Scrappers Trash Master Batters

 

New Lenox, IL - Heading into Tuesday night's game, Scrappers held a 4-3 lifetime advantage over the Master Batters, who were looking to even things up and advance in the 2021 playoffs. Before the game, Cap'n Jack had a strategy to try and shorten the game by putting together quality at bats to get to the Scrappers before they could wind up their offense and put up a big number. "When the game goes long, they eventually will score a ton of runs", the Cap'n went on' "We need to shorten this game as much as possible.  (MB) need to take pitches and make their pitcher work".  The strategy went right out the window when the two leadoff hitters made quick outs in the first inning, however, MB was able to put four runs across the plate in the frame with a two out rally.  Scrappers came back in their half of their frame to counter with five runs of their own to take a 5-4 lead after one inning.  MB followed up in the second inning with another four run two-out rally to poke their head in front.  Scrappers answered back with two runs of their own off the strength of a home-run to tighten the game with MB leading 8-7 after two innings.  Unfortunately, this was the point in the game where the MB offense stalled as they were only able to add a run in the 4th inning and another three in the 6th for a total of 12 runs on the evening. Scrappers put five men across the plate in the 3rd, added a run in the 4th and four more in the 5th inning to open up and hide.  Scrappers would score another run for a total of 18, eventually prevailing 18-12 over the Master Batters.  

The story of the game was the lack of output at the top of the lineup. The usually reliable foursome at the top of the scorecard were only able to generate five hits among them for a total of three RBI's in a disappointing effort to fall short of enough runs to win a softball game.  The highlight of the evening was Pratl's five RBI to keep the score respectable.  The telling sign that the plan went wrong was the final MB at-bat, which took less than 60 seconds to complete.  The team finishes off the season with a sub-par 5-6 record and looks forward to a few weeks off before training camp opens up for the fall season.

Link to Tuesday’s game.

Noteables:

He Told You So - Zlogar got the green light to score on an errant ball past the catcher and was narrowly tagged out at home plate to end the 1st inning.

Loading Up - Before his second at-bat of the evening, Uncle Gary, who had been pinched by the Scrapper outfield in his previous at-bat, asked Kozleton; "which one of these bats has pop in it?".

Well Done - Uncle Gary proceeded to take the new found weapon and launch a deep drive over the outfielders for a stand up single.

Is That All You Make? - After striking out looking, Cap'n Jack used his bat to show the home plate umpire where he thinks the ball landed.  Blue retorted; "Are you going to trust a $20 ump or a $300 bat?".

Bermuda Triangle - Jeff made a nice over the shoulder catch with Foster and Koz bearing in on him for a fine 6th inning play in the middle of the three players.

Most Notable - The least amount of notables ever due to an uncomical evening.

Player Profile

Gary Haynes

This week’s profile is the legendary Uncle Gary aka Gary Haynes.  Uncle Gary graduated from Brother Rice in another space and time.  In just one year leading up to the 2021 season, Uncle Gary has moved to 25^th on the all-time hitlist with his own brand “The Gary Special”.  He is the creator of Half-in-the-bag, which manufactures and sells cornhole sets with majority of professional and college logos available.  The  second year MB pitcher has his foot super glued on the gas pedal of life, so it was no easy feat catching up to Uncle Gary at Big Fella’s Bar & Grill to talk life and softball.    

 

Gazette:  Where did you go to college?

Uncle Gary: Arizona State

Gazette: What was your major?

Uncle Gary: My major in college was Criminal Justice.  It ended up being suntan, drinking, and going to the bars and meeting girls.

Gazette: What was a typical day of college like?

Uncle Gary: My typical day in college was going to the pool, getting a good suntan, going to the bar, meeting girls and hoping I passed all my tests.

Gazette: How long have you been playing softball?

Uncle Gary: I’m thinking that I’ve probably been playing for close to 30 years.  Started off on Cousin’s Corner 16” and played first and third base.  Moved to 12” with Warpath.  Was shunned off the team.  Had a two year hiatus and started pitching, which I’ve been doing for over 15 years.

Gazette: What are your short-term goals for softball?

Uncle Gary: Short-term goal is softball is not to get injured.

Gazette: Any long term goals?

Uncle Gary: Long-term, hopefully win a couple more championships.

Gazette: How long do you plan on playing?

Uncle Gary: One or two more years.  The most important part of playing is with my family.....Jake.

Gazette: Take us through your game day preparation.

Uncle Gary:  Game day preparation, I actually do work for a living.  Get home and make dinner if it is not a 6:30 game.  Two beers before the game, a good rub of Blue EMU, one Diet Code for the road, and the rest is history.

Gazette: How long have you been drinking Miller Lite?

Uncle Gary: I think Miller Lites started with my Uncle Rick and Grandpa Wally, and of course, my dad.

Gazette: What did you drink before Miller Lite?

Uncle Gary: Before Miller Lite I drank vodka and orange juice all through college.  I don’t remember when I switched over to beer.

Gazette: What is the Garriott?

Uncle Gary:  The Garriott is the place to be.  Hot tub, pool, bar, five televisions, keg, and all the enjoyment you would ever want.

Gazette: What advice do you have for the youngsters on this team?

Uncle Gary: You look at the youngsters on the team.  I’ve been through a lot of playing.  The biggest advice I can give is if you love to play, enjoy it and find your niche.  Do what you need to do to make it fun…Mary Lou, Rose, all the young fun days.