You could tell right from the first batter that things were not going to go the Peppers way. Lead off batter Meyers tags a pitch that on any other night screams over the left fielder's head. Instead. Blustery Bob, the Bethlehem Wind God comes up with a strong gale to blow it back to the left fielder for an almost routine catch.
In the bottom of the first The Wind God showed up again. After a single by Newcomb, a run-scoring double by David Schillinger and an RBI ground-out error from Kevin Moon (yes - he's baaaack), the A's catcher (name undisclosed) lifts a little pop fly that has to be at least 10-15 feet foul of the left field line. Blustery Bob comes along again blowing it back onto the field landing it at least 10 feet fair (!) in front of the rushing outfielder to plate yet another run.
Needless to say, it's tough when the Gods are against ya'. The Peppers did try to get back in the game with a run in the 2nd with Mike Hart scoring the run on a ground out by Hoin. but because they're ninth player had not shown up yet, the Peppers rally was cut short at that time.
The A's struck back with two more in their half of the 2nd with a 2 RBI single by Class. They sealed the win with 5 in the 5th with the big hit being an opposite field double to plate two by Tom Smith.
Art Gionakos brought some of that old magic (I think it's called "Grecian Formula") and held the Peppers at bay with only 5 hits and 3 k's. Kevin Moon pitched the 6th for the A's. Mike Hart worked valiantly until he tired in the bottom of the 5th when Matt Leinung had to relieve him.
One thing to point out - The Peppers were caught in a hidden ball trick in the 3rd at 1st base. I only bring this up because there was still some confusion as to the rule. The umpires should be communicated to about when the pitcher can or can't be on the dirt of the mound. When the play was made, the pitcher was not on the mound or the dirt, but there may have been some moment before the play was made as to whether he had a part of his foot on the dirt or not. Anyway - just need to clarify this with the crews (J Dalton - I hope you're reading)
Peppers highlights Coryell, Hart, Eddie O, McCarlen and Leinung - 1b's each
A's Highlights D Schillinger - 2b, 1b, 2 RBI, 2 runs Smith - 2B, 1 run G Schillinger - 2 1b's A's Catcher (Whodatman) - 1b, 2b, 1 rbi
Pitcher must be completely off dirt surface. Player (s) involved should clue in either umpire, where possible without tipping off play.
Did you ever try the potato play, trying to pick a guy off 3rd...Catcher puts a nice round, white potato in his back pocket, or between uniform and chest protector. After receiving pitch, he chucks potato over 3B's head, and runner at 3rd streaks home to fnd catcher waiting with ball in glove.
As an ump, I would consider this obstruction, and score the run as penatly for defense making farce of the game, and issue appropriate warnings under Rule 10 (Umpire Jurisdiction).........great trick play though! As Manager/Player, I might risk it to see if umpire would handle it, or let it go......
Only one problem - I really think if I kept a potato hidden in my pants it would not be too comfortable.
And if I kept it between my chest protector and chest, my wierd teammates would think I was taking some type of hormone therapy in readiness for "The Operation". And I'm afraid some of them might like it!
OKAY, HYPOTHETICALLY IF THE PEPPERS ARE PLAYING SAY THE ORIOLES AND THE ORIOLES HAVE A RUNNER ON THIRD THE PEPPERS TRY A PICKOFF TO THIRD AND THE ORIOLE DIVES BACK IN TO THIRD BUT THE PEPPER LANDS ON HIS NOSE CAUSING HIM TO SNEEZE WHICH KNOCKS THE BALL LOOSE, HE GETS UP AND SCRAMBLES TOWARD HOME BUT THE PEPPERS CATCHER QUICKLY PULLS A HIBACHE FROM HIS CHEST PROTECTOR AND COOKS THE ORIOLE ON THE THIRD BASE LINE. QUESTION DOES THE ORIOLE TASTE LIKE CHICKEN AND IS IT SAFE TO EAT IT OR IS IT OUT OF THE QUESTION? ps THE UMPIRE IS JIM DALTON AND HE PULLS A SIX PACK FROM HIS CHEST PROTECTOR AND SUGGESTS A NICE WHITE WINE WHILE WE DISCUSS THE RULE BOOK.
In my umpiring experience Herb, Oriole has more of a wild game bird taste, like quail or pheasant. A hearty red wine would be more appropriate, and obviously if I'm on the plate, it's a 12-pack vs a sixer. Discussion of Rule Book??? What Rule Book.....we make up most of the stuff as we go along!
I don't know about you guys, but something smells fowl to me and Jim D. say it ain't so, when you ask what Rule Book??? Things like that make me nervous...
