Misty Mountain’s Lead Threatens to Hop Away

By Frerin Rockear
Caradhras Courier-Journal
Misty Mountain Hops Baseball

MISTY MTN - In recent weeks, the Hops' one-time lead of six games over their rivals from the Grey Havens has slipped to a mere two games. Much of the blame of late has focused on star shortstop Kyrion Myrthar, who has slipped from an average of around .360 to .324, going a number of games with no hits. There is hope that he is coming out of his slump with his recent awarding of Player of the Game in the hard-fought fifteen-inning battle with the RoughRiders of Rohan. He was good for two hits and two RBIs in six at bats, including a powerful home run in the first inning to start the game.

Other woes for the Hops has been a weakness in something long regarded as their strength: their starting pitching. Elrilmer "The Witch King" Elriawyn has lost his last three starts, allowing eight earned runs in that period, raising his ERA to 2.87. Eralak "Snortin'" Bugbearripper has also lost his last three starts, also allowing eight earned runs. The only good news has been the return of Pimra "Glass Jaw" Gàlas, who missed about six weeks due to a strained tricep muscle. His return to the mound saw him dominate Gondor’s hitters on August 8th, striking out nine and allowing only one earned run in 8.2 innings of play. His return bodes well for the team, which has seen ace relievers Arwailbo "Dirge" Arwaumer and Dejaria "Blister" Belán sidelined with minor injuries in the past week.

If the Hops have hopes of retaining their lead in the hard-fought Orc Division, it’s time for the bats to awaken and the pitching to return to form.

Posted at November 18, 2003 01:59 PM | more from Misty Mountain