Friday Night Special

Friday Night Special
Miracle Dreams Defeat Citi Ballers 3-1
                After two consecutive one run losses and nearly a fortnight layover, Shattered Dreams took the field Friday night with something to prove and demons to exorcise. No one would speak of it, but this was an absolutely critical game midway through the season. A loss would put SD on a 3 game losing streak, heading into a Monday night tilt and on the precipice of disaster. The Yorkville veterans have shown some flashes of brilliance – with outstanding pitching and defense, holding opponents to a total of 18 runs in the last 4 games. With that kind of special rhythm on the mound and in the field, a record of 2-3 has been nothing short of disappointing.  In 2009, the team invested in 2 new players and a $220 bat, but over the last few games, the offense has been anemic. Things needed to change Friday night.
Things needed to change… but many things didn’t.
                On the plus side, BP was once again masterful.  The ump commented to Robbie, that Perles had the best stuff and command of the strike zone than anyone he’s seen this year. Even his best pitch of the evening, a Santana like changeup, fooled Blue. Consistently throwing strikes, Perles has continued his stellar season and over the last 3 contests has only allowed 3.33 runs/game. That’s special. And much like Johan, BP also helped himself off the mound, with 2 walks, including the critical game tying RBI. First star of the game goes to the battery. And the other half of that equation is Robbie Hansen. With Jerry out, Robbie has been the Cervelli to Perles’ Burnett and has continued his consistent ways at the plate. Even with a completely stagnant offense, Robbie did his part to get on base, showing patience with 2 walks – including a very important pass in the 7^th inning rally.  Nice showing by both pitch and catch on Friday.
With Seltzer and Jerry missing, it was impeccable timing for Ian Rohin to make his return from the DL. A stabilizing force in the dugout, an anchor at 1B and an intimidating bat in the lineup, it is important to have Ian back.  Prior to his injury, last we saw Rohin on the diamond, he was punishing the opposition with 4 hits on one leg and 9 functioning fingers. Last we saw Rohin Friday evening, he was about to embark on a post game bender with Hans and Hansen. Both – equally enjoyable to be a part of!
The other half of the virtual gator goes to Old Man River.  Was Ty Cobb resurrected and thrown in a Shattered Dreams uniform? Displaying patience at the plate and a sharp eye, Duff waited for his pitch and then slammed it – 3 times! In a game with only 4 hits by the “good guys”, OMR laced 3 line drives through the Citi Baller infield and did everything he could to spark a rally. Mike’s special evening was capped off as he crossed the plate with the eventual winning run in the magical 7^th.
Finally, how about that infield? – a near flawless game. Steady Ed at 3^rd, Collins shifting to SS, JD at 2B and Rohin’s return to first: so solid around the horn all night. And, lastly, a special nod to Hans. Shifting positions once again – this time to LCF – Hans played a perfect outfield, notching several putouts throughout the game.
Gentleman – that victory will go down in Shattered Dreams lore as a classic. Miracle on 210, Collins famous game winner immortalized on video, Big Sticks 2HR, chair lifting performance vs. the Twinkies, and now this. It was storybook ending to another chapter of the rich history of this fine Yorkville softball franchise.  In case you forgot, let me remind you: A stagnant offense down to their last out in a 1-0 game and then - a walk by Robbie to start things. Move over Matt Stairs, here comes Mike Duff with another hit. Then a huge walk by the walk-on to set the stage for BP who secured the tying run with another free pass. Finally a seeing -eye bloop plating 2, followed by a flawless bottom of the 7^th and that special victory was ours.
Don’t look back though, because we stole one last week. But make no mistake; God was smiling down on Shattered Dreams this past Friday nite. I lost about 3 balls in the sun, but somehow they found my glove.  The fourth and final hit for SD was a texas leaguer that found a spot on the grass among 3 fielders. Our hitting was atrocious but we stuck it out, kept the game close, and somehow escaped with a W.  Was it divine intervention or is it finally time for the hard luck loveable losers to get theirs?
Who knows, but it’s time to ride that momentum wave into tonite’s game. Let’s wake up the bats, but keep flashing the slick leather and never forget that no matter the score, there is always some SD magic left in the tank.
No time to take any team for granted – it’s the RWA Angels tonite. Our injured list keeps on growing but let’s have a strong showing this evening, weather permitting. 630 PM – TJ #2. See ya’ll there.
SD4L