New Lenox, IL - The weather was more reminiscent of snowball fight weather than a softball game on Tuesday as the Gnaturals hosted the Demon Deacons in the first round of the playoffs. The winds were howling straight in from left field, which made every fly ball an adventure. The Demons took a brief lead in the top of the first when their leadoff hitter Ricardo Ringer slashed a triple and would score on an infield pop out SAC fly. The next batter singled and it was pretty much "game over" from there as the cleanup hitter rapped into a 5-4-3 double play to end the inning. The Gnats put the first eleven players on base before the first out was recorded on a Pratl 2 RBI SAC fly to left field. After one inning, the Gnats held a 13 to 1 advantage. Demons went scoreless in the 2nd inning while the Gnats added two runs to lead 15-1 heading into the 3rd. Demons picked up another tally while the Gnats put up a three spot to lead 18-2 after three frames. The 4th inning, and the game, ended quietly with a 1-2-3 inning for a mercy rule 18-2 victory in just 3 1/3 innings. Ryno increased his record to 5-1 while only giving up five hits and zero walks, which is incredible as windy as the night was at the old ballpark. This game might mark the first time in MB/Gnats history that every batter in the lineup scored at least one run and had at least one RBI. Mike Pratl was the highpoint with four RBI filling in for the honeymooning Jake Koz in the two spot. Next week's game will be a rematch with Ivy League as they took care of business against the Scrappers. Game time will be at 6:30 PM and the weather outlook is for temps in the low 60's. Come on out well stocked for what is hopefully going to be a long night as the Gnats are one win away from their first ever Championship Match.
Noteables:
Really? - Yeah, I know that it is a nice car and you do not want to get it dinged up. I also know that you are technically only parked in one parking spot as the stripped lines closer to the park are not an official parking spot. Put a piece of paper on the table and nobody will likely look at it. Stamp "Confidential" on it and everyone will read it. Same as this type of parking job. I didn't want to key your car until I saw you taking up two spots. Just sayin'.
Simon Philips - While we are on a Who bender tonight with the updated album cover, jazz musician and former drummer for The Who and Peter Townshend, Simon Phillips, recently opened a Men's hair salon in New Lenox. You've seen it while waiting in the drive-thru line at the Burrito Loco on Route 30. Pssssst Simon, you misspelled your last name on the marquee.
Turds - It was so cold out there for the Gnat/Demon game that all of the Turds froze. The following two videos are dedicated to this tool that has entertained us all fall and is sitting in the backyard of the Koz Palace for their dog Daisy.
Miner 49 - The scorekeeper generously did not levy any fines tonight. Ryno is the only delinquent while still owing a three spot. Smack the ball hard next week boys because the one week moratorium is over.
Happy Birthday Mike - Jake Koz celebrating his birthday tonight with a Gnat gift; a playoff win.
Green Like Money - As Ryno has gotten older, he's ditched the interest in the arm sleeve collection and focused his attention on more pressing items, shoes. These slick new foot covers look sleek and will surely get him a safe call on a close one at first base in an upcoming game.
What Did He Say? - Leave it to Ken to come up with the quote of the week; "I could retire today if I could invent a good cup. It's just a nutsack, how hard could it be?".
Leadoff Man - After Cap'n Jack legged out an infield hit to start the game for the Gnats, third base coach, Jeff The Artist, stated out loud "and he's only our fourth fastest runner".
Hey, What's That Envelope - Jack proudly displays the trappings of the Gnats taking the fall league championship, an official New Lenox Park District envelope that reads: Tuesday Softball - 1st Place - $400 - The Gnaturals. Hmmm, we'll have to take a look at what is in that envelop in a bit. It did come from Keith so you never know.
Practice Practice Practice - Kenny Old School held many practices at Union School when he couldn't secure a field in the New Lenox area for his travel teams in the 2000's. Who would have known at the time that our favorite not big enough fence builder would eventually not only become the mayor of New Lenox but would be the Superintendent of this one school district.
Swimming - After hitting a 1st inning rocket into the New Lenox night against a gale force wind, Sutes was unintentionally intentionally walked in his next two at bats. Seen here standing at third base after seemingly being shot down by an excellent throw, Sutes made an incredible swim move to avoid the tag and be called safe by the ump.
Seventy-four - While dropping Krystal and Jake at the airport last Thursday, Gazette staffer Willie Stayorgo, took this picture of the Chicago Streets and Sanitations worker Eloy Jimenez on his first day of work. Yes, this is the same Eloy Jimenez who hits like a professional but cannot walk without getting hurt or running into something. Bad decision on CS&S for hiring this boob as he got distracted by a leaf and drove the street cleaner into oncoming traffic on Cicero Avenue. Nobody was hurt but damages are estimated in the $1.7 million dollar range. Jimenez was let go immediately. That's ok, Eloy will make that up in his next contract signing.
Low Crowd - Even Tom Skilling said that Tuesday night's weather was blowski. The Gnats did have two more stragglers come to the game but our photographer refused to take his hands out of his pockets to take the reshoot. Looks more reminiscent of a 9:30 start than the opening act.
Much To Do About Nothing - Their was some hand wringing before the game that Demon #57 blew off the handshake line after last week's Gnat win. Everyone was in line tonight to exchange pleasantries as the Gnats took care of their fans by quickly winning 18-2 in just three at-bats.
Say Yes To Michigan - Arik, Z, and Jack took the long drive up to northern Michigan to take in the fall colors and go apple picking. The trip had it's roughest moments when the boys got into an argument over which apple is best for pie, Granny Smith or Macintosh. The trip ended on a good note as they all drank warm cider while doing their team bonding exercise, getting through the corn maze.
Masked Man - Arik With An A had another fine night at the plate on Tuesday. Seen here after making a hustling play and nice slide to get to third, Arik conjured up an ill thought scheme... put a mask on and steal that envelope from Jack. No calls have come in yet from New Lenox finest on a Jack attack but we'll keep our eye out for our readers in case the news desk is alerted of such foul play.
Getting Back to the Envelope - So now we know why Arik put on the mask. Keith did not drop a check in the envelope. Most likely because he either doesn't know how to fill out a check or does not know how to write. In any case, four hundo in cash for taking the fall league. Well done. Let the debates begin on what to do with that money. Personally, a beanie and scarf would have been nice in the plummeting temps of Tuesday night's game.
Awwww - Thank you to all for the hugs, well wishes, and kind words.
Light Years - One paw on a page. A lifetime of love in our hearts. ~Breez~
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