(Pickering, Ont) The PRFA season kicked off for the Shamrocks Monday Night. Their opening night opponent was the squad that ended their playoff run last season and the eventual 2009 Playoff Champs, DD4U.
Questions surrounded the Shammys as they enter the 2010 campaign. Mainly, how was this team going to handle the significant loss of the reigning PRFA MVP Rod Cormier the ace of their staff ,and reliable,slick fielding 1st baseman Dave Barros not coming back.
The Shamrocks were coming into this game, and this season with the same philosophy. Be aggressive at the plate and on the bases, and play solid smart fastball in the field. The team has actually implemented the “Toonie Tin” for strikeouts caught looking to help the aggressiveness at the plate.
The solid batting order of DD4U provided quite a challenge for the Shamrocks pitchers. Finding holes in the Shammys “D” and some well placed hits, DD4U jumped out to an early 4-0 after their 1st. swings. It was now time for the Shamrocks to answer back.
A lead off single by Cam Armstrong, followed by Chris Tercer’s double and finally an infield single by Tom Kelly and Shamrocks had loaded the bases with none out. Just like that the Shammys were poised to get right back into the game. But as quick as the rally started, it was just as quick being doused. Jason Yoshida came up large striking out the next 3 batters ending that threat.
“I hate to say it, but that was the turning point of the game” said Shammys skipper Cam Armstrong. “We had the chance to answer back right away and unfortunately came away empty. By no means was the game over, but when you look back at that missed opportunity, that hurt.”
DD4U continued to build on that early lead, seemingly on the verge of opening game “mercy” (up 8 after 5 innings) but the Shamrocks seem to muster just enough to continue the game. The final nail coming in the 6th inning as the Shammys finally succumbed to the mercy rule, 10-2 the Final.
“I like to think its just the first game, but we struck out waaaay too much tonight. 11 in total” added Armstrong after the game. “Ask Ted, he is being fitted for his “Golden Sombrero” right now.”
Weather pending, the Shamrocks will get another crack at getting their first win of the season Thursday night as they take on the perennial powerhouse, The Sting.
Notes:
Shamrocks now 1-4 in Season Openers
Shamrocks 6-2 wearing Green Uniforms last season (0-1 this year)
Shamrocks gave up 10+ runs once last season during regular season: July 21 vs DD4U (11-7)
“Toonie Tin” stands at $8 (contributions by: Craig E, Adam, Sarge, Jamie)
Ted Boggs 3 K’s in one Game (all swinging) was not done by any Shamrock last year
Chris Tercer SB in 6th inning – leads team
Tom Kelly leads in RBI (1)
- Not in Line-up: Marc Reynolds, Craig Sarson, Fred Fleming