Pelicans Notes:
It was a rare late afternoon start, and the S2 Pelicans and S1 Angels were presented with a beautiful Saturday Evening Post tableau at Caldecott Field. The field had been groomed within an inch of its potential, there was a full 3-man crew and even an official scorekeeper.

In the top of the first, the Pels scratched out a single run - not much against the Angels, but facing WebGem, the Pels wouldn't look askance at any offensive contribution today. Bug hustled an infield single with one out. With 2 outs and Bug at second base, Mumbles brought him home with a clean single to center. Lightning, a surprise starter for the Pels, kept his adrenaline under control and worked a 1-2-3 bottom of the first.

By the top of the second, WebGem seemed to be back to his regular self, stranding a leadoff pass by striking out the side. Lightning faltered in the bottom half - the only bad inning he would have all game long. He hit one batter and walked 2 more to load the bases, but left a batter flailing after a forkball to end the threat.

In the third inning, the Pels turned the lineup over and they were ready. Bug and Strawberry singled and Mumbles powered a double to right to plate both. WebGem and Lightning traded zeroes until both approached their pitchcount limits. Despite the zeroes, the 5th was eventful. In the visitors' half, Chester launched a leadoff double over the head of the left fielder, but WebGem wouldn't let the Pels capitalize. The Angels 5th saw Mumbles throw out two runners attempting to steal second, effectively ending a rally twice.

WebGem finished his day with a K to open the 6th, then gave way to DevinK. Devin used just 5 pitches to get the Angels back in the dugout looking for a rally.

Lightning's day was over after the 5th. Throwing his first competitive innings since early May, he was nothing short of brilliant in putting the game in the hands of his defense. PostCard came in to pitch the 6th and, as usual, threw ground balls. He was backed up by FishStick's 6-U-3 double play, with Dallas making a nifty stretch on the back side.

The Pels tacked on insurance runs in the 7th; with 2 outs and Lightning on 3rd, FishStick was walked intentionally and Bug worked a walk of his own before Strawberry stroked a 2-run single. A busted 1-3-6 pickoff let Bug score from third to close out the scoring. FishStick reached his pitch count after 5 batters, and Mumbles took off the catcher's gear to coax a 1-pitch groundout to end the game.

The Pels take a 1-0 lead in this best of 3 series, with a quick turnaround to game 2 Sat morning at 10a at Caldecott. Game 3, if necessary, will be Tue at 630p at Willard.