Over 9 full innings the 2 teams combined for 5 runs, 9 hits, 8 walks, 3 double plays, 1 K, 3 errors, and 30 gallons of sweat at New Scotland last night. The visiting Arachnids open the scoring with 1 run in the first TJ Scorsone singles, reaches second on a fielders choice, and comes home on a single by Joe Parker. Cardinals tie it at 1 in the bottom of the 4th as John Cortese reaches on a fielders choice and is pushed home by singles from Dana Hansen and Don Shultis. Both starting pitchers, Wayne Nicholsen and Cortese knuckled down in the sopping wet humidity and kept the game tied 1-1 through 7 full. The Cardinals had runners at first and third via singles with one out in the bottom of the 7th with the always dangerous Jeff Martin stepping to the plate. Arachnids left fielder Stefan Koutsakis with an inspiration called a time out and had a brief talk with pitcher Nicholsen saying he felt an intentional pass was in order. Nicholsen agreed and walked Martin to load the bases with one out and the winning run 90 feet away at third. Next batter hits a comebacker to Nicholsen who throws home to Jim Wing who steps on the plate and fires to first for an inning ending double play. We got extras. Jerry Solomon relieved Cortese to start the 8th and gave the Spiders nothing that inning. Nicholsen put down the Cards 1-2-3 in the bottom of the inning. Up comes the top of the order for the Arachnids in the top of the 9th. Koutsakis walks. Scorsone walks. Madsen walks. Parker hits a bullet on the ground which Cards first baseman Ed Potash fields perfectly, steps on the bag and fires home but the catchers could not hold the ball and Koutsakis scores. One out. Wing reaches on an error and another run scores. John Reel singles to drive in the 3rd run of the inning. Next two batters snuffed out by the Cardinals shortstop and we go to the bottom of the 9th 4-1 Arachnids. Radzik lines out to 3rd baseman Wixon. Solomon walks. Wittner grounds to pitcher Nicholsen who wheels and fires to Madsen at second. Madsen makes a nice catch of a low throw under pressure for the force, maintains his control and makes a perfect throw to first for the 3rd double play of the game for the Spiders. Game over after 2 1/2 hours, Arachnids 4-1. Nicholsen earned a gem of a win surrendering 5 hits, 3 walks while striking out 0 over 9 full. John Cortese was outstanding on the mound for the Cardinals allowing just 3 hits, 2 walks and struck out 1 over 7 innings. Dana Hansen and Don Shultis had 2 hits each for the Cards. TJ Scorsone had 2 hits for the Spiders including a double, the only extra base hit of the game. We ask that those of you who are so inclined to keep our Arachnid teammates John Newman and Tom King in your prayers. They have both been dealt a really lousy hand with their health. The hardball they are dealing with is much tougher and more serious than the hardball the rest of us have on the field.
-- Edited by crowbait on Thursday 6th of July 2023 10:42:38 AM
-- Edited by crowbait on Thursday 6th of July 2023 10:45:02 AM
-- Edited by crowbait on Thursday 6th of July 2023 10:46:23 AM
-- Edited by crowbait on Thursday 6th of July 2023 08:49:34 PM
JIm - Just got a chance to read this: Yours is finely told story of a great game. The lede, as my ex-newspaper mates called the first line, is neatly done.
At the same time, the story's last lines are hard to read. I'm pulling hard, as I'm sure others on your team and in the league are, for John Newman and Tom King.
Kind words Mike. Thank you. I think most of us enjoy reading your posts as well. The Bulletin Board is an excellent general record and resource for our league. I have maintained contact with both John and Tom and hope to be able to share a little more information about them in the near future. Not fully my call though.
-- Edited by crowbait on Monday 10th of July 2023 08:41:45 AM
