West Allis NATIONALS Baseball

On a day where the Nationals needed innings from anyone and everyone who could contribute they were helped by a strong pitching performance by Curt Pryal, Steve Elliot (yes, Steve Elliot) and Johnny Arnold. The problem wasn't the pitching, again it was the bats! Chalk it up to being rusty or not, soft tossing lefty Jordan Bischel for the Bandits, who relied on pitching below the radar and mixing speeds had his way. For some reason the Nats never really mounted a big offensive attack on this day, dropping a tough 4-2 decision at the hand of Manitowoc. The only offense on the day came when C Jared Stengal doubled with 2 outs in the 6th inning. 1B Tom Donovan then doubled to drive in Stengal, which was followed by a third consecutive double by LF Alex Franson. This made it 3-2 Bandits but the Nationals could never get any closer, only giving up 1 more run and spinning their wheels in almost every situation with runners on base. The offensive output was lead by Donovan who went 3-4 with a double and rbi. Multiple H: Donovan 3 No Multiple RBI Record 1-3 Next up: May 30th vs. McGuires Cats ***Steve Elliot on the hill??***

Fresh off their Frank Langsdorf League Championship the Nationals played the defending Wisconsin State League champion Menasha Macs and lost 4-1 in the 2006 season opener. To put it shortly, they left their bats in the cars. Starting pitcher Cal Stanke (UW-Oshkosh) made quick work of the Nats with a fastball in the mid 80's and a good breaking slurve. He carved up National hitters to the tune of 13 strikeouts in 7 innings. Wasted in the effort was a strong pitching performance from southpaw Johnny Arnold who had 10 strikeouts. The team didn't help much by making 4 errors in the field and could only muster a minimal attack on offense. Newcomer Mike Kenseth (UW-Whitewater) had 2 hits to lead the way. Hopefully they can shake off the rust in a 3 game weekend series in Maniotwoc. Record 0-1 Next up: Saturday May 20, 2006: Manitowoc Bandits DH

Nationals Weekend Update:

Next year it will be baseball.

This year, rain changed the game plan.   Bowling it was....or wasn't - depending on your point of view.    Old Timers 9   Young Bucks 0.

The young bucks and their 8 pound balls were no match for the men with big ball bags.   It was evident early that it would be a case of "when" not  "if."

Alex Franson gamely tried to rally his troops after they had fallen behind 6-0.    Drinks were on the line at this point and old guys are very skilled in that arena.

The young bucks restructured their lineups and enacted a strategic deficit plan.   (They also began digging in their pockets to see if, collectively, they had enough money to pay the bowling fees for the group.)   They failed with the former, but succeeded with the latter.

Again, the Old Timers swept the young bucks.   Now they had to ante up for cocktails.   

It wasn't until roughly 5:43pm that the young bucks tasted victory.   Corey Berndsen came through in a derivative game of quarters and the losing streak was ended.  Later in the evening, Corey led the youngsters to victories in "hockey," but by that time the Old Timers had cleared their bench.

Injury Report:  

Herkowski:   Rash developed after a shot of schnapps or some other fruity liqueur.

Berndsen (Turnbow):   Feelings were hurt when it was suggested the bowling wager should be a shaving of his head.

Hluchnik:   Nose lacerated after attempting a radical quarters maneuver.

Longhenry:   Grounded for getting home late.   Will be examined by the team physician today.  Could be in for the year.    Address available upon request.

Elliott:   Strained liver.   Day-to-day.   Expected to be in the lineup Sunday.

Kenseth:    Lost innocence.    Officially a National now.   Parents have asked him to find alternative living arrangements.

Haynes:  Bruised ego.   Emily, the bleach blonde bartender, was not to be had.    Kellen's current girlfriend a bit disappointed.   Trade fell through.

Meyer:  Knee 100% and at playing weight of 170.   Moved 8000 lbs. of beef to prepare for the event but burst a bursa sack in his elbow on his second roll.   Played through the pain.   The rallying cry of "Win it for the meat man" inspired the Old Timers

Who:    All Current and Former Nationals

What:   4th Annual Old Timers' Game

Where: Zirkel Field at McCarty Park in West Allis

When:  Saturday May 13.   BP at 12:00 ;   First Pitch at 1:00

Why:    Because the Defending Langsdorf League Champs need to meet their Daddies.

Register Now! MILK has been banned in the aftermath of Brad Penny's bet with a clubhouse attendant. The Nationals do not endorse the abuse of MILK or any other MILK byproduct.