'Rakers lubed by All Service Automotive

WALNUT CREEK -- An impressive display of offensive softball by Matt Petersen and a shutdown relief appearance by Chris Lopez weren't enough for the Muckrakers to avoid their third straight defeat, a 19-8 setback to All Service Automotive.

ASA proved to be a well-tuned machine, scoring early and often. The Muck-and-Grinders offered some resistance, largely off the bat of starting pitcher Petersen. In yet another pre-Fourth-of-July showing of extra-base fireworks, the Muckrakers MVP candidate went 4-for-4, including a two-RBI triple in the fourth and a bases-empty two-out double in the sixth. To the total consternation of the Thursday night league, there seems to be no stopping the hockey-lovin' lad.

Lopez was a standout in a rare relief role, as Petersen yielded the mound to play outfield in the bottom of the fifth. Lopez came on to dazzle ASA with his assortment of off-speed stuff, and blanked the offensive juggernaught in his single frame of pitching.

Special fan kudos go to Bob Leal, who showed up to root his teammates on despite his recent automotive and personal injury setbacks. He embodied the true spirit of the Muckrakers.