Hamilton Yards, ON– In a game that lasted just 88 minutes but packed in more drama than most doubleheaders, the SweatSox fell 6-4 to the Lumberjacks on Thursday night at the Nepean Sportsplex, dropping our record to 3-4 on the season.
The Lumberjacks (now 3-2-1) capitalized on a second-inning collapse by the SweatSox defense, turning a fast 2-0 deficit into a lead they never relinquished.
The game began with a bang for the SweatSox, who racked up three hits and plated two runs through just three batters. But the early momentum evaporated in the second when a pair of uncharacteristic errors by veteran infielder Mark Bond opened the door for a 3-run Lumberjacks inning.
“I’ve been around long enough to know that one bad inning can change everything,” said Bus Cop after the game. “I’ve got to be better for the boys, especially Josh.”
The Jacks tacked on single runs in the 5th and 6th to stretch the lead to 5-2. In the bottom of the 6th, Eric White and Kent Johnston sparked a rally, each scoring runs to pull the Sox within one. But a 7th-inning insurance run from the visitors put the game just out of reach.
The night ended in frustration as Eric White, representing the go-ahead run, was rung up on a pitch he—and many in the crowd—thought was too high, and inside. Ironically, it was the very pitch SweatSox starter Josh Ramage had pleaded for all night without success.
“I need to be smarter there,” said White. “Just because a pitch hasn’t been called a strike doesn’t mean it won’t be next time. Umpires don’t make mistakes—so that one’s on me. I’m just disappointed I let the guys down.”
Ramage, who pitched a complete game, scattered seven hits and gave up six runs, walked four and struck out one in a gritty 7-inning effort.
“I got screwed as a batter last game, screwed as a pitcher tonight,” Ramage said, shaking his head. “Can’t wait to see how I get screwed defensively tomorrow.”
Despite the loss, the Sox offense showed flashes. White and Johnston both finished with two hits and two runs, with White also roping a double and swiping a base.
Mike Pignat, Shaun Keay (me), Phil Leduc, and Mark Bond chipped in with a hit apiece.
On the defensive side, third baseman Geoff Nolan turned in the Play of the Game with a diving stab to lead off the 3rd inning that robbed Corey Valois of extra bases. Eric White continued his dominance at shortstop, tallying a game-high five assists and making everything look easy.
But the Sweatiest Player of the Game honors went to someone not wearing a uniform—longtime NCBL groundskeeper extraordinaire Bill Beelen.
“If I can turn one potential rainout into a game played, that’s a win in my books,” said Beelen, who once again salvaged the field after morning storms threatened to postpone the matchup.
On the other side, Lumberjacks ace Tyas Montgomery matched Ramage pitch-for-pitch, going the distance while allowing eight hits, no walks, and striking out two. He also did damage with the bat, notching two hits and driving in three runs. Phil Dugas added a pair of hits, and the Jacks defense was stellar, led by third baseman Alex Poulin and a lockdown middle infield duo of Dugas and Jason Kiser, who combined for 9 assists and 7 putouts, most of which had a high degree of difficulty.
“It all went according to plan,” said acting Jacks skipper Luke Plunkett. “When we play clean baseball like this, we’re tough to beat.”
SweatSox manager Cory Bond was candid in his postgame comments. “Another great Sox-Jacks Josh-Tyas showdown that could’ve gone either way. Full credit to the Lumberjacks—they controlled all three phases of the game. We just need to play better, plain and simple. No excuses.”
The SweatSox won’t have long to dwell on the loss. They’re back in action tonight at Trillium Park to take on the Lynx, hoping to get back in the win column and regain some early-season mojo.
Final SweatSox vs Lumberjacks Notes/Thoughts:
- I, Shaun Keay, write the recaps, but it’s up to Josh to post them in the chat.
- I, Shaun Keay, recently published the first ever video note. Will this trend catch on? Only time will tell.
- It rained in Nepean, Westboro, Kenmore, and Kanata. And there was at least 1 report of snow in Osgoode.
- Phil, Andrew, Kent, and Geoff saw right through the bull shit.
- Kent’s minimum bag of dirt to puddle fix ratio is 10:1.
- Josh loves cuddling up under a warm blanket and reading a good waiver.
- Brett Stott was active in OPSCOM voting throughout the day, but silent on the pregame manager chat.
- Geoff (3B), Trevor (LF!), Phil (1B), and Larry x3 (1B), all nailed “balls-in” dugout throws.
- In Little League, if you pick up the baseball between innings, you have to pitch. In chess, if you touch a piece, you have to move it. Same thing when you think about it.
- Won the pickle, gave up a run.
- Fun Fact? Geoff told me that he was the 3rd out in all 3 innings he batted. Unfortunately, we don’t have any way to confirm this.
- Beaverton is close to Sutton.
- Licorice goes well with peanuts.
- How can Pearl Golf have a 16 year old when she’s only 25?
- It’s that time of year again when the geese fly north at sunset.
- The NCBL site is not secure. Joe, get in touch with Geoff from Computer Caddy Solutions to get that fixed.
- Gary Duke and Logan Duke are related.
- If you need a presentation done quickly, Mike’s your guy. No graphics though.
- Trevor finally had enough, and walked off in disgust.
- Mike’s all time favourite show is Breaking Bad.
- Kenobi broke Andrew.
- Mike misses chatting about shows at the water cooler.
- The picture of Bill flipping the bird was AI.
- Mike’s greatest fear is being AI’d into a swinging chair.
- Cory doesn’t like watching dragons. He would consider eating one though if it had a good sear.
- The exoskeleton is not powered by an arc reactor, and does not give you the strength to lift or flip cars.
#WONTHEHYJINX