Seamen Pull Biggest Upset of Season

In the biggest surprise of the 2006 season, the Long John Silvers Seamen used back-to-back five-run innings to upend Bunch O'Swingers by the score of 11-7. The Seamen improved to 4-5 on the year, while the Swingers dropped to 4-3 overall.

After a scoreless first inning, Bunch O'Swingers made the first dent in the scoreboard, scoring two runs in the top of the second. Mike Reese walked, but was then forced out at second base. Rich Trudnak walked and Bill Smith singled, and Joe Noss scored on the play. Dick Noss then singled home Trudnak to give the Swingers the 2-0 lead.

Long John Silvers came back with a run in their half of the inning thanks to Joe Kus. Dan Schwartz singled to lead off the inning, and following a single by Kenny Kandrac, Kus hit his RBI single, scoring Schwartz and getting them to within one, 2-1.

Neither team could score in the third inning, and the Seamen got the first of their two five-run innings in the bottom of the fourth. Pat led off with a single, Schwartz followed suit, and then Kandrac hit an RBI single. Kus followed with an RBI double before Pat hit a three-run home run, giving the Seamen the 6-5 advantage.

The Swingers fought back in the top of the fourth with four runs of their own. Dick Noss, Reese, and Joe Noss all singled to load the bases. Trudnak and Smith then earned an RBI apiece with a walk. Dick Noss then singled in brother Joe and Trudnak would later scoring, tying the game at 6-6.

LJS matched their five-run output in the fourth with five more in the fifth. Pat, Schwartz, and Henichek all singled, with Henichek earning a run batted in for his efforts. Kandrac then got a free pass to load the bases before Kus got an RBI on a fielder's choice. Pat singled and Schwartz and Henichek hit consecutive RBI singles, giving the Seamen the 11-6 lead.

Bunch O'Swingers were able to cross the plate in the sixth, but not enough to continue the action. Trudnak walked, later scoring on an RBI single off the bat of Dick Noss, closing out the scoring at 11-7.

Kandrac (1-3) got the win on the hill for the Seamen. He went the distance, allowing the seven runs on 11 hits. He walked four and struck out one.

Pat and Kus led the way from the plate for LJS. Pat was 4-for-6 with a home run, three RBI, and four runs scored. Kus was 3-for-7 with three RBI and two runs.

Smith (0-2) took the loss for the Swingers. He pitched six innings, allowing 11 runs off 18 hits. Smith struck out eight and walked just one.

Dick Noss paced the losers offensively, going 4-for-6 with three runs batted in.

The Seamen would play again in two hours, as they would face the Pittston Park Boys at 6 pm. Bunch O'Swingers would play immediately following, doing battle with Saturday Crush.

Date: July 9, 2006     Time: 4:00pm      Venue: East End Minor League