Surrey Indians 10 @ Chilliwack Cubs 14

As the Indians made their way into the valley of death, we saw steady rain, slick roads and a number of motor vehicle accidents that could only make you think “what next”. There was a 60% chance of precipitation for the Fraser Valley but the closer we got to our destination the brighter the skies seemed to appear. To our surprise, a special guest was visiting in the Indians clubhouse... stellar starting pitcher Lee Sandau was down from the great white North. Fairfield Island Sports complex was the setting for the Indian’s 2008 season opener. First pitch came at 11:05 am and the first 3 Indians were promptly retired in order as the Cub’s hurler struck out the side. C. Ratelle answered right back by retiring the Cubs in order utilizing only 8 pitches.

The Indians opened up the scoring in the top of the 2nd frame when hitting sensation K. Neidert hit a single to centre field. C. Ratelle followed with a line drive single to right moving Neidert to 3rd. Ratelle was gunned down at 2nd trying to stretch the single into a double. Up stepped S. Sibley who hit a grounder to 3rd; as Neidert darted towards home, the 3rd baseman thought he had a shot at him and quickly drove the ball in front of the dirt at home plate and into the backstop.
The Cubs would open their bottom half of the inning by placing their first 3 hitters on base via a line drive single to centre followed by a double into the left centre gap and an infield squibbler down the 3rd base line. The Cubs' first run was scored by #6’s sac fly to right.. scoring # 77 from 3rd base. #7 would then hit what seemed like a perfect double-play ball to 3rd but the feed to 2nd sailed into shallow right field allowing # 55 to score from 2nd base and leaving runners at 1st and 2nd. Ratelle would take care of the Cubbies by inducing # 18 to hit into the inning ending 4-3 double play.

The Cubbies added to their lead in the bottom of the 3rd when #13, leading off the inning, reached base on an infield single to third and moved to 2nd on the errant throw from E. Roblero. With two out and runners on 1st and 2nd, # 77 laced a double to the right centre gap scoring # 13 and #9. Veteran K. Grace gunned down # 77 trying to stretch his double into a triple. The base umpire initially called the runner safe at 3rd base, but having over slid the bag, Roblero kept applying the tag and asked the home plate umpire to overrule the call. After a brief meeting on the third base side of the mound, the runner at 3rd base was called out.

The Indians went to work in the top of the 4th. A. McBoyle reached on a base-on-balls and Neidert followed with a base hit. Ratelle then hit a screaming line drive over the centre fielder’s head scoring McBoyle from 2nd and Neidert all the way from first. Indians fans and teammates held their breath as Neidert dove head first into the catcher’s shin guards and emerged with a run scored, a bloody nose and a crown of flying stars. Way to go buddy… Sibley then hit a high fly ball to centre that moved Ratelle down to 3rd, the errant throw from the Cub’s right fielder allowed Ratelle to score from 3rd and tie the game at 4.

The celebration didn’t last long as the Cubs quickly loaded the bases on solid base hits and shaky Indians defense. When the 4th inning was all said and done, 4 Cubbies had crossed the plate and O. Matsubara replaced Ratelle on the mound (3.1/3 IP, 6 RA, 4ER, 1BB, 6H).

The Indians got one back in the top of the 5th but had a chance to get more. G. Nolan was hit by a pitch and C. Edger and J. Ubeda reached base on consecutive free passes. McBoyle bounced a grounder to 3rd to score G. Nolan from 3rd. Neidert followed with a sac fly to right moving Edger over to 3rd. The sacs were once again full after Ratelle accepted an invitation to first base. The rally would come to an end when Sibley was caught looking at a called 3rd strike.
With the score 8-6 in favor of the Cubs, the Indians were still within striking distance of their prey. The bottom of the 6th inning however, would prove to be the turning point of the game. Indians pitchers would only record one out before the maximum 6 runs-allowed crossed the plate. Matsubara (1.2/3 IP, 5RA, 3ER, 3BB, 3H, 2K) gave way to T. Jones (1/3 IP, 3RA, 2ER, 3BB, 2HBP). Three base on balls and 2 hit batters were issued consecutively.

In the top of the 7th, the Indians for the second time in the game were retired in order via strike outs. In total, the Indians K’d an amazing 15 times in this contest. All we can say is WA—HOO…

After complaining of neck and shoulder pain for the most part of the pre-season, Roblero took the mound for the Indians in the bottom of the 7th and retired the Cubbies in order. J. Karls and B. Tonogai reached on free passes in the top of the 8th and quickly moved to 2nd and 3rd on a beautifully coordinated double-steal. J.Heatly grounded to 2nd pushing the Indians 7th run across the plate. T. Jones reached on yet another free pass and moved to 2nd on a balk. Tonogai walked across with the Indians’ 8th run. Up stepped stellar catcher C. Edger and crushed the first pitch he saw into the hen house over the right field wall. That’s as close as the Indians would get in this contest as Grace grounded to 3rd to end the ball game.

The Indians definitely need to cut down on their strike outs and tighten up the defense to be able to compete against the better clubs in the LMBA.

Next up for the Indians is a date with the expansion Delta Dodgers at McKee field in North Delta. Don’t forget to vote for the player of the game by clicking on your choice in the Poll on the right hand side bar.
The choices are:
Chris Ratelle 2 for 3, 2RBI, (1B, 2B)
Clay Edger 1 for 3, 2 RBI, (1HR)
Kris Neidert 2 for 3, (1B (2))