Todd Calhoun got the start for the Pirates and threw five innings of two-hit ball. Richie Knaupp finished, giving us a little excitement in the glooming. Meanwhile, the offense methodically chipped away at starter Jim Dalton and Tony Meilak in relief, building a comfortable lead. Hitting stars for the Pirates: Yakatan (2 hits, 2 SBs), Kane (2 SBs), Moreau (3 hits including a 2B, 2 RBIs), Johnson (double, 2 RBIs), Preller (2 hits), Calhoun (3 hits including a 2B, 3 RBIs), and Zamory (2 hits). Kane, Jordan, Smaka, and Knaupp also contributed hits and a variety of thrills.
For the Fordians, Rodney Dunbar went to deep, deep left-center field for a home run that bounced off the top of the fence and into the woods. It was a hell of a shot. Like Crash Davis told Nuke Laloosh after he yielded a tape measure homer in BULL DURHAM: "Anything traveling that far ought to have a stewardess on it." The Fordians were missing at least four key players by my count, though they still managed to bring eleven. We caught a break, I figure. But we'll take a W anyway it comes.
Yakatan's back or is this his little brother? Welcome back Bobby, as you can see the Pirates you left turned into league leaders out of the gates. Rodney has been coming alive and I'm sure all the Fordian opponents have noticed. Pete Zamory has also been making a statement ,both in the 38's and 47's. and Kevin Moon pitched a no hitter to join only 2 other CDMSBL pitchers to do so , Walters of the 28 Orioles a couple years back and Jim Ansel of the Silvers last year and in a regional tounry some years ago. Congrats to Kevin and the A's defense. Years ago Rick Lombardo ( now umping for the Cd UMPS) was rumored to have thrown a no no but it was never confirmed. I did witness him striking out over 21 batters in a 7 inning game once and that was a one hitter. his cathcer missed several of Rick's strike out pitches at the old Knick when the backstop was further back. saw a couple innings of Cubs vs the Pirates last weekend. Seems my old friends are still ruling the roost in their division, Maneys, Martins, McQuade , Girard, Poleto, Mash,.......core of that team has been around for years and it goes to show how far togetherness and experience can take you. All those guys have a profound respect for the game. They been performing and producing with that bulls eye on thier unis for at least 8 years ??? Also glad to have 2 new umps step up and ump in the 47's for us, Joe Fitzgerald and Cos DiBari. Its a great way to repay this league and earn some extra cash while doing it. Any others out there should contact me . if you are in the 47's you can umps in the lower age div's and vice versa. And hey Jim Ansel hurry back this league misses you.
MAKE THAT 2 CDMSBL NO HITTERS AND ONE *PERFECT GAME*... MIKE KANE OF THE PIRATES DID IT LAST SEASON AT BETHLEHEM, AND IF I RECALL, IT WAS ON THE SAME NITE SOMEBODY IN THE BIGS DID IT. JIM PRELLER, MORE DETAILS?
Yes, Mike pitched five perfect innings against the Peppers on a soggy, rain-delayed night -- the same day that another over-38, Randy Johnson, pitched a no-hitter for Arizona.
