Hot Chasers done in by High and Tight's rally

CONCORD -- The Hot Chasers enjoyed their first lead of the season but not their first win as they narrowly fell to High and Tight 7-6 on Thursday on Field No. 1.

Remarkably, the HC scored in the first inning, and even more improbably, led most of the way. But High and Tight scored four times in the top of the seventh to take its first lead of the game. The Hot Chasers responded with a stirring rally in the bottom of the seventh but were unable to plate the run that would have sent the contest into overtime.

The (extremely straight) Hot Chasers flashed the leather in a way they seldom have this 0-3 season. Among the highlights were Joe Roderick making a twisting, corkscrewing catch in right-center thus exposing his tender rib cage to further injury, Neil Hayes with a fine pivot on a 6-4-3 double play, and Randy Striegel and Mike Gale being their solid selves on the left side of the defense.

The HC has a well-earned bye next Thursday, a good opportunity for it to lick its numerous wounds. In addition to Roderick playing hurt, Dennis Pimentel was forced to miss, and your humble blogmeister has numerous pulled muscles in his left leg. The road to recooperation was begun in the parking lot after the game with the ceremonial drinking of medicinal beverages. Among other topics, the fratenization of Latino ballplayers with a Southern California journalist was discussed.

NOTES -- Times upper management was not in attendance, so The Curse of Times Upper Management was not in effect ... In an aside to Abby, Thursday's game was not televised by ESPN. Boo-ya.