It's Not That Sirius

It was another gorgeous late summer evening as the 'Cats took the field against the Wild Cards of SXM Radio. Not to be intimidated by the undefeated record of their opponents, the Wild Cards brought a spirited cheering section (read: two 8 year-olds) who conveniently started their chants as DangerCat batters were in the middle of their swing. Good thing this isn't golf.

After some small ball generated a couple of runs (triple, sac fly, triple, single) in the top half of the first, SXM came up and hit the ball hard, quickly racking up 4 runs to take the lead going into the second inning. True to our slow starting form, however, the good guys promptly mercied two of the next three innings while playing soul-crushing shut down defense to break the spirit of the Wild Cards and their eight year-olds. This game was effectively over after 4 innings, and literally over after 6, as the Wild Cards called uncle. Full credit where it's due, though: they were a fun bunch who laughed and joked the whole game, despite the lopsided score. Kudos, SXM.

Some honourable mentions: Amazing defensive work by Jenn and Wexler at second base, snagging a hot grounder and a looping pop up, respectively. They both hit the ball hard and got on base several times. Pugsley was on fire at the plate, hammering the ball several times including a bullet line drive that was destined to crack my sternum on the mound. Luckily, I pulled a full Neo (complete with keanu Reeves-esque flailing arms) to avoid the rocket up the middle. Other good defensive plays included a double play by Brendan, snaring a line drive then one-hopping it to first which was scooped by Terp to end the inning. Terp, playing SS for an inning, also leaped to snare a hot liner that was destined for the gap.

I think pretty much every dude but me hit a home run, with the possible exception of Prime (though I seem to remember him crushing one in the fifth or sixth and, as we were up by a few, taking his time around the bases for a triple... or something). Binstock recovered from an early fly-out to smash one over the head of their center fielder, followed quickly by Mike who followed suit to right to mercy in the second. We then had a three HR inning in the fourth, started off by Edwards who sliced a line drive that carried way out for a solo shot. Brendan then crushed one to the gap in left, turning on the afterburners to fly around the bases. Dave then showed a little of the Terpstra of yesteryear, blasting a bomb to straightaway centre over the heads of their outfielders who, finally, had moved back. Not far enough, obviously. 

Great game, 'Cats. A few of us will be getting together in Christie Pits to hit/field some balls and drink some beers on holiday Monday afternoon. Come by and take a few swings. Our next game is on Wednesday at Riverdale West (the wet one) against the formidable Big League Chews. Let's get the win and cap off an unreal season at a pub afterward.