Scores: Week 11

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Pine field was the place to be for a classic senior softball battle as Warden Williams, clad in green, faced off against the Draft in a game that started neck-and-neck. The Greens surged early behind a red-hot top of the order—Joe (4-for-4), Bob (4-for-4), Joel (3-for-4), Dennis (3-for-4), and Brian (3-for-4)—while David B. and David S. shared pitching duties. Warden Williams put 13 runs on the board, highlighted by Brian launching an absolute moonshot over Bob P’s head.

The Draft, however, had plenty of wind in their sails. Bob P brushed off Brian’s rocket—though, if I may say so myself, Bob Porter flashed some absolute major-league catches out there—and set the table for Rich Reynolds, who drove in seven huge RBIs. "Cory the Coaster" put on a show with two deep bombs and stellar left-field defense. On the mound, Margo was an absolute force, painting the corners, throwing pure magic, and keeping the Warden Williams hitters completely off-balance all day long.

With Ronnie anchoring first base and a sharp infield—Jeff Schneider, Donato, Johnny Brand, and Steve Sexton—turning a pair of smooth double plays, the Draft took control late to seal the 21–13 win. 

Despite a few "character-building" errors on both sides, it was a fantastic afternoon of big plays, fun and laughs, and classic Pine field softball!

 I don't know if it's a record this season, but That Pizza Place and Carlsbad Inn combined for 55 runs today. That's a lot considering CBI only averages about 12 runs per game.  It was not just the Calavera field effect; there was some hot hitting today to match the hot weather.  This was "pizza week" for the Innkeepers, who lost a close game in the bottom of the ninth to league leading Pizza Port on Tuesday.  Today, CBI was missing several key players, but the team rallied when necessary.  The score went back and forth until the 6th inning, when TPP extended their lead to 7 runs, 22 - 15.  CBI went to work and scored 6 runs in the 7th inning.  In the 8th inning, Dan Smith was coaching first base and keeping score when a ball struck him in the head.  Lots of blood and concern.  Fortunately, Dan's wife was there and able to take him to the ER right away.  I just got word from him that he's feeling fine but will be out for 2 weeks (3 inner stitches and 10 outer stitches).  I asked the team if they wanted to continue the game and they overwhelmingly said yes, "let's win it for Dan".  With only 4 outfielders for the last 2 innings, CBI batted around in the top of the ninth, scoring 9 runs and held TPP in check for a final score of 30 - 25.

TPP was led by Roney Lewis (4/5), Zach Taylor (4/5, HR), Saul Gebhart (3/5), Bob Tompkins (5/5), Bill Ginty (4/5), Dale Miller (4/5), Blaine Bromwell (4/5), Mike Berry (4/5), John Rosser (3/5), Al Castaneda (4/5), and Ed Silva who hit a big 3 run homer on a 2 strike count.

CBI was led by Larry Wadalavage (7/7), Dan Smith (5/6, 3 doubles), sub Pat Steele (6/7, HR), Randy Agadoni (5/7), Sean Skelton (6/7), Ken Thompson (5/6, Sac Fly), Nanci Watt (4/7), Nikki Branch (3/6, another outstanding catch in CF), and Barb Pardo who secured 2 critical walks.  Once again, Bob Baptista pitched a complete game.  

CBI thanks TPP for loaning two players each inning to play the outfield  and Pat Steele for his many contributions. . 

A Few Bruises, Some Home Runs, and One Very Lucky First Baseman

In the never ending saga of senior softball, where Father Time plays shortstop and Advil bats cleanup, CPA defeated Gaspar 16 to 9 in a game that proved once again that the old timers can still deliver a few surprises as long as nobody asks them to do it two days in a row.
Gaspar arrived Thursday hoping to make short work of CPA, despite having survived a grueling 2 hour 45 minute marathon on Tuesday. They jumped out to a quick 3 run lead, but after 6  innings, the score was tied 8 to 8. Apparently, neither team had received the memo that this was supposed to be recreational softball.

Some players arrived pre injured, while others generously added to the collection. Gaspar's Gene LaChimia, sporting a souvenir bruise above his lip from Tuesday's game, launched a home run. The bruise was noticeable when he smiled, although that assumes anyone was looking closely enough to notice either one.

CPA outfielder Keith Richards took a nasty bounce between the eyes, channeling Elizabeth Bailey's earlier misfortune. Blood was shed, but Keith soldiered on to go 2 for 4. In this league, a little blood on the uniform is practically a participation trophy.

At first base, Gaspar's Greg Lorton discovered the true meaning of self preservation when a flaming rocket shot came screaming directly at him. His normally squinty blue eyes suddenly opened wide enough to qualify as headlights. He caught the ball, and the collective sigh of relief suggested everyone was grateful Greg had survived to play another inning.

CPA's Karl Stern enjoyed his own first base adventure, recovering nicely to throw out a runner at home (one out of two attempts ain't bad). He also circled the bases majestically for a triple. One defensive gem and one offensive triumph, proof that you don't have to be perfect when you can be memorable.

The power versus finesse debate featured Gaspar's Randy Baird and CPA's Dan Griffin. Randy went 3 for 4, (all grounders) while Dan went 4 for 4, hit a home run, and collected two RBIs. Dan also played second base without falling down, rolling around, or requiring roadside assistance. At our age, that's an impressive defensive statistic.

Gaspar's Robert Tahimic went 4-for-4, while David Hartzog and Mark Tanner each went 3 for 4, keeping the offense moving. CPA countered with Robert Liles' fence rattling home run, Craig Wheatcroft's 3 RBIs, and 3 for 4 performances from John Symanski and Teddy Badillo. Five additional CPA players chipped in with 2 hits apiece. Dave Erwine knocked in 3 RBIs.

CPA eventually pulled away to win 16 to 9, leaving Gaspar to contemplate whether Tuesday's marathon had finally caught up with them.

Thanks to Jimmy Smyth for calling balls and strikes, and Carlos Cevallos for filling in for Gaspar.

At 55 and older, we may not always run like the wind, but we still swing for the fences. Sometimes we even catch the ball before it catches us.

 PPB scored in all 7 innings they batted and pretty much stopped all Nucci rallies until the 9th when Dan Melendez hit a grand slam Home run.

For Nucci’s Oscar Delgado, Tony Coppin, super Sub Tom Butch, Tom Benacka, Brenda and Kevin McBarron all made some nice outfield catches and all had 2-3 hits. Lil Keehan pitched a fine game. Julio Maraver nailed a runner at 3rd base from the catcher position.

Hitting leaders for PPB were good Rover Andy Balas 4/4 w/2 doubles, a triple & 2 RBIs & Tom Redmond 4/4 w/a double & 2 rbis. Mark Lecklider was 4/5 w/2 homers & 5 RBIs. Jim Goertzen was 4/5 w/a Homerun and several outfield catches. Defensive Star Tom Carney was 3/4 w/a 3-run homerun. Outstanding pitcher Michael Juditz was 3/4 and scored 5 runs. Jack Schwarzel was 3/4 w/2 RBIs. Super Sub Phil Kay was 3/4 w/a double & 3 RBIs. Brenda Lehman had 2 singles & 2 RBIs. Andy Balas made the outstanding defensive play of the game with a diving catch to end the game. 

Bye:  Plotkin Group

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