We came out of the blocks like a jet by scoring early and shutting them down (or at least holding them). As the game went along we continued to score each inning. However, as is usual, our defense had a little trouble making the outs. Beautiful stops by Mark at shortstop, showing great range about the field, followed by awful throws. The team put Joe at first base to provide a big target for Mark's throws...to no avail. It's obvious that Mark needs a seven-foot first baseman. At least one Turkey was concerned that Mark was channeling Dave H. in this game. In the outfield, Jon continues to be the aggressive player. He made several aggressive plays to make outs, only to be just a few inches short. Mike, from center field, was there to back him up, so the efforts were worth the gamble. Nothing gained, nothing lossed. Most of the Monkey hits were the typical "hit 'em where they ain't" balls. Melissa has started to get involved in defense by moving towards the ball when hit, having just missed by inches stopping a screaming grounder up the middle. And once again, Gerardo has stolen the show by not only making a great inning stopper by stopping the hot ball back to third and making the great throw to first, but then hit safely at critical moments.

The debate over pizza at Round Table after the game was who earned "Turkey of the Week". Mark or Gerardo. Mark hit 3-for-3 with a home run and a triple (which was a very long ball way over the defense that ended up in the street and called back for a "ground rule triple"). Unfortunately, while making great stops at shortstop, Mark was fairly consistent with his throws to first...which were just in the vicinity of first, resulting in an extra base for the batter. Gerardo's efforts were more consistent and occurred at critical points in the game. Ultimately, Sam conferred the honor on Gerardo. Better luck next time Mark.

As the game progressed, even though the batting was working, the Monkeys ended up tying the game, and then pulling two runs ahead. In the seventh and final inning, the Turkeys came up just short of scoring the winning runs. Hannah left immediately afterwards to play in a soccer match (ain't she a sport), and Mark headed off to snag tables for dinner.

Another loss. The warmth of the early evening was changing to a cooler breeze. And the mood, while subdued by the loss, suddenly improved when faced with the prospect of warm pizza, cold beer, icy soda, and a good time to be had at Round Table. Fourteen of us showed up to a nearly empty restaurant. Once again Mark, Sam, Mike and Melissa shut them down around 10:00 PM. There may even have been time for Hannah to get back from her soccer match to enjoy a slice and a mug.

Go check out the pictures of the game. No...Mark is not bitter about having a long beautiful shot that made the street being called back for a triple.

The line score