Dumped Them Hornets Right Out of the Nest, 19-12

On Thursday, my Walnut Creek team batted .833 AS A TEAM. We scored the maximum five runs the first four innings and five of the first six. We were so far ahead after the seventh that the other team begged us to flip flop even though we were the home team. In all, we scored 27 in seven innings and won 27-10.

I went 4-4, and picked a ball out of the dirt once as we turned two or three double plays. That's the kind of game it was. And I manage the team. It was very rewarding.

On the other hand, on Wednesday, I went 0 for 4. I could barely get the ball out of the infield. And even though we won 19-12, there was nothing unique about the game. We went up 7-2 in the fourth, 12-6 after five, and although they closed to within three runs in the seventh, the outcome was never really in doubt, except it was the Hornets and you never know when they might break out for ten runs in an inning.

So which do you think was the most fun game?

Well I will tell you. It was the Hated, Feared, and Generally Arrogant Hornets we beat. There is never a softball win as sweet as beating the Hornets. They constantly fill the well with more and more talented Major Plus tournament players year after year after year, and resist every effort to even the playing field in Danville. Sweet indeed.

Granted, they were missing two of their recent all-star additions (who are rumored to have quit because the league wouldn't allow the addition of a couple more underage studs) and probably two of their older all-stars as well. But beating them is like having a really fine meal - you don't care if it is at a Michelin start restaurant or the diner down at the corner. It just tastes great!

And, to boot, we were breaking in three new players in a new season of flux. We lost a lot of talent in Charlie Pastor and Howard Reese, not to mention the tragedy of Anthony Paschal (our best player and favorite teammate and friend), and we were missing mainstays Randy Cobb and Barry Walter, and Ed Cook and Lee Levig have not returned from the injured list. Truly a team in transition.

But you know - so what! We just went out and played. And now we can Caw and Caw and the Hornets can just eat Crow!

We knew something was up when Clay LeChe and Brian Black started the game off with solo home runs. After three innings it was just 2-2 but we broke out for five in the fourth and fifth, and only recorded one out in each inning. Pitcher Black had the Hornets buzzing around but mostly making poor contact, and our defense was stout throughout. It included a couple of dazzling catches in right field by Don Devencenzi, and some tough outs by each of the other outfielders Lew Altman, Dave Balfour, and LeChe. Altman also threw out a runner at home via a strong relay by Rover Aram Boyd.

Balfour led the way hitting with a 5-5 game, followed up by LeChe, Black, and Tom Wagensell with four hits each. Four others had three hits each.

A strong first game from Altman and infielder Mark Diaz and utility defender Merrill Leach. Between them they went 8-12 with seven RBIs. Not bad!

If this is an indication how things can go for the Crows, we will all be happy we saved the Danville league once again (with a huge assist from Tony Camillo). Can't wait for next week!