Dustin Reck added to his record of most pony league games played by surpassing the 100 game mark. The fifth year player played in his 101st game on Thursday. Reck missed 12 games in his third season when he was unavailable due to High School Baseball commitments. 

Perhaps this team is special were the words of Manager Scott Wisniewski after the Red Sox defeated the Cardinals 5-3 to head to the pony league championship series next week. Despite outside distractions and key injuries, this Sox team continues to win games and show off thier impressive maturity. Thursday night was no different. Stand out rookie Tyler Kube was a last minute scratch and the defense faltered a tad in a three run 5th for the Cardinals but the Sox remained unfazed, held serve and won the game on an amazing 8-5 double play in the seventh. "thats one heck of a team we beat today. You play that game 100 times and maybe both teams win 50" the skipper said about the Cardinals.

Mike Hartmann was his stellar self twirling a complete game and showing the compusure that makes him special. Hartmann struck out eleven while allowing only one walk. After falling behind some hitters in the first couple innings, Hartmann was able to throw first pitch strikes on 18 of the last 22 batters he faced. Hartmann also starred at the plate by belting the teams first Home Run of the season a two run shot in the first. Wisniewski touted Mike again after the game "Ive known Mike most of his life, Ive watched him grow as a ball player and into a great young adult. Im very honored to have had the opprotunity to watch him become a fantastic pitcher and and more importantly a hell of a human being"

Forced into action in centerfield due to injuries, shortstop Dustin Reck controlled the game in the outfield with two outfield assists and two great catches. 

"This team unlike any others I have had the privledge of coaching has gotten contributions from 1-16 on this roster", Wisniewski beamed to reporters after the victory. "I trust everyone on this roster to go out and play the game the right way", he continued. "Even in our other championship seasons there were a few guys that you needed to hide but not this squad". When asked about his teams chances in the upcoming Phillies series Wisniewski added "as long as I dont screw things up we have a shot, Us and the Phillies are the two best teams in the league in my opinion so its a fitting finale". Wisniewski also took some time to praise this teams leadership. "The leadership on this team from Robert and Dustin, Mark, Mike, Anthony our unsung hero as well as Sandro and even Tyler as a 13 year old are unusual in this day and age" The growth of Catcher Robert Decker hasnt gone unoticed either. "I knew from day 1 he had it in him. I wasnt going to let him sell himself short. I cant tell you how proud of him I am as a coach."

First pitch on Monday is 7PM

Motivated perhaps by his slide down the order, Robert Decker blasted two doubles and drove in six in the Red Sox 17-5 opening round victory against the Pirates on Tuesday night. Decker was the leader of the hit parade that included multi-hit games from Sam Cartegna, Mike Hartmann and Dustin Reck as well. The only concern coming out of this victory was the overall health of the Red Sox. Marc DiMatteo and Garrett Hollenbeck continue to have their playing time monitored due to injuries. As if those ailing sluggers didnt cause enough stress to head coach Scott Wisniewski, it appears that stand out rookie Tyler Kube may miss the second round game due to a worsening hamstring injury.

Speaking of the second round, The Sox square off against a red hot, full strength Cardinal team in perhaps the toughest match up of the year Thursday at 5:30

Michael Hartmann returned to the Red Sox upon the completion of his High School season on Wednesday. Hartmann took the mound and threw a complete game two hitter in the Sox 9-1 victory over the Brewers. Hartman walked 2 and struckout 13. At the plate Hartmann delivered two hits, including a run scoring double, scored two runs and somehow managed to swipe three bases. Brewer pitching walked 16 Red Sox batters. The sox begin the playoffs on Tuesday against the #7 seed Pirates at 530

For 3 2/3 innings Wednesday night the Cardinals young hurler Jack Radomski kept the Red Sox bats silent allowing just two base runners (one via walk the other reached on an error). However in the fourth inning back to back to back two out hits, capped by a Tyler Kube double gave the Sox a 2-1 lead. The Red Sox would plate four runs in both the 5th and 6th innings and eventually pull away to a 10-4 win. Dustin Reck and Tyler Kube each had two hits and two RBI. Reck pitched a complete game and notched his sixth win of the season. Even though Reck only allowed just 4 hits, he struggled with his control walking seven but also tallying 13 strike outs. The second place Sox face the third place White Sox Monday at 5:30

Though the daunting task of catching the first place Yankees seems to be an uphill battle against the calender, The Red Sox did guarantee themselves no worse than the #2 seed in the post season tournament with a 10-4 win over the Pirates Monday night at Wilson Park. It wouldnt be a Sox/Pirates game with at least the threat of rain and some early inning sprinkles had folks worried this game might not get in. That fear grew exponentionly as the Sox grabbed a 6-0 first inning lead. The skies cleared and the game played to its entirety. Robert Decker took to the hill for the Red Sox and tossed 5 solid innings. Tyler Kube notched the save. Offensively for the Sox Sandro Storniolo led the way with 2 hits and 2 RBI. Tyler Kube had two hits includin a first inning double that got the scoring started. Kube also swiped 3 bases and drove in 2 runs as well. The win hopefully will prepare the Sox for a tough regular season ending that begins Wednesday with the fully loaded Cardinals. The Cards will welcome the return of their returning High School stars.After that game the improved White Sox and the Red Sox nemisis Brewers stand in wait.