The bats were out in full force Monday evening at Bryn Mawr Park as our Beagle Brigade team easily defeated Extra Lettuce, 15-5 in Minneapolis Co-ed D-League softball action. It was the first legitimate victory of the year for the team, after winning once by forfeit and playing to a 12-all tie last week.

Leading up to the game, it looks as though our team may have to forfeit. We were without five regular players, and the team scrambled to find subs. Matt and Gillian stepped in for Jon and Jessica, while a random girl from another team named Jenny volunteered to play first base in Feeney’s absence. Casey Dahl stepped in to play some stellar outfield defense as well.

Things were a lot closer through three innings, as the Beagle Brigade led 1-0. A first-inning rally by Extra Lettuce was cut short when the umpire called a batter out after drilling a base hit off my left eyebrow after the batter threw his bat at our catcher. Both me and Melissa Davidson were fine on the play. Later, Craig Karjalainen’s 3-run homer opened the gap a bit in the fourth. The team continued to pile up runs, thanks to some excellent hitting and some poor defense from the opposition.

I started at pitcher and worked three innings before giving way to Walsh, who pitched the final four for a rare 4-inning save. I can’t say for certain what the other players’ stats were, but I went 4-for-4 with a double, 4 RBI, and 2 runs. Sarah Domenichetti apparently also went 4-for-4.

Our team’s luck may have changed when I ditched my sweat-encrusted Twins cap for my reversible red and white Nike headband. I guess I know what I’ll be wearing the rest of the season! Play was also suspended briefly when three young African fans wandered onto the outfield grass, apparently seeking my autograph. I shouted to the young fans that I would be available for a meet-and-greet after the game had concluded.

Our team is now 2-3-1 with a highly-anticipated bout with The Loop on tap for next Monday.