The Old Reds kicked off the fall 2014 campaign at Colonial High School for the first league game ever, against the host Mets. The result was a 10-10 tie after 9 inning, which was better than a loss to be sure, but so much less than the victory they should have had. Steve Haugh pitched valiantly, allowing only 1 earned run over 8 innings, but the defense kicked the ball around 8 times, leading to 8 unearned runs. But the offense tallied 13 hits, including multi-hit games by Jose Taveras, Haugh and newcomer Jose Arroyo. The OR's were down 5 going into the 7th, but scored 6 times in the next 2 innings, capped by Jim Stearns clutch two out game tying double. We even took the lead going to the bottom of the 9th, but the scrappy Mets clawed out the tying run, and Jose Taveras stranded the winning run to end the game.

Hopefully the defense will improve, aided by an infield practice round before the game, and the continued tweaking of the defense. The sticks were in fine form, and the pitching couldn't have been better. The Padres are next, and they have been a powerhouse for some years now. Game time is at 9 AM at South Orange, I would love to see everyone there warmed up and ready to go for IF at 8:30.