Here's an enjoyable way to start a game: seven of the Peppers' first ten batters slammed singles Monday night (June 6) at New Scotland field, leading to five runs. A second inning's hitting nearly mirrored that, and the Peppers started the game up 10-0, on their way to an 11-5 victory over the Pirates.
Three Peppers players, Frank Kerbein, Dan Durbak and Bill Gannon, put up perfect 2-for-2 nights and each scored twice, and Tony Mogavero launched a high double to left, the teams only extra base hit, as the Peppers raised their records to 2-1-1 (with two rainouts). That puts the team in second place in the standings, 2.5 games behind the 6-0 Yankees. Meanwhile, pitchers Brad Maione and Dave Plew combined to allow only one run over six innings. Your scribe, Mike Hart, didnt fare as well, returning to the hill after what feels like eons away and allowing two earned and two unearned runs over one inning.
The Pirates hustled, never quitting. They suffered from having one of their key players, Jim Jasiewicz, a speedy centerfielder-catcher, playing mainly on his legs. He broke a forearm recently, so spent the night as a runner. The Pirates fell to 1-5.
The Peppers are grateful to the league - and to the fellows who helped repair Watervliet High's field and to WHS baseball coach Dennis Lane for restoring the diamond and inviting teams there again. The extra field will help all of us who have had rainouts get back on track.
-Mike
-- Edited by mikehart on Thursday 9th of June 2022 12:17:38 AM