Strike First, Strike Hard, and No Mercy that is the Cobra Kai Mantra. Well, The Kai took the field after being on the receiving end the last couple of weeks and were ready for revenge. Having never faced Performance Radiator and missing key veteran leaders “Oil Can Spragues”, Roundhouse Reger, and Wild Man Wilson whom was still reeling from the effects of his genetically fused T-850 arm as it morphs into him, the Kai were unsure of the fate the night had in store for them.

The team would need a Hero to save the day and help jump start their path to a championship. “I told my troops to be ready, because we have to pick up the slack left by our missing teammates” Capt Tucci said. The Swami had the Outfield in position and vowed not to allow any meltdowns out there. “I told Captain, Let’s go Son, give me the troops and I will lead them to the promised land”. The Kai had to call up one of their affiliate members Mike B. to help complete the Swami’s posse in the outfield while the Minister transitioned into the Infield. Mike B. Had several clutch plays in the OF under the watchful tutelage of the Swami and provided much needed speed on the bases.

Mr. Miyagi taught the Kai to always be fleet of foot and be ready for the challenges set before you, no matter how big or small. Well, fate was the first challenge as the bus from Tacoma was running behind and the Minister was late to the game signing the final contract status for Mike B. and his transfer papers. Never Fear, as Capt. Tucci made some quick changes and stepped into the lead-off spot ready to lead his troops to the promised land. The First inning saw the Kai strike first, as we chipped away at their pitcher and paved the way for 3 runs lead by DonJuan’s 1st of 7 RBI’s on the nights.

The Swami was his usual assassin at the plate dominating pitch counts and finding his way on base all night and even clearing them with a shot to the fences that broke the spirit of Performance Radiator.

The Real story of the night came in the later innings as two usually quiet leaders for the Kai decided enough is enough and they took the reins to be the vocal and field leaders the Kai needed so desperately on this fateful night.

The Usually quiet yet sure handed 3rd Baseman Johnny Blaze started the Kai’s fiery resurgence in the top of the 5th when he used his Miyagi hands to catch a throw from Short and attempted to turn a Double play to end the inning and stop a Rally at home plate. However, his T-850 Cyberdine targeting system does not account for objects larger than 395 lbs and thus he was not able to circumvent the target while still accomplishing the mission. Johnny’s throw bounced off the target and made a 90 degree bounce right into Fig’s glove for his second tag out of the night at home plate. The Ump could not believe his eyes and called the player safe thus enraging our opponents after their vanquished player at third yelled at Johnny claiming he did this to send a message to them. The usual quiet and calm demeanor of Blaze was temporarily shelved as he channeled his inner Chai but was unable to contain his pride as you do not question the Kai’s methods. Cooler heads prevailed as the Swami ran into to explain to Blaze that Irony has a funny way of showing itself.

Well, Irony did not have to wait long as Johnny Blaze stepped to the plate the next inning and drilled a shot to deep Left field directly over the head of his previous attacker and Blaze quickly strode home with an in the park HR staring down the man who dared step up to Blaze’s dojo. “It wasn’t the best HR I ever hit, but it sure did feel good to jam it down their throats” Blaze said.

Our Opponents had one last fight in them in the bottom of the 6th trailing by 8 runs. They chipped away with a few runs and just as a rally was starting for them the Kai’s other hero of the night decided to surface and end the game once and for all. The man wearing his Superman Underoos and his new performance pants and shoes ended their rally and stunned the crowd with his amazing play at First base. After putting two men on, the Radiators drilled one down the first base line where Koko jumped up in air and made a diving stop, then hopped right back up and sprinted, then dove to first to put out the unsuspecting runner and end the game in awestruck fashion. “I haven’t gotten dirty in awhile, and I knew we would be shorthanded tonight, Thus I decided it was time to break out the Superman underoos as I knew we would need em” Koko said after the game. Red Bug lake had thought for sure he was wearing plastic man underoos after he made a few amazing stretch plays at first earlier in the game.

Another, Kai member stepped up to provide big help was Sully. He stepped in at second and made several key plays and drilled two clutch hits in the 3rd and 5th inning to break the will of our opponents and let them know anyone of us can beat you at any time.

“That is the beauty of the Cobra Kai, on any given night anyone of our players can be the hero or the “Dave Roberts’’ The guy that sparks the team to victory.
Well, The Kai look to continue their winning Strike tonight as they square off against the newly rebuilt Swanging D’s in the rubber match after the Kai destroyed them last meeting.

See You Under the Friday Night Lights!