APPLES BACK IN BUSINESS

Yo Yo Season Continues
Apples In A Romp

Thatsmorelikeit
Nashville, TN

Following last weeks 3rd consecutive loss, AGFHOF Don Bernitt went on post game clubhouse tirade in which he questioned his teams committment to winning and then promised that things would change in Appleville or heads would roll.

With Bernitt's heated promise still fresh in their minds, the Apples took the field last night with a renewed sense of Apple pride and for the first time in a month played at the level that all have come to expect from this team.

Of course it should come as no surprise that it was Bernitt himself who put his words of last week into action as he played his best game of the year while leading the Apples to the 9 - 2 victory.

"I've said for a long time that if you mess with the bull you're going to get the horn, and I'm the bull" said Bernitt as he answered questions following the game that saw him pitch a flawless 6 inning game that included several spectacular bang bang defensive plays and ended when he struck out the final batter of the night.

"I came down pretty hard on the team last week and tonight was my way of showing them that I do not expect anything from them that I do not expect from myself" added Bernitt. " Yea I've lost a few steps over the years but it's important to remember that those were steps that most people never had" continued Bernitt. "I can't tell you just how damn proud I am of these guys" concluded Bernitt following the game that saw the Apples take the field missing 4 starters from the lineup.

Playing without league homerun leader Shane Alexander, outfielders Greg Treep, Sarah Milam and second baseman Tiffany Smith, the Apples make shift lineup last night reached deep as they were paced by John Jones, Patty Pender and Captain My Captain Tony Byram who covered the outfield that is normally patrolled by 4 players. Along with the play in the outfield, the Apples new look infield included lefty Greg Swafford at third, Scott Quinlin at short, Sarah Brock at second and then of course benchmarks Christi Copous at first and Brooke Byram behind the plate.

"I can now say that I truley know what it means to be an Apple" said Scott Quinlin as he fought back tears following the game. Quinlin, a first year player has definitely made his mark on the team this year and last nights performance will likely go down in Apple history. Playing at short, Q was all over the diamond chasing balls down on defense and stretching singles into doubles while at bat. It was only when Quinlin blew out his hamstring in the 5th inning that he slowed down and then still was able to muster the strength to finish the game while playing on one leg.

So it's now 4 up and 4 down for the Apples as they enter the last 2 weeks of the season and prepare for the post season playoffs. If last night's show of grit and determination is a sign of these to come, it's safe to say that we should all buckle in and enjoy the ride as we prepare to hear that now famous cheer............

How bout them Apples!