Joes find energy for Win #2!

After the beauty that was Opening Day there was bound to be a letdown. Fortunately, the Joes reached deep down and found their energy just prior to the first pitch. Although the bats were quiet in the 1st, they got louder in the 2nd as 3 runs crossed the plate. The Joes never looked back - again scoring 3 times in the 3rd, crossing the plate twice in the 4th, and putting up another two spot in the 5th on their way to a 10-2 victory.

Patrick, Hans, and Henry led the offense with 2 hits apiece, while Matthew, Jacob, Garrett, Adam, and Mark all had a hit. Taco and Jon Jon found their way on base so all 10 Joes were on base! Excellent and aggressive base running by Matthew and Adam were keys in getting important runs. Runs were scored by Patrick, Matthew, Jacob, Garrett (2), Adam, Hans, Henry, and Mark.

There is no doubt that the Joes came to play defense on this night. Mark led the way from CF by catching a towering fly ball in the 1st to stifle an early Deer Park rally and then snaring a screaming liner in the 4th to keep Deer Park from getting back in the game. Those two catches were HUGE in keeping the momentum on the Joes side! Henry made several plays from 1st - making unassisted outs in the 1st, 2nd, and 5th (to end the game). Adam and Matthew made put outs from SS and 2nd base respectively, Patrick had a put out from the mound, and Garrett made one from 2nd base.

The pitching was - again - outstanding. Who is that pitching coach anyway? Garrett started and went 2 innings only giving up one run while walking NONE. Patrick pitched the 3rd and 4th recording 3 K's and giving up 1 run. Jacob pitched the 5th to close it out. Simply outstanding mound work.

And just as importantly, Hans was the recipient of our first 2010 HOMER Award. I think this makes 2 years running that Hans has been the first to win this award. Way to go Hans! His hustle, effort, focus, and respect for the game made him the top vote getter on the coaches ballots this week. Who will be next?