The Dodgers and Peppers met at Watervliet HS and meteorologist Steve Schaefer assured everyone that the pre-game drizzle would pass. Sure enough, at 5:45, the tarps were removed and the umpires gave the signal to play ball!
In a game where both teams were missing some key players, the Dodgers came out swinging. Trinchillo reached on an error then Bradley, Surin and Reed followed with singles. Tommy Hoeg was beaned and the Dodgers led 2 - 0. The Peppers responded in the top of the 2nd with singles by Rebuhn and Mogavero and a two-out, two RBI single by Angel Rodriguez to tie the score. With the score tied at three, Trinchillo, Bradley and Surin singled to start what looked like a promising rally in the home half of the 4th. Peppers' 3B Zafrain made one of several smooth picks to limit the Dodgers to two runs. In the top of the 5th Peppers closed the gap to 5 - 4 with a lead off single by Angel, a stolen base and an RBI groundout.
The rain came in the bottom of the 5th. A blooper by me was dropped like a greased pig in center. Speed took over and I raced all the way to 3B on a deep single down the RF line. Another rain-induced miscue in the outfield allowed the 6th run to score. As the downpour continued, the umpires convened and decided to call the game. I won't lie. Some of us in the Dodgers' dugout breathed a sigh of relief. We had not been able to keep the Peppers off the bases and crazy things can happen on a wet field.
Mike Surin pitched well for the Dodgers. The first three batters for the Dodgers - Trinchillo, Bradley and Surin combined for eight hits. The Dodgers' defense did not make an error which was probably the deciding factor in the game. The Dodgers finish the first phase of the season with a tough test against a very strong Cubs team. We look forward to gauging our progress as we head into July.
