The "Pigs" only had 7 players at the scheduled start time so we waited for almost 15 minutes before they could field a team. The delay didn't help us at all (it never does). We went 3-up, 3-down and quickly found ourselves on defense. But our defense, which has been playing so well this season, continued to do so, preventing them from scoring either.

Buoyed by the fact that we escaped the first inning unscathed, it was time to get the real game started in the second. Billy Masson led off for us with a single. Bob F. followed with a single, as did Steve B. Steve W. then doubled and we were scoring. Kathy followed with a single and we had gotten on the scoreboard first with 3 runs for the inning. In the bottom of the inning we were still being stingy and didn't allow them to cross the plate, and headed to the third leading by 3 at 3 - 0.

Bob O. opened the third for us with a single but a couple of Fielder's Choices kept us from advancing much further. To make matters worse, their bats came alive in the bottom of the inning to the tune of 5 runs and our lead had been taken away. We now trailed by two at 5 - 3.

Undaunted, we started the fourth with high spirits. Rob opened the inning with a double, and Billy Masson followed with a single. John changed places with Billy on a Fielder's Choice, but then Steve B., Steve W. and Kathy hit back-to-back-back singles and we were scoring again. When we were done we had scored 3 runs to retake the lead. When it was their turn with the bats they saw our defense at its best and never got close to scoring. So, with 3 innings left to play, we had the lead at 6 - 5.

The fifth was quiet for us offensively. Bob O. managed a single but we never got a baserunner past first base. In the bottom of the 5th it was obvious that they were getting serious about this game. Some good hitting and aggressive play enabled them to get another run across to tie the game at 6 with 2 innings to play.

It was Sharon who got us started in the sixth with a single. Rob changed places with Sharon and Billy Masson followed with his third single of the game. John then lashed a double to score Rob and Bob F. hit the long sac fly to score Billy and we had the lead again. These "Pigs" were no push-overs, though. In the bottom of the sixth they continued to scramble for offense and managed to get one more for their side and we headed to the last inning with a slim 1-run lead at 8 - 7.

We got a couple of hits in the seventh (Steve W. and Mark) but we just couldn't get any more runs across. So it came down to the defense needing to protect our 1-run lead. Their bats were swinging freely but they were no match for our defense. They got a runner as far as second but were going no further as an infield put-out from Billy Masson to Steve B. ended the game with another victory in this incredible season.

This was an extremely exciting game with the lead changing hands several times during the contest. We don't have much experience in real close games this season (and this one was a real "nail biter"), but we handled the pressure extremely well. We hung in tough against a team that seemed determined to beat us. Another great tag play at the plate, a sensational catch by Steve W. at third that he turned into a double play, outstanding play by Sharon at second, superb outfield play by Rob, Jim and Bob F., another great outing on the mound by John. The list goes on and on. Offensively, although he hit no home runs tonight, Billy Masson went 3 for 3, as did Steve W. Steve B., Kathy and Bob O. each went 2 for 3.

Thanks to our fans for the game: To Debbie and Paul Wilkowski, and the return to the bench for MJ and Liz, who are both still on the Injured Reserve list. It was nice to see them both back where they belong.

After the game we hung around the cooler for along time, savoring the victory and enjoying the cold beer. Then a large (13) group of players and fans headed to Palumbo's to savor the victory some more, have some pizza and more beer. A great time as always.

The team is now 10 - 3, having won our last 5 games. We're firmly rooted in first place and just one victory away from guaranteeing ourselves the league championship. It just gets better and better!