Mike Hart scattered five hits, struck out four and walked just one in pitching the Damn Yankees to a big 6-2 win over the Americans Wednesday night at New Scotland in a battle for second place. Nick Kanellis, who was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, put the Americans in front 2-0 with a bases loaded single in the top of the first inning, but Hart shut the door on his former teammates the rest of way and was aided by a solid defense behind him. The offensive catalyst for the Yankees was leadoff batter Joe McNally, who scored a pair of runs and drove in three. He was hit in the elbow on the first pitch of the game by Jim Kisselburgh, and was forced to leave the game for a courtesy runner. But he sucked it up and claimed he was ready to go when his spot in the batting order came up again in the second inning. With runners on second and third and two out, McNally stroked a single to right to score both runs and put the Yankees ahead to stay 4-2. Rob Shellhouse and Mike Matheson each had two hits for the Yankees, who now stand 9-3 on the season. The Americans fall to 6-4.
-- Edited by adtimbrown on Wednesday 13th of July 2011 10:45:57 PM
Mike, Great job, and we thank you for coming on board. I'm sure you'll agree, our Damn Yankees club probably has the best TEAM concept approach, and under the leadership of Steve Vangerlder, whose done a great job, especially since we lost Pete Westfall, and Bill Kervan was on the DL for 3 weeks, until he pitched a gutty performance against the TOUGH Cards in a 3-2 yankees win. As we all know, pitching is what it's all about. The Cards staff, loaded with top flight arms, led by tough Jim LaTorre, Jerry Solomon, and Rick Loffredo tops the league in pitching, and it's shown, as they still are a half game lead ahead of the Damn Yanks. The Whiz, Americans are in pursuit, and having fine years. Lot's of tight games, which makes the league even better. Our depth has truly been a godscent, and look forward to a very exciting playoffs in a few weeks, as it's been a very competitive year for our 54 and over division. The Cougars,Hawks, have hung in, and given it there ALL!!!! It's such a sight, to see so many talented guys, all 55 and over, that go out and play the game with passion, ability, and respect. I know for one, being 59 years young, that aches and pains have been more frequent, but we all love it. Look at Bill Kervan, Jay Hayner, Jerry Hawkins, Jim LaTorre, Brad Buchan, Jimmy K.and others that are in there mid 60's, and it's just amazing that the ability is still present. What more can you ask for, being a senior citizen, and still playing the game we LOVE!!!
mike said it right when he said the competition has been much improved,what this does is makes the rest of the league strive to be better and sets the stag for all the guys that are up and coming. like any league this takes time but thanks to guys like john reel this league is improving rapidly and i would like to add that the guys who thought the league was'nt competitive enough for them missed out on some great games .
