Scrappers Crush Master Batters

New Lenox, IL - On a warm and drizzly evening, the Scrappers handed the Master Batters their first loss of the season in convincing style.  The night started out hopeful enough for MB when they scored four runs in the top of the first inning.  Those hopes were soon dashed when the Scrappers put their first eight men on base in the bottom of the frame to answer back with 7 runs of their own to seize control of the game early.  Scrappers never relented, tacking on five runs in the 2nd inning and six more in the 3rd before pushing home three runs in the bottom of the 4th to bring the game to a merciful ending.  After the hot start, Master Batters were only able to score two more runs in the top of the third to eventually fall 21 - 6 to The Scrappers.  MB lineup was missing a key member when Whitehouse was scratched hours before game time.  Next game is on 5/25 at 7:30 when MB tries to get on track by cleaning Tri-Star's cabinets.

Noteables:

No Schilling - It was revealed before the game that Cap'n Jack sustained a finger injury before the game.  Turns out that he cut his hand on an electrical box.  Jack did go two for three on the night.

Michael Jackson & OJ - When questioned on the finger by Ken and why he didn't wear gloves, the good Cap'n said "it happened at home"; to which Ken responded "ohhh".  I guess when working with electricity, you should only take precautions when you are on the job vs at home???

No claim - Cap'n Jack forfeited any future injury claim with his "at-home" admission in front of Gazette staff.

Slip n slide - Ryno made a good grab out in left-center field in the second inning of the game when he broke in and toward the alley to rob a Scrapper batter of extra bases.  Ryno slid 30 feet if he slid an inch post catch.

The length of a party sub - Koz made a head first attempt a little late in the alley during the bottom of the third inning off a Scrapper line drive that went for a double.  Koz met the turf with some back spin as he only slid out on the turf a good five feet.  Goes to show you that a slide on the turf goes a lot longer when you make the catch.

Double Clutch - Ken narrowly missed out on throwing out a Scrapper base runner in the third inning when he double clutched on a regrip after righting himself from a fine pick.  Ken didn't think so but was quickly rebuffed by spectator and part time Gazette reporter, Gale when she pointed out to Ken; "You would have had that guy if you didn't double clutch".

Double Clutch II - Spectator and part time Gazette reporter Gale, was seen drinking two hard seltzers, which had nothing to do with the view of Ken's exploits at third base.

Player Spotlight

Jake "Koz" - After reaching a career milestone in last week's ballgame of 40 lifetime homeruns, the Gazette caught up with the all-star left fielder.  

Gazette: Koz, can you believe that you've already hit 40 home runs with the Master Batters?

Koz: "Well, I would have had more (home runs) but it took me 75 games to figure out how to hit a softball".

Gazette: What sort of goals do you want to accomplish with the Master Batters before it's all said and done?

Koz: "Winning a championship within the next 108 years would be nice".

Koz added: "Or I guess 102 years since the team has been around for six years".

Koz leads the Master Batters in just about every offensive category except most nose hairs which will never be taken away from Klu Heywood. Koz is a throwback and prefers swinging the bat versus waiting for a base on balls as he has nearly a half-dozen free passes in his entire career with many of those being intentional.  His solid play in the outfield has made Koz an annual gold glover at defense.  After recouping from torn labarum surgery a couple of off seasons ago, Jake's arm is starting to look like that of old with the strength coming back. The Gazette couldn't get many quotes or stats from the Cap'n because he was too busy working on an electrical box and subsequently cut open finger. Congratulations to Jake Koz on his recent milestone and continued well wishes for a career that will hopefully get him elected into the Master Batters Hall of Fame!