Game 5 - Thu 4.17 - L

Game 2 in our series vs. the Army Bratz (I keep spelling their name wrong, this is actually correct).

FINAL SCORE
Army Bratz: 8
Whos: 5

While this game seemed much the same in the way of results, it was much improved for the Whos in the way of execution. We keep getting better and better on defense and it is showing. I'm very proud of what we're doing out there.

HIGHLIGHTS (this is really turning into a recap - I mean, who's kidding who here?)
Inning 1 saw some strong infield play by the Whos including some good defensive bag work and some solid pitching by Shelbey to hold the Bratz to 1. The Whos took their at bats and came on strong to begin the game. We had a couple of hits to the outfield that made the Bratz run around a little, which was enough to score us 3 giving the Whos the lead in the game.

Taking the field at defense, the Whos tapped Jade to pitch and this girl was on fire for 2 innings in a row putting in a very impressive pitching performance. With the help of her team, she was able to keep the Bratz scoreless for the inning. I think it was the reappearance of the polka dot socks that made all the difference. I can't believe that this girl asked me not to pitch her before the game. Jade, that's the last time I listen to you on strategy.

The Army Bratz, trying to rein us in decided to bring in their A pitcher. I think we have to agree that this Bratz girl (Sarah) is good. There are some intimidating pitchers out there in our division and we have to work on our fear of the ball a little if we're going to score points. Either way, the Bratz plan worked and held us scoreless in the 2nd.

For the 3rd, Jade's solid peformance remained, but the Bratz coming on strong managed to slip a couple of runners in there before our defense and Jade's on fire pitching shut them down.

This gave the Bratz the edge by 1 point when the Whos took their turn at the plate. This was another exciting inning where the Whos were able to turn it around again with 3 to regain the lead.
Casey, finally waking up out there, hit the ball for the 2nd time in as many games and although she got out on first managed to put our players into scoring position. Later Angelica drove 1 home and Jade brought in 2 more to make the game: Brats 4 - Whos 5

Going into the unlimited run 4th, Shelbey was back at the rubber and some dirty tricks by the Bratz and possibly a little pressure caused Shelbey to struggle a little and a dead ball play late in the inning caused us to give up 4 runs before getting the Bratz out of there.

Smelling blood in the water, the Bratz brought back Sarah (Land Shark) to get the outs the Bratz needed to close the game out with the 3 point lead and the win.

HONORABLE MENTIONS
I have to mention that Mari has been working 2nd base perfectly over the last few games. She's quiet and you don't hear her much, but if you want a great example of how to cover a base (down and ready, running back and getting set, receiving the ball and in some cases making the tag), please watch her at work. Good job Mari, now only if we could hear her call the ball to her, we'd have a superstar at 2nd base. I also have to mention Shelbey and Jade for their work on the bases as well.

Jade was awesome on the rubber for 2 straignt innings. Incredible!

GAME BALL
Finally, Shelbey at pitcher really impressed me during this game. Although we gave up some runs and I had to calm her down a little when the Bratz started heckling her while she was pitching, she kept her head straight, kept a great attitude, stayed 'Loosey-Goosey' out there and put in a solid pitching performance of her own. This and her much improved attitude over the last couple of games earned Shelbey the game ball.

Whew! I didn't think I had it in me.