Joes Say "Enough is Enough" and Hang Tough!

Whoever said "Winning is the only thing" didn't know squat! I have NEVER been more proud of this team than I was Tuesday night. Facing an opponent that has had their number for the past several years (and run-ruled them the last time out) and is a full year older than half of our team, the Joes showed that sometimes the final score does lie. Anyone who watched this contest could see who played the better game and who deserved the win. But - and a good lesson to learn - life is not always fair and sometimes the better team does not win. The Joes competed like they knew they could win. And they could have. What a GREAT team effort!

HOW ABOUT A NO-HITTER! WOW! Our pitching led the way as Matthew simply pitched his tail off. 3 2/3 innings of no hit, two unearned run baseball - against a very good hitting team. You cannot get any better than that! He struck out 5 and walked only 2. Adam came in and left exhausted as he threw one pitch and retired the batter he faced. Patrick caught the whole game and did a great job behind the plate.

Taco and Henry led the way at the plate as Henry had 2 hits and Taco laced a screamer to right for a single to start our run-scoring 3rd inning. Matthew, Hans, and Adam also had hits. Peter worked 2 walks, and Patrick also got on base with a walk. In fact, of 22 plate appearances we only had 2 strike-outs. In fact every player in the line-up made solid contact as Patrick, Garrett, Mark, and Jon Jon all put the ball in play. We just needed a few more "balls with eyes".

Our defense was solid as put outs were made by Adam at SS, Matthew from the mound, Garrett from 2B, and Peter made a great catch in LF to save a run! Taco again shined as he made a huge heads up play in the 2nd from his RF spot. After an errant throw he was in the exact right spot to back-up and calmly threw a laser to 1B for an inning-ending out. What a gamer! Those are the plays that make the coaches smile.

And you my have noticed the G Man wearing the coveted blue wristband. Garrett is consistently one of our most prepared, focused and enthusiastic players and he is a great teammate. His honor was well deserved. Way to go G Man!

My HUGE thanks to Bob and Jonelle Bell for the awesome slide show that follows!