OSLOPRETENDERS
Gritty Outcasts’ Clutch Hits Nip Gators in Last Inning
by Darren McKellep, 25 June 2013, Rommen Field, sunny and windy:
Losing by two runs in the 7th – and down to their final out with the bases empty – the Pretender Outcasts staged a thrilling comeback victory over the Alligators. With four consecutive clutch hits, the determined Outcasts seized the lead 10-9.
The comeback began after two quick outs by the #8 and #9 hitters. Leadoff-hitter-extraordinaire Raul Bonilla then singled on a sharp grounder into left off able Lithuanian reliever Robertas, who had shut down the Outcast offense for nearly 3 innings with a greatly improved Alligator defense behind him. Raul then stole second and third as #2 hitter Darren, down to his final strike, drove a liner to center field to score the speedy Dominican and bring reigning Outcast MVP Matt to the plate. Darren bolted off to steal on the first pitch but Matt took a mighty swing and blasted a slicing line-drive double past the right fielder to score Darren from first base and tie the contest at 9-9. Next, clean-up batter Anthony, already 4-for-4 on the day, drove a single to left to plate Matt for the go-ahead run. Florentino then singled to set up Luis to break the game open, but the Cuban’s comebacker-groundout kept the lead at 10-9.
In the bottom of the 7th, Raul dropped a routine flyball to left, allowing the potential tying run to reach base. After an out and an infield single, the Outcast defense then benefitted from the umpires’ conflicting calls on Raul's outfield catch/drop, ending the game with a chaotic, controversial double play amidst the Alligator baserunners’ confusion.
Darren pitched the complete game to record the W... Outcast batters #1-4 scored all 10 runs... Anthony was stellar at the dish, going 5 for 5 with 3 RBI... 5 other Outcast hitters had an RBI: Darren, Matt (2), Florentino, Jim D and Mathias. Raul and Luis each had two singles and a double. French rookie Cam is hitting harder every game (and using a wooden bat), but his scorching line drive was snagged by the starting pitcher.
