The San Quentin A’s came out in full uniforms to play the San Francisco Mission Baseball team on the beautiful Wednesday evening Sept. 07. The Mission was hoping to get some get-back from that loss that they took from the A’s on Aug. 20, but they ended up losing, 9-5.
The Mission was up in the third inning and leading the A’s, 5-3. “T-Tone” Denard was next up to bat and he knocked a ground ball past the shortstop. Denard seized the opportunity and stole not only second base, but he stole third too. His large leads and his quickness created the easy stretch for the rest of the way for his steals.
Brandon Terrell got up to bat after the Missions pitcher had struck out one of the A’s players. He hit another base hit up the middle of center field that led to a RBI, bringing Denard home and giving the team within one run to tie.
“These guys are my
family and there is no
other place I’d rather
be other than here. No
matter what my
outcome will be.”
—Steve
Volunteer Coach
The teams’ last meeting was a devastating loss for the Mission. They held on to their lead, but A’s pitcher #20 Everett Wiley and the A’s defense held them from scoring any more runs. Even with two men on base and one of their best sub-players at bat, A’s pitcher Wiley’s curve ball had the batter fishing at the plate. The line drive down third was caught, making it three outs.
Bottom of the fourth, Ryan Pagan at bat, “OK, ball’s in play,” said volunteer Coach Steve Rhineheart, who still makes his way into the prison to continue being a part of the SQ A’s after decades of dedication and despite his ailing condition of kidney failure. “These guys are my family and there is no other place I’d rather be other than here. No matter what my outcome will be,” Steve said at an earlier interview.
Ryan waited patiently for his pitch. The Missions pitcher threw a fast ball straight down the middle and Ryan struck out. “Oohs and awes were echoed from the bullpens and spectators.
When back on defense the SQ A’s continued to hold down the mound and secure the outfield which led to them overtaking the Mission. Although the Mission tried to inch their way back into the fight and they did have a shot at the game if they would have held the lead for any longer in the later innings. But, they had no chance of a comeback after an SQ A’s batter sealed their fate with a rip to center field bringing in the final two runs. Out of a show of sportsmanship, the two teams continue to play the game for fun until it was time to leave.
