Minneapolis (MN) - When the creek’s a-rockin, don’t come a-knockin'! That’s the tone Breaking Balls set early as the team displayed some intense, dynamic content behind the plate, led by General Manager Andrew Sikora. Back from a self-ban for lack of drinking in the workplace, Sikora smashed a grandslam and energized the Balls' lineup, building a 7-4 lead. Unfortunately, the team’s shortened bench sputtered and couldn’t counter the late flurry of runs from Sad Panda, losing 11-21 in six innings on Tuesday night.
Jeremy Krzmarzick set the tempo from the start with his agressive plays in the field. Krzmarzick made certain that Sad Panda’s tears poured out early, with a cringe-worthy ball-to-face drilling as the runner attempted to beat out the play at first base. Flashbacks of “Down goes Frazier” rang out as the crowd rose to its feet when the runner fell to ground, clutching her face.
Krzmarzick effort didn’t go unnoticed by the opposition, as Sad Panda swiftly adjusted their strategy to “don’t get mad, get even.” Two innings later, Panda’s cleanup kicker crushed a ball right up the middle, introducing itself to veteran pitcher Heidi Baham’s face, drilling her right between the eyes. Baham appeared stunned, but in her motherly fashion, shook off the drilling and stayed in the game. When asked if she remembered the incident, Baham recalled, “Someone asked me if I was OK, but all I could think about was if there were any flex jobs tomorrow?” Baham is listed as questionable for next week with concussion-like symptoms.
The team’s injuries continued to pile up as 2nd base-woman Katie Long appeared to suffer a hamstring injury on a scoring play in the second inning.
She elected to stay in the game. Later, she regretted that decision, as Panda’s kicker rocketed a shot over ducking pitcher Baham leveling Long in the face. Long, tough as nails, took a minute to collect herself and stayed in the game, holding up her hands and yelling, "I'm OK, I'm OK."
“She’s a warrior out there, she can play on my team anytime she wants,” described the skipper on Long’s gutty performance. As the injuries piled up, the team’s doctor was no where to be seen. GM Sikora commented on the doctor’s absence after the game. “He’s in either in Blaine or Spain, I honestly can’t remember which.”
Tonight's saving grace came in the field with the dynamic diva duo of Schei and Riedell. Riedell was just short of brilliant in the field,
splitting time between center field and first base. Schei again dazzled with a spectacular inning-ending throw-them-out-at-the-plate play; scooping up the ball from third, hurling it at the runner and grazing them just before reaching home.
Even in the loss, the team seemed much more upbeat and looked forward to building off of their productive night at the plate.
Manchester was asked about his team’s performance. “We were gritty, full of beer, and drove the ball...just how I want this team to play. We just came up a few plays short."
In a surprising move, the team’s superstar Derek Wallen was suspended indefinitely by the league for testing positive for a banned substance. CSC did not release details of the suspension, but a report has surfaced that the illegal substance is related to Annie’s Homegrown products. Balls will look to the Rochester Runners, it's minor league affiliate to replace Wallen.
The team announced that May 20th will be Dan Fisher Night at the Creek. One lucky fan will receive a lifetime supply of Ramen Noodles.