Game #8: Riverdogs 8, Mudcats 6

It has carefully not been noted on the blog that the Mudcats were riding a four-game winning streak going into Tuesday's game against the Riverdogs at Nowell Field. Jinxes being what they are, it just seemed like an unwise move. For just a moment, it looked like they had another comeback in them and planned to extend the streak. But a three-run Riverdog sixth was enough to break a 5-5 tie and drop the All Blacks to 4-4 overall.

"We know we can beat anybody," Coach Andrew told his team after helmet stickers had been awarded to everyone for a solid effort. "We've got four wins, and that shows us we know how to win. We've also got four losses, and we've learned lessons from each of those losses."



Tuesday's first lesson was taught by an alert grounds crew. Brief pregame showers meant the field necessitated some TLC from the Proctor and Sons maintenance division. Once everything was pristine--Gabe even took the time to make sure the foul line carefully split the base--the much-anticipated 'Cats vs. 'Dogs battle began.

The Mudcats looked a little listless in the early innings, perhaps unable to overcome their disappointment that Coach Lance of the Riverdogs was not wearing his yellow pants. GM Jenn quickly solved the malaise with a rapid-fire succession of oranges, apples, jelly beans and an apples/grapes mixture. If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then based on his quantity of apples ingested Smiley should anticipate next visiting the doctor in approximately the year 2031.

The constant barrage of snacks eventually resulted in a five-run third inning, capped by a game-tying Zach three-run homer to center. The next three innings were very well-played, including some of the best defensive plays from both sides you'll ever see on Nowell Field. The Mudcats made three straight highlight-reel plays in the fourth; Riverdogs shortstop Blake responded by flawlessly playing a role in five of the final six Mudcat outs of the game.

"There were moments of amazing, absolute fun in that game," Coach Andrew said. Bountiful stickers were handed out, including one for each of the night's web gems, plus a sticker to Zach for his titanic home run. Zach also claimed the offensive player of the game award, while Charley earned defensive honors.

Wednesday is an off day, and the Mudcats return to the practice field (at Pullen Park) on Thursday.

Tuesday's Mudcat scoring plays

Third inning
Noah reached on a one-out fielder's choice and moved to second on Drew's one-handed single. Hayes and Smiley picked up back-to-back RBI singles, which brought Zach to the plate with two men on as the tying run. I think we all know what happened next. When last seen, his fifth homer of the season was bouncing off the batting cage in center field on one hop. The Riverdogs become the second team of the season to be victimized twice by Zach bombs, and it should be noted that unlike some other coaches who have been in similar situations, Coach Lance of the Riverdogs was one of the first people to congratulate Zach on his way around the bases.
Score after three innings: Mudcats 5, Riverdogs 5

Sixth inning
Drew completed a 2-for-2 day with a leadoff single. With one out, Smiley--who finished 3-for-3 with 2 RBI--ripped an RBI single to right.
Score after six innings: Riverdogs 8, Mudcats 6


Tuesday's Web Gems (You might want to get a snack, as it takes a while to list them all)

• On the game's first play, Hayes stayed with a grounder that took a tough hop and was able to make the play because he stayed down on it.
• Gavin picked up an outfield assist from center, throwing to Zach at second base.
• In the fourth, which included three straight web gems, Drew threw from his knees in center to get a force at second base.
• On the next play, after being perfectly positioned by Coach Sean, Anthony made a nice one-handed grab in left-center.
• To wrap up the inning, Charley (brought to you by Doritos) stayed down and backhanded a one-hop throw from third to preserve the tie game.
• To end the fifth, Asher chased down a long single to left and tossed the ball in to Zach, who turned and unleashed a perfect strike from the outfield grass to Smiley to cut down a runner unwisely trying to score from first. Smiley made the catch and sweep tag to complete the play.
• In the sixth, Anthony made a smooth backhanded diving play up the middle while playing second base and cut down the runner at first.

Tuesday's line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
Riverdogs	4	0	1	0	0	3	8	17
Mudcats	0	0	5	0	0	1	6	11