Tears Taint Loss to Cardinals

Last night, the D-Boys took on a mighty opponent, the Cardinals, and waged a noble battle.

However, when I texted the league commish at the end of the night, it said "10-7 Cards."

Damnit.

It was a great, great game with many highlights. "El Scaredo gatto" who is frightened of everything, caught a hard line drive in left field. "I am Nick Last-Name-Here!" caught a towering fly ball at first base that he had to back up for.

But the greatest of all was the one girl on our team, Lily, having the break-out game I knew was coming. She had two singles! Both hard line drives up the middle that passed the pitchers mound in the air, fell hard to the infield and rolled through the lame attempts of the infielders to make a play.

One of the hits gave her and RBI.

And on the basepaths you ask? I'll tell you.

She scored...
...by sliding under the catcher's tag! It was awesome!

Usually Lily gets pulled after starting the game, but after she got that first hit, there was no way I was taking her out. Turned out to be a good decision.

So what--on a day when the bats were hot and the defense was working--did the D-Boys in?

The tears of a clown, that's what.

Our starting pitcher hurled 3 scorless innings, but requested to only pitch 3 so he could be eligible to pitch for his school team. Since D.G. was tending to business, I was at the helm. The kid is soul-less and scares the hell out of both D.G. and I, so I agreed. Our relief pitcher threw a scoreless 4th, but then the wheels came off and I had to yank him and do the unthinkable.

I had to put in the throwing Slap-Nut Brother. Long story short, the D-Boys came into the top of the sixth with a two run lead. Slap-Nut walked a batter, made faces and pouted at the ump, and the ump responded by squeezing him.

Slap-Nut responded by crying.

And by giving up the lead through walks and hits--both batter hitting the ball and batter being hit by ball.

I had to got to the mound twice and be supportive. I really wanted to join those who were chuckling at him...which now included the umpire when he said "Um, (chuckle)better go check on your closer (chuckle)."

For those keeping score at home, this is the second time this kid has cried on the mound.

Although the rest of the D-Boys fought valiantly at the plate, we came up short.

I was really proud of their effort and teamwork. I was very happy with the game.

But it's always tough to lose a game not through team effort or heart or ability, but by mental toughness. We had that game. We didn't walk away with the win, but the Cardinals' coach congratulated me on a great game and a great team.

My heart broke for the D-Boys.

But I didn't cry.

I ain't no Slap-Nut.