The second game of the NSB Cubs playoffs was crazy, to say the least. It was scheduled for Wednesday, June 7th at 6pm but the umpire never showed up. Eventually he was called and came in (he didn’t know or realize he was umping that night). So the game started 45 minutes late…

Cubs were the visiting team so they batted first. We got 3 runs and seemed be looking good. But then the Braves were up to bat and scored 14 runs in the inning! A combination of the pitcher having a tough time pitching (eventually had to be pulled for another pitcher), lots of errors, walks, drops, etc. It was pretty ugly. Sennet played catcher and didn’t do great, had a few mental errors, everybody seemed to be moving at half speed and not focused. Game seemed to be over almost before it began.

The next time the Cubs went up to bat they started to battle back. I think they got 5 or 6 runs back.

Troy pitched the next couple innings too and did well, but the Braves kept scoring runs. Then the Cubs started hitting better, and the pitching for the Braves fell apart and we had some good hits and A LOT of walks – walked in quite a few runs for us actually.

By this time it as the middle of the 4th inning and it was getting late. Braves were up 22-19.

Sennet pitched the bottom of the 4th and did very well. The first out was a grounder hit off to his side and he dived for the ball, knocked it down, picked it up, whirled and fired it to first to get the player out. Next out was a towering fly ball to centerfield and Logan made the catch. Last out was another big fly ball to right field that Wyatt had to sprint towards the line and just got his mitt on the ball to make the catch before it hit the ground. 3 up, 3 down.

As they began to get ready for the 5th inning it was decided to halt the game because it was getting too difficult to see now that it was dusk. Since the umpire was so late, it was decided to play the last two innings this Friday night.

So our playoff saga is to be continued… proud of how they battled back though. Easy to just say, “Well, game’s over…” and not try when you get shelled like that so early.

By the way, Sennet struck out and had two walks and scored two runs. Good patience at the plate, but still waiting for that big hit.

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So Friday night we all show back up at the field to finish the game. Score remains 22-19 but the Braves are up so if the Cubs don’t score at least 3 to tie in their first two times at bat (and keep the Braves from scoring) then the game is over.

Cubs are up first and it’s the top of our order. First two batters strike out. Next couple get on base and then it’s an easy fly out to the pitcher and we’re retired.

This is the playoffs and it’s win or go home. Cubs are behind, they can’t let any more runs score. They have the choice to put anyone on the whole team in at pitcher…

Sennet gets the call.

I think Stacie and I were more nervous than him, but very proud.

First batter gets a couple strikes and a ball and then tries a bunt but it goes foul. In this league a foul bunt with 2 strikes is an out (a fact none of us knew previously).

One out.

Next batter up fouls, gets two balls, swinging strike to go to 2 and 2. Strikes out swinging the next pitch but it’s a dropped third strike – meaning if the runner reaches first he’s safe. But Brooks, who was catching, calmly grabbed the ball and threw it to first base for the second out.

Third batter up bunts the first pitch and it drops between the pitcher and the catcher. Sennet runs and scoops it up and fires it to first.

3rd out, inning over. 3 up 3 down.

Sennet was up to bat first next inning. He watched the first pitch for a strike, then was pitched 3 balls (a couple that he had to take evasive action to not get hit), another strike, and then a fourth ball for a walk. Pitcher tried to pick him off at first to no avail, and then he promptly stole second. The throw was wild and he went to third.

Next batter flied out. Then another walk, another fly out, runner on first stole second. So it’s still Cubs down 3, runners at second and third, two outs, tying run at the plate.

Another fly out.

Game over.

Season over.

But the kids really battled back, just didn’t make it. Great season, really fun.