Thursday, April 20, 2006

Game 2 Finally gets played

After 5 weeks of inactivity, the Bad Gnus took the field against the best team in the league. I would guess the best D league softball team in the city. Seems as if each one of the players on the roid Rage could smoke the ball anywhere on the field. But despite the long odds and the fear of a forfeit, the Bad Gnus put up a valient effort. In the top of the first, the offense was sparked by a single by Ted Messner then a single by Pete Nixon. They each took the extra base with agressive baserunning. That's the kind of recklessness that inspires the Gnus! Several more hits in the inning resulted in a brisk 4-0 lead after a half of an inning.

No one thought 4 runs would hold up against this team and it almost didn't make it through the first inning. Clinging to a 4-3 lead, a fly ball was lofted to Mike (what the heck is Mike doing in Left Field?!?). He circled under it and fired a perfect strike to Kevin's chest at the plate to easy get the runner tagging from third. That was your Bad Gnus Defensive Play of the Game! But in all, the Gnus were not able to keep the scoring pace. Despite strong performances up and down the lineup, the Gnus were trailing 16-8 going into the last inning.

With the infamous "Bad Gnu" inning still in their pocket, there was still a run in the boys. A hit by Erik Carlson plated the 12th run, but ErikGrotte was gunned out at third for the final out of the game. A solid comeback, but a loss none-the-less, 16-12.

Unfortunately, the stats were lost after the game! Very unfortunately for several Gnus that I know played very well, including Erik Carlson and Bill Appleton. Both those guys had multiple hit and at least one long hit. Bill had a stand up triple! Y'all know that ball had to roll for a while! But the Newcastle Player of the Game is awarded to Pete Nixon. Pete has 3 hits, scored at least twice and made several lunging and diving stops at second base. Great game, Pete!

Next week, the Bad Gnus play on back-to-back Mondays for the first time. Game time is at 7:30. That might be tough for some little league parents/coaches. See you then!