Game 12 - Wed 5.07 - L

They say the numbers don’t lie, but in this case, the final score of the game really doesn’t tell the full story of our loss to Tsunami yesterday. Although the Whos fell to Tsunami for the 2nd time this season, their teamwork, especially on defense, has got to be up there with the best in the division. Once again, the game was made on 1 play and that was the play that shut the door on the Whos. So, again, on increasingly rare occasions, we could be making better decisions out there, but the majority if not all the Who girls are playing their best games yet. But, to be honest, I’m tired of hearing the ‘We are proud of you’ song. Hopefully, we can turn that corner and start singing it to the other teams before season’s end.

FINAL SCORE
Tsunami: 11
Whos: 6

RECAP
Destinee had the rubber to open the game and, right at the beginning, she was struggling. Her usual accuracy wasn’t to be found and Tsunami took advantage. Thankfully, our defense put on a show. The first hit of the game was a pop-up and Jade, playing 3rd, charged to get under it, the ball hit her glove and popped out, but keeping her head, Jade bobbled the ball for what seemed like an eternity before locking it down for the 1st out of the inning. An overthrow by Mari to Gaby at 1st allowed Tsunami on base and a couple of walks later, they had the bases loaded. On the next play, Jade received a toss from short stop to get her runner out, but Tsunami was able to score. Bases loaded again, Destinee walked another for another score and finally a great play from Jade to Hylah at home got the last out of the inning.

Whos up to bat, with Kas leading off, were able get on base and after a couple of steals, Kas found herself in scoring position. Gaby got on base with a walk, then Jade to the ball for a ride for what should’ve been a double. She got on base nonetheless and drove Kas in to put the Whos on the board. But after Destinee got hit by a pitch, which loaded the bases, the next 3 Whos were shut down to end the 1st.

Hylah, at pitcher for the 2nd inning, struggled to find her groove as well as she walked most of the runners for Tsunami to give them their run limit.

1st batter up for the offensive side of the inning was Hylah. Itching to hit a ball but unable to get a good pitch, Hylah walked to get on base. On the next pitch, a miscommunication between Hylah and coach held Hylah up on the steal for just enough time for the Tsunami catcher to get the ball to 2nd in time for the tag and the 1st out of the inning. Cambria walked and quickly stole 2nd then 3rd. Allison, hit a ball down the 1st base line, but Cambria was able to turn that into a run and a score for the Whos. Kas popped up and was caught out to end the inning.

Jade took the mound for round 3. Base hit to Kas at short, Kas fielded the ball and made the quick throw to Gaby at 1st for the 1st out. Jade fielded a ball on a short hit and was able to stop it and beat the runner to 1st for out number 2. Then, striking out the 3rd batter, Jade made quick work of Tsunami and held them scoreless in the 3rd.

Whos, up for the 3rd time on the day, saw Gaby walk then steal 2nd to open up the 3rd inning. A triple by Jade drove Gaby in for the score. After a strike out by Destinee, the Whos were able to load the bases. Casey struck out for the 2nd out of the inning and the Whos’ comeback hopes started to fade, but Hylah was coming up to bat. However, that was not to be as Tsunami (very clearly) intentionally walked Hylah scoring 1 run. After Hylah’s up, Cambria walked for another run and Alison was hit by the pitcher scoring the 4th run on the inning and tying up the game.

--soapbox/sidebar—
Now, I understand the strategic reasons behind intentionally walking a player. They were trying to preserve their lead. They were trying to give their pitcher a chance to strike girls out before giving up 4 runs. Hylah, (her bat just recently waking up) would’ve possibly cleared the bases with a grand slam if given a chance, which they weren’t willing to risk. But aren’t we just here to play? I mean, we’ve always taught our girls to throw strikes, but, in this league, an intentional walk just seems almost unsportsmanlike (but that’s just my opinion). I guess it is a part of the game, as unsavory as it seems, so it should be taught at some point, I suppose, but it just didn’t feel quite right.
--end soapbox/sidebar—

Going into the 4th with a tie, Jade took to the rubber with determination. Jade fielded the 1st ball and made the throw to Mari at 1st for the 1st out. A base hit, put Tsunami on 1st and 2nd. The Tsunami runners stole to advance to 2nd and 3rd and their next batter hit a double. But quick defense got the ball back to Hylah at catcher to stop the tie breaking score for the 2nd out of the inning, giving the Whos some hope. Jade walked the next batter to load the bases. Riley came up to bat and knocked one into the outfield for a grand slam, giving Tsunami a 4 point lead. Tsunami was able to score one more before Jade was able to strike out the last batter.

Our last turn came and went quickly. Kas struck out. Gaby popped one up for the 2nd out and after a triple by Jade to put her in scoring position, Destinee struck out to end the game.

GAME BALL
The game ball for the day went to Gaby for great heads up play on 1st. Good job Gaby! This wasn’t given out yesterday, but writing it up now, I have to say that Jade deserves a game ball for the day as well as she put on a spectacular performance on the day at every position that she was in. This is a girl that comes to play every day and is dependable in every spot that she’s put in. Thanks Jade for all your hard work out there! We will fix this at our next practice.