Although their record might not reflect it, The Oconomowoc Five Os had another great season. The hands down highlight of the year for them was beating arch rival Lannon at Lannon, in the first round of the playoffs. This ended a 7 game losing streak against the StoneMen. The Lannon/Oconomowoc rivalry always leads to good games and nothing but great things can be said about the Stonemen. They are all terrific guys and great ballplayers.
At the conclusion of the Falls game, many players were excited and already looking to next year. With the entire squad returning and the addition of Sean Smith full time, the Os should have a powerful lineup. Check back to this site periodically for what I will guarantee to be "interesting" pictures of the Os in their off season "training."
When asked about the year Eppler quoted "Now comes the time of the year where I am unanimously voted by the coaches as the league MVP. Another year, another trophy. Next year I plan on winning the quadruple crown: Batting Average, Home Runs, RBIs, and pavilion roofs shattered. The triple crown has just become too easy. Oh, and if they had a category for longest time watching their home run, I would win that too. I better start saving up my wet newspapers for Kozlowski."
HISTORY MADE with Eppler Home Run!! Oconomowoc takes Horicon 13-7
Mark this date on your calander... 5/30/2002, Michael Jerome Eppler, son of Earl Eppler, dropped a bomb. Early estimates of the blast have it at 487 ft. "I tell these people time and time again... dont throw me up and in." quoted Mike. "Early in my career I was programmed to hit a line drive up the middle 8.5 out of 10 at bats. It took me 12 years to crack that code and lets put it this way, the upgrade in software will result in me doing a lot more trotting." Scroll down to send Mike a message telling him what you think! He would like all opposing players to send them their contact information so he can get back to them and let them know what he plans on doing to them. Adam Schlosser also hit his first home runs as a Five O in the win. JJ Mohns, Steve Rhoads and Derek Nelson also homered. Mohns and Nelson had three hits each. Eppler, Rhoads and Nelson had 3 RBI's each. Nelson got the win with 11 strike outs, 4 hits and 1 earned run in 6 innings.
Steve Waier had three singles and scored two runs for Horicon. Pat Garland had 2 RBI's. David Lynseth took the loss. Ben Collins went six innings and had 9 strike outs.
Oconomowoc's next game is a big Land O Lakes game against undefeated Pewaukee. Pewaukee and Lannon are the only two undefeated teams left in the LOL West. According to Mr. Eppler, that will soon end. "It's gonna remind a lot of people of Pearl Harbor in the next couple months... cause bombs will be dropping everywhere. Hopefully Pewaukee's pitcher will learn from Horicon's mistake." Game time is 1:00 pm at Pewaukee.
Send Mike a text message and tell him what you think of his performance! (Opposing pitchers are encouraged also)
Five Os lose to Menomonee Falls in playoffs to end season
Curt Weiskirch doubled in 2 runs in each of his first three at bats to support Don August's 7 hitter in the easy 10-2 win.
The Five Os tied the game in the top of the third with singles by Derek Nelson, Mike Bolson and Andy Neary to load the bases. A 6-4 double play scored Nelson for the first run and Jeff Rhoads' single scored Bolson. Falls put the game away in the bottom of the third and Oconomowoc was never in it after that. Neary had three singles to lead the Os and Nelson had a single and double. Rob Becker took the loss going 2 1/3 innings with 6 runs, 5 earned runs, 6 hits and 2 hit batters. Derek Nelson finished up for the Five Os with 4 earned runs, 9 hits a walk and 2 strike outs.
On Sunday Pewaukee beat Falls in a nail biter 2-1 in front of a packed Pewaukee crowd to win the Western Division. They will play for the Grand Championship in the next two weekends.
Oconomowoc takes Lannon to advance in playoffs
The Five Os won a close battle against Lannon, beating them for the first time in 3 years and advancing Oconomowoc to the second round of the LOL West playoffs.
Most LOL Western Division teams know that no lead is safe at Lannon. With a 15-5 lead after scoring 7 runs in the top of the 8th inning, the Stonemen came back with 8 runs in the bottom of the 8th. After the Five Os went 1-2-3 in the top of
the 9th, Lannon loaded the bases with 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth before relief pitcher Sean Smith snagged a come backer to the mound and with an easy toss to first base to secure the hard fought nail biter. The teams have apparently gotten used to wooden bats the past year with both teams combining for 32 hits in the game. Mike Bolson was the winning pitcher going 7 1/3 superb innings with 11 runs, 9 earned, on 12 hits, 6 walks, 1 hit batter and 7 strike outs. Sean Smith pitched the final 1 2/3 innings with 2 runs, 4 hits and 2 walks. With the bats, JJ Mohns and Derek Nelson led the team with 3 hits each while Sean Smith and Eric Olson had 2 hits each. The big 8th inning for Oconomowoc began with 2 huge pinch hit singles by Andy Neary and Kevin Raasch and was capped with a 3 run home run by Derek Nelson which proved to be the game winner.
The Five Os next game will be Saturday at Menomonee Falls at 1:00 pm. The Os will most likely face ex major leaguer Don August from Falls. The losing team is done for the year and the winner plays league champ Pewaukee on Sunday for a trip to the Grand Championship.
When asked about the upcoming playoff game, Mike Eppler quoted "I am hoping.... no I am praying, Don August tries to give me one of those up and in 'fastballs' that he used in the majors. I will be more than happy to show him who the REAL Mr. August is... a la Reggie Jackson's 'Mr. October' title. The only reason they gave Reggie that title is because the LOL playoffs aren't held in October."
LOL West playoff situation shaping up
Despite the loss to Lannon on Sunday, Oconomowoc clinched a playoff birth, along with Menomonee Falls to fill out the 5 playoff teams. With one game remaining in the regular season, Lannon is tied with Pewaukee for first place. Pewaukee currently has the tie breaker. Oconomowoc is tied with Menomonee Falls for fourth place, but holds the tie breaker over Falls.
When asked about the upcoming playoffs, Mike Eppler could not help but to speak instead on his dominance over Lannon, and more specifically Kozlowski. "I have had to resort to using cracked bats. There is little to no challenge when facing him with legit lumber. I just thought I would even the playing field a little bit, but for that to be true I would have to hit with a wet newspaper... and I dont think the umps would go for that."
Oconomowoc's last regular season game of the year will be Saturday against Sussex at home. The game time is 1:00 pm and it is fan appreciation day. Their first playoff game will be next Sunday at their opponents field. If Oconomowoc can win Saturday they will lock up fourth place, which would most likely get them a first round game at Hartland. If Oconomowoc loses Saturday and Falls wins, they will most likely be back at Lannon on Sunday.
Despite loss to Lannon, Five Os clinch playoff spot
A powerful Lannon Stonemen team drilled Oconomowoc for 9 runs, all off home runs, to beat the Five Os 9-5 on Sunday. Dave Wnuk had a first inning grand slam home run and a two run shot in the third to lead a five home run day for the Stonemen. The Five Os had two home runs, including a solo shot in the 1st by Pete
Schlosser and a three run dinger in the 8th by Sean Smith. Rob Becker took the loss with one inning of work and 4 earned runs and 5 hits. Bolson pitched 6 innings with 5 earned runs and 10 hits. Sean Smith pitched one inning giving up 2 hits.
Oconomowoc wins second game against Brookfield
Oconomowoc finished its season and weekend sweep of Brookfield on Sunday with a 13-7 win. Kevin Raasch led the Five Os with 3 hits and 4 RBIs. Derek Nelson also had 3 singles. The Os had at least 2 hits in each inning except the 4th and 19 in total. Eric Olson pitched 4 1/3 innings in relief of Mike Bolson to improve Oconomowoc to 10-6 in the LOL West. Mike Bolson started for the Os going 4 2/3 innings giving up 6 earned runs on 8 hits, 2 walks and 5 singles.
Ernest Castro started for the Bulldogs giving up 7 runs, 5 earned, on 10 hits, 3 walks and 5 strike outs in the loss. The Bulldogs were plagued with 5 errors.
Oconomowoc has only two LOL regular season games remaining this year, and are 10-6 in the West. Their next game is against Lannon next Sunday at 2:30 pm in Lannon. The final two games of the season will decide if the Os will make the playoffs or not. Currently, three teams; Pewaukee, Lannon, and Hartland have clinched 3 of the 5 playoff spots.
Os win first of two games against Brookfield
The Five Os took over 4th place in the LOL West with a 7-5 win over a pesky Brookfield squad. Although the Bulldogs were held to 3 hits, Mike Rohde hit an 0-2 pitch over the right field fence for a two run home run in the third inning and Ernest Castro tagged a 3-2 pitch over the center field fence for a two run homer in the sixth inning. Their final run came on a error on a pick off attempt in the eighth inning. Rob Becker earned the gutsy complete game win with 8 strike outs, 5 walks, 2 hit batters and 3 earned runs. Dave Ibach took the loss going 5 innings on 6 earned runs, 6 hits, 4 walks and 3 strike outs.
The Five Os scored the first run of the game in the second inning on a Kevin Raasch sacrifice fly to drive in JJ Mohns, who had walked. Clint Smothers manufactured a run in the third on a walk, 2 stolen bases and scored on a wild pitch. Pete Schlosser and JJ Mohns each added a home run.
Oconomowoc plays Brookfield again on Sunday and will try to give themselves a better grasp on getting into the playoffs. Gametime is 1:00 pm in Brookfield.
Five Os lose to Brownsville in first round of SWABA
The 49ers defeated the Five Os at Hustisford in the 7 inning SWABA game 10-8. The Os tied the game in the bottom of the sixth with four runs at 8-8 with the aid of 2 errors. Then JJ Mohns was relieved by Mike Bolson. After a strike out, Bolson walked the lead off hitter to fill the bases. A high chopper by Tyler Witkowski to second for a 4-3 putout brought home Cluppert. A single by Stoffel scored Estes. In the bottom of the seventh, Bolson lead off with a walk but was erased by a 4-3 double play. A fly out to center ended the game. Estes pitched the last 2 inning and got the win. Mohns took the loss. Derek Nelson pitched the first 1 2/3 innings giving up 5 earned runs on 6 hits and 3 walks.
For the Os, Steve Rhoads hit a 2 run home run in the bottom of the first to tie the game. Brownsville advanced to the finals at Horicon.
Now Oconomowoc has nothing to worry about except the LOL playoffs. They have a two game weekend, playing Brookfield on Saturday and Sunday. Both games are huge for the Five Os in order to make the playoffs. Game time is 1:00 pm each day.
Loss to Slinger ends Tri County season for Os
Slinger defeated the Five Os 9-5 leaving both teams records at 5-5 with the West Bend Barons in Tri County play. Oconomowoc however loses the tie breaker and will not make the Tri County playoffs this year. Eric Olson took the loss for Oconomowoc. Andy Klein earned the win. Both pitchers went the distance. Eric Olson, Steve Rhoads, and Jason Scheer each hit a home run. James Schlosser had 3 singles. Olson, Rhoads and JJ Mohns has 2 hits each of the 12 total. Slinger had 18 hits with Andy Klein and Kyle Arendt had 3 hits each. All Slinger players except on had two or more hits each.
Looking forward Oconomowoc can now concentrate on making the LOL West playoffs and the upcoming SWABA tournament. The opening round for SWABA is this Friday in Hustisford and the Five Os next LOL games are Saturday and Sunday against Brookfield.
Five Os win key LOL matchup against Falls
In a key matchup for the playoffs, the Five Os and Lakers belted out 35 hits and 24 runs in the Os 14-10 victory. The temperature was in the mid 90's and the wind was blowing out to right field. With the fielders having to play deep, there were 5 doubles, 2 home runs and 28 singles, which is more like a metal bat game or a preseason football game. For the Five Os, Sean Smith and Steve Rhoads led with the bats. Sean belted 2 home runs for 5 RBI's and Steve contributed with 5 singles. Also, Clint Smothers had 3 singles, 2 doubles, 3 runs and 3 RBI's. For the Lakers, James De Cremer had 4 hits with a double and 3 RBI's, Jeff Pitrof had 4 singles and 2 runs and Jeff Lueck had 3 hits with a double and 3 runs. Rob Becker got the win going 5 innings with 6 earned runs, 9 hits, 4 walks, 1 hit batter and 2 strike outs. Going 4 innings for the save was Derek Nelson with 4 earned runs on 7 hits and 1 strike out.
Don August started for Falls and left with arm trouble while clinging to a 4-2 lead in the top of the third after a Smothers single. Arm trouble brought him out of the All Star game last week end. It was the first time he had faced Oconomowoc. Cory Kleeba took the loss giving up 6 hits and 6 unearned runs in 1 1/3 innings. Smith knocked Kleeba out with a 3 run home run in the 4th inning. Curt Weiskirch gave up 2 runs in 3 innings of relief and Jeff Lueck gave up 3 unearned runs in final 2 2/3 innings. "Yeah, the real estate market doesnt do too well in Falls this time of year. It seems no one is interested in buying a house when they find I am in town and am launching dingers throughout the town. I mean those missles can do some serious damage to rooftops," quoted Mike Eppler.
The Five Os, Lakers, and Monches are all tied in the LOL West at 8-6. In the case of a tie, the first tie breaker is head to head record. The second tie breaker is record against playoff teams.
Oconomowoc's next game is Monday night at Slinger, where they must win to make the Tri County playoffs. Game time is 7:30 pm at Watertown.
Rickety Five Os squad fall to Clyman
Clyman remained undefeated in the Tri County Nite League with a 9-1 win over the Os. Clyman plays a second TCNL game today vs West Bend Barons. The second game is important to the Five Os Playoffs.
If the Os win on Monday night vs Slinger in Watertown, they finish 6-4 and at least a tie for 6th, which is in the playoffs. If the Barons lose to Clyman, they would have 5 losses and the O's would have 6th alone.
Dave Schlosser "The Legend," pitched for the Five Os and took the loss. He pitched well early in the game, giving up only 1 earned run in four innings. He later wilted in the heat and gave the ball to son, James, "The Closer" and some fatherly advice. Dave was said to be happy that he kept his streak of having a guy picked off first at something like 50 games in a row. We will have to check with Gary Bender for the "unofficial" record that may go back to the days of the Merchants.
The Os, who are struggling just to make the LOL playoffs, have what is to be the biggest game of the year tommorow versus the red hot Menomonee Falls. Game time is 1:00 pm at Menomonee Falls.
Oconomowoc gives Pewaukee run in 9th but fall short
After going into the 9th down by 2, Oconomowoc managed to get runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs, but still fell short against league leading Pewaukee. Oconomowoc took an early 2-1 lead in the 1st, but were soon trailing by 2 in the 5th. Going into the 9th down by 2, Jeff Rhoads led off the with a single followed by a Pete Schlosser double. The ball never left the infield for Oconomowoc after that and ended up taking a 5-4 loss. Mike Bolson took the loss for Oconomowoc going 5 innings, giving up 8 hits with 1 walk and 4 strike outs. Leading Oconomowoc at the plate were Clint Smothers and Steve Rhoads, each with 3 hits. Jeff Rhoads and J.J. Mohns had 2 hits each.
Oconomowoc has some time off now while the All Star game is next weekend. Steve Rhoads, Pete Schlosser, and Mike Bolson will all be playing in it. Their next game is the Sunday the 21st where they have another huge LOL game at Menomonee Falls.
Mohawk-touting Gunner drops first home run of career
Perhaps in memory of Chief Ranta, Gunner Kroseberg, sporting a mohawk, hit his first home run of his career on Saturday vs Rubicon. It has been 18+ hours at time of printing, and the smile has yet to leave his face. Gunner made the race for 6th place in home runs on the Five Os a lot more interesting with his blast. Now him and the one and only Michael Eppler are in a dead heat for 6th. This reporter feels the home run had a lot to do with the rayon shirt and skirt which Gunner was seen wearing the night before (complete with make up and earrings... pics coming soon)
In the game, Derek Nelson threw a Becker-esk gem against Rubicon, only giving up one run which scored on a single due to a bad hop. Derek went the distance giving up 8 hits and notching 8 strike outs. Steve Rhoads, Kevin Raasch, and J.J. Mohns each had three hits to lead the team at the plate. The Os have a huge LOL West game tommorow (7/7) versus league leader Pewaukee. Oconomowoc will likely see Arnold from Pewaukee who is one of the leagues top two pitchers, and coming off a 1-0 win against Lannon on Thursday. Game time is 1:00 pm at Roosevelt Field. "I plan on taking Arnold back to Pewaukee with a ride on the Lousville Express." quoted Eppler. Kroseberg followd with something about a hammer.
Oconomowoc takes Merton 17-0. Second straight shutout for Becker
Rob Becker threw another gem for Oconomowoc on the 4th with the carnival in the background. Becker threw his second straight complete game and shutout having 8 strikeouts and 3 hits with Merton only able to get one runner to third base all game. To go along with his excellent pitching performance, Becker also fired out numerous "Lets go Crusty" comments. Oconomowoc had some hot bats, talling up 16 hits and 17 runs. Leading the Five Os in hitting were Jeff Rhoads and Pete Schlosser, each with three hits. Pete notched a 3 run shot, the only one from either team, with his last at bat. Steve Rhoads, Sean Smith and J.J. Mohns each had 2 hits. Things started off with Oconomowoc getting 3 runs in the first and 2 in the second before exploding for 7 runs in the fourth inning.
Elsewhere in the LOL West, Pewaukee won a great pitchers duel over Lannon, tieing them with Lannon for the league lead in the LOL West. Oconomowoc's next LOL game is against the red hot Pewaukee Muskies on Sunday at Roosevelt Field. Before that, they have a Tri-County game on Saturday against Rubicon. Game time on Saturday is 1:30 pm and 1:00 pm on Sunday.
Oconomowoc Five Os will send three players to LOL All Star game
Three players from the Os will represent Oconomowoc at the LOL All Star game next Sunday in Farmington. Pete Schlosser, currently the second highest hitter in the LOL West, will start at second base. Steve Rhoads, currently the fourth highest hitter in LOL West, will start at third base. Mike Bolson was also elected as a pitcher. Game time for the All Star game is 1:00 pm in Farmington as the LOL West All Stars take on the All Stars from the LOL Southwest.
Becker and Oconomowoc earn shutout and 2-0 win over Monches
Rob Becker tossed the first shutout of the year for Oconomowoc in a big 2-0 win over Monsches on Sunday. This win put Oconomowoc above .500 overall and also in the Land O Lakes West. Oconomowoc is now 6-5 in LOL West. Becker outlasted Bob Callahan from Monches in a game that was scoreless into the bottom of the eighth inning. James Schlosser lead off with a double and scored on a single by Pete Schlosser. Schlosser scored on a double by Steve Rhoads. Callahan gave up 7 hits, 2 walks and had 5 strike outs in the loss. Becker gave up 6 hits, no walks, 2 hit batters with 9 strike outs. With the bats, Schlosser had 3 singles and Mike Eppler kept up his hot hitting with a single and double for the other O's hits.
Monches remains in fourth place and the Five Os remain tied for fifth with the Falls. Their next game is Tuesday with a Tri County game against West Bend. Their next LOL game will be the big home 4th of July game hosting Merton. Fireworks will be later after the game. Game time on Tuesday is 7:30 pm and the game on the 4th starts at 1:00 pm.
Rematch with Hartland - Oconomowoc wins 10-9
After losing to Hartland last Sunday, Oconomowoc came back on Saturday with a close 10-9 win over Hartland. Sean Smith had 4 hits, Pete Schlosser and Mike Eppler had 3 hits each. Smith, Schlosser and Eppler each drove in 2 runs. The Oilers took a 5-1 lead in the bottom of the third. The Os came back with 3 runs in the top of the fourth, highlighted by a 2 run single by Eppler. Oconomowoc added 4 unearned runs in the top of the 7th for a 8-4 lead. Rick Leslie
slammed a 2 run home run in the left field tree in the bottom of the seventh. Pete Schlosser answered with a 2 run shot of his own to center in the top of the eighth. The Oilers plated 2 unearned runs in the bottom of the eighth. The game finished with a quiet ninth inning for both teams. Andy Neary and Jon Perkins had 2 singles each. The Five Os bats remained hot from last Sunday's game with 17 hits. Bryan Laabs, Craig Henschel and Dave Hubka had 2 hits each among the 10 Oiler hits. Derek Nelson notched the win going 7.2 innings with 9 runs, 4 earned. Rob Becker got the save with 1 hit in 1.1 innings, including getting out of a bases loaded jam in the eighth. Mark Fiala went the distance in the loss for Hartland.
Oconomowoc falls below .500 with extra inning loss to Hartland
Despite coming scoring 6 runs in the bottom of the ninth to send the game into extra innings, Oconomowoc fell short to Hartland in the 11th. ScottSadowski doubled in two runs in the top of the 11th, which the Os could not recover from. The long, exciting game was played on a hot Roosevelt Field on Sunday. Steve Rhoads and Kevin Raasch had 4 hits each, Jeff Rhoads had 3 hits for the Five Os. Each scored 3 runs. Rob Becker went 3 and 1/3 innings giving up 8 runs on 9 hits, 1 walk and 1 strike out. Mike Bolson pitched 7 and 2/3 innings with 8 runs, 6 earned, 9 hits, 5 walks
and 5 strike outs and took the loss. Mark Fiala pitched a perfect 10th and 11th with 2 strike outs for the win.
The rivalry will fire up again next Saturday when the two teams meet again in Hartland. The game time is pushed up to 11:30 in order to make room for Oconomowoc's second game of the day at Clyman. When asked to quote about the emotional game, Mike Eppler insisted on focusing on himself. "I figured Henschel would bean me [in the 8th]. I mean, it is baseball... when you own a pitcher like that game in and game out, there comes a point when you stop pitching to the guy and start just putting him on. Talk to Bonds about it."
Oconomowoc takes North Lake 15-3
Oconomowoc evened up its LOL record at 4-4 with a win over North Lake on Sunday. After the Lakers battled to a extra inning loss on Saturday against Hartland, they had to play a frustrated Os team that lost on Saturday and the the wind was blowing out at Roosevelt Field. The Lakers ran out of gas. Rob Becker tossed a three hitter, his best by far of the season earning him his first win. The Os pound out 17 hits, including 5 doubles and 3 home runs. Steve Rhoads and Pete Schlosser each had 2 doubles and a home run. Rhoads added a single for a 4 for 5 day with 3 runs and 5 RBI's. Schlosser had 4 runs, and 2 RBI's in his 3 for 4 outing. Mike Bolson added a two run home run, James Schlosser had 3 hits and Adam Schlosser had 2 hits. Sean Smith, back for his first game of the year, added a double.
Dave Tiefenthaler lead off the game with a home run to left field for the Lakers. Kevin Cornell took the loss. The Os have yet to distinguish themselves as a definate playoff team. With some more quality hitting and good defense, they hope to do that in the next couple LOL games before the All-Star break. They have a week off and their next matchup is next Sunday against Hartland, who is currently in third place in the LOL West.
Os fall below .500 with loss to Sussex
Oconomowoc was handed their 4th loss this year in LOL play at the hands of Nick Ghelfi and Sussex. Nick Ghelfi hit two home runs, singled, scored two runs and had five RBI's on offense and made the play of the game on defense with an over the shoulder catch at first base with the bases loaded and no outs in the top of the 8th inning. Mike Bolson took the loss for the Os hitting 6 batters and striking out 13 Cardinals. Jared Gueller pitched 7 innings with 8 strike outs, 1 walk, 3 hit batters, 6 hits and 3 runs in 7 innings for the win. Seth Kroenke went 2 innings for the save with 2 runs, 2 hits and 2 walks. A total of 9 batters were hit by pitch, possibly a LOL record.
With the half way mark of the LOL season coming up, The Os need to get their act together in order to solidify themselves as a playoff contender. Their next game is Sunday versus North Lake at home.
Os hammer Hustisford
The Five Os put together some good hitting Wednesday night against Hustisford in Tri-County action. The basepaths were busy with a total of 29 runs and 34 hits as the Five Os topped Hustisford 21-8. The Os evened their Tri County record at 3-3. The ridiculous hitting of Steve Rhoads continued with Dusty notching 3 hits along with JJ Mohns, Derek Nelson and Mike Bolson. Bolson had a grand slam home run. Eric Olson and Derek Nelson also went yard. Nelson led the team with 4 RBI's. Youngster Adam Schlosser along with Bolson and Mike Eppler scored three runs each. Taking the win on the hill was Eric Olson who pitched 6 innings with Mike Bolson closing out the last two.
Hustisford was lead by Jamie Kaul with a home run, 3 hits and 3 RBI's, Andy Steffan and Justin Pleschle also had 3 hits. Scott Hill had 2 doubles. Josh Boldt took the loss.
Oconomowoc tries to keep their winning streak going with a busy LOL weekend. They are at Sussex on Saturday and home against North Lake on Sunday. These two games are needed badly to help push Oconomowoc up with the top 3 LOL West teams: Lannon, Pewaukee, and Merton. "At some point I expect to be banned by the LOL if I keep up the power streak I am on," quoted Mike Eppler. "When I face pitchers in this league, I know how it feels to be the Los Angeles Lakers or Yankees.... above everyone else."
Bolson hurls Os over Merton
The Os put together possibly their best showing of the year thus far on Sunday against Merton. Mike Bolson pitched a gem with 10 strike outs and only allowing 2 hits in the 7 inning run rule. Clint Smothers scored 3 runs, 2 stolen bases and a 3 run home run. Steve Rhoads led the team with 2 hits, Adam Schlosser scored 3 runs, Derek Nelson, Mike Bolson and James Schlosser scored 2 runs each. Bolson leads the Five Os pitching staff with 3 wins and 29 strike outs. Perhaps most impressive, The Five Os played their first error free game of the year.
Merton scored two runs in the third inning on a Justin Burseth double to score Jay Jaster and Kurt Wolf. Mike Horne also singled in the third inning for the other hit. Merton had a difficult weekend with injuries to Manager Joe Johnson, Jay Jaster and Kurt Wolf. Another player has broken ribs. Merton played Hartland on Saturday.
The Os hope to continue their winning streak this Wednesday when they play at Hustisford in Tri County action.
New self proclaimed manager Mike Eppler quoted "We are on a tear. More specifically, I am on a tear. I wouldnt be surprised if I manage to lock up the triple crown in the next couple weeks. Especially if pitchers keep deciding not to walk me."
Losing streak continues for Os, Lose 14-9 in Tri County Action
The Five Os suffered another loss in Tri County action against Hartford. Hartford scored seven runs in the fourth inning to take a 13-4 lead and held on for the 14-9 win. Each team is 2-3 in the Tri County Nite League. The defensive woes continue for the Os as they had five errors in the first four innings. Derek Nelson had trouble figuring out the umpire's strike zone and was touched for 11 hits, 5 walks, 13 runs including 9 earned in four innings for the loss. The Five Os had 18 hits with Eric Olson, Steve Rhoads and Derek Nelson had three hits each. Rhoads continues his tremendous hitting this year with more two home runs. Adam and James Schlosser, JJ Mohns and Gunner Grosberg had two hits each.
The Five Os will play Hustisford at Hustisford at 6:30 PM on Friday July 5, 2002 in the SWABA tournament. If they win, they would play at Hustisford on Friday July 26. Times to be announced. Their next game is Sunday at Merton in LOL action where the Os desperately need to string together some wins.
Luke Nelson Drafted in 17th Round by San Francisco Giants
Luke Nelson, a recent graduate of Southern Illinois University, was drafted in the 17th Round of the Major League Baseball draft by the San Francisco Giants. The first 22 rounds of the draft were held on June 4th.
Five Os fall to Pewaukee
Oconomowoc ran into the number one pitcher in the league Sunday and got shut down. John Arnold threw a three hitter at the Five Os on Sunday and had 12 strike outs. Luke Nelson lead off the game with a triple to right center and scored the only run of the game for the Five Os on a ground out by JJ Mohns. The Muskies scored three in the bottom of the first on a double by Jose Alba to drive in Todd Bloedow. This turned out to be all Arnold needed.
Schulte and Nelson had two hits each for Pewaukee. Pewaukee also exhibited excellent defense against the Os with Alba taking away two extra base hits with great catches in center field, including a catch at the fence to end the game.
Pewaukee and Lannon still remain two of the three undefeated teams in the LOL West. These two teams meet up next Sunday for what will be a great showdown in Lannon. The Five Os drop to 2-3 in the Western Division and play at Merton next week. Hopefully the Os can string together some wins in the LOL to contend with the top two teams. Gametime next Sunday is 1:00 pm in Merton.
Bolson carries no hitter into bottom of seventh to lead Os
Five Os Mike Bolson's bid for a no hitter against North Lake was broken up by Matt Stankowski with a double to right-center field with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. Bolson finished with a three hitter and 13 strike outs. Nick Kemos doubled home John Downing, who had walked, for the lone Lakers run.
The Five Os were lead by Derek Nelson, who had three hits, including a double and three RBI's. Jeff Rhoads and Luke Nelson hit home runs for there first hits of the year for the Five Os. Rhoads hit a solo shot to center field in the second and Nelson's was a two run drive to right center with Clint Smothers on base with a walk. Kevin Raasch and Pete Schlosser had two hits each. Rhoads was back from Florida for the weekend and Nelson is back from a successful four year career at Southern Illinois University, where he was the Abe Martin Award winner. Oconomowoc's next game is a Tri County game Thursday night in Horicon.
Oconomowoc looks poor against Lannon
Lannon, the top team in the league, handed Oconomowoc their second LOL loss of the year on Saturday in Oconomowoc 6-1. Flat Oconomowoc hitting and more costly errors hampered the Os. Their only run came in the bottom of the ninth when James Schlosser grounded in Mike Eppler. The Os continue their LOL season tommorow at North Lake. Game time is 1 pm.
Oconomowoc/North Lake game postponed
Mother Nature, that feminist liberal, will not give Oconomowoc a break. Another rainout on Saturday forced the Oconomowoc/North Lake LOL game to be moved to Monday at 1:00 pm. See you there!
Yet another tough loss for O's
The Five Os lost another heart-breaker late Wednesday night in Watertown Tri-County action. The Os lost 9-8 in 12 innings. After a fantastic top of the ninth rally to tie the game at 6-6 and send it into extra innings, the Os took a 2 run lead in the top of the 12th. But in the bottom half Watertown answered with 3 runs to take the game.
Mike Oiler singled with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 12th inning for two runs and the Cardinal win. Oiler pitched the last 3+ innings for the win and had 3 hits. Kevin Pankow, who played high school baseball at Oconomowoc and was 3-0 for UW-Stephens Point, pitched the first 9.1 innings and had 5 singles in the game. Ninmann and Busler had 3 hits each. Steve Rhoads had 5 hits, including a double to lead the Five Os. Mike Bolson and Eric Olson had three hits each. Olson pitched five scoreles innings. JJ Mohns pitched 6 innings for the loss. The Os tied the game at 6-6 in the top of the ninth with a two run double by Derek Nelson and a one run double by Pete Schlosser. 4 More errors for Oconomowoc kept it on track with it's pitiful defense thus far this year.
The Os have a big Land O' Lakes Memorial Day weekend ahead of them with a game Saturday at North Lake and Sunday home against rival Lannon. The Lannon game has been designated "Game of the Week" and will begin at 2:30 pm (North Lake game time is 1:00). "Every game I play in should be game of the week," quoted outfielder Mike Eppler. "And I am sick of not having 'The Great' before my name when you quote me... if you're lucky enough to get a quote from me, you will do it right." When asked about the big Lannon match up Eppler noted, "Man do I pray that Kozlowski is pitching. I wouldnt be surprised if he begged to pitch Saturday so he doesnt have to on Sunday against me. You might wanna check the vault at Ixonia Bank, cause I have Koz's deed in there since I own him."
O's falter in Monches
The Five Os lost their first LOL game of the year to Monches. More costly errors continue to hamstring the Os.
Monches, who lost two games last year to the Five Os by a total of three runs, defeated Oconomowoc 4-3 in Monches. Bob Callahan, who gave up 11 hits, pitched out of trouble when needed with the help of two double plays. Jerry Schmit doubled and singled and was driven home by clutch singles by Parrish Wagner in the third and eighth innings. Another run in the eighth, that resulted from an error, proved to be the difference as Oconomowoc rallied for two runs in the top of the ninth on doubles by Andy Neary and JJ Mohns followed by a single by Pete Schlosser. Rob Becker took the loss giving up 6 hits and hitting three batters in the first inning which resulted in the first Monches run. Neary had three hits, Mohns, Schlosser and Steve Rhoads had two hits each.
The Os are now 1-1 in the LOL West and their next game is a Tri County game at Watertown on Wednesday night.
O's back in the swing
The Oconomowoc Os won their first Tri-County night league game of the season Friday night in Pardeeville 12 - 6. Mike Bolson recorded his first win of the season and added a home run and double to help his cause. Steve Rhoads hit 2 two run home runs to centerfield. Derek Nelson recorded a save, scored three runs and had two hits. Andy Neary and Mike Eppler added two hits each.
The Braves were lead by Matt Manthen who was 3 for 4 missing a triple for the cycle. Cory Clemons had two hits. Austin Bilke, who took the loss, had seven strike outs in four innings and did not give up a hit until the third. The Braves gave up two unearned runs in the second inning.
O's itching for next game
After another game postponed to rain, the Five Os are itching to get on the field and play again. Their next game is a Tri-County game Friday night at Pardeeville. Then the Os are back in LOL action at Monches on Sunday. "I plan on having quite a Pardee on Friday night, and believe me, everyone is invited." a confident Mike Eppler quoted. "There will be music, but the only dancing I will be doing will be in the form of moonwalking across the bases after dropping bombs."
O's/Hartland Game postponed due to rain
The Oconomowoc Five Os had another contest rained out on Sunday against the Hartland Oilers. The make up date will be posted when it is finalized. All other LOL games were also postponed.
O's open LOL season with win
This Sunday, the Oconomowoc Five Os opened up the 2002 LOL season with a win over Menomonee Falls by a score of 8-5. The Os took an early lead in the first with a 3-run home run by Steve Rhoads. Four runs in the 7th inning sealed the win for the Os. Leading the Os hitting for the day were Clint Smothers, Eric Olson, and Steve Rhoads; all with 2 hits each. Derek Nelson started on the hill for the Os and earned the win. He went 7 innings with 5 strike outs and only givin up 4 hits and 2 earned runs. Eric Olson finished on the hill for the Os. Scott McKenna took the loss for the Lakers.
The next game for the Five Os will be another LOL game next Sunday at Hartland. This game has been designated "Game of the Week" and the start time is 2:30 pm.
Thin Five Os lineup struggle in summer opener
The Five Os opened up summer play this year in a Tri-County night league game at Neosho on Saturday. A short squad of nine players (which included ageless wonder Tom Rhoads) lost in the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs by a score of 6-5. The key hit of the game was a 3 run double in the 6th by Kyle Damrow of Neosho, who had three hits in the game, giving the Rockets their first lead of the game. Nate Wagner had tied the game in the bottom of the fifth with a two run home run. Not helping too much were the 16 baserunners the Os left on for the game including leaving the bases loaded in the 4th, 5th, and 6th innings. Pete Schlosser and Andy Neary each had home runs for the Os. Leading the Os hitting was Andy Neary and Eric Olson who had 2 hits each. Rob Becker went the distance and took the loss for Oconomowoc giving up only 6 hits and 6 walks. Becker also notched up 5 strikeouts. The Os open the LOL season tommorow against the Menomonee Falls Lakers at Roosevelt Field @ 1:00 pm.
Brookfield rainout rescheduled for July 27
The season opener for the Os was rained out and was rescheduled for July 27. The game will have an early start at 12 noon. Roosevelt Field is the location, see you there!
Five Os open season this Sunday
Come watch the Five O's open up the 2002 Season with their Land O Lakes opener this Sunday at Roosevelt Field. The will try to start the season off on a winning note against Brookfield. When asked on his outlook for the 2002 season, Mike Eppler was profoundly optimistic when saying, "Its about time the season started. My body was designed to drop bombs. When I go more than 3 months without taking some schmuck deep, I get upset. Thats usually when people get hurt. It's gonna be a long year for anyone who has the misfortune of stepping on the mound when I am sitting in the other dugout. I've been hearing reports from Lannon Memorial Hospital that Koslowski's reocurring nightmares are starting to return."
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