We went right to work in the first. Jim started our offense with a double and scored on a Billy Masson single. Billy was brought home on singles by John A. and Steve and we took a 2-run lead to the bottom of the inning. The lead didn't last long, though, as the Twisted offense came through with 4 runs and laid claim to the early lead.

We battled right back in the second. Bob F. got us started with a single, and was followed by singles from Maria, Sammy and Kathy before the first out. Bob O. and Liz also singled but couldn't score. All of this activity netted us 3 runs and the lead back. We kept the lead this time as our defense shut down their offense handily.

The third was a "back and forth" inning. Rob, Billy Masson, Steve and Zarah teamed up to produce two more runs for our side, and they managed to match that number in the bottom of the inning. So we took our slim lead, now 7 - 6, to the fourth.

Unfortunately, it was 3-up, 3-down for our team in the fourth, and nothing like that for theirs. Before we could leave the defense they had scored 6 huge runs to easily overtake us, leaving us in a 5-run hole, trailing 12 - 7.

We kept fighting in the fifth. Bob O. opened the inning with a single. Jim changed places with his Dad in a strange Fielder's Choice play. Sharon then singled and Rob & Billy Masson hit back-to-back doubles to get us 3 runs, closing the scoring gap considerably. But then their offense tried to pick up where it left off and scored another 5 runs to give Twisted their biggest lead of the game at 17 - 10 and the outcome was starting to look glum.

Final Insult never gives up and we went to the sixth determined to get back into the contest. Steve opened the inning with his third single. Zarah changed places with Steve on a Fielder's Choice. Maria and Sammy hit back-to-back singles as Zarah scored. Kathy walked to load the bases. But we left them all stranded as a fairly productive offensive display produced only a single run. We didn't have any problems on defense in the sixth, though, and turned them away easily without allowing a score. But, with just one inning to play, we needed 6 runs to tie as we trailed 17 - 11.

Bob O. opened the final inning for us with his third single. Jim tripled to score Bob and Sharon sacrificed Jim home. But then, suddenly, the game was over and we were forced to accept second-best for the third consecutive time this season. The final score was 17 - 13.

This was, at least, a competitive contest, with several lead changes and both teams in the game for most of it. If not for a 6-run fourth inning, the outcome would have been different. Offensive honors for this game go to Billy Masson, Steve and Bob O., who all went 3 for 3, and to Maria and Sammy for their 2 for 3 production. John A. and Bob F. shared the pitching duties, with Bob F., Bob O. and Sammy platooning behind the plate.

Special thanks to Melanie, and to John Devaney, for their support from the sidelines. And a big "Thank You" to Jo Larson for handling the scoring duties.

After the game we hung around the cooler for a while lamenting our loss and the results of our season so far. Then a large (10) crowd of players and fans headed to Palumbo's for some pizza and beer. A great time as always. I hear a small group then headed to some late-night entertainment, but that's not been confirmed.

It's time to get this train on the winning track. Our next game will mark the coaching debut of Bob Fortescue. Let's get out there and give Bob some support.