Game #6

Date: May 20, 2010
Start: 9:15pm
End: 10:10pm
Where: Havins Field #5
Opponents: EoM

We were the home team.

Outcome: WIN
Final score: 15-14

Notes: The Weasels seemed intent on losing this game, with a combination of erratic pitching, poor hitting, and sloppy defense. To add to the problems, the home plate umpire had an extremely inconsistent strike zone that (for whatever reason) appeared to favor the opposing team. Despite this, the Weasels kept the game close, although a 4-run top of the 5th inning meant that the Weasels went into the bottom of the 5th with time expired and a 14-9 deficit. Fortunately, the Weasels had saved the best for last. Shawn led off the inning with a double. Courtney followed by working a walk. Patrick hit a double, scoring Shawn and advancing Courtney to third. The Weasels now trailed 14-10. Carrie Z hit a single, scoring Courtney and advancing Patrick to third. The Weasels now trailed 14-11. David singled, scoring Patrick and advancing Carrie Z to third. The Weasels now trailed 14-12. Nicole hit into a fielder's choice, forcing David at second base, but Carrie Z advanced to third and Nicole was safe at first. So the Weasels had runners on the corners with one out, still trailing 14-12. Mitch hit a double, scoring Carrie Z and advancing Nicole to third base. The Weasels now trailed 14-13. Kate roped a ball into left field, scoring both Nicole and Mitch for a walkoff base hit. Her hit got through the left fielder and she rounded the bases, but because she was between first and second when Mitch crossed the plate (at which point the game ended), she only got credit for a single -- an extremely clutch 2-RBI game-winning single! There were some defensive highlights during the game. First, while his pitching was a bit rocky (although it must be noted that the umpire played a role here), Matt handled every ball hit to him, including several that were very sharply hit, as well as backing up many plays. Amanda played her usual spectacular first base, including picking a very tough throw that Matt had to rush. In the second inning, there were two impressive defensive plays. With runners on first and second, a batter hit a line drive into left field. Patrick threw the ball to third base, trying to get the runner coming from second. He overthrew Nicole, but Matt was alertly backing up the play and caught the throw. The runner apparently did not realize this or was extremely bold, because he continued on for home. Matt threw to Courtney and the ball arrived well in advance of the runner. Rather than sliding or trying to go back, he barreled into her, knocking her over. She held on to the ball for the out, however, and got up after a few moments to resume playing. A short time later, with two outs and runners on first and second, the batter hit a line drive into left-center field. The runner who started on second base held up at third, but the runner from first base didn't see this and ran halfway to third base. Newton threw the ball back into the infield and they got the middle runner in a run-down between second and third. It ended when Carrie Z threw the ball to Matt and he tagged the runner out. In the meantime the lead runner had scored, but the play did end the inning. All in all it was an uncharacteristically uneven performance by the Weasels, but they never gave up and managed to rally in the end. With this victory, the Weasels clinched first place for the season. Thanks to Nicole, David, and Shawn for subbing, and special thanks to Kate for subbing on very short notice! Thanks to our fans who came out to cheer, including Ted and Jean (mother of Mitch and Matt). Great thanks to Justin for keeping score!

Batting lineup:

1: Newton, LCF
2: Amanda, 1B
3: Matt, P
4: Lindsay, RF
5: Shawn, RCF
6: Courtney, 2B/C*
7: Patrick, LF
8: Carrie Z, C/2B*
9: David, SS
10: Nicole, 3B
11: Mitch, DH
12: Kate, DH

* - In the odd innings, Courtney played 2B and Carrie Z played C. In the even innings, this was reversed.

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