Beacons drop double-header, fall to 0-4

ROLLINSFORD -- On a rain-soaked Sunday afternoon, the Beacons were unable to salvage a win in their double-header versus P. Hussey or Station House.
The team suffered a thorough drubbing in the opener versus P. Hussey, 20-8, after starting Beacons pitcher Bob Cook surrendered 12 runs in the fourth inning, including two runs that crossed the plate on uncharacteristic walks.
P. Hussey hitters managed to find the holes in the fourth inning and they seemed to run the table on the Beacons who just couldn't retire the side.
But then in the top of the fifth, the Beacons showed some life and jolted P. Hussey for seven runs over the last two innings to close the gap, 18-8. Grizzled softball veterans Bob Dawber, Ray Claverie and Cook pounded the ball knocking in Beacons runners.
Every step of the way, the Beacons battled with a contingent of reserves called up from the team's Triple A farm team in Lebanon, Maine, to keep pace with P. Hussey.
One play in particular seemed to sum up what became a futile day at the old ball park.
On a deep fly ball to left center field struck by P. Hussey, Claffey got on his horse, purple leggings and all, went into a slide and just missed making a spectacular catch, which allowed three P. Hussey runners to score.
"I thought I had it. I was so close. I should have caught it," said a bewildered Claffey, soaked to the bone from sliding around all day in the outfield.
Cook gave way to reliever Phil Fernald and the Beacons defense managed to keep the damage just minimal the rest of the way, but the offense could not muster any more runs.
The final, P. Hussey, 20, Beacons, 8.
The second game of the twin bill showed some glimner of hope when the sun managed to break through the clouds as Station House took the field.
The Beacons sensed this might be their opportunity to get a W. The team's defense tightened with Todd Young at short stop and recently signed free agent Adam "A.K." Krauss stretching at first and the ever dependable Jason Claffey roaming in center, but once again the Beacons' bats went silent before they fell to Station House, 10-4, good buddy.
"We came to play and we wanted a win, if not two wins, to get to 500, but we just didn't do enough of the things necessary to make it happen. P. Hussey took advantage of our mistakes and we made it too easy for them to run up the score," said Beacons Manager Bob Cook.
With Station House, Cook said the two teams battled throught much of the game with Fernald on the hill, but eventually Station House go the upper hand and the depleted Beacons couldn't respond.
Some of the Beacons who shined were shortstop Steve Clegg, who made one dazzling play after another, and Robin Fernald, who stroke some impressive hits in the DH spot. Dawber and Claverie were also solid in the field and at the plate.
"Little by little, this team is coming together. The wins will come. We just have to stay the course," said Cook.
The team will seek its first win of the 2009 season Tuesday night when they play a make-up game versus Post 47 at GoldStar Park. First pitch is at 6 p.m.