FORT MYERS, Fla. - While the National Wind escaped with a close win Sunday in the opener of the Roy Hobbs World Series, it was a different Wind team that came closer together Monday morning to beat a tough D.C. Dodgers team in Game 2 of the week-long 60+ tournament.
John LaTorre, more known for his pitching prowess, whacked a long two-run double down the left-field line in the second inning and the Wind went on to a convincing 9-2 victory over the D.C. Dodgers to run their record to 2-0.
The Wind played much better defense with Wayne Newcomb showing why he is among the most valuable and versatile players on the team. Wayne, who played a stellar OF in the Wind's opening victory Sunday over defending champion MBI, came on the anchor the IF at 2B while Tim Brown sat out with back pain. Newcomb was involved in two double plays and also went 2-4, scored a run and drove in another.
Jerry Hawkins went 2-3 with a sacrifice and Wayne Carney went 2-2 with a double to lead a balanced 16-hit attack to back the 5-hit pitching of Jim Konstantakis that sent the Wind into Tuesday's game at City of Palms Stadium against the Ashville Tourists. The last time the two teams faced each other was in 2011 when the Wind knocked them out of the playoffs, 9-2. The Tourists will be looking to avoid an 0-3 start to this year's tournament when the teams meet at the former main stadium to the Boston Red Sox.
The D.C. Dodgers entered Monday's game against the Wind with confidence, having whacked the Livingston Dodgers 18-5 in their opener. But LaTorre's bomb was followed by Jerry Solomon's RBI single and that proved to be enough for the win.
Leadoff hitter Tom Maney, again the catalyst, had a single, scored a run and stole 2 bases. Bob Yakatan, hitting in the 2-hole for an injured Tim Brown, singled, walked twice, stole a base and scored twice. Terry Barton, who is a team favorite and leader in our OF, singled, walked, was hit by a pitch, scored twice and stole a base.
JimK struck out five, walked no one, but hit two batters, including the first batter of the game and left after the 7th inning leading 7-1. Lefty Wayne Carney came on to pitch the final two innings, giving up a run on two hits and two walks. It was Carney's first two innings of the tournament, which qualifies him to pitch in the playoff round.
Thanx to some help from our landlord, Margo, we got Timmy to a spa for an hour of deep massage therapy. We'll need him down the stretch as we approach the playoff round. Meanwhile, Tim ran the show, coaching 3rd base, flashing signs and doing an overall great job getting everyone into the game.
The Wind will send Solomon to the mound Tuesday against Ashville.
jk
-- Edited by sfgiants on Monday 18th of November 2013 10:49:58 PM
