Visiting Team: American Legion — coached by Tutrani
Home Team: Family Fence — coached by DeLoach
Final Score: American Legion 28, Family Fence 24
Final Score: American Legion 28, Family Fence 24
If you saw the name American Legion on the schedule, don't confuse it with the American League! This game started nothing like the way American League players generally play. Four up, three down, and the Legion's defense showed none of the finesse you'd expect from an American team. Meanwhile, Family Fence came out swinging, with its first five batters all crossing the plate.
But the Legion wasn't going to let Family Fence have all the fun.
The Legion Finds Its Footing
In the second inning, Tutrani singled, Bales followed with a single, and Raymondo added another hit as three runs crossed the plate. Family Fence's bats, however, remained red-hot.
Amy, Herbie, Ayers, and Family Fence's final batter of the inning — whose name was unfortunately illegible on the scoresheet — all singled. Gutenburger collected his second hit, followed by DeLoach, Ernesto, Ramon, and Cruz getting aboard. Five more runs scored, and at 10–3, it looked as though Family Fence might run away with this one.
Not so fast!
Testa led off with a single, Griffin followed with another, and Williamson kept the hits coming. Then Sully launched the first of what would become three home runs on the day! Tutrani got aboard, Bales singled, and Raymondo doubled as six runs came home.
And then came the confusion.
Under the catch-up rules, the Legion had scored six runs but could still bring in two more. Apparently, someone thought the game had been caught up, and the Legion walked off the field with only one out recorded and more batters still available.
Family Fence's position was essentially this: Know the rules. Know your scoresheet.
Play resumed, but Family Fence managed just one run in the third. Heading into the fourth, American Legion had clawed its way back to within two, trailing 14–16.
The Lead Changes, the Bats Stay Hot
Gil opened the fourth with a home run for the Legion. Lopez and Sensabaugh singled, Clos got aboard, and Testa's deep sacrifice fly brought home a run. Griffin reached base, and Williamson blasted a home run of his own. Five runs scored, putting the Legion back in front.
Family Fence answered with four runs. DeLoach singled, Turchetta tripled, Ernesto and Ramon singled, Cruz and Amy reached base, and DeLong tripled to keep the pressure on.
Then came the fifth, and Sully was just getting started.
He led off with his second home run of the game. Tutrani and Raymondo singled, Gil followed with another hit, Lopez reached base, Sensabaugh moved the runners, and Clos singled. Five more runs crossed for the Legion.
At last, the Legion's defense found its footing, holding Family Fence scoreless in the bottom half of the inning.
Sully Is Simply a Beast!
The Legion's bats weren't finished. Griffin led off with a single, Williamson got aboard, and Sully delivered his third home run of the game!
Leslie and Raymondo reached base, Gil doubled, and Lopez singled as five more runs scored. Sully had put on a power display worthy of its own headline!
Family Fence refused to fold, though. Cruz reached base, Amy, Herbie, DeLong, and Ayers singled, and three runs came home.
As the teams headed into the final inning, American Legion held a 24–19 lead. Family Fence was still within striking distance, but the Legion wanted more insurance.
Sensabaugh singled, Clos reached base, Testa singled, Griffin tripled, Williamson tripled, and Sully doubled. Four more runs scored, extending the Legion's lead.
That left Family Fence nine runs down, but nobody was walking away quietly this time!
DeLoach and Turchetta singled, Ernesto singled, Ramon doubled, Amy singled, DeLong doubled, and Ayers singled. Five runs crossed the plate, but the comeback fell just short.
Final: American Legion 28, Family Fence 24
Family Fence made the Legion work for every bit of that victory, answering big innings with rallies of its own. The Legion's offense delivered when it mattered, and its defense eventually settled in after a shaky start.
And let's hear it for Sully, whose three home runs helped power the Legion to victory!
Four runs separated these teams at the finish, but the game delivered plenty of hits, plenty of drama, a rules debate, and a reminder for everyone: know the rules, know your scoresheet, and never count a team out too early.
See you on the field!