Best Game Ever Played?

With a tournament this weekend and heavy rains last night, one would not have expected a big crowd today. As it was, twenty-three players came out and we had what many at the park said was the best "non tournament " game they have ever participated in. Just a couple of facts that would support that claim. The game lasted ten innings and was completed in one hour and fifteen minutes, there was only one error made on both teams, each team's catcher had a put out, runners were thrown out from the outfield going both to home and third, only one batter failed to reach base, and only nine runs were scored. But it was the finish that really brought the game to the next level.

The visiting team was managed by Bob Zelazny. He had a great supporting cast made up of Herbie O, Chrest, Scarbrough, Edwards, Witmer, Butler, Zelazny, Farinas, Thompson, Moots, and Aayla. They scored two runs in the first inning and two again in the fourth. That was it until the tenth inning.

The home team was managed by Sam Lopez. His team roster included Coffman, Alumbaugh, Denny, Toro, Dampier, Laffoon, Lopez, Marino, Merritt, Bess, Wells, and Baker. They managed one run in the second and third inning and had their biggest run production in the fifth when they scored twice. For those doing the math, that means that between the two teams there were thirteen goose eggs on the board at the end of nine innings.

With the score knotted at four apiece, Zelazny's team had the bottom of the line up due to bat. A single by Farinas, a fielders choice by Thompson, and singles by Moots and Ayala gave them the lead. The inning came to a quick and unexpected end as Moots was thrown out at home from the outfield to end the inning with the top of the lineup due to hit. Sam's team only needed one run to tie and two to win. They started strong as Laffon singled and Lopez followed with a double. The pinch runner for Jimmy unfortunately was thrown out going to third. Marino walked to put two on. With the next batter grounding out and Bess taking a walk, situation was that Sam was trailing by one run with two outs and the bases loaded. The next batter made good contact and drove the ball into the outfield where Roger Edwards found himself in perfect place to make the catch. Final score was Team Zelazny 5 and Team Lopez 4. Winning pitcher was Ron Thompson.

Key performances

Sam Lopez    3 for 4

Vassuri Bess    3 for 4

Donnie Witmer    3 for 4

Angel Farinas    3 for 4

Ron Thompson    3 for 4 and winning pitcher

Sergio Ayala        3 for 4

submitted by Bob Zelazny