A Bolt From the Blue 2

Score's zip to zilch, last inning's near halfway through at Gettysburg Commons' baseball league playoff. Champion Graycoats at their posts hitherto - Blue Jackets hear the pitcher's husky cough - a clue to the catcher - this batter's toast. Pickett lobs the pitch from high on his perch, Meade smacks it past the church house roof almost - a bolt from the Blue, Gray gets lost in the search and Meade makes an easy trip 'round three bases. Hancock is next and takes his turn with relief. He whacks one to the pitcher of all places running like blue blazes in disbelief. He speeds to first base while Meade makes it on in. Then Hancock circles the field - score is ought-two As Pickett sits on the ball holding his shin. In shock, he volleys a few words of blue. The umpire approaches, a'raisin' his hands, "I heard balderdash," he bawls with a frown. "Game's called for cussin', but the score still stands." Singing the blues, Graycoats hand over the crown. New "toasts" of the town are Hancock and G. Meade. They both talk a blue streak to boast of the coup. Dazed by their disbelief, Graycoats recede. And for weeks, Gen'ral Pickett's leg's - black and blue. written 12 January 2015