Tom's review

Since we were missing Al Boyd, Chris Boniface, Lee Defibaugh, Jeff
Morris, Mark Ulrich, Al Schneider and Steve Mandolesi Monday night
against the "Never Will Be's", I had to be creative with the defensive
positioning and lineup. Jeff Donald played shortstop, Mike Chapman
played second base, Al Peterson played left center, Andrew played first,
Joe played left, Dave Buttner caught, my son Charlie played right center
and Ed Reich pitched. Filling their usual starting positions from the
Spring were Dan in right and Mike Mattoon at third. I started as the EH,
holding a place in case anyone else arrived, but no one ever did.

So maybe we don't need anyone else.

In the top of the first inning of the first game, we sent 21 batters to
the plate and scored 16 runs on 7 walks and 11 hits, Dan's lone double
and 10 singles. Dan had two hits and four RBI in the inning. In the
second inning, we scored another 5 runs on a walk and 5 hits,
highlighted by Dan's second double and two more RBI. In the third inning
we were held to a measly two runs on a walk and three hits. At the end
of the third inning, the score was 23-6 and the umpire checked his watch
to see if he could start another inning. Unfortunately for him, he did.
This time we sent 15 players to the plate and scored 11 more runs on one
walk and 11 hits, including another hit and RBI by Dan and doubles by
Mike Mattoon and Andrew. In the bottom of the inning, our opponents'
bats finally came alive and they scored 7 runs on 8 hits, making the
final score 34-13, with the game ending well past 9:00, the start time
for our second game.

Starting the second game immediately, our opponents continued their
torrid hitting from the end of the first game and in the first inning
scored 7 runs on 7 hits and an error. They scored two more runs in the
second inning, before we held them scoreless in innings 3 and 4.
Meanwhile, we scored 3 runs in each of innings 1,2 and 4, making the
score 9-9 after four innings. They scored a single run in the top of the
fifth, before we came back to score five in the bottom of the inning and
take a 14-10 lead. Unfortunately we weren't able to bat long enough to
consume all of the game time. So they were able to bat again in the top
of the sixth. They proceeded to score 7 runs on only six hits and two
costly errors, and we entered the bottom of the sixth trailing by a
score of 17-14.

Ed led off the bottom of the sixth with a single; Joe followed with a
double; then Andrew had a big single to left center to drive in both Ed
and Joe. Suddenly we were only down by one run, with Andrew representing
the tying run at first. With two strikes on him, Mike Mattoon pulled a
ball down the left field line and past the left fielder. When it rolled
to the fence, Andrew scored all the way from first. Mike, hustling out
of the batters box, made it to third just a split second before the ball
arrived on a relay from the shortstop. We were now tied 17-17, with Mike
standing on third and Alan Peterson coming to the plate. Alan, as is his
wont, swung at the first pitch and singled into left center, driving in
Mike for a final score of 18-17.

We had lots of heroes in these games, both offensively and defensively.
If you look at the website, you will see batting
statistics that are downright scary, highlighted by Dave's .833 average
and 7 runs scored from the leadoff position and Dan's .778 average and
10 RBI at cleanup. There were also Ed and Joe's table setting hits in
the last inning and Andrew, Mike and Alan's clutch hits to tie and then
win the game. Amazingly, with 52 runs scored on the night, we had no
home runs. We did have three triples in the second game, by Jeff Donald,
Mike Chapman and Mike Mattoon, all to both drive in runs and lead to
scores by them. Ed pitched two excellent games, keeping a good hitting
team under sufficient control that we could outscore them. Our defense
was pretty solid for so many people playing away from their normal
positions. Our infield keystone combination of Jeff Donald and Mike
Chapman were particularly solid, if not spectacular, and our outfield
centerfield combination of Alan and Charlie each made difficult catches
at key times. Dave Buttner also tagged out a runner at home.

Our next game is Monday 8/28 at 6:00 at Virginia Highlands, we play
Pubz, with whom we have a very recent unfortunate history. Please let me
know whether or not you are playing. I know that Lee and Mike Chapman
are out.

It is hard to imagine a better opening night for our season. I look
forward to seeing everyone again. I remind you that we don't play on
Labor Day, 9/4.