Chalices-05-20-2012

=Chalices Avert Forfeit, Drop Opener 19-6=

10 brave souls came out to represent the Community Church against United Church in the opening day of the 2012 softball season. The Flaming Chalices were missing several regulars due to injuries and other commitments. Three newcomers joined our team today: Jenny Nelson, daughter of Jeff and Bonnie, brother of Matt; Margaret Cox and her son Aidan. Without these new players, we would have forfeited. Thanks to all for showing up and playing.

In the early part of the game, the United Church hit very well and scored a bunch of runs, while the Chalices were only able to get 2 base runners in the first 3 innings. The second time through our batting order, we did better, getting more base runners and scoring some runs. The highlight of the game was the 6th inning when we outscored our opponents, 4-3. The scoring in the 6th began with OF Nick Bailey legging out a bloop double to center. He was driven in by P Jeff Nelson's single to center. SS Pete Siragusa advanced Jeff to 2nd with a lined single to left. Following a flyout, 3B Jean Genova delivered a clutch single to center, driving in Jeff. C Jenny Nelson grounded a ball to the thirdbaseman, who threw wide to 1st base, scoring Pete and sending Jean to 3rd. The next batter, OF Margaret Cox, sent a slow roller down the 3rd base line. The 3rd baseman charged the ball, as Jean also ran towards home. The fielder tried to flip the ball to the catcher to put out Jean, but his toss was high and late, and Jean crossed the plate safely before the tag, to score our final run of the inning.

In summary, our hitting stars today were Jeff, with 2 hits, 2 runs and 2 RBI; Pete with 3 hits and a run scored; Jean, 2 hits, 1 run, 1 RBI; and Nick, 2 hits (including a double), and 1 run scored. As a team we batted 11 for 33, a .333 average.

Defensively, we played well in the field against a good hitting team. Nick caught 3 fly balls in left field, and nearly caught 3 more difficult chances. Margaret did well in her outfield debut, handling base hits and getting them back into the infield quickly. United Church also hit the ball on the ground, often very hard, through the infield. In spite of that, our infield successfully handled most chances. Of the 14 outs we recorded against UC, 10 were on ground-outs, divided evenly between plays at first and forceouts of lead runners at 3rd and 2nd base. Very good job today getting the lead runners out. Jean and Pete on the left side played great, each making 2 putouts and 3 assists. Special tip of the hat to Jenny, who preserved out 6th inning "win" by catching a foul popup to end the United Church's 2-out rally.