YSA: Hounds Streak at 6

After a lengthy break away from the game we love, it was time to take the field again and continue our winning streak. Coming in to this showdown with Polo Ralph Lauren, we had put 5 straight wins up and were looking unbeatable. The stage was Central Park's North Meadow on a plush field of Kentucky Bluegrass. Our opponents arrived earlier than us, an unusual situation for the Hounds. The early start time had us scrambling to get enough people there but fortunately the umpire was late and that bought us some time. After the pleasantries were exchanged between the two managers, it was time to play ball.

Juiena got the ball as starting pitcher and she continued her recent run of solid outings. She was efficient out there and we provided her with solid defensive cover for the most part. The top of the 1st was a rough start for us, as PRL were able to put 3 quick runs on the board. At least two of those runs could have been avoided, but we shook it off as we knew it was still early. In the bottom of the 1st, we clawed our way on the board through hustle from MikePa and a sac fly from Pat. We held PRL scoreless in the top of the 2nd, and in the bottom of the frame, we took a lead we would never relinquish. Dave had the big blow of the inning, a long 2-run home run. In the 3rd we would really blow the game open with an explosive 11 runs. PRL contributed mightily to their own demise with some defensive butchery. You can't give the Hounds extra outs, folks. Pretty much everybody in the lineup had a solid day at the plate thanks to the generosity of PRL.

Meanwhile, Juiena continued to cruise, and with a mercy rule victory looming, Cap decided to rest the ace as PRL had clearly had enough. He came in to pitch the last two innings and was able to do a respectable job. The ump called it in the middle of the 5th. Final Score: Hounds 18, Polo 8.

Today was a fun win and we should be happy with the way we played for the most part. I hate to focus on the negative, and I'm not, but I do have to point out that we were a bit sloppy defensively. Against a better team, it could have cost us dearly. I think a lot of it boils down to communication...we need to be loud & vocal with one another out there, and not be shy about talking with each other in between innings too.