Ann Arbor, MI – No comeback necessary for the Shrimp Fried Rice this week, after using a huge first inning to announce to the Community league they are the team to beat. Following a quick top of the inning for the Ann Arbor Jaycees, the Shrimp batted through the lineup and scored the maximum 10 runs, a lead they would not relinquish the rest of the game. Scoring multiple runs each inning, the Shrimp won easily 25-2. After allowing a short, two-run rally in the second, pitcher Amanda McAllister shut down the Jaycees before Karen Mandarino came in to close it out.
The Ann Arbor Jaycees were short-handed, bringing only seven players. Rather than take the forfeit, the Shrimp moved clutch outfielder Mary McVeigh over to play second base for the Jaycees. McVeigh would manage her first hit of the season, as well as catching her first pop fly.
The Shrimp Fried Rice were lead by a few league veterans, as well as the play of two rookies, Peter Huff and Josh Olkowski, moved up for the game from the Shrimp’s minor league affiliate, the Coconut Chicken Curry of the Lake Michigan Coast League. Shortstop-right-centerfielder Jeff McVeigh led off the Shrimp with a double, then followed up with two home runs on the way to a five RBI performance. Huff matched McVeigh in homers and RBIs in his first appearance with the team and Olkowski was a home run away from the cycle in his debut.
With sixteen extra base hits, the Shrimp took full advantage of the Jaycees plan to play only two outfielders. Mandarino and second base-leftfielder Leah McGrath each had two doubles, part of the nine on the day for the Shrimp. Brad Baden had a triple and a home run, knocking in three runs and scoring three of his own. The five home runs are a franchise record, while the extra base hits are fourth all-time in league history.
Up next for the Shrimp Fried Rice is their first game at Virginia Park, hoping to limit the action of The Verbs. Opening pitch is scheduled for 7:15pm.