Hunters out score opponents' 160-85!

2022 FALL BALL CHAMPIONS! The Hunters swept a double-header from a short-roster, lean Mean Machine winning 20-5 in the first game and bouncing back to win the second game 16-9, to end the Autumn series and win the league with an 8-2 record. Front Row L to R: Steve Vesschemoet, Mike Betley, Rick Beham, Joe Beham, Eric Iffland, Jeff Spotts Back Row L to R: Jeff Batanian, Terry Thomas, Keith Dundar, Jeff Wagenhauser, Jim Bier, Jim Shoemaker, Scott Dheel

The Hunters entered the night needing 1 win to clinch a tie and a sweep to insure sole possession of the Fall Season championship. The Hunters didn’t disappoint with a 20-5 Mercy rule win against a depleted (down three starters) but game Mean Machine squad. The Hunters plated 5 runs in each of the first 2 innings and used their solid defense that has been there all season to close the victory. The Hunters were led in hitting by Eric Iffland who hit for the cycle going 4-4 with a 1b;2b;3b and inside the park walk off HR. Jim Brier 3-3 with a 3b; Jeff Wagenhauser 2-3 with a 2b; Joe Beham 2-2 with a 2b; Jeff Spotts 2-2; Terry “Tbone” Thomas 2-3 with a 2b; Jim Shoemaker 2-3 with a 2b; Scott Dheel 2-3 with a 2b; and Rick Beham 2-3. Defense was great again with two DP’s (Jim Brier speared a hot liner at 3b and threw a strike to Jeff Batanian at 1b to double off runner and MI Mike Betley fielded ball flipped to Eric Iffland at SS who fired to Jeff Batanian at 1b with a scoop for DP). Also LF Keith Dunbar had a huge over the shoulder catch in bottom of first with multiple runners on to end the inning. Terry “Tbone ” Thomas pitched a great game and recorded a strikeout as well.

Game 2 was much closer than the final score , as the Hunters led 8-7 after 4 innings, but added 5 runs in the 5th inning and never trailed the entire game en route to clinching first overall with a 16-9 win. The Hunters were led in hitting by Keith Dunbar 2-3 with a 2b and OTFHR; Jeff Wagenhauser 2-3 with an inside the park HR; Eric Iffland 3-4 with a 3b and a 2b; Terry “Tbone ” Thomas 3-3 with a 2b; Jim Shoemaker 2-3 with a 2b and a 3b; Rick Beham 3-3; and Scott Dheel 2-3. Defense was again great as Steve Veschmoet made a great catch in deep rc; Eric Iffland, Jeff Wagenhauser, Rick Beham ; Jeff Batanian; Jeff Spotts ; Jim Brier and Mike Betley all played awesome on the infield. Jeff Spotts had a nice DP at 2b tagging the runner and throwing to 1b to complete DP. Overall a great Fall season by the Hunters going 8 -2 outscoring our opponents 160-85 with an average run differential of 7.5 runs per game. Great group of guys and great Fall season by all teams. Stay safe through the winter and get ready for next Spring.

FALL BALL CHAMPIONS CELEBRATE! Joe Behan and his Hunter teammates celebrate at Andy & Barney’s wearing thier newly awarded sweatshirts. The Hunters won the league with an 8-2 record, outscoring their opponents 160-85. Awesome! A&B donated the sweatshirts. Front row l-r: Jeff Spotts, Scott Dheel and Rick Behan. Middle row l-r: Mike Betley and Joe Behan. Back row l-r: Steve Vesschemoet, Jim Shoemaker, Terry Thomas, Jim Bier, Jeff Iffland and Jeff Wagenhauser.