Roger Clemens was also a Red Sox pitcher

On this day in 1986 - Roger Clemens (who also pitched for that team that shall not be named) set a major league record by striking out 20 as the Boston Red Sox defeated the Seattle Mariners 3-1.
 

Since many of our snowbirds have headed back up north, it was great to see thirty-six players come out to play today. We divided up into three teams and selected members of the Lake Wales Legends to manage them. Donnie Witmer managed the hitting team of Miguel G, Herbie O,  Witmer, Zelazny, Lopez, Reagan, Schapler, Marino, Wells, Duff Hill, and Moots.  They jumped off to a solid start by scoring three runs in the first. This was followed up with five in the second and four more in the third. The twelve runs were more than twice the number scored by either of the other teams and was accomplished by seventeen singles and no extra base hits.

Joe D'Herin's sitting team actually had the lead after the first as four of the first five batters scored. Unfortunately for the team of Coffman, Dampier, Shaffer, Butler, D'Herin,Torres, Steve Hill, Kline, Powell, Simon, Ota, and Merritt, they only managed to score three more runs the entire game. It was not for the lack of bats but due to some great defensive play from Donnie and Bob Reagan as they turned four double plays and grabbed everything up the middle.

The fielding team was managed by Freddie G, with assistance from J,D. Freddie G, Hamilton, Scarbrough, King, J.D., Matta, Grabb, Bess,Leggett, Miller, Baker, and Holder found themselves at the bottom after the first while scoring just two runs. Things looked bleak as they failed to score in the second. Then things turned around as they scored five in the next two innings and found themselves in second just five runs behind Team Witmer.

The fifth started with a home run by Richie Marino but that was it for Team Witmer.  Meanwhile Team D'Herin went three and out. When Team G  came up they were a changed team. Doubles by Scarbrough and Davis helped push six runs across the plate to tie the game with Team Witmer. Team Witmer responded with five runs in the sixth to retake the lead on doubles by Zelazny and Lopez. Team D'Herin managed one run on aggressive base running by Freddie Dampier. Team Gonzalez scored four with JD getting his second double. When the third out was made two runners were stranded.

The last inning proved to be exciting as the hitting team enjoyed a one run lead. The first two batters made outs before Duff crossed the plate for their only run. Team D'Herin looked like they were going to finally put up some big numers but another double play snuffed out the rally and they managed but one run. So it was up to team Gonzalez to score three and secure the victory. It was not to be as Team D'erin played great defense and they were out one-two-three. Final score  Team Witmer 19, Team D;Herin 7, and Team Gonzalez?Davis 17.

Key Performances

Miguel G        4 for 5

Bob Zelazny    4 for 4 with a double

Rich Moots        3 for 4

Donnie Witmer    3 for 4

Denny Shaffer     3 for 4 with two doubles

Larry Powell        3 for 3

Freddie G            3 for 4 with three doubles

Donnie Scarbrough    3 for 4 with two doubles

J,D, Davis                    3 for 4 with two doubles

Larry Grabb                4 for 4 with a triple

Frank Miller                3 for 4

Dennis Holder            3 for 3