Softball+08-29-2015

=Chalices Pound Out Tournament Victory, 11-8=

In this first game of the season-ending tournament, against St. Paul AME, we took an early lead, extended it, and then held off a late rally by AME/CM, to win 11-8. We collected 15 hits, including 4 doubles and a home run. We started scoring in the 1st inning, when Matt Nelson singled, then Will Bara, Pete Siragusa and Mark Bruhn hit consecutive doubles, to net 3 runs. In the 2nd, we scored 4 more on singles by Jeff Nelson, Mark Smith and Nils Brubaker. The final 2 runs came on a monster home run blast from Matt.

We manufactured another run in the 3rd thanks to smart and aggressive base running by Mark Bruhn. Mark reached 1st on a fielders' choice, and took 2nd when the throw from SS on an attempted double play went past the first baseman. The next batter, Quinton Adams, grounded to short. Mark waited until the shortstop threw to 1st then made a dash for 3rd. The throw to 3rd from the first baseman skipped past 3rd base, allowing Mark to score.

We scored our final runs in the 5th inning, when Nils reached 2nd base on a little bloop down the 1st base line that was misplayed by the first baseman. Matt singled him in with a solid base hit to center field. One out later, Pete grounded to short, who threw the ball past 1st base, allowing Matt to score. One AME error later, Quinton drove a single up the middle to knock in Pete with our final run.

AME entered the bottom of the 7th, trailing by 6 runs, 11-5. They scored 3 runs and there was only 1 out, with runners on base. SS Will Bara made two excellent plays to snuff out the threat. With a pinch runner on 2nd base, Will fielded a grounder, and checked the runner, who seemed eager to advance, but hesitant while Will held the ball. Will pump faked to 1st, which drew the runner to break towards 3rd, only to realize he was hung out to dry and tagged out by Will. A couple batters later, with runners on 1st and 2nd, another batter hit a grounder to short. Will grabbed the ball and quickly tagged the runner trying to pass him in the basepath, to get the final out and seal our victory.

Batting kudos for our win go to Matt with a triple-triple (3 hits, 3 runs and 3 RBIs), Nils with 3 hits and 2 runs, Pete with 2 hits, 2 runs and 2 RBIs, plus Quinton and Mark Smith each with 2 hits. Defensively, Will and 1B Jean Masse single-handedly made 14 of the 21 putouts in the game. They both handled sharp grounders, popups, everything hit their way flawlessly. Quinton made a stellar catch in right center field, running back to his left and reaching out to snag a deep hit line drive. A great team effort for a great team win.