The 55+ Dodgers hosted the Twins at Watervliet on a very emotional evening for the Twins. The Twins have suffered two family losses this season; the most recent being the death of Tom King's son in a motorcycle accident. Tom and his family were at the game and it was an honor for the Dodgers to share the field and show our support during their time of grief. Teams shared a moment of silence before the first pitch then it was time for baseball to bring some healing.
Twins leadoff batter, Whitehead, walked which signaled the start of the Dodgers' bend-but-don't break defense. The Twins stranded 2 in the 1st, 2 in the 2nd, 1 in the 3rd, 2 in the 4th, 2 in the 5th and the bases juiced in the 7th. The Dodgers actually gifted the Twins their only run. With two outs in the 3rd, an errant pick-off throw allowed McCarthy to advance from 1st to 3rd. Then an E-5 allowed him to score.
The Dodgers used a couple of two-out rallies to plate 5 runs early. After Twins' pitcher, Newman, set down our lead-off and #2 hitters in the bottom of the 1st, Gougler, Alston, Coletta, Bradley and Jimmy T hit a combination of singles and doubles to score three runs. With two outs in the bottom of the 2nd, Staulters hit an RBI single. A nice pick-off move by Newman had Staulters in a run-down but he beat a throw to second. Trinchillo followed with an RBI single. The Dodgers tacked on a run in the bottom of the 6th on a Gougler single, a CR stolen base and a sac-fly by Coletta. Bradley followed with a long fly to center but their fielder who was playing near the goal post was able to chase it down.
Ray Coletta pitched four strong innings and completed the victory with a bases loaded groundout in the 7th.
The Dodgers continue to send our support and prayers to Tom King and his family.
Good post Don. Thank you. Baseball has shown itself to be a big help and comfort for our teammates, Tom King and Wayne Nicholsen, who have each lost a loved one this season. It has always been more than just a game. Friendship, brotherhood, and family . Sometimes perfect, sometimes not, but always a place of refuge.
A small correction regarding the game last night. Jeff Whitehead was the complete game pitcher for the Twins, not John Newman. Jeff a lefty and John a righty, both outstanding hurlers in their own right. As Don mentioned, the Twins had many opportunities to score leaving 12 men on base , but credit goes to the Dodgers for holding fast under pressure inning after inning. I cant help but hearing the Bob Dylan composition Knock, Knock, Knockin On Heavens Door playing in my head.
