Know Mercy 2 shakes off rust, but falls short in season opener

It didn’t result in a victory, but Know Mercy 2 shook off the winter rust with a fine 7-5 performance against JHL Lawncare in the 2009 season opener.

The team got on the board early, with newcomer Chad Zollman kicking off his KM2 career with a double, and coming around to score the season’s first run.

JHL added three in the second, two in the third and one each in the fifth and sixth.

KM2 bats went quiet for a couple innings – well, four of them – but the top of the order lit the fuse in the sixth.

C-Zoll continued to announce his presence with authority with a smash, then Nikki Ferguson set the table for mound magician Mike Gillis, who launched the first homer of the season to score three runs.

Steve Cairns started the seventh with a drive, followed by Cindy Mirque’s amazing third walk of the game.

Dave “Chipper Skipper” Murray then shot one down the first base line that landed fair by a foot and kicked foul, scoring Steve. Cindy, still working on her catcher-spiking moves, was nailed at the plate as Chipper ended up at third, bringing the pulling the team within two.

Alas, that’s where it ended.

But here are some individual highlights:

Nikki had three hits, and sparkled with some late-game defense, grabbing a screamer behind third, planting then shooting an absolute laser across the diamond to nail a runner.

Rob Mirque had two hits and flashed some fine leather at first base. New bride Cindy is the leading candidate for the “Most Improved Player – Female Division,” reaching base three times and making strong throws back to the mound, which Mike deeply appreciated. Plus, she brought awesome Chicago popcorn and caramel corn.

“Most Improved Player – Male Division” has to be Steve Kutts, who had a nice hit and caught the only fly ball of the game. But he’s still in the doghouse for making his very expectant better half chase a foul ball on Sunday.

Speaking of new moms, Rachel Zollman delivered just eight weeks ago and looked sharp!

Her sidekick, Chad, was perfect at the plate and possibly gave a squirrel a concussion.

Kathy Breslin made her KM softball debut and picked up style points for outfield play. She’s a keeper! We like her!

Steve Cairns was stolen from KM1. We’re fairly open about it. He flashed leather and lumber.

Mike Gillis baffled JHL batters with his assortment of junk balls, walking just one and tossing the season’s first bomb!

“Chipper Skipper” had a single and a triple, and a weak pop to the pitcher that was heard to possess “multiple layers of suck.” So there’s room for improvement there.

Next week: An early season showdown against Know Mercy 1.