September, 25th: Mudcats at the Bats

The Mudcats and the Bats took to battle on a wet field, hoping that the weather would allow them to play the full six innings. The batting cages were spotted with rain puddles, and the practice balls grew damp, taking on a distinct egg-like, grey color, portending a tough outing for the Mudcats. As the visitors, we were first to bat after pledging allegiance along the third base line.

True to form, the top of the order was productive early in the game.  The lead-off hitter Leyton was in scoring position, after sliding in safe for a double.  T-Rex, Adam, Jacob and Sticks all get hits, and soon the Mudcats were off and running with four runs to start the 1st inning.

The Bats would not be intimidated by the Mudcats play, nor their far-reaching reputation as fearless sluggers.  The Bats rounded the bases and scored three runs to end the1st inning.

Tex led off the second, beating a throw at first. Little Papi, Logan and Leyton all hit well-struck grounders, but the Bats caught the lead runner every time--a quick inning for the Mudcats with three outs. The Bats are also held to a scoreless 2nd inning.

The Bats showed they can play defense. T-Rex, Adam and Jacob hit rockets to infielders for naught. On offense, the Bats were on base quickly, and managed to score 5 runs, even after two early fly outs to speedy Drew at pitcher. Big Elmo’s bat was potent.

Neither team scored in the 4^th inning, though the Mudcats did have men in scoring position, while the Bats were three up/three down.

Stoking the come-back fire, Little Papi and Logan legged-out grounders to start the 5th inning with two outs.  With Leyton at the plate, the crowd sensed a big hit, and a potential dent in the four-run deficit.  He delivered a huge shot to center, but the Bats fielding was too good that day, and he was robbed, and our hope dashed.

Elmo added to the Bats’ margin at the bottom of the 5th, despite a great catch by Smiley at catcher, and a sliding catch by Adam.

Valiant efforts in the sixth were not enough for us to score, and the inning and the game ended with a loss, 4-9.

Write-up by Scott Hart
Pictures by Tonya Proctor