Bandits 2, Challengers 14

Now the SECOND game...that was a MUCH more enjoyable. After Azuma retired the Bandits in order in the top of the first, the Challengers got to work on offense: Kurt Kovac led off with a walk and a steal, Sarmiento reached on an infield single, and both runners advanced on a passed ball. After de la Rosa walked to load the bases [side note: Juan's visceral disdain for being walked is just hilarious. He is literally annoyed at having been walked as opposed to getting a chance to swing. Personally, I'm thrilled with a walk, but maybe that's why he hits third and I don't], Lehmann followed with a 2-RBI double, sending de la Rosa to third. Azuma lined out to short for the first out, but Gordon walked to load the bases, and de la Rosa came around to score on a wild pitch, with the other runners also advancing. Consecutive strikeouts left 2 stranded in scoring position, but the C's had their first lead of the day at 3-0.

After another 1-2-3 inning in the second - highlighted by Lehmann's diving catch of a foul pop (who knew the old, whiny man could move like that?!), the C's picked up where they left off. Roger Burger was hit by a pitch and - after taking some time to show off his long flowing locks - finally made his way down to first. Then the key play of the game transpired: After striking out (apparently for only the second time all season), Kovac focused an angry glare out towards the mound. Immediately thereafter, the Bandits changed pitchers, making this the first recorded instance of intimidation-based substitution. After that, the rout was on: Sarmiento and de la Rosa walked to load the bases, which were cleared by Lehmann's triple to left (or single that the CF let bounce under his glove...depends on what scoring system you use), making it 6-0 Challengers. Lehmann scored on a wild pitch, Azuma walked, and Gordon advanced him with a single to left. Consecutive singles by Michel Romang and Gregory Zingg scored Azuma and Gordon, making it 8-0. After Romang stole third, Burger hit a fly to that dropped in front of the centerfielder, which allowed Romang to score, but Zingg was nonetheless forced out at second (the ball looked like it was going to be caught). One funny point to note: The scoring gives Burger a single and an RBI on play, and while the RBI is legit, I'm a bit confused as to how one can hit a single while simultaneously having the runner forced out at the next base...other than, you know, having your father being the official scorer! ;-) By the time the inning ended, Lehmann had driven in another 2 runs giving him 5 RBIs IN THE INNING, and the Challengers had a 14-0 lead.

And that was pretty much that. The Bandits managed to push two runs across, but still ended up getting mercied 14-2. One amusing aspect of the Challengers' 11 run inning was watching the Bandits CF suddenly begin limping, as if he'd hurt his calf or hamstring - after a ball that was hit to RIGHT field. As he grimaced and dramatically limped off the field - Vince Carter style - you could almost have been convinced that he was actually injured. Almost, that is, until he was seen running around a neighboring soccer field with his son. I'm sure that he's just a quick healer, and the implication that this particular player faked his way out of a game because his team was getting crushed is COMPLETELY without merit...yep.

With the Eagles sweeping the Hunters on Sunday, the Challengers are assured of making the playoffs for the 3rd consecutive year. If they sweep the Hunters in Thun this coming weekend, the C's will be the #2 seed, but without Azuma and Lehmann...both travelling abroad...it won't be an easy task.

by Alex Gordon