Those "Wizards" started aggressively trying to inflict some immediate damage. They managed to score 3 runs before we could get settled and get the bats out of their hands. Then it was our turn. Jim led off the game for us with a single, followed by a base hit from Kathy. Rob changed places with Kathy on a Fielder's Choice and Billy Masson doubled to get our scoring started. John matched Billy's double and we were moving around the bases. Billy A. followed John with a single and Zoraida singled Billy home. When it was over we had scored 5 runs to take the early lead 5 - 3.

The second inning was one for the pitchers. John had those "Wizards" muttering to themselves after strikeouts in the top of the inning. But, in the bottom of the 2nd, back-to-back strikeouts by two Insult'ers (which may be a first) put us back on defense quickly.

Our defense was operating efficiently in the third, keeping them from experiencing the thrill of crossing the plate. In the bottom of the inning Bob O. started the offense with a single, followed by another from Melanie. When Jim singled, Bob O. tried to score, resulting in a mild collision at the plate with the catcher. Bob O. was called out and limped to the sideline with a knee injury (he's up and walking this morning). So, after 3 innings we were still holding our lead at 5 - 3.

The fourth was the best offensive inning for the Wizards. Lots of baserunners, a small controversy concerning the number of bases awarded on an overthrow, and just some plain bad luck enabled them to score 4 runs. When we got to bat Billy Masson hit what was easily the longest ball of the night resulting in a triple. John A. made them pay with a single to score Billy. But that was all the offense we had as we headed to the fifth, trailing by one at 7 - 6.

They got the one run back in the top of the fifth, despite an aggressive, hustling defensive effort. In the bottom of the inning, Zoraida tried to inspire the team with a double, but got no help and we trailed by 2 again, 8 - 6, with two innings to play.

Good pitching and good defense held them scoreless again in the 6th. Offensively, Sammy opened the inning with a single, but their defense pulled off a series of Fielder's Choices to keep us from scoring. Still trailing by 2 we headed to the final inning knowing we could still win this game.

In the top of the 7th our situation got a little more bleak as they scored 2 more to add to their cushion. But, undaunted, we knew we could still pull this one out. Bob O. (with Mark running) opened our offense with a single. Sharon (in her only at-bat) followed with a single. With the top of our batting order coming up we were feeling optimistic. Everyone was in the game; cheering, encouraging their mates, pulling together. Jim lashed a double to score Mark. Rob then pounded a high-bouncer into the infield. Jim, advancing from 2nd to 3rd, did his best to distract the shortstop but then, in a real fluke play, was touched out as he headed to third and the game was over. The final score was 10 - 7.

This was clearly the most competitive game of this (young) season. With a 17-player roster it's often difficult to perform at peak levels but this team hustled, stayed alert and played super softball to stay in the game. Lots of great defensive plays (Jim's put-out to Billy Masson from center, Billy Masson's throw to Bob F. at the plate, Rob's long throw to first from left), superb pitching, and batters willing to take chances. It was anyone's game right to the finish, and a great game to watch for the spectators.

Offensively, Jim went 3 for 3, Billy Masson, John, Zoraida and Bob O. went 2 for 2. Pitching honors go to John A., with the catching duties performed by Bob F. (with 1-inning relief from Sammy).

Special thanks to our fans for this game: Debbie and Paul Wilkowski, Amanda and Robin. And a big "Thank You" to Jo Larson for handling the scorebook.

After the game we huddled around the cooler for a while then a small group of players and fans headed to Palumbo's for some pizza and beer. A good time as always.

The 1999 edition of Final Insult is exciting to watch and fun to be a part of. If you haven't been to a game yet, you don't know what you're missing.