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| Game 2 Captain, Liam Campbell |
I don't know the exact formula for what wind velocity does in creating wind chill, but there is no doubt that 40mph wind creates a "feels like" that is ridiculously cold. And I'm not talking about the players - they're young athletes running around with limitless internal combustion - they're on their own as far as I'm concerned. No, I'm talking about us poor parents and school members (thanks, Mr. Phillips!) who had to sit in the stands for 4 Candlestick Park-like innings (anyone remember baseball games there?).
How cold was it? A number of us found the top of the west wall provided the best wind break, and crowded together in a tight little line with blankets covering as many legs as possible. Others, scattered in small groups, looked to be in need of a Saint Bernard (or at least that little cask of brandy - hmmm... note to self for next game...).
So who were the heroes last night? The Coaches! They realized parents' lives (ok, comfort) were at stake, so they decided to run and run hard for the mercy rule finish (eternally grateful, Coaches). Here's how it went down:
Top 4, score 8-1, sun setting and temperature continuing to plummet.
-Ryley ropes a single to start. While Joe bats, Ryley steals 2nd, then advances to 3rd on the missed throw.
-Joe works a hard walk. Runners 1st and 3rd.
-Stephen E ropes a single, scoring Ryley, Joe to 2nd. Score 9-1
-With one out and John K batting, Joe and Stephen E pull off a double steal to 3rd and 2nd. Joe then scores on a pitch missed by the Catcher (passed ball), with Stephen moving to third. John K works a walk. Score 10-1.
-Stephen P up. Stephen E at 3rd and John K at first. John K takes a big lead, initiating a bad pickoff throw to first, and heads for 2nd, running at "please try to throw me out" speed, which the First baseman accommodates by throwing to 2nd. John reverses, putting himself into the classic "pickle" with distracted fielders trying to throw him out. All the while Stephen E is inching down the third base line toward home... and as John makes his dive back to first just in front of the throw, Stephen E is streaking home safe! Score 11-1. Game over. Parents survive.
There was a lot of good baseball played this game, most from the mound and batter's box. I think 23 strikeouts in his first 8 innings this season may be some kind of record set by Andrew. He has been simply dominating. He and John C behind the plate did most of the work on defense, with Ryan executing the only defensive out of the game.
Noteworthy at the plate (click on vid after it starts to get full screen view):
-Stephen P's bases clearing double into deep right field (3 RBI's)
[Tweetrespondent flubbed the filming, and SO owes Stevie P!]
-Nick S's two big hits: a triple (scattering a bunch of Lacrosse players in Center Field like a flock of birds - see clip), and a double (for a total of 3 RBI's)
-Stephen E rocking the wood bat for a perfect day (2 for 2, walk, RBI, 3 runs)
This team can pitch. They can hit. They are unproven when facing a lineup that can put the ball in play, and have to make stops. Some decent innings last game, but 1 tough inning. They are improving, but there are still questions. Stay tuned!
PS - and a big shout out to Joe Ferrero for keeping the scorebook, and letting the coaches and players concentrate on the game. Joe will hopefully be correcting any of the numbers I got wrong above.
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