Announcement
Big Sweep Puts Nats Near Top of League
Posted by Steve Elliott on
Jun 12 2004
at
05:00PM PDT
in 2019 Season
Not by James Herkowski, either
...For Mr. Kissler. Regards, Steve Elliott
If beauty points were awarded for fine defense and baserunning, last night's version of the Nationals would have been in trouble. However, the game was baseball, and getting it done ugly can be particularly satisfying. Ugly it was. "A snowball fight," in the words of one veteran observer. "A circus; a veritable carnival setting back organized baseball 13 years," noted one man, posing as a County Sheriff.
In the end, though, it didn't matter. The Nats gave the West Allis White Sox an early season facewash, sweeping a pair on Saturday night by scores of 5-4 (8 innings) and 11-3. The victories push the Nats' league record to 4-1. The Sox fall to 0-4.
With 3 and 4 hitters and noted life partners, James Herkowski and Chris Marks, away attending a wedding, (Not their own; most states do not legally acknowledge gay marriage.)manager Tim Spata was forced to do some lineup juggling. Jared Stengel and Tom Donovan were sober and up to the task. (No offense Kissler and Koconis. Actually, come to think of it, much offense intended, you soaks. No more day games says the GM.) Okay, back to my previous thought. Both Jared and Tom showed the plate discipline of the veterans they replaced.
Heroes and goats were plentiful for the grinding Nationals in the game 1, eight inning victory. Many played both roles. In the end, though, all that will be remembered will be the heroic efforts: Joe Kissler battling, competiting, and keeping his team in the game for over 125 pitches. Tom Donovan's lazer beam home run to tie the game at 2. Corey Berndsen lining a game winning single to center field off reprobate Justin Pollnow. Ugly it was, but victorious we were.
Game two brought significantly less drama. Nick Kibler toed the rubber against many of his disciples, while the Sox dusted off one-time phenom and prospect, Kris Ragner, for mound duty. The results were predictable. Kibler put on a pitching clinic while Ragner struggled with his command all night. The Nats jumped to an early 4-0 lead and cruised to an 11-3 victory. Kibler earned his second victory of the young season with 5 strong innings. Tim Ustruck mopped up the final two. Of note: Corey Berndsen reported triumphantly to all in attendance that his Nationals hitting streak was extended with a late inning "judy" to center field. Unable to contain himself, Corey broadcast his accomplishment while running to first base in the sixth inning. It should be noted that the same undercover County Sheriff who, earlier in the day, encouraged me strongly to move my van was in attendance, taking notes. Corey violated the county's 10PM loudspeaker curfew and can expect a fine any day now.
The Nats get a break in the schedule, next playing Saturday versus the first place Kiwanis at Zirkel Field. Tickets are still available. Government cheese will given away to the first 20 kids under the age of 16. Adults in attendance will be eligible for the raffle of a life size, Jason Koconis blow up doll with tea bag mouth. Enter early and often.
...For Mr. Kissler. Regards, Steve Elliott
If beauty points were awarded for fine defense and baserunning, last night's version of the Nationals would have been in trouble. However, the game was baseball, and getting it done ugly can be particularly satisfying. Ugly it was. "A snowball fight," in the words of one veteran observer. "A circus; a veritable carnival setting back organized baseball 13 years," noted one man, posing as a County Sheriff.
In the end, though, it didn't matter. The Nats gave the West Allis White Sox an early season facewash, sweeping a pair on Saturday night by scores of 5-4 (8 innings) and 11-3. The victories push the Nats' league record to 4-1. The Sox fall to 0-4.
With 3 and 4 hitters and noted life partners, James Herkowski and Chris Marks, away attending a wedding, (Not their own; most states do not legally acknowledge gay marriage.)manager Tim Spata was forced to do some lineup juggling. Jared Stengel and Tom Donovan were sober and up to the task. (No offense Kissler and Koconis. Actually, come to think of it, much offense intended, you soaks. No more day games says the GM.) Okay, back to my previous thought. Both Jared and Tom showed the plate discipline of the veterans they replaced.
Heroes and goats were plentiful for the grinding Nationals in the game 1, eight inning victory. Many played both roles. In the end, though, all that will be remembered will be the heroic efforts: Joe Kissler battling, competiting, and keeping his team in the game for over 125 pitches. Tom Donovan's lazer beam home run to tie the game at 2. Corey Berndsen lining a game winning single to center field off reprobate Justin Pollnow. Ugly it was, but victorious we were.
Game two brought significantly less drama. Nick Kibler toed the rubber against many of his disciples, while the Sox dusted off one-time phenom and prospect, Kris Ragner, for mound duty. The results were predictable. Kibler put on a pitching clinic while Ragner struggled with his command all night. The Nats jumped to an early 4-0 lead and cruised to an 11-3 victory. Kibler earned his second victory of the young season with 5 strong innings. Tim Ustruck mopped up the final two. Of note: Corey Berndsen reported triumphantly to all in attendance that his Nationals hitting streak was extended with a late inning "judy" to center field. Unable to contain himself, Corey broadcast his accomplishment while running to first base in the sixth inning. It should be noted that the same undercover County Sheriff who, earlier in the day, encouraged me strongly to move my van was in attendance, taking notes. Corey violated the county's 10PM loudspeaker curfew and can expect a fine any day now.
The Nats get a break in the schedule, next playing Saturday versus the first place Kiwanis at Zirkel Field. Tickets are still available. Government cheese will given away to the first 20 kids under the age of 16. Adults in attendance will be eligible for the raffle of a life size, Jason Koconis blow up doll with tea bag mouth. Enter early and often.
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