I’m a little disappointed we didn’t get SCHLITZ GUSTO GUYS in all CAPS, but I’m happy to see the name change.  The end of the season will have a little different feel to it since we won’t be playing Varmits or Varmit Jrs.  We may also have to celebrate processed food night a week early at Lac Lavon, since the last week of the year we have late games.  That is okay.  The last time we had PFN at LL we had a very strong showing to help celebrate.

I am ready and excited.  We begin to taper our workouts now so we are at our peak on April 28, 2010 at 6:00pm.

Love it!

Game #1 vs. Varmit

Historically the FRC get six or less innings in against a team that is generally the slowest team on and off the field in the five state Midwest area.  I will never understand why they ask who is up next when they have followed the same guy in the batting order since 1983.  The game was back and forth through out.  We’d score three, they’d score four, we’d come back with five, they’d score two, and so on.  The ump didn’t do the FRC any favors and missed at least three calls.  In the bottom of the sixth the FRC padded their lead and took the field in the top of the 7^th up nine.  From the opposing dug out we could hear, “we need nine to tie.”  That is like lion smelling blood.  Any team looking to tie is destined to lose.  Varmit scratched and clawed in the top of the 7^th, but their output followed their goal….I bit too low.  Varmit scored seven, but lost by two. 

Final score:   SFRC 19 – Varmit 17

Last out: CW

Plays of the game:

In the field: Sans snagging three line drives up the middle.  Sans hustling over to cover first (just like we practiced in the gym back in January).  Brain putting the film room to work and catching a line drive towards the hole at second base. 

At the plate: Brain and his new found power from the left side of the dish going 4-5.  Cinco, in potentially his last night at the diamond without being a father, going 4-5.  35, going 4-5, which could have been 5-5 if not for the “grand slam out” because……Pub Krull going deep to left center for a pivotal HR.  Pub Krull also hit a laser off the fence in left.  The rest of the FRC crew missed a golden opportunity to freeze out Pub Krull and leave him out there on his own after his big HR.

Game #2 vs. H-Bomb

Another thriller.  H-Bomb had 8.5 players on this evening.  The outfield was open.  The FRC did what they could to take advantage of the green grass and tallied 30 hits in Game 2 of the night.  The game was back and forth with a few very strong innings.  In the top of the third H-Bomb scored six, the FRC would not allow them to win the inning and scored six of our own in the bottom of the third.  The game continued to be back and forth and again “Red” didn’t help the FRC out at all.  In the bottom of the 6^th down three with time running out the FRC plated two runs and trailed by one.  Luckily, as the FRC are wont to do, we left enough time to play one more inning.  In the top of the 7^th H-Bomb scored two to take another three run lead.  What did we hear coming out of the FRC dugout?  “WE NEED FOUR TO WIN!”  A distinct difference from the opposing dug out in Game #1.  What did the FRC do?  They proceeded to get runners on base and score runs to take the victory in the bottom of the 7^th. 

Final score:   SFRC 22 – H-Bomb 21

Last out: Brad

Plays of the game:

In the field:  There were some big catches in left, left-center and right.  There was a put out from left to third base (oh wait, Red missed that one), there were a couple of double plays (3^rd to 1^st) and at least one other double play that was botched by Ol’ 3-5. 

At the plate:  CW was the leader of leaders going 5-5.  Cinco continued to stay hot (he also had another four hit game).  Lars had two doubles and a nice SAC (he also had an RBI with a sacrifice fly) and circled the bases two at a time.  We may have even seen a FRC player slide. 

Fan of the night:

Mad-Dog making a brief, but important appearance before mysteriously disappearing.

Numbers:

Numbers don’t lie.  The season is two weeks old and the FRC have not lost and sit at 2-0.  Brain donated some time and put the stats together.  Early batting leaders are CW and Cinco at .800.  But the FRC are about the team and this team is batting .582 for the season.  Could running hills, watching film and practicing start to be paying off?  See you next week!

Game 2 vs. Varmit’s didn’t go as well.  The sun came out and Lars showed up.  After scoring 27 runs in the first game, the FRC only managed four in the second game.  The FRC never play VP very well.  It may have to do with the fact that we are a high energy, high paced team.  The VP does everything in slow motion.  The FRC took it on the chin and lost 5-4.  We don’t blame Lars though.  Anytime the Miracle Whip cooler is in hand, Lars is welcome.  Take care of those ribs!

Overall it was a gorgeous night for two.  Some may say it was “Mrs. H” out.

NOTE: If you are wondering where “Mrs. H” comes from…It is the introduction to the old TV show “Heart to Heart.”  The Opening Narrative…”This is my boss, Jonathan Hart, a self-made millionaire.  He’s quite a guy.  This is Mrs. H, she’s gorgeous. What a terrivic lady.  By the way, my name’s Max.  I take care of ‘em, which ain’t easy, ’cause their hobby is murder.”

You can watch it here: