The Knights traveled to East Bethel Saturday, only to fall into a time warp
somewhere in rural Anoka County and reappear as the Knights of 2009. With only
4 guys at the field 15 minutes before gametime, there were serious questions
as to whether the game would even be played. And with the Bandits
hosting Family Day, and a full crowd in attendance, a forfeit would have been
both costly and embarrassing.
Thankfully, a few more players trickled in at the last moment, and the game
got underway. Unfortunately, the 10 players present included 3 pitchers and an
injured player. And no catcher.
Despite these challenges, several of these players went above and beyond --
playing out of position, playing hurt, and "taking one for the team."
Special recognition to Adam King, Danny Thering, Cory Hazard, and Shawn
Rasmussen for their efforts under difficult circumstances.
As expected, a well-prepared Bandits team ended up running away with the
game. The Knights kept it close for the first 6 innings, before the defense
fell apart and pitching allowed 8 walks in the inning to turn a 2-1 game into a blowout. With no healthy players
in reserve, there was no one to warm up and take the ball in relief. Hats off
to the Bandits for showing up prepared and running away with a game that was
ugly from the beginning.
Next up: State Champions Stockmen's Irish. Hopefully a good practice -- and the
entire team showing up for the game -- will get the team back on track.