Tri Star Edges Gnaturals

 
















New Lenox, IL-  On a cloudy but beautiful late summer evening, the Gnaturals squared off against Tri Star for first place honors in the Tuesday night fall league.  The game was a defensive battle with little sustained offense generated by either team. The night started out rough as Tri Star scored five runs in the top of the first inning to take early control of the game.  The Gnats scored just once in the first frame while holding Tri Star scoreless in the next two innings while tacking on two runs in their second inning and three more in the third for a 6-5 lead after three innings.  Each team scored a run in their respective 4th inning to allow the Gnats a 7-6 lead after four innings. Big #17 hit a two-run bomb in the Tri Star half of the fifth inning over the new right field back-up fence to take a one run lead.  #17 accounted for two Tri Star home runs on the evening.  Gnats scored a run in the bottom of the fifth to tie the game at 8.  Tri Star scratched home a run in the top of the sixth inning while the Gnats went quietly in their half of the inning as well as the seventh to succumb to Tri Star 9-8 in a well played game but certainly was one that was winnable. Gnaturals are back at it on Tuesday, September 7th at 7:30PM against Beggars Pizza.


Noteables:

It's About Time - The scoreboard in right field is finally functional!!!  Let's see if it holds up in damp weather.

Bigger Useless Fence - An over 20 foot high fence was placed beyond the homerun wall extending from foul territory in right field all the way to the alley in right center by the red "Dale Earnhardt barn" to protect back yards from launched softballs.  The problem is that the gynormo fence is not high enough to stop most balls from sailing into folks backyards.  In fact, the new fence is only more of a challenge for the mashers of the league to test their homerun skills.


57 Minutes - The umpire allowed Ryan to warm up for three minutes before the actual first pitch of the game was thrown.  The picture to the left was taken as Ry released the ball to the first batter.  Fortunately, the game was snappy and finished with six or so minutes remaining on the clock.  There would have been time for an extra inning should one have been required.







Triple Scoop - Jeff made a nice play at short and threw a 3-hopper to Stapes at first for the putout.  Stapes looked like he was catching a rock that was skipped over 60 foot puddle.

Hey Fans, Get Yer Asses Out Here!!! - "Wade II" quipped during the second inning of the game while looking over to the Tri Star side of the field "Why is there always more fans on that side"?



Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes - Statistician apprentice Koz, noted that Zlogar has had a new pair of shoes for every game this fall.  True.  After two games, two pairs of shoes........one with the proper spikes and one without.

Wing and a Prayer - Ken fielded a sharp ball and one-hopped one over to Stapes for a scoop and an out.  Ken says he owes Jason 12 cases of beer.  We think it's more.

Big Fence Fail - #17 on Tri Star hit a long homerun over the right field fences and easily into someone's back yard.  Ken lauded Mayor Balderman for the money well spent on the useless fence.

Bud Light Play of the Night That Wasn't - Stapes made his third big scoop of the evening in the top of the 7th inning to keep the score at 9-8 in favor of Tri Star.  The heroics went down the tubes when the Gnats failed to tie or win the game in their last at-bat.

Blow Me - Was what Koz said to Sutor instead of the traditional post-game handshake after the 3rd baseman's fine pick on a sharp Zlogar would be hit ended the game.


By The Number$

Jeff - 3 hits 1 rbi 2 runs scored

Pratl - 1 hit 0 rbi 0 run

Stapes - 2 hits 2rbi 1 run 

Koz - 1 hit 1 rbi 0 runs 

Ken - 1 hit 1 rbi 0 runs

Arik - 2 hits 0 rbi 2 runs 

Zlogar - 2 hits 2 rbi 1 run

Whitehouse - 2 hits 2 rbi 1 run

Foster - 2 hits 0 rbi 0 runs

Santiago - 0 hits 0 rbi 0 runs


If you've made it this far in the reading, next week the Gazette will continue the player profile with the spotlight being on Whitehouse.  Not The Whitehouse.  Whitehouse

Editorial on Winning

Gnats had 16 hits in 37 plate appearances on Tuesday evening.  ZERO walks.  The question that every player should ask themselves; "How can I get on base three or more times tonight?".  Gnats play very well defensively and only allowed 11.3 runs per game during the Summer Season.  A concentrated effort on quality at-bats turns this team into a powerhouse  instead of a .500 team.  Gnats only scored 13.3 runs per game in the Summer.  Score more, win more. Sounds a bit Tim McCarver-ish but it truly is that simple.  Good luck boys!!!  There's no bigger cheering section than the Gazette staff.



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