 24. The loser goes to the loser’s bracket where the will next play on October 1.
- All games in the post-season tournament will be 9 innings, with no time limit.
- Games cannot end in a tie. All other regular season rules apply.
- Five innings max for any pitcher. For pitchers, appearing in an inning is considered a full inning.
- All players must play 5 innings defensively unless injured.
- All players bat unless injured.
- Base-running rules the same. Courtesy runners are the last batted out. If that courtesy runner is a pitcher or catcher, it reverts backwards to the next qualifying player in the batting order.
- Coaches must communicate compromised runners to the opposing team.
Monarchs Claim East and Top Seed
September 10, 2024
Grand Park, Westfield, IN
Monarchs 1, Rockies 1
The Monarchs wrapped up the Eastern division title and the top overall seed in the 2024 HABL playoffs, as the defending champs played to a 1-1 tie with the Western division champion Rockies on D3 Tuesday. Steve Powell allowed one run on four hits in five innings, and tied the game at one with an RBI single in the 6th. Jeff Kinder pitched five scoreless innings for the Rockies, striking out six. He also doubled home the lone Rockies run in the first. The Monarchs finish with an 8-2-2 record, and receive a bye to the second round of the postseason tournament. They will await the winner of the Fusion and Reds. The Rockies complete the regular season at 7-3-2. They finalize their claim to the 2nd seed, and will also receive a bye to the second round. Their opponent will be the winner of the Clowns and Black Sox first round contest.
Reds 1, Clowns 1; Reds 7, Clowns 2
On D5, the Reds and Clowns played a doubleheader Tuesday, as they made-up a postponement from July 9. The first game ended in a 1-1 tie, while the Reds took the second game by a 7-2 final. The Clowns finish with a 6-4-2 mark, and are the third overall seed. The Reds wrap up the regular season with a 5-6-1 mark, and will be the 4th seed.
Black Sox 7, Fusion 1
The Black Sox finally ended an 8-game losing streak, as they got four scoreless innings from left-hander Brian Kelley to hold down the Fusion in a 7-1 win. Kelley also had two hits at the plate, driving in a pair of runs. Brent Steele started for the Sox, going two innings, allowing one run. He also had the big night at the plate, with a single, a double and 4 RBIs. Kent Works pitched five excellent innings for the Fusion, allowing two runs on four hits, striking out four. Andre Simoneau had two hits in the loss. The Fusion finish at 3-8-1 in the 5-seed and will travel to meet the Reds Tuesday. The Sox end at 3-9 and will be the 6th seed Tuesday and visit the Clowns in the opening round.
A 2024 playoff preview will follow.
Monarchs Magic Number Down to One
September 3, 2024
Grand Park, Westfield, IN
The defending champion Monarchs took a half-step towards clinching the Eastern Division title Tuesday, as they played to a 5-5 tie with the second place Clowns on D4. The tie takes their mark to 8-2-1 with one to play, while the Clowns now sit at 6-3-1, with two to play. A Monarchs win, or a Clowns loss cements the division crown and a bye for the M’s. In the event of an 8-3-1 tie between the Monarchs and Clowns, the tie breaker would go to the Clowns by virtue of head to head play.
Rockies 13 Black Sox 11
The Rockies held on for a 13-11 win against the Black Sox on D3, keeping alive their chances for the top overall seed in the HABL playoffs. Joe Kowalow pitched 4 innings, and powered the Rockies offense with a 3-4 effort, including a double, triple and 2 RBIS. Mike Poore came on in relief to get the win, and went 3-4 in his own right. Jeff Schmitt earned the save. Duane Fillmore notched 3 hits including a double for the Sox, while Greg Scarpone added 3 hits including a triple and 3 runs batted in. The Soc drop their 8th straight, falling to 2-9 on the season. They wrap up the regular season schedule Tuesday on D4 as they host the Fusion. The Sox are locked in at the 6 seed for the playoffs.
Reds 8 Fusion 3
On D5, the Reds improved to 4-6 on the campaign, as they defeated the Fusion 8-3. The Reds, who currently sit as the 4th seed, will play a doubleheader Tuesday against the Clowns, two 6-inning games on D5. One win will make the 4 seed official. The Fusion are now 3-7-1, and will visit the Black Sox on D4. The Fusion, who are currently 5th in the overall standings, can be the 4-seed with a win and two Reds losses Tuesday.
The two division winners receive a bye in the post-season tournament. Next week, the playoff seedings will be finalized. Please look for a special playoff preview prior to the HABL double elimination playoff tournament.
Monarchs Edge Clowns in Makeup Game
August 29, 2024
Grand Park, Westfield, IN
Monarchs 3, Clowns 2
In a make-up game from August 13, the Monarchs and Clowns met up for an important Eastern Division battle on D4 Thursday at Grand Park. The Monarchs started fast, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning, and then held on for a 3-2 win in seven innings. Steve Powell held the Clowns to two runs in his five innings of work, both coming on a double by Duane Fillmore. Powell allowed 6 hits, neither of the two runs were earned in the win. Tom Nickol settled in after the 3-run first to hold the Monarchs scoreless through his next four innings of work.
The Monarchs improve to 8-2, a game and a half over the Clowns in the East race, and currently hold the top overall seed and a bye in the first round of the HABL double elimination playoff tournament. The Clowns still have a say and control their own destiny in the division race. The two teams will meet again on D4 Tuesday, with the Clowns as home team in a 9-inning contest. The teams have split their season series thus far. The Clowns need to win Tuesday, and tie the Monarchs in overall record for the division title, while the Monarchs just need a win Tuesday to clinch.
Rockies Clinch Western Division; East Race Stays Close
August 27, 2024
Grand Park, Westfield, IN
The Rockies and Fusion played to an 11-11 tie when pushed against the 2:45 time limit Tuesday. This means the Rockies clinch the Western Division title, and a bye in the post-season tournament. The Rockies sit at 6-3-1 with two to play, while the Fusion are now 3-6-1.
Rockies 11, Fusion 11
On D3, the Fusion overcame an 11-4, eigth-inning lead to tie the Rockies at 11 in the ninth inning, as the 2:45 time limit came into play. The result was an 11-11 tie. Chris Kania’s double tied it in the 9th. The tie means the Rockies have clinched the Western Division tile, with a 3-game lead over the Fusion with three regular season games to play. At 6-3-1, the Rockies will be the 1- or 2-seed in the HABL playoffs, receiving a bye. Whether they are seeded first or second will depend upon the Eastern Division champions overall record vs. their own. They will host the Black Sox on D3 Tuesday. The Fusion are 3-6-1, and will be home to the Reds Tuesday on D5.
Monarchs 7, Reds 3
Steve Decker collected three hits for the Monarchs, as the M’s improved to 7-2, maintaining a half game lead over the Clowns in the Eastern Division. Steve Powell allowed one earned run in five innings of work, striking out 4, allowing 4 hits. Mike Shadoan and Scott Golden had two hits apiece for the Reds, who fall to 3-6. Tuesday, The Reds will travel to D5 to face the Fusion, while the Monarchs host the Clowns on D4.
Clowns 15, Black Sox 7
Clowns pounded out 15 hits in a 15-7 win over the Black Sox. Darren George pitched five innings, allowing 6 runs (5 earned) on 9 hits, and also powered the Clowns offense with 4 hits, including a triple, driving in five. Brian Kelley paced the Black Sox with 4 hits in 4 at-bats. Greg Scarpone had three hits as well. The Clowns stay a half game back of the Monarchs in the Eastern Division race at 6-2. The 2-8 Sox will visit the Rockies Tuesday on D3, while the Clowns will visit the Monarchs Tuesday on D4.
Top Teams Add to the Win Column
August 22, 2024
Grand Park, Westfield, IN
Thursday offered up a full slate of games, as the rainouts from July 9 were made up Thursday at Grand Park. The chase for the division titles ensued, and the Rockies cemented their grip on the West lead, while the Monarchs maintained a half game advantage over the Clowns in the East.
Monarchs 7, Black Sox 4
On D3, Scott Metzinger completed a busy, and effective week on the mound, as he threw five innings for the second time this week. The right hander won his second game in three days, scattering 7 hits, allowing 4 runs (3 earned), striking out 5 as the M’s rallied for three in the 4th to take a lead they would never relinquish, on their way to a 7-4 win over the slumping Sox. Metzinger also added 3 hits in 4 at bats, while Terry Carson added a triple for the victors. Brian Kelley led the way with 2 hits and an RBI for the 2-7 Sox, who have lost six straight since starting the season 2-1. They try again Tuesday as they host the Clowns on D5. The 6-2 Monarchs will visit the Reds on D4. They maintain a half game lead over the Clowns for the East lead. The division winners receive a bye in the double elimination HABL playoffs.
Rockies 12, Fusion 6
The Rockies brought themselves to the brink of the Western Division title Thursday, doubling up the second place Fusion by a 12-6 final. The win gives the 6-3 Rockies a 3-game advantage with three left to play, meaning their magic number is one. One Rockies win, or one loss for the 3-6 Fusion, seals the division for the Rockies. The two teams meet again Tuesday on D3 as they Fusion play host.
Clowns 13, Reds 2
On D5, the Clowns 19-hit attack lead the way to a 13-2 victory over the Reds. Randy Schuller was 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs for the C's. The Clowns sit at 5-2, and will visit the Sox Tuesday on D5, before a make-up game Thursday with the Monarchs. The 3-5 Reds will host the Rockies on D4 Tuesday.
Monarchs, Rockies, Reds Notch Wins
August 20, 2024
Grand Park, Westfield, IN
As teams try to stay in the hunt for a division championship down the home stretch of the 2024 HABL season, the Monarchs, Rockies and Reds all won on Tuesday night.
Monarchs 7, Fusion 3
On D3, the Monarchs won their second straight, getting past the Fusion, who had won three in a row coming in, 7-3 in a well-pitched game. The Monarchs broke through in a 6-run 5th inning. The inning was highlighted by a Jeff Johnson triple. Scott Metzinger went five innings for the M’s, allowing 3 hits, no runs. Kent Works was the tough luck starter for the Fusion, throwing 4-2/3 innings, striking out seven, allowing six runs, but only two of them earned. Marc Rueffer had two hits for the Fusion. The Monarchs take control of the East at 5-2, by a half game over the Clowns. The Fusion drop to 3-5, two back of the Rockies in the race for the West title. The Monarchs visit the Sox Thursday on D3, while the Fusion will visit the Rockies on D4.
Reds 9, Black Sox 4
Over on D4, The Reds survived a Black Sox 2-run first, to win by a 9-4 count. Reds starter Mike Shadoan surrendered two in the top of the first, but settled in the pitch five strong innings, allowing 4 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), striking out five. Brian Kelley pitched five for the Sox, allowing 6 runs (3 earned). Chris Ehrgott was 2 for 3 with a triple and scored twice for the Reds. Don Pollard and Mike Elkin each collected a pair of hits as well. The Reds improve to 3-4, and will meet the Clowns Thursday on D5. Greg Scarpone led the Sox at the plate with a double and a triple with an RBI and two runs scored. The Sox drop their fifth straight, falling to 2-6 on the season. They will host the Monarchs Thursday on D3.
Rockies 9, Clowns 6
On D5, the Rockies came back to best the Clowns by a 9-6 count. The Clowns took a 5-4 lead in the top of the fifth on a Todd Still single. But the Rockies came back to tie it in the bottom of the inning. After a Mike Poore triple, Jeff Schmitt single to right to tie the game at 5. Mike Aslin gave the Rockies with the lead in the 6th, and the Rockies added on the win by a 9-6 final. Poore was 3 for 3 and pitched well in the win. The Rockies go to 5-3 on the season, while the Clowns drop their second straight, falling to 4-2. The Rockies will host the Fusion Thursday on D4, while the Clowns will host the Reds on D5.
Fusion Win Third Straight, Rockies Top Reds
August 13, 2024
Grand Park, Westfield, IN
Fusion 12, Black Sox 3
After dropping their first four games to start the 2024 HABL campaign, the Fusion have seemingly righted the ship, winning their third straight game, and doing so in impressive fashion Tuesday at Grand Park, besting the Black Sox 12-3. Kent Works got the start and the left-hander was extremely effective in his four innings of work. Works allowed just 2 runs, on 4 hits, with 4 walks, striking out two. He put the Fusion in a great position, exiting with a 6-2 lead.
Marc Rueffer took over from there, surrendering just one run in his four innings, scattering 6 hits, with no walks. Miguel Cordero went 2 for 3 with a triple and an RBI, scoring three times. Chris Kania reached base three times in four plate appearances scoring twice. John Wetter had a pair of singles and walked twice. Andre Simoneau also reached base three times, including a 2-run double. Darren Manning had a pair of hits including a double.
Steve Bousamra and Doug Phillips each had a pair of hits for the Black Sox, and Chris Schmidt contributed with an RBI triple. The loss is the Sox fourth in a row, dropping them to 2-5 on the season. Next week includes two games for each team. The Sox will visit the Reds Tuesday on D4, and host the Monarchs Thursday on D5. The Fusion will try to keep things going as they visit the Monarchs Tuesday on D3, and visit the Rockies Thursday on D4.
Rockies 4 Reds 3
The West leading Rockies squared off with the Reds Tuesday on D4, and for five innings it was an old fashioned pitchers duel. Mike Shadoan of the Reds, and Jeff Kinder of the Rockies both shut down the opposing line-ups , tossing five shutout frames each. After a Mike Poore single scored the second of two Rockies runs to take a 2-0 lead, the Reds finally broke through in the top of the 8th on a 2-run single by Brian Eyer. The Rockies answered with a run in the bottom of the 8th to take a 3-2 lead. The Reds came back with a run in the ninth to tie it at three, but four consecutive singles by the Rockies in the home half ended the game with Rockies 4-3 victory.
Joe Durle had two hits for the winners, while Scott Golden notched three hits for the Reds. The Rockies improve to 4-3, a game up on the Fusion in the western division. The Reds drop to 2-4. Tuesday the Reds will meet up with the Black Sox on D4, and will visit the Reds on D5 Thursday. The Rockies will be home to the Clowns Tuesday on D5, and then host the Fusion Thursday on D4.
The Clowns and Monarchs game scheduled for Tuesday was postponed and will be made up at a later date TBD. The Clowns will visit the Rockies Tuesday on D5, and will host the Reds Thursday on D3. The Monarchs host the Fusion Tuesday on D3, and visit the Black Sox Thursday on D5.
Fusion Win Second Straight
August 8, 2024
Grand Park, Westfield, IN
Fusion 9, Rockies 4
After dropping their first four contests of the 2024 HABL campaign, the Fusion has responded with two straight victories, including their 9-4 win over the Western Division leading Rockies Thursday at Grand Park on D4. Kent Works pitched five strong innings for the Fusion to get the win. Chris Kania pitched the final two for the save. Miguel Cordero had two hits, John Wetter had an RBI triple. Andre Simoneau had two impactful plays in centerfield. The win brings the Fusion into a second place tie with the Black Sox, both one game back. The two teams will meet Tuesday, as the Fusion visit the Sox on D3. Joe Durle paced the Rockies with a double reaching base three times in the loss. Tony Iacobucci scored twice. The Rockies will host the Reds on D4.
Monarchs 9, Black Sox 5
Jerry Shipman, Robert Newton, Terry Carson and jeff Johnson each had two hits Thursday, as the Monarchs got past the Black Sox 9-5. Scott Metzinger pitched five innings for the win. The Monarchs improve to 4-2, a half game back of the East leading Clowns. The M’s will visit the Clowns Tuesday on D5 as the two teams will play for the East lead. Tim Berry drove in two for the Sox with a single and a double. Bill Karwoski had a single and a double and an RBI, scoring twice in the loss. Chris Schmidt also had a pair of hits in three at-bats. The Sox play host to the Fusion Tuesday on D3.
The Reds and Clowns game scheduled for Thursday was postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date.
Fusion Hand Clowns First Loss
August 6, 2024
Grand Park, Westfield, IN
Fusion 9, Clowns 4
The Clowns entered Tuesday as the only remaining unbeaten team in the 2024 HABL season at 4-0. By contrast, the Fusion squad was searching for their first win after dropping their first four games. The Fusion were able to break through with a 9-4 victory. The Fusion can tighten the West Race if they can make it two in a row Thursday, when they host the Rockies on D4. The Clowns/Reds contest slated for Thursday will be rescheduled at a date TBD.
Reds 20 Monarchs 11
On D3, both teams scored early and often, as the Reds sent 16 batters to the plate in the second inning, scoring ten runs in the frame to go up 11-2. The Monarchs didn’t go away, scoring four in the 3rd, and five in the fifth, but the Reds continued to add on, coming away with a 20-11 win. Rob Yeary had 3 hits, scoring 3 runs, and Scott Yanney and Mike Shadoan each had 3 hits scoring twice. Jeff Johnson struck out 6 in 5 innings of work for the win. Rodney Wilson had 3 hits for the Monarchs, and Jody Donaldson added a pair of hits as well. The Monarchs will host the Back Sox Thursday August 8 on D5. The Reds/Clowns game scheduled for Thursday will be moved to a date TBD.
Rockies 12 Black Sox 4
On D5, the Black Sox jumped out to a 2-run lead in the second, but the Rockies came back with three in the third, and never relinquished the lead on their way to a 12-4 win. Mike Poore was 3-4, including an inside the park home run. The lefty duo of Jeff Kinder and Jeff Schmitt covered the seven innings for the Rockies. The Rockies take control of the Western Division at 3-2, while the Black Sox fall a game behind at 2-3. The Rockies will visit the Fusion on D4 Thursday. Chris Schmidt and Kent Lindeman each had a pair of hits for the Sox, who visit the Monarchs on D5 Thursday.
Clowns Score Five in 9th, Improve to 4-0
July 30, 2024
Grand Park, Westfield, IN
Clowns 15, Black Sox 14
The unbeaten Clowns have had a knack for scoring late in their first 3 wins of the 2024 HABL campaign. Tuesday, they continued that trend, scoring 5 runs in the bottom of the 9th, to come back from a 14-10 deficit to best the Black Sox 15-14 on D3. 5 hits in the inning fueled the rally, started by Craig Carns, whose double led-off the inning, one of his 4 hits on the night. Tom Nickol tied it with an RBI single down the third base line, an at bat that was pivotal in the final outcome. The Black Sox had jumped out to a 13-4 lead after a 5 run 5th, but the never say die Clowns didn’t quit, making the most of their 14 hits. Greg Scarpone drove in 4 for the Sox, while Jack Zaborowski and Doug Phillips each collected 3 hits in the loss. The Sox fall to 2-2. They will host the Rockies Tuesday next week on D5. The Clowns will host the Fusion on D4.
Monarchs 7, Rockies 3
On D4, the Monarchs got on top early, and held on for a 7-3 win against the Rockies. Tony Chan drove in 3 for the 3 and 1 M’s, while Robert Newton had 2 hits. Joe Kowalow, Jeff Kinder and Rob Hausladen had a pair of hits each for the Rockies, who drop to 2 and 2. They will meet the Black Sox Tuesday on D5 in a matchup that will determine the Western Division leader. The Monarchs will host the Reds on D3.
Reds 11, Fusion 1
On D5, the Reds prevailed by an 11-1 final to notch their first win of the season. They will try to make it two straight as they visit the Monarchs Tuesday on D3. The Fusion, a team currently beset by injuries, will look for their first win Tuesday as they visit the Clowns on D4.
Clowns Win in 9th in Battle of Unbeatens
July 23, 2024
Grand Park, Westfield, IN
Clowns 11, Rockies 10
The marquee matchup Tuesday featured the 2-0 Rockies visiting the 2-0 Clowns. The East and West division leaders took to D5 to see who would remain the lone unbeaten team in the Hoosier Adult Baseball League’s 7th season. The Clowns overcame a late 10-7 deficit, with three straight singles in the bottom of the 9th, including the game winner by Scott Herron to walk-off with an 11-10 win. The Clowns will look to make it four straight to open the campaign as they host the Black Sox on D3 Tuesday, while the Rockies will try to get back on the winning track when they host the Monarchs on D4.
Black Sox 6, Reds 4
Tuesday on D4 the Sox hosted the Reds, and the Sox got on the board early. Five straight singles to start the inning plated two before a Reds double play. With runners at second and third, Sox catcher Tim Berry lined a single up the middle to plate both runners and the Sox took a 4-0 lead. The game stayed there until the third when the Reds loaded the bases with one out. Clean-up hitter Mark Ayler drove a triple into the left-centerfield gap to cut the lead to 4-3, and then scored on another single by Shadoan to notch the score at four apiece. The Sox got another RBI single from Berry in the bottom of the inning to take a 5-4 advantage, before pushing another run across in the 5th to go up 6-4. Grote completed 5 innings of work, turning the ball over to Brian Kelley, who pitched 3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit, striking out four. Jeff Johnson pitched three scoreless innings (the 6th, 7th and 8th) in relief for the Reds, allowing just one hit, with no walks, striking out two, but the Sox held the Reds scoreless outside of the third inning on their way to a 6-4 win. The Sox improve to 2-1, and are tied for the lead in the Western Division with the Rockies. They will visit the Clowns Tuesday on D3, while the Reds will host the Fusion on D5.
Monarchs 14, Fusion 3
Over on D3, the Monarchs amassed 14 hits on their way to a 14-3 victory over the Fusion. Jeff Johnson, Rod Decker, and Scott Metzinger collected three hits each for the M’s. The Fusion had 10 hits of their own in the loss. The Monarchs improve to 2-1, one game back of the Clowns in the East. They will visit the Rockies on D4 Tuesday, while the Fusion search for their first win as they are set to visit the Reds on D5.
Rockies, Clowns Stay Unbeaten
July 16, 2024
Grand Park, Westfield, IN
Rain washed out week 2 of the HABL schedule, with those games moved to August Thursday August 22nd. Teams returned to action Tuesday in season 7 of Hoosier Adult Baseball.
Clowns 9, Monarchs 5
On D5, the Clowns and Monarchs both came into an Eastern Division matchup with a 1 and 0 mark. The division lead was on the line, and the Clowns were able to better the defending champs, emerging with a 9-5 win. Craig Carns RBI triple opened the scoring in the first for the C’s. the Monarchs responded in the bottom of the frame, knotting the game at one on a Tony Chan RBI single. The Clowns got key hits in the 6th by Allen Tunstall and Jeff Pittard to take a 6-4 lead, and amassed 19 hits in the game on their way to the 4 run victory. Guy Vreeman was 3 for 4, and Tunstall, Pittard, an Scott Herron each drove in two runs in the win. Rick Smith and Andy Coxe also collected a pair of hits. Darren George went 4 innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits, striking out three and walking one. Chan was 3 for 4 for the Monarchs in the loss, with Rodney Wilson garnering a pair of hits in 4 at bats. Next week, the host the Rockies on D5, while the Monarchs visit the Fusion on D3.
Rockies 8, Reds 1
Over on D4, the Western Division Rockies played an interdivision contest with the East’s Reds . The two teams found themselves on opposite sides of 14-13 games in week one, with the Rockies escaping a match-up with the Black Sox, and the Reds coming up just short against the Monarchs in their season openers. The Rockies put together a well-played game in all-aspects, and that started on the mound. Jeff Kinder pitched 5 strong innings, followed by Jeff Schmitt’s 4 innings of work, as the lefty duo yielded just 7 hits and two bases on balls. The Rockies offense produced 16 hits, led by Schmitt with 4 hits and 3 RBI’s. Joe Kowalow tallied 4 hits and drove in two for the Rockies. Kinder contributed 2 hits and a pair of RBIs, and Mike Poore had 2 hits and an RBI as well. Donnie Noel drove in the reds only run with a single, and Jeff Johnson and Mike Elkin each had 2 hits for the Reds in the loss. The win sets the stage for a battle of unbeatens next week as they travel to D5 to face the 2 and 0 Clowns. The Reds will try to nab their first win of the season as they visit the Black Sox on D4.
Black Sox 7, Fusion 6
In a back and forth contest on D3, the Black Sox scored first and last, coming back from a 3 run deficit in the 9th, to edge the Fusion by a 7-6 final. Sox Rookies Kent Lindeman, Greg Scarpone and Jack Zaborowski were all big contributors in the opening frame and the final frame. Lindeman swatted the first pitch of the game into right field for a lead-off single. He came around to score on an RBI double, which staked the Sox to a 1-0 lead. Scarpone the tripled home the Sox second run, and Zaborowski followed with an RBI single to give the Sox a 3-0 lead. Fusion starter Marc Rueffer bent, but didn’t break. After allowing 3 in the first, he settled in and didn’t allow a run over his next 4 innings of work. The Fusion came up with 2 in the 4th, as Fusion newcomers James Harter and Chris Jensen each singled in the inning. They squared the game at 3 apiece in the in the 5th, as Ryan Schowe tripled home Corey Heniser who reached with one of his 3 hits in the contest. They took a 6-3 lead in the 6th, with hits by Jensen, Chris Kania and Rueffer. The game held there until the top of the 9th. With the bases loaded, Scarpone singled home 2, cutting the Fusion advantage to 6-5. Zaborowski then delivered the big blow, tripling home 2 to give the Sox a 7-6 lead. The Fusion managed a one out baserunner on Harter’s second hit of the game, but the Sox held on to even their record at 1 and 1 on the young season. Kania pitched extremely well, allowing just 3 hits in 4 innings of work. After the 4 hit, 3 run first, Rueffer allowed only 4 hits over his next 4 innings, inducing a pair of double plays in a solid mound effort. Todd Grote pitched 5 terrific innings for the Sox, allowing 6 hits, 3 runs, 2 of them earned. Scarpone and Zaborowski were both 3 for 4 with 2 singles and a triple, each driving in 3 runs. Lindeman had 2 hits in the lead-off spot, reaching base 3 times in 4 plate appearances, scoring twice. The Sox managed 4 double plays, including a rare 6-3-2 double play to stave off a run in the 4th. The Sox will play host to the Reds on D4 Tuesday, while the Fusion host the Monarchs on D3.
2024 Season
Offensive Fireworks on Display in Season Openers
July 2, 2024
Grand Park, Westfield, IN
The 7th season for Hoosier Adult Baseball began Tuesday at Grand Park. Offense was on display in all three games, as the hitting seemed to be a little ahead of the pitching and defense in the three season opening games. A combined 79 runs were scored in the three games, each very competitive.
Monarchs 14, Reds 13
On D3, a rematch of the 2023 HABL championship game pitted the 4-time champion Monarchs against the returning runner-up Reds. Both in the Eastern division this season, it was the first of three regular season match-ups between the two teams. The defending champion Monarchs outlasted the Reds 14-13, with a late inning surge.
Tuesday the Monarchs will visit the Black Sox on D5, while the Reds visit the Clowns on D3.
Rockies 14, Back Sox 13
Over on D5, the defending Western Division champion Black Sox visited their division foe, in a back and forth contest that came down to the final batter of the game. The Sox opened with three in the first, highlighted by a 2-out double by Brian Kelley, followed by singles from Jack Zaborowski, Greg Scarpone and Brent Steele. Jeff Kinder made a return to the HABL, rejoining the Rockies after a 4-year hiatus, excelling at the plate and on the mound. His 2-run double in the bottom of the inning to cut the Sox lead to 3-2. The Sox put up five in the second to go up 8-2, but the Rockies responded with four in the 2nd and one in the 3rd to make it 8-7. The lead grew to 10-7 before the Rockies finally wrestled the lead away with two in the 6th and two in the 7th to go up 11-10. A 3-run 8th by the Sox was sparked by a Kelley double, and RBI singles by Scarpone and Steele, and the Sox were back on top 13-11. The Rockies got hits from Dave Koone and Randy Kinnett in the home half of the 8th to tie it at 13, then won it in the bottom of the 9th on a bases loaded walk to Henry Bryant.
Kinder threw five innings striking out eight for the win, allowing 5 runs, three of them earned. Kelley went 4 for 4 for the Sox, with two doubles and three runs scored. He also threw three innings allowing two runs, both unearned, allowing just two hits and walking one batter. Tim Berry added two hits and two runs for the Sox, and Bill Karwoski notched two singles in the loss.
The Sox will host the Monarchs Tuesday on D5, while the Rockies host the Fusion on D4.
Clowns 15, Fusion 10
On D4, the only interdivision game this week was between the Eastern Division Clowns, and the Fusion from the Western Division.
Despite trailing by as many as four runs, Indy Clowns rallied to defeat Fusion 15-10 on Tuesday. The Fusion got on the board in the first inning after a Chris Kania RBI single, which is where the game stayed until the top of the 4th inning, when a Jeff Pittard single tied the game at one. Kania tripled in the 5th to plate three runs taking the Fusion to a 5-1 advantage. Darren George highlighted a Clowns rally in the 5th with a solo home run, along with key hits by Scott Mullis, Randy Schuller, and Andy Coxe. After the Fusion reclaimed the lead 6-5, the Clowns regained the advantage after a Tom Nickol double scored two. The biggest inning came in the seventh when the C’s scored seven runs on five hits taking the lead to 13-5. Darren George started on the mound for Indy Clowns. The starting pitcher allowed two hits and one run (zero earned) over three innings, striking out two and walking none. The Clowns accumulated 18 hits in the game, with Coxe and Schuller each collecting three hits. Fusion accumulated 13 hits in the game. John Wetter had three hits for the Fusion.
Tuesday, the Fusion will visit the Rockies on D4, while the Clowns will host the Reds on D3.