We were the visiting team, so we got to bat first. Rob got us going right away with a single. Caroline singled, then Rick singled, scoring Rob. Tony singled to load the bases, then Caroline and Rick were brought home on a single by Pete. Marc and Sammy managed to reach first safely as well, but a couple of force outs and a fly out ended our run. The Stray Macs responded with two runs, and we finished the first inning ahead 3-2.
Our offense started firing again in the top of the second. Bob doubled, and was chased to home plate when Rob launched a deep home run. Caroline singled and scored when Rick belted a triple. Tony singled again, which brought in Rick. Pete was up next and reached first safely while Tony was forced out at second. Successive singles by Marc, Sammy, and Lisa moved Pete around the bases to score. Our bats died down at this point, but we had added 5 more runs to our total. After holding the Macs to just one run, we went to the third inning leading 8-3.
Caroline led off the top of the third with a single. Rick doubled, and now we had runners on second and third. Tony was up next and punched a two-RBI single. That was all the offense we could rustle up, but we did manage to hold our opponents scoreless. So at the end of three, we led 10-3.
I should mention at this point that, due to the cold and windy weather, we had been petitioned by the other team to cut the game short at 5 innings. Well, after we had one inning under our belt, they decided 4 innings would be more than enough. There was little argument from our side, as many of us were feeling the chill as well. So that meant that we were now getting to bat for the final time and looking to maintain, if not increase, our lead. Our batters did not disappoint. Things got off to a great start as consecutive singles by Marc, Sammy, and Lisa loaded the bases. An RBI ground-out by Liz scored Marc and Bob doubled, allowing Sammy and Lisa to cross home plate. Rob was up next and hit a long double, bringing Bob in. Caroline's fourth single moved Rob over to third, and he scored when Rick dropped in a single for his fourth hit of the game. Tony singled, scoring Caroline, which gave us one more run for a total of 6 before we wrapped up. The Stray Macs managed to gain back three runs in their final at bat, but it wasn't enough. The abbreviated game ended after 4 innings with a final score of 16-6.
Pitching duties were handled by Bob with Lisa (with one inning of relief by Liz) behind the plate.Offensive honors for the game go to Caroline, Rick, and Tony (4-4), Rob and Marc (3-4), and Sammy, Lisa and Bob (2-3). Thanks also to scorekeeper Melanie, and to our spectators - Shane, Kathy, and John.
After the game most of the team headed to their respective homes to get warm, while a small group of us moved on to Palumbo's to celebrate what is sure to have been just the first of many victories. A great time as always!