Muckrakers make softball and fashion statement, win on Opening Night

CONCORD -- Cutting dashing figures in their brand new uniforms, the CCT Muckrakers brandished angry bats and cut down the Lumberjacks in a thoroughly enjoyable season lid-lifter 22-15 on Field 3.

The tone was set early on as the first four 'Rakers reached safely and the fifth 'Raker, Randy Striegel, lined out viciously. The visiting Muckenators put a two-spot up on the board in the first, thanks largely to Dre Thurston's two-RBI double.

But it was the glorious second frame that put the 'Jacks back on their heels. The Mucksters piled up 10 runs and sent 13 to the dish. Thurston again bashed the big blow with a grand slam, but he had lots of help in the hitting department. Luke Abbott blasted a two-run homer and Mat Petersen -- the man who brought on the uniforms -- launched a triple.

But the gallent 'Rakers, coming off a postseason appearance, weren't done yet. Five hits and five more runs were the result of the third-innng frenzy, and the Muck-and-Grinders topped it all off with a single run in the fourth and four more in the fifth. The game was called after five due to the time limit.

The Lumberjacks were game but simply could not match the 'Rakers blow for blow. So for the moment, the CCT kids are in first place, and undefeated, with a 1-0 mark.

STARBURSTS

Dave Alcorn picked up where he left off last season, with three hits and stellar play at third ... Petersen, also, was a hitting machine, going 4-for-4, with triples in the second and fifth. ... Dave Taxier went the distance on the mound, and didn't walk a 'Jack. ... In addition to his managerial duties, Chris Wagnon went 3-for-3, and was beer MVP to boot. .... Mike Yurkus and Mike Rieger made their Muckraker debuts and aided greatly to the victorious cause. .... Steve Moscatelli played three positions and singled in the fifth-inning uprising.

NOTES

Leadoff man Mike Gale (three runs scored) felt something pop in his leg in left field while making a play in the first inning. He declined to come out and managed to play the entire game. He is listed as day to day but is expected to receive medical clearance for the next game. However, he ruled out Friday basketball. ... Moscatelli has met the A's Rich Harden on an airplane. He was impressed by Harden's easygoing personality but was surprised by how tiny the A's pitcher is. ... Petersen and Striegel hit back-to-back triples in the fifth. ... Thurston drove in six runs. ... The 'Rakers called Bob Leal after the game. Leal is reportedly doing well at his new location in Palm Springs. The Muckrakers' motto for the season is "Keeping it Leal."