But alas, the game was held in very high spirits, as strong friendships exist between many members of both squads, some of whom actually live under the same roof. Bourbonator pitcher Brian Leland summed up this Civil War of Kickball: "It was a game of unparalleled intensity that came down to the last batter in a booze-filled showing of the 2 best teams in the league".
Booze-filled it was, as Menace jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first. The Bourbonators would soon turn the tide however, with a 4-run 3rd in which they took advantage of some control problems from pitcher Chris Sullivan (balls and strikes control problems, not like bladder control problems... thats gross). However, Menace took advantage of a controversial triple by Steve Whitman in the 5th to take a 6-4 lead. Whitman added to the lead in the top of the 7th, as he belted his first homer of the year over Nick Kelley's head in left center. Whitman was so excited as he crossed the plate, he ripped his shirt off and lept into the congratulatory arms of Matt Wylan. It was very heterosexual.... very heterosexual indeed.
That home run (picured at left) turned out to be the deciding point, as the Bourbonators scored 2 in the bottom of the last inning. Resident choke artist Steve Stern had the opportunity to tie or win the game with 2 outs, but he harmlessly popped out to left field, touching off a raucus celebration. A great end to a great night... and one final note to the Bourbonators: Keep your heads up, we will meet again.
