This - as they say - is why you play the game. The Joes took on Terrace Park's A team and bounced back from a 2-0 deficit for a hard fought 7-3 win. The win is our 4th in a row and makes our record a very impressive 4-1. It is so satisfying to see how these boys have developed as players and teammates over the last 3 years. They should all be very proud of how they compete and how they have come together as a team. There is not one player on this team who does not put team first.
As always it was a balanced win as the bats, the gloves, and the pitching were all in fine form. However, this game was decided by the Joes' great defense. In fact we turned 2 double plays! The first got us out of a bases loaded jam in the third. With one run already in, the TP batter laced a liner headed to the left-center gap for a 2 run single. However, the ball was snagged out of the air by Adam from his SS spot and he alertly tagged the TP base runner for an inning-ending pitcher's best friend! Matthew - who was pitching at the time - had a few fond words for Adam in the dugout after that, but we will leave that between those two. ;) In the 4th, the Joes again turned two. With a runner on 2B, the TP runner grounded out. Henry received the throw from his 1B spot and turned to fire a laser to Hans at home to stop the TP base runner in his tracks. The runner retreated back to 3B but Hans ran him back and threw to Matthew at 3B who applied the tag! What a heads up play! Hans also threw out a TP runner attempting to steal 3B in the 6th inning for the final out of the game. Nice job Hans! Nick had a put out from 3B, Matthew fielded a tough pop up from his pitcher's spot and Hans expertly nabbed a tricky foul ball behind the plate. If you have ever tried to catch a ball with backspin in catcher's gear you know how hard that is.
The Joes pitching was outstanding. Matthew started a worked 3 innings - giving up only 3 runs. I will take that EVERY time! Peter came in and hurled the last 3 innings giving up NO runs and only facing 10 batters. Excellent job Peter!
The bats were quiet early on but we found our groove as the game progressed. Nick walked and scored in the 1st behind a big 2-out G Man RBI single. The G Man had another 2 out RBI single in the 3rd and Adam hit a bomb to CF that scored the G Man for a 3 run inning. Adam was thrown out at 2B and the 1B coach will be fined as a result. The game was blown open in the 5th. With one out, Kai (freshly off the DL) singled in his first AB of the season. Nick followed with a hard hit two-bagger which moved Kai to 3B (where he almost took out Coach Schulteis)! With 2 outs and the Joes clinging to a 4-3 lead, Taco calmly stepped into the box and pounded a 2 run, 2 out single! THE HITS DON'T GET BIGGER THAT THAT! Peter followed with a solid single to score Taco.
I remember thinking during the game that win or lose, I would tell the team how proud I am of how they play the game and how they treat their teammates. We are playing select and "loaded" teams and the Joes show no fear and "take it to 'em" every time. GREAT GAME JOES!
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