Kinsmen, Friday, July 12 – The SweatSox continued their mastery over the Barons on a steamy Friday evening at Kinsmen Field, squeaking out a 2-1 victory in a classic pitchers’ duel. The win pushes the SweatSox to 8-5 on the season and keeps their perfect record against the Barons intact, improving to 8-0 lifetime.
The game’s turning point came in the sixth inning when Kent Johnston showcased patience at the plate, drawing a leadoff walk. Aggressive baserunning put Johnston in scoring position before a wild pitch by Barons hurler Josh Primeau allowed him to scamper home with the decisive run.
“That’s just SweatSox baseball,” said manager Cory Bond. “We grind, we hustle, and we take advantage of opportunities.”
Eric White, the SweatSox ace, was nothing short of brilliant on the mound, tossing a seven-inning complete game. He allowed just four hits, struck out a season-high 12 batters, and didn’t allow an earned run or a walk.
“I felt good out there,” White said postgame, dripping sweat but smiling. “The defense backed me up, and we got it done.”
The Barons’ Josh Primeau, who has had his share of tough-luck losses against the SweatSox, was excellent in defeat. Primeau matched White pitch for pitch, surrendering only four hits and two runs over six innings while fanning seven.
The SweatSox offense was anchored by Mike Pignat, who had a game-high two hits, including a key double. Josh Ramage also contributed early, driving in Steve Brown with an RBI single in the first inning to give the SweatSox a quick 1-0 lead.
Defensively, catcher Phil Leduc was a rock behind the plate, recording an assist and ten putouts, most of them on White’s devastating strikeouts. “He called a great game,” White said of Leduc. “That partnership is everything.”
Larry Pawelek earned the dubious honor of Sweatiest Player of the Game after reaching base twice via walks and narrowly missing out on a run when he was thrown out at home. “I think they watered the dirt with my sweat out there,” joked Pawelek.
The Barons, who dropped to 0-8 all-time against the SweatSox, can only wonder what more they have to do to get over the hump.
Elsewhere, SweatSox fans received positive news that I, Shaun Keay, am recovering from successful surgery. “The procedure was successful,” the team announced, adding that I now inexplicably crave Junior Mints.
The SweatSox look to keep their momentum rolling on Sunday when they face the Rockets at the Trillium Diamond. First pitch is set for 6:00 PM.
Final SweatSox vs Barons II Notes/Thoughts:
- Warmest regards.
- The protest fee is $25, not $100. It should be $69.
- I arrive much earlier for surgery than I do for a round of golf.
- Pre-op meeting with the surgeon went well, as I was deemed stabworthy.
- I am confirmed alive.
- No cast.
- But I am in a sling.
- There’s nothing quite like getting your bud absolutely annihilated by bricks thrown off the roof of a townhouse.
- I once messaged my dad (Rob Keay) on WhatsApp, he has yet to respond.
- My doctors are calling me more than the Dukes call Cory.
- We lost a Southgate, but picked up a Kinsmen. Good trade.
- Josh, like Ron, is always up for a brisk walk.
- The Barons will share some tequila with us, but only if/when we lose to them.
- It takes approximately 45 minutes to get from Constance Bay to Southgate.
- It takes approximately 140 minutes to get from the Bond cottage to Kinsmen.
- With T-Murder setting the tone, this team will never lose again.
- Nobody forecasts the current weather conditions better than Kent Johnston.
- Josh Primeau’s walk-up song pumped us all up.
- ‘Cause I’m your lady.
- And you are my man.
- Whenever you reach for me.
- I’ll do all that I can.
- We’re heading for something.
- Somewhere I’ve never been.
- Sometimes I am frightened.
- But I’m ready to learn.
- Of the power of love.