Tucker Carpet (Team Ayers) – 8
Kincaid Electric (Team Wally) – 18
Ridge Energy Savers (Team Hill) – 19
If you were looking for a quiet morning of softball, you definitely came to the wrong ballpark! We had plenty of hits, a couple of home runs, some solid defensive plays, and a seventh-inning rally that reminded everyone why we don't pack up the equipment until the final out.
Three teams took the field, but by the time the dust settled, Team Hill had pulled off a thrilling 19–18 victory over Team Wally, while Team Ayers had one of those mornings they'd probably rather forget.
Team Ayers – A Hot Start, Then the Bats Went Cold
Sponsored by Tucker Carpet, Team Ayers started the morning looking like they were ready to do some damage.
In the first inning, Williamson and Rad delivered base hits, Jamie drew a walk, and Castillo singled to help bring three runs across the plate. Not a bad way to get things started!
Unfortunately, the second inning wasn't nearly as productive, as Team Ayers was held scoreless.
The bats came roaring back in the third inning. Terry, Zelanzny, Williamson, and Rad all singled, Jamie reached base, and Castillo, Stevens, and Clos followed with singles. By the time the dust settled, five more runs had crossed the plate, giving Team Ayers eight.
And then somebody apparently unplugged the offense.
Team Hill's defense slammed the door, holding Team Ayers scoreless for the remainder of the game. After scoring eight runs in the first three innings, they couldn't manufacture another one.
Eight runs wasn't going to be enough on a day when the other two teams were swinging the bats like they had somewhere important to be.
Team Wally – Rabideau Goes Yard!
Sponsored by Kincaid Electric, Team Wally came ready to hit, and they wasted absolutely no time proving it.
In the first inning, Pete, Rounds, and Doyle opened with singles, setting the table for Rabideau, who decided a single just wasn't going to cut it. He launched one out of the park for a home run! Deloach followed with a single, Constantine drew a walk, and despite leaving two runners stranded, Team Wally had four runs on the board.
The second inning brought two more runs, thanks to singles from Reagan and Miguel, a double by Pete, and another single from Rounds.
In the third, Saiaz, Rabideau, and Constantine each singled, producing another two runs.
The fourth inning saw Toro, Ernesto, and Marino contribute base hits, adding two more runs to the total.
By the fifth inning, Team Wally was still finding holes in the defense. Rounds, Doyle, Saiaz, and Rabideau all singled, bringing three runs across.
In the sixth, Constantine and Toro singled, adding another run.
Heading into the seventh inning, Team Wally had 14 runs on the board, tied with Team Hill. But apparently, they weren't interested in sharing the lead.
In the seventh inning, Parry and Pete singled, Rounds doubled, and Doyle, Saiaz, and Rabideau followed with singles. Four more runs crossed the plate, although two runners were left stranded.
Team Wally had taken an 18–14 lead, and with only one half-inning remaining, things were looking pretty good.
There was just one little problem. Team Hill still had its final at-bats.
Team Hill – Never Count Out the Home Team!
Sponsored by Ridge Energy Savers, Team Hill opened the game with an offensive explosion of its own.
In the first inning, Woodsby, Hill, and Johnston all singled. Sully, Gil, and Testa followed with doubles, and Anderson added another single. Five runs crossed the plate, giving Team Hill an early jump on the competition.
In the second inning, Gonzalez singled, Jorge reached base, and O'Callahan and Woodsby each singled, producing another run.
The third inning saw Johnston double, Sully single, Gil reach base, and Testa deliver another double. Three more runs scored.
In the fourth, O'Callahan managed the only base hit, and Team Hill was held scoreless.
But the fifth inning brought the excitement right back!
Woodsby led off with a single, Hill doubled, and Johnston delivered a sacrifice fly to bring home a run. Then Sully decided it was time to clear a little real estate, blasting a home run that brought in two more! Gil, Sensabaugh, and Testa followed with singles, helping Team Hill finish the inning with four runs.
In the sixth, Tutrani, Gonzalez, and Jorge all singled, producing one additional run.
That brought us to the seventh inning, with Team Ayers sitting at eight runs and Teams Wally and Hill tied at 14.
Seventh-Inning Drama – The Home Team Has the Last Word!
Team Wally broke the 14–14 tie with four runs in the top of the seventh, putting the pressure squarely on Team Hill.
But the home team still had its final at-bats, and apparently, they weren't the least bit intimidated.
Woodsby got things rolling with a single. Hill followed with another single, and Johnston reached base. Sully delivered yet another single, and Sensabaugh drew a walk.
Then Testa stepped up and ripped a double!
Turchetta, Anderson, Tutrani, and Gonzalez kept the rally alive with singles of their own.
The hits just kept coming, the runners kept crossing the plate, and Team Wally could only watch as their four-run lead disappeared.
Five runs in the bottom of the seventh! Team Hill wins 19–18!
Now THAT is how you finish a softball game!
Final Thoughts
Team Ayers had a tough morning, putting up eight runs early before Team Hill's defense shut down their offense. Sometimes the bats go cold, and sometimes the other team's gloves just get a little too hot.
Team Wally put together an impressive offensive performance, highlighted by Rabideau's home run and a steady stream of base hits throughout the game. Eighteen runs will win you plenty of softball games. Unfortunately, this wasn't one of them.
And Team Hill? They led or were tied throughout the game until Team Wally's four-run seventh inning briefly changed the picture. But having the final at-bats proved to be quite an advantage, especially when the bats refused to cool off.
Special recognition goes to Sully for his home run, Rabideau for sending one over the make believe fence, and Testa for coming through with some timely doubles.
A great morning of softball, plenty of offense, and a finish that gave everyone something to talk about on the way home.
Final Score: Ridge Energy Savers 19, Kincaid Electric 18, Tucker Carpet 8.
See you on the field! 