It was another muggy, breezeless day at EMLL on July 28 when the first place Sand Crabs visited the second place Rangers in a matchup for the ages (?) in the 45+ division of the MABL of Southern Wisconsin.  The wind was not blowing out.  Nor was it blowing in.  It was just stagnant, as still as a Cubs fan watching a game against the Brewers.

Pitching for the visiting Crabs was none other than Mike “Wally” Wallace, and for the Rangers, Jeff “Kunky” Kunkel.  I just made that up.  I don’t know whether they call him Kunky, but they could.  Think about it.

Wally was simply masterful on this day.  He went 7 strong, much stronger than the 6 run 7th would lead one to believe, until they notice that only one run was earned, as the Crabs had a bit of trouble fielding the ball that inning.  Some might say they were still entranced by the smooth sounds of Christopher Cross’ song, “Sailing”.  It was Yacht Rock night on Friday at American Family Stadium, and that ear worm was plaguing the Crabs all day.  But like the Players they are, Baby, they Came Back and pulled it all together, after giving a chance to make themselves see that they’ve used up all the gaffs in their game, that was enough for me.  That’s enough, enough for me-heeeee!

Final score was 14-7 Crabs, with the Rangers mounting an attack by carrying the ball to the RedZone in the 9th, only to fall short on a 4th and 2.

Anyhoo, the Rangers were led by Jason Witt, with three hits and a ribeye, and Sean Finnel with one hit but two ribeyes.

The Crabbies were led by Tom “Fiddy/50” Scalissi and Mike “Hot Coffee” Kauffman, with 3 hits each, with Michael knocking in 2 and Thomas knocking in one. Chris McGill lived up to his name “Big Slugger” with a two hit and two RBI performance in his first ever start at 3B in his illustrious career.  But Wally, Oh Wally….he helped his own cause by scoring 3 runs and accounting for a total of 4 with two RBIs, one of them on his first dinger of the year.  Stat Track estimated it to be a non-wind-aided 305 foot blast to left center.

Thirsts were quenched at Slice’s after the game, but the supply of Schlitz was unexpectedly low, so the Crabs pivoted and enjoyed some Pina Coladas, and getting caught in the rain.  Oh, What a Fool Believes.

Both teams continue the grind next week, but at the Verona Senior LL diamond in…you guessed it….Verona.  The Crabs visit the Crawfords at noon, and the Rangers host the Orioles at 3.   Premium tickets are still available.