Dog Days, Row Rally

Here's the thing about slow pitch softball: sometimes the bear eats you. This week, @The Dirty Water Dawgs spent the better part of an afternoon mauling Petty Theft Row in a 15-0 beatdown. Mercy rule? You bet. Was it pretty? Not at all.

But, like a phoenix rising from the ashes (or more accurately, like a team dragging itself off the Randall's Island dirt), the Row managed to salvage the day with a 17-4 victory over @Perfect Perfects. A resounding win, a much-needed confidence boost, and a reminder that even the worst losses can be followed by sweet, sweet redemption.

The split puts Petty Theft Row at 5-2-1, good for second place in the Fall Manhattan league. We're chasing @The Warriors, who are sitting pretty at 6-2 after sweeping @The Goodfellas II (23-2 and 17-2) and taking down @Perfect Perfects (23-8). Speaking of @Perfect Perfects, the search for their first win continues. Ouch. Elsewhere, @Coastal Elites had a strong showing, notching wins against both @The Dirty Water Dawgs (12-8) and @PlatanoPower (8-6). @The Lobsters and @PlatanoPower played to a 5-5 tie, then @The Lobsters rebounded with a decisive 23-2 victory over @The Goodfellas II.

Listen, we've been here before. Remember that early-season tie against @PlatanoPower? It feels like a lifetime ago. The league is a grind, a weekly gauntlet of pop flies and questionable calls, of strained hamstrings and lukewarm beer. Nobody said it would be easy.

Next up, we've got a chance at revenge against @The Warriors. Remember that 12-8 loss a few weeks back? Mark your calendars.