5/10: What a ballgame. The best Varsity game I’ve seen this season. The Giants beat Tam 6-5 to advance to the MCAL finals. Kent Goodman was the hero of the game – again. This is the third consecutive game where Goodman’s heroics sealed the victory. As you’ll recall, last Tuesday vs. Branson, the Giants entered the bottom of the 6th down 2-1. Goodman scorched a double down the left field line for 2 RBIs and a 3-2 lead. Last Thursday against Branson, Goodman threw a no-hitter. Today, Goodman blasted a 3-run homer to left to punctuate a 4-run first.

It felt like the Giants might run away with this one, but Tam once again proved that they are a tough ballclub. They scratched out a run in the third to make it 4-1. But the Giants answered. In the top of the 4th, Luca Bove hit a 2-run bomb to left to make it 6-1. Things were looking good for the Giants, but Tam rallied in the bottom of the 4th with 4 runs to make it 6-5. Neither team scored after the 4th, although there were many tense moments.

If the 3-run jack wasn’t enough, Goodman came in to pitch in the bottom of the 4th. He pitched three and two-thirds innings without giving up any hits and striking out 4. Wow. Seems like a case of the rich getting richer, but I’m philosophically inclined to admire and embrace greatness wherever it presents itself (sorry AOC). Goodman’s play over the past three games has been inspirational.

The Giants improved to 18-7 on the season and will take on MC for the MCAL championship. The game is on Friday at Albert Park at 7:00 pm.