Friday, July 21, 2006

More fans than runs for short-handed Muckrakers who are snapped by Bad to the Bone

WALNUT CREEK -- Love, and the King of Beers, was in the air Thursday during the Muckrakers-Bad to the Bone affair on Field 3.

The scene had all the ambiance of a lazy summer day in the park. An unexpected plethora of fans suddenly gathered, as if to verify that the Muckrakers were reality and not some addled blogger’s twisted dream. Small, adorable children ambled and fidgeted about, as the small and adorable are wont to do. Their parents and collected friends looked after them, chatted amiably among themselves, and occasionally looked up to see if the Muckrakers were making progress approaching representative softball. All this took place under the canopy of welcome shade, a positive oasis from the oppressive heat that has scorched the landscape of late.

It was almost unfortunate that a softball game had to intrude on such a pleasant scene, but intrude the Muckrakers did. Well, some of the Muckrakers anyway, as several had prior commitments and couldn’t make the game. With a little help from their friends, the Mucksters managed to round up the bare minimum eight players and were able to take the field against Bad to the Bone.

With several of their offensive stars unable to make the fray, the Muckrakers strived as best they could but ended up on the short end of a 4-2 decision to BTTB, the only team the Muckrakers have managed to beat this year. It was a different story this time out as the Muck-and-Grinders managed only solo scores in the third and fifth frames. They singled three times in the third, with Luke Abbott and Dave Taxier launching the last two safeties. And they put together another three-single attack in the fifth, with Mike Gale, Chris Wagnon and Taxier doing the honors.

Wagnon made his debut in left field, thus completing the circuit that has now seen him play all four outfield positions. Wagnon acquitted himself admirably. Just ask him about the “catch-and-carry” rule -- he and the Muckrakers know all about it now. Live, as they say, and learn.

The Muckrakers will assemble again -- hopefully in better numbers -- at the same time, same place for next Thursday’s summer-league finale. Rumor swirled around the after-party that a cookout will be held at the conclusion of the game against Acme Plumbing. Rumor also has it Matt Petersen is spearheading this effort. Stay tuned for further details.

No comments: