They managed to scratch out a run in the first despite some pretty good defense on our part. When it was our turn with the bats we wanted to send a message, and send one we did. Jim led off our offense with a Homer to right center. Kathy followed Jim with a single, with Rob singling behind Kathy. Billy Masson then launched one of his patented long balls for another round-tripper. Billy A., not wanting to be left out, blasted his own 4-bagger. Schwings heads were spinning and we were smiling. Bob F. kept the inning going with a double (I think Bob believes that 2nd base is the first one you're allowed to stop on). Zarah singled. MJ singled to score Bob and, when the inning was over, we had scored 6 runs and held the early lead at 6 - 1.

Our defense was tough in the second, but so was theirs. Only Melanie managed to hit safely for our side.

The third was more of the same for their offense (not much). Rob started our offense with a triple. Billy Masson, thinking that Rob had a good idea, followed with his own triple. Billy A. singled and then it was Bob F.'s turn to run and record his homer for the game. Zarah got her second single and Sammy got his first to complete a 4-run inning, extending our lead to 9 at 10 - 1.

The fourth inning was quiet for both teams. They were up and down quickly, but we weren't much better as only Mark managed to hit safely.

The fifth was more of the same. They couldn't crack our defense and we couldn't find much to hit. Bob O. hit safely for us but was caught in a Fielder's Choice and we never threatened to score.

Lots more action in the sixth. Their bats had suddenly come alive and Schwings were moving around the bases. Before we could stop the onslaught they had scored 5 big runs to make it a game again. Offensively, Billy Masson completed a perfect hitting night with a single. Billy A. then blasted his second round-tripper of the game to give us a little cushion. Zarah got her third single and Sammy got his second and we entered the final inning with a 6-run lead at 12 - 6.

The final inning was somewhat of a letdown in that there was simply no action. I'm not sure if Schwing had just given up or if we were just too good, but it was 3-up, 3-down for them and our second 1999 victory was complete. The final score was 12 - 6.

This game was one of those enjoyable experiences. A gorgeous evening to play, a fun opponent to play against, and an Insult team that was on their game. All in all a pretty easy victory. Offensively, Billy Masson, Billy A. and Zarah all went 3 for 3. Pitching honors go to Bob F. for a fine performance. The catching duties were shared by Bob O. and Sammy.

Special thanks to Amanda, our littlest fan, who found the game ideal for napping through, and a big "Thank You" to Jo Larson for handling the scorekeeping duties.

After the game we hung around the cooler for a while, enjoying the victory, and acknowledging how much better it feels to win than to lose. Then a contingent of players and fans headed to Palumbo's for some pizza and beer and garlic knots. A great time as always.