Barkin' Up The Wrong Tree.

Game # 15 - July 19th, 2023 (makeup game)

Hurtin' Units vs. The Dogcatchers.

Hurtin' Units lose 20-16

Team Record- 2-12-1

COVENTRY PARK - The weather for this game was comfortable, the temperature was in the mid-20s, and there was a strong breeze rustling the leaves on the trees at C #3. There was a sky full of clouds and earlier in the day there was a bit of rain, not enough to mess up the diamonds, actually, it probably made them better. For the second night in a row, we were at Coventry # 3 and I had been telling Peter all day it was guaranteed win night, we had gone 11 games without a win and, we were so due. The Units were the home team in this game. The scorekeeper was Kelly O.

At game time, the Units had 10 guys ready to take on the Dogcatchers for the second time this season. The Units were missing 4 guys tonight, Roman, Wayne, Les, and Ingo were all absent from the lineup. We picked up Jerry M and Franco B. as subs on the night. The last time we played the Dogcatchers we actually had a win, on May 16^th the Units defeated the Dogcatchers by a score of 18-12.

So here we find ourselves 15 games into the season and we sit in last place, it doesn't seem as bad as it looks, but something has to give and we need to get out of this slump. In the game against the Rebels, we played really well defensively and only gave up 10 runs, but as luck would have it, we only scored 8 runs. Considering where we sit in the standings, our plus/minus is really not that bad and a lot of our losses have been very close. I feel like the Rebel game was a breakout game, and this game may be the catalyst to getting us headed in the right direction.

Game Time: I mentioned that we were the home team, for the second night in a row. I don't think it helped!! In the top of the first inning, the Dogcatchers came out strong, 7 batters and 3 runs scored. In the bottom, the Units did something very rare and maybe for the first time this season, we scored a 7-run inning in the first. In the 2^nd inning, the Dogcatchers battled back and scored another 3 runs, the Units would score 2 more in the bottom, and after 2 complete the score was 9-6 for the Units.

We had a lead, really we had a lead and we were not playing from behind in a game. In the top of the 3^rd inning, that lead was short-lived, the Dogcatchers would score 5 runs. In the bottom, the Units would go down quickly, 5 batters up, 3 batters out, no runs. In the 4^th inning, the Dogcatchers would tack on another 2 runs, but the Unit's bats would come back out to play, the Units would put up another 5 runs, (a good sign for the team) and the score after 4 complete innings was 14-13 for the Units.

In the fifth inning, the Hurtin' Units' lead lasted about 3 minutes, the Dogcatchers came out like a house on fire, they would score 6 runs and take back the lead. CRAP!!!!! In the bottom, Tommy would lead off, coming around to score, Nick would do the same, we would leave the bases loaded and score only 2 runs. The 6^th inning was a clunker for both teams, we both sent 4 batters up and got 3 outs, no runs.

The 7^th inning was also a bit of a clunker, the Dogcatchers would score a single run, but the home team Units, would go down quickly. Pete would lead off and get out, Nick would also get out, Justin, and James would get on, Roddy would get out and there is your ball game. 20-16 for the Dogcatchers.

I have seen positives in this team this week. I know we continue to lose games, but our batting in this game was pretty good, it's been a while since we scored 16 runs. Justin's soccer skills are getting better ( little fun moment in this game where kicked the ball around a first base, 5 or 6 times, before the runner was safe), the defence in Tuesday's game was great, and Roman was a positive influence on the team, I went 5 for the first time in a long time, Roddy's shoe separated at the boot and sole (that's not a good thing, but it was a funny moment in this game) and overall there is a little more positive feel going down the stretch. Next week, get a couple of players back, but also are missing a key player, this has really been the story of our season. Units Unite!!

The Hurtin' Units' next game is Tuesday, July 25^th at Coventry # 1 at 8:15pm vs. The Tap Masters. Come join us for Roman Dasek Bobblehead night.