Right Back Where We Started From

The Empty Pitchers returned to the Coleman Oval on a muggy Sunday, splitting the first doubleheader of the season against the rather unimaginatively-named New York Dirt Dogs. By virtue of having one less loss, the Dirt Dogs finished just ahead of the Pitchers during the 2007 regular season.

Speaking of which, the Pitchers picked up right back where they left off last season, dropping the first game via the Mercy Rule, 14-2. After giving up 8 unearned runs in the top of the first, the Pitchers were able to get back a couple of runs in the bottom of the inning. Rookie Felix drove in Damian, and Nicole returning to her Summer of '06 form, drawing a walk to push Matt across the plate. Offensive highlights were few and far between from there, as the Pitchers were held to only six hits.

On the bright side, the team did hang in for another five innings, taking advantage of the opportunity to socialize a bit, learn one another's names, figure out who the Craigslisters were, and, all the while, avoid repeating the defensive foibles of the first.

In the second game, the Pitchers pulled it together, triumphing 3-2 in a non-beer-related pitchers' duel. The Pitchers had what passed for a big offensive inning in the third, scoring all three of their runs and as they continued to shake the rust off their collective bats. The first three batters of that inning -- David, Damian and Brian -- all reached base, with Rachel, Alicia and Greg each delivering solid swings to drive runners in. Matt also began the defense of his 2007 team batting crown, going an intimidating 3-for-3 on the day.

As dusk closed in on the corner of Market and Monroe streets, the Pitchers had to hold on to the lead to get the win, blanking the Dirt Dogs over the final five innings. Brian had a key put-out in the bottom of the fourth, gunning down a runner at second from the outfield; bum leg and all, Jason showed no qualms about dirtying his brand-new shirt; and David pitched a strong game with some nice defensive stops of his own to seal the win for the Pitchers.



Next game: Sunday, Sept. 21. The Empty Pitchers take on the Remainders at the Coleman Oval. Plan to be at the field by 2:15 p.m.