2022 Lugnuts Walk it Off in 62+ Division of Milwaukee-Rock
Milwaukee-Rock, 62+ Division
Lugnuts 6, Pilots 5
Submitted by Jeff Walsh, Lugnuts manager
Hi, Nuts Fans whirled wide! After trailing most of the game, the Lugnuts pulled a rabbit-out-of-the-hat win in the bottom of the ninth.
The game started in the first inning as so many do. Terry Teske and John Arnold each singled. Dave Globig knocked in the first Pilot score and Paul Melotik followed suit. For the Nuts leadoff hitter, and batting first in true Lugnuts tradition, Jeff Hogan led off with a single and moved to third on Eddie ‘The V’ Van Brabant’s hit. Hoagie scampered home on a passed ball and the Nuts were in the game, albeit down 2-1. In the Lugnuts third, Roadhouse Dalton walked and was replaced on the bases by a fielders’ choice to Johnnie ‘Martini’ Carini. Hits by Hoagie and William ‘Mo’ Muhammed preceded a fielder’s choice RB and Geoff Radloff by Ozzie Austin to tie the score.
The Pilots scored three times in the fourth on three walks and hits by Marty Buckenberger and Al Alt but were shut down the rest of the way by Lugnuts aces Rickety Raiche and Roadhouse. The Nuts added a fifth-inning score on consecutive hits by Hoagie, Mo, Ozzie, and replacement Mark Rowland to reach the short end of the 5-3 score. Starter Doc Depledge ate up an important inning as well.
The teams traded shut-out innings until the bottom of the ninth with the bottom of the Lugnuts batting order on deck. Ryno Lever smacked a single, followed by a walk to Roadhouse. John Arnold relieved for the Pilots and recorded a strike out, bringing up Hoagie at the top of the batting order. Hoagie smashed a flyball to left, hooking away from the outfielder, and glancing off his glove. Safe on the error, the bags were FUN (Full Uv Nuts) with mighty Mo at the plate. Mo shellacked one to the left field corner for a 3-run, walk-off triple to secure the win, 6-5, and earn the Lugnuts the 62+ Division championship!
Congratulations are in order for the 13-5 Pilots for a great season. The Brewers had a great season as well at 13-3. There was close competition up and down the league with the Rays and the new Rough Riders proving to be tough competition for every team. Congratulations to all the players on all teams and best wishes for the 2023 season!