Scrappers Dump on Gnats

 

New Lenox, IL - The weather was hot and sticky for the 9:30 night cap at the Lions Den on Tuesday night.  The Gnaturals started the scoring by putting three runs across the plate in the first inning. Scrappers came back with an unearned run in the second inning while the Gnats scored one of their own in the third to lead 4-1 going into the fourth inning.  Things got rough with some defensive lapses as the Scrappers scored five in the bottom of the 4th to take a 6-4 lead.  The Scrappers put another four across in the 5th inning to take a 10 - 4 lead.  Gnaturals were not done as they scored two in the 6th and 7th to close the score to 10 - 8 but that's all that they could muster as the rally fell short.  Every member of the team recorded a hit tonight.  With the loss the Gnaturals fall to 3-4 on the year and into 6th place.  Next week's game is another 9:30PM contest against first place Beggars Pizza.

Noteables:

Rough Boys - Arik had a rough night in the outfield.  Jamaica Dylan claims that there was swirling winds out there.  I wish those "winds" were blowing on the fans in the stands as it was pretty still down the 3rd base line seating area.

I Am an Animal - Ryno deserved a better fate giving up only three earned runs.  After a shaky defensive effort in the 4th inning, Ry was audibly upset with his fellow teammates with any number of deserved profanities.  Ry calmed down quick enough to compose himself and pitch a whale of a game.

And I Moved - Jeff had an easy double play lined up as he caught a shot to short as the runner on 2nd ran to third.  Problem is that Ump Kevin called it a trap (it was not a trap) and Jeff got the force at 3rd base to get the lead runner.

Let My Love Open the Door - Happy honeymoon to the newly married Lauren and Jack.  Jack, here is a gift for you, the URL to tonight's game.  Enjoy!  https://youtu.be/X7I6AsqHf1s

Jools and Jim - Dylan made a jewel of a catch in the bottom half of the second on a diving attempt to hold the Scrapper rally to one run.

Keep on Working - Hats off to Umpire Kevin as he had to call four games in the brutal heat and humidity.

Cat's in the Cupboard - After the game, a member of the Gnaturals asked Dom if he could play the outfield.  Dom's response; "Yeah, I played there in college"

A Little is Enough - Congratulations to Ryan Foster for earlier this year, after 340 plate appearances, hitting his first career home run as a Gnatural.

Empty Glass - Jamaican Dylan and Whitehouse both struck out swinging and missing in the 2nd and 3rd inning respectively. 

I'm Gonna Get Ya - Ken made a tremendous backhand stop in the first inning to rob a would be Scrapper double down the line and make the perfect throw for the putout.

First Man Up - Last week it was Arik With An A, this week it was Ryan Foster being the first Gnatural to show up to the Lions Den.  It is reported that Ryno came from the Bolingbrook Golf Club straight to the field.  When asked how the four day wedding spree went, Ry responded; "Yeah, Reverend Dave paid the D.J. to keep playing tunes until Tuesday so we danced the days away".

The Crowd - Three seems like a small number of fans but considering the 9:30 PM start and the 90 degree heat, this is a remarkable showing.  Kudos to the trio who stayed until the bitter end.

  

From Around The League - With the hot sweltering sun beating down for the early game, Ivy League bested the Storm Riders 10 - 7 in a duel where not many guys wanted to swing the bat and run around.  The score was 8 - 7 after two innings before fatigue set in on both teams.

Special Report - Storm Riders needed six subs tonight to fill in for the members of their team who were involved in a fight after last week's game.  Who did the Storm Riders fight with?  Themselves.  One of the members of the Storm Riders allegedly called one of his teammate's wives "white trash", and it was on from there.  Not seen at the game tonight was  #69.

Last  Few Wedding Tidbits

Where's the Beef?  - As you all looked around your tables and noticed that nearly everyone was eating beef, did you wonder what the numbers were in the Beef vs Chicken battle?  Other than the lucky ones who were served Surf n Turf, 114 folks responded as to their choice of dinner, Beef or Chicken.  The data shows that the fight was not close but there was more chicken consumed than you think.  The final tally was Beef 74 - Chicken 40.  Early on in the count, chicken only trailed beef 22 - 21 but the latter had too much oomph for its poultry opposition and drew clear by 34.  The Gazette food critic says that the chicken was very good but no match for the succulent beef, which was superior.  Congratulations go out to Beef.

Spa Day - Cap'n Jack and Arik With An A took a spa day a few weeks before the wedding to go fishing.  It is reported that Arik caught 8 Large Mouth Bass using his choice of bait that day, a "wacky worm".  Arik might be closer to a new nickname than he realizes.  As with the good Cap'n, he caught sunburn on the top of his hand.

Trivia Winner - As the only response, Jake Koz won this week's trivia quiz.  Whose surf and turf was pictured and who sent the Gazette the shot?  Koz got one correct as he guessed Ken.  Ken also sent the pick.  Congrats to Koz on his win.  Shame on the Gnaturals for once again disappointing the Gazette with their lack of effort on the guesses.

Last Call - Reverend Dave, we used to think you were crazy but now we can see your nuts.