As per the requests, I am attempting to write a game summary of our exciting double header yesterday. You will have to forgive me in advance but this will not have the flare for the dramatic or the length of the previous updates from our past coach. But nonetheless, we will endeavor to keep up the tradition.
Under beautiful blue skies we started our double header by playing the third place U.S. Embassy Team. Having lost two in row to WNS, including the Tournament Championship in January, the Warthogs were hungry for revenge. The game was played in a back and forth style indicative of the rivalry between the two teams. The WNS was without its star pitcher, George Mixon, but Wendy "Lou" gave a gutsy performance on short warning from the coach. Despite giving up 4 walks in a row, she calmed down to get the Rhinos into the 4th inning. Unfortunately, the Rhinos were missing some key hitting. By the time the Rhinos entered the bottom of the 7th inning they were trailing by 5 runs.
But having come from behind many times before the Rhinos began their charge. Key hits and walks in the inning gave the Rhinos two on with two out down by two. Jerry hit a well placed ball to drive in a run with a close play at the plate. In the confusion at the play at the plate, Jerry broke for second. The play was close and the ump called him safe although it appeared the ball beat the runner. Heads up running by Marshall tied the game. After calming down both sides with the score tied, Tim hit a line drive to right field. Jerry tried to win the game but was out at home. The rally took too much out of the Rhinos who gave up two runs in the top of the 8th as they were unable to answer in the bottom of the eighth. The Warthogs won 15-13. Although no one likes to lose, the disputed play at second would have tainted the victory for the Rhinos. It was the first loss of the year and ended a seven game win streak.
The Rhinos won the second game of the day against the Canadians, 9-7. Despite making several mistakes on offense, the Rhinos ran into 4 outs, the defense was tough and erased the mistakes on offense. With the win, the Rhinos swept the Canadians 3 games this season, a first for the team.
The Rhinos have the next two weeks off and then play a double header; one game against the U.S. Embassy and one against the second place Japanese. A split will clinch the Regular Season title for the Rhinos.
Rounding third and headed for home,
Tim
Comments