Christian Park Softball
It's been a long 4th of July weekend, so I'll recall as much as I can from our last game of the seaons on Thursday...
Final game of the year is now on hand - Christian Park vs. Community. They should be ready to play, since we beat them last week.
Prior to the game, while I was drawing crooked lines from the plate to first base, someone drops off two girls that say they are there to play with Community. As we talk, I learn they are from Irvington - an ASA park, not a Little League park. I've "barrowed" some players this year, but I've kept them within the league. For those that do not know, ASA is famous for it's year round training and its girl’s ability to pitch fastballs. This pitcher & catcher combine lived up to their league fame. Our girls should have been happy, they finally have a pitcher that will get them the ball and away know it will be a tight strike.
We started off slow. Too many of our girls were intimidated by the pitcher. However they played excellent in the outfield, keeping them from scoring to many runs. Sadie started us out on the pitching mount. She pitched with fine style, striking out several players. Half way through the game Melissa took over and took them out as well. Chelsy, Emily, Paula and Maria rotated threw the outfield stopping several long balls. Heather guarded third and Dena stopped the balls at short. Mariah played 2 and Sadie and Melissa which up on first.
As the game started and we guarded the field, I was worried. The first couple of hits drooled by Sadie on the mound and Melissa at first. Luckfully the balls were fouled out. After that they kicked into gear. When we got them out and headed to the bench to bat, things began to get better. In the third inning, our girls had got the pitchers timing down and they eventually switched to another pitcher. Now, we have several almost good plays. Sadie runs towards home as the catcher blocks the plate. Instinctively she puts her hand out to protect her self and she hits the catcher. Big Dan calls her out and she crosses the play. Should have slid in Sadie! Amanda on third base denied her coaches advise and stole for home. "My friend won't get me out.,” she said leaving the base. Poor Amanda, there are no friends on the other team in softball. With a long slide and a huge thud, the catcher took her out. Amanda's feet just missed the plate. On the bright side, we did make several runs. Dena stuck out, and the catcher missed the ball. She sped off in a cloud of dust on the third strike dropped ball rule and went for two. The second baseman missed the base and Dena headed for third, turned the corner and made a home run.
Now in the bottom of 6th inning, I know the score and we're down. The girls look at me and ask the score. Several times before I've found myself in this spot and have denied them the score. I break down this time, in hopes for a win. It's 6 to 11, their lead. The girls rally within them self and pull in 5 runs, tieing the score up at 11 each. Big Dan then calls the game due to darkness.
Could we play another inning? Maybe, but at that it's a great way to end the season. It left us as officially beating Community, instead of a one to one result.
After playing 18 games this season, we have won more games than most of the other teams played all season. It’s been fun, and I want to thank everyone - parents for bring the girls, players for sticking it out all season, and our fans that cheered up all on.