On Wednesday night the Oconomowoc Five Os played their final game of 2003 and beat Lannon in the SWABA Class A Championship 16-13. The last time Oconomowoc won SWABA was in 1996. The metal bats allowed a slugfest for a combined 31 hits. Sean Smith led the squad for the night with a 4 for 5 night including 2 home runs. Clint Smothers also contributed nicely with 3 hits. Jeff Rhoads also launched a bomb for Oconomowoc. On the hill, Mike Bolson started for Oconomowoc and earned the win going 6 innings. He gave up 8 runs with 7 hits, 7 walks and 3 strikeouts. Luke Nelson came in to nail down the final 3 innings in the win.
This puts Oconomowoc's final 2003 record at 24-10. Check back to this site often throughout the offseason to view the Five Os "offseason workout program."
O's LOL hopes die amidst the heat of August
On Saturday, two of the longtime powers of the LOL West squared off to determine who would advance to play for the division title the following day. Oconomowoc squared off with Menomenee Falls and former big-league hurler Don August, with a trip to Pewaukee awaiting the winner. Luke Nelson took the hill for the O's and the game's opening innings had the look of a great boxing match, as each fighter tested the other with jabs while withholding the knockout blow. Oconomowoc put its first two batters of the game on base, but did not capitalize. Falls left a pair of runners stranded in both the second and third innings. Nelson needed 71 pitches to get through the first three frames on this blisteringly hot day, but the Lakers were not able to damage him.
Oconomowoc drew first blood in its own half of the third. Nelson and Jeff Rhoads hit back-to-back doubles to score the game's first run. Pete Schlosser then delivered a two-run homer to give his team to a 3-0 cushion.
Nelson took the game over in the middle frames, allowing just two hits from the fourth through the sixth. Schlosser rose up again to blast another home run over the left field fence. With the score 4-0, and Falls hitters seeming to lose patience at the plate it seemed the debate as to whether Schlosser or Nelson would be the game's most outstanding player was all that remained to settle.
Falls refused to lay down and die. August doubled with one out in the seventh and advanced to third on a single by Cory Kleeba. Jeff Lueck bounced a slow grounder to third. With no chance at a double play, third sacker Steve Rhoads threw August out at home in a rundown. However the rundown was lengthy enough that the baserunners ended up on second and third.
Then came the play that will live in the minds of the Oconomowoc baseball community for the entire offseason. Bob Manders bounced a ball back through the middle. It seemed like a sure single and hearts deflated. Then hopes rose again, as shortstop James Schlosser ranged smoothly behind the bag to make the play and the inning looked over. But the throw to first was errant and both runners scored. The lead was 4-2 and Falls had new life.
The visitors made the most of their resurrection from the dead. Shane Davis singled to left, and Manders scored. After a walk to Curt Weiskirch, catcher Jeff Pitrof strolled to the plate. With the count 1-0, he delivered a blast over the left field fence. A triumvirate of runs plated, and a stunned crowd saw Oconomowoc fall behind 6-4. All six runs
were unearned.
Oconomowoc refused to go silently into the good night. James and Adam Schlosser hit consecutive singles to open the bottom of the inning. Even though Nelson hit into a double play, Jeff Rhoads slashed a single to center to cut the lead in half.
The last two innings would go by quietly, however. Neither side would register another baserunner and Falls took home the 6-5 win, marking the second straight year they have eliminated the O's at this stage of the postseason. Oconomowoc enjoyed a fine year and still has hopes of a SWABA title ahead of them. But the unwanted six-pack given to them by their rivals from the east may leave a touch of a hangover to last until the 2004 party opens next spring. Dan Flaherty, editor of The Irish American Catholic. (www.irishamericancatholic.com)
Falls played Pewaukee on Sunday for the Western Title and a spot in the Grand Championship and was stomped out by a score of 8-1. This marks the second year in a row Pewaukee has won the LOL West. They will begin Grand Championship play on Saturday.
Oconomowoc has one final game remaining this year which is the SWABA Championship. They play Lannon on Wednesday in Horicon at 8:30 pm.
Five Os advance to SWABA Finals with 9-2 win over Pewaukee
On Wednesday night Oconomowoc advanced passed a thin Pewaukee squad up in Horicon by the score of 9-2. This win put Pewaukee in the consolation bracket and advanced Oconomowoc to the SWABA Finals. The Os will be facing familiar foe Lannon in the SWABA Championship. Lannon was eliminated from the LOL Playoffs last Sunday by Menomonee Falls. In the game, Rob Becker threw a dandy giving up 2 hits in the first inning, and then shutting down Pewaukee the rest of the game. Pewaukee's only two runs scored in the first inning on a past ball and error. Becker went all 7 innings giving up four walks and striking out seven. Jeff Rhoads and Kevin Raasch led Oconomowoc with the bats, each having three hits. Mike Bolson contributed the only long ball of the night with a solo shot in the 5th inning. The SWABA Championship Game will be played next Wednesday in Horicon at 8:30 pm with the consolation game at 6:30 pm.
Also in a late developing story, it has been discovered that Mr Daniel P Flaherty will be in town for the big Oconomowoc/Falls show down this weekend. The last time Dan was in town was for the Falls playoff game last year where Oconomowoc was eliminated. Dan has written a great article on the Os from his days and you can also view all his Enterprise writeups. He has also agreed to do the game writeup for the website this weekend. If the Os can beat Falls on Saturday in the LOL Playoffs, they will see Pewaukee again on Sunday.
Oconomowoc slugs past first round of playoffs 8-2 over Sussex
The Five Os advanced past the first round of the playoffs on Sunday with a win over Sussex 8-2. Sussex had beat Oconomowoc 3 out of the last 4 times they had played the Os but Oconomowoc's bats and Mike Bolson proved to be too much for The Cardinals to handle. Mike Bolson improved to 7-0 going the entire 9 innings. He gave up 2 earned runs, 4 walks, nine hits and a hit batter while mixing in 8 strikeouts. At the plate for the Os, Jeff Rhoads led the squad with a 4 for 5 day including a double off the wall. However, Sean Smith provided what proved to be the final nail in the coffin with a 3 run blast over the right center fence in the 6th inning. Sussex took an early lead in the top of the first inning when first baseman Nick Ghelfi hit a solo shot to center. They did not score again until the 9th with the help of 2 walks and a single. The fierce competition continued after the game with multiple heated games of beer bong bochee ball. It is rumored that an early walking of the dog was spotted to try and help Oconomowoc continue in the playoffs.
The other LOL playoff game between Lannon and Menomonee Falls gave the somewhat surprising outcome of Falls pounding on Lannon 11-4. With the Falls win, that matches Oconomowoc (3 seed) against Falls (5 seed) in the semi-finals next Saturday. Since Oconomowoc is the higher seed, the game will be played in Oconomowoc. The winner of that game will go on to play at Pewaukee for a trip to the Grand Championship. This matchup against Falls will be a rematch of last years semi-finals of Oconomowoc vs. Menomonee Falls where Falls came out victorious 10-2. Last year's game was played in Falls. The game will no doubt be a battle between some of the best pitchers in the league with Falls throwing their Ace, ex-Major Leaguer Don August. Game time next Saturday is 1:00 pm at Roosevelt Field. Also this week Oconomowoc plays in the semi-finals of the SWABA tournament against Pewaukee. That game is scheduled for Wednesday at 8:30 pm in Horicon. When asked about the upcoming playoff game against Don August, Os Mike Eppler quoted, "Donny is gonna eat from the same menu Johnny [Arnold] ate from agaist me... Start him off with a nice appetizer of a few ropes up the middle. Followed up with some nice doubles off the wall. And for the main course, a walk off homer with my shirt off to end the game. I hope they're hungry.".
Os gear up for playoffs with 5-4 win over North Lake
The Five Os ended their LOL Regular Season with a win against North Lake 5-4. With the win, Oconomowoc finished in 3rd place in the LOL West and begin the playoffs on Sunday at 2:30 against Sussex (4th place) at home. Oconomowoc was 1-1 against Sussex this year. If they win, they will play next Saturday against the winner of Lannon vs. Menomonee Falls. If it is Menomonee Falls (5th place) the game will be in Oconomowoc and will be a rematch of last years LOL West semifinals. If it is Lannon (2nd place), it will be in Lannon.
In the North Lake game, James Schlosser led the Five Os at the plate with a 3 for 4 day and Luke Nelson who had 2 hits. Rob Becker went 7 2/3 innings on the hill for Oconomowoc earning the win before handing the ball over to closer Derek Nelson who picked up the save. Surprisingly Derek was able to earn the save even though he was lacking a nice closers haircut.
SWABA semifinals set for Aug 13 in Horicon at 8:30 pm
The Five Os will face familiar foe Pewaukee in SWABA on Wednesday at 8:30 in Horicon. The winner of the game will play in the Championship game against the winner of Lannon\Brownsville and the losers will play each other for 3rd place. The final games are Wednesday August 20 in Horicon.
Os pound Racine for 11 runs in 5 innings in SWABA
The lethal shutout pitching of Luke Nelson and the timely hitting from the Five Os managed to push Oconomowoc into the next round of SWABA on Monday night. Luke Nelson dominated hitters on the mound throwing all 5 innings, striking out 11 and only giving up 2 hits. That makes 25 strikeouts in just 12 innings of pitching for Nelson in the SWABA tourney. At the plate, the Os were led by Jeff Rhoads who had a 3 for 3 night. Rhoads quotes his night time success to one Jeffrey Ranta, "it's zee right time."
Oconomowoc is now in the final four teams of the SWABA tourney with some familiar company. LOL rival Lannon has also made the final four. The next SWABA game will be held in Horicon on a date to be determined.
Os complete 2 win weekend with win at Merton
Before rain came down in the 9th inning, Oconomowoc managed to pound out 17 hits in a win against Merton. Leading Oconomowc at the plate were Jeff Rhoads and Derek Nelson who each had 3 hits including a double. Derek contributed 3 RBIs to the effort as well. In what has come to be known and the Nicky Nockers park, Kevin Raasch shined once again with 2 doubles. Rob Becker got the win on the mound for Oconomowoc going 5 innings giving up 5 earned runs and striking out three. Perhaps most relaxing was the fact that Rob's inexplainable behavior has finally ended and he managed to increase his HP count by one, ending his streak of 3 games. Perhaps to celebrate this, Rob ceremoniously ran to the center field fence and back in nothing but his spikes and catchers shell.
With this win Oconomowoc cliches at least third place in the LOL West, which guarantees them a home game in the first round. At best Oconomowoc will finish in 2nd. The only playoff spot that is still open in 5th place and is between Menomonee Falls and Brookfield. If Oconomowoc finishs in third place, they will be matched up against Sussex in the first round who they are 1-1 against this season.
Five Os take revenge on Hartland 7-2
With the help on one Senator Tusky, The Os got their due revenge on Hartland after losing to them last weekend. Mike Bolson threw a complete game win to improve his record to 6-0 on the season. Bolson dominated on the mound with 8 strikeouts and only allowing one walk. At the plate, Sean Smith led the Os with a 3 for 3 day and 2 runs scored.
Oconomowoc continues to finish out it's LOL regular season with a game against Merton on Sunday and finally a game against North Lake next Saturday. The day after that the LOL West playoffs will begin with a likely matchup against Sussex at home. Game time for all LOL games is 1:00 pm.
Os lose in final Tri County game 2-1
In the final Tri County game of the regular season, the Oconomowoc Five Os fell to Kewaskum 2-1 in a tight pitchers duel. Oconomowoc needed to win this game to make the Tri County playoffs. Nick Collins threw another great game on the hill going all 8 innings, possibly in memory of Clint Smothers performance. Unfortunately, the outcome was the same. Oconomowoc scored it's only run in the 9th inning when Jeff Rhoads led off with a single, moved to second on error. Got to third on a past ball and then scored on a sac fly by Kevin Raasch. Oconomowoc only had 4 hits in the game.
Oconomowoc will now focus on the LOL playoffs and ongoing SWABA tournament. They have 3 more games remaining in the LOL regular season until the playoffs start on August 10th. It appears that they will be starting off against Sussex in the first round. Their next SWABA game is Monday Auguest 4th with a game against Kiwanis. If they win that game they will be in the Championship game.
Slinger takes Five Os 4-3
The Oconomowoc Five Os fell to Slinger in Tri County play 4-3 on Tuesday. This marked the first complete game of Clint Smothers on the hill, with very positive results despite the loss. Smothers gave up 2 earned runs, 8 hits, 5 walks and had 8 strike outs. Oconomowoc has one game remaining in their Tri County regular season against Kewaskum. If they can win that game they are all but assured a spot in the Tri County playoffs. The Kewaskum game is Thursday night in Brownsville.
Nelson throws gem in first round of SWABA
Luke Nelson dominated opponent Clyman in the first round of the SWABA tournament on Monday 7-1. Nelson threw all 7 innings and struck out 14 batters, walking no one, and only giving up 3 hits. (SWABA games are only 7 innings long with a time limit) SWABA will be the only opportunity for the Five Os to use aluminum bats this year and Sean Smith was the only player in the game to take advantage with the Os only home run. Leading Oconomowoc at the plate were Jeff Rhoads, Steve Rhoads, Luke Nelson, and Pete Schlosser with 2 hits each.
The Five Os move onto the next round of SWABA which will be played next Monday in Watertown against Kiwanis who won last night 2-1. Oconomowoc's next regular game is a Tri County makeup Tuesday night in Hustisford against Slinger. Rumor has it Mr. Smothers may be starting on the hill for the Os. Gametime is 7:30 pm. "Zee night time is zee right time."
Os beat undefeated Pewaukee, then lose on Sunday
The Oconomowoc Five Os had an up and down weekend by beating undefeated Pewaukee on Saturday and then losing to Hartland on Sunday. The win on Saturday forced a Western Division playoffs in two weeks to determine which team will continue on to the Grand Championship. Also the win poised Oconomowoc to have a legitimate shot at first place in the LOL West (first place in the division earns a two-game bye to the Western Division Championship). The loss on Sunday to Hartland extinguished any hope for that. Oconomowoc 8 - Pewaukee 3 : After having a lead and getting rained out a couple weeks ago, Oconomowoc beat undefeated Pewaukee on Saturday. Mike Bolson threw a complete game to shut down Pewaukee with just 3 runs and 9 hits. The huge hit of the game for the Os came by Adam Schlosser who had a bases loaded triple in the fourth inning. Leading the Os at the plate was Derek Nelson who had 3 hits and 3 RBIs. Oconomowoc 12 - Hartland 13 : Coming off the huge win at Pewaukee, everything that could have went wrong... did go wrong for Oconomowoc on Sunday at Hartland. Untimely hops, ground rule doubles, and line drive double plays came back to haunt Oconomowoc and gave the Os another LOL loss. Hartland had 20 hits in the game and 18 singles. What proved to be the final dagger was a 3 run home run by Oiler Scott Sadowski in the 7th inning. For the Os at the plate, Jeff Rhoads led the way with 4 hits including 2 doubles. Adam Schlosser topped out an incredible weekend with a 5-for-5 on base day. Derek Nelson and Mike Bolson each had 2 hits with Bolson contributing a 3 run blast to left in the 6th inning. Nick Collins took the loss for the Os after coming in the 7th inning to replace starter Derek Nelson.
The Os now stand poised to take 3rd place in the LOL West. As things stand now, that would mean a home game against Sussex in the first round of the playoffs with the winner of that game most likely playing in Pewaukee or Lannon (whoever gets 2nd place). The Os will enter SWABA play tonight in Watertown against tough Clyman. Game time is 6 pm. Oconomowoc won the SWABA tournament in 1997.
Bolson tosses no hitter* in 2 win weekend
Mike Bolson pitched a no hitter for the Five Os on Sunday in a 13-0 win against Monches. The game lasted 7 innings due to the 12 run rule. Bolson threw against Monches earlier in the year and came 1 hit away from a no hitter (2003 Monches batting average against Oconomowoc = .022). At the plate, the Os kept swinging the hot stick with 12 hits. Jeff Rhoads led the squad with a 3 for 3 day which included 2 home runs, 4 runs and 4 RBIs. Oconomowoc's next game will be their biggest game of the year. They will square off against unbeaten Pewaukee who stand to eliminate the LOL West playoffs by going undefeated. The game was originally set to be Pewaukee's home game, but due to field limitations, the game will be played in Oconomowoc on Saturday.
On Saturday, Oconomowoc played a make up game against North Lake and took the Lakers 9-4. Oconomowoc swung the lumber with 3 home runs; 2 by Pete Schlosser and one by Steve Rhoads. Earning the win for the Os was comeback player Rob Becker who has been out for a couple weeks with stiches in his pitching hand. Cause of the stiches have yet to be determined, but many people who know Robby have a pretty good idea of what might have caused it. Rob threw 7 innings and gave up 3 runs with 7 hits, 2 walks and 4 strikeouts. Luke Nelson came in to toss the final 2 innings. How it is possible that Rob Becker managed to go 3 games without dotting someone, remains a mystery to this writer. Personally, I think he has changed. Perhaps the most beautiful part of the day was the 100 yard brake stand by the infamous Cadillac.
Collins goes distance for Tri County win
Nick Collins threw another complete game to put Oconomowoc at 5-3 in the Tri County League. The Five Os beat Juneau by a score of 7-4. Collins went 9 innings and struck out 8 while only giving up 1 walk and 4 earned runs. Jeff Rhoads led Oconomowoc at the plate with 4 hits, 3 RBIS and only a triple away from the cycle.
Oconomowoc has a 2 game LOL weekend coming up with games at North Lake on Saturday and home on Sunday against Monches.
Balk in 9th Inning helps North in All Star Game
A 9th inning, 2 out, 2 strike balk by Brian Henchel from Hartland gave the North All Stars a run to tie the game and eventually won in the 11th inning. The game turned out to be an excited match that the fans loved. Before the game was an old timers All Star game which brought out some LOL West stars of the past. After the game was a home run derby which was won by Five Os player Jeff Rhoads. All in all, it was an excellent day for LOL and Oconomowoc baseball with excellent weather. As for the game, Five Os pitcher Mike Bolson threw 2 good innings and Jeff Rhoads was the only Oconomowoc player with a hit putting a double off the wall in the 8th.
Rain postpones Pewaukee game in 4th inning
After an early rain delay and upside down man showing, rain came down much harder in the 4th inning to cancel the game. Oconomowoc held a 3-2 lead when the rain came down. A makeup date has not been established.
Oconomowoc falls to Brookfield 8-6
Brookfield handed Oconomowoc it's third LOL loss on Friday. Oconomowoc's sloppy defense and lack of clutch hitting paved the way for Brookfield to gain the win. Taking the loss on the hill for Oconomowoc was Sean Smith. Leading hitters for Oconomowoc were Steve Rhoads and Pete Schlosser who both had 3 hits.
Oconomowoc continues LOL play with a game against unbeaten Pewaukee on Sunday. If Pewaukee remains undefeated in LOL play, they automatically advance to the LOL Grand Championship with no Western playoffs. The last team to have an undefeated LOL season was Oconomowoc in 1999 where they went on to win the Grand Championship. Game time is 1:00 pm in Pewaukee.
Gunnar = Grand Slam = Tri County Win
The Five Os beat Horicon in Tri County play on Wednesday night 14-2. Gunnar Kroseberg hit his first wood bat home run in style with a grand slam in the top of the 8th. Nick Collins threw a 5 hitter to lead Oconomowoc to the win. The Os are now 4-3 in Tri County play and look forward to a huge LOL weekend playing Brookfield on Friday and unbeaten Pewaukee on Sunday. When asked about the big game on Sunday and facing the leagues best pitcher, Os outfield Mike Eppler quoted, "The only Arnold that might have a chance against me is Schwarzenegger, and he is in the theaters this weekend. I plan on doing some terminating this weekend myself, and after a couple at bats, Johnny will think I am a machine."
Nelson, Smith, Bolson and Rhoads make All Star squad
The Five Os will have four players representing them in the 2003 LOL All Star Game. Luke Nelson will start at third base for the West. Other positions include Sean Smith (catcher), Mike Bolson (pitcher), and Jeff Rhoads (second base). The West All Stars will take on the stars for the LOL North. The All Star game is being held in Oconomowoc this year with a huge turnout expected. Teams host the All Star game once in 20 years so come out and enjoy the game Sunday July 13th at Roosevelt Field.
Oconomowoc takes Falls 10-7 to hold on to 3rd place in West
Oconomowoc came back from a 6-1 deficit to beat Menomonee Falls 10-7 in Land O Lakes play on Sunday. The big hit for the Os came from Clint Smothers who had a 2 out single with the bases loaded in the top of the 8th to put Oconomowoc up 7-6. Mike Bolson went all 9 innings on the hill giving up 4 earned runs, 13 hits and 5 strikeouts. Bolson improves to 3-0 on the season with a 3.94 ERA. The win kept Oconomowoc in 3rd place in the Western Division. Next weekend the Os continue Land O Lakes play with Brookfield at home on Friday and visiting unbeaten Pewaukee on Sunday.
Five Os edge out Lannon 9-8
Oconomowoc managed to hand Lannon it's second LOL loss of the season on Sunday with a close 9-8 win. With the win, Oconomowoc moves into second place in the LOL West. The big hitter of the day was Sean Smith who had 3 hits, 2 home runs and 6 RBIs. Earning the win for Oconomowoc was Rob Becker who threw 6 innings and gave up 8 earned runs. Luke Nelson came in to close down the last 3 innings to earn the save. Luke gave up no runs with 1 strikeout. Obviously the stars were aligned perfectly because for the first time in LOL history, Rob Becker has not beaned a batter in 2 outings now. Becker is scheduled to undergo an intense physical examination to verify everything is ok.
The Os have a Tri County game on Saturday against Slinger and then continue their toughest 3 week LOL stretch with a game against Menomonee Falls on Sunday. "You would think a hurricane is coming through town the way people are evacuating their houses that live behind the left field fence in Falls. Quite honestly, I can't say I blame them. Rumor has it August is going to throw against us. I showed today how I still own Kozlowski with an infield rake. Now lets see how August feels after I go heavy on him with a mound tamper. Tell him to watch the news tonight... Hurricane Eppler is coming." quoted Mike Eppler about the big game.
Five Os fall to West Bend Company 7-3 in Tri County
The Five Os 5 game wig streak has come to an end against West Bend Company in Tri County play. The loss came Tuesday night in West Bend. The Os hope to continue their LOL winning streak against Lannon this weekend.
Big Three Win Weekend for Oconomowoc
The Five Os won three games over the weekend, two of which were Land O Lakes games. With the wins, Oconomowoc is now tied for third place in the LOL West with Sussex. Next weekend Oconomowoc has a huge LOL game against #2 Lannon. Oconomowoc handed Lannon it's only loss of the year earlier this season and expect a battle. When asked about the big matchup, Oconomowoc's Mike Eppler quoted, "I am not concerned. I mean after all, we all know why the Land O Lakes decided to go with wood bats a couple years ago... it was because of my hitting against Kozlowski. The way I dominated him in games with a metal bat wasnt even fun to watch, not to mention dangerous to anyone who lived beyond the left field fence in Lannon. They had to do something about it so Paul addressed it and made us use wood. Apparently the first solution drawn up was to make me hit against him with an infield rake, but that got shot down. If I continue owning him like I do, I might get kicked out of the league."
Merton 2 : Oconomowoc 7
Oconomowoc remained tied with Sussex for third place in the Land O Lakes Western Division with a 7-2 win over Merton. Rob Becker went 8 innings giving up 1 earned run on 9 hits, 3 walks and 3 strike outs for the win. Josh Verges started for Merton giving up 4 runs, 3 earned, on 8 hits, 4 walks, 1 hit batter and 6 strike outs in 7 innings in the loss. Luke Nelson, Sean Smith and James Schlosser had 3 hits each for the Five Os. Nelson scored three runs and Clint Smothers had 3 stolen bases. Jeff Rhoads had 3 RBIs for the Os. More amazing than any score, hit, or run was the fact that Becker managed to go 8 innings without hitting a batter.
Sussex 8 : Oconomowoc 10
After losing to Sussex earlier this season, Oconomowoc came back and won the second outing. Sean Smith had a big two run home run in the 7th inning to give Oconomowoc a 8-7 lead. Mike Bolson started on the hill for Oconomowoc and went 6 innings giving up 5 earned runs and having 5 strikeouts. Luke Nelson came in to pitch the last 3 innings and gave up 1 earned run with 5 strikeouts. Smith finished the game with 3 RBIs while him, Clint Smothers, and James Schlosser had 2 hits each.
Oconomowoc 14 : Pardeeville 10
A late minute showing and huge performance by Eric Olson helped boost Oconomowoc over Pardeeville on Friday night in Tri County play. Olson went 6 for 6 and pitched 7 innings for the win. It is a well established fact that Eric Olson owns Pardeeville. Olson and the Os helped hand Pardeeville their first loss in Tri County play. 27 hits were pounded out by Oconomowoc with each starter having at least 2. Derek Nelson came in to pitch and got the save throwing 2 scoreless innings. The Os are now 3-2 in Tri County play.
Rain postpones Harland game
Mother Nature put a halt to the Five Os / Hartland LOL game on Sunday. No make up date has been announced yet.
Os win pitching duel against Neosho 1-0
Nick Collins threw a gem of a game in Tri County play on Saturday. In his 9 inning shutout, he struck out 7 and walked only 1. The Five Os played error free baseball to help preserve the tight win. Other notables included Kevin Raasch who hit the two out double to score the Derek Nelson from first which was the only run for Oconomowoc. Patrolman Justin Butina also made a huge play by throwing out a runner at home from right field to preserve the shutout.
Oconomowoc is now 2-2 in the Tri County.
Os end losing streak against Monches
The Five Os were clicking on all cylinders in the 12-0 run rule 8 inning game. Mike Bolson provided the pitching with a no hitter for 7 innings while Luke Nelson, Sean Smith and Derek Nelson had 2 hits each. Bolson got out of trouble in the
6th when he walked Sacho and hit Garret Grulke to lead off the inning. After a strike out, a walk to Dan Masterlir filled the bases. Bolson got out of the inning on a fielder choice, first to home, and his 10th and final strike out of the game.
This was a big win for the Os who had lost their previous 4 games. The hold onto 4th place in the LOL West behind Pewaukee, Lannon, and Sussex. "The four game losing streak was a wakeup call for my teammates and the rest of the league reminding them that I can control a game with a drop of the hat. Now that I have made my point, I am going to go back to doing what I do best: Utterly humiliating opposting pitchers, and I plan on starting with Henshel. Lets just say I hope he doesn't eat a big breakfast on Sunday cause I plan on force feeding him a steady diet of line drives and bombs all day long," quoted Mike Eppler when asked about the future of the Os.
Os drop to 1-2 in Tri County
Hartford socked three home runs for four runs but the final score was aided by a bases loaded walk. Adam Schlosser, James Schlosser, Steve Rhoads and Mike Bolson had two hits each in the losing cause. The Five Os finished with 11 hits.
Eric Michaels went the distance for the Hartford win while Derek Nelson went 7 2/3 innings in the loss giving up 5 earned runs on 9 hits, 2 walks, 6 strike outs and a hit batter. Nick Collins pitched the final 1 1/3 innings with a walk and 2 strike outs. Hartford in 2-1 in the Tri County Nite League and Oconomowoc drops to 1-2.
Os lose third straight to Sussex
After sweeping the Five O's last season, the Cardinals had an easy 8-3 win in Sussex. Solo home runs by Pete Schlosser and Mike Bolson in the ninth inning was too little, too late for the O's. For the Cardinals, Matt Kopp went 7 innings giving up 1 earned run on 4 hits, 3 walks and a strike out. Rob Becker took the loss giving up 7 runs, 2 earned, on 7 hits, 4 walks, 3 hit batters and 7 strike outs. Two errors and a critical hit batter resulted in 5 unearned runs. Mike Bolson pitched 2 innings, with 1 earned run, 2 hits, a hit batter and 4 strike outs. Sean Smith had two hits for the Five O's while Jeff Rhoads had three nice catches in left field to save several runs for the O's.
Sussex remains tied with Lannon for second place in the Western Division while Oconomowoc slips to fourth.
Os fall to Pewaukee in battle of the unbeatens
In what looked more like a metal bat game, Pewaukee outslugged Oconomowoc 17-7 to remain the only unbeaten team in the LOL Western Division. The Muskies had 18 hits while the Five O's had 11. The best the Five O's could say on the 4 error day was that they stopped the string of shutouts at three for the Muskies.
Johnny Arnold had 12 strike outs but gave up 7 earned runs on 11 hits and 2 walks.
The Five O's poor defense helped the Muskies cause with another multi error game. The Muskies improved to 4-0 while the Five O's dropped to 3-1.
Os edge out Lannon in 11 Innings
In what may be one of the best LOL games of the year, the Five Os beat Lannon 7-6 in 11 innings on Sunday. The Os were down 4-0 in the 6th inning when Sean Smith, Jeff Rhoads, Steve Rhoads and Derek Nelson strung together 4 hits. Derek Nelson's 2 run home run tied the game at 4 all. However, the Os found themself down by 1 run in the bottom of the 9th. Mike Bolson's hussle tied the game with one out in the 9th. Then in the bottom of the 11th, Luke Nelson hit a double and was brought home by a 2 out single by Sean Smith.
Earning the win on the hill for the Os was Luke Nelson, while Tim Olszewski took a very tough loss. Olszewski threw an incredible 10 2/3 innings for Lannon, but had to take the heartbreaking loss.
The Os next game is a Tri County game on Wednesday versus Hustisford. Then the will prepare for a huge Land O Lakes weekend facing Pewaukee on Saturday and Sussex on Sunday. Saturday will pit the two undefeated LOL West teams against each other. Pewaukee not only has yet to lose, but they have yet to give up a single run in any of their Land O Lakes games. When informed of this, Mike Eppler quoted, "Some things just sicken me. The fact that I'm as good as I am is one of them. The other is what I have in store for Pewaukee (and their fans) on Saturday. I don't want to get into details, but lets just say if Arno decides to give me one up and in, our pavilion in center field will be in need of some serious repairs."
Os take Watertown in Tri County opener
Backed behind a solid pitching effort by Derek Nelson, the Five Os won their Tri County opener Wednesday night by a score of 8 - 3. Derek Nelson went the distance on the hill giving up only 1 earned run and striking out 8. Leading the Os at the plate was Steve Rhoads with 3 hits while Sean Smith, Kevin Raasch, Derek Nelson, and Josh Fenzl all had 2.
Oconomowoc's next game is a huge LOL game against Lannon at home. Lannon has a score to settle with Oconomowoc after the Os knocked them out of the LOL West playoffs last year. When asked about the big game, Os Mike Eppler quoted, "Let this past weekend be a lesson to the rest of the league (especially Kozlowski), this weekend proved one thing:
the only person in Heaven or on Earth capable of silencing my bat is Mother Nature herself. Rumor has it that Kozlowski has been outside for the past 72 hours doing a rain dance to try and avoid the punishment I plan on putting on him. I see no problem with a prediction of 4 bombs off him... the last one I may hit lefty."
Rain cancels Five Os weekend
Both Os games were rained out this weekend. The Kewaskum game has been rescheduled for July 5th. The North Lake game has need been rescheduled and will be posted when available.
Os edge out Falls with 7-6 win
In what may go down as one of the better games of the year, Sean Smith's 7th inning two run home run and Luke Nelson's clutch pitching with the tying run at third base in the top on the 9th, gave Oconomowoc a hard fought 7-6 win over the visiting Lakers. Nelson, who gave up three runs in the 7th, including a two run home run to Bob Manders, for a 6-5 lead, got the win. Nic Higgins pitched the last three innings and took the loss for the Lakers.
The Five O's came out swinging with a double by Clint Smothers and a walk to Luke Nelson, followed by a double steal. Smothers scored on a fielders choice by Smith and Jeff Rhoads brought home Nelson with a double over center fielder Tony Logue's head.
Jeff Rhoads of the O's hit a two run home run in the bottom of the 5th for a 5-3 lead. Bob Manders tied the game in the 7th with a home run after a leadoff walk to Jason Mayer. Finally Smith's blast in the 7th was the final shot. The Five O's were out hit 12-7 with Manders, Logue and Tom Oleznik with two hits each for the Lakers and Clint Smothers, Jeff Rhoads and Adam Schlosser two hits for the Five O's. Rob Becker went the first 5 innings for the O's with 3 runs, 7 hits, a walk and 4 strike outs. Derek Nelson pitched one inning with two hits and a strike out. Luke Nelson had 3 runs, 2 earned, 3 hits, 2 walks and 7 strike outs in 3 innings.
The Five-O's are 2-0 and the Lakers are 1-1 in the Western Division LOL.
Os open season with 9-1 win over Brookfield
The Five Os start the season on the right foot with a 9-1 win over the Brookfield Lakers at McCoy Park however, the game was closer than the final score. The score was tied at 1-1 in the top of the seventh when Mike Eppler coaxed a four pitch walk with the bases loaded for the 2-1 lead. Folling the walk, Clint Smothers cleared the bases with a 3 run triple to right center. Smothers came home on a wild pitch and a 6-1 lead. The Os added the final three runs in the 8th inning with no hits.
The game started as a pitchers duel with Oconomowoc's Rob Becker going four innings giving up a run on 3 hits, 2 walks and 2 strike outs. Mike Bolson got the win going two innings giving up no hits and pitched out of a bases loaded jam in the 6th inning. Luke Nelson picked up the save with 3 innings on no hits, 4 strike outs and a walk.
Ernest Castro went five innings for Brookfield giving up an unearned run on 1 hit, 3 walks and 8 strike outs and also had two of the three Lakers hits. "Once again, I have established myself as the best player in the league, early in the season I might add. Let's hope that I don't have to establish myself as one of the leagues best ass whompers. I have a feeling Kozlowski may give me the opportunity to prove that. In the meantime, next week against Falls, I plan on embarassing August again... that is if he decides to pitch to me," quoted outfielder Mike Eppler.
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