Muckrakers nailed by Weideman Construction

CONCORD -- The CCT Muckrakers, showing just a tad less moxie and savvy than they had the week previous, tasted the sour nectar of defeat for the first time this season, falling to Weideman Construction 15-12.

Sure, the 'Rakers did their best to build on the glories of Opening Night. They scored three runs in the first frame and added three more in the second, and led as late as the fourth inning, 6-4.

But strangely missing from the Muckinators' arsenal was the really big inning, that one monster rally that cuts the guts out of an opponent and leaves it dry and exposed, like a fish on a dock. Meanwhile, WC hung around, chipping off a run here and a run there, and it had the game's one big frame, in the sixth, when every grounder found a welcoming hole and each weak fly ball found sanctuary in the gaps of the outfield.

Although the game Muckrakers battled to the end, only to fall three runs short, to a man the goal of the postseason remains first and foremost, and doable. In their postgame ruminations, the Muckrakers could not help but think: "Indeed this is a marathon, it certainly is not a sprint. Hey, any more beers left in that cooler?"

STARBURSTS

In addition to his managerial duties, Chris Wagnon drove in a career-high four runs batting out of the 12-hole, including his hit that plated two in the first inning. ... Mike Rieger, Chace Bryson (making his 'Raker 2007 debut), Mat Petersen, Mike Gale and Dave Taxier had multihit games. ... The Muckrakers struck back-to-back sacrifice flies in the sixth inning. ... A couple 'Rakers claimed to have seen the space station pass overhead during the postgame wrapup.

NOTES

Gale continued to play on his tender left leg, which was injured early in the first game. Gale's status continues to be day to day. His status for Friday basketball is unknown. ... Joe DeLoach and Kelli Phillips were in attendance for the contest and participated in team postgame activities. ... The Late Show: Two of the Muckrakers' first three games have been 9:30 affairs. ... The 'Rakers will be the home team for the first time this season on Thursday against the Un-Athletics.