There may be something more pathetic than a wizened graybeard tossing his bat and gloves and kicking up a storm all the way to the bench after being called out on a third strike, but I'd like to know what it is. Let's just say that Jason's scroogie was working tonight, the only run scoring because of a triple down the line that, if I had it to do over again, I would have played differently. Maybe better is the better word.
Actually, we played a stellar game defensively, particularly Ed and Pete on the left side of the infield, where most of the balls were hit. Jason made a Katt-like play on a roller, and Kevin came up with a nifty scoop at first. Steve took down a rightatcha liner in left center that would have sent a lesser utillyman (c) scurrying.
Most of us went 2 for 3 or 2 for 4; Ed and Kevin were 3 for 3. (These stats are according to the book, and the book never lies, although it is rumored to be extremely generous to children and old men.) Jason's double over the left fielder's head, plating (quick poll: do you hate that gerund as much as I do?) two, and Fred's screaming liner down the line were particularly memorable tonight. Let's not forget Bob Bearnot's hustle on his swinging bunt, which got the tide-shifting, five-run fifth going. Also fit for the scrapbook: Mark lining a single to Smith Valley to keep the rally going, and Jimmy coming off the bench to pinch hit an RBI single despite possessing three-quarters of a pair of knees. Robert "The Bad Luck Kid" Gold, nursing a bad knee, launched one to center, but advance scouting did him in. Geoff filled in behind the plate in the last frame and, in the scorebook of my mind, closed the game out by gunning down the Four Corner's youngest buck trying to steal second. Speaking of speed, Rick's best play of the night, I think, was scoring from second on a hard single to short center.
All in all, a 9-1 victory. Next game is Thursday, July 24 at 7 p.m., against the Greenwich Greys who, you may recall, have a manager who makes Lou Pinella look mellower than me. Arch and Kevin are traveling far afield. Maybe they'll run into Mike.
How about you? Anyone for BP on Friday?