The Dodgers and Americans squared off at the C Diamond and it looked like Buy One Get One Free from the defense. In the top of the first, the Americans lined four solid singles, the Dodgers threw in four errors and the Americans took a seven run lead. The Dodgers redeemed their BOGO coupons with a few hits, a few errors and plated four runs in the first and five more in the second to take an 9 - 8 lead. The Americans came out in the top of the 3rd and converted singles by Leining and (subs) Allen and Noto and three Dodgers' errors into a 12 - 9 advantage. An E-6 and an E-4 from the Americans and a two-out double by Staulters cut the lead to 12 - 11 in the Dodgers half of the third.
Both teams put some pine tar in their gloves and no runs were scored in the 4th or 5th.
With the sun setting behind the trees, the umpire informed both teams that the sixth inning would be the last. Rick Loffredo pitched a scoreless inning for the Dodgers. Americans' starter, Brett Conlin took his high pitch count out to the mound to face the top of the Dodgers line-up. Staulters walked and stole second. Denicola placed a perfect bunt past the mound but in front of third to advance Staulters and put the winning run on first. After Denicola stole second, the Americans intentionally walked Bradley (he's 6' 4" and a solid 225). With me at the plate the Americans brought their infield and outfield in - way in. (With the fading light and all those dark jerseys converging on the field it looked like the zombie apocalypse). A well placed line drive past the center fielder plated the tying and winning run for the Dodgers. Very exciting!
I want to give credit to the top of the Dodgers batting order. Lead-off hitter, Harvey Staulters has ten hits in four games. Mark Denicola has seven. Jim Bradley has nine RBI and together they have scored 19 runs. With that production, the Dodgers feel as though we will be competitive in most games and we can win our share. I will say that hitting and scoring is a lot more fun than playing "defense"!
