Crown Splits Barons Twin Bill

Holt and Will each played big roles as Crown and the Barons split their doubleheader. In the stands, Michael Woodard spent the evening surrounded by a throng of “students.” The Barons Varsity easily won Game One, then Crown’s youngsters won the nightcap 9-5.

In Game One Holt pitched the complete game, throwing over 60% strikes, striking out seven and walking only four. At the plate he singled and doubled. In Game Two he hit a line drive to center…right at Will.

Will returned the favor in Game Two, smashing two hard ground balls right at Holt, who was playing third. Later Will singled off Holt’s replacement’s glove, knocking in the run that put Crown ahead to stay. Will scored three runs: twice from second on Braden’s hits, then tagging up from third on Braden’s sacrifice fly.

As the Game One catcher, Will gunned down a base-stealer in the first inning. Later he tagged out two runners at the plate. In Game Two he caught two line drives in centerfield, and later made a nice play at shortstop, on a bad hop ground ball.

Nathan had his best hit of the year, a double lined over the outfielder’s head. He played second-base in Game One, and catcher the first half of Game Two. Patrick came on to catch the rest of the second game.

Evidently there was as much action in the stands as on the field. Surrounding Michael were Lucy, Rhiannon, and Margaret, Mary, and Erin. Wearing her glasses, Haley snapped yearbook action photos of Patrick, before inexplicably calling me by my first name...a first.

Kara chatted with Jordan in front of us, so quiet I forgot they were there. Unlike Joel…we kept hearing bits and pieces of his interesting conversations behind us kept Lynn and me entertained. I arrived just in time to see Mary Clayton leave. Margaret’s timely email helped EVERYONE get to the game, except for a certain Mrs. Switzer.

Charlie studied the game, filling me in on the details as I chatted up his dad. It was great to see Holt’s parents again. I kept Mary Hurt busy snapping pictures, when she wasn’t chatting up seemingly everyone in the stands. Earlier Ceil also snapped some pictures. Anna hung with the students, and Matthew played with Jordan’s brother.

College man Jos was there. Brother Isaac hung with Joel, fresh off his 27 point performance in Oklahoma City. Charles Norman said nary a word, his head buried in a book. I heard there were Hanson’s at the first game. For the record, Michael was wearing shoes...some snazzy gold running shoes. The Hurts discussed traveling to Kevin's soccer game, but Mary didn't know where far-away Stockbridge was.

After the game Mary had everyone pose for more pictures. In sandals, Abby hugged Holt. Brother Spencer doused Jordan with water (I was amazed at Jordan’s restraint afterward). No word whether the Johnston’s stopped for smoothies on the way home. Nothing but Kool-Aid for me!