SD Takes Season Series from Blue Star with 9-6 Victory
Memorial Day weekend is here. Fire up your BBQ, proudly display your American flags and get ready to ride that famous summer rollercoaster. No, I am not talking about the Cyclone. Heading into June, it's time for the ups and downs of that emotional ride we call Yorkville Division III.
Last Wednesday was a beautiful night. The sun was shining and the fields were as manicured as Duff's chest, circa 2004. SD took a 2-0 lead, but not surprisingly - immediately gave up a 5 spot in the following frame. We battled back but it was not until the bottom of the 4th, that the good guys took the lead for good with a 4 run rally. The Sultans of Seaford - Mike and Jeff - had back to back RBIs. Then sub Jeremy evaded the golden sombrero and knocked a 2 out, 2 run double over the surprised Jet's centerfielder. HUGE play and much needed insurance. Special call out to Jeff D who went first to home and just beat the relay throw. I was coaching third at the time and as I waved Jeff on, I could see it in his eyes. His tank went from half full to zero - in an instant. As he rounded third, the only things carrying him home were fumes, the sugar from (New!) Arctic Cherry Gatorade and the desire NOT TO LOSE. Huge effort and the epitome of how we win. When ability, energy or youth leave us - we let our heart push us to victory. Love it.
Good team effort all around. The top half of the lineup scored 6 runs and the bottom half knocked in 7. Nice balance, but, here are the 3 stars:
1. If I read you this line: 1-1, with 3 WALKS, RBI and 2Runs, would you guess that the most patient/disciplined hitter was Duff? Well, Old Man River's eyes have gotten better with age. He also filled in admirably in LCF, making a key running catch in the late innings. Well done. (To continue the bizarro world theme - Hans also had 3 walks. Someone took the move to the tablesetter role pretty seriously this week!)
2. Jeff Isaac: he secured a late sub and went 3/4 with an RBI and 3 runs scored. Steady Ed. Also a nod to Seltz, who also secured 2 subs and is starting to heat up going 2/4 with an RBI.
3. BP - we've failed Perles a few times this year, but he keeps coming back for more. He helped himself with his own solid D and pitched well under duress (more from the ump than anyone else). 4 scoreless frames to close the game kept us from imploding. Great stuff.
A week ago we were despondent and leading the league in walk off losses. Now, while we are a far away from a division title, one clutch win and a big hit from an unlikely hero on Randall's Island has put us squarely back into the playoff picture, with destiny in our own hands.
We've had two tough games against our old friends, the Jets. Both times we've gutted out victories and have stemmed the tide that was rolling against us. We have a modicum of momentum but now it's time for a critical back to back against another familiar rival - Citi Ballers. This is a huge mid season series with implications that will shape the division landscape and it starts Wednesday night.
We need to give it all this week. We need our best 10. We need everyone who knows what this means. We need Dreams in jerseys, not loaner T shirts. It's Cheung. It's the Ballers. Win or lose, we need 10 guys who are going to feel the intense emotion.
I'd rather be nowhere else than CCY on Wednesday night. Let's start a winning streak already. Who else is IN?
SD4L
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