Singapore Rats

In the final tune up for the Manila tourney the Brewerkz River Rats played a pair versus our arch-rivals, the Guzzlers.  Now, these Guzzlers are not the same team as the Guzzlers that frequents the various international tourneys, but there was, to be sure, significant guzzling potential and action involved.

No matter.  Despite Coach Mumbles’ physical presence in Singapore, the coaching duties once again fell the unfortunate soul who neglected to step backwards when the request for volunteers went out.

Game One started as so many recent contests have, which is to say crappily.  Once again the Rats eschewed crossing the plate for the first 3 innings, while the Guzzlers scored thrice in the first four innings.  And with the first two batters quickly retired, the Rats’ fourth appeared to be headed in the same direction.  But, three straight hits, capped by Silverback’s double saw the Rats gain the scoreboard.  Naturally, this success was short-lived because Brian Porter k’d with runners on 2nd and 3rd to end the inning.

Actually, Brian was something of a trend setter for the slow-learner Rats, as the team left runners in scoring position in every subsequent inning, too.  But we are getting ahead of ourselves here.

Having finally achieved a positive result and closed the gap to 3-1, the Rats immediately surrendered 2 runs in the top of the 5th.  The Rats answered with another run in the bottom of the inning, but left the bases loaded courtesy of the top of the order.  (Thanks guys!)

After holding our satan-loving opponents scoreless, the Rats tied the game in the 6th to set up a thrilling sudden death, winner-takes-all-the-marbles 7th inning.

Continued strong pitching from Phun Phil kept the Guzzlers from scoring, putting the Rats in the drivers’ seat.  And, after the Guzzlers’ pitcher loaded the bases with a pair of two-out walks, Chip-‘n-Dale stepped into the box.  Now, Mr. ‘N-Dale was 2 for 3 in the cleanup spot to this point, and the pitcher had not managed to throw a strike to the preceding two batters.  Alas, much like his recent choice of smoking venue, Chip-‘n-Dale’s decision-making left a tad to be desired, as he swung at the first pitch and flew out weakly to end the inning, stranding the hapless James Stanczak on third.

Extra innings are a bit of a rarity with the Rats so those of you who do not recall the specifics we will provide a quickie rule review.  To promote scoring (e.g. to get the hell on with it), each team starts with a runner on second base.   

To start the 8th inning, the Guzzlers quickly scored twice, putting the Rats in jeopardy of losing for the first time this decade.  But, with 1 out, pinch hitting Trot Wahba stroked a ball off the fence in right to knock in a run.  And, with a mis-play in right and a subsequent over-throw, Trot was able to score as well, tying the game.  But, despite getting Master Porter as far as second base, the Rats once again could not get the one last hit to end the game.

So we headed to the 9th inning.  Strong defense and pitching kept the Guzzlers off the board.  Needing but a solitary run, with the lithe and zippy form of Sport Playa Lafferandre ready on second base, Phat punched a single, but Senior Sport Playa was held at third.  Then, the hulking frame of The Beast Hufschmid filled the batter’s box.  The Beast delivered a solid single to right, and Sport Playa scampered home to secure the Rats’ 9-inning victory by a score of 8-7.

So, despite batting .381 as a team, despite the 1-3 batters going a collective one-for-ten, and despite leaving runners in scoring position for the last four innings, the Rats managed to eke out a win.  Just like we planned it out, pre-game!

After a refreshing break, wherein the Rats held a deep and meaningful discussion about the concept of scoring in the first couple innings, the team took the field for Game Two.

The discussion must have worked, as the Rats jumped out to a 7-2 lead after two innings.  The big blow came off of Steve Davis’ bat, when he bashed a grand slam to dead center.  The Rats continued to pour it on, scoring runs in every inning en route to a final score of 16-4.

A special welcome to new Singapore arrival and River Rat newbie goes out to Joe Kardon.  Joe – you can demonstrate your undying love for all things ratty by buying us a round next time!

Top-Notch Ace Number One I Eat Bullets for Breakfast Hitters:

* Trot Wahba – 1 for 1, 1.000; 2 runs

* Steve Davis – 4 for 5, .800; granny; run

* Mark “Look for Me in Manila” Harris – 5 for 7, .714; 4 runs

Gritty I’ll Have a Raw T-Bone Steak for a Mid-Day Snack Hitters:

* Joe Kardon – 2 for 3, .667; 2 runs

* Chief – 3 for 5, .600; 2 BB; 2 runs

* Chip-‘n-Dale – 4 for 7, .571; 4 runs

Solid Dependable No Nonsense Gimme a Ham Sandwich for Lunch With Chipotle Aioli Hitters:

* PHat – 3 for 6, .500; BB; 2 runs

* The Beast - 3 for 6, .500

Arty-Farty Will-o-the-Wisp I’d Like An Evian With My Watercress Salad Hitters:

* Brian Porter – 3 for 7, .429; K; run

* Chad Garcia – 2 for 6, .333; BB; run

* James Stanczak – 1 for 3, .333; run

* Eric “I’ll Coach First Base Only if the Runners Will Remind Me How Many Outs There Are” Levy – 1 for 3, .333; run

* Sport Playa – 2 for 7, .286; GIDP; (highly opportune) run

Uhhh, You Guys Knew There Was a Game On, Right? Hitters:

* Collin Toh – 1 for 6, .167; run

* Phun Phil – 0 for 5, 2 BB; run