It was a long time coming this spring, but the Old Reds finally won for the first time in 2013. Things looked bleak until a 10-run explosion in the 8th propelled our heroes to a 14-7 win over the Tigers. The Player of the Game had to be veteran Steve Haugh, making his long-awaited return from Hardknox purgatory. Not only did he throw a complete game, he drove in six runs, highlighted by the first Grand Slam in team history. Most importantly, the defense went errorless, and although the Tigers are a strong hitting club, the lack of extra chances was the difference in this one.

Other highlights included a strong debut by rookie Craig Feeney, who looks like a great candidate to fill that gaping hole in Center left by Fidel Garcia's moving to short to fill that chasm. Craig had a couple of hits, including a hustle double that was impressive. He also made a couple of good grabs in the OF. Fidel played a great game at short and drove in a run. Tim Albertson drove in a couple of runs with 3 hits, Lino Rivera played through a strained groin, but had a hit and a pair of walks, and managed to peg out a runner at third from deep left, at least as deep as Bear Creek can manage. Rob Davis had a couple of hits, and coupld have had four with a little luck. He also made a nice tumbling catch in right. I thought Ken Davis set the big inning up with an unselfish sacrifice bunt attempt that turned into gold when the ball was thrown away. He also had a double and a walk, and made a couple of good plays at third. Of course, he also pinch ran for Eddie in the first and inexplicably tried to make something happen by stealing second, but I love this guy's attitude! Finally John Kovalick caught the whole game, drove in what proved to be the winning run, and kept playing after taking a Tiger backswing off the elbow. Now that's a ballplayer!

Next game is Sunday, April 14 at Clermont Bishop at 12:30 PM. We get the Blazers on the 2nd game of their DH, so it would be great to think about a couple of wins in a row! In two weeks we have the first doubleheader of the year, so try and make arrangements to be there, we will need all hands! Great win boys!