It looked like we were in for a shootout Tuesday morning as all three teams came out swinging, each plating five runs in the opening inning. But after that explosive start, Team DeLoach's defense tightened the screws and completely changed the complexion of the game.
Behind a stellar pitching performance from last week's birthday boy, Ron, Team DeLoach held Team Wally to just one additional run the rest of the game. Ron mixed in timely strikeouts when they mattered most, and his defense made the plays behind him to keep the pressure on.
Meanwhile, Team Ayers never let up offensively, putting together a steady attack throughout the game to keep themselves in front.
Team Wally
Despite the tough morning, Team Wally had several bright spots:
- Lainhart went 2-for-3, scoring 2 runs.
- Lynch, Doyle, Tutrani, and Gonzales each crossed the plate once.
Team Ayers
Team Ayers put together one quality inning after another to claim the victory.
- Woodsby scored 2 runs.
- Wilber Wilson (our mystery third batter whose handwriting still has us guessing!) finished 3-for-4.
- JR scored 2 runs.
- Fee crushed a scorching home run in the fourth inning.
- Delong went 3-for-4, scoring 1 run.
- Cruz also went 3-for-4, scoring 2 runs.
Team DeLoach
Team DeLoach refused to go quietly and made things interesting in the final inning. Their offense was led by some impressive hitting throughout the game:
- Guttenberg went 3-for-4, scoring 3 runs.
- Col Z had a perfect day at the plate, going 4-for-4 and scoring 3 runs.
- Rusty also had a perfect day, going 4-for-4, including a big home run that sparked a late rally.
- Rabideau and Moots each crossed the plate twice.
Trailing by five in the final inning, Col Z started the rally with a single before Rusty launched a home run to cut into the lead. Moots reached base, followed by a base hit from Reagan, setting the stage for the big comeback. Bales smoked a laser toward third that was hit so hard it found its way right through the third baseman's glove. After the game, the third baseman—one of those younger "American League" players who occasionally ventures into National League territory—could only shake his head and laugh, saying, "I can't believe the girl hit it through my glove!" Bales may have earned bragging rights for the rest of the season with that one.
With the bases loaded and the tying runs aboard, Team DeLoach's rally came up just short, allowing Team Ayers to hang on for the victory.
Final Standings
Team Ayers – 17
Team DeLoach – 15
Team Wally – 6