Road Warriors

Two games, two locations, two victories.


Despite undpredictable wind gusts, a brutal east-west travelling schedule, and the threat of torrential downpour, the Wildcards managed on Sunday to do what they've done consistently for the past few seasons: find a way to win.

Game 1 of the double-header saw the 'Cards visit East Hendon to take on long-time competitive rivals the Down Home Blues. With the early start and several Blues players out of the lineup, the 'Cards looked to put the game well out of reach early on.


And yet, after four innings, the visitors found themselves hanging on to a two run lead, far less than what they had originally planned for. Wildcards captain Arn "Voodoo" Redoblado was not surprised that their opponents managed to stay close.


"We (Blues and 'Cards) have always had a very spirited rivalry of sorts. That rivalry brings out the best in both teams. They didn't have all of their key players but their active players stepped up."


Also unsurprisingly was that the 'Cards woke up after realizing there was a serious threat to their slim lead. Rookie 3B Lindsay "Chocko" Siurna had three hits on the day, which the team needed to spark its fizzling offence.


"I felt good out there today." Siurna noted in the post-game conference. "I was seeing the ball really well, and I was glad I got to contribute to the team."

Despite a comeback attempt on the part of the Blues, the Wildcards continued their dominance enroute to a 12-4 victory.

The Wildcards had little time to celebrate, as they quickly travelled to Hendon West to face the team that defeated them in their first ever game, Who's Up. The game was also a homecoming of sorts for 3B Steve "Chokolate" Saks, who was originally drafted by Who's Up before signing with the Wildcards.

"For sure, it was emotional for me. But the team kept things lighthearted in the dugout and I was able to focus on getting the job done."

Who's Up has been a favoured opponent of the Wildcards as of late. It was Who's Up that defeated the 'Cards, 19-10 in the team's inaugural game, and it is Bill "Young Gun" Airt, team captain of Who's Up, who the 'Cards have shared a shaky, trustless relationship with over the years. The infamous Mound Distance scandal of 2005 and the suspected supplying of loaded bats to Wildcards opponents in 2006 have led to speculation that Airt has tried to sabotage the 'Cards into league fodder, a speculation commonly referred to as Foddergate.

"Certainly we've had our differences through the years." noted Airt moments before taking the field. "I highly respect them, they're a great team and I wish them all the best in their future endevaours, softball and otherwise."




Fatigue was clearly taking its toll on the team, as they struggled early on. Fortunately for the 'Cards, their opponents committed a number of fielding errors, and the visitors were more than happy to capitalize. On the strength of timely hits and smart baserunning, the Wildcards managed to defeat Who's Up by a score of 19-10, the same score they lost by in their inaugural game.









Notes: next week will see the Wildcards participate in an unorthodox double header, facing TNT at 5:00pm and the TD Waterhouse Warriors at 8:30pm. The Wildcards were selected by league commissioner Bill Airt to partake in the unique pilot project.