July 13, 2008 - The Kansas City Punishers are officially back in the black. Or the red, depending on who you talk to and what the red, or the black, means to you. But we do know this - yesterday's spread was the first victory for the local boys of summer in more than two weeks. Bremerton West's very own Matt Sargent played a vital role in the game, taking advantage once again of another midseason call-up. Sargent batted 2-for-4, with a single and a double, and 2 runs scored (included the game-ending run that put KC up 16-6 in the sixth inning). Sargent spoke to reporters after the game."I'm just trying to have fun out there, not make any mistakes. The hitting, well, I'm not getting cheated, for sure. I'm swinging at the first pitch if I like it. The near home-run? I haven't batted right-handed since my sophomore year of high school. Pretty funny to me, but I typically do have that golf-swing going from that side. The first hit from the left side - a little bleeder between first and second - I'm just protecting, obviously. He's thrown me two curves in a row, then I just poke the third one between the hole. On the double, well....I was looking to end the game on one swing and just didn't get it all. But scoring the winning (game-ending) run will do just fine. Everybody seemed pretty upbeat after the game. I can't remember the last time I was part of an 11-run inning that wasn't a video game."
Sargent is now batting .429 with the Punishers, with a 1.143 OPS. What surprised the scouts on Sunday was his ability to play not only second, but fill in at shortstop for two innings. Not projected out as anything but a 2B, 3B, or LF, the visiting rec leaguers thought they would take advantage of the position change. However, making 2 diving stops and snaring a fly-out in short left field (lost in the sun by LF Thome), Sargent proved he still has the moxy to play any infield spot. "They won't put me at first 'cause I'm too short," he joked in the locker room afterwards.
So, what's next for Coach Sargent? On Metro Sports' exclusive Sunday Conversation, Sargent had the following to say. "Hopefully, I can take advantage of these call-ups and make the roster next year. If not, there are always other teams looking for a .400 guy I'm sure. And there has been the ever-present talk of Bremerton West purchasing a franchise. I'm confident that there will be ample options for me down the line. In the meantime, I'm going to start saving for Royals Fantasy Camp, which I will be eligible for in 1.5 years."
As of press time it was not known if Sargent had been offered an extended contract by the Punishers.
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