Beaver Times 2009 Edition 9 - Playoffs

It was a singles party.

Both for the Beavers and for the Dogs In A Bathtub. The Beavers brought out the entire roster for this game, first time this has happened in some time. The extra players kept the bench full (and lively).

Beavers having the higher seed got the HOME designation for the game and took the field first. Dogs in a Bathtub started things off with several singles up the middle scattered between their outs. A single to center drove home their first run. More than likely the run could have been avoided with some louder infield help as there was plenty of time to gun the runner out at the dish. But the Beavers, confident they can score more than one run, opted to keep the other runners at their bases and allowed the run to score unchallenged.

In the bottom of the first the Beavers used most of the 10 bats that we have accumulated throughout the season and all 13 Beavers took their swings with their favorite bat. Belle singled to lead off the game (his 6th consecutive single over 3 games). Rake took advantage of the left centerfielder abandoning his position to play a short-centerfield and lined a triple into the vacancy. Kid singled in Rake, Mobilly later singled as did Dupper, Rage, Sonoma, PT and Jake. The inning came to a close with Jimmy-D sharply grounding out to thirdbase. Eight runs had crossed the plate with 8 singles, a triple and an error. 8-1 after one inning.

PT shut down the Dogs in the second inning with the help of some strong infield play on the left side. The Beavers brought up the top of the line up again and Belle singled again (7 in a row). Rake legged out a force out and Big John, Sabo all Dupper singled scoring another 4 runs.

In the third the Dogs scratched out a couple singles of their own, nothing really getting through the infield or alluding the outfield, just well placed hits over short and second. They scored one of their own. In the 3rd the Beavers answered with one of their own. An RBI triple by Jake scoring Sonoma who was standing on first after his second single. After three innings the Beavers were up 13-2.

Over the first couple of innings Beavers traded in and out of the fielding. Mobilly starting on the bench, but going into first in the second and then to the outfield for the 3rd and 4th innings. Big John starting out as the catcher, to be spelled by Sonoma behind the dish later in the game. Jake starting on the bench, but sliding into secondbase to alternate with Rage. Everyone was getting into the game.

Big John happened to ask the umpire what he knew about the name Dogs in a Bathtub. I will let the Urban Dictionary define it, similarly to how Big John informed the Beavers. (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=dog%20in%20the%20bathtub)
Funny, but almost too obscure. None of us knew what it was...which might be a good thing.

The umpire was our old friend "Mr. Infield Fly". Right on cue, in the first inning with runners on 1st and 2nd for the Dogs, he yells out "infield fly is in effect". I tell ya, he never misses announcing that potential. Always entertaining.

Back to the action...well, really the reason I stepped away from the action was because it was all but over. The Beavers score none in the 4th and Dogs went down without a run in the top of the 5th. The Dogs were threatening in the 5th, but a sharp grounder to Sabo's left was snared by his glove on a diving play and a force out at second (that was a very close call) ended any threat. Mr. Infield Fly called the game by the mercy rule of 10 run lead after 5 innings. Beavers had won game one of the playoffs.

Following the game the Beavers attempted to put a dent in the 2+ cases of beer that Rage brought. A fine potpourri of Stag, Beast Light, Bud Select and Busch. I would venture a guess that he went home with more Stag and Beast than anything else...but the Beavers do like their crappy beer...

Beaver of the game is a tough call. 15 singles were spread out well over the lineup. But the nod has to go to Belle who in the 4th extended his singles streak to 8 straight ABs. He was the lead off hitter in the two innings that produced 12 runs in total. It's good to have our leadoff hitter hot...finally.

Next game is Aug 5th on the same field at 7pm. The playoffs continue with the Beavers facing the winning of the #3 vs #6 game played this week. If (when) the Beavers win, they will play immediately following that game for the championship.

Plenty of good seats still available for this playoff series. Bring a cold one and join us at Shaw park.