We were the visiting team, so we got to bat first. Tony got our first hit of the inning with a single. Jimmy, looking comfortable in the cleanup position, belted a home run to right field for two RBIs. Rick and John A. both singled, but we weren't able to move them around any further. The Screaming Chicks answered back with three runs, putting us down 3-2.
We had nothing going in the second but a single by Marc. The Chicks, however, grabbed 4 more runs making the score 7-2.
Our bats didn't stay silent for long. Pete began our comeback attempt in the third with a single to left center and a double by Tony scored him. Jimmy doubled as well, bringing in Tony. Rick hit our third consecutive double, easily scoring Jimmy. John A. hit a single right down the line in left, and Rick hustled in to score. Kathy then singled, but we left her (and John) stranded as we made two quick outs. Some fine defensive plays stifled the Chicks in the bottom half of the inning and we had come within spitting distance at 7-6.
Bob singled to start us of in the fourth. Jimmy smacked a triple to right center to bring him home, and then Pete got Jimmy in with an RBI single to left. Solid defense again prevented any chicks from leaving the nest and we had retaken the lead, 8-7.
Our good fortune did not follow us into the fifth inning, as we were unable to capitalize on singles by John and Kathy. The Screaming Chicks siezed the opportunity, picking up two more runs and vaulting back on top 9-8.
It was more than time for someone to have a "bad inning" and, fortunately, it was the Chicks! Things started slowly for us, with Sammy leading off with a single, but being forced out at second. Liz, however, made it to first safely. Then things started to pick up. Bob doubled, moving Liz around to third. Rob singled, bringing in both baserunners. Pete dropped the ball nicely into left for a double, which bumped Rob up to third. Tony singled for two RBIs, as both Rob and Pete made it to home plate. Jimmy then slammed one to right for his second homer of the game. When all was done, we had racked up six more runs. The Screaming Chicks were held scoreless for the third time and we headed to the final inning with a semi-comfortable lead, 14-9.
We had nothing to add to that in the top of the seventh as we went down almost in order, but for (again) a single by Marc. It was all up to our defense now. The Chicks managed to get a quick run in, but then we slammed the door on them with some more fine plays. The final score was 14-10.
The Screaming Chicks usually provide us with an exciting game and this one was no exception. The lead changed hands 3 times, which always keeps things interesting. And we had the right mix of people to experiment with something I had always wanted to try - 4 outfielders. All in all, a very fun game. Pitching duties were handled by John, with Bob and Caroline putting in time behind the plate. Offensive honors for the game go to John A. (4-4) Pete, Tony, Jimmy, Kathy (3-4) and Bob (2-3). Thanks to Melanie for keeping score and to Jennifer and Nisha who came out to root for us.
After the game, the slightly overheated team hustled back to the cars just ahead of the raindrops for a quick beer. Then it was off to Palumbo's for some pizza. A great time as always.