What a fantastic double header between the best of the best from these 2 wonderful senior softball clubs. First I must say the commraderie and sportsmanship was fantastic. Actually off the charts. When the second game was done, the hand shake line was the longest I have ever seen in my 5 years of this. All were involved and also many hugs. All umpire decisions were honored without question and there were many bang, bang plays. Congratulations to both teams.
Speaking of umpiring, the home plate and only umpire nearly got wiped out 3 times. First time was when Smashers shortstop Jack Bonura uncorked a relay to the plate which was a bit off line up the first base line and kept screw balling about 5 ft. as the ump tried to get out of the way. The fans said that Smashers catcher Bo Miller snagged it right before thumping the ump. The umpire also had to quickly duck 2 intense foul tips, but he survived.
On to the games. First one was won by Winter Have 18-17 even though they tried to hand it to Solivita in the bottom of the open inning. Solivita scored 15 runs in the first 5 innings and were up 15-8. BUT, Winter Haven scored 7 in the 6th to tie it and then 3 more in the 7th and hang on for the squeaky victory in spite of 4 home runs by the Smashers. 2 over the wall by Bo Miller, another by Chris Varrone which nearly reached the cart path beyond right field. The 4th was in the park by speedy Jack Bonura.
Box score. Smashers, Brown 0-4, Bonura 3-4 HR, C. Varrone 2-4 HR, Johns 2-2, Miller 2-3 both HRs, Tom Mc 1-3, Beck 2-3, Dan Brown 1-3, Francisco 1-3, Kelly 2-2 w/BB, Renwick 1-3, Keller 2-3,Good 2-3. Also, there were so many good plays by both sides I could not record them all as I was the umpire trying to stay alive. HA!!!
Second game is why I came up with Solivita's name Smashers as they sprayed the ball everywhere, scoring in every inning, 3 of them where they out up nickels for a final of 21-9. Defensive play of the day was when Solivita pitcher Lenny Ike , scooted toward third base and barely snagged a weak pop fly and was going to the ground, when third baseman Keith Beck caught him and kept him upright. Keith was told HE made the catch of the day and should be awarded the game ball. Great catch, both of you.
Box score Smashers. Kelly 4-4, Bonura 3-4, Varrone 2-3, Johns 2-4, Miller 3-4, Beck 2-4, B. Brown 3-4, Tom Mc 3-4, D. Brown 2-4, Francisco 2-4, Keller 2-3, Ike 2-2 w/bb, Morin 2-3.
Box score 1st game for Winter Haven. Rivera 3-4, Hamilton 4-4, Rad P 3-4, Jacobson 3-3, Matta 1-4 and WP, Guzzo 2-2, Witmer 2-3, Pepin 2-3, D'Herin 2-3, JD starting pitcher and BB, Lopez 1-2 BB, Torres 1-3, Castillo 2-3.
2nd game. Rivera 2-3, Hamilton 3-4, Jacobson 2-3, Matta 2-3, Guzzo 3-3, D'Herin 2-3, JD 2-3.
I don't know how to end this longest write up I have ever done other than I wish I could remember some of the great defensive plays made but I was the umpire trying to stay alive. There might have been close to 100 or more FANS IN THE STANDS.
FANTASTIC TIME EVERYONE. Especially if you enjoy softball.
Write up by Loren Fabian.
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