In what was an otherwise well played, exciting game between two evenly matched teams, the Pirates were edged out 6-5 on a highly controversial play at the plate with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, in a game that appeared all set to go into extra innings. With a runner on second with one out, a sacrifice bunt was laid down and the batter was thrown out at first. Matt Snyder threw a strike back to the plate to convincingly nail the runner from second who never stopped at third. The umpire, apparently a student of the 1972 Olympic Basketball videotapes, first pumped the runner out, then, in what seemed liked several seconds later, changed his mind and ruled the runner safe.

The Pirates played a fine game, as their own version of Murderer’s Row – George Piccirilli, Mike Snyder, and Matt Snyder continued to pound the ball all over the field, smacking key hits and virtually always coming up with clutch RBIs. Piccirilli had four rock solid hits, including a RBI double. Mike Snyder had two hits, including a two run RBI lined smash and Matt Snyder contributed two more hits and an RBI. Matt also continues to play excellent defense, twice making plays deep into the hole and accurately tossing to hustling pitchers for outs. Ian MacGeorge opened the scoring with an RBI single driving in the always on base Piccirilli. Foster Dunigan turned in a productive night, with a BB, a well executed bunt single, a stolen base, and a web gem in the 7th diving to his left at short, popping up and throwing a strike to first for a dramatic out. Also noteworthy was the fact that the Pirates mid-infielders, pitchers, and Mike McMenamin prevented any steals of third, few if any aggressive leads, and actually nailed a runner attempting to repeat Saturday’s base stealing results, nice work, defense.

Lost in the affair was another fine outing by Evan Scott. Scott had commanding stuff throughout the evening, striking out seven hitters and allowing only five hits and one run beside the bone chip bonus run in five and one third innings (he came out due to pitch count, he was still throwing gas, striking out the last hitter he faced). He deserved a better fate, but should be recognized for his performance.

On top of everything else, on the sad, mumbling, grumbling, trek home, Beltway traffic had lanes closed due to repaving and a deluge of rain came in from the West on I-66, causing drivers to look for, if not Noah himself, then at least Steve Carell. A fun time was had by all. Hey sports fans, let’s do it again – this Thursday at 7:00 pm at the comfortable confines of our PVI field. The Voice returns playing just the kind of soothing tunes we need and the snack bar will be open. Set me up for a couple of hot dogs and some Carney Pirates popcorn, I need it!