Fresh off a three game winning streak, and fueled by a pre-game happy hour, TRx took on the formidable Liberty team last night. With alcohol coursing through their veins, TRx came out fired up, despite Coach Berardi's lack of inspirational skill or ability to get the team to listen to him. Berardi had a personal stake in this game, as one of the opposing players was the very same person that B-RAD berated via email many times throughout the season due to fix being in for TRx's only tie on the season, and their heart-breaking loss due to time constraints.
TRx was blessed with the presence of another Legrand at the game, as Tom (aka Steve) came out to fill in for a missing Orr-Piece. While obviously not equal to the natural physique of GLG, he showed the poise of a veteran, with a fielding ability vastly superior to Berardi. In fact, one of the highlights in the outfield occurred on a long fly ball to left center. Berardi's elf eyesight must have been playing tricks on him, and he yelled "BACK BACK BACK" to Tom, despite the fact that TL did not have to move at all... either that, or he got scared and was yelling at a fly that was buzzing around his tiny little elf-head.
Once underway, TRx jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, as Berardi actually ran the bases well, did his patented elf spin while calling himself safe at first, and actually got to score instead of getting thrown out at third. Knowing this was a key game with potential playoff implications, TRx went with Young Johnson on the mound, as they placed more faith in the 2-legged pitcher instead of Tripod. Before the game, a nervous Johnson was seen taking a long walk through the woods, utilizing the Pudge Rodriguez technique and urinating on his hands to better prepare himself for the trials that lay ahead. With the defense behind him playing stellar ball, JR shut down Liberty in the first inning.
Unfortunately, the two runs TRx scored in the first would be their last. Once one of their strengths, the top of the order with the likes of "Natural Physique" Greg from Finance, and Hit Queen Chris Golden batting in the power positions, TRx failed to knock in any more runners. With Liberty throwing their rambunctious ace at the mound, the top of the TRx order could only muster the occasional hit, as each of the first six batters only had one hit on the day. Berardi was clearly intimidated, as much like everyone else, Liberty showed him no respect at bat, with the pitcher verbally abusing him for not being inside the batters box. The bottom of the order tried to pick the rest of the team up, with "Tripod" Blin and KB going a combined 5-6, and putting 2 runners on with 0 outs in consecutive innings, but B-RAD and GLG could not come through in the clutch.
Remington continued to put forth a stellar performance on the mound, with the defense playing error-free ball behind him. Manny showed off his range in left, with a lengthy run and catch, as he fell to his knees, both in prayer, and because his cigarette-addled lungs were burning from the long run. Showing the running acumen of Berardi, the player from Liberty who was on second base decided to doubt the arm of Manuel, and took off for third in an attempt to tag up, but left earlier than Berardi usually does from work. Despite the adamant requests for an appeal on the early departure, and the umpire admitting that the man probably left early, he was called safe. Apparently, the ump was still mad at Ana for breaking up with him before the game and ending their torrid love affair. With such a heavy heart, the umpire blew the next call as well, calling the runner safe at first despite Golden's adept fielding, and the quick glove of Buonocore. Unfortunately this allowed Liberty to score 2 BS runs, which proved to be the difference in the game.
After that, Remington continued to dominate their hitters, aided by an awe-inspiring 6-3-5 double play, as GLG fielded a hard-hit ground ball at short, looked the runner back to second before gunning it to first, and Buonocore showing off his amazing arm (not as amazing as Greg, since he doesn't go to the gym), to nail the runner at third. In other news, a certain female fan requested mention of a certain big-headed shortstops prowess (on defense) and clutch performance (at bat) from the previous game. And surprisingly, that certain female was not Remington... GLG should consider giving that lucky fan a souvenir of some sorts...
Alas, the game ended without excitement, as TRx fell by a final score of 4-2; most of the blame for such disappointment is placed squarely on coach Berardi, as he was once again unable to motivate the team in the face of adversity. Thanks to team super-fan Dana, and Matt Luby for coming out to support the team (or at least use them as an excuse for the pre/post game happy hours). They are truly dedicated fans, which is why they spent most of the time at happy hour and didn't get to the game until the 4th inning... but under the circumstances, I would have done the same thing.
Next game is 7/12.
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