That was one for the record books, folks. Two teams, practically mirror images of each other, slugging it out on a softball diamond at sunset. Dusk settled as each squad struggled, one to get its offense going, the second to keep the defensive clamps on with its biggest lead of the season. Each inning bled into the last, and when the game was finally over the winning team looked around unsure. Was it possible, to actually keep it together for an entire game and win?

Yes.

Okay, so it's hard to take it too seriously, but finally getting a win felt pretty great last night. I was still enjoying the games but the motivation to bike back to the park for 7:30 games was starting to wain. It's great being close enough to go home for a while but on days like yesterday, it just makes me realize exactly how tired I am when I get home. Fortunately, softball isn't exactly the most taxing game to play. Besides, it would be impossible to play any worse than we did last week; our collective arrow had to be pointing up.

It was a strange feeling, to be up big and feel like we weren't about to blow up but still waiting for that inning where things fall apart. I lose track of score and inning every game anyway, but I didn't even make it out of the second inning last night. When the game did end, most of us weren't sure we had finished until the high-five line started. Still, a fun night and just what we needed as the season comes to a close.

The rides back and forth last night? Not so much. June in Chicago in a busy neighborhood; I understand that things aren't always easy and bikers especially need to watch out. But christ on a cheeto, bike-friendly Chicago has a long way to go sometimes.

Current beer-scale: 1.4 (a few rounds of celebratory flip cup last night took care of that rather nicely)