The "Chicks" wasted no time trying to get runs on the board, but we don't like this team so we weren't gonna give much without them having to work hard for it. They managed one run but were disappointed with their output. When we put the bats in our hands, there was another message to be sent. Jim started our offense with a single. Steve followed with a long triple to score Jim. Rob singled to score his Brother-in-law, and Billy Masson & John A. singled to keep us moving around the bases. Kathy's single scored both Rob and Billy to give us the early lead at 4 - 1.

The second was better for their offense as they managed to tie the game, bringing 3 runs across. Our offense was a bit disappointing with Bob O. and Jim singling but no runs scoring. So we went to the third tied at 4.

We try very hard to avoid the "big inning" in our games this season, but we got bitten by the "hit it where they ain't" bug in the third as Chick after Chick got up, hit safely, and eventually scored. When it was finally over they had added 6 big runs to their total and we were in a hole looking for the shovels. More determined than ever, Billy Masson opened the bottom of the 3rd with a double and scored on a single by Shannon, but that was all we had and we headed to the middle inning trailing by 5 at 10 - 5.

The fourth wasn't much better than the third. We did hold them to just a 3-run addition but, on offense, it was 3-up, 3-down for our side and the hole got deeper at 13 - 5.

By the fifth we were sweating, tired and (many of use were) feeling our age. Our defense hung tough, though, and put them down without a score for the first time. Inspired by the defensive play, our offense seemed to come alive as well. Jim opened the inning with his third straight hit, and Steve followed with his second triple. Rob then stepped up and lashed a homer to let them know we hadn't quit. Billy Masson (now injured) then lashed a long ball to right-center with Bob O. running. A close play at the plate resulted in Bob being called out (surely a bad call), robbing Billy of his homer. John A. then followed with a single but was left stranded, as we added 3 runs to our total, cutting their lead to 5 at 13 - 8.

The sixth looked too much like the fourth as they scored 4 more runs while Kathy singled for our side and then we were 3-up, 3-down. So we dragged ourselves to the seventh inning hot, tired and trailing by 9 at 17 - 8.

To rub our noses in it (is there any question as to why we don't like this team?) they scored 2 more runs in the seventh. When it was our turn at bat we needed to at least show them that we weren't quitting. Steve and Rob sent them the message with a triple (Steve's third) and a double to score another run for our side (an important symbolic gesture). But we were very much on the short end of the score, finishing second by 10 runs at 19 - 9.

There were some positives in this game regardless of the final score. The team (particularly the top half of the batting order) hit well offensively, and we didn't make many errors on defense. They were pretty accomplished hitters and that's what wins games. Offensive honors for our team go to Jim, Steve, Rob & Billy Masson, who each went 3 for 4, and to Kathy who went 2 for 3. John did his usual good pitching job; Bob F., with 1-inning relief from Bob O., handled the catching duties. And a special "Thank You" to Jo Larson for handling the scorebook in her usual adept fashion. Melanie was there to cheer the team on and we very much appreciate her support.

After the game, we headed to the cooler for some cool refreshment and then 10 of us made the ride to Palumbo's to meet John Devaney and to enjoy some pizza and beer. A great time as always.