Scores

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It was a bright blue, hot and dusty mid-summer scorcher at Calavera 2. The sun pounded on the field as the water image mirage shimmered out in the distance as Lil gave a pregame speech reminiscent of a “Christine” pep talk. The elusive “W” glimmered on the water mirage for Nucci’s as the game began. Nucci’s jumped out to the lead in the first inning and held that lead for a few innings. Was this just the heat playing tricks on us? In the third inning, reality hit us upside the head with Rich Keefer, Dave Ward AND Jeff Schneider all pounding out triples for VPS. But, alas, the pull to the “W” in the mirage was overpowering (or was it another tongue lashing from Lil) and Nucci’s went on to pull through with the “W” and making Lil proud. The power hitters Rick Keefer/Jeff Schneider both 4 for 5 with David Ward, Larry Wadalavage, Kirsten Mildbrandt and Bill Witte all 3 for 4 kept the game close and down to the wire into the bottom of the ninth.

Nucci’s defense was spectacular with Frank Weishaar and Gene LaChimia/Smith outfield combo making some spectacular catches. The infield, not to be outdone had 4 double plays, Mike Brower/Pat Steele/Guy McCord 3 times and Mike to Guy on the other. Nucci’s finally got their bats going with the outfield combo mentioned above of Frank, Gene and Gene having 12 RBI’s and 12 hits (4 hits ea with Frank and Gene LaChimia having a perfect day at the plate going 4 for 4 and Gene Smith going 4 for 5).

Thanks to the fabulous of Pat Steele and Bill Witte

 On a very warm day at Alga both Senior Teams played a very well played game.

Great pitching, hitting and defense from PPB’s Super Sub Ken Thompson and Gaspars Rod Johnson both hit 4/4

Gaspar battled back with 6 runs in the 9th inning to make it an interesting ending. Their shortstop Steve Doan was 4/4 w/ a homer and made numerous good plays. Super sub Oscar Delgado was 4/4. Gaspar also thanks Ron Bondsru for subbing today.

Leading hitters for PPB were Jerry Galiley 3/3, Albert Casteneda 3/4, Cord Cameron 3/4 w/a triple, Teddy Badillo 3/4, Leo McFall 3/4 w/a homerun & 4 RBIs, Jack Carson 2/4 w/3 RBIs, Joel Kudren 2/3, Martin Wei 2/3 w/2 RBIs, Gary Soper had a 2 rbi single and all these players played great defense.

Huge thanks to Randy Agadoni, who umpired another perfect game. 

“Success is a science; if you have the conditions, you get the result.”

I never tire of great hitting, solid defense, or stellar pitching, and today all three were on full display. Worden Williams secured a commanding 15-5 victory over a determined Hennessey’s squad. Though the Hens boast a lineup that can compete with any team in the league, today they were no match for the crafty pitching of Mike Endeman and the relentless hitting of the Dubs. Even WW’s outs were loud.

Trailing 3-2 through four innings, WW put together two five-run innings to take control of the game, while holding the Hens to just two runs over the final six innings. Robert Tahimic, Dario Santana, and Mike Endeman led the way for the Dubs, each perfect at the plate. Tom Benacka smashed a home run (still rolling), and there were three RBI performances from Bob Buscher, Jimmy Smyth, and, once again, Mike Endeman.

As in the previous win, a steady defense kept the Hens in check, highlighted by a rifle one hop throw by Tom Benacka to Barb Pardo that nailed a Hennessy’s runner at home.

The Hens were led by Manager Dan Miserany who was on fire; two home runs, a double and a single. But the Dubs defense and pitching kept his other hitters at bay and thus the single-digit run result.

Much thanks to Al Cabacungan for umpiring and moving the game along on a very warm day. By my watch, the game started at 10 and was over at 11:20.

It was the closest game in memory.  At the end of each and every inning the biggest lead by either club was 1.  It all came down to the 9th and final inning.  In the top the Draft put up 5 runs and Plotkin answered with 5 of their own.  There were now 2 outs, and the lead runner was on 2nd.  One run would tie it.  One more would win it for Plotkin.  Either prospect was anathema to the visiting Draft, for as George Brett observed, "If a tie is like kissing your sister, losing is like kissing your grandmother with her teeth out."  A final ground out decided the game in favor of the much-relieved good guys.  

The Draft heroes at the plate included Johnny Brand, who made nary an out, and Gary McBride, Ronnie Lewis and Andy Balas, who made only one, with Ronnie and Andy pounding out homers.  

Plotkin hitters Donato Domaguin, Oscar Castillo, Joe Uribe and Keith Richards only made one out apiece.  Dave Bosque was an amazing 4/4. Lou Chartz hit a homer but halted at 3rd. Thanks to Plotkin Mgr. Janet Wood for furnishing a catcher to the Draft and to league legend Barry Anderson for calling balls and strikes. 

Bye: Carlsbad Inn

         That Pizza Place