Blackeyed Mudcat

Now that is more like it. Today we beat one of the teams we are supposed to defeat in our quest for glory this season. We trounced Mudcat Black 20-9 and it wasn't that close.

Something weird was up though. When two of our three extra base hits were doubles by Heffe and Frank, something is up. But you look at the rest of our lineup - everyone was hitting. We hit .673 as a team. Every single batter got at least one hit, and three were produced by Al, Mike, Heffe, JP, and Dave R. The latter has been hitting line drives all over the place for weeks and until today many seemed to be right at gloves. In his return, JP hit like he should always take a few weeks off mid-season.

We had some outstanding plays, especially on the infield. Mike turned an excellent third unassisted to first double play in the second. Wilbur replicated the feat at second base in the sixth (tag out, throw to first). Les made a fabulous stop on a ball to his right at rover, and wheeled and fired to Wilbur at second for the third out in the fifth. Throw in one K by Al, and a few good running catches in the outfield and we had a good day on defense.

There was even a miracle play. JP caught a popup at second that was right in the late arriving sun in the seventh.

Play like this and we can compete with any team in the league. Even Vintage.

Dr. Wolf and Mr. Pack

Last week, the Dr. Wolf played a relatively flawless game, and beat the vaunted Hornets 16-11. Al was at his best and kept that lineup reaching and off balance.

We built a 13-3 lead after five innings. It was never comfortable - the Hornets are capable of breaking out for 10 runs at the drop of a hat. But we held them to one late rally - six runs in the eighth - and after adding three more in the seventh and eighth held them scoreless in the ninth.

The defense was solid all game long. Highlights included a great running catch in right center by David P, and another going back by fill-in Chuck. Heffe had a good game at first - he snagged a hot hot line drive by Tommy Stone, although it may have been self-preservation as much as anything, and stretched for a one hop throw to get an out.

The offense was balanced - three hits by Al, Paul, David, John L, Dave R., and Wilbur. Lee L had a monster home run. The key was how focused we were - perhaps because of the challenge of playing the Hornets. They have not lost to anyone else and we have not lost to them yet this season.

This week the Mr. Hyde emerged. We were unfocused on defense and at the plate and on the bases. Sure the bad 'homer' calls by Vintage contributed - but that would just be an excuse - we should beat them by plenty.

As it was the inner Pack rat emerged, and mistakes and lack of timely hitting doomed us, and we lost 17-14. We found ourselves down 16-7 going into the bottom of the seventh. We rallied, especially in a four run ninth, but it was too late.

The only defensive highlights I remember were a couple of nice catches by David P in right center and Wilbur had a one man show in one of the late innings, getting all three outs. Al had a tough time on the mound, getting hit twice, but also made some fine knock down get em out plays on balls headed to center field.

Al was perfect at the plate, going 3-3 with two walks. Joining him with three hits were Doug, Mike, Lee L, and Frank. Heffe had two and two walks. Doug had our only long ball, a two run shot in the seventh.

Next week we need to regain our focus and beat the lowly Mudcats. They are winless this year but they just took a one run loss to the Hornets, 18-17. The lesson for the week is anyone can beat anyone if you give them the chance.