I swear! Muckrakers fall to Steelheads

WALNUT CREEK -- In a game marred by alleged salty language on the part of the home team, the Muckrakers sustained their fourth straight loss of the season, 17-3, to the Steelheads.

Perhaps it was the early (6 p.m.) starting time, perhaps there were other factors involved, but for whatever reason, the Mucksters bats were strangely silent, much in the manner of their Opening Day defeat.

The resulting frustration manifested itself in some unapproved verbal outbursts. According to manager Chris Wagnon, the naughtiness started when he blurted *&%!!#!!?!!, or words to that effect, during one of his swings. According to Mr. Wagnon, he received a warning from the umpire. Later, Matt Petersen allegedly let loose with his own expression of displeasure, something a tad stronger than "fiddlesticks!" According to manager Wagnon, the second team violation of the no-swearing edict meant expulsion for Mr. Petersen. However, Mr. Petersen was allowed to continue playing in the ballgame, so something needs to be explained to the brain-pans here at Muckraker Central.

Also in need of explanation is why the Muckrakers bats went lethargic after two pretty strong offensive showings in a row. The best the Muck-N-Ators could manage were two runs in the second, thanks to the two-RBI hit of Bob Leal, and a singleton in the fourth with Wagnon singling and scoring on Leal's sacrifice fly.

The Muckrakers have a chance to clean up their vocabulary and pick up win No. 1 next Thursday when they face Bad to the Bone at 7:05.