Wiffle Walk

On a day that saw several season debuts, and Zach hit for the cycle in his first four ABs of the season, the 8-0 final score may seem an afterthought. In truth this was a tight 3-0 ballgame until late, and the pivotal moment came in the Bottom of the 7th inning.

With a precarious 3-0 lead, a runner on and Jeff at the plate, pitcher Matt (Stats) faced a critical juncture in his mound outing for the day. Bear in mind that in his first turn on the bump he struck out zero. All five hitters he faced put the ball in play - he was not missing bats. Not much swing and miss in his stuff anymore. Three were fly outs to sure-handed fielders and two were hits. One of those hits was a screaming double by Jeff that probably dented the brick over the doorway to Smith in right field.

Matt took a deep, calming, breath. And promptly hit the left backboard for an intentional walk. 

That's what they call Wiffle Savvy. Guile. It did bring the tying run to the plate, but as you already know from the first paragraph, the visitors allowed no runs on the day. So the gambit paid dividends and Andy, Matt, Zach and rookie Brad all got extra orange wedges and juice boxes, post-game. Juicy-Juice never tasted soooo sweeeet.

Jeff's walk was the fourth walk surrendered this season in just two games. So maybe this is the new shift?

Andy, Matt, Zach, Brad - 8 runs, 17 hits

Hansoo, Jeff, Jim, Pete, Tom - 0 runs, 7 hits, 2 walks

HR: Matt (1); Zach (1); Brad (1)