Softball+2017-08-13

=Chalices Outlast United Church, 18-13=

The field was playable despite rain through much of the weekend, 14 players came (including 7 new faces), and Community Church finished out the regular season with only its second win of the year, 18-13, vs. United Church. In the first 4 innings, the teams exchanged taking the lead, until the final 3 when C3HUU scored 11 runs to pull away for a relatively easy victory. It marked a departure from our usual habit of scoring most of our runs early in the game, then not being able to score in the later innings.

Although we had 14 players at the beginning of the game, we ended with just 10. We loaned UC an extra player, so they could have 10. Pete Siragusa came to support the team, but did not play in order to rest up his ankle for next week. Mark Smith started, but aggravated an injury and pulled out in the 3rd inning. Newcomer Tim and his wife Ellie came to support the team, and make sure we did not forfeit. Tim played in the lineup for 4+ innings, then they had to leave. In addition, we had newcomers Josh Hinson (2B, OF), Carolyn Egan (3B), Mike Gilliom (C,OF), Bill Poteat (C,OF) and Adam (LF, 1B), who played the entire game and contributed greatly to our victory.

Several hitting stars shone today. Nick Bailey and Will Bara each had 5 hits in 5 at-bats! They also notched all our extra base hits: double and triple by Nick, and a double by Will. Nick scored 4 runs and knocked in 2. Will scored 3 and drove in 3 runs. Right behind Nick and Will, were Mark Bruhn and Bill Poteat with 3 hits apiece. Mark scored twice and tied for team lead with 3 RBIs. Further down in the order, Jeff Nelson, Carolyn Egan and Adam each had 2 hits. Carolyn and Adam each drove in 2 runs, while Carolyn also scored two runs.

I love 2-out RBIs -- when there are 2 outs in the inning, and the batter makes a hit to drive in a run -- and so I want to recognize those players who delivered today: In the 1st inning, Adam and Carolyn each delivered 2-out hits to drive in 2 runs. In the 6th, Will and Mark B produced 2-out hits for RBIs. Finally, in the 7th, Will delivered another 2-out RBI hit.

Overall, as a team, we batted over .500 -- 24 for 47. It is the most team hits all season, and the best team batting average since July 23, when we hit 15 for 28.

Defensively, we were not as sharp as we are capable, but good enough to get the outs we needed to win. Our pitcher, Jeff, was very busy today fielding ground balls, throwing out a total of 7 runners. He only failed to throw out one batter, which came with 2 outs and no baserunners in the 7th inning. It was followed by 4 straight UC hits and 3 runs, but we eventually got the last out to seal the win. Our first basemen today (me, Adam) were also very busy (catching throws from Jeff!), making 10 putouts. The remainder of the infield - 3B Carolyn, SS Will and 2B Mark B - did not get as many chances, but made several key plays. In the outfield, Adam and Nick were pretty busy as well, making 6 catches between them. We let some balls get past us, which led to UC runs, but fortunately, our prolific offense made up for any defensive lapses.

Great turnout, good competitive game, and satisfying win.