A Bunch of Mugs and a Pitcher 6, Homeland Security 5

A Bunch of Mugs and a Pitcher (6-1) are legit, too legit to quit!  The Mugs pounded out a whopping twenty one hits en route to their second straight come from behind victory, defeating Homeland Security (4-3) last night on Latrobe's Field 1.  The win marks the most the Mugs have had in their organization's tradition rich history and guarantees at least a third place seed in upcoming postseason play.  For Security, the loss severely hampers their playoff aspirations; they will need to win their final game next week against bracket leading Cover Yo' Grill for a legitimate hope of capturing the bracket's fourth place seed.

The visiting Mugs jumped on the board in the first inning, strategically placing lead off man Brian Pemberton on first base with no outs.  Pemberton then found his way around the bases on successive kicks by the reliable Jason Budden and Meghan Keating.  Security immediately responded with a run of their own, tying up the score in the bottom of the first.  The tie would not last long, however. Hot hitting Dawn Geary continued her streaking ways, stroking a single in the top of the third.  Stud Greg Berdzik soon followed with a double, sending Geary racing home for the one run lead.  Unfortunately for the Mugs, the winds began to swirl and Security countered with three scores of their own.  After trading runs over the next couple innings, the Mugs found themselves behind, 5-3.  The Mugs were not about to quit, though, as their defense began to take things into their own hands.  Highlighted by several key plays made by the up-the-middle duo of Shelly Ward and Jen Karcher, the Mugs defense gave shutdown new meaning, holding Security to two measly singles for the remainder of the contest.  The Mugs offense, which had themselves been held scoreless, came to life in the seventh.  With superstar Lanika Hawkins on first, Budden once again came through in the clutch, blasting a triple to knot up the score.  Hometown hero Mike Randolph followed suit, blasting a kick to deep right field, successfully plating Budden for the game winning score.

The Mugs will play their final game of the regular season at 7:30 PM next Thursday on Riverside's Field 2.  They will be taking on the previously unfeated Boozehounds in their final tune-up for post season play.  A win will ensure the Mugs at least a second place Ropewalk Bracket finish.  With a little help from Security, a share of the Bracket may be up for grabs as well.