Zog: Hounds Close Out Strong

Having not been able to play an official game for the past couple of weekends, the Hounds returned to DeWitt Clinton Field to close out the regular season. It was an unseasonably warm fall evening and the Lousy Shirts team awaited in the opposing dugout. We knew the game carried importance as playoff seedings were in play. After a brief pre-game exchange regarding the bases in which we were able to steal away home field advantage, it was time to play ball.

Juiena took the mound and set the tone for us by pitching a 1-2-3 top of the 1st. Now it was our turn up to bat and we quickly got on the board, MikePa singling and scoring on a base hit by Iain. However, Lousy Shirts scored 3 in the top of the 2nd, and the game would become a slugfest. Let's give credit to Lousy Shirts, they are a solid ballclub top to bottom and made some fine plays to keep themselves in the game. We tied it at 3-3 in the bottom of the 2nd, only for our opponents to take the lead again in the top of the 3rd. Entering the bottom of the 4th, we were down 4-6 and we knew it was just a matter of time before we could turn this one around. Jason T, Juiena, and The Cap all got on base to start the inning, setting up a bases loaded opportunity for Dave. Coming off a long layoff, he showed why he is the straw that stirs the Schlink by proceeding to hit a frozen rope in the gap for a grand slam home run. It was part of a 3 for 3, 5 RBI night for the Big Fella. 

After re-taking taking the lead, we would never look back. Juiena continued to battle and our defense put in an A- defensive performance. There were a couple of minor miscues, but they did not cost us too much. We would add 3 runs in the 5th and one run in the 6th, MikePa hitting a solo homer. Lousy Shirts tacked on 2 in the 6th but were unable to make it any closer. Juice closed them out after a brief scare in the 7th to secure the complete game victory. Final Score: Hounds 12, Lousy Shirts 8.

This was a great way to head into the playoffs. I'm proud of the way we kept our heads in the game despite being down for a couple of innings. Our offense was clicking well– we scored a run every inning. But we still need to work on our baserunning decisions both as baserunners and base coaches as we got burned again(twice) on baserunning plays. 

We head into the playoffs having put in one of our most complete performances of the season. I am confident we can do well if we have a full compliment of players available. We must stay humble and hungry though if we are to reached the promised land.