April 24, 2012
NL Game 19

Dodgers (Media Copy)     12
Pirates (Concord Auto Body)    8


Media, PA (UPI) - In what many believe could be a preview of things to come in mid-June, the Dodgers edged the Pirates on a blustery evening at MLL Stadium. The two heavyweights stood toe-to-toe throughout the early rounds and at the end of 3 full innings the score was deadlocked at 7 runs apiece. However, after the pitching machine was stowed away it was the Dodger arms that took over and told the story of this game.

Garvey Williams, Corin Sachs and Adrian Kohler combined to allow only one run in the final 3 frames. All three had tremendous command of their pitches and were able to keep the potent Pirate lineup at bay (get it?). Michael Cropper caught two of those innings and factored heavily in the outcome. With Pirates threatening in the 5th and a man on third, Cropper retrieved a dribbler up the 1st base line and was able to reverse field in time to make a diving put-out tag on a Pirate destined to score. With that dramatic play, the impending rally was nullified. Said Cropper, "If I'm going to be paid like the top catcher in the league then I need to step up and make plays like that. I think I'll take all of the credit for this one.".

The key hit was provided in the top of the 5th by Shane "sweet feet" Kokoska. With the bases loaded and one out, Kokoska hammered the 1-2 offering deep into the left field corner. His triple cleared the bases and staked the Dodgers to a 10-7 lead that they did not relinquish. However, Kokoska could have rounded all of the bases but he ungracefully face-planted himself while rounding first base, ensuring that there would be no grand slam to chirp about at school. When asked about the base-running mishap in the locker room after the game, he said, "...I mean, who put first base there anyway?..". He then fell into his locker.


Foul Balls: Next up for the Dodgers will be the Twins. Game time is 9am, this coming Saturday.... Saturday is Randy Cropper Bobblehead Day. The first 1000 fans 97 years of age or older will receive the collectible.