Trying to set the tone for the game, Jimmy got us started with a triple. Rob "The Gazelle" Sherron then launched the ball deep to right center field and legged it out for a 2-run homer. That was all we could manage for that inning offensively, but our defense was superb, allowing no runs and we ended the first up 2-0.

Sammy, Eric, Kathy, and Jeff all reached first base during the second inning, but a couple of force outs at second kept us from posting any runs. In the field, we were still unbreakable and did not allow a score. At the end of two, we still led 2-0.

Bob led off the third inning with a double. Jimmy was up next and hit a double as well, scoring Bob. Rob followed with his second home run of the game. Jay singled but was forced out at second as John A. made it safely to first. Sammy singled, which got John to third, but we weren't able to capitalize any further and took the field, having added three more runs. It was another great defensive inning and Sliders were once more held scoreless. We now led 5-0.

Kathy started the fourth with a single and headed to second on a single from Jeff. Bob then singled, which scored Kathy from second. Jimmy singled as well, but we were out of steam and only managed the one run. Yet again, our defense was solid and kept Sliders from reaching home. We went into the top of the fifth ahead 6-0.

Rob was our first batter of the inning and, apparently tired out from earlier at-bats, decided to relax a bit and singled. He wasn't able to rest for long, though, as Jay punched the ball into the outfield for a triple. John A. followed with a double and came in to score on an RBI ground-out by Sammy. Eric and Jeff both singled, but we left them hanging, and we had to content ourselves with three runs. We had another shut-out inning defensively and were now ahead 9-0 with two innings left to play.

Bob singled to get our sixth-inning offense started. Jimmy singled, then Lisa, and we now had the bases loaded. Rob singled, driving in Bob, while Lisa was forced out at second. John A. singled to bring Jimmy home before our offense wound down and we headed back into the field. Sliders found a few holes in our otherwise stellar defense this inning and put three runs on the board before we shut them down. As we headed into the seventh and final inning of the game, we maintained a healthy 11-3 lead.

Eric was our lead-batter in the top of the seventh and, knowing that we like as much cushion as possible, he poked a long ball into the outfield for a solo home run. The only other batter to hit safely was Liz, with a single, but we'd picked up one more insurance run before turning the offense over to Sliders. They clearly hadn't given up hope as they managed several base hits and netted three more runs. Fortunately, three wasn't going to do it and we were victorious. The final score: 12-6.

This was a much-needed win for the team, as we'd been on a rather long streak of bad luck. Everybody seemed loose and relaxed and we played some great ball. Offensive honors for the game go to Jimmy, Rob (4-4), John A., Eric, Jeff, and Bob (3-4). John A. did a great job on the mound, pitching five straight scoreless innings and recording one strikeout. Lisa and Bob shared the catching duties. Thanks to all of our fan support: Jason, Justin, Shane, Chris, and Renee.

After the game, the team gathered 'round the cooler to celebrate and then a large (13!) contingent headed to Palumbo's for beer and pizza. Special thanks to Kathy for wrapping the silverware in the napkins! A great time, as always.

Happy 30th Jeff!