It was the bottom of the ninth, the bases were loaded with a full count and the San Quentin Giants were trailing by one to the visiting Cubs. A hit or a walk would seal the victory. Don Spence stepped up to the plate, took a swing and grounded out to short. The Giants lost to the Cubs 11-10.
“We are not at all disappointed with Spence,” said Giants veteran utility man Mark Jordan. “This is his first game, in a big situation, and he laid a ball down that just happened to go to the shortstop, could’ve happened to any of us.“
The Giants beat the S.Q. A’s 3-2 the evening of April 10 to advance to the Cubs contest two mornings later.
Christopher “Cuddy Bo” Smith led the Giants going 4 for 5 with two singles and two doubles, with 4 RBI’s. He also stole two bases and struck out.
Jordan went two for three, hitting two singles and getting a walk.
In the third inning, Cubs player Mike went yard, clobbered a hanging curveball thrown by starting pitcher Mario Ellis. It sailed over the left field fence and the Education Building, giving the Cubs a 3-2 advantage.
Other noteworthy plays were the two catches made in right field by Richard Zorns. On the first catch, there was a deep fly ball hit into right, where Zorns had to navigate through several geese – as well as inmates who were watching the game from the vantage point of the ARC Building gate – and tripped, falling down as he caught the ball, taking three spectators down with him.
The second catch was similar, with the added twist that Zorns had to get up and throw to the cut off man, which prevented the Cubs from going up a run.
“You know, it’s just an average play — no biggie,” said Zorns after the game. “They were just routine plays.”
The Cubs benefited from a few errors, notably by catcher Mike Tyler. “Mike’s usually a little better than that,” one of Giants players was overheard saying about the passed balls that scored runners.
The Giants stayed focused despite the numerous errors by several team members, and began their comeback, digging out of the deficit, and getting within the one run, ending the game at 11-10.
“I’m proud of the guys. This was the type of game that shows their character,” said Giants Manager Mike Deeble after the game. “With that type of camaraderie, we can get a winning season.”