Game 10 - Double Header Game 1 - Sat 5.03 - L

Well Whos, at the beginning of the 2nd half of the 2008 season, we sure had our work cut out for us. Not only were we playing the #1 team in our division, but we were set to play our first interleague game of the season against the Piedmont Predators. We had a long day ahead of us, but for the most part, it was a pretty good day of softball at the Duck Pond. First up, the Army Bratz.

FINAL SCORE
Whos: 10
Army Bratz: 11

This was a very exciting game; a lot of back and forth action throughout; we were even up for most of the game, but our 4th inning burnout came back to haunt us and finally, it cost us the lead and the game.

RECAP
As visitors again, the Whos started off strong. Kas up first to bat opened up with a big hit to gain 2nd base. Gaby and Shelbey both followed that up with a walk to load the bases. This was to be the theme of the inning as the Bratz allowed 4 walks to close out the top of the 1st.

Shelbey took the rubber for our 1st defensive appearance of the day. 1st batter, with a nice cut got on base. Shelbey put 2 outs together, and came close with a third, but that batter had other ideas and hit a triple bringing 1 run in to put the Bratz on the board. Another strike out later and Shelbey held the Bratz to 1.

Cambria came up as our first batter of the 2nd and struck out. Allison actually got a piece of the ball on her next at bat, but was not able to beat the ball to 1st for the 2nd out of our side. Not a good start to the inning if we were to hold on to our lead. Maricella came up again and walked to get the Whos on base and managed to steal her way to 3rd. Kas took the ball for another ride driving Maricella home. Gaby got a hit herself driving Kas home for another score, but the Bratz were able to strike Shelbey out to limit the damage that we were causing.

Jade, pitching in the 2nd, put on another solid performance and even with a couple of walks was able to strike enough Bratz batters out to keep them scoreless for the inning.

Starting off the 3rd, Jade got a single and stole her way around the bases as Mari and Angelica walked for bases loaded. After walking Casey, the Bratz started to sweat as their game was getting away from them, then to seal the deal, Hylah hits a ball deep into centerfield to claim 2nd and drive in the 4th run of the inning.

With Shelbey on the rubber for the 3rd inning, the Army Bratz sensing defeat, started to wake up their offense. After their 1st batter struck out, they started connecting with the ball and getting across home plate. A key play between Mari and Hylah to get the 2nd out of the inning proved to be the last out before the Bratz hit the run limit for their side, coming on strong to close the gap.

Going into the 4th with a 3 point lead, the Bratz brought out their A pitcher to try to hold us. Cambria struck out for the 1st of the inning. Allison, stuck in there, tipping the ball all day against probably the best pitcher in our division, then finally taking the ball for a ride and gamely trying to get to 2nd, but unfortunately the ball beat her there and the Bratz were able to tag her out. That was enough to light a fire under the Whos which saw us score to more before being shut down.

Jade started off our final defensive stand strong. After an initial walk, she kept throwing strike after strike. The only problem was the newly awakened Bratz that kept swinging and hitting to put the ball into the Who infield and outfield, which, at this point couldn’t hold the Bratz’ rush and let 6 runs by to lose the lead and the game. This game was so close we could taste it.

GAME BALL
For her fearlessness in the batter’s box and swinging aggressively against the best pitcher in the division as well as getting a near double, the game ball went to Allison. You set the example for all the girls on the team for how to keep your head in the game. With a couple more years of experience, you’re going to be a monster out there. Great job Allison!