WEEK 5

A rumble in the rain forest?

Leave it to league quote master Rafael Olmeda to accurate label Sunday’s classic in the
rain, even if Olmeda’s team, AFDI, fell to We B Zellin’12-9 in extra innings.

“This was the rumble in the rainforest. It also was the best game I’ve ever played in,” Olmeda said.

The game was part of a crazy morning that started sunny, but quickly turned wet. Each of the 9 a.m. games endured rain delays and the 10 a.m. games were postponed. The 9 a.m. game on Field 4 was called for good with the game already official with Jaded leading the Boss Players 3-2 and Jaded batting in the bottom of the sixth.

But Field 3, site of the Zellin’-AFDI matchup seemed to hold the rainwater better, and the game was completed.

Zellin' jumped out to their best first inning of the season, scoring five in the inning. But AFDI fought back.

AFDI tied the score 8-8 in the sixth inning, then both teams were scoreless in the seventh.

Zellin’ was powered by the pitching of Chauncey Mabe and solid infield and outfield defense. Offensively, rookie catcher Michelle Johnson had three hits, as did Philip Mullins, David Torres and coach Robert Smith, who had two homers and a triple.

After the game, Real McCoys outfielder Reggie Hawkins taunted Smith. “Yo! Robert! You ain’t making the playoffs, dog! You ain’t even making the playoffs!”

Careful, Reggie, Smith’s 3-3 squad might be the proverbial fox in the henhouse. Smith constantly downplays his team chances, but his Saturday practices have the intensity of a jostled hornets’ nest. And there are unconfirmed reports around town that Smith already is planning his team’s victory party.

Stay tuned.

With no female players, the leadoff hitter a late scratch, and two other players arriving after the game started, there was confusion in the Jaded dugout. Using nine players, by rule, in the field, Jaded used five different right fielders in six innings. In addition, Steve D’Oliveira played four positions: right field, first base, second base and third base. Coach Ed Giuliotti, Justin Abrotsky, the venerable George Wilson and Ryan McNeill each played three positions.

Week 5 Continued...