Last Day of Summer

Ken's Back in the Game!

Well the boys of summer mustered 31 players today just ahead of the autumnal equinox.  The weather seemed a bit cooler although it was hard to tell and the outfield grass was certainly as wet as usual. Three teams contested a defensive gem under partly cloudy skies.

The hitting team (Larry Wells pitching) started off booking a pair followed by three for Ron Thompson's (Sit) squad led by a triple off Jose Rivera's bat. The field nine led by Nick Matta scored one to close the inning.

The second frame saw zeros across the board.

Larry's team started the 3rd inning by posting 4 runs on 5 hits while Ron's team added 4 of their own on 6 hits.  Team Nick couldn't capitalize on Don Witmer's double and left him stranded at third. The score stood at 6-7-1 after 3 innings.

The lead-off team posted one in the 4th to tie the game while gooseggs were recorded for the other two teams.

Team Wells posted another run in the 5th to zero for the Thompson nine but Team Matta posted 5 runs on 7 hits when the rally was cut short by an inning ending double play.

After 5 innings we stood at 8-7-6,  nice and symmetrical.

The sixth had the hit team add another run, while the sit team scored 4 times on six hits. The field team again posted a naught.

In the unlimited frame the hit team failed to score as their big hitters went down 1-2-3.  The sitting team also failed to score with only one runner reaching base. So it came down to the field team but they need 4 to tie and only scored once to end the three team game at 9-11-7

Defensively, Sam Lopez made a nice play to snag a hot liner, pretty usual for Sammy. John Merritt also made a fine catch on a drive down the right field foul line.

Leading hitters included Jose Rivera with 4 hits in 5 trips to the plate including a pair of triples. Jim Lafoon went 3 for 4.  Fred Dampier had a 4 for 4 day including 3 doubles. Bill Miller went 3 for 4. and Don Witmer had a 4 for 4 day with 3 doubles just to match Fred.

With the arrival of Fall, we expect to start seeing a few of our northern friends any day now.  In any case, we're just happy to see old friends whenever they show up.  (note that guys our age don't have many young friends)  Ken Ota joined us today for his first game since shoulder surgery sidelined him.  Welcome back Ken!  Also Big Russ King made it to the board meeting last Tuesday so that's terrific news as he appears to be making a speedy recovery.  Keep it up big guy.

Also worth mentioning, Richie Marino's a happy guy.  He set his sister up with Ritchie Moots and guess what, they hit it off, in fact they hit it off so well that they're getting married tomorrow.  Congratulations Ritchie!  Oh Yeah and a note to R.Marino;  Try to keep the toast short will ya!

See you next week.