SAD Can't Break Through Marauders' Defense

Andrelczyk goes yard, knocks in four. Defense shines as "The Wall" stands tall.
By Bob Loblaw, Voice Staff Writer
June 16, 2009

LOS ANGELES, CA. — The Marauders have finally found their form. After two years of struggling in the IMREC summer leagues, the pirates have earned the franchise's first winning record (2-1) by drubbing Student Affairs Division (SAD) 12-3.

Now, let's see if they can keep it.

If the past two games have been any indication of the Marauder's ability to win (and win big), they should be able to run away with their division.

"It's not going to be easy to win-out, there's no question about that," said team manager Neil Teixeira. "But, I really think this team can do it. The bats are on fire and our defense has been lights-out!"

One of the team's best gloves this season has been Nadia Barosy's. The veteran 2nd baseman has been playing with a palpable intensity ever since proclaiming herself "The Wall" following the Marauders' victory over the Urban Sprawlers.

After taking down SAD Softball, Barosy was asked if she believed that the Marauders had turned their fortunes around and could win the rest of their games.

"I know we can win out. We're a solid team and we're playing with a lot of swagger right now. Our defense was incredible tonight." Asked about her nickname "The Wall" and her recent defensive play, she was quick to praise her teammates saying, "I wouldn't be playing like this if it wasn't for Billy [Schwerin] at shortstop. I can only hope that my performance has validated the new name."

Barosy wasn't the only one who flashed some leather against Student Affairs.

Teixeira, playing in deep left field to protect against one of SAD's heavy hitters, had to get on his horse for a quickly dropping line-drive that was scorched over the infield, and made the shoestring catch. The lanky outfielder made the final out of the 5th inning on the play, preventing at least two runners from scoring.

But the web gems are just icing on the Marauders' defensive cake. Consistency from new-comers Schwerin at shortstop and Mike Andrelczyk at first base, along with workman-like performances by the veterans are what's keeping the team's season alive.

And let's not forget about Sara Rosenzweig who, playing her first game with the Marauders, made a critical catch on a pop-fly to end the game. The newly-minted 3rd baseman played incredibly well considering that she was asked to take over the hot corner only minutes before the game.

While the 3rd baseman certainly caught the attention of her teammates during pre-game warm-ups with her rocket arm, the biggest eye-opener of the evening was the incredible power-swing of Andrelczyk who missed out on a double to come just short of hitting for the cycle.

The 1st baseman ended the night going 3-4 with 4 RBI, 2 runs and a homerun that looked like it may have gone into orbit.

"I was just trying to hit the ball as hard as I could," Andrelczyk said with a chuckle. "My first hit of the evening was a single and I wasn't satisfied with that. So, I just pulled the trigger on the next ball that came my way."

And, with a picture-perfect swing, there was no doubt about where that ball was headed: the stratosphere.

"It was a big-league cut, that's for sure!" said Teixeira after watching the slugger round the bases. "He's a pure hitter with a sweet swing. I'm just not sure what we'll do when he's gone."

Rumors have swirled that Andrelczyk's season might be cut short as he will be leaving the Marauders to attend to family matters in Pennsylvania.

"It's a tough decision for me," Andrelczyk said. "I love it here and I've really felt welcome at MAPP. I wish I could stay here longer but there are things that I need to take care of back home."

The decision comes at a time when the players were starting to feel very comfortable with each other around the baseball diamond.

Catcher Juli Legat felt that the team had really come together over the past few weeks. Asked if it was the reason for the great defensive displays on Monday she said "Well, it can't be the practice" very tongue-in-cheek.

"But honestly, I think we're getting used to each other and I've learned a lot of things from others, especially how to be a team player. We haven't had many big plays, but we've all done the little things to make contributions to each victory."

With the return of August Cockroft and Brooks Horn to the line-up this coming Monday, June 22nd, the Marauders might be primed to extend their winning streak.

There's a lot of confidence in the clubhouse, unlike at any point in the franchise's young history. Let's see if the Marauders can stay hot and make a run for first place.

Photo Gallery - MAPP Marauders vs. SAD Softball: click here.
Special thanks to Chuck Hall for his photography of the Marauders.

Stats through Monday, June 15th --- SAD Softball vs. MAPP Marauders

Name	Batt. %	Slug. %	At-Bats	Hits	1B	2B	3B	HRs	K	RBI	Runs
Andrelczyk	0.857	1.857	4	3	1	0	1	1	0	4	2
Barosy	0.600	0.600	3	2	2	0	0	0	0	1	0
Burnop	0.667	0.667	3	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	1
Chan	0.714	0.714	3	2	2	0	0	0	0	2	1
Graves	1.000	1.000	3	3	3	0	0	0	0	1	2
Hartman	0.400	0.400	3	1	1	0	0	0	0	1	0
Legat	0.455	0.455	4	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	1
Nguyen	0.714	0.714	3	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	2
Rosenzweig	0.333	0.333	3	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
Schwerin	0.714	1.714	4	4	1	2	1	0	0	1	2
Teixeira	0.429	0.714	3	2	1	1	0	0	0	2	1