We have reached the time of year when it is colder in the East Bay than it is in SF. It's a weird one. I watched the temp go up as I crossed the bridge and by game time it was 62 degrees in the park which is almost comfortable. Still overcast, not much wind which was nice.
And a ballgame, I think we were 22 at our apex even without several stalwarts, all the hand-wringing that we do in the summertime seems foolish now. And another strong Latin contingent game, ¡Buen juego, amigos!
Dave started for the homers, along with donuts for all who desired them. Satch started for the visitors, and the mound was a real treat to throw off, given the mud pie that it was last week. We had scored run in the first, but the homers came back to tally one of their own, and that was to be the way the game was. Real nail biter, contributions from everyone.
The largest lead recorded for the game was 3-1. That quickly became 4-3 after the homers routed my final inning of pitching and took the lead back. Sean came in to relieve me and he took it the rest of the way. Gabe came in for Dave, which resulted in a collective *GULP* from our bench. But he stayed within the lines for most of his time pitching, which was great, but damn does that ball sizzle when it whizzes by!
The story of the game has to be Nick Smith, who made several defensive web gems at first base. He also had a crucial hit late in the game. Defense in general was critical in this game, the home team had a real Murderers Row and I don't think there was a single inning that didn't have a baserunner in scoring position. I know at least twice I got out of a bases-loaded jam only giving up one run, and I think Sean did too, though he didn't give up any runs.
As for our team, I made it to second base early in the game and that was memorable as a positive. Yet somehow, we scored runs. Dave struck out at least 4 or 5 as well, so I don't know who was getting the hits and scoring the runs, other than Mike N. Kudos to you nameless heroes!
In the 8th, Phelps took over and we tied it at 4-4 and then took the lead again, 5-4. Sean pitched a brilliant 9th inning, and it was capped with a leaping sno-cone catch from Connor at SS to seal the game.
5-4, visitors.
Highlights
* Nick Smith doing it all with style and grumpiness
* While our defense won the game, it also gave up at least 5 infield hits, the wet grass and mud really slowed the ball down, and we are not a charge-the-ball kind of game
* Tim P. with another impressive defensive day at 2nd and a timely hit
* We almost had a home to first double play
* Patrick showed us what speed looks like, when he just flat-out beat a throw to 2nd base from the SS on a force play
* I have to pat myself on the back for the finest curveball I have thrown in a while to strike out Gabe with the bases loaded.
* New guy Jeff was tracking down everything in the outfield
* Gaspar nullified the shift with a hit to the hole on the right side
* Ice Pack Award for Naldony for taking multiple scuds thrown by Gabe
* Tony did the right thing in checking the runner at 3rd, but then he checked again, and then he threw the ball away. His regret was not faking a throw, as the runner was prime for tagging.
* Half our bench held up Nick W at third and the other half was sending him. He got confused and stopped, but he did score eventually, so it all worked out.
* It was a rough day for Worthman, between the Ks and the fly ball that got the best of him
* The 10th fielder, the concrete wall behind the plate proved valuable in getting an out at home on a passed ball
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