We opened the game with some good offense with Jim singling, Billy Masson hitting the Home Run, and John A. reaching on a walk. When we moved to the defensive side it was clear that the field was going to be difficult to play defense on. Our defense was good enough, though, as we held them to just on run, taking a slim 2 - 1 lead to the second.

In the second we tried to pick up the offense where we left off. Bob F. started things with a single. Bob O. followed with a single. Jim doubled to start the scoring. Zarah walked. Rob singled and we had added 3 runs to our total. Playing defense was no easier in the second, though, as they managed 2 more for their side and we took a 2-run lead, 5 - 3, to the third.

By the third it was already becoming clear that this was going to be a long game. Balls to the outfield would roll forever, foul balls hit behind the plate would inevitably be lost for a time. But we were no less determined. Steve opened the inning for us with a double. Bob F. followed with a double of his own. Kathy singled. Bob O. singled. Zarah singled. Rob singled. When John A. doubled our 6th run of the inning scored, giving us a comfortable lead. In the bottom of the third we were reminded that the field was no more friendly to us than it was to "Sliders" as they managed to get 3 runs across before we could end the inning. But we took what was now a 5-run lead, 11 - 6, to the fourth.

It already felt late by the time the 4th inning started, we were already feeling the effects of all the running needed when you play on a field like the one we were on. Only Bob O. managed to hit safely in the inning and we were quickly back on defense. They had a much easier time of it during their at-bats and were able to get 4 runs to score, cutting our lead to just 1 run at 11 - 10 (interestingly, they had scored 1 in the 1st, 2 in the 2nd, 3 in the third & 4 in the 4th).

We had just two batters worth of offense in the 5th. Rob singled and Billy Masson launched his second round tripper of the game. On defense we knew we didn't want them to continue their pattern by scoring 5 runs in the 5th and they didn't. They scored 8!!! So now we were trailing for the first time in the game, 18 - 13.

Determined to a) get this game over, and b) get the lead back, Bob F. inspired the rest of us by opening the 6th with a triple. Kathy followed with a walk and Bob O. doubled to score Bob F. Jim doubled to score Kathy and Bob O. Zarah singled and Billy Masson launched his THIRD homer of the game. John A. singled and Bob F. got his second hit of the inning but was then tagged out. When the dust settled we had scored 6 big runs to retake the lead. Our lead didn't last long, though as they managed 4 runs in the bottom of the sixth to snatch it away again, 22 - 19. So we went to the last trailing, but only by 3.

The 7th inning was interesting. Jim tagged a double. Zarah then struck a hard-hit single which grazed Jim's foot as he left for third. Jim was called out and the "let's get the lead back" rally fizzled before it even got started. The final score was 22 - 19 and it was second place again.

This was another game that we could have won but just could put out of reach. We're playing good softball, just not winning the games. But Final Insult never gives up. Our winning streak will begin with our next game.

Offensively, this marathon game produced lots of at-bats for the 9 Insulter's on the playing roster. Offensive honors go to Bob F. and Bob O. who each went 4 for 5, and to Billy Masson for his 3 Home Runs. Pitching honors go to Bob F. Bob O. handled the duties behind the plate. And a special "Thank you" to Jo Larson for handling the scoring duties. A very special "Thanks" to Mrs. Sherron, our only fan for the game.

After the game, we made the long walk back to the cooler, lamented our loss for a while over a beer and then a group of players and fan headed to Palumbo's for pizza and beer. A great time as always.

Our march to victory begins on Wednesday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!