2013 Year In Review
The Minneapolis Cobras finished with a runner up finish in the 2013 Class A State Tournament. It was a great year for the Cobra Kai, who returned to State for the first time since 2010. Matt Germar took over managing duties from Rob Gossard, Gossard now has more children than strands of hair. The Cobras added Jake Krause (St.Paul Saints / 150 Pounds) at shortstop and shifted many players around defensively. This defensive shift was key in a major improvement from the prior year.
The Cobras have always been known as a hard hitting team, 2013 was no different. The snakes were lead by Mason Reinhart, Erik Quarberg, Matt Rink and Matt Borman. It is hard to find a better 3-4-5-6 hitters this side of Minnetonka. While the midde of the order was focused on mashing, the top and bottom focused on the walks lead...Matt Youngquist, Kevin Truax and Krause all hit very well while being on base machines. Rob Gossard and Gabe McDonald took turns catching the staff this season, each playing very well despite their ages (Old/Young). McDonald, while not playing legion, played excellent defense and came up with terrific reasons to be fined. Matt Germar, Ryan Nelson, John Wengenroth and Mike Lenertz all enjoyed good seasons at the plate. Germar hit well over .300, Nelson's helmet only fell off a few times, Wengenroth enjoyed a healthy season coming off ACL surgery and Lenertz lead the league in fewest pitches seen per AB.
Pitching? The Cobras have no pitching..
The Cobras pitching staff was lead by Ben Schroeder and J.E. Urseth who tallied a combined 17 wins. The staff overall was deep. Alex Gustafson joined the ballclub and contributed heavily during the run to state. Adam Shoberg had a great season, when not playing Liga Latina Shoberg saved several big games for the Cobras and picked off nearly every runner who touched first base. Billy Diaz never showed up on time, but when he was ready, was nearly unhittable. Kevin Ellis threw really hard and verbally threatened those who were not intimidated by his fastball. Germar, Wengenroth, Nelson, and Lenertz also contributed to the success of the pitching staff.
Overall, the 2013 season must be described as a great success. The Cobras were a bounce away from capturing the Class A State Title. We hang up our jerseys for the year with our heads held high and our sights on winning next year's championship. Thank you to the wives, girlfriends, parents, friends and employers who allowed us to play a children's game once again.
BEHOLD!
See you in 2014!
Cobras Come Up Just Short, Finish Runner Up To Shamrocks in State Tournament
The Cobras put together a great weekend of championship baseball only to lose two tight games to the St. Paul Shamrocks. Hats off to the Shamrocks, who won their first Class A State Title.
Schroeder Goes State CG Shutout Sunday, Cobras Beat Stockmen's 2-0
Ben Schroeder threw a complete game 4-hit shutout against the 2011 State Champion Stockmen's Irish on Sunday and the Cobras advanced to the 2nd weekend of the Class A Baseball State Tournament. The Cobras took advantage of some clutch 2-out hitting by Matt Youngquist and Erik Quarberg to plate the only runs of the game. Mason Reinhart had 3 hits and walked once. Overall it was a very good game thrown by both pitchers, the total game time was just over an hour and a half.
In the parking lot the Cobras celebrated with Sierra Nevada and all of the beer in J.E. Urseth's beer fridge. There was even a 40oz beer sighting or two. Some former Cobras were in attendance and Natron talked smack about fantasy football.
The Cobras join St.Louis Park, Bloomington and the Shamrocks as the 4 remaining teams in the Class A State Tournament. The Cobras face Bloomington at 6pm on Friday night. Red Haddox is the location again. Come support the Snakes.
Borman Blasts Cobras Past Millers in 10 Innings
The Cobras faced the 11-time Class A State Champions on Thursday in their final "tune-up" before the state tournament. The Cobras threw 5 pitchers who each did well, holding a potent Millers lineup at bay all night. Matt Germar's changeup, John Wengenroth's curve, Kevin Ellis' slider and Ryan Nelson's gyroball were all unhittable. Matt Rink and J.E. Urseth had RBI singles early as the Cobras built an early lead to 4-1. The Millers would claw back with two runs in the 6th inning and tie the game with two outs in the 9th after a throwing error on a potential game ending double play ball. The game would go to extras.
Erik Quarberg would lead off the 10th with a walk, and preceeded to bat flip all the way to the on deck circle. Matt Borman would then step up and crush a 2-Run home run to right center to put the Cobras up 6-4. Ryan Nelson would vulture the win, certainly making it interesting in the process, and Mike Lenertz would triple pump fake and require a good scoop by Quarberg at first to end the game.
Overall it was a great win for the Cobras heading into the State Tournament. The Cobras face the winner of Stockmens / Rosetown who play at 4pm on Saturday. The Cobras will face that team at 4pm on Sunday. All games are at "Red Haddox" in Bloomington. Support Class A Baseball and enjoy some great competition this weekend!
Offense Explodes, Urseth Shuts Down Merchants. Cobras Headed To State!
The Cobras won their best 2 of 3 series with the Metro Merchants in convincing fashion on Saturday and clinched a state tournament bid for the first time since 2010. J.E. Urseth threw a complete game and allowed only 1 Merchant run. The Cobras offense, after being somewhat limited in game 1, broke out in a big way. Almost every Cobra had multiple hits. The Cobras would score 3 runs in the 2nd inning and 6 in the 3rd to take a commanding lead. Matt Rink physically assaulted a ball to center field landing close to the 422 sign. The last few innings flew by and the Cobras had a 12-1 victory in 7 innings and a trip to the state tournament.
In the parking lot the champagne was broke out (literally). The Cobras ate a feast of food prepared by Urseth's parents, dessert treats and a White Castle Crave Case. Mason took his shirt off. Schroeder ate a ton of motz sticks and Rob Gossard just about ate an entire bag of chips by himself. Overall it was a good afternoon.
The Cobras would like to congratulate the Merchants on a fine season. We hope to represent the Park National League the best we can. Many of our players will experience State for the first time this year and we are eager for the challenge.
BEHOLD.
Schroeder Deals, Cobras Rally To Beat Merchants 4-2
The Cobras opened up the 2nd round of the Park National League playoffs with a 4-2 come from behind victory against the Metro Merchants. The game was a pitchers duel throughout with Ben Schroeder and the Merchants' John Camp keeping hitters off balance. The Merchants would take an early lead with a run in the first, quickly erased by a booming Mason Reinhart RBI double in the bottom of the inning. The Merchants would score another in the 3rd inning but Schroeder would only get better from that point. The Cobras had a major threat erased by a bases loaded double play in the 7th...but would rally in the 8th to plate 3 runs. Rob Gossard had the game winning 2RBI single with two outs in the 8th inning. Matt Germar scored the last run and just about murdered his own team mates with his antics. Overall it was a highly competitive game played well by both teams.
In the parking lot the Cobras were treated to "Azulitas" (8oz Bud Lights) before the rest of the beer arrived. Gossard proudly told the "bun in JE's car" story while JE cursed under his breath. Youngquist was repeatedly fined.
The Cobras play Saturday at 11am vs the Merchants in the 2nd game of the series. Win and go to state. Hope you can make it, it should be a great game.
Cobras To Face Metro Merchants In 2nd Round of Park National League Playoffs
The Cobras will take on the Metro Merchants in a best 2 of 3 series after the Merchants defeated the River Rats in the first round. The first game is Wednesday at 7pm with the second at 11am Saturday. All games are at Parade Stadium.
Cobras Smash Maple Plain 12-0
The Cobras travelled to Maple Plain Sunday for a tune-up game before Park National League playoffs begin. The Cobras would throw four pitchers, yielding only 4 hits and zero runs while the Cobras hitters supplied plenty of run support. 15 hits were tallied by the Cobras offense, including 4 from Matt Borman. Mason Reinhart and Matt Rink also played pepper with the wall in the game.
Matt Germar wore sunglasses at the plate and was faked out by the Maple Plain catcher into almost grounding out 9-3 from right field. Germar also stated "That ball would have been gone if I had kept my hands inside" after a lineout to 2nd. Erik Quarberg was hit by a pitch and immediately yelled "My Arm Is Numb!". His fly was unzipped from the force of the HBP. Mike Lenertz bashed the dugout with his bat while stretching. "Shouldn't have been standing there."
The Cobras ate at Monies postgame and enjoyed the Jalepeno Cheese Curds en masse. Delicious.
The Cobras are still waiting on who will be their opponent Wednesday at 7pm in the 2nd round of the Park National Leage Playoffs. Stay Tuned.
Cobras Fall to FanHQ 7-1
The webmaster didn't go because the game was at Bethel...
Cobras Travel To Cold Spring, Go 1-2 On The Weekend
The Cobras took a mixed bag of 10 guys to Cold Spring Minnesota for the annual "Tequila Tour and Baseball Tournament". Friday the Cobras fell to Sauk Rapids 5-4 in a monsoon shortened game. The Cobras then took to Old Chicago for the tequila tour and racked up a heavy bar tab. Saturday the Cobras beat the Brainerd Bees 5-2 on a combined 1 hitter by John Wengenroth, Alex Gustafson and Adam Shoberg. Sunday the Cobras fell to the host Cold Spring Springers 3-2 with only 9 Cobras in attendance. Overall the weekend was fun, the baseball was competitive and the drinking was heavy. A good weekend overall.
Cobras Beat Lakers 8-7, Win Park National League Regular Season Title
The Cobras clinched the Park National League regular season title with a 8-7 win over the Lakers. Billy Diaz got the nod on the hill against his former team and threw some quality innings. Ben Schroeder came on in relief to preserve the win and the title. Tip of the cap to the Lakers who played till the very last out.
Cobras Split With Patriots On 40 Day
The Cobras faced the Papa Murphys Patriots Sunday in a pair of games due to an early season rainout. The first game was all Cobras, with Ben Schroeder getting yet another win to add to his impressive season total. In game 2 it was a pitchers duel between J.E. Urseth and Matt McDonald of the Patriots. The Cobras came up just short as a couple of late runs doomed the squad.
The Cobras drank 40 oz beers in the lot and ate a variety of moist meat cooked up by Rob Gossard. Matt Youngquist and Rob had a drinking contest in which no one was declared the winner.
Better Ingredients, Better Pizza. Papa Murphys. - Matt Germar
Cobras Get Blasted By Pub 10-0
The game was over early...and a Maury Povich-esk drama exposion occurred in the dugout. Luckily no one was the father...
Cobras will turn the page and face the Patriots in a doubleheader on Sunday. It is also 40 day...come out and enjoy the double header and ensuing bleep show afterwards.
Schroeder / Offense Top River Rats 12-2
Ben Schroeder faced his old team but gave them very little to smile about. The Cobras scored a ton of runs again...and continue to tear the cover off the ball. J.E. Urseth hit the ball at the pitcher 3 consecutive times, the last nearly decapitated the young Rat's righty. The Cobras drank a dirty 30 of Hamms in the lot courtesty of Schroeder.
Cobras Trounce Blue Sox 15-0
The Cobras scored 15 runs in 3 innings. Literally everyone did well. It was not close...
Cobras Beat Merchants 8-6.
Disclaimer: This games write up is being contracted out to a freelance hipster so if you are expecting quality go read the Star Tribune.
The Cobras had another beautiful day to play a game at parade where they squared off against the Metro Merchants. After a tough championship lost in the Stockmens Tournament to the Lyons Pub the Cobras looked to get some revenge, and what is better than taking it out on the Merchants. When I got to the ballpark it was just like every other day… Goose and Sele had great mustaches, Mason was running a bit late, Borman was grumpy after a long day of working in the sun, Q’s eye is still black and blue… all was normal in our world.
And it did not take long for the guys in Blue to get it rolling. In the top of the 1st inning KT led off with a too hot to handle ground ball, Youngy walked, Mason walked, then Q hit a three run double and Matty G. hit a nice line drive that would add some more on to a 5 run Cobra first inning. J.E. would pitch a near perfect game if it wasn’t for an elbow guard fiasco in the bottom of the 3rd inning. The “oversized” guard caused a 5 minute delay because the Umpire wouldn’t give J.E. the ball back, then had to talk to the interim manager about it, and why not Goose too. The Cobras would then tack a few more runs on some clutch hitting by Jennings and Sele. The Merchants would claw their way back into the game on a couple of timely hits, two hit batsmen, and some walks but Shoberg shut the door in the bottom of the 7th inning for a Cobras win 8-6.
A light court session followed in the parking lot after the game. It was a small gathering but as we would soon learn court has NO RULES at all. Q was fined for taking away other’s greatness, Goose and Youngy both had beer fiascos, Goose skated on many fines due to a broken chair, Gabe almost skated with a “wind drift” comment, and Germar was very hostile towards the court and was fined appropriately. The Cobras are off for the long holiday and come back to action against the rolling Blue Sox at6:15pm at Parade Stadium.
Stockmens Tourney
Cobras fall 8-6 to Lyons Pub in the championship. Cobras give up 5 in the first...can't recover.
Cobras win 7-0 on Saturday vs Hit Dawg. Billy Diaz goes CG Shutout Saturday, Mason hits a big home run. Cobras in the Championship Game on Sunday at 5pm vs Lyon's Pub.
Cobras lose to Highland Park in the first game. Toilet.
6:26: Schroeder Deals, Borman Goes Big Fly - Cobras Beat Lyon's Pub 4-2
The Cobras won a big league game against a heated rival in Lyon's Pub on Wednesday night by the score of 4-2. Ben Schroeder was brilliant on the mound for the snakes as he limited the damage and demanded the ball in the 7th to complete the game. Schroeder kept the potent offense of the Pub off balance and had it not been for a somewhat crazy 3rd inning...could have gone CG Shutout Wednesday.
The Cobras offense came up in big spots and delivered, starting with Matt Borman who hit a wall scraping (but majestic) home run in the 2nd inning to put the Cobras up 1-0. The crazyness then ensued as Lyon's Pub would take advantage of a couple of Cobras errors. Erik Quarberg would be hit in the eye by a patented "Parade Hop" forcing him out of the game and directly to his car to see himself in a mirror. A couple of singles later and the Pub would be up 2-1.
The rest of the actual game recap will be finished when the webmaster can remember what else happened. Either way the Cobras won 4-2 and everyone was happy...except for the Pub.
Matt Germar chest bumped a bunch of people post game. The Cobras court circle was tighter than ever due to some strategic parking by Jake Krause and Mason Reinhart. Gabe McDonald popped his "Combos" cherry via a bag of the nacho cheese variety. Q iced his eye...
6/24: Urseth Goes CG Shutout Monday, Cobras Beat Rats 2-0
The Cobras picked up a Park National League win on Monday with a 2-0 victory over the Minneapolis River Rats. It was hot outside...prompting a brisk and sweaty pace by starting pitcher J.E. Urseth. Urseth got out of a number of jams throughout the game and was able to complete the CG Shutout while actually striking out someone for the first time in league play this season. Oh good for him...
The Cobras offense got on the board in the 5th inning after a near concussion of catcher Gabe McDonald. McDonald wore a pitch in the back of his helmet and was pinch ran for by Ryan Sele who finally appeared at a game without rollerblades on. Kevin Truax would single home Sele from second base after a Matt Germar sac bunt. Truax would score the 2nd and final run of the game on a Mason Reinhart booming double down the left field line.
The parking lot was its usual self, lots of beer and lots of fines...although many Cobras skated. The only fine actually recorded was on Gabe McDonald...who got out of the way of a pitch by Urseth and caused the ump to wear a ball under his pads. There were many humorous ejection stories told. Ben Schroeder (who is a horrible teammate) showed up after coaching legion and supplied some auxillary beers.
The Cobras next game is Wednesday vs Lyons Pub, 6:15pm at Parade.
6/20: Cobras Rally Late Twice, Walk Off A Winner vs. Lakers 6-5
The Cobras won a big league contest Thursday against the Lakers with a pair of late inning rallies. The Lakers came out hot, scoring 3 runs in the first inning off of starter Ben Schroeder. Schroeder would settle down and shut down the Lakers for the next 5 innings before giving way to "Captain Vulture" Matt Germar. The Cobras would enter the bottom of the 7th down 3-1 and score 2 runs to tie on an error by the Lakers LF. The Lakers battled back from the error scoring 2 runs in the top of the 8th on a big 2 out hit just as this Cobras webmaster arrived directly from work. Down 5-3 in the bottom of the 8th, The Cobras would use a Matt Youngquist walk, a Mason Reinhart single to right, and Erik Quarberg infield single to trim the lead to 5-4. Matt Borman then physically assaulted a ball into the right center gap, scoring Reinhart and Quarberg to walk the Cobras off a winner. Great game by both teams and a huge win for the "good guys".
Court Highlights:
- Rob Gossard was fined for wearing JE's jersey, even though he was giving it a break from all the weight.
- Borman's phone rang in the dugout...he was fined appropriately.
- Borman was also fined for wiping his sweaty face with Jake Krause's underwear.
- Rob was mocked for having a low pitch court voice.
- Jake Krause had a fruit fly remover suddenly turn on in his haunted truck.
The Cobras next game is Monday vs the River Rats. Come out Saturday to New Hope Golf Course to participate in the Cobras Annual Golf Tournament. $40 gets you a round of golf, food and unlimited beer. See you then.
6/18: Cobras CG Shutout by Angels 5-0
The Cobras dropped a game to the Angels on Tuesday 5-0. The Angels scored 5 runs in the first 4 innings and the Cobras failed to cash in on serious threats in the first two innings. There wasn't much else to report. Solid game by the Angels who were lead by Kirby Morsching, who decided that it was CG Shutout Tuesday.
Bullet Point Highlights
- Kevin Truax had 2 hits and added to his walks lead.
- Jake Krause and Mason Reinhart each dodged the beer frame...leaving Erik Quarberg with a bat throwing final out.
- Mike Lenertz and Matt Germar pitched scoreless innings in relief.
- Gabe McDonald hit puberty in the 1st inning while yelling "2 Outs!"
- Matt Borman was fined for telling Matt Rink he had room...when he did not. (again)
Cobras are back in action Thursday vs the Lakers.
6/13: Schroeder & Borman lead Cobras to 10-2 league win over Blue Sox
Ben Schroeder got another W and Matt Borman continued to hit everything thrown anywhere near him as the "good guys" rolled the seemingly uninspired Blue Sox. In what was possibly the most boring 10-2 win ever, the Cobras got their inspiration from an absent JE Urseth, as news of his impending new home purchase spread through the dugout like wildfire! Congratulations buddy, and thank you! Cobras return to action & look to avenge tough early season loss to the Angels on tuesday 6/18, 6:15 pm @ Parade Stadium. See you there!
6/12: Winning streak ends as bats go silent in 7-0 loss at Chaska.
The snakes rolled into Chaska Wednesday night riding a 5 game winning streak and proceeded to get blanked by the host Cubs, 7-0. The field was in fantastic shape and their starting pitcher was dominant. A few cobras got hits, but who gives a shit, we got shutout. JE Urseth was not in attendance, but he did cg shutout the buffet at the belagio in vegas and is now a big fan of pai gow. Jake Krause sported the most wrinkled uniform ever worn in the history of the game, and Ben Schroeder stayed home & rested up for tonight's league game against the Blue Sox at 6:15 at Parade Stadium. There may be a shamo sighting, see you there!
6/7-6/9: Cannon Falls Tourney - Cobras Go 2-0 on the Weekend, Championship Game Rained Out.
Full recap is as follows: It was cutter mania, shoberg came in & got a hit, everyone played well & rob gosSARD! was named tourney MVP.
The Cobras beat the Bay City Kitties Bombers by a score of 13-3 on Saturday and have advanced to the Cannon Falls Tournament Championship at 5pm Sunday vs the host Cannon Falls Bears.
The Cobras won the first game of the Cannon Falls Tourney vs the Norwood Indians by a score of 11-3. Here is the quick recap..
- Ben Schroeder gets another win (3-0 on the year). He wants the ERA title so he hates his fellow pitcher teammates.
- Kevin Truax walks 3 times...maintains the season walks lead.
- Mason Reinhart works out...
- JE Urseth now has a batting average.
- John Wengenroth singles in first AB of year...calls it a year. (not really)
- Jake Krause and Reinhart figured out they had test driven cars together 4 years ago.
- Krause never got commission.
The Cobras play the Bay City Bombers at 4pm on Saturday. See you there.
6/5: Quarberg Provides Offense, Germar / Ellis / Shoberg Shut Down Hopkins 1-0
The Cobras put on a pitching showcase against the Hopkins Berries on Wednesday night. Able to get the game in after a rainstorm, Matt Germar took to the hill and was his dominant 39 year old self. Germar threw 5 innings of 2 hit shutout baseball. Kevin Ellis and Adam Shoberg were dominant in their innings of relief, each striking out 2 batters.
The Cobras offense was supplied by Erik Quarberg. His solo bomb to lead off the 2nd inning would be all the Cobras would need...although he would complain about how it "only barely cleared the fence due to heavy humidity".
The Cobras won the parking lot battle easily as the Hopkins team had to mind their curfews. Matt Youngquist was fined for finding a ankle guard in the bat bag and putting it on his wrist cause he didnt know what it protected. Kevin Ellis is really bad at doing the book and was fined again.
The Cobras travel to Cannon Falls this weekend for the Bear's annual tournament. The Cobras first round game is 8:30 Friday vs the Norwood Indians.
6/2: Cobras Break Out The Lumber, Sweep Mudhens 11-0 and 12-4
The Cobras traveled to McMurray field in St.Paul for a doubleheader tilt with the St.Paul Mudhens on Sunday. Sunday was most certainly "Fun Day" as the Cobras would tally 23 runs and come home with two in the win column. Matt Borman went 5-7 with 3 RBI and Erik Quarberg had 4 hits and 4 RBI on the day. Ben Schroeder picked up his second win of the season in the first game with a stellar performance and FNG Alex Gustafson semi-vultured John Wengenroth of a win in the 2nd game. Wengenroth finished up the first game of the doubleheader and then pitched the first 3 of the second game.
There were many Cobras in the incorrect jersey on Sunday. None more-so than Matt Borman, who showed up massively hung over, with only white pants. (The Cobras were wearing grey) The Cobras patched it together putting Borman in a white top from Kevin Ellis, and Alex Gustafson in a Cobras Shirt with tape on the back.
Needless to say the BLEEP show put together enough to win. Kevin Ellis and Adam Shoberg threw quality innings in relief and the Cobras took a pair of games.
The Cobras next game is against the Hopkins Berries at Big Willow on Wednesday. Game time is 8:15pm.
5/30: Cobras Fall 2-1 To Angels.
The Cobras dropped a close league contest to the defending Park National League champion Angels 2-1 on Thursday. The Cobra Kai would score first as Mason Reinhart hit a double followed by an Erik Quarberg RBI single in the first inning. The next threat would come in the 3rd inning as the Cobras would have runners at first and third with no outs. A strike-em-out throw-em-out double play would snuff out that opportunity and end the Cobras scoring chances for the day.
J.E. Urseth threw a complete game allowing 8 hits and only 1 earned run. The Angels took advantage of a fielding error by LF Matt Rink in the 6th inning to score their first run and took the lead on a solo home run by Tyler Johnson in the 7th inning. The game was filled with high fly balls to left field and one finally hurt the Cobras. Tip of the cap to the Angels who played a clean game.
In the parking lot the Cobras ordered a trio of Papa John's pizzas and tried to push past the loss. Kevin Truax finally showed up for court and was thoroughly fined. Mason Reinhart was fined for a baserunning fiasco in the first inning. Jake Krause was fined for leaving infield warmups when he felt like it. Matt Borman continued his hot streak in court by being fined for pimping a 3-0 strike and telling LF Rink "You've Got Room!" on a ball that hit the fence.
Cobras travel to St.Paul for a DH Sunday with the St.Paul Mudhens.
5/28: Schroeder Tosses CG Shutout, Cobras Blank Merchants 4-0
The Cobras opened up Park National League (@pnashbaseball) play in grand style with a 4-0 shutout over the Metro Merchants. Ben Schroeder was stellar and went CG Shutout Tuesday, striking out 6 while allowing only 4 hits, 2 walks and 1 "Macho Man Randy Savage Elbow Drop" hit by pitch.
The game was 0-0 into the bottom of the 4th inning until Mason Reinhart stroked a leadoff double and Matt Borman followed up with an RBI single. The Cobras would tack another run on in the 5th as Reinhart would hit a bases loaded sac fly to right scoring Matt Youngquist. A pair of runs would be scored in the 6th as the Merchant pitching ran out of steam.
In the parking lot the Cobras were strong. Gabe McDonald made a rare appearance in court and was fined 3 times. Mike Lenertz was fined for rubbing up a non-game ball with the dry towel and for being "struck in the palm" by a ball flipped his way from inside 5 feet. Manager Matt Germar was fined for a very metrosexual wave of Reinhart coming in to score while coaching 3rd.
In related news, Erik Quarberg has been invited to Minnesota Vikings OTAs after the Vikings recieved copy of him running to first base after a swinging strikeout during the game. Apparently the "Aromashodu-esk Double Move Skinny Post" had Bill Musgrave drooling.
Cobras next game is Thursday vs the Angels. 6:15pm at Parade barring more rain.
5/23: Cobras v Victoria "Rained Out"
Next game is Tuesday vs Metro Merchants at 8:30pm.
5/20: Cobras v Patriots Rained Out
Next game is Thursday vs Victoria at 7:30pm.
5/19: Coon Rapids / Mother Nature Beat Cobras 6-3
The Cobras took to Wintercrest Park in Coon Rapids for a Sunday game with the Coon Rapids Redbirds (Class B). The game started with a temperature and humidity that caused J.E. Urseth to sweat while thinking about running. Mike Lenertz got the start on the hill and pitched 4 innings allowing 3 runs. John Wengenroth finished up the last 3 innings in relief.
Offensively the Cobras were lead by FNG Jesse Jennings and Mason Reinhart. Jennings led off the 6th inning with a single down the left field line and would come in to score on a Erik Quarberg sac fly. It is worth mentioning that the sac fly traveled about 25 feet and was caught by the first baseman in foul territory. With no one covering home, Jennings came in to score. Q stat mongers another RBI. He felt really great about himself. Reinhart would hit the first Cobras home run of the year in the 8th inning, launching a wind aided-ball over the left field fence. Reinhart dug deep into his Liga De Latina bag of tricks with a large bat flip and chain pop.
Just as the momentum seemed to shift towards the Cobras...Mother Nature had otherwise. A torrential downpour would end the game...local wildlife were seen boarding an ark. John Wengenroth took one for the team and ran to the car to get beer. The Cobras held an impromptu court in the rain soaked dugout. Ryan Nelson was fined for asking where he could find a calendar of our games on the website. Matt Borman was fined for butchering the name of Quarbergs girlfriend Liza.
The Cobras open up league play Monday vs the Patriots. 6:15PM at Parade.
5/15: Cobras Drop Game To Burnsville 12-5
The Cobras traveled to Burnsville Wednesday on a perfect night for baseball. The Cobra Kai started out hot with 3 runs in the first inning on Matt Borman and Jake Krause's back-to-back RBI doubles. The Cobras would be up 4-0 entering the bottom of the 3rd when the wheels fell off...Burnsville scored 5 runs in the 3rd and 5th innings on a mix of hits, walks and HBPs. The Cobras could not recover from the 5th inning and that was all she wrote.
Erik Quarberg shook of the Golden Sombrero from Saturdays game with 3 hits. He promptly passed that festive hat to Ryan Nelson who had 4Ks. Matt Germar pitched an inning in relief and was spotted (and fined) for walking around the mound like Ric Flair after a strikeout (down 7 runs).
Ben Schroeder made his 2013 pitching debut with a dazzling first two innings, however the 3rd inning wasn't so dazzling. Ben was spotted with his "I'd rather be bowling face". Billy Diaz also made his 2013 pitching debut weighing about half of what he did last year (great job Billy), however the half of him that he brought to the park was the half that drills hitters in their back. Borman dodged the beer frame, leaving Krause with beer duty on Friday.
The Cobras travel to Hastings on Friday at 7:30pm.
5/11: Cobras Notch First Victory of 2013 Over St. Louis Park 12-2.
The Cobras found the win column against a veteran powerhouse St. Louis Park team on Saturday, backed by solid pitching and timely hitting. Ryan Nelson (2 2B), Matt Borman (1 bunt single) and Jake Krause (2 bloops) had 3 hits a piece and Gabe McDonald added 2 RBI to lead the Cobras offensive effort. Mike Lenertz and Nelson threw 3 innings of no-hit relief out of the bullpen. Erik Quarberg had a golden sombrero, but gold looks good on him.
The Cobras buddy heater (provided by Krause) kept the bats warm during the game and the overly-crowded court warm post-game. Goose was kept out of the circle by Borman who set up his stool directly in front of him. Q was one of the first to leave even though he lives 6 feet from the parking lot. He must have had to go to Toby Keiths...
The Cobras next game is Wednesday at 7pm against Burnsville.
5/7: Cobras fall 15-2 To Dundas in Season Opener.
The 2013 campaign got off to a rocky start as the Dundas Dukes defeated the Cobras by a 15-2 margin. An astounding 11 walks, 4 HBP and 5 wild pitches in the first 4 innings put the damper on opening day. Dundas played a nice ballgame, playing solid D and hitting the pitches that did cross the plate. The Cobras scored 2 runs in the top of the 7th inning on a Ryan Nelson triple and a RBI fielders choice by Ryan Sele (FNG).
While the score was lopsided...there were some positives. John Wengenroth played for the first time since tearing his ACL in a vicious 3rd base coach fiasco last year. Adam Shoberg threw 2.2 innings in relief of starter Kevin Ellis (FNG), 1.1 innings more than he had pitched at Liga de Latina on Sunday. JE Urseth only had 1 terrible throw back to the mound (bases loaded). Ryan Nelson's helmet only fell off one time.
In the lot the Cobras opened up the 2013 court season. JE started out strong with three fines and looks to be in midseason form. Ryan Sele was fined for taking the field in the 8th inning (the game ended in the 7th due to the 10 run rule). Manager Matt Germar was fined for saying "Better Ingredients, Better Pizza. Papa Murphys".
The Cobras next game will be Saturday at 8pm against St.Louis Park at Derrick Keller Field (Dakota Park).
4/28: One Week Until Opening Day
The Cobras are eager to embark on the 2013 season after a winter that seemed to last forever. May 5th will be opening day 2013 in Dundas, MN. The 2013 Cobras have added a few key pieces in SS Jake Krause, P Kevin Ellis and OF Ryan Sele. The return of Erik Dahl will add a powerful switch hitting presence to the lineup and a solid catcher behind the dish. Despite losing Brian Jensen and Dan Thompson to retirement, the Cobras looke primed for a strong Park National League finish.
Game time is 2pm on May 5th. Hope to see you there.
1/18: Cobras Scheduling For 2013 Has Begun
The Cobras have begun assembling what will be their 2013 schedule. The Cobras will be playing in 3 weekend tournaments in 2013...Cannon Falls, Stockmen's and Cold Spring. The Cobras will travel to face a variety of non-league opponents such as Hastings, Northfield, Burnsville and Coon Rapids while also facing familar opponents like Sport and Spine and St. Louis Park. More games are in the works and will be added soon.
If you are interested in adding a game with the Cobras in 2013 please send available dates to Jon-Eric Urseth at urseth@gmail.com.
11/26: Matt Germar Succeeds Rob Gossard as 4th Manger in Team History
The Cobras are proud to announce that Matt Germar has been "promoted" to Manager of the ballclub. He will take his firey personality and habit to pound his own chest to the coaches box...he is already coming up with what sign that will be.
Germar takes over for Rob Gossard, skipper of the Cobra Kai since 2004.
We would like to personally thank Rob for his years of leadership, dedication and sacrifce both in time and finances. We are glad you will still be around the team...and we are also happy we don't have to do what you say anymore. In all seriousness, thank you for making playing for the Cobras a great team to play for.
The Cobras look forward to the 2013 season. If you are interested in playing for the Cobras or scheduling a game with us in 2013 please email Jon-Eric Urseth at urseth@gmail.com