Scores: Week 4

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This game started out in the first inning with both teams filling in the diamonds in each of the score books; [visitors] TPP posting five runs and PG answering back with three runs.  All indications were that this was going to be a high scoring game.  However, for both teams, the next three innings saw the defense of each team take control of play. 

Then the TPP bats came alive and scored in every inning thereafter taking the game into a flip for PG.  

For PG, Rod Johnson and Gary Conway hit 3/4.  Jeff Ledesma hit 2/2. Mike Brower blasted a home run plus hitting 4 RBI’s on the day.  

For TPP with a team OBP just under .700, Pat Driscoll, Robert Kroger and Gerry Itkin each hit 4/4.  Rick Shaw and Mike Berry went 3/4 at the plate.  Home runs came off the bats of Kevin Lynch (reaching another zip code) and a shortened “homerriple” by Mike Berry as Mike drove in the fifth run of the [TPP] inning while the ball was still in the outfield.  

Thanks, from both teams go out to Gene LaChimia for umpiring. 

 Lots of good defense by both teams today. Difference in game was PPB had 3 big offensive innings and held CPA to only one big inning.

The top of PPB’s lineup was amazing again today as the first seven batters were 20 for 28 scored 13 runs and knocked in 15 runs. Leading PPB was stand out shortstop Tom Carney 4/4 w/a double, triple & 5 RBIs. Double play turner Roney Lewis w/2 doubles, Johnny Brand, Andy Balas (3 RBIs) and 3B man David Frantz were all 3/4. Mary Ann O’Brien started two 2-out rallies. Ken Thompson pitched another superb game, had 2 hits and 3 RBIs. Mark Pedote had 2 hits and an rbi, Steve Newberg and Mike Gallagher had run scoring singles.

Leading hitters for CPA were Dan Miserany 4/4, Jerry Smith and Ruby Murphy were 3/3. Karen Smith was 2/3. Margo Jacobo pitched a good game.

Both teams players had good sportsmanship thru out the game. 

The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four people is suffering from a mental illness. Look at your 3 best friends. If they're ok, then it's you.”

With all the subtlety of a champagne cork released at precisely the wrong moment, Worden Williams announced its intentions early. Five runs were dispatched in the first inning, four more added in the third, and from that moment forward the contest possessed all the suspense of a foregone conclusion. The final score—16–5 over The Village Pie Shoppe—was less a result than a declaration.

Yet it would be quite unjust (and terribly unliterary) to suggest that the remainder of the afternoon was merely a parade of cannon fire and self-congratulation. From the fourth inning onward, the embattled pie men discovered a sudden moral backbone and defended their honor with commendable restraint, allowing only six further runs and proving that dignity, like pastry, can survive even under great heat.

The Village Pie Shoppe, a lineup far too interesting to be dismissed lightly, fell victim to that most heartless of afflictions: the “atom” ball—beautifully struck, impeccably timed, and invariably magnetized to a Worden Williams glove. Still, defiance has its consolations. Elizabeth Baily, John McDonald, Dario Santana, and Guy McCord each collected two hits, a small but respectable rebellion staged by a full fifteen-player cast.

Manager Teddy Badillo, speaking with the philosophical calm of a man who understands both baseball and baking, observed that some innings emerge half-baked, others regrettably overdone, and occasionally the crust burns while the filling remains surprisingly pleasant. Certain defeats have tasted like sour lemon; others like apple pie that merely required five more minutes in the oven. The cherry on top, alas, has been elusive—but patience, he insists, is the secret ingredient. The dough is rising, the oven warming, and soon enough the Village Pie Shoppe expects to serve victories with flaky crusts, balanced flavors, and mercifully dry bottoms. One can hardly argue with such culinary wisdom.

Meanwhile, back at the WW-OK corral, the top of the order behaved like a society party where everyone was charming and no one left early. A dazzling .785 average was compiled, highlighted by perfect days at the plate from Bob Buscher, Bob Loperena, Joe Uribe (denied only by fate of a “but-for” home run), and Philip Urbina. Pat Steele drove in four, while Cathy McDonald and Bob Loperena each contributed three RBIs—generosity, it seems, remains fashionable.

Defense, too, had its moment in the spotlight. Barry Stengl patrolled left field nobly for VPS, while Joe Uribe answered in kind for WW. The true jewel, however, belonged to Dan Akers, whose backhanded lunge in the hole and breathless race to first stole both the out and the audience’s admiration—a reminder that elegance is often best displayed under pressure.

Finally, sincere thanks are owed to Russ Roopenian, who volunteered his services behind the plate. Umpiring, like criticism, is rarely rewarded—but always essential.

On a beautiful day at Calavera Nucci’s won 13-12 over team Draft.

Nucci raced out to an early 8-0 lead early in the game. But team Draft regaining their footing, they managed to even the score and then took the lead in the top of the ninth inning 12-11. Nucci finally responded and rallied for 2 runs to end a well played game from both teams.  

Team Draft highlights:

Leigh Peterson 4/4, Carlos Cevallos, Jeff Schneider, Dave Ash 3/4.

On Defense, Oscar Delgado made an amazing shoe-string catch in the outfield. The infield turned several double plays. 

Team Nucci’s highlights:

Tom Benacka, Bob Porter, Delta Farrington all got 4 hits each.

Randy Baird going 3/5 with 2 booming home runs and 5 RBI’s. 

Ron Bondshu going 3/4, Rick Skidmore going 2/4. Supper sub-Dan Smith going 5/5 and playing excellent defense.

Special thanks to Mike Wallman and Dan Smith for subbing,  and outstanding job of umpiring from Randy Agadoni

Bye: Carlsbad Inn