This game stayed close for the first 4 innings, then the Dogs pushed some across. At the top of the 6th it started to rain, and at the bottom of the 6th it started to pour, so we all called it Miller Time!
| In a bold and surprising move, the Texas Rangers raided the Cypress Reservoir Dogs, signing Nancy Marks to a multi-year contract. Terms of the contract were not disclosed, but the Dogs couldn't match the Ranger's offer, despite the attempt to mortgage Team Owner Gary Gustafson's palatial home. Marks joined the Dogs in 2004, helping to propel them to two league titles. She played her best game ever for the Dogs last Wednesday, before disclosing her move to shocked and somber team mates. The Dogs, led by the shrewd legal team of Feldman, Washburn, and Bennett, had rebuffed previous offers by, among others, the Yankees and the Cubs. It is unclear what convinced Marks to join the Rangers, however former team owner George W. Bush is quoted as saying "Mission Accomplished!" |
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It was a hot morning at Marie Daley...Swillburg with many of its players on vacation, two of which being our two starting pitchers, recruited the help of long-time Swillburg residents Patty Babcock to fill the void behind the plate and her son, third-string pitcher Mike Babcock (and first string short-stop) on the mound.
Going down quickly 7-0 to Linden, Swillburg knew they had to wake up the bats in order to compete. They widdled away inning by inning scoring a few runs in each, until the fourth where all of sudden the bats were seemingly swinging themselves!!! Swillburg scored 11 runs in the fourth inning making the score 15 to 7. After that there was no looking back and Swillburg brought in rookie pitcher George Flavors to close out the game for Swillburg. The game ended in the heat of day with hot exhausted players on both sides...the score of 24 to 9 doesn't really tell the true story of the game, both teams had one really good inning at bat and played good defense.
Thanks to Highland team for the umpire, and to Linden for a fun well played game by all!
The Swillburg team would like to wish Nancy Marks the best of luck with her trade to the Texas Rangers, its been fun and we look forward to hearing of your adventures down south!
With starting Dog pitcher Vern on the Injury List, Jeff sampling the fares of New Zealand, and Mike A visiting Seattle, the Dogs had to juggle the lineup. Whatever it was, it was working as both offense and defense were playing well. The Highlanders kept coming and staged a rally in the seventh inning, but the Dogs closed the door after Highlanders scored four.
After the game the Dogs had an emotional farewell celebration for Nancy. Photos will be up soon. We'll miss you Nancy!
A nice high cloud cover meant no sun in our eyes! The Sluggers had brought up three prospects from their minor leagues, who all played admiably. In the top of the inning the Sluggers lived up to their name and pushed 5 runs across. The Dogs answered with 10 in the bottom of the first, then the game settled down.
Dogs welcomed Ann to the team who alternated with Lisa behind the plate. Both players contributed mightily to the victory for the Dogs.
In an early morning game (9 am) the visiting Dogs opened up with two runs, but apparently the Swillburg RTD has imbibed more coffee and answered with 4 runs in the bottom of the inning.
At this point a pitcher's duel took over with Vern Lindberg on the mound (I don't know--do we have a mound in softball?) for the Dogs and returning ace Winton Buddington for RTD. Defenses behind these pitchers sparkled (Vern thanks Ben for a great backhand catch behind second base!), and in the bottom of the seventh the Dogs mounted a rally, closing the gap to 4-3. With one on and two out, RTD closed out the game with a force out to Mary at second.
Dogs welcomed new player Lisa to her first ever softball game. Thanks Lisa!
Linden was missing ace pitcher Topper, and the Dogs got an early jump scoring 7 in each of the first two innings. After that the Sluggers awoke on both offense and defense to put pressure on the Dogs.
Drew and EJ returned, and both came to play. EJ suffered a strained hamstring in the third, but not until she had made a hit--unfortunately adventuresome running by team captain GG closed the inning out. She was reduced to scorekeeping and icing her leg (ice thanks to Team Physical Therapist Mike A.)
Perfect weather greeted the Highlanders and Dogs in the second game of the season. The Highlanders had an aggressive recruiting off-season, and even purchased Roger's contract from Swillburg. (Warning to Swillburg--could this be another Curse of the Bambino?)
The Dogs took an early lead, only to see the Highlanders take it back in the bottom of the 5th, 11-10. The Dogs managed to knot the score in the top of the 6th, and held the Highlanders scoreless. In the top of the 7th the Dogs scored 4 thanks to Jonathan F's clutch home run and needed to stop the Highlanders in the last inning. Dog defense managed to close the Highlanders out after they scored 1 run making the final score 15-12. MVP this game went to Mike K who continued his pursuit of Barry Bonds' home run record.
Dogs welcomed new players Victoria, Ben, and Chris.
A beautiful day, sports fans, for the start of the 2007 season. The diamond was groomed the temperature was warm, the bases were new, the players were in top ... er fairly high shape, and it was time to Play Ball!
The newly combined Swillburg Rocks the Diamond were at the field early, and in force with their new teal jerseys (not Mary's choice of color!). Meanwhile the Cypress/Reservoir Dogs breathed a sigh of relief when Mike and new son Simon showed up, since that made 6 players--only because Swillburg agreed to provide a babysitter when we were in the field. A frantic phone call brought Nancy and Miguel to the game by the 4th inning.
In addition to the designated babysitter, Swillburg provided a catcher and a babysitter for the first three innings until Nancy and Miguel showed up. And because we had no women, we started these innings with one out. Superb defense kept Swillburg off the scoreboard in the top of the first, and then timely hitting by Jeff and Mike let Mark crush a homerun. Dogs ended with 4 runs.
Swillburg inched back to close the score to 4-2, then the teams traded runs until the bottom of the 6th. Both teams looked a bit tired and the Dogs erupted for 9 runs, and managed to stop Swillburg after they scored 4. Final score 15-8.
Vern pitched his typical stellar game. Mark hit his typical three home runs AND played shortstop and third base with ease (sort of if Brooks Robinson and Ozzie Smith had a left-handed love child). Jeff "Who needs batting practice anyway?" Gellar was smashing hits. Gary played stellar second base getting tosses from Mark for forceouts at second. Jonathan F. and Mike A. played flawlessly at first base and left field respectively. Nancy and Miguel sparked the offense in the bottom of the sixth when we scored 9 runs. Everyone contributed with timely hitting and excellent defense.
