THE BIG GAME

The sun was shining, and the blue sky could been seen between the leaves of the center field tree as the grounds keeper finished mowing the grass. The beautiful field, Winnie's Field was ready for the game of the season. Sean's City Slickers verses Rita's Country Raiders.
The Captains arrives at the field, Sean's Slickers with numerous players and Rita's Raiders with two!! As the Slickers took the field for batting practice Capt. Rita and her side kick Sarge began to call the players and slowly they started to arrive at the field. At the 1:45P (1345 for you military type) opening ceremonies, and introductions were made and The National Anthem was played and the teams were ready for the big game. The Raiders won the coin toss and chose to take the field first.
The Raiders scored two runs in the bottom of the first. At the top of the second inning Slickers pitcher and hot bat, Curt, hit a line drive into pitcher, veteran great, Sheila (the mighty)Oaks' left ankle. A time out was called as Sheila was taken out of the game to put ice on her ankle. She now has the honor of being the first and hopefully only injury on Winnie's Field.
As the game wound down the Slickers were ahead 8-3. It was nip and tuck. At the bottom of the 8th the Raiders rallied and scored five runs to tie game. The Slickers retaliated and it was a 10 -8 ball game.
Raiders started the bottom of the 9th. One run came in and with the tie run on third and two outs K.J. Painter came to bat. He had a nice little hit to short center that hit the ground before the center fielder could get it and as the tie run crossed the bag, the center fielder scooped up the ball tossed it to the first baseman who tagged the runner K.J. out.
The game of the season, the Cousins Challenge, was over with a tie score 10-10.
Congratulations were given all around by the players of each team and the Captains shook hands, gave each other a hug and said we would have a rematch at a date to be determined.
We all had a wonderful meal of hot dogs, hamburgs and a verity of dishes contributed by all who came for the game. All in all it was a was a wonderful day.
We want to thank Brendan for building this beautiful field ( he knew we would come) and both Brendan and Karen for their love of the game and their generosity.