The WhizKids and Dodgers played an exciting, back and forth game that ended in a 6-all tie that was called after 7 innings due to darkness. Jim Preller, in only his 2nd mound appearance for the Whiz, pitched a complete game, striking out 9, and 2 of his runs were unearned. His counterpart, JP Reardon, also went the distance, 1 run unearned, and keeping the Whiz off balance for most of the game. The Whiz took a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st, but that was shortlived as the Dodgers stormed back with 3 in the bottom of the frame, highlighted by Nick Kannelis' 2-run double. Yours truly hit a 3rd inning bases loaded double to gve the Whiz the lead again, but Gino Rodriguez singled, stole 2nd, and scored on a Clements single to tie things up. The Dodgers took a 4th inning 5-4 lead, aided by the 1st of my 2 errors at ss.The Whiz took the lead again after Preller hit a double, scoring Joe Torre and Porter. 2 errors led to the Dodgers tying the game at 6 after 6 innings. The Whiz went quietly in the top half of the 7th. The Dodgers got a leadoff double by Shellhouse, and a wild pitch put him on 3rd with no outs. Preller struck out the next 2 batters. When a pitch got away from catcher Dave Palmer, Shellhouse broke for home. Palmer quickly recovered the ball and threw to Preller covering the plate, tagging out the sliding runner. Always seems to be a close, exciting, enjoyable game when these 2 teams meet, thanks to manager Ed Rogers, and the rest of the Dodgers. Jim Porter-Manager-WhizKids
You know, this is my first year in the 46s. Coaching Little League and All-Stars, I just started to miss too many games in the 37s; I could feel my time on the field slipping away. So even though I'd look at my son and say, "It's his time now," part of me just wanted to lock the little bastard in a closet. Daddy wants to play! So the 46s have offered an ideal solution, with Sunday games that don't interfere with Little League.
As for my pitching exploits, with the exception of an emergency start against the A's last year, I haven't pitched over three innings a season in the past six years (at the request of my teammates). But it's so much fun standing on that hill, I'm just grateful to Jim Porter of the Whiz Kids for the opportunity to give it a try. It's a really great group of men and my experience in the 46s has been overwhelmingly positive.
You know, I wondered about the quality of play. It's good. But the essential thing is the game itself. When you are in something like that last night, a close game where every pitch matters, well, that's why we love to play -- it doesn't matter how old you are. A close game is always better than a lopsided one, regardless of whether you win or lose.
The arm is fine, btw. Strange, doesn't ache a bit. Must be all that rest I get between starts.
Oh, and I should add this: With my 37s knocked out of the playoffs on August 9th, at least I'm still on the field and will be playing probably beyond Labor Day. Good times, good times.
As a last minute replacement on first base for the whiz kids, I have to say that this was the most exciting game I've played in my rookie year in CDMSBL. A tight game all the way down to the final close play out at the plate , infield in scenario. For me to actually be on the field on a beautiful summer afternoon with these great players from both teams, reminded me that baseball is a fun exciting game and their are so many cool guys in this league. Thank you to the Whiz Kids,Pirates, Shaskys and Yankees for giving me field time and at bats this year. 18 games so far and no errors.Thank You God can't wait till next year. BC
