Challengers forfeit game in fourth due to injuries

With the regular-season title already in their pockets, and only nine players to play with, the Challengers tried to get over with the final game of the regular season as quickly and smooth as possible.

	Angelo Rodriguez suffered a cut lip and a broken skull in a wild collision at second base.

After Manny Marchant had to leave after the first game because of work, the Challengers' coach Andy Fleischacker had to insert himself into the lineup for the first time since May 11.

Missing their no. 1 and 2 pitchers and both catchers, the Challengers nevertheless started well and held a 3-1 lead after two innings against rookie starter Christoph Beyeler.

Starting for the Challengers was Harry Bregy for the first time since August 25, 2001. It was his first pitching appearance since June 1 when he pitched one perfect inning against the Zurich Barracudas.

He cruised through the first two innings, but quickly ran into trouble in the third as the Cards strung together four consecutive singles with one out, followed by two walks and yet another single to put them ahead 5-3.

That made the day for Bregy, and Patrick Zöllig appeared on the mound for the first time since April 21.

After Benny Lehmann laid down a one-out double in the fourth, Negro and Severin Fries followed with back-to-back singles to extend the Cards' lead to 6-3.

After Negro was caught stealing, Hänzi followed with a single that sent Fries to third base.

Hänzi then broke for second base on the next pitch by Zöllig. With Fries holding at third base, second baseman Chris Palatinus let the throw by catcher Jose Valdez go through in an attempt to nail the runner at second base.

But the throw was six feet off the bag and too low, pulling shortstop Angelo Rodriguez way over the first base side of the bag and directly into the path of the baserunner.

Rodriguez was focused to catch the ball, and runner Hänzi tried to take the bag at all cost, leading to a collision between the two.

It appeared that Hänzi's spikes and knee caught Rodriguez' face, completely knocking him down.

With blood all over his face from a cut lower lip, coach Fleichacker immediately forfeited the game, not wanting to risk any further damage.

An ambulance picked up Rodriguez, and first analysis at the hospital showed no severe damages.

The tragic news came only on Monday morning as Rodriguez' headaches hadn't disappear, and further intensive investigations led to the conclusion that multiple fractures had indeed damaged his skull.

Rodriguez is, of course, out for the season, and the team can only wish the very best for him en route to a quick and successful recovery.

Rodriguez, who played for the Cards' organization, was signed on July 11 by the Challengers.