“Rock Dogs” – SweatSox vs Panthers II Recap

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Riding an unprecedented two game unbeaten steak in Tier 1, your Stittsville SweatSox took on the Nitabeer Panthers last Friday at the Nepean Sportsplex.  Making his first start since leading the SweatSox to a historic victory the week before was the leader in the clubhouse on Craig Cornell’s Dorion ballot: Josh Ramage.

Against Panthers starter Allan Martinez, the SweatSox scored twice in the opening frame: a Chris Lidstone single scoring Eric White, and a Kent Johnston fielders choice scoring Chris Lidstone.  It was the 5th straight game the SweatSox scored in the 1st inning, for whatever that’s worth.  The Panthers weren’t phased in the least, and took the lead in the 2nd inning after scoring 3 runs on 2 hits and a couple of ‘questionable’ errors.

Amazingly, the SweatSox took the lead back in the third all because of my (I, Shaun Keay) bases clearing three-run double (that’s right, double).  Those 3RBI’s vaulted me into a tie for the all-time SweatSox RBI lead with Cory Bond, who couldn’t do anything about it now that’s he’s on the DL.

After scoring another run in the 4th off Steve Smith (aka the Mariano Rivera of the Panthers), the SweatSox held a 6-3 lead heading into the bottom of the 6th inning, an unforgiving inning for the SweatSox against the Panthers.  In the first SweatSox-Panthers matchup, the Panthers scored 10 in the 6th.  This time wasn’t as impressive as they only scored 7 runs, but it was more than enough for Smith to carry his team to victory.  The SweatSox unbeaten streak ends at U2, we’re now winless in WL2.

The Après Baseball Hyjinx began with a BBQ feast thanks in part to Eric White (food/beer/Gatorade), Craig Cornell (beer), Mark Bond (crap), Chris Lidstone (BBQ), Cory Bond (nuts) and I, Shaun Keay (propane); the night ended with a contest to see how many rock dogs could be thrown into Liddy’s RoadConeMobile; and sandwiched in between was the Great Hot Dog War of 2016.  There were no winners there, especially KJ’s behind:

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Final SweatSox vs Panthers II Notes/Thoughts:

  • When the Panthers are the home team, they take the 3rd base dugout; or else.
  • There was a very shady handoff between Craig Cornell and a member of the Big Rig Capitals.
  • SweatSox starters have gone 3 straight games without a loss.
  • Kent Johnston, a BP guru, was one of many who got veggie-dogged.
  • With just 1 game left in the SweatSox-Panthers series, Groves vs Smith has to be the pitching matchup in the finale.
  • Garage Karate is a thing.
  • Greco Fitness recommends intercourse twice a week for him, and an extra one for her.
  • “When he has a bad game, she gets a good bang.”
  • You know what’s better than Viagra?  Popping out a few times.
  • R.I.P. G-Baby.
  • Kent Johnston hit Craig Cornell in the face with a bun, which we later found out was on purpose.
  • A tong is an organization of Chinese people.
  • David MacLennan (Misfits) and the home plate umpire are both big fans of the site.
  • Craig Cornell made 2* errors, got a bun to the face, and left half a beer behind.
  • Chris Lidstone sings Drake while he soaps in the shower. #onedance
  • The SweatSox are more competitive in food fights than baseball games.
  • Josh Ramage and the Braves performed a car alarm concert.
  • The Braves finally got Mindy to their circle, but thankfully not in the middle of their circle.
  • Josh Ramage nearly ended 1st ballot Hall-of-Famer Marc Charbonneau’s legendary career with an eehpus HBP on a surgically repaired arm:

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Next up for the SweatSox was supposed to be an official game against the Kingston Ponies…

BONUS COVERAGE: “Roll the Dice” – SweatSox vs Kingston Ponies Rainout Recap

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Last night, the SweatSox and Ponies met at Brewer Park for what was supposed to be our third and final matchup of the season.  With the threat of rain looming all afternoon, the Kingston Ponies opted to roll the dice to try and lock up their 10th win of the season as soon as possible.

Unfortunately due to the quality of the recently “rebuilt” field, Brewer was unable to handle even a drop of rain, so when it began to pour the game had to be called.  Hopefully the Ponies were able to find some cold drinks and cheap wings before jumping back on the 400 series highways en route back to Kingston.

Final SweatSox vs Kingston Ponies Rainout Recap Notes/Thoughts:

  • Rather than borrow someone’s cleats, Eric White bought a pair on his way to the game.
  • Cory Bond ditched the ski poles for some crutches.
  • Kingston catchers need to be reminded that a foul ball straight up doesn’t hit a net in Ottawa.
  • Throwing the ball to the pitcher at first base is much easier than handing it off.
  • Jason Klein has now “not thrown” twice this year.
  • Armando Navarro is missing the next game because it’s the day before a long weekend, or because he has soccer practice.
  • John Groves is missing the next game to go golfing.
  • If Mark Bond is really missing the next game to go to a 35th anniversary party, then he’s going to be 5 years early. #30th
  • Sol seemed to be in high demand at Hometown Sports Grill.
  • John Groves would rather sit by himself than with the team.
  • Jason Klein went to the wrong side twice.
  • Chris Lidstone went looking for merchandise, and never returned.
  • The Lowry’s went shopping at the mall before the Hyjinx.
  • Mrs. Dillon kinda sorta missed Josh Ramage a teeny tiny bit at the bar.
  • FINAL (15): Chicago Cubs 7.  Cincinnati Reds 2.
  • The rain might stop a game, but it does not stop the greatness that is Craig Cornell’s hair; but did he even have the best hair in Ottawa yesterday?  Who you got, the NCBL Treasurer or Mexican Prime Minister?

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Next up for the SweatSox (1-13-1) is a matchup with the Nepean Brewers (10-5-1) tomorrow night at the Sportsplex.  SweatSox Tier 1 ace Josh Ramage (1-3) gets the start, which means the Brewers have no choice but to counter with their 14th best pitcher at least.

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