Muckrakers possessed by Demons, drop first game of the season

CONCORD -- The Muckrakers showed all of the fight for which they are renown, but found the sledding a tad too tough in losing a 20-13 decision to the Demons on Field 4.

Thus, the ugly stench of defeat bedevils the Muckrakers' notrils for the first time in the 2006 fall season. Although dropped from the ranks of the unbeaten, the 'Rakers still pose a strong threat to make the postseason with a 2-1 ledger.

For the second consecutive game, the Mucksters put up a four-spot in the initial frame, this time by capitalizing on Demon errors. Mat Petersen, Dwayne Giron and Steve Moscatelli all singled in the uprising.

The Demons roared back with eight in the second inning, but the Muckrakers absorbed the blow and responded with five runs in the top of the third. Petersen absolutely crushed one to drive in himself and Dre Thurston for a two-run homer to cut the deficit to 8-6. Mike Gale also singled home two as the Mucksters batted around. The Muck-and-Grinders went into the bottom of the third leading 9-8.

However, the Demons proved a persistent bunch, and they got the base-hit bats going pretty good. The Mucksters came back with three runs in the sixth but it was too little, too late. Petersen again landed the big blow, plating two with his triple.

The Muckrakers are a little broken but unbowed. They're keeping their eyes on the prize and not letting their foot off the gas one bit in their drive for the playoffs.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME
Mat Petersen: Just a wacky double short of hitting for the cycle, and a fine four-RBI evening.

Steve Moscatelli: Back from Texas in a big way with singles in his first two at-bats.

Dwayne Giron: A two-RBI night as he swung the bat well each time up. Gamely played through ankle miseries.

Honorable mention: Dre Thurston: three runs scored, two hits, solid play in center. George Yawopnisky: Found the field in time and delivered a couple of hits.