This was an important game as the Weasels are the local team who are currently undefeated and have won gold at the last few Games. Having seen them embarrass some of the other teams, this would be a chance for us to take an advantage into the medal rounds.
Started in left field and expected to get some action as we were using the game to qualify some additional pitchers. On the third pitch of the game one of the Weasels hit a monster foul ball (just) to my right which I hoped was not a sign of things to come. Thankfully, I didn't see the ball again for the entire game as our pitchers 'funky junk' mesmerised the Weasels, frustrating them into plenty of cheap outs.
In these tournaments the idea is to get in front early and force the opposite side into errors as they chase you against the clock. This is exactly how it panned out with us taking a 4-3 lead after 2 innings to 11-4 after 3 innings and finally an 18-5 victory. Both of the latter innings had strong 2-out rallies that did the job for us.
Sour note for the game was Leo injuring his ankle on a hard slide into home - he was safe which started the third inning rally. Off to get x-rays today but expect no breaks.
Happy with my batting - starting to hit them more solidly. Drew a few walks though which is sort of frustrating. Obviously the quality of pitching is below what many of us are used to in the Sydney comp.
Following the game we tidied up for a team dinner at the local English pub. A few Guiness and some soccer in the background led to a decent night out. Unfortunately we were the only patrons after 10:00pm so they shut up shop early. There was a concert on at the Casino so most of us headed across.
Not a bad night, with a few extra dollars added to the kitty vis the blackjack tables. Around midnight a group of us were enjoying a chat at the outdoor bar when a flurry of SMS arrived. Coach Kennedy had decided to name his side early to encourage the starters to get back in early - this came about as a result of a few lads hitting it pretty hard the past few days and being unable to do anything more than pinch run for the catchers. Checked my message and it turns out I'm catching. Knowing what this will do to me, I finished off the bear juice and headed home. I'm on the search for a post-game massage - I'm going to need it.
A win today will guarantee us a place in the gold medal game so everyone is fired up. Looking forward to it. Fingers crossed
Following the game we tidied up for a team dinner at the local English pub. A few Guiness and some soccer in the background led to a decent night out. Unfortunately we were the only patrons after 10:00pm so they shut up shop early. There was a concert on at the Casino so most of us headed across.
Not a bad night, with a few extra dollars added to the kitty vis the blackjack tables. Around midnight a group of us were enjoying a chat at the outdoor bar when a flurry of SMS arrived. Coach Kennedy had decided to name his side early to encourage the starters to get back in early - this came about as a result of a few lads hitting it pretty hard the past few days and being unable to do anything more than pinch run for the catchers. Checked my message and it turns out I'm catching. Knowing what this will do to me, I finished off the bear juice and headed home. I'm on the search for a post-game massage - I'm going to need it.
A win today will guarantee us a place in the gold medal game so everyone is fired up. Looking forward to it. Fingers crossed
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