... but tonight we brought our game. It was an 11-1 blowout, and that sole Mac II run was unearned, dropping Jason's ERA into Mariano territory. Meanwhile, Arch, recovering from a bum leg, replaced a tardy Ed at short for the top of the first and so dazzled the old timers -- I heard comparisons to Zoilo Versailles -- that Ed subsequently begged to play elsewhere to observe. Ed's glove proved as nifty as always at third, and he went 2 for 3 with a walk. Arch also was 2 for 3 with a walk, including a booming opposite-field triple in the first that drove in two.
Jim Pezzuto was 3 for 4 as DH -- a position he was filling because of a knee injury sustained in last week's night of ignominy. Jim Cotter, who was feeling as spry as a colt in warm-ups, pinch ran after a Pezzuto double and pulled up short of third with a strained hammy while attempting to tag up. Once again, Geoff strode unto the breach when Jim went down, handling Jason the way Earl Battey used to work Mudcat Grant. He also used his keen eyes to collect an aptly named walk in the sixth. Kevin, playing with sore arches, was 2 for 3, as were Rick and Thom. Fred was 2 for 4, and also hit one of his patent-pending scorchers right at the third baseman's eyes. Jason also went 2 for 4. Bob made a couple of sweet catches in right and smacked a single down the line. Mark patrolled left center with aplomb, except for the time he was writing Chapter 3 in his head as a ball sailed over his head. As if Thom should talk, having badly misjudged a liner, then recovered, only to let it lamely -- there's that word again -- glance off his glove. And while we're following Robert's imperative to throw in a few negatives, I should point out that Arch actually popped out once. The old timers were aghast. So was Arch.
Next game is Monday at 9. Robert "Buzzy" Gold will be back from his scouting trip, and Arch, Bob and Rick told me they're in. Ed hopes to get there after a playoff game in Queens, and Jason says he'll leave his croquet-and-crumpets outing early if he has to. How about the rest of you gamers?