Gnats Give Tri-Star a Sliver

 New Lenox, IL - The Lions Den was hot and steamy tonight with 90 degree heat and humidity to match; a perfect night for Gnats to attack.  Attack they did, as the Gnats scored runs in every inning to stun Tri-Star for the second year in a row. Gnats were the home team tonight and held Tri-Star scoreless for the first three innings of the ball game while plating five runs in the same span.  Tri-Star closed within three runs before the home team put up four runs in the 4th to push to a 9-2 lead. The 5th inning was rinse and repeat as Tri-Star scored two runs and the Gnats put up four more to nearly close things out for an early night at 13-4.  Tri-Star rallied for a four spot in the top of the 6th after errors opened the door for the woodworkers. Gnats responded with a run in the bottom of the frame to take a 14-8 lead into the top of the 7th inning. Tri-Star would score two runs on Matt Sutor's second home run of the night but Ryan Foster shut the door as the Gnats prevailed 14-10 in the thriller.  Ryan Foster was sharp all night, only giving up two walks while baffling Tri-Star hitters for the majority of the evening.  The defense was solid with a few hiccups near the end of the game but pulled it together to secure the victory against their first place opponent.  The win evens the Gnats record at 3-3, good enough for a 5th place tie with Ivy League.  Next week's game is at 9:30PM against the Scrappers.

Summer of George - Jack had himself quite a night by going 4-4 with 2 RBI and several catch's out in left field.  One of which helped trigger a double play in the pivotal 6th inning to quiet the four-run rally that had already taken place.  Not a bad start to the week for a guy getting married on Saturday.

About to be Married Guy Slipping Already - The Cap'n was at least the fourth or fifth player to show up at the field tonight.  "Wedding checklist" was the quote.  Arik With An A picking up the slack here being the first to show to the field.

 

No Fun - Uncle Gary was on hand to watch his favorite team, The Gnaturals, beat Tri-Star.  Uncle Gary says that it's not as much playing on Ivy League as it is for the infectious Gnaturals

Near Capacity - A large crowd was on hand for BYOB night at The Lion's Den on Tuesday night.  Lauren is seen here explaining the wedding and honeymoon itinerary.  

Captain's Prize - Jack could have had an article on any subject of his choosing for guessing Capocollo.  What did he choose for a future expose?  The 2004 Braves World Series win in the Rebels 9/10 year old in-house league.  Oh sure, he could have featured his about to be bride Lauren but first things first, 2004.  OK, challenge excepted.  Might have some good stories on some fine parenting that was going on at the time.  Maybe an archived picture or two will help set the mood. 

Already Warm - With temperatures in the mid-90's and humidity levels off the charts, getting out of the car was likely a good enough warm-up tonight. However, the Gnats put in the extra effort to get loose before the game and for maybe the first time ever in a 7 inning game, scored runs in each of their at-bats.

Dick The Bruiser - Who the hell is this guy?  Should be out wresting or maybe playing for the Jack' d Up Juicers softball team.  He was unnoticeable for the most part until he made the worst call ever seen in a softball game when Jeff was forced out at 2nd after a blooper landed in the outfield.  When the ball landed in Matt Sutor's mitt on the infield as he stretched out, he might have been three or four YARDS to the outfield side of second base. That wasn't a zip code play, it was an area code play.  Hey ump, put the barbell own and get those twig legs out from the batters box and take a look around.  You'll be surprised what you see...........and make better calls.

Ump Crusher did provide a makeup call on the game's last play as the Tri-Star runner was safe on an infield hit but called out to mercifully end the game if not the heat and gnats.

What Time is Spin Class - Matt, I know you read this fine journal.  For the love of God, please, no more.  Stash an old Hawks jersey in the bat bag just in case if you have to.  That way you could be impressive by busting out of it like the Hulk.

Fan Stretch - This enthusiastic fan was pictured in the middle of his 20 minute stretch routine.  Apparently, he wants to be limber in case he has to charge the field for one reason or another.  Maybe he was planning on making a move tonight until he saw that a bouncer was umping the ballgame.  

Fine Evening - The victory was a team effort tonight with everyone contributing.  Other than Jack, Stapes and Arik went 4 for 4.  Rhino went 3 for 4 at the plate.  The bottom 3 hitters, Arik, Zlogar, and Ryan went 7 for 11 with 3 RBI.  The other Ryan, Whitehouse, drove in two clutch runs in the 4th inning to give the Gnats some breathing room.  Jeff, Dylan, and Pratl each chipped in an RBI to help seal the victory.  Ken took the night off as he is preparing the Father of the Groom speech.  He did go 1-4 and made a couple of plays on defense at 3rd.