With temperatures falling into the mid-40s by the fourth inning, and chill winds throughout the contest, the over-62 Americans somehow kept their sticks warm enough to knock in 11 runs, for an 11-1, opening-game victory over last seasons' champions, the Arachnids, on Wednesday evening at the B Diamond.
The cold night likely was the big source of player absences: the Americans had only 10 of their 19 players there, while the Arachnids had roughly that number.
The Americans' victory was powered in good measure by Mike Kane, who, batting fourth, started the fireworks going in the second inning with a double to far-away right center. He then proceeded to post a 3-for-3 night.
Mike also pitched a complete game, throwing mostly overhand pitches that slid smoothly, quick and straight, into catcher and manager Mike LaBarge's glove.
Two Arachnids, first baseman Joe Parker and Lee Madsen, the Arachnids' starting pitcher, were the Spiders top hitters with two apiece.
For the Americans, Gibby Travis socked a long double, while three players, Vince Koster, Mike LaBarge, and Jim Porter dispatched two singles each. Rich Garbarino and your scribe posted one.
Mike Aiello walked three times, and he had a take-home-to-remember web gem: Sprinting from center toward left, Mike made a leaping, raised arm, tip-of-the-glove catch of a well-socked line drive. Gems are always nice to see but especially in the first game. They hint at the possibility of more as in, "Old guys can do this?" coming from any one.
The game was called after six innings due to darkness and big, fat gray clouds. Temps then? Probably 44 and sinking.
-Mike Hart
-- Edited by mikehart on Thursday 25th of April 2024 02:26:34 PM
Congratulations to a class act, the Americans. It is worth noting that the Arachnids were without 5 starters which included their entire pitching staff being absent and had to rely on the arms of Don Wixson, Jim Wing, and Lee Madsen. Everyone took it in stride and were happy to be playing baseball again. Good luck the rest of the way everybody.
