The Hornets were in a bit of disarray at the start of this game. I knew we only had 9 guys confirmed, and then we heard that an accident on I-87 left one of them in a hellish traffic jam. Frank Montagano was within his rights to ask for a forfeit, but that's not his style - nor the Cougars' style. These guys came to play and that's exactly what we did. They loaned us a right fielder for the first inning until our guy showed up. Thanks, Frank (and thank you, Jeff). You know that I would do the same.
The Hornets that were there brought their guns. Perry had three hits, including a long HR. Sorvari had three hits as well. Chris Abrams pitched a fine game, giving up four hits and three walks. The only one that didn't contribute was yours truly (3 Ks, two with the bases loaded).
Andros - a thorn in our side in the last game as well - picked up two more hits for the Cougars.
The game was called in the bottom of the 5th because of darkness. Officially, the final score was 8-1, Hornets.
P.S.: Frank, you were much closer to being right on the number of hits we had in our last game. I posted it as 7 - upon further review of my book, it was actually 5. I guess my eyesight is getting as bad as my ....... um...... er ...... oh, yeah, memory!
Yes, my guys love to play. In fact, I dare say that if we hadn't had an extra player to loan, they would have gone door to door on Swift Road looking for an over-47 body to press into service.
And I appreciate your discretion in posting the score at 8-1. When we left off I believe you guys had 11 runs and the bases were full of black-shirted bangers.
I'd just like to mention one outstanding play that the Cougars managed to turn in. John Breen, playing out of position at second, smothered a grounder headed up the middle, and with his knees literally planted on the second base bag, managed to nail the batter at first.
Indeed, it was such a good play that it would probably take the extraordinary verbal talents of a Don Wixon to do it justice.
And as for Cougars base hits, I'd have to check my book. But I'm in total agreement on the three walks!--even though I'm known sometimes to even forget my kids' names.
It is with no small measure of regret and embarrassment that I must reveal that, Tom, we have done it again! According to my book, the line on your Mr. Abrams' fine performance was, in fact, one run, four hits, and only TWO walks.
And if that's not correct, then my book is wrong--and I should be compelled to re-take Baseball Scoring 101 at the local community college.
I'm now going to make a solemn pledge never again to make a post here without having the scorebook in front of me. These mess-ups are even more embarrassing than my own recent tendency to demand to be struck out rather than accept a walk.
