What a ball game. In the Spring opener, the Old Reds faced off with the Phillies in Clermont. Both sides played very well, but after a 4 run 7th, the Phillies took a comfortable 8-4 lead into the bottom of the last inning. Mark Pacich drew a walk to lead off the inning and Eddie Rubiera had a base hit. But hope dimmed after a couple of pop ups, leaving the Phils with only one out to get and the big lead. But Vern Ramassar kept it going with an RBI knock, Tim Albertson drove in another with an infield hit, Rich Fuentes capped a perfect day at the plate with another base hit, and Dave Bagwell brought the OR's to within one with his second hit of the game. This set the stage for the game's MVP, Eric Echevarria, who came through in the clutch and ripped a walk off 2-run double to center to plate the tying and winning runs, and pandemonium reigned, as players and fans stormed the field, tearing up chunks of turf for souvenirs, ripping clothes from the backs of players, mass hysteria....Ok that last part is a stretch, but it was a great win, and bodes well for this revamped club going into their third year of existence,

Kudos to Dave Bagwell, who picked up a win in relief, and had 2 hits,Jose Arroyo threw three scoreless, rookie Ed Brady made some fine plays at the hot corner, the team defense was particularly strong, making a lone error on the day, and a balanced offense, led by Craig Feeney's 2-run double kept veteran Warren Hanson on the mound long enough to finally come back. Just a great win, and a fun day.

Next game is this Sunday, February 22, at Seminole High School at 10 AM, try and arrive as close to 9 as possible. 

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!