There are a lot of factors that come into consideration when debating about what it takes to produce a true "rivalry". Vikings-Packers, Yankees-Red Sox, and Celtics-Lakers all come to mind when fans think of teams they consider rivals. Albeit a much smaller scale, the Chargers and Saints are making a strong push to join those ranks. The teams meet all the requirements of a rivalry: they play for something meaningful (the keg), both are very talented teams, lots of competitive individuals, and both are very evenly matched. After Friday night's thriller in Elrosa, things heated up even more. Despite entering the bottom of the ninth trailing by two runs, the Saints mounted a furious comeback as they upended the Chargers 4-3.
Shawn Schoenberg started on the mound for the visiting Chargers, looking sharp once again after a weeks rest. He cruised along for most of the night, recording seven strikeouts along the way. The Saints were down to their final strike of the game before a combination of walks and clutch hits produced a heart breaking loss for the previously undefeated Chargers. Both defenses also had to deal with the setting sun as the evening sky created some problems with a few fly balls: but overall, it was a just a well-played game for both sides.
The visitors also struck first in the run column, taking an early lead thanks to a couple of line drive singles followed up by a Jonathan Nietfeld RBI base hit. Aaron Welle and Shawn Schoenberg drove in the other two runs to help the cause. Corey Schoenberg also went 2-3, including a double. Ethan Vogt started pitching for the Saints, relieved by older brother Aaron in the 7th, just in time to face Nathan and tryout his new brushback pitch. The Chargers were held in check the rest of the game, finishing with three runs on nine hits.
So after all that, the traveling keg stays in Elrosa. A game like Friday night will just mean the rematch in Spring Hill later this summer will be filled with even more anticipation. The Chargers will take a break from league play this weekend as they head to the City with a Smile to participate in the annual Freeport tournament. The team takes on the Black Sox starting Friday night and will try to push the disappointment from this past weekend behind them and make a run in the upcoming tournament.
(AP Sartell)