TUZOS PAYBACK NETWORK BY MERCYING THE REIGNING CHAMPS

Some great stories start out with a tragedy and end with a triumph. This is hopefully one of those stories.

With all the opening day drama of losing our third baseman to a Hollywood audition (Bruno) and our outfielder and team speedster to the law (Atwater) as well as one of our best hitters (Josh Davis) Network was scheduled first game to take on the poewrful So Cal Tuzos in what would be a repeat of last year's final game 13-12, won by Network. However, the game proved to be a snooze as Network came out about as flat diet soda left on the bar overnight.

Even with these subtractions to our lineup we still had what we thought was a Murderer's Row, good fielding and a deep pitching staff. But sometimes team's don't just play up to their expectations. Tonight was one of those nights.

The Tuzos took and early 1-0 in the first on a few timely base hits. Network matched them when Brian Schaefer tripled with two out and scored on a wild pitch. In the third the Tuzos but together a string of hits to take a 2-1 lead with bases loaded and 1 out. After a strikeout by starter Mike Player and a quick two strike count Player then hit the batter in the arm forcing in the Tuzos third run. The next batter cleared the bases with a double over centerfielder KC's head (who made two great catches earlier) and Network found themselves quickly down 6-1.

Network had first and third in the next two innings but was unable to score.

A couple of errant throws in the field, scored 4 more runs in the next couple of innings.

Network had two other chances to score but both times Terry Loe and Pat Armstrong lined shots that turned into double plays.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the highlight of the night- Brian Schaefer's stupendous catch in right center to save a run in the 6th. Schaefer also lead the team with two hits. The other hits were by Cohen, Wasmund, Bailey and Loe. Cohen was also the only one to earn a base on balls. Network had an uncharacteristic 5 strike outs at the plate as well and failed to get an RBI for the first time ever.

When Network failed to score in the bottom of the 7th the game was called for the dreaded mercy rule and Network was brought down to earth for the first time in 8 games. It was the worst loss in Network history, the first time we ever were mercy ruled and the lowest hit total ever by the Network team (6).

Afterwards, the team seemed cheerful enough to forget about what happened, blame it on first day jitters and move on to tomorrow's early doubleheader. Hats off to the Tuzos for whipping our asses and giving us a wake-up call. As we shaked hands we the Tuzos we all said, "See you in the Championship."

Rick