After getting beaten badly in our previous game, the Hounds took the field at DeWitt looking to get back in the win column. The opponents were the dreaded Amalgamated team, who we have much history with. After dominating them in the early years of the rivalry, they re-tooled their team and have gotten the better of us in 3 out of the last 4 meetings coming into this one.
Our starting pitcher was Margaret, and the veteran was on point again. We came to bat in the top of the 1st, and a baserunning blunder cost us a chance at possibly scoring in that inning. Amalgamated was now up and they put a quick 3-spot on the board. This time around our defense was not as shoddy as last game, although a couple of miscues were made. Nevertheless, it was a close 6-3 game entering the bottom of the 5th, with the Hounds trailing. A pitching change was made, with Wink coming in for Maggie Ballgame. Unfortunately, the Winkster did not have his command on this night, and was quickly replaced by Iain. Mr. Clutch got things under control, but a lot of damage had been done, with 7 runs scoring in the frame. Things were looking bleak, but again, we showed a lot of determination and fight to make the game closer. MikePa had another big day offensively, going 3 for 3 with 2 runs scored. Push was also perfect at the plate, going 2 for 2 with a run scored. Alan and WInk each had 2 RBIs. But it would not be enough as Amalgamated closed us out with a scoreless 7th. Final Score: Hounds 8, Amalgamated 14.
Another loss means we are now 2-3 and in danger of letting this season get away from us. I am sick about this loss, mainly because I just hate losing to this particular team. But I have to give them credit, they are the defending champs and in 1st place. If there is a silver lining here it's that we were in this game for most of it, and I feel like if we can improve and get a chance to face them again down the road, we can get a different result. We now enter a stretch of 3 games against some of the bottom teams in the division. We must get a winning streak going here.
