Game 3 Ninjas 20 - Crackers 13

Suwanee, GA -- The jokes started flying as the Ninja's piled up runs in the fifth and sixth innings Sunday. "I'd rather get hit by the ball than hit the ball" exclaimed Wade Beacham from center field. The comment by Beacham might be deserving, as an Atlanta Cracker was so desperate to get on base, he refused to dodge a 60 mph curve ball from Nicholson and was granted first base. Call it trash talk if you like, but the Cracker deserved the sly comment.

It was one fun day for the Ninja's at the Atlanta Crackers swanky field. After going down by 6 runs in the first two innings for the second straight week, the Ninja's fought back hard and without mercy. Nick Goldberg hit a two run homer in 5th inning that traveled 390 feet over the center field wall. That set the bar for the Ninja's, allowing them to coast to a 20-13 win over the Atlanta Crackers.

"I had to make up for my base running mistake earlier in the game" said Goldberg trotting to the dugout as he passed home plate. Goldberg not only belted a home run, but had clutch hits throughout the game, finishing the day 3-for-5 with three RBI's and three runs.

Starting pitcher Angus Nicholson gave up eight runs in 2 innings for the Ninja's who are now 2-0. "I didn't make my pitches when I needed" Nicholson said. Although hit well, Nicholson who relies on good defense didn't get much help from his fielders allowing only four earned runs. "You should have been out of those innings much earlier. We didn't help you" Iain White said.

Not willing to fall behind any further, JP Lowen took over duties on the mound. How many languages can "wide eyed" be spoken in? Not enough to remove the stains from the Crackers pants. The first pitch hissed past the batter popping the catchers mitt like a 9mm in the projects. The Crackers hadn't seen a fast ball like this before. Second pitch, a curve ball, buckling the knees like a drunk horse. Batter looks to the dugout, with a dazed look, maybe he's looking for his mom, hoping to find comfort in facing the next pitch. Third pitch, fast ball! Have a seat sir, the bench is getting cold.

It didn't stop there. JP went on to pitch 5 innings, only surrendering two runs and striking out ten of nineteen batters. The game was closed out by Adam Beacham only surrendering three runs (two unearned) in two innings and striking out four. This performance gave the Ninja's time to catch up and take the lead. Seeing a two RBI in the park home run by Tony Lajoe, and a bases loaded triple by Adam Beacham. The Ninja's are now 2-0 and will face the 2-0 Cherokee Dragons next week. Game time - Sunday April 26th, 12:15 at Riverwood High School.

Game Notes -
The Ninja's continue their success even after being moved to the "A" league (premier league) of the Atlanta MSBL. The Ninja's are now 17-2 since the beginning of last season. Chris Hanney did NOT go yard this game. Watching Lajoe leg out a in the park home run was a treat....at least you're faster than me. Wade's one liners from center field and in the dugout kept the team loose all game. Erin Lacy had good a bats and a great bunt....... we forgive him for his base running in the third inning, you too Goldberg. Iain has a .1000 on base percentage for the season, please recognize him for this.

Game MVP's - Nick Goldberg, JP Lowen, and Tony Lajoe