For Warriors, playoffs no, Muckrakers yes

WALNUT CREEK -- The Warriors may be perpetually playoffs-deprived, but until further notice, they have the Muckrakers' number, as they demonstrated in a 14-6 victory on Field 4.

The Muckrakers flashed the fancy leather for three innings, keeping the blue-and-gold-clad W's off the scoreboard. But the dam finally broke loose in the fourth, and the Muckrakers did the best they could to keep pace, but fell short.

Dave Alcorn presented himself well in the three-hole, singling in his first three at-bats on his way to a 3-for-4 evening. Matt Petersen continued his MVP-style campaign with a solid 3-for-4 (double, two singles) effort, to go with his mound work. Mike Gale's recent uptick in performance hummed along nicely with his two hits, an RBI and a run scored.

Multiple-hit fellas were not in short supply as Dwayne Giron, Chace Bryson, Dave Taxier and Steve Moscatelli all tossed a pair of safeties into the mix.

And the Muck(rakers)-and-Grinders were privileged to have wordsmith Neil Hayes return to the fore. Hayes played stellar defense at multiple positions, singled in the fourth inning, and lined out viciously to third in the fifth. Not only that, but Mr. Hayes supplied the postgame beverages (and an impressively varied assortment of hops and barley it was). And not only that, but his son Nicky turned in a Hall of Fame stint at batboy. To all that, the Muckrakers can only tip their cap and mumble "thanks."

The Muckrakers will attempt to go all Miami Heat on the Warriors this Thursday in a rare back-to-back C/D league series. Good seats are still available, but fans are advised to take public transportation. Please drive safely. Thank you.