4th of July Action: Tigers vs. Rangers

The Wiffle Ball Association aptly celebrated their annual Fourth of July meeting with offensive fireworks. The Tigers would continue their hot streak and sweep the Rangers in two games. It is worth noting that due to the long layoff of WBA action combined with the many teams that occupy Burke’s Park the field dimensions were a work in progress in the first games back; henceforth, runs were flowing like hot dogs on this glorious holiday. The Rangers were without star Nolan Rivera due to injury so reigning Special K winner Derek Astarita was asked to pitch both games for Texas. In game one, Mikey Ferro and Sean McDonnell combined for 10 hits and 7 homers as the Tigers stars carried them to victory in a slugfest. Each Ranger would homer in the game but it would not be enough as McDonnell and Ferro were able to limit the damage on the mound and seal the victory for Detroit’s third win in a row (Tigers 12, Rangers 6).

In game two, the Tigers again used their pitcher by committee philosophy with McDonnell starting the first three innings and Ferro closing the show. The offenses were clicking again as each player in the game recorded at least one hit. Rookie Vincent Marra broke out for three hits including a homer to help the Tigers jump out in front. For the Rangers, offensive specialist Andrew DePascale had a multi-hit game including his second homer of the day. However, even with three runs in the final inning, Ferro was able to end the Rangers’ threat and give the Tigers their fourth straight win, shooting them up to second place in the standings with a record of 4-6 (Rangers 6, Tigers 7). The WBA is known for its preseason rankings flipping by the end of the summer and these Tigers look like they could be another group among the long line of WBA underdogs to shock the wiffle world and make a run at those coveted championship shirts. In the past many teams have had a Cinderella run to the title but none of those teams were able to close the deal; however, it appears that this Tigers team has a real shot at being the first.