New Lenox, IL - After enjoying a holiday week off and a rainout the following Tuesday, High Voltage returned to the diamond last night to start their playoff journey against Sons of Pitches. The two teams played the 9:30 PM game in perfect conditions with the temperature hovering at 70 degrees with low humidity and a pleasant breeze. The infield conditions were as good as it gets from a week long of rain, and the outfield was green and lush. The game started out a bit auspiciously with Ryno walking the first three batters, all of whom would score. The inning's only hit was a two-run double by cleanup hitter Bobby Blueshirt, and Ryno escaping the inning with giving up just the three runs. The Volts half of the inning started with three straight singles (Jack and Koz), the last a Stapes RBI, before Sutes poked a towering homerun into left-centerfield for 3 RBI and a quick 4-3 lead. The inning continued with a Zlogar hit, Pratl walk before Jeff knocked them both in with a sharp single to center. After a Ken base hit, Jack followed with an RBI single as did Koz, to put the Volts up 8-3 after one inning. Sons went out 1-2-3 in the top of the inning and the Volts put a lock on the game by scoring 11 runs in the bottom of the 2nd. Sutor and Z started out the inning with singles and Pratl continued with an RBI knock of his own. Following an Arik With An A single, Jeff poked a two RBI Double to increase the lead to eight. Ry then walked and Jack hit an RBI SAC to push the lead to nine. Koz continued the parade with an RBI single, Stapes an RBI double, Sutes a two RBI double, and Z an RBI single before Pratl ended the 2nd inning scoring with a two RBI homerun to put the Volts ahead 19-3 after 2 innings. SOP's scored a run in the top half of the third inning and set the stage for an early exit if the Volts could muster five runs, and that they did. Ken led the rally with a single and Jack continued with a two out single and a 3 for 3 night at the plate. Koz, who went 4 for 4, singled home a run followed by a Stapes (3 for 4) two RBI triple. The end was near as Sutes stepped up to the plate as the game ending run, and proceeded to belt a game winning two run homerun to end up the night 4 for 4 with the Volts on top 24-4. Zlogar ended up the evening 3 for 3, Pratl 2 for 2, Arik 1 for 3, Jeff 2 for 3, Ken 2 for 3, and Ryno 0 for 2 and the victory, his eighth of the campaign. RBI leaders were Sutes (7), Stapes (4), Jeff (4), Koz (3), Pratl (3), Jack (2), and Zlogar (1). Every Volt scored a run on their way to victory.
In other action last night, the Alcoballic's defeated Beggars to advance to the 2nd round against Brew Jays. White Horse upset Ivy League and will take on High Voltage at 8:30 PM on Tuesday, July 25th. Championship between the winners of the two matches immediately follows with a scheduled 9:30PM starting time.
Noteables:
Cash Grab - Cap'n Jack was presented with the 2nd place prize money for the regular season; $350. He was seen running to his car after the game yelling; "twenty-four red!!!!".
Forgot Something - Ivy left the lineup card in the dugout. They also left their game there too as White Horse won on run rule. All three games last night were won by run rule.
Rebels Night - Last night was Rebels Night at the Lions Den. The Cap'n Jack squad was assembled along the third base hangout to watch their fearless leader practice what he preaches. Noticeable missing persons from Rebels night was Valrugo, Milner, and Fifer.
Bad Look - Nuff' said.
Nostradamus - Notice the date this text was sent to the "Jury Foreman". Staff sports betting analyst, Carrie Cashems correctly predicted the outcome of all three games, including the White Horse upset of Ivy League.
Crowd - A large crowd was on hand last night to watch a Volt playoff victory. Too many to capture in one picture in fact. Bring a friend and the energy next week as the Volts push toward their first championship series game and hopefully a trophy to hang their hats on afterwards.
Foul Ball - Apparently, the umpire had his limit of Foster f-bombs last night at 7 and warned Z that the next one would get Ryno tossed from the game. How long did it take Ry to get to this many f-bombs????
Answer: The first half inning.
When asked for comment, Ryno said' "Fuck you!". Love the consistency.
Crowding - It would be understandable if the pitcher threw inside to Jack.........and not while he's in the batters box. He's crowding the plate from the on deck circle.
Run The Bases - As part of Rebel's Night, the NLCPD held a Run the Bases opportunity for the young folks. None of them actually cared to run the bases but they did have a cool water bead gun that Suter commandeered for a test run. Now you know what to get Matt for a Secret Santa gift this Christmas.
Piss On Beggars - Somewhere in this photo is the lurky electrical union worker who hangs out at the field all Tuesday nights and badgers Ken and Jack. Fortunately the camera did not capture Peepee Wirecutter in the act, but we assure you that all scrunched up in the bushes, he pissed on Beggars.
Delay of Game - It took Pratl over five minutes to come up with a favorite song. In the end, he couldn't be silenced as he went on to belt out a few bars of My Way. Can't wait to see that feature!
Out of Hand - The game got so lopsided that Volts brass sent Sutes into the crowd for a meet-n-greet. Normally nothing unusual about that except for in this case, it was during the game. Sutes is seen here talking about the finer points of returning a once-worn pair of shoes back to the retailer.
Just Scratch It - The field was in exceptional condition on Tuesday night. The jack of all trades is raking the area around second base to get a head start on field maintenance. We'll get you his proper name next week as the Gazette pokes fun of the NLCPD, but this dude actually gets left holding the bag for all Tuesday night duties when there used to be a crew of three doing far less.
Lights Out - The Summer 2023 season will come to an end following the final three playoff games to decide the champion. It's hard to believe that there is a possibility of the crowd standing in full winter gear wishing each other a Happy Thanksgiving as the last games of the Fall season are played. Cheers to the Summertime!!!
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