Softball+2016-06-19

=Chalices Fall to Hard Hitting Orange Methodist, 10-2=

The Flaming Chalices fell to a very good Orange Methodist team, today, by a score of 10-2. Orange got all their runs in 2 innings, when they scored the maximum 5 runs. In the first, they scored their runs without us recording one out. We also had a lot of base runners in the first 2 innings, due to 7 hits, but we only scored 2 runs, both coming in the 2nd inning. OF Quinton Adams led off with a single and later scored on 1B Glenn Mehrbach's line drive opposite field single. The next batter, OF Bruce Paden, lined a single to left that scored 3B Brian Moyer from 2nd base. With 2 runners still on base, we could not sustain the rally, as the next 2 batters grounded out. Our effort in the first inning was even more frustrating. Two lead-off base hits, but then a base running error on OF Matt Nelson's high fly ball to center field resulted in a double play. A single by SS Will Bara kept the inning alive, but the next batter grounded out to end the threat. No runs to show for it.

After the 2nd inning, we only had 3 more hits, 2 in the 4th and one in the 6th. Meanwhile, Orange Methodist scored 5 more in the 3rd. They hit the ball hard, although some were hit right at our fielders who were not able to secure the ball. Orange seemed to slow down after that, and never threatened in their last 3 innings at the plate. It gave us the opportunity to catch up, but our bats went cold. Plus, we were unlucky to hit line drives right at their fielders. Their defense was very good, and did not give us many "freebies". As I mentioned above, our defense was put to the test by some very hard hit balls. And there were some routine balls that we would like to have over again (e.g. 2 dropped fly balls in the outfield, couple of infield grounders). There was no lack of effort, however. Matt made a spectacular tumbling near-catch in left center, after running a long way from his position in left field. Unfortunately, the ball squirted out of his glove after he fell to the ground. 2B Jean Masse bobbled a ground ball, but stuck with it, gathered it up and fired a strike to first base to nip the runner by a half step. Will tried to run in and scoop a slow ground ball, but it skidded off his glove in front of him. He also stayed focused, followed the ball, grabbed and tossed to Glenn to nip the runner. Good efforts by all.

2B Vera Smith dislocated her finger in the 3rd inning while fielding one of the hard hit ground balls off the Orange Methodist bats. She had to leave the game. We all wish her a speedy recovery so she can rejoin us.

Great turnout today! Fifteen stalwarts came ready to play (16, if you count Jenny Nelson, who was waiting in the wings with her spikes, ready to play if needed). Two dropped out due to illness or injury, but we still had plenty of substitutes. A hearty welcome to Jonah Paden, Bruce's son, who played his first game for the Chalices. He was an excellent catcher behind the plate, and earned his first hit at the plate. Congratulations, Jonah.