Muckrakers doubled up by Turn Two

CONCORD -- A cold, blustery wind swirled around Field 2 on Thursday night. And an ill wind ensnared the Muckrakers as well in their second outing of the season, a 17-8 defeat at the hands of Turn Two.

The Turn Twosters turned out to be as remorseless as the chilly evening temperatures at Willow Pass Park. Whenever the 'Rakers made a run on TT, it ramped up the offense to remain comfortably ahead.

Thus, the Muckrakers are two to the bad side as they seek their initial victory of the season, which comes this Thursday at the earliest vs. Wake the Monster/Beeline. But clearly, this league the 'Rakers find themselves in isn't your father's summer league.

But the Muckster did make a contest of it for the most part vs. Turn Two, until yielding six runs in the sixth, aided greatly by a grievious error on the mound by that guy who's trying to be the pitcher. That undid a lot of fine 'Raker effort, which included a four-run rally in the fifth inning to cut the lead to 11-8.

The heavy lifting in the four-run fifth came courtesy of Mat Petersen, making his '09 'Raker debut. Petersen blasted a shot to right that went for a three-run homer, plating Dave Alcorn and Randy Striegel. Luke Abbott's sac fly brought home Rick Hurd (3-for-3, two runs, an RBI), and it appeared the 'Rakers were in business -- which they were, until Turn Two again flexed their offensive muscles in the sixth.

The 'Rakers did their darndest to keep things close throughout. Second baseman Mike Yurkus made a fine running catch in short right, and speaking of right field, Matt Knauf tracked down everything that came his way and also enjoyed a 3-for-3 day at the plate.

Alcorn, Striegel and Chace Bryson, also making his '09 bow, had multiple-hit games. Manager Chris Wagnon (groin) was on the DL and confined to base coaching duties.