This is from Thursday night's game, which I had assumed that Ray would post as winning manager.
Art Gianakos had a good week. He completely baffled the Pirates lineup for a complete-game victory. Tip of the cap to him, one of the league's veteran guys who has been out there on the diamond for many, many years -- still playing great. I can only hope that when I'm 79 I can play half that well!
Richie Knaupp pitched well for the Bucs, but we booted some balls and, well, lost.
I went back and looked at the scorebook for that game. An amazing performance by Artie. He gave up only two hits, walked no one, and struck out only one batter. We didn't hit many fly balls, mostly weak grounders and a high number of pop-ups. He just did a great job.
Thanks for getting the pertinent facts - just been tied up with other things. With now having to attend the PA (Potato Addicts) meetings, it just has been hard to find the time. The main clinic for this group is located in Idaho, with an international office in Ireland, but there are local chapters. Did you know that there are several "celebrities" who have this same affliction? At the meetings I have met Spuds Mackenzie, Mr. Potato Head, "Spuds" Terkel and some pro wrestler named "The Masher". Anyway, enough about that...
Artie had a fantastic game. He's sort of the Tom Glavine of the league - only a lot older. He had several innings where had less than 10 pitches. Just like Artie himself, his pitches look real good until they get up close.
The A's scored twice in the first and once in the fourth to hold a 3-0 lead. But in the 5th, The Pirates had one run in and the bases loaded with only one out thanks to 3 errors and one hit. Art got Jim Preller to pop out to the catcher and Rich Knaup to ground out into a force at third. The A's scored two more in the seventh to build a cushion.
One note, the A's were missing their normal leadoff batter Wayne Newcomb (but we never noticed it).
The A's were lead by Ed Class with a single, a lo-o-o-ng double and an RBI, Tom Smith with a hard double in the left center gap and Kevin Golden with a single and 2 runs scored. The Pirates hits were by Moreau and Lounello.
Artie- My best advice for a mug like yours, play night games and pull your hat down low. Just kidding. You know us umpires love a guy that throw strikes!
