Softball+2016-06-12

=Chalices Romp, 18-3=

Community Church easily defeated United Church today, 18-3, in a game shortened to 4 innings because of the 90-minute time limit. This UC team was missing the better players we have seen in the past, and their substitutes were not in mid-season form. They committed several errors and misplayed other balls which should have resulted in outs. Meanwhile, the Flaming Chalices were loaded today with talent, and it showed in the box score. Twelve players in the line-up, and we collected 19 hits in addition to our 18 runs. Of our 19 hits, there were 5 doubles and a home run. In only one of the 4 innings did UC get 3 outs against us: the 3rd inning, when we hit into an inning ending double play, but not until after we scored 4 runs. The first 6 Community Church batters in the game all hit safely, and resulted in the maximum 5 runs being scored. OF Nick Bailey led off with a fly ball to center field that was dropped, on which he scored by drawing an errant throw has he raced to 3rd base. P Mark Bruhn doubled to center, followed by OF Matt Nelson's drive to deep center field on which circled the bases for a 2-run home run. 3B Pete Siragusa followed with a single to center. OF Quinton Adams blooped a single to short right field, sending Pete to 3rd. Then newcomer SS Brian Moyer drove a double into right field, scoring both Pete and Quinton. 5 runs in and still no outs. More of the same in the 2nd inning. OF Nick Crombie reached on an error by the shortstop. OF Kalil Kaizen doubled to right field, scoring Nick. 1B Bruce Paden singled to left, sending Kalil to 3rd. C Doug Adams beat out a slow roller down the first base line, which loaded the bases. I hit a slow roller to the shortstop, who tried to throw home to get Kalil at the plate, but the throw was late. Then 2B Vera Smith hit a grounder to third that no one could make a play on, Bruce scored and the bases were still loaded. Finally, Nick Bailey drove a line drive to right field which scored Doug and me for the last 2 runs. Every batter in the line-up had at least one base hit, and several had 2 hits. The same for runs: every batter in the line-up scored at least one run, and several had 2 runs. Three hitters deserve extra recognition for driving in runs. Nick Bailey, Matt Nelson and Brian Moyer each had 4 RBIs, to lead the team in that category. We showed good aggressiveness on the base paths, taking extra bases when the opportunity presented itself. Let's keep that up in future games.

Defensively, we were nearly flawless. Brian played great at shortstop, making 2 put-outs and 3 assists. On one ground ball he ranged far to his left, scooped the ball near 2nd base, then stopped, turned and fired a bullet to Bruce to nail the streaking runner coming down the line. Terrific play. Nick Bailey made 2 exciting catches in center field. Otherwise, no other balls were hit to the outfield and none went past our outfielders. Many of the UC hits were infield dribblers that we could not get to in time. Mark fielded his pitcher position very well, throwing out a couple batters, and catching a popup and line drive. Doug caught a popup behind the plate and Bruce handled all the throws that came his way at 1st base, even those in the dirt.