The game had a rather strange beginning as their pitcher had some difficulties finding the plate. Rob opened the game for us with a walk, and was followed by a walk to Karen. Billy Masson singled to load the bases but we couldn't get anyone to score. They had an easier time in their at-bats, managing to score twice before we stopped them to give them the early lead at 2 - 0.
We were determined to start our scoring in the second. Sharon opened the inning with a single, Kathy walked and Bob F. doubled to score Sharon. Liz hit into a Fielder's Choice that turned into a Double Play as Kathy was tagged out at home attempting to score from third. We had to settle for the one run. To make matters worse they found the "dead zone" just over our infield in the bottom of the inning. With hit after hit bouncing in front of our outfielders, Schwing base runners were rounding the base paths to score what ended up to be 5 big runs to open a sizable lead at 7 - 1.
Our scoring difficulties continued in the third. Rob opened with a single and moved to third on a hit from Karen, but we couldn't get either of them home and left the offense without adding to our total. Defensively, we were beginning to operate more efficiently, but they did manage to add a run to their score, lengthening their lead to 7 at 8 - 1.
John A. started our offense in the fourth with a single. Sharon changed places with John on a Fielder's Choice but we never got a runner past first as we headed back to the defense. By this time, though, the defense was in top form as we (finally) held them scoreless, but still trailed 8 - 1 with 3 innings to play.
The fifth looked a lot like the fourth offensively. This time Kathy started the inning with a single, and a couple of Fielder's Choice plays prevented any "Insult'ers" from advancing beyond first base. Our defense knew that they had to prevent any additional "Schwing" scoring if we were to have any chance in this game, and prevent them they did, operating flawlessly. The score remained 8 - 1.
Steve finally got untracked in the sixth, blasting a long triple. Steve scored easily on Billy Masson's double, but it was to be only a single-run addition for the inning. But we weren't allowing them to score any more, so it was just a matter of whether we could make up the difference in just one inning. The score after 6 was 8 - 2.
Mike launched a huge triple to open the final inning for us. Kathy then singled and Bob F. doubled but we couldn't get them to score and the game ended in a second-place finish for our side. The final score was 8 - 3.
After some of the marathon games we've played lately, this one seemed to fly by as we finished in about 1 1/4 hours. With the exception of one inning, our defense played well (we held them scoreless after the third inning). Our offense did not hit as well as it can (the last batter in the order only got up twice; a very low number for a 12-player roster). Offensive honors for this game go to Kathy, who went 2 for 2 and a walk, and to Billy Masson & Bob F. who each went 2 for 3. John A. did another great job on the mound. Bob F. handled the catching duties with relief from Bob O. And a very special "Thank You" to Amy for handling the scorebook so Jo Larson could practice for the women's golf tour. A great job Amy!!!
After the game the team made its way to the cooler for some post-game discussion where we were joined by a disappointed Jo Larson. Then a large group (10) of players and fans headed to Palumbo's for some pizza and beer. A great time as always.