Bonnie Rams advance for Brooklyn
July 25, 2012 - The Bonnie Rams will once again represent Brooklyn, New York in AAABA action. The Rams will compete this weekend in the Altoona Regional against Maryland State, New York City, and host Altoona for the chance to advance to Johnstown.
Jerry Katzke's club are hoping to make their fourth Johnstown appearance in seven seasons. Last year's club finished 1-2. They lost on Monday to Youngstown 15-8 despite leading 6-2 in the fourth inning, and also lost on Wednesday to host Johnstosn 17-7 in seven innings despite leading 7-1 in the second inning. Their only win came on Tuesday against Elk County, in which they again gave away a lead early in the game, but rallied in the 8th to win 7-6.
This year, the Bonnies won the Parade Ground League Senior Division over Youth Service League and the new Brooklyn Cougars. Each team played the others six times each in addition to an open schedule of competition. On Monday night, the Rams defeated the Youth Service League 10-6 to clinch first place and a spot in the regional. They finished the Senior Division portion of their schedule with an 8-4 record, while Youth Service finished at 6-6 and the Cougars at 4-8.
Coach Katzke says that while his pitching staff is new this season, he is returning nearly all of his core position players from last year. Tentative reports on the Maryland State and New York City teams show them as new entries to AAABA action, so the experience may help boost the Rams into the national tournament.
The Altoona Regional begins on Saturday at noon. Teams will play a doubleheader that day in the double-elimination bracket. Field assignments and pairings will be announced on Friday night.