CHINA CREEK PARK, British Columbia, May 11, 2006. The Sausages got a rude awakening and their perfect season was ruined at the hands of the formidable Traders in Thursday's action. Led by a three-home-run performance by Blake, the Traders had little trouble taking care of the Sausages on this night. One of the Traders is pictured in figure 1.
The "Links" took an early lead, but it didnt' last long, as the Traders stormed back in the fourth inning with seven runs and rocked the Shoe for another seven runs in the sixth, eventually running away with a 23-14 win.
The "intestinal-membraned ones" had another solid performance on the sticks, but the defense never really found its groove. "They were swinging for the fences and we weren't playing them deep enough," said T-Bag. Meanwhile, Speed-oshi was five for five at the dish and scored three times, while Dirty Al, batting in the two-stick, was also five for five and scored three runs. Mary had a monster triple in the fourth that she tried to turn into a dinger but was thrown out at the plate (or was it the coach's fault?).
Controversy erupted in the fifth inning when a little white dog jumped the fence and streaked across the field, revealing the words "Soy Bomb" painted on its side. It was tackled by security guards and removed from the stadium.
Reporters spotted Mike "Winter" Chan in the Sausages' press box and rumours started flying that he might be coming out of retirement to play for the "smoked, cured ones." Winter naturally declined to comment, but he did say "Old Man Winter is knocking on the door." Obviously this was code for "I am dying to play some Sausage-ball."
First-string scorekeeper Mit, usually standoffish with the media, really opened up after the game. "It's hard to keep score when there is a baby around and people to talk to," she said.
Angie, after just missing a ball at third, on her way into the dugout was heard muttering, "that extra half-inch [glove size] would have made a difference."
Junior recruit Ewan was visibly upset with his lack of playing time. "If they won't play me, trade me," he said. Another future Sausages star, Julius was more patient, opting instead to cheer on his dad, Dirty Al, instead of getting into a war of words in the media. "Come on Dad!" he yelled.
The smoked, cures ones will now regroup and take on another tough opponent, the Glue, this Thursday in the lush green confines of China Creek Park. The fans will be wearing a sea of blue, so it should be exciting. Coach Shoe said, "get to the park early and warm up thoroughly, I don't want to see all this limping going on all year!" He continued, "And don't forget to bring $50 for T-Bag for league fees. And what does a guy have to do to get a beer around here!"

Box score:
Speed-oshi 5/5
Dirty Al 5/5
Deedee 3/5
T-Bag 1/5
"Tiger" Williams 2/3
Shoe 2/2 (pitched 3)
Sink 3/5 (I just made up that nickname, let's see if it sticks)
Mells 1/5 (same)
Norm! 3/5
Volley 2/5 (pitched 4)
Mit (DS)
Winter (riding the pine)

P.F.