It was a typical start for the team with Jim leading off the game for us with a triple. Sharon followed with a single to start the scoring, and Bob F. followed with a double. Billy Masson and John A. added doubles of their own and Mike blasted a homer to clear the bases. Karen and Shannon then singled but we couldn't get anyone else to score and went to the defense with 6 runs under our belts. Defensively, we couldn't have been much better with no threat of any Titan scoring, due in large part to a superb unassisted double play by Karen at first. We took our 6 - 0 lead to the second.
MJ opened the second for us with a single but got no support and we were quickly back on the defensive side, where we were just as strong as we were in the first. The score remained 6 - 0.
It was Sharon who started our offense in the third with her second single. Bob F. changed places with Sharon on a Fielder's Choice and it was Billy Masson's turn to launch the home run. John A. and Mike followed with doubles and Karen got her second single. When it was over, it was 4 more for us, getting us to double digits. On defense, they finally broke through and were able to get 3 runs across, trying hard to stay within reach. So we took a 7-run lead to the 4th at 10 - 3.
We didn't have much offense in the fourth. Kathy opened with a walk, Sammy changed places with Kathy on a Fielder's Choice, and Zarah singled. A Fielder's Choice from MJ got Sammy to third but we left him stranded there. Fortunately, our defense was operating smoothly in the bottom of the inning, denying them any runs as well. So it was still 10 - 3 as we moved to the 5th.
It was baserunning time again in the 5th with Rob starting things with a single. Sharon followed with her 3rd single of the game, and Bob F. doubled. Billy Masson singled and John A. hit his 3rd double of the game. Mike followed with his 3rd hit (double) and Karen followed Mike with her 3rd single, and it was 5 more for our side. When our defense didn't allow them to answer back in the bottom of the inning, the victory was in sight. We took a large (12 run) lead to the sixth, 15 - 3.
Kathy and MJ hit singles in the sixth but just didn't get any help and we were quickly back on defense. Appearing somewhat desperate now, those "Titans" were trying anything to get runners around the base paths, managing to score 4 more runs to bring our lead back into the "well ... maybe" range at 15 - 7 with just one inning left to play.
Bob O. started the final inning with a single, followed by singles from Rob and Bob F., and Billy Masson's fourth hit of the game, to add 2 insurance runs to our lead. Realizing the game was out of reach, the bottom of the 7th didn't take too long, highlighted by a great catch by Jim in Center. The game ended in our second victory in 6 days. The final score was 17 - 7.
This was another very enjoyable game, with everyone in a good mood (partly because we had a lead that they never really threatened to take away). The team hit well; the defense fielded well. Offensive honors for this game go to Billy Masson who went 4 for 4 with a homer, to John A., Mike and Karen who each went 3 for 3, to Sharon and Bob F. who each went 3 for 4, and to MJ and Rob who each went 2 for 3. Pitching honors go to John A. for another outstanding game on the mound. The catching duties were handled by Bob F. (including a nice tag at the plate) with one inning relief by Bob O. A special "Thank you" to Jo Larson for handling the scoring duties. And a round of applause for Mel, Amy and Christina for making the long walk to support the team.
After the game we made the (equally) long walk back to the cooler for some liquid refreshment and picture taking. Then a large number (11) of players and fans headed to Palumbo's for some pizza and beer. A great time as always.
The number of remaining games is shrinking, but the number of injured players is on the rise. It seems that baserunners are at a real premium on this team lately. Bob O. was last night's casualty, joining Billy Masson and Mike.