The Crawfords and Sand Crabs met for a crack at first place on Sunday, June 23  at EMLL in the 45+ league of the MABL of Southern Wisconsin. Both teams were surprised to be playing, given the recent rains that allowed a deep sea fishing expedition to be held at the park on Saturday. But Harley and his groundskeeping crew had the field in tip top shape for the nooner. The elusive Jeff Adas was on the mound for the Craws, and Randy Gaber for the Crabs.  Each pitched well, and one of them got some help from their defense.

The Crabs, in a giving mood, handed the Crawfords a 5 spot, using frying pans as gloves and fried eggs as brains, on the base paths and in the field.  They provided 3 in the 3rd and 2 in the 4th, and allowed a nice clean double to Mike Starshak.  In the fifth, the Crabs became stingy and grabbed 8 runs off reliever Shad Fanta.  They snuck in a couple more in the 7th off Rob Grether who relieved Shad, and then did it again in the 8th.

Not to be outdone, the Crawfords scored 3 off reliever Mike Wallace, who pitched well but was the unwilling lead actor in the Rick Moranis sequel, “Honey, I Shrunk the Strike Zone”.  Both squads gave this two thumbs down.

The Crabs finished with 7 doubles, finally awakening their bats from winter slumber.  Starshak led the Crawfords with a 3 for 4 performance, whilst 5 Crabs had 2 a piece.

Thirsts were quenched at Slice’s after the game, where Brian Buol was crowned SPOG for the second time this young season.  The Crabs were chapped, and complained loudly when they did not win the Schlitz sign giveaway at their favorite watering hole.  A million to one odds did not work in their favor, but nevertheless the Sand Crabs had a good time.

Both squads are back in action next week, but in Black Earth for a Barnstorming weekend displaying all there is to see about the MABL.  Good tickets still available!