Bruisers vs. Paper Tigers, June 23, 2005

Bruisers: KarenC, Randy, DaveS, EricB, Nancy, Rob, Mandell, Ron, BobG, Jes, Ellie, Juan, Jesse, and DaveR

Bruiser Fans: Simon, Cassie, ScottE, and Hollywood

Bruised Bruisers: KarenC, and Randy who left some skin at second sliding in for a double

Diners at Fuddruckers: DaveR, Jesse, Ellie, Cassie & Simon, Juan, Ron, KarenC, Eric, Nancy, and Trina

Quote of the game: "When I'm old enough to play, you guys will be 80-something" (Simon, who did figure out shortly thereafter that he only had to wait until he was 12 to play)

Box Score:

Inning	1	2	3	4	5	Total
Paper Tigers	6	1	1	10	0	18
Bruisers	3	2	0	14	X	19	(yeah, you read that right -- 14!)

AWESOME GAME, EVERYONE!!!

Things looked grim for the Bruisers when we were mercied in the top of the fourth inning, but the Bruisers got their miracle on grass and pulled ahead for the win (gotta love that "last inning!" call). It would be cool to say that the Bruisers turned the game around when KarenC was hit by the line drive, but it turned out to be after Jes and Rob left the game when Mandell became Rob and Ellie became Jes.

Tonight's defense showed good range, taking advantage of Rob's tallness twice. In the second inning Rob(C) made a nice far-reaching catch of a popup by the batter and then threw the ball to Ron(1B) for a double play; then in the third inning Rob(3B) was able to stretch out with his toe on third base to (wait for and) field a slow dribbler, picking it up in time for the force out on the runner -- probably the most suspenseful play we've ever had. The first batter of the night lined a ball at KarenC(P), which she stopped with her hip [I've really gotta learn to be faster with the glove], but she stayed with the ball and threw him out. In the third inning Jes(2B) made a slightly high throw to Ron(1B) and managed to get the runner out by a half-step. In the fifth inning, Randy(OF) made a great running over-the-shoulder juggling catch for the first out, and the last two outs were on a nice DP from BobG(SS) to Ron(1B). [Hey you-know-who!! -- TWO HANDS!]

Most of our offensive excitement happened in the fourth inning. The Bruisers were able to avoid hitting balls to Jeff Cornish in left field, take advantage of increasing Tigers confusion, and score 14 runs. During the inning nine batters in a row scored, and we batted around 1.7 times. Everyone (except KarenC) scored at least once during the inning, and DaveR almost hit Ellie (twice) with lined foul balls while she was at third base. DaveS, EricB and BobG were all 3-for-3 and Mandell was 2-for-2. Home runs were hit by EricB and Mandell, and triples were hit by KarenC and DaveS. RBIs were earned by DaveS (2), EricB (3), Rob, Mandell (3), Ron (2), Ellie, Juan, and DaveR (2). Everyone who was there for the full game got at least one hit and scored at least once.

Our next game is THURSDAY JULY 7 (so, no game next week) when we'll be home team against the Los Angeles Equis of Pasadena on field H7 (sewer). I know we'll be missing Nancy and EricB. Everyone else please be sure to tell me if you'll be there or not.

Awesome work, everyone!!

Have a fun and safe holiday, and we'll see you in two weeks.

Karen :)