Having tied for 1st in the last game, Purple Lighting came to the field with confidence that they could repeat their performance vs. the Rock Stars. A win in this, the Purple Lightning's final game of the season, would lock up the tie at 1st and possibly more depending on the outcomes of the remaining regular season games to be played. But a loss would do just as much damage. Needless to say, it was a crucial game for Purple Lightning and the state of the division standings in general as the last season games could knot up the top 3 spots. Could we repeat our earlier performance against the Rock Stars in an attempt to clarify the division leaders?
1st Inning
Starting Purple Lightning off at the rubber in the 1st was Tess. She struggled to get her pitch going. A walk on the 1st batter put a Rock Star runner on base. Working up to full count on the next batter, Tess's next pitch went high and she walked the batter. With runners on 1st and 2nd, the 3rd batter was able to connect on a pitch and sent one in the air toward 2nd base. Caitlin had enough time to walk over to make the catch to get the 1st out of the game. When the 4th batter came up, the runners successfully stole 2nd and 3rd to put the Rock Stars into scoring position. Tess was able to put 3 over the plate for the 2nd out of the inning. The next batter came to the plate. With the count up to 3 and 1 a pass ball that bounced off the backstop, the batter walked and the runner on 3rd left for home. It took a moment for Hylah to find the ball and by the time she reached it, the runner crossed the plate, putting the Rock Stars on the board. On a pass ball, the runners on base stole to put themselves into scoring position. With a count of 2 and 2, the next batter hit one that went over Tess and hit the ground in front of 2nd base for a single and the runners made their move. Caitlin made it to the ball as the 1st runner crossed and picked it up to make the throw to Hylah at home to try and prevent the score. With 2nd base open, the runner on 1st got a double on the play. The throw went low and Hylah was not able to reach it and the 2nd runner scored. On the 1st pitch on the next batter, the runner on 2nd tried to steal, but Hylah was ready for her and made the throw to Janessa in time to tag the runner out and retire the side.
Janessa was up to lead us off in the 1st. On the 1st pitch, Janessa made contact and sent a slow grounder down the 3rd base side. She took off like a shot and the 3rd baseman fielded the ball. She made the throw, but Janessa got there first and she was on. Yazmine was up next. On a pass ball, Janessa stole 2nd. A walk on Yazmine put 2 Purple Lightning runners on base. Tess was up next. With a count of 3 and 1, Tess hit the ball and sent it out to left center. Tess made it on base and Janessa turned the corner at 3rd and made it home, putting a point up for Purple Lightning. Kelsey came up to bat and Yazmine stole 3rd. The pitcher was able to catch Kelsey swinging to strike her out. Hylah came to the plate next. After a couple of strikes, the pitcher threw an off-speed pitch that got Hylah to commit to the swing early, getting the strikeout on Hylah. Sara was up next and she got a piece of the ball and sent it into the outfield. Yazmine crossed the plate as Sara turned the corner, but the Rock Star outfield was able to get the ball back to the 3rd baseman who quickly threw to 2nd to get the tag and the 3rd out of the inning.
Rock Stars 3 - Purple Lightning 2
2nd Inning
Kelsey was in to pitch in the 2nd. Kelsey also needed a moment to find her pitch. Kelsey battled with the 1st batter, but eventually gave up 1st base with a walk. A pass ball on the 2nd batter sent the runner on a successful steal to 2nd. Another pass ball sent the runner again. This time, Hylah got the drop on her and she made the throw to Janessa at 3rd for the tag and the 1st out of the inning. After getting to full count on the batter, Kelsey was able to get her to swing for the strikeout. Finding her groove, Kelsey was able to get the next batter to swing, striking her out and getting the last out of the 2nd inning.
Caitlin was up to lead us off in the 2nd. The pitcher walked Caitlin, putting a runner on base. Erin was up next. On the pitch, Caitlin took a lead and the Rock Star catcher tried pick Caitlin off at 1st, but overthrew the 1st baseman. Caitlin took off for 2nd and had time to make it around to 3rd. Erin was caught swinging and was struck out. Maia came to the plate next. A walk on Maia put Purple Lightning runners on 1st and 3rd. Alexis was up next and Caitlin teased the steal to home. The catcher got up to send her back to 3rd and Maia was able to steal 2nd. The pitcher was able to get 3 over the plate on Alexis, getting the strikeout. Janessa came to the plate next and renewed the Purple Lightning's hopes of tying up the game with a big hit. Janessa connected and sent a short fly ball down the 1st base line. On the bounce, the Rock Star 1st baseman was able to reel in the ball and make the hard tag on Janessa for the 3rd out of the inning.
Rock Stars 3 - Purple Lightning 2
3rd Inning
Kelsey was back in to pitch in the 3rd. After getting behind in the count on the 1st batter, Kelsey was able to battle back to get the strikeout. The next batter was hit by a pitch and got on base. When the 3rd Rock Star batter came to the plate, the runner stole 2nd. On a pass ball, she took off for 3rd and trying to go 3 for 3, Hylah made the throw to Janessa, but this time, it went low and Janessa had to come off the base to make the catch and the runner made it to 3rd. A walk on the batter put runners on 1st and 3rd, but, as Kelsey was getting set for her next pitch, the runner on 1st started to steal 2nd and was called out for the illegal move. Walks on the next 2 batters loaded the bases. Kelsey was beginning to struggle. A walk on the next batter brought a runner across the plate. The next batter was able to make contact. She sent a grounder to Erin at short stop. Erin was able to make the stop, but she lobbed a ball to Tess at 1st giving the runner enough time to reach 1st and allowing 1 run to get home. A walk on the next batter brought one more across the plate. Feeling the momentum shift in their favor, the next batter got a hit and sent it bouncing down the 3rd base line. Luckily, Janessa was able to make the grab and run back to tag the bag to get the force out at 3rd and hold the Rock Star rush to 3 runs in the 3rd inning.
Trailing by 4, Yazmine came to the plate to start the 3rd inning for Purple Lightning. After getting up to 3 and 1 a walk on Yazmine put a runner on base. Tess was up next. A walk on Tess put Lightning runners on 1st and 2nd. Kelsey, hit a high fly ball that the Rock Star infield was able to catch on the fly, for the 1st out. Trying to find an answer against the Rock Stars, Hylah came to the plate next to see what she could do. Hylah connected, sending the ball down the 3rd base side. The 3rd baseman was able to make the grab and tag the base for the force out on Yazmine at 3rd. With 2 outs and runners on 1st and 2nd, Sara came to the plate. On a pass ball, the runners stole 2nd and 3rd and eventually, Sara was walked to load the bases. A walk on Caitlin brought Tess home. Erin was up next. After getting to full count, Erin hit a ball that slowly bounced into the Rock Star infield. The ball was picked up and the throw was made to 1st getting the last out of the inning and holding Purple Lightning to 1 run.
Rock Stars 6 - Purple Lightning 3
4th Inning
Trailing in the 4th, Tess was brought back in to pitch in the 4th. After getting to 2 and 0 on the 1st batter, Tess walked the batter to put the Rock Stars on base. When the next batter came to the plate, the runner was able to steal her way around to 3rd. Then, after getting up to full count, Tess was able to get the batter to swing for the strikeout and the 1st out of the inning. Her pitch coming alive, Tess got the strikeout on the next batter, but a walk on the next batter put Rock Star runners on 1st and 3rd. Unfazed, Tess went right back to work on the next batter. Getting behind with a count of 1 and 2, Tess pulled it together on the next 3 pitches to strike the batter out and hold the Rock Stars scoreless in the 4th.
Now, it was time for the Purple Lightning offense to do their job. Maia came to the plate to lead Purple Lightning off. Maia made contact and sent a grounder down the 3rd base line. The Rock Star 3rd baseman collected the ball and threw to 1st. The ball reached the 1st baseman, then bounced out of her glove, but Maia slowed down a touch before getting to 1st, giving the 1st baseman enough time to recover and get the out. Alexis was up next and the Rock Star pitcher was able to get Alexis to swing and she was quickly sent back to the dugout. The door was beginning to close on Purple Lightning in the 4th. On Janessa's next turn at bat, she got hit by a stray pitch and got on base. A pass ball on Yazmine allowed Janessa to steal 2nd. Another pass ball sent Janessa to 3rd. A walk on Yazmine put runners on 1st and 3rd. As Tess came up to the plate, Yazmine quickly stole 2nd and Purple Lightning was in scoring position. Tess hit the next pitch out to left field for a single, giving Janessa and Yazmine time to come home, making it a 1-point game. On her next trip, Kelsey roped one to right center. The center fielder ran up to make the catch, but couldn't get there in time and the ball hit the ground. Kelsey made it to 1st and Tess advanced to 2nd. Hylah was up next and hit a hard grounder toward 2nd base. The 2nd baseman made the stop and with time, made the throw to 1st for the out, moving the game into the 5th inning.
Rock Stars 6 - Purple Lightning 5
5th Inning
Having just brought the game to within 1 point, the Purple Lightning defense had to tighten up if they were to take this game back. Tess was back at pitcher. A walk on the 1st batter put the Rock Stars on base. On the steal, Hylah tried to throw the runner down, but the ball went high, going over Sara, now covering 2nd, and allowed the runner to get to 3rd. After full count on the next batter, Tess made her swing and got the strikeout for the 1st of the inning. The next batter hit one to the grass just behind 2nd base for a single, bringing the runner on base home. The next Rock Star batter hit a grounder through to Yazmine. She got a handle on the ball and quickly threw to Kelsey at 1st for the 2nd out. With the runner now on 2nd, a pass ball allowed her to steal 3rd. The next batter hit the ball over the infield into left center. Alexis moved toward the ball, but didn't get there in time and it hit the ground. She picked up the ball and threw it back to the infield, but the runner reached 1st and another run came in. With the Rock Stars' bats coming alive, the next batter hit a grounder down the middle. The runners took off. Sara got to the ball as the runner came in to 2nd. Missing the tag at 2nd, Sara made the throw to Kelsey at 1. The runner made it on base as Kelsey dropped the ball. She quickly recovered and thinking the play was over, threw the ball to Tess as the runner on 3rd left for home. Tess, still sensing the play was on, quickly threw the ball to Hylah at home to get the out on the runner, stopping the Rock Star onslaught.
Bottom of the 5th, trailing by 3 points, the Purple Lightning girls knew they had to come up with some runs to stay in the game. Sara hit a grounder down the 1st base side for a single, getting the ball past the 2nd baseman. With 2 and 2 on Caitlin, a pass ball sent Sara on a successful steal to 2nd. Eventually, the Rock Star pitcher walked Caitlin, putting Purple Lightning runners on 1st and 2nd. Erin was up next. After an initial foul ball, the Rock Star pitcher got Erin to swing on 2 pitches to get the strike out. A quick strikeout on Maia sent her back to the dugout. The Rock Stars seemed to have our number. Alexis was next. On a pass ball, Sara and Caitlin stole 2nd and 3rd to put themselves into scoring position. The Rock Star pitcher went right back to work. The count at 3 and 1 on Alexis, the next pitch missed the mark and loaded the bases for Purple Lightning. With 2 outs, bases loaded and trailing by 3, Janessa came to the plate. It was high time to get a big hit. On the pitch, Janessa made contact. The ball bounced hard to the pitcher and the pitcher grabbed the ball and made the throw home, beating Sara to the plate and getting the 3rd out of the inning to keep Purple Lightning scoreless in the 5th.
Rock Stars 8 - Purple Lightning 5
6th Inning
Quickly taking the field to start the 6th and to give Purple Lightning a final shot at evening the score or taking the lead, Kelsey came back in to pitch. The 1st batter hit a high fly ball toward Caitlin. Caitlin walked in to make the catch, but it bounced out of her glove and the runner got on. With the count at 1 and 2 on the 2nd batter and the runner on base now at 2nd on a successful steal, Kelsey got one through for the strikeout. The next batter made a perfect bunt to get on base, bringing the runner to 3rd. After getting to 3 and 0, the next batter made a big hit to left field and the runners took off. Maia got herself into position, reached out her glove and made the catch for the out. The runners having left before the catch, had to return to their bases. A walk on the next batter loaded the bases. When the count was at 2 and 2, the next batter stayed alive on fouls. The count now full, the batter swung on a pitch and sent a grounder through the infield for a single, bringing a run in. A walk on the next batter, brought another Rock Star runner across the plate. Now determined to put a stop to the Rock Star offense, Kelsey worked up to a 2 and 2 count, then threw one over to get the batter to swing, getting the strikeout and brining the Purple Lightning offense out for their final stand.
Yazmine came up to start the 6th. After getting up to full count, Yazmine made contact, sending it toward the 3rd baseman. The 3rd baseman overthrew 1st and Yazmine held up at 1st for a second before trying for 2nd. The Rock Stars were on their game and were able to bring the ball back in to 2nd to get the tag on Yazmine, getting the out. Tess was up and connected. She sent a grounder to the Rock Star short stop and took off for 1st. The short stop fielded the ball and gunned it to 1st to get the 2nd out of the inning on Tess. The door quickly closing on the game, Kelsey came to the plate and got hit by a pitch to get on base. Hylah was up next. With the count at 1 and 2, the pitcher, having successfully done it earlier in the game, threw an off-speed pitch that got Hylah to swing giving the Rock Stars the final out and the victory in the Purple Lightning's final game of the regular 2009 season.
Final Score
Rock Stars 10 - Purple Lightning 5
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
May 22 - vs. CV Giants
Moving into the last 2 games of the regular season, having just locked up 2nd place with the last win, Purple Lightning hosted the number 1 team in the division, the CV Giants. The last game against this team was a low scoring, defensive affair, which the Giants won. Since then, they have gone nearly undefeated in the season, earning the top spot, but a recent loss to the Rock Stars put a blemish on their near perfect record. Could Purple Lightning exploit the chink in their armor to move into (or at least tie for) the number 1 spot to end the season?
1st Inning
Tess was in to pitch to start the game off. Quickly, Tess got the 1st batter to swing, striking her out for the 1st out of the game. After strike 2, the 2nd batter hit a bouncing ball toward 2nd base. Yazmine moved herself into position, but the ball bounced off of her glove and the runner made it on base. The 3rd batter was up next. On a pass ball, the runner stole 2nd. After getting ahead in the count, the batter was caught swinging for another strike out. The next CV Giants batter came out aggressively in the 1st to try to put her team on the board. She swung hard on the pitch and made contact, but sent the ball high and it eventually landed in foul territory. On the next pitch, she swung hard and made contact again, this time sending a grounder toward Alli at short stop. Alli charged the ball and easily scooped it up as the Giants' runner passed her on the way to 3rd and was just out of reach for Alli to make the tag. Keeping her head, Alli still had time to get the out at 1st. Quickly transitioning for the throw, she gunned the ball to Kelsey at 1st for the 3rd out of the inning.
Leading off in the 1st, Janessa got up to 2 strikes before getting hit with a pitch for a walk. Alli was up next and on a pass ball, Janessa stole 2nd. The pitcher, still finding her pitch, walked Alli to put Lightning runners on 1st and 2nd. Tess came to the plate and on the pitch, hit a grounder through the infield sending Alli and Janessa running. The 2nd baseman made the stop and the throw to 1 for the out as Janessa turned the corner at 3rd to try for home. Quickly, the Giants' 1st baseman made the throw home and the catcher forced Janessa to rethink her move. With runners on 2nd and 3rd, Kelsey was up next. On the pitch, Kelsey crushed one out to left field getting it past the Giants' outfielder for a double, bringing Janessa and Alli in to score and putting Purple Lighting on the board. Trying to contain the Purple Lighting offense, the pitcher dug deep and got 3 over the plate to strike Hylah out on her first at bat. The Giants' pitcher stayed in the pocket to close out the 1st inning with a strike out on Yazmine.
CV Giants 0 - Purple Lightning 2
2nd Inning
Kelsey took over the rubber in the 2nd inning. Trying to find her pitch, Kelsey walked the 1st batter. After the runner stole 2nd, Kelsey shook it off to get the strikeout on the 2nd batter. As the 3rd batter came to the plate, the runner on base stole her way to 3rd. After getting to 0 and 2, Kelsey got behind and eventually walked the batter. The runner got to 1st base and stopped. Purple Lightning reset for the next batter. Then, without warning, the runner on 1st took off for 2nd base. This caused some confusion, but eventually the runner was called out for the infraction. A pass ball on the 4th batter got the runner on 3rd base to try to make a move, but Kelsey quickly went to cover home. Receiving the ball from Hylah, Kelsey made the throw to Janessa to hold the runner on 3rd. A walk on the 4th batter put runners on 1st and 3rd. Trying to put the Giants on the board, the next batter came out swinging and connected. The ball went high into the air toward 3rd base. Waving everyone off, Janessa made the catch for the out, keeping the Giants scoreless in the game.
Caitlin came to the plate to lead us off in the 2nd. The CV Giants pitcher, visibly a little bothered, hit Caitlin with a pitch, sending her to 1st base. With a pass ball on Sara, Caitlin stole 2nd. Staying alive on fouls, Sara got to full count. On the next pitch, Sara made contact and sent a grounder to the 2nd baseman. As Caitlin reached 3rd, the 2nd baseman made the stop and made the easy throw to 1st for the out on Sara. The pitcher quickly sent Maia back to the dugout with a strikeout. A walk on Alexis put 2 Lightning runners on. Janessa was up next. After getting up to full count, the pitcher walked Janessa and loaded the bases. Alli was up next and the Giants' pitcher knew she had to get it together to keep the game close. She got down to business to get 3 over on Alli, eliminating the Lightning scoring threat and moving the game into the 3rd inning.
CV Giants 0 - Purple Lightning 2
3rd Inning
Kelsey was back in to pitch in the 3rd. The 1st batter hit a grounder down the middle that found a hole and made it out to Maia in right center. Maia threw it back in but the runner made it to 1st. On a pass ball, the runner stole 2nd, but Kelsey was able to battle back from a 3 and 1 count to get the strikeout on the 2nd batter. The 3rd batter came to the plate. The batter was called out when it was discovered that she was batting out of order. There was a delay in the game as both sides tried to figure out what happened. Once everything was straightened out, play resumed. Kelsey got right back to work. On a pass ball, the runner on 2nd stole 3rd and put herself in position to score, but after working to full count, Kelsey got the batter to commit to the swing and got it by her, striking her out and keeping the CV Giants to no runs in the game.
The CV Giants decided to put in a new pitcher for the 3rd. It was a different look for the Purple Lightning and it seemed to do the job. Tess came to the plate and connected on the pitch, but it bounced back to the pitcher and she was able to get the ball and make the throw to 1st for the out. Kelsey was up next and, in an almost identical play, she hit the ball and sent it straight back to the pitcher, who again made the throw to 1st for the 2nd out. On Hylah's next trip to the plate, with a count of 0 and 2, the pitcher hit Hylah with a pitch and Hylah got on base. Yazmine was up next. Hylah stole her way into scoring position on a couple of pass balls. A walk on Yazmine put runners on 1st and 3rd. Caitlin came up to the plate and on the pitch, Yazmine took off like a shot and stole 2nd base, getting Purple Lightning ready to score. But the Giants' pitcher, after working up to full count, was able to get Caitlin to swing on a strike and the final out of the inning.
CV Giants 0 - Purple Lightning 2
4th inning
As the game moved into the 4th inning, and time was running short, the CV Giants knew that they had to get some points on the board to keep themselves in it. Tess was back in to pitch in the 4th. The 1st batter got up to 2 and 2 and stayed alive with foul balls until Tess was able to get her to swing to strike her out. A walk on the next batter put a Giants batter on base. The 3rd batter came up to the plate and on a pass ball, the runner on base stole 2nd. Then, the batter hit one out to left field, getting it past Sara. The runner was heading for 3rd as Sara reached the ball and threw it back in directly for home. The ball reached Hylah just a touch too late and the Giants were finally on the board. Building on the momentum, the next Giants batter made contact and sent a hard grounder toward Yazmine at 2nd. Yazmine made the stop, but as she came up for the throw, she lost her grip and bobbled it, giving the Giants enough time to get on base and bring another runner home, tying up the game. Getting Purple Lightning back on track, Tess brought back the heat to get us out of the inning. The next batter came to the plate and Tess got her to swing and miss to get her out of there, getting the 2nd out. Then Tess did the exact same thing to the next batter, getting the next batter swinging for the out and forcing the side change.
Trying to keep the game tight, the CV Giants brought put their 1st pitcher back in. Leading us off in the 4th, Sara came up to bat. Sara tried to stay in there, but the Giants' pitcher was able to get 3 over to strike her out. Maia was up next and after staying alive with fouls, the pitcher was able to get her to swing at a pitch, getting the 2nd out in a row. The door was starting to close on Purple Lightning in the 4th and it looked as if this pitcher, who seemed to struggle earlier on, was now coming alive, but a walk on Alexis put a runner on base. Janessa came up to bat and Alexis stole 2nd. On a pass ball, Alexis made it to 3rd. Janessa stayed alive with fouls until the pitcher threw a ball to get to full count. Another pitch missed the mark and Janessa got on base. With runners on 1st and 3rd, Alli was up next. On the 1st pitch, Janessa stole 2nd and Purple Lightning was again ready to score. On the next pitch, Alli brought the bat around and slammed the ball to the ground, sending it speeding through the 3rd base side of the infield. The short stop made her move, but couldn't make it in time and Alli held up at 1st, but Alexis and Janessa were able to make it across home, putting Purple Lightning back in the lead. Tess was up next and Alli was able to steal her way around into scoring position. Tess was determined to extend the Purple Lightning lead. On the pitch, Tess hit the ball and sent it bouncing down the middle. The pitcher was able to get a glove on it and, turning, was able to make the throw to 1st for the 3rd out. But the damage was done and Purple Lightning left the inning leading by 2.
CV Giants 2 - Purple Lightning 4
5th inning
Leading by 2 in the 5th, Purple Lightning would move into a tie for 1st place in the division with a win over the CV Giants. Tess was tapped to close the show. Continuing last inning's performance, Tess brought the heat again and challenged the CV Giants to try to mount an offense. The 1st batter came to the plate. Working up to a count of 1 and 2, Tess got the batter to swing. Strikeout! Tess made quick work of the next batter as she swung and missed. Strikeout! The 3rd batter came to the plate and Tess seemed to slow down a touch. After being ahead in the count, Tess threw a couple of balls and the count was now full. 1 more strike and Purple Lightning would win the game and tie up 1st place. Tess,collected herself and surveyed the field, took a deep breath and put her hands together to start the pitch. She stepped forward and brought her arm around and delivered the ball. The batter loaded the bat and swung. Hylah caught the ball. Strikeout!
Purple Lightning was now at the top of the food chain, sharing the spot with today's opponent, the CV Giants. Congratulations Purple Lightning!
Final Score
CV Giants 2 - Purple Lightning 4
1st Inning
Tess was in to pitch to start the game off. Quickly, Tess got the 1st batter to swing, striking her out for the 1st out of the game. After strike 2, the 2nd batter hit a bouncing ball toward 2nd base. Yazmine moved herself into position, but the ball bounced off of her glove and the runner made it on base. The 3rd batter was up next. On a pass ball, the runner stole 2nd. After getting ahead in the count, the batter was caught swinging for another strike out. The next CV Giants batter came out aggressively in the 1st to try to put her team on the board. She swung hard on the pitch and made contact, but sent the ball high and it eventually landed in foul territory. On the next pitch, she swung hard and made contact again, this time sending a grounder toward Alli at short stop. Alli charged the ball and easily scooped it up as the Giants' runner passed her on the way to 3rd and was just out of reach for Alli to make the tag. Keeping her head, Alli still had time to get the out at 1st. Quickly transitioning for the throw, she gunned the ball to Kelsey at 1st for the 3rd out of the inning.
Leading off in the 1st, Janessa got up to 2 strikes before getting hit with a pitch for a walk. Alli was up next and on a pass ball, Janessa stole 2nd. The pitcher, still finding her pitch, walked Alli to put Lightning runners on 1st and 2nd. Tess came to the plate and on the pitch, hit a grounder through the infield sending Alli and Janessa running. The 2nd baseman made the stop and the throw to 1 for the out as Janessa turned the corner at 3rd to try for home. Quickly, the Giants' 1st baseman made the throw home and the catcher forced Janessa to rethink her move. With runners on 2nd and 3rd, Kelsey was up next. On the pitch, Kelsey crushed one out to left field getting it past the Giants' outfielder for a double, bringing Janessa and Alli in to score and putting Purple Lighting on the board. Trying to contain the Purple Lighting offense, the pitcher dug deep and got 3 over the plate to strike Hylah out on her first at bat. The Giants' pitcher stayed in the pocket to close out the 1st inning with a strike out on Yazmine.
CV Giants 0 - Purple Lightning 2
2nd Inning
Kelsey took over the rubber in the 2nd inning. Trying to find her pitch, Kelsey walked the 1st batter. After the runner stole 2nd, Kelsey shook it off to get the strikeout on the 2nd batter. As the 3rd batter came to the plate, the runner on base stole her way to 3rd. After getting to 0 and 2, Kelsey got behind and eventually walked the batter. The runner got to 1st base and stopped. Purple Lightning reset for the next batter. Then, without warning, the runner on 1st took off for 2nd base. This caused some confusion, but eventually the runner was called out for the infraction. A pass ball on the 4th batter got the runner on 3rd base to try to make a move, but Kelsey quickly went to cover home. Receiving the ball from Hylah, Kelsey made the throw to Janessa to hold the runner on 3rd. A walk on the 4th batter put runners on 1st and 3rd. Trying to put the Giants on the board, the next batter came out swinging and connected. The ball went high into the air toward 3rd base. Waving everyone off, Janessa made the catch for the out, keeping the Giants scoreless in the game.
Caitlin came to the plate to lead us off in the 2nd. The CV Giants pitcher, visibly a little bothered, hit Caitlin with a pitch, sending her to 1st base. With a pass ball on Sara, Caitlin stole 2nd. Staying alive on fouls, Sara got to full count. On the next pitch, Sara made contact and sent a grounder to the 2nd baseman. As Caitlin reached 3rd, the 2nd baseman made the stop and made the easy throw to 1st for the out on Sara. The pitcher quickly sent Maia back to the dugout with a strikeout. A walk on Alexis put 2 Lightning runners on. Janessa was up next. After getting up to full count, the pitcher walked Janessa and loaded the bases. Alli was up next and the Giants' pitcher knew she had to get it together to keep the game close. She got down to business to get 3 over on Alli, eliminating the Lightning scoring threat and moving the game into the 3rd inning.
CV Giants 0 - Purple Lightning 2
3rd Inning
Kelsey was back in to pitch in the 3rd. The 1st batter hit a grounder down the middle that found a hole and made it out to Maia in right center. Maia threw it back in but the runner made it to 1st. On a pass ball, the runner stole 2nd, but Kelsey was able to battle back from a 3 and 1 count to get the strikeout on the 2nd batter. The 3rd batter came to the plate. The batter was called out when it was discovered that she was batting out of order. There was a delay in the game as both sides tried to figure out what happened. Once everything was straightened out, play resumed. Kelsey got right back to work. On a pass ball, the runner on 2nd stole 3rd and put herself in position to score, but after working to full count, Kelsey got the batter to commit to the swing and got it by her, striking her out and keeping the CV Giants to no runs in the game.
The CV Giants decided to put in a new pitcher for the 3rd. It was a different look for the Purple Lightning and it seemed to do the job. Tess came to the plate and connected on the pitch, but it bounced back to the pitcher and she was able to get the ball and make the throw to 1st for the out. Kelsey was up next and, in an almost identical play, she hit the ball and sent it straight back to the pitcher, who again made the throw to 1st for the 2nd out. On Hylah's next trip to the plate, with a count of 0 and 2, the pitcher hit Hylah with a pitch and Hylah got on base. Yazmine was up next. Hylah stole her way into scoring position on a couple of pass balls. A walk on Yazmine put runners on 1st and 3rd. Caitlin came up to the plate and on the pitch, Yazmine took off like a shot and stole 2nd base, getting Purple Lightning ready to score. But the Giants' pitcher, after working up to full count, was able to get Caitlin to swing on a strike and the final out of the inning.
CV Giants 0 - Purple Lightning 2
4th inning
As the game moved into the 4th inning, and time was running short, the CV Giants knew that they had to get some points on the board to keep themselves in it. Tess was back in to pitch in the 4th. The 1st batter got up to 2 and 2 and stayed alive with foul balls until Tess was able to get her to swing to strike her out. A walk on the next batter put a Giants batter on base. The 3rd batter came up to the plate and on a pass ball, the runner on base stole 2nd. Then, the batter hit one out to left field, getting it past Sara. The runner was heading for 3rd as Sara reached the ball and threw it back in directly for home. The ball reached Hylah just a touch too late and the Giants were finally on the board. Building on the momentum, the next Giants batter made contact and sent a hard grounder toward Yazmine at 2nd. Yazmine made the stop, but as she came up for the throw, she lost her grip and bobbled it, giving the Giants enough time to get on base and bring another runner home, tying up the game. Getting Purple Lightning back on track, Tess brought back the heat to get us out of the inning. The next batter came to the plate and Tess got her to swing and miss to get her out of there, getting the 2nd out. Then Tess did the exact same thing to the next batter, getting the next batter swinging for the out and forcing the side change.
Trying to keep the game tight, the CV Giants brought put their 1st pitcher back in. Leading us off in the 4th, Sara came up to bat. Sara tried to stay in there, but the Giants' pitcher was able to get 3 over to strike her out. Maia was up next and after staying alive with fouls, the pitcher was able to get her to swing at a pitch, getting the 2nd out in a row. The door was starting to close on Purple Lightning in the 4th and it looked as if this pitcher, who seemed to struggle earlier on, was now coming alive, but a walk on Alexis put a runner on base. Janessa came up to bat and Alexis stole 2nd. On a pass ball, Alexis made it to 3rd. Janessa stayed alive with fouls until the pitcher threw a ball to get to full count. Another pitch missed the mark and Janessa got on base. With runners on 1st and 3rd, Alli was up next. On the 1st pitch, Janessa stole 2nd and Purple Lightning was again ready to score. On the next pitch, Alli brought the bat around and slammed the ball to the ground, sending it speeding through the 3rd base side of the infield. The short stop made her move, but couldn't make it in time and Alli held up at 1st, but Alexis and Janessa were able to make it across home, putting Purple Lightning back in the lead. Tess was up next and Alli was able to steal her way around into scoring position. Tess was determined to extend the Purple Lightning lead. On the pitch, Tess hit the ball and sent it bouncing down the middle. The pitcher was able to get a glove on it and, turning, was able to make the throw to 1st for the 3rd out. But the damage was done and Purple Lightning left the inning leading by 2.
CV Giants 2 - Purple Lightning 4
5th inning
Leading by 2 in the 5th, Purple Lightning would move into a tie for 1st place in the division with a win over the CV Giants. Tess was tapped to close the show. Continuing last inning's performance, Tess brought the heat again and challenged the CV Giants to try to mount an offense. The 1st batter came to the plate. Working up to a count of 1 and 2, Tess got the batter to swing. Strikeout! Tess made quick work of the next batter as she swung and missed. Strikeout! The 3rd batter came to the plate and Tess seemed to slow down a touch. After being ahead in the count, Tess threw a couple of balls and the count was now full. 1 more strike and Purple Lightning would win the game and tie up 1st place. Tess,collected herself and surveyed the field, took a deep breath and put her hands together to start the pitch. She stepped forward and brought her arm around and delivered the ball. The batter loaded the bat and swung. Hylah caught the ball. Strikeout!
Purple Lightning was now at the top of the food chain, sharing the spot with today's opponent, the CV Giants. Congratulations Purple Lightning!
Final Score
CV Giants 2 - Purple Lightning 4
Game Ball
With her great defensive play to close out the 1st inning as well as her clutch, game winning hit in the 4th to put Purple Lightning back on top - not to mention her solid and consistent performance throughout the season - Alli received the game ball. Great work out there Alli!
Friday, May 15, 2009
May 16 - @ Blue Phantoms
Still reeling from last night's near upset, the Purple Lightning girls came to the fields confident but cautious. Down 3 girls - Maia was out of town, Alli was not available to play and Gabby's injury kept her out once again - Purple Lightning had to make some lineup and position changes in order to best utilize the remaining 9. Hosted by the Blue Phantoms, the Purple Lightning offense came out to start the game.
1st Inning
The Blue Phantom pitcher started off with a strike out on Janessa. Yazmine was next and the pitcher had a difficult time finding her strike zone and eventually walked her, putting a runner on base. Tess was next and Yazmine was able to steal 2nd. On the following pitch, Tess hit the ball and sent a grounder through the infield into right center for a single. Yazmine was able to reach home and put Purple Lightning on the board. Kelsey was up next and after getting to full count, the pitcher walked Kelsey, putting Lightning runners on 1st and 2nd. A pass ball on Hylah sent the Lightning runners on a successful steal. After getting to full count with runners now on 2nd and 3rd, the Blue Phantom pitcher walked Hylah and loaded the bases. Sara came to the plate. The count was 2 and 2 and Sara stayed alive with foul balls. With a ball, the count was full. On the next pitch Sara swung hard and connected. Unfortunately, the ball popped up and as the Infield Fly Rule was in effect, Sara was automatically out. The 2nd baseman went for the catch anyway, but missed and the runners took off and Tess was able to come home. Caitlin came up to bat and on a pass ball, Kelsey successfully stole home, putting one more on the board. A walk on Caitlin put 2 Lightning runners on base. When Erin took her turn at bat, Caitlin stole 2nd and with Hylah on 3rd, Purple Lighting was poised to score again. Unfortunately, the pitcher was able to get 3 past Erin to strike her out, closing out the 1st inning for the Lightning offense.
It was the Blue Phantom's turn to try to get some points on the board. Tess was in to pitch for the 1st inning. When the count was up to 2 and 2 on the 1st batter, Tess got her to keep swinging, but the batter was battling to stay alive with fould balls. Finally, she hit a grounder to 2nd base. Caitlin ran up to make the grab and, with some time, was able to make the throw to Kelsey at 1st for the out. The 2nd batter came up to see if she could do any better. After getting up to 2 and 2, it looked like the result would be the same, but Tess got her to swing at a ball to get the strike out on the 2nd batter. The next batter came to the plate and after getting up to full count, again this batter stayed alive with fouls. Finally she hit one out to right center toward Sara. Sara picked up the ball and overthrew 2nd, trying to hit her cut off. The runner was able to get a double on the play. With a runner on 2nd, Tess decided to go to work on the 4th batter. A strike out on the 4th batter kept the Blue Phantoms off the board in the 1st.
Purple Lightning 3 - Blue Phantoms 0
2nd Inning
Leading us off in the 2nd, Alexis came to the plate. After getting up to full count, the pitcher walked Alexis, putting a Lightning runner on base again. A walk on Janessa put runners on 1st and 2nd. With runners on 1st and 2nd, Yazmine was up next and on a pass ball, the runners went for the steal and made it to 2nd and 3rd. A walk on Yazmine loaded the bases. Tess was up next. With bases loaded and the threat of a big hit, the Blue Phantoms decided to bring in a new pitcher. The new pitcher almost hit Tess with a pitch, but eventually walked her on balls, bringing Alexis in to score. Kelsey was up next. After getting up to full count, the pitcher finally walked Kelsey, bringing Janessa across the plate. Next, Hylah stayed alive with foul balls, but eventually the pitcher got the better of her and struck her out, for the 1st out of the inning. Sara got a hit on her next at bat and bounced one toward the 2nd baseman. The Phantom 2nd baseman, thought about going to 1st for the out, but then made the decision to try to prevent Yazmine from scoring. That split-second was all Yazmine needed to come tearing across home. Trying to get the game under control, the Blue Phantom pitcher dug deep to get the strike out on Caitlin and followed it up with a strike out on Erin to hold Purple Lightning to 3 runs.
Kelsey came in to pitch the 2nd inning. A string of foul balls kept the 1st batter alive until Kelsey got one over to strike her out. With a count of 3 and 1, the 2nd batter hit one out to the outfield. Reacting quickly, Caitlin was able to get to the ball and throw it back in to hold the runner to a double on the play. A walk on the 3rd batter put runners on 1st and 2nd. The next batter was able to make contact. Sending a grounder through the infield, Alexis, playing short stop this inning, just missed the grab and the grounder reaches left field. Erin picked up the ball and threw it to Yazmine at 2nd to stop the runners, but the runner on 2nd had enough time to make it home and put Blue Phantoms on the board. A walk on the 5th batter loaded the bases. The next Blue Phantom batter was determined to make something happen. She swung on a ball and connected. The runners took off. On the bounce, Kelsey was able to reel it in and throw it to Hylah at home for the 2nd out, preventing the score. With the bases still loaded, the Blue Phantoms got another run in on a walk. The 8th batter hit a fast grounder down the 3rd base side. Janessa left the bag to pick up the grounder. Looking up, she saw the runner coming for 3rd and she turned around to race the runner back to the bag. At the last second, Janessa was able to reach out and tag the runner to get the last out of the inning.
Purple Lightning 6 - Blue Phantoms 2
3rd Inning
Leading off in the 3rd, Alexis worked up to full count then was walked by the pitcher. Janessa was up next. She connected on a pitch, but it was a short fly that the 1st baseman was able to catch for the 1st out of the inning. Yazmine came to the plate next. Alexis stole her way to 3rd base until the pitcher gave Yazmine 1st base on a walk. With Lightning runners on 1st and 3rd, Tess came to the plate. Quickly Yazmine stole 2nd and Purple Lighting was ready to score. After getting up to full count, Tess stayed alive with fouls, then hit a fast grounder to the Phantom short stop. She was able to collect the ball in time to make the throw to 1st for the out on Tess, but not before Alexis crossed the plate for a run. Kelsey was up next and she took the ball for a ride into right field. The outfielder missed the catch and gave Kelsey a double as Yazmine came home. Hylah was up next and Kelsey stole 3rd. On the next pitch, Kelsey came off the base for a steal on home, but the alert Phantom catcher got up and showed her the ball to back Kelsey off. A walk on Hylah put runners on 1st and 3rd. Sara came to the plate and determined to get a big hit, connected and sent a grounder through the Blue Phantom infield out to left center, bringing Kelsey across the plate. On Caitlin's next at bat, she got hit by a pitch and was walked, loading the bases. A walk on Erin brought Hylah in. With bases loaded and 2 outs, Alexis came to the plate for the 2nd time in the inning. Unfortunately, the Blue Phantom pitcher was able to get Alexis to swing, striking her out and retiring the side.
Trying to preserve the Purple Lightning lead, Tess was back in to pitch in the 3rd. After getting a little behind on the 1st batter, Tess was able fight back and get the strike out, but walks on the next 2 batters put runners on 1st and 2nd. The next batter was stubborn. She came up to the plate and worked herself through the count, then kept hitting fouls to stay alive. Low pitch, foul. Low pitch, foul. Tess worked it out and threw high on the next pitch and sure enough the batter went for the low pitch again and Tess was able to get her out of there. The 5th Phantom batter wasn't as easy. She made contact on a pitch and hit a hard grounder through the 1st base side. Caitlin ran up to the ball, put her glove down and made the stop. Turning, she made the easy throw to Kelsey at 1st, getting the out and shutting down the Blue Phantom offense in the 3rd.
Purple Lightning 10 - Blue Phantoms 2
4th Inning
Janessa came in to start Purple Lightning off in the 4th. She hit a grounder down the 3rd base side. Janessa got to 1st, but held up as the Blue Phantom 3rd baseman gained control of the ball. Yazmine was able to connect too, but popped it up. The second baseman came in to make the catch but missed and Yazmine made it to 1st. A walk on Tess loaded the bases. Kelsey came up to the plate and was able to connect, sending the ball toward the short stop. On the bounce, the runners made their move. The short stop reached out for the ball, but was not able get the glove around it and the ball hit the ground. Janessa came across the plate and the short stop was able to recover in time to make the short toss to 3rd to get the out on Yazmine. On Hylah's next trip up, she roped it out to right center. The runners on base took off as the right fielder moved toward the ball. The right fielder reached out her hand and was able to make the catch for the out and the runners were forced to quickly run back to their original positions. Sara came in and hit a grounder toward the short stop. This time she was able to make the stop and threw to 3rd for the out. Unfortunately, the 3rd baseman missed the catch and all runners advanced successfully and the bases were loaded. Caitlin was up next. After getting behind on the count, the pitcher was able to fight back to full count. Then, she was able to get Caitlin to swing, striking her out and holding the Purple Lightning to 1 point in the inning.
Kelsey was back in to pitch in the 4th. With a comfortable lead, it was time to slow the game down a bit. The 1st batter hit one down the 3rd base side. Janessa came out to field the ball and make the throw to Tess at 1st for the 1st out. The 2nd batter hit the ball too and sent one bouncing down the middle. Quickly, Kelsey was able to make the grab and turn to make the throw to Tess to get the 2nd out of the inning. With a quick 1, 2 punch, things had to slow down in order to preserve the lead. A walk on the 3rd batter put a Blue Phantom runner on. The 4th batter, trying to make something happen, hit one out to left field. Alexis adjusted and reached out her hand, but the ball was just out of her reach. She was able to recover and make the throw to Yazmine to hold it to a double, but the runner on base had time to make it around and come home. A successful steal and a walk on the next batter put runners on 1st and 3rd. The next batter was able to hit the ball too, this time sending a grounder to Janessa at 3rd. The runners were on the move. Janessa fielded the ball and threw it to 1st, but the runner was able to touch the base just in time and the runner on 3rd made it home. Coming alive, the next Blue Phantom batter came to the plate and hit one again out over Alexis for a double, this time brining in 2. Not wanting to relive the end of the previous game, it was time to get Tess in at the rubber to preserve the lead and close the game. The next batter caught Tess while she was still warming up and was able to send one out to left field, brining in another run. She then stole her way into scoring position. After getting to full count, a walk on the 9th Blue Phantom batter, put 2 runners on base. The Blue Phantoms' confidence grew as the Purple Lightning lead shrunk, the runner on 1st stole 2nd and the Blue Phantoms were threatening to score once again. With the count up to 2 and 2, Tess and the batter stared each other down. Calming herself, Tess got ready to pitch. The batter dug in, ready to make a big hit. It was on. Tess took her step as the batter reached back to load the bat. Tess came through with the wind up and sent the ball toward Hylah's glove. The batter waited a fraction of a second to get the timing right, then released the bat. The bat came around to meet the ball, then dipped at the last second and the ball sailed over. Tess ended the Blue Phantoms' late game surge by throwing the game ending strike.
Final Score
Purple Lightning 11 - Blue Phantoms 7
Game Ball
For her consistent performances throughout the season as well as filling in at short stop for Alli in the game, Yazmine received the game ball. Great job and great work out there!
1st Inning
The Blue Phantom pitcher started off with a strike out on Janessa. Yazmine was next and the pitcher had a difficult time finding her strike zone and eventually walked her, putting a runner on base. Tess was next and Yazmine was able to steal 2nd. On the following pitch, Tess hit the ball and sent a grounder through the infield into right center for a single. Yazmine was able to reach home and put Purple Lightning on the board. Kelsey was up next and after getting to full count, the pitcher walked Kelsey, putting Lightning runners on 1st and 2nd. A pass ball on Hylah sent the Lightning runners on a successful steal. After getting to full count with runners now on 2nd and 3rd, the Blue Phantom pitcher walked Hylah and loaded the bases. Sara came to the plate. The count was 2 and 2 and Sara stayed alive with foul balls. With a ball, the count was full. On the next pitch Sara swung hard and connected. Unfortunately, the ball popped up and as the Infield Fly Rule was in effect, Sara was automatically out. The 2nd baseman went for the catch anyway, but missed and the runners took off and Tess was able to come home. Caitlin came up to bat and on a pass ball, Kelsey successfully stole home, putting one more on the board. A walk on Caitlin put 2 Lightning runners on base. When Erin took her turn at bat, Caitlin stole 2nd and with Hylah on 3rd, Purple Lighting was poised to score again. Unfortunately, the pitcher was able to get 3 past Erin to strike her out, closing out the 1st inning for the Lightning offense.
It was the Blue Phantom's turn to try to get some points on the board. Tess was in to pitch for the 1st inning. When the count was up to 2 and 2 on the 1st batter, Tess got her to keep swinging, but the batter was battling to stay alive with fould balls. Finally, she hit a grounder to 2nd base. Caitlin ran up to make the grab and, with some time, was able to make the throw to Kelsey at 1st for the out. The 2nd batter came up to see if she could do any better. After getting up to 2 and 2, it looked like the result would be the same, but Tess got her to swing at a ball to get the strike out on the 2nd batter. The next batter came to the plate and after getting up to full count, again this batter stayed alive with fouls. Finally she hit one out to right center toward Sara. Sara picked up the ball and overthrew 2nd, trying to hit her cut off. The runner was able to get a double on the play. With a runner on 2nd, Tess decided to go to work on the 4th batter. A strike out on the 4th batter kept the Blue Phantoms off the board in the 1st.
Purple Lightning 3 - Blue Phantoms 0
2nd Inning
Leading us off in the 2nd, Alexis came to the plate. After getting up to full count, the pitcher walked Alexis, putting a Lightning runner on base again. A walk on Janessa put runners on 1st and 2nd. With runners on 1st and 2nd, Yazmine was up next and on a pass ball, the runners went for the steal and made it to 2nd and 3rd. A walk on Yazmine loaded the bases. Tess was up next. With bases loaded and the threat of a big hit, the Blue Phantoms decided to bring in a new pitcher. The new pitcher almost hit Tess with a pitch, but eventually walked her on balls, bringing Alexis in to score. Kelsey was up next. After getting up to full count, the pitcher finally walked Kelsey, bringing Janessa across the plate. Next, Hylah stayed alive with foul balls, but eventually the pitcher got the better of her and struck her out, for the 1st out of the inning. Sara got a hit on her next at bat and bounced one toward the 2nd baseman. The Phantom 2nd baseman, thought about going to 1st for the out, but then made the decision to try to prevent Yazmine from scoring. That split-second was all Yazmine needed to come tearing across home. Trying to get the game under control, the Blue Phantom pitcher dug deep to get the strike out on Caitlin and followed it up with a strike out on Erin to hold Purple Lightning to 3 runs.
Kelsey came in to pitch the 2nd inning. A string of foul balls kept the 1st batter alive until Kelsey got one over to strike her out. With a count of 3 and 1, the 2nd batter hit one out to the outfield. Reacting quickly, Caitlin was able to get to the ball and throw it back in to hold the runner to a double on the play. A walk on the 3rd batter put runners on 1st and 2nd. The next batter was able to make contact. Sending a grounder through the infield, Alexis, playing short stop this inning, just missed the grab and the grounder reaches left field. Erin picked up the ball and threw it to Yazmine at 2nd to stop the runners, but the runner on 2nd had enough time to make it home and put Blue Phantoms on the board. A walk on the 5th batter loaded the bases. The next Blue Phantom batter was determined to make something happen. She swung on a ball and connected. The runners took off. On the bounce, Kelsey was able to reel it in and throw it to Hylah at home for the 2nd out, preventing the score. With the bases still loaded, the Blue Phantoms got another run in on a walk. The 8th batter hit a fast grounder down the 3rd base side. Janessa left the bag to pick up the grounder. Looking up, she saw the runner coming for 3rd and she turned around to race the runner back to the bag. At the last second, Janessa was able to reach out and tag the runner to get the last out of the inning.
Purple Lightning 6 - Blue Phantoms 2
3rd Inning
Leading off in the 3rd, Alexis worked up to full count then was walked by the pitcher. Janessa was up next. She connected on a pitch, but it was a short fly that the 1st baseman was able to catch for the 1st out of the inning. Yazmine came to the plate next. Alexis stole her way to 3rd base until the pitcher gave Yazmine 1st base on a walk. With Lightning runners on 1st and 3rd, Tess came to the plate. Quickly Yazmine stole 2nd and Purple Lighting was ready to score. After getting up to full count, Tess stayed alive with fouls, then hit a fast grounder to the Phantom short stop. She was able to collect the ball in time to make the throw to 1st for the out on Tess, but not before Alexis crossed the plate for a run. Kelsey was up next and she took the ball for a ride into right field. The outfielder missed the catch and gave Kelsey a double as Yazmine came home. Hylah was up next and Kelsey stole 3rd. On the next pitch, Kelsey came off the base for a steal on home, but the alert Phantom catcher got up and showed her the ball to back Kelsey off. A walk on Hylah put runners on 1st and 3rd. Sara came to the plate and determined to get a big hit, connected and sent a grounder through the Blue Phantom infield out to left center, bringing Kelsey across the plate. On Caitlin's next at bat, she got hit by a pitch and was walked, loading the bases. A walk on Erin brought Hylah in. With bases loaded and 2 outs, Alexis came to the plate for the 2nd time in the inning. Unfortunately, the Blue Phantom pitcher was able to get Alexis to swing, striking her out and retiring the side.
Trying to preserve the Purple Lightning lead, Tess was back in to pitch in the 3rd. After getting a little behind on the 1st batter, Tess was able fight back and get the strike out, but walks on the next 2 batters put runners on 1st and 2nd. The next batter was stubborn. She came up to the plate and worked herself through the count, then kept hitting fouls to stay alive. Low pitch, foul. Low pitch, foul. Tess worked it out and threw high on the next pitch and sure enough the batter went for the low pitch again and Tess was able to get her out of there. The 5th Phantom batter wasn't as easy. She made contact on a pitch and hit a hard grounder through the 1st base side. Caitlin ran up to the ball, put her glove down and made the stop. Turning, she made the easy throw to Kelsey at 1st, getting the out and shutting down the Blue Phantom offense in the 3rd.
Purple Lightning 10 - Blue Phantoms 2
4th Inning
Janessa came in to start Purple Lightning off in the 4th. She hit a grounder down the 3rd base side. Janessa got to 1st, but held up as the Blue Phantom 3rd baseman gained control of the ball. Yazmine was able to connect too, but popped it up. The second baseman came in to make the catch but missed and Yazmine made it to 1st. A walk on Tess loaded the bases. Kelsey came up to the plate and was able to connect, sending the ball toward the short stop. On the bounce, the runners made their move. The short stop reached out for the ball, but was not able get the glove around it and the ball hit the ground. Janessa came across the plate and the short stop was able to recover in time to make the short toss to 3rd to get the out on Yazmine. On Hylah's next trip up, she roped it out to right center. The runners on base took off as the right fielder moved toward the ball. The right fielder reached out her hand and was able to make the catch for the out and the runners were forced to quickly run back to their original positions. Sara came in and hit a grounder toward the short stop. This time she was able to make the stop and threw to 3rd for the out. Unfortunately, the 3rd baseman missed the catch and all runners advanced successfully and the bases were loaded. Caitlin was up next. After getting behind on the count, the pitcher was able to fight back to full count. Then, she was able to get Caitlin to swing, striking her out and holding the Purple Lightning to 1 point in the inning.
Kelsey was back in to pitch in the 4th. With a comfortable lead, it was time to slow the game down a bit. The 1st batter hit one down the 3rd base side. Janessa came out to field the ball and make the throw to Tess at 1st for the 1st out. The 2nd batter hit the ball too and sent one bouncing down the middle. Quickly, Kelsey was able to make the grab and turn to make the throw to Tess to get the 2nd out of the inning. With a quick 1, 2 punch, things had to slow down in order to preserve the lead. A walk on the 3rd batter put a Blue Phantom runner on. The 4th batter, trying to make something happen, hit one out to left field. Alexis adjusted and reached out her hand, but the ball was just out of her reach. She was able to recover and make the throw to Yazmine to hold it to a double, but the runner on base had time to make it around and come home. A successful steal and a walk on the next batter put runners on 1st and 3rd. The next batter was able to hit the ball too, this time sending a grounder to Janessa at 3rd. The runners were on the move. Janessa fielded the ball and threw it to 1st, but the runner was able to touch the base just in time and the runner on 3rd made it home. Coming alive, the next Blue Phantom batter came to the plate and hit one again out over Alexis for a double, this time brining in 2. Not wanting to relive the end of the previous game, it was time to get Tess in at the rubber to preserve the lead and close the game. The next batter caught Tess while she was still warming up and was able to send one out to left field, brining in another run. She then stole her way into scoring position. After getting to full count, a walk on the 9th Blue Phantom batter, put 2 runners on base. The Blue Phantoms' confidence grew as the Purple Lightning lead shrunk, the runner on 1st stole 2nd and the Blue Phantoms were threatening to score once again. With the count up to 2 and 2, Tess and the batter stared each other down. Calming herself, Tess got ready to pitch. The batter dug in, ready to make a big hit. It was on. Tess took her step as the batter reached back to load the bat. Tess came through with the wind up and sent the ball toward Hylah's glove. The batter waited a fraction of a second to get the timing right, then released the bat. The bat came around to meet the ball, then dipped at the last second and the ball sailed over. Tess ended the Blue Phantoms' late game surge by throwing the game ending strike.
Final Score
Purple Lightning 11 - Blue Phantoms 7
Game Ball
For her consistent performances throughout the season as well as filling in at short stop for Alli in the game, Yazmine received the game ball. Great job and great work out there!
May 15 - vs. Chili Peppers
6 days after the victory against the Soul Sisters, Purple Lightning was set to host the Chili Peppers. It was the 2nd meeting for these 2 teams this season, the first being on opening day. That one was a very close game, but both of these teams have had a chance to grow and improve over the course of the season. It was time to see how these teams have changed over the last 6 weeks.
1st Inning
Tess started us off at pitcher. Taking a little time to warm up, Tess walked the 1st batter. Findiing her pitch on the 2nd batter, the runner on base was able to steal her way to 3rd. A walk on the 2nd batter put Chili Pepper runners on 1st and 3rd. The 3rd batter came up to the plate. On a pass ball, the runner on 1st stole 2nd. Tess was getting the 3rd batter to swing, but she wasn't going to go down without a fight. She stayed alive with foul balls until she hit one that popped up high. Reacting quickly, Hylah was able to run over to make the catch on the foul ball, getting the 1st out of the inning. The next batter came to the plate. Ahead on the count, Hylah threw the ball back to Tess and it went low, getting by Tess. The runner on 3rd base made a break for home and put the Chili Peppers on the board. When things got back under control, Tess was able to finish the job on the 4th batter by striking her out. A walk on the next batter put runners on 1st and 3rd. But Tess put it on the 6th batter by getting her to swing and striking her out, closing out the Chili Peppers' initial effort.
On her first at bat, Janessa made contact with a pitch and sent the ball bouncing down the 1st base line. The 1st baseman made the grab and taggged 1st base for the 1st out. After getting to 3 and 1, the pitcher walked Alli, putting a Purple Lightning runner on base. When Tess came to the plate, Alli went to steal 2nd. An overanxious throw by the catcher got past the 2nd baseman and Alli was able to capitalize and make it to 3rd. Finally, a walk on Tess put Purple Lightning runners on 1st and 3rd. Kelsey was up next and Tess successfully stole 2nd. After a count of 2 and 2 on Kelsey, the pitcher was able to get her to swing and struck her out for the 2nd out of the side. On her turn, Hylah hit a fast grounder that went through the short stop's legs, Alli and Tess took off. Hylah made it to 1st and Alli came across the plate, putting Purple Lightning on the board. Yazmine was next and the bunt was called it. The infield charged, but left a hole on 1st. The pitcher picked up the ball but had no one to throw to and by the time she decided to go for the out at home, Tess crossed the plate. Caitlin came to the plate next and was hit by a pitch, which loaded the bases. Sara got a hit on her at bat, but unfortunately the 2nd baseman was able to stop the ball and throw it to 1st to close out the inning.
Chili Peppers 1 - Purple Lightning 2
2nd Inning
Kelsey came in to pitch in the 2nd. Kelsey walked the first batter, putting a runner on 1st. The 2nd batter made contact and sent a ball over the infield toward left center. It hit the ground on the edge of the grass just out of Sara's reach, but she was able to pick it up and throw it back to the infield to hold the runners on 1st and 2nd. The 3rd batter hit a grounder toward Yazmine. She made the stop and threw to Tess at 1st for the out. With runners on 2nd and 3rd, the 4th batter (Kas - who played for coach Taf last year) got a hit and sent the ball bouncing toward Yazmine again. Again, she made the stop and threw to Tess at 1st to get the 2nd out, but a Chili Pepper runner reached home on the play. A walk on the next batter put runners on 1st and 3rd, but Kelsey took care of business by stringing 3 together to get the strike out on the 6th Chili Pepper batter.
The Chili Peppers put in a new pitcher in the 2nd inning. On her first trip to the plate, Erin got a hit and sent it through the infield to right center. The outfielder stopped the ball and threw the ball to 1st to try to get the out on Erin, but Erin beat the ball to the bag and got on base. Alexis was up next. On the pitch, Erin hesitantly tried to steal 2nd. The catcher saw her make her move and she got up to make her throw. The ball and Erin reached 2nd base at the same time, but Erin slowed her run just a touch and when she went to put her foot on the bag, she missed, allowing the Chili Pepper 2nd baseman to get the tag and the 1st out. This was the momentum that the Chili Peppers needed. On the next pitch, Alexis hit the ball and sent a grounder toward the short stop. She was able to make the throw to 1st for the 2nd out. Janessa was next and she was able to hit the ball too, but this time it was a short fly ball heading toward fould territory on the 1st base side. Getting a jump on the ball, the 1st baseman made her move and made the catch for the 3rd out, keeping Purple Lightning scoreless in the inning and evening up the score.
Chili Peppers 2 - Purple Lightning 2
3rd Inning
Tess was back in to pitch in the 3rd. Tess made quick work of the Chili Peppers' offense in the 3rd by throwing heat. After what looked like a hit by a pitch off of the 1st batter's hands was ruled as actually a hit on part of the bat and a foul ball, Tess sent her back to the dugout anyway by striking her out. Tess was able to catch the next batter swinging and struck her out too. Now in full 'rock mode', Tess retired the side with a strike out on the 3rd batter, bringing out the Chili Pepper defense.
A new pitcher came in to pitch in the 3rd. Tess's pitching performance in the top of the inning lit a fire under the Purple Lightning offense. Alli hit a grounder through the infield toward left center for a double. Tess was next and hit a grounder through the infield past the 2nd baseman this time to get on base. On the play, Alli was able to make it home. Kelsey was up next and on the 1st pitch, she showed bunt and Tess was able to steal 2nd. On the next pitch, Kelsey hit a short fly ball that dropped right between the Chili Pepper pitcher, short stop and 2nd baseman. The confusion bought Kelsey enough time to make it to 1st and allowed Tess to get to 3rd base. On Hylah's next turn, Kelsey stole 2nd and after a count of 2 and 2, Hylah hit one past the 3rd baseman, bringing Tess home and putting runners on 1st and 3rd. Yazmine was next at the plate and on a pass ball that bounced off the backstop toward the 1st base side, Kelsey and Hylah took off, successfully stealing home and 2nd in the process. On another pass ball, Hylah made it to 3rd on a steal and the eventual walk on Yazmine put Lightning runners on 1st and 3rd again. A walk on Caitlin loaded the bases. On her next at bat, Sara was able to squeeze one past the short stop to bring Yazmine and Hylah home and a walk on Erin loaded the bases again. There was a glimmer of hope as the Chili Pepper pitcher was able to strike Alexis out. But Janessa wasn't having any of it as she hit one past the 2nd baseman, bringing Caitlin and Sara home. On her 2nd trip to the plate in the inning, Alli crushed it and sent it out to right center for a double, bringing Erin and Janessa home. Tess came to the plate for the 2nd time and hit one that bounced toward 2nd bae. The 2nd baseman dropped the ball and Tess made it to 1st and Alli made it to 3rd. On Kelsey's 2nd trip, Tess stole 2nd. Then Alli left 3rd base early, drawing the 2nd out. On the following pitch, Tess left her base early, also drawing the out and closing out the 3rd inning. With 9 runs in the inning, Purple Lightning built a very comfortable lead.
Chili Peppers 2 - Purple Lightning 11
4th Inning
Kelsey was back in to pitch in the 4th. After Tess's 3rd inning pitching performance, Kelsey tried to put her stamp on the game as well, but the Chili Peppers started it off strong. The 1st batter hit one way out into left field past Janessa and past Alli. The ball rolled down the 3rd base line and looked to be rolling foul, but was ruled fair. Getting to the ball quickly, Alli made the long throw to Janessa to hold the runner at 2nd. The 2nd batter got a hit too and sent a high fly ball that hit the ground in front of Sara at 2nd. Keeping her head, Sara grabbed the ball as the batter reached 1st and as the other runner turned the corner to head for home. She had to go for the longer throw to Hylah. She reached back and gunned it and Hylah was able to reel it in for the out at home, getting the 1st out and preventing the score. The next batter got a piece of it and the runner on 1st took off. But Kelsey was able to make the grab on the fly for the 2nd out, which forced the runner to turn back to 1st base. She was too far out of position and it gave Kelsey enough time to easily make the throw to Tess at 1st for the double play and the last out of the side.
Trying to find an answer, the Chili Peppers put their 1st pitcher back in in the 4th. Kelsey came in to finish her at bat. This pitcher started off by walking both Kelsey and Hylah to put Purple Lightning runners on 1st and 2nd. Yazmine was up next and smashed a grounder through to right field. The Chili Peppers tried to get the out on Hylah at 2nd, but the throw went high, giving Yazmine a double and bringing Kelsey home. After a full count, the pitcher was able to get Caitlin to swing at a pitch, striking her out. Sara was next and she got another hit and sent it bouncing past Hylah on her way home. The 3rd baseman decided to throw to first and got the ball there just in time, but the 1st baseman took her foot off the bag and Sara was safe and Hylah crossed the plate. A walk on Erin loaded the bases. On Alexis's next trip, she got a hit, but popped it up. The 1st baseman tried to make the catch, but dropped it and Yazmine came tearing across the plate as Alexis made it to 1st. Getting a hit herself, Janessa bounced it back to the pitcher. With some time, the pitcher was able to make the stop and decided to throw the ball home and got the out on Sara. Alli kept the streak going by hitting a fast grounder down the 3rd base line that bounced off of the base and bought enough time for Erin and Alexis to score. A walk on Tess loaded the bases again. When Kelsey came back to the plate, Janessa left her base early and drew the 3rd out of the inning.
Chili Peppers 2 - Purple Lightning 16
5th Inning
With a very comfortable 14-point lead and the last 2 defensive outings, Purple Lightning decided to try something new. Hylah was tapped to pitch for the first time in the season. Hylah threw pretty well during what little practice she had pitching during the practice season, but the added pressure of her 1st in-game pitching of the season and everyone watching and her team counting on her to close the game was too much for Hylah and she couldn't put it together to get strikes over the plate. She walked the 1st 3 batters, loading the bases. She got a good pitch to the 4th batter, but the batter hit the ball to Alli at short. With a little bobble, the Chili Peppers were able to get a run in and keep the bases loaded. A walk on the next 2 batters brought 2 more runs across and then a steal from 3rd base after a short pickle situation brought another runner over. With the Purple Lightning lead getting smaller, Kelsey was brought in to replace Hylah at the rubber, but the Chili Peppers were on a roll. The next batter hit a grounder for a single, bringing in another run and the following batter roped on out to the outfield, which brought across 2 more. A walk on the next batter loaded the bases. Kelsey was able to get the next batter to swing for the 1st strike out of the inning. The next batter hit one up in the air toward Hylah, now covering 1st. Hylah didn't get there in time and the ball hit the ground. Hylah picked up the ball as the runner ran past and reached 1st as the runner on 3rd came home. The next Chili Pepper batter hit a grounder to Alli at short stop. Alli picked it up and made the throw to Hylah at 1st to get the 2nd out of the inning, but, on the play another run came across the plate. Walks on the next 2 batters loaded the bases and brought 1 more run in for the Chili Peppers. After scoring 11 points in the inning and shrinking the Purple Lightning lead to 3 runs against a very generous Purple Lightning defense, the Chili Peppers were mounting a huge comeback. It was time to put out the fire and bring Tess back in to pitch. After playing catcher for most of the long inning, Tess had to find her pitch again. After a count of 2 and 2, the next batter hit a ball to the outfield for a double, bringing in 2 more runs for the Chili Peppers and making it a 1-point game. After getting to full count, a walk on the next batter loaded the bases. The comfortable lead now turned into a nail-biter. But, just in time, Tess was able to zero in and get the batter swinging to strike her out and close the show.
Final Score
Chili Peppers 15 - Purple Lightning 16
Game Ball
Getting her 1st big hit in the game, Erin received the game ball. Good job!
1st Inning
Tess started us off at pitcher. Taking a little time to warm up, Tess walked the 1st batter. Findiing her pitch on the 2nd batter, the runner on base was able to steal her way to 3rd. A walk on the 2nd batter put Chili Pepper runners on 1st and 3rd. The 3rd batter came up to the plate. On a pass ball, the runner on 1st stole 2nd. Tess was getting the 3rd batter to swing, but she wasn't going to go down without a fight. She stayed alive with foul balls until she hit one that popped up high. Reacting quickly, Hylah was able to run over to make the catch on the foul ball, getting the 1st out of the inning. The next batter came to the plate. Ahead on the count, Hylah threw the ball back to Tess and it went low, getting by Tess. The runner on 3rd base made a break for home and put the Chili Peppers on the board. When things got back under control, Tess was able to finish the job on the 4th batter by striking her out. A walk on the next batter put runners on 1st and 3rd. But Tess put it on the 6th batter by getting her to swing and striking her out, closing out the Chili Peppers' initial effort.
On her first at bat, Janessa made contact with a pitch and sent the ball bouncing down the 1st base line. The 1st baseman made the grab and taggged 1st base for the 1st out. After getting to 3 and 1, the pitcher walked Alli, putting a Purple Lightning runner on base. When Tess came to the plate, Alli went to steal 2nd. An overanxious throw by the catcher got past the 2nd baseman and Alli was able to capitalize and make it to 3rd. Finally, a walk on Tess put Purple Lightning runners on 1st and 3rd. Kelsey was up next and Tess successfully stole 2nd. After a count of 2 and 2 on Kelsey, the pitcher was able to get her to swing and struck her out for the 2nd out of the side. On her turn, Hylah hit a fast grounder that went through the short stop's legs, Alli and Tess took off. Hylah made it to 1st and Alli came across the plate, putting Purple Lightning on the board. Yazmine was next and the bunt was called it. The infield charged, but left a hole on 1st. The pitcher picked up the ball but had no one to throw to and by the time she decided to go for the out at home, Tess crossed the plate. Caitlin came to the plate next and was hit by a pitch, which loaded the bases. Sara got a hit on her at bat, but unfortunately the 2nd baseman was able to stop the ball and throw it to 1st to close out the inning.
Chili Peppers 1 - Purple Lightning 2
2nd Inning
Kelsey came in to pitch in the 2nd. Kelsey walked the first batter, putting a runner on 1st. The 2nd batter made contact and sent a ball over the infield toward left center. It hit the ground on the edge of the grass just out of Sara's reach, but she was able to pick it up and throw it back to the infield to hold the runners on 1st and 2nd. The 3rd batter hit a grounder toward Yazmine. She made the stop and threw to Tess at 1st for the out. With runners on 2nd and 3rd, the 4th batter (Kas - who played for coach Taf last year) got a hit and sent the ball bouncing toward Yazmine again. Again, she made the stop and threw to Tess at 1st to get the 2nd out, but a Chili Pepper runner reached home on the play. A walk on the next batter put runners on 1st and 3rd, but Kelsey took care of business by stringing 3 together to get the strike out on the 6th Chili Pepper batter.
The Chili Peppers put in a new pitcher in the 2nd inning. On her first trip to the plate, Erin got a hit and sent it through the infield to right center. The outfielder stopped the ball and threw the ball to 1st to try to get the out on Erin, but Erin beat the ball to the bag and got on base. Alexis was up next. On the pitch, Erin hesitantly tried to steal 2nd. The catcher saw her make her move and she got up to make her throw. The ball and Erin reached 2nd base at the same time, but Erin slowed her run just a touch and when she went to put her foot on the bag, she missed, allowing the Chili Pepper 2nd baseman to get the tag and the 1st out. This was the momentum that the Chili Peppers needed. On the next pitch, Alexis hit the ball and sent a grounder toward the short stop. She was able to make the throw to 1st for the 2nd out. Janessa was next and she was able to hit the ball too, but this time it was a short fly ball heading toward fould territory on the 1st base side. Getting a jump on the ball, the 1st baseman made her move and made the catch for the 3rd out, keeping Purple Lightning scoreless in the inning and evening up the score.
Chili Peppers 2 - Purple Lightning 2
3rd Inning
Tess was back in to pitch in the 3rd. Tess made quick work of the Chili Peppers' offense in the 3rd by throwing heat. After what looked like a hit by a pitch off of the 1st batter's hands was ruled as actually a hit on part of the bat and a foul ball, Tess sent her back to the dugout anyway by striking her out. Tess was able to catch the next batter swinging and struck her out too. Now in full 'rock mode', Tess retired the side with a strike out on the 3rd batter, bringing out the Chili Pepper defense.
A new pitcher came in to pitch in the 3rd. Tess's pitching performance in the top of the inning lit a fire under the Purple Lightning offense. Alli hit a grounder through the infield toward left center for a double. Tess was next and hit a grounder through the infield past the 2nd baseman this time to get on base. On the play, Alli was able to make it home. Kelsey was up next and on the 1st pitch, she showed bunt and Tess was able to steal 2nd. On the next pitch, Kelsey hit a short fly ball that dropped right between the Chili Pepper pitcher, short stop and 2nd baseman. The confusion bought Kelsey enough time to make it to 1st and allowed Tess to get to 3rd base. On Hylah's next turn, Kelsey stole 2nd and after a count of 2 and 2, Hylah hit one past the 3rd baseman, bringing Tess home and putting runners on 1st and 3rd. Yazmine was next at the plate and on a pass ball that bounced off the backstop toward the 1st base side, Kelsey and Hylah took off, successfully stealing home and 2nd in the process. On another pass ball, Hylah made it to 3rd on a steal and the eventual walk on Yazmine put Lightning runners on 1st and 3rd again. A walk on Caitlin loaded the bases. On her next at bat, Sara was able to squeeze one past the short stop to bring Yazmine and Hylah home and a walk on Erin loaded the bases again. There was a glimmer of hope as the Chili Pepper pitcher was able to strike Alexis out. But Janessa wasn't having any of it as she hit one past the 2nd baseman, bringing Caitlin and Sara home. On her 2nd trip to the plate in the inning, Alli crushed it and sent it out to right center for a double, bringing Erin and Janessa home. Tess came to the plate for the 2nd time and hit one that bounced toward 2nd bae. The 2nd baseman dropped the ball and Tess made it to 1st and Alli made it to 3rd. On Kelsey's 2nd trip, Tess stole 2nd. Then Alli left 3rd base early, drawing the 2nd out. On the following pitch, Tess left her base early, also drawing the out and closing out the 3rd inning. With 9 runs in the inning, Purple Lightning built a very comfortable lead.
Chili Peppers 2 - Purple Lightning 11
4th Inning
Kelsey was back in to pitch in the 4th. After Tess's 3rd inning pitching performance, Kelsey tried to put her stamp on the game as well, but the Chili Peppers started it off strong. The 1st batter hit one way out into left field past Janessa and past Alli. The ball rolled down the 3rd base line and looked to be rolling foul, but was ruled fair. Getting to the ball quickly, Alli made the long throw to Janessa to hold the runner at 2nd. The 2nd batter got a hit too and sent a high fly ball that hit the ground in front of Sara at 2nd. Keeping her head, Sara grabbed the ball as the batter reached 1st and as the other runner turned the corner to head for home. She had to go for the longer throw to Hylah. She reached back and gunned it and Hylah was able to reel it in for the out at home, getting the 1st out and preventing the score. The next batter got a piece of it and the runner on 1st took off. But Kelsey was able to make the grab on the fly for the 2nd out, which forced the runner to turn back to 1st base. She was too far out of position and it gave Kelsey enough time to easily make the throw to Tess at 1st for the double play and the last out of the side.
Trying to find an answer, the Chili Peppers put their 1st pitcher back in in the 4th. Kelsey came in to finish her at bat. This pitcher started off by walking both Kelsey and Hylah to put Purple Lightning runners on 1st and 2nd. Yazmine was up next and smashed a grounder through to right field. The Chili Peppers tried to get the out on Hylah at 2nd, but the throw went high, giving Yazmine a double and bringing Kelsey home. After a full count, the pitcher was able to get Caitlin to swing at a pitch, striking her out. Sara was next and she got another hit and sent it bouncing past Hylah on her way home. The 3rd baseman decided to throw to first and got the ball there just in time, but the 1st baseman took her foot off the bag and Sara was safe and Hylah crossed the plate. A walk on Erin loaded the bases. On Alexis's next trip, she got a hit, but popped it up. The 1st baseman tried to make the catch, but dropped it and Yazmine came tearing across the plate as Alexis made it to 1st. Getting a hit herself, Janessa bounced it back to the pitcher. With some time, the pitcher was able to make the stop and decided to throw the ball home and got the out on Sara. Alli kept the streak going by hitting a fast grounder down the 3rd base line that bounced off of the base and bought enough time for Erin and Alexis to score. A walk on Tess loaded the bases again. When Kelsey came back to the plate, Janessa left her base early and drew the 3rd out of the inning.
Chili Peppers 2 - Purple Lightning 16
5th Inning
With a very comfortable 14-point lead and the last 2 defensive outings, Purple Lightning decided to try something new. Hylah was tapped to pitch for the first time in the season. Hylah threw pretty well during what little practice she had pitching during the practice season, but the added pressure of her 1st in-game pitching of the season and everyone watching and her team counting on her to close the game was too much for Hylah and she couldn't put it together to get strikes over the plate. She walked the 1st 3 batters, loading the bases. She got a good pitch to the 4th batter, but the batter hit the ball to Alli at short. With a little bobble, the Chili Peppers were able to get a run in and keep the bases loaded. A walk on the next 2 batters brought 2 more runs across and then a steal from 3rd base after a short pickle situation brought another runner over. With the Purple Lightning lead getting smaller, Kelsey was brought in to replace Hylah at the rubber, but the Chili Peppers were on a roll. The next batter hit a grounder for a single, bringing in another run and the following batter roped on out to the outfield, which brought across 2 more. A walk on the next batter loaded the bases. Kelsey was able to get the next batter to swing for the 1st strike out of the inning. The next batter hit one up in the air toward Hylah, now covering 1st. Hylah didn't get there in time and the ball hit the ground. Hylah picked up the ball as the runner ran past and reached 1st as the runner on 3rd came home. The next Chili Pepper batter hit a grounder to Alli at short stop. Alli picked it up and made the throw to Hylah at 1st to get the 2nd out of the inning, but, on the play another run came across the plate. Walks on the next 2 batters loaded the bases and brought 1 more run in for the Chili Peppers. After scoring 11 points in the inning and shrinking the Purple Lightning lead to 3 runs against a very generous Purple Lightning defense, the Chili Peppers were mounting a huge comeback. It was time to put out the fire and bring Tess back in to pitch. After playing catcher for most of the long inning, Tess had to find her pitch again. After a count of 2 and 2, the next batter hit a ball to the outfield for a double, bringing in 2 more runs for the Chili Peppers and making it a 1-point game. After getting to full count, a walk on the next batter loaded the bases. The comfortable lead now turned into a nail-biter. But, just in time, Tess was able to zero in and get the batter swinging to strike her out and close the show.
Final Score
Chili Peppers 15 - Purple Lightning 16
Game Ball
Getting her 1st big hit in the game, Erin received the game ball. Good job!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
May 9 - @ Soul Sisters
It was a nice day on the fields on Saturday. The league had their annual BBQ and Purple Lightning was set to face the Soul Sisters for the second time this season. Coming off a big win against the Blue Phantoms in the last game, Purple Lightning were looking to keep it going.
1st Inning
Once again, starting us off for the game was Janessa. She hit the ball and sent it bouncing down the 3rd base side. On the bounce, the 3rd baseman reeled it in and missed the throw to 1st and Janessa was on. Alli was up next. On the first pitch, she showed bunt and Janessa took off for 2nd. The catcher tried to throw her out at 2nd, but the throw went high and Janessa was able to take it all the way around and score. A walk on Alli put another Lightning runner on base. Tess came up to the plate and on a couple of pass balls, Alli worked her way around to 3rd base. Eventually a walk, put Tess on base too. A walk on Kelsey loaded the bases. After walks on Hylah, Yazmine and Caitlin brought in 3 runs for the Lighting, the Soul Sisters were forced to make the 1st of many pitcher changes in the game. This switch didn't provide the relief that the Soul Sisters were looking for as the new pitcher walked Sara, bringing one more across the plate. Maia was able to connect with a pitch and sent a grounder down the 3rd base side. Yazmine took off for home and scored, but the 3rd baseman picked up the ball and tagged 3rd, getting the out on Caitlin and the 1st of the inning. After getting to full count, the pitcher couldn't put it over and walked Alexis, bringing one more Lightning girl home. Back at the top of the lineup, Janessa made her 2nd trip to the plate in the inning. Going 2 for 2, Janessa hit one toward the short stop for a single, bringing Sara in to score and loading the bases. Alli came to the plate for the 2nd time too, but on 2 pitches, both Maia and Janess left their bases early, drawing 2 outs and closing out the initial Lightning offense.
Tess started Purple Lightning off at pitcher. Finding her pitch, after getting to full count, Tess eventually walked the 1st batter. As the 2nd batter came to the plate, the runner on base stole 2nd. Hylah attempted the throw down, but Alli didn't quite make the catch and the runner was safe on 2nd. Feeling lucky, the runner then attempted to steal 3rd, but this time, Hylah was able to get the ball to Janessa at 3rd for the out. Getting back to business, Tess started firing and struck out the 2nd batter. Following her established pattern for the inning, Tess worked her way to full count on the 3rd batter, but once again struck her out for the 3rd out, closing out the 1st inning with a big Lightning lead.
Purple Lightning 7 - Soul Sisters 0
2nd Inning
With a commanding lead in the 2nd, Alli came up to finish her at bat. She didn't disappoint as she connected and sent one through the infield. The Sisters' 2nd baseman, on the bounce, went to grab the ball, but it bounced off her glove. She was able to recover quickly to attempt the throw to 1st, but missed and Alli was able to get one more base on the play for a double. Tess was up next. She got a hit too and sent a fast grounder which got past the 2nd basemant for a single. Alli was able to come home. Kelsey came to the plate next. After getting up to 2 and 1, she connected too, but sent it high and the 1st baseman was able to run in to make the catch. Hylah came up to bat and, extending the Lightning hitting streak, made contact. She sent it down the 3rd base line and Tess took off. The Soul Sisters' 3rd basemand got a jump on it though and was able to collect the ball. She quickly made the throw to 2nd to get the 2nd out on Tess. On her next trip to the plate, Yazmine fought valiantly to stay alive with foul balls after building a full count, but eventually, the pitcher got the better of her, striking her out and holding the Lighting to 1 run in the inning.
Kelsey came in to pitch in the 2nd. Trying to prevent a 2nd inning surge by the Soul Sisters, Kelsey was ready to take on the Sisters' offense. The 1st batter came up to the plate, but Kelsey quickly sent her back to the dugout with a strike out. The 2nd batter was much the same as Kelsey was able to get her swinging for another strike out. It looked as if Kelsey was about to put another no-hit inning together, but the 3rd Soul Sister batter had other plans. She made contact, sending the ball arcing over the infield toward left center. On the play, Alli got a jump on the ball and went for the catch. On the run, stretching her arm out, she made the catch to get the last out of the inning, keeping the Soul Sisters scoreless and scratching their heads for an answer.
Purple Lightning 8 - Soul Sisters 0
3rd Inning
Trying to battle back, the Soul Sisters attempted everything they could to hold on. They put in their 3rd pitcher in as many innings. Caitlin came in to face the new pitcher to lead us off in the 3rd. Caitlin worked up to a 2 and 2 count, then moved into full count and then, this new pitcher threw across the perfect pitch and got the strike out on Caitlin. Sara was up next and the pitcher was able to throw 3 across the plate to strike Sara out, making it 2 in a row. Maia was up next and, with her bat coming alive in the last few games, refused to go down without a fight. Maia swung on a pitch and made contact, sending a grounder down the 3rd base line. The 3rd baseman made her move as Maia took off for 1st. The 3rd baseman fielded the ball and quickly made the throw to 1st. The 1st baseman making the grab just before Maia crossed 1st got the out and ended the inning for Purple Lightning.
Kelsey was back in to pitch in the 3rd. She slowed down a bit in this inning and walked the 1st 2 Soul Sister batters. With runners on 1st and 2nd and no outs, the 3rd batter managed to get a hit, sending it high toward Yazmine at 2nd base. Even though the Infield Fly Rule was in effect and the batter was automatically out, Yazmine still got under the ball to make the catch, freezing the runners on their respective bases. The 4th batter came up to the plate and the runner on 2nd tried to steal, but Hylah was on it and got the ball to Janessa at 3rd to send her back. But the runner eventually got her base as a pass ball gave her time to make a successful steal. After getting to full count, Kelsey eventually walked the batter, loading the bases. The 5th batter made contact sending it high toward Yazmine again. Since the bases were loaded, with 1 out, the Infield Fly Rule was still in effect and the batter was automatically out. This time, Yazmine missed the catch and the runners made a break for it. Yazmine was able to quickly recover and pick up the ball. She made the throw to Alli who got the tag on the runner for the 3rd out, but not before the 3rd base runner made it home, putting the Soul Sisters on the board.
Purple Lightning 8 - Soul Sisters 1
4th Inning
Leading us off in the 4th, Alexis was hit by a pitch and took a walk. On her next trip to the plate, Janessa hit a hard one toward the short stop. The short stop fielded the ball and makes the throw to 1st, but overthrows it. Janessa earned a double on the overthrow and put Purple Lightning back into scoring position. A walk on Alli loaded the bases. Tess was up next determined to extend the Purple Lightning lead. Tess hit an arcing ball over the infield that found a hole just behind 2nd base, which caused some confusion on the Soul Sister defense. This bought enough time for Alexis and Janessa to cross home and Tess made it on base. Kelsey came up next and she connected as well sending the ball bouncing toward the short stop and the runners were on the move. The short stop was able to field the ball and make the throw to 1st, beating Kelsey to the bag, but as Kelsey crossed, the 1st baseman took her foot off the bag and Kelsey was safe. Alli made it home to score. A walk on Hylah loaded the bases and walks on Yazmine, Caitlin and Sara, brought Tess, Kelsey and Hylah home. Maia was up next. Yazmine left her base early, drawing the 1st out of the inning. The pitcher eventually walked Maia, loading the bases again. Alexis came back for the 2nd time and during her at bat, Maia left early, drawing the 2nd out of the inning. A walk on Alexis loaded the bases once more. Finally, when Janessa came back to the plate, Caitlin walked off base, ending the 4th inning for Purple Lightning.
Kelsey was back at the rubber in the 4th. A walk on the 1st batter put the Soul Sisters on base. The 2nd batter made contact and sent the ball out to the outfield for a double. Alexis quickly picked the ball up and made the throw to Janessa at 3rd, but was not able to get it there in time for the out, but it did hold the runners at 2nd and 3rd. A walk on the 3rd batter loaded the bases. Kelsey was able to find her pitch again on the 4th batter, getting the 1st out of the inning, but it was short lived as walks on the next 2 batters put 2 more runs on the board for the Soul Sisters. The 7th batter managed to get a hit, sending it to left field toward Maia this time. The Soul Sisters' runners on the move, the runner on 3rd was able to make it home. Maia collected the ball and again made the throw to Janessa. Again, the throw didn't get there in time, but was successful in stopping the runners and the bases were still loaded. A walk on the next batter brought one more runner across the plate. The next batter connected and hit one out toward right center. Alli, got the jump on the ball again and reached out her glove to make the catch and get the 3rd out, closing out the 4th inning.
Purple Lightning 14 - Soul Sisters 5
5th Inning
Janessa came in to lead us off in the 5th. Yet again, the Soul Sisters put in another new pitcher. After getting to full count the pitcher was able to get her to swing, striking Janessa out. A walk on Alli put Purple Lightning on base. On Tess's next, she connected sending a grounder toward the 2nd baseman. Alli took off for 2nd. It was decision time. The 2nd baseman chose to go after Alli - our lead runner - and made the throw to the short stop coming in to cover 2nd. Tess got on base and the Soul Sisters' short stop missed the catch allowing Alli to steal 2nd. After getting to full count, a walk on Kelsey loaded the bases. Coming in wanting to make a big play, Hylah started her at bat with 2 strikes on foul balls. On the next pitch, Hylah connected, but unfortunately it popped up. Again, with bases loaded and less than 2 outs, the Infield Fly Rule was in effect so Hylah was automatically out. The pitcher came in and made the catch anyway, getting the 2nd out of the inning and holding the runners on base. A walk on both Yazmine and Caitlin, who was hit by the pitch, brought 2 more Lightning runners home. On Sara's next turn at bat, she got a great hit, sending the ball out to left center. With enough time to make the play, the outfielder got herself under the ball to make the catch and get the 3rd out, retiring the side.
With time running out, Tess came back in to pitch to close the game. The Soul Sisters now had 1 last chance to make something happen. The 1st batter hit a hard grounder down the 1st base side. Kelsey was able to reel it in and beat the runner to 1st base to get the 1st out. The 2nd batter sent a ball bouncing toward Alexis, now playing 2nd base. She made the stop on the ball and threw it to Kelsey getting the 2nd out of the inning. The 3rd batter came up to the plate. With no more room for error, the 3rd batter connected and sent it high. Alli had to move and on the run, made a great running catch to get the 3rd out, closing the 4th inning in a row and putting an end to the game.
Final Score
Purple Lightning 16 - Soul Sisters 5
Game Ball
For her improved defensive playing in the outfield, as well as making a great play on her 1st time at 2nd base, Alexis was awarded the game ball. Great job Alexis!
1st Inning
Once again, starting us off for the game was Janessa. She hit the ball and sent it bouncing down the 3rd base side. On the bounce, the 3rd baseman reeled it in and missed the throw to 1st and Janessa was on. Alli was up next. On the first pitch, she showed bunt and Janessa took off for 2nd. The catcher tried to throw her out at 2nd, but the throw went high and Janessa was able to take it all the way around and score. A walk on Alli put another Lightning runner on base. Tess came up to the plate and on a couple of pass balls, Alli worked her way around to 3rd base. Eventually a walk, put Tess on base too. A walk on Kelsey loaded the bases. After walks on Hylah, Yazmine and Caitlin brought in 3 runs for the Lighting, the Soul Sisters were forced to make the 1st of many pitcher changes in the game. This switch didn't provide the relief that the Soul Sisters were looking for as the new pitcher walked Sara, bringing one more across the plate. Maia was able to connect with a pitch and sent a grounder down the 3rd base side. Yazmine took off for home and scored, but the 3rd baseman picked up the ball and tagged 3rd, getting the out on Caitlin and the 1st of the inning. After getting to full count, the pitcher couldn't put it over and walked Alexis, bringing one more Lightning girl home. Back at the top of the lineup, Janessa made her 2nd trip to the plate in the inning. Going 2 for 2, Janessa hit one toward the short stop for a single, bringing Sara in to score and loading the bases. Alli came to the plate for the 2nd time too, but on 2 pitches, both Maia and Janess left their bases early, drawing 2 outs and closing out the initial Lightning offense.
Tess started Purple Lightning off at pitcher. Finding her pitch, after getting to full count, Tess eventually walked the 1st batter. As the 2nd batter came to the plate, the runner on base stole 2nd. Hylah attempted the throw down, but Alli didn't quite make the catch and the runner was safe on 2nd. Feeling lucky, the runner then attempted to steal 3rd, but this time, Hylah was able to get the ball to Janessa at 3rd for the out. Getting back to business, Tess started firing and struck out the 2nd batter. Following her established pattern for the inning, Tess worked her way to full count on the 3rd batter, but once again struck her out for the 3rd out, closing out the 1st inning with a big Lightning lead.
Purple Lightning 7 - Soul Sisters 0
2nd Inning
With a commanding lead in the 2nd, Alli came up to finish her at bat. She didn't disappoint as she connected and sent one through the infield. The Sisters' 2nd baseman, on the bounce, went to grab the ball, but it bounced off her glove. She was able to recover quickly to attempt the throw to 1st, but missed and Alli was able to get one more base on the play for a double. Tess was up next. She got a hit too and sent a fast grounder which got past the 2nd basemant for a single. Alli was able to come home. Kelsey came to the plate next. After getting up to 2 and 1, she connected too, but sent it high and the 1st baseman was able to run in to make the catch. Hylah came up to bat and, extending the Lightning hitting streak, made contact. She sent it down the 3rd base line and Tess took off. The Soul Sisters' 3rd basemand got a jump on it though and was able to collect the ball. She quickly made the throw to 2nd to get the 2nd out on Tess. On her next trip to the plate, Yazmine fought valiantly to stay alive with foul balls after building a full count, but eventually, the pitcher got the better of her, striking her out and holding the Lighting to 1 run in the inning.
Kelsey came in to pitch in the 2nd. Trying to prevent a 2nd inning surge by the Soul Sisters, Kelsey was ready to take on the Sisters' offense. The 1st batter came up to the plate, but Kelsey quickly sent her back to the dugout with a strike out. The 2nd batter was much the same as Kelsey was able to get her swinging for another strike out. It looked as if Kelsey was about to put another no-hit inning together, but the 3rd Soul Sister batter had other plans. She made contact, sending the ball arcing over the infield toward left center. On the play, Alli got a jump on the ball and went for the catch. On the run, stretching her arm out, she made the catch to get the last out of the inning, keeping the Soul Sisters scoreless and scratching their heads for an answer.
Purple Lightning 8 - Soul Sisters 0
3rd Inning
Trying to battle back, the Soul Sisters attempted everything they could to hold on. They put in their 3rd pitcher in as many innings. Caitlin came in to face the new pitcher to lead us off in the 3rd. Caitlin worked up to a 2 and 2 count, then moved into full count and then, this new pitcher threw across the perfect pitch and got the strike out on Caitlin. Sara was up next and the pitcher was able to throw 3 across the plate to strike Sara out, making it 2 in a row. Maia was up next and, with her bat coming alive in the last few games, refused to go down without a fight. Maia swung on a pitch and made contact, sending a grounder down the 3rd base line. The 3rd baseman made her move as Maia took off for 1st. The 3rd baseman fielded the ball and quickly made the throw to 1st. The 1st baseman making the grab just before Maia crossed 1st got the out and ended the inning for Purple Lightning.
Kelsey was back in to pitch in the 3rd. She slowed down a bit in this inning and walked the 1st 2 Soul Sister batters. With runners on 1st and 2nd and no outs, the 3rd batter managed to get a hit, sending it high toward Yazmine at 2nd base. Even though the Infield Fly Rule was in effect and the batter was automatically out, Yazmine still got under the ball to make the catch, freezing the runners on their respective bases. The 4th batter came up to the plate and the runner on 2nd tried to steal, but Hylah was on it and got the ball to Janessa at 3rd to send her back. But the runner eventually got her base as a pass ball gave her time to make a successful steal. After getting to full count, Kelsey eventually walked the batter, loading the bases. The 5th batter made contact sending it high toward Yazmine again. Since the bases were loaded, with 1 out, the Infield Fly Rule was still in effect and the batter was automatically out. This time, Yazmine missed the catch and the runners made a break for it. Yazmine was able to quickly recover and pick up the ball. She made the throw to Alli who got the tag on the runner for the 3rd out, but not before the 3rd base runner made it home, putting the Soul Sisters on the board.
Purple Lightning 8 - Soul Sisters 1
4th Inning
Leading us off in the 4th, Alexis was hit by a pitch and took a walk. On her next trip to the plate, Janessa hit a hard one toward the short stop. The short stop fielded the ball and makes the throw to 1st, but overthrows it. Janessa earned a double on the overthrow and put Purple Lightning back into scoring position. A walk on Alli loaded the bases. Tess was up next determined to extend the Purple Lightning lead. Tess hit an arcing ball over the infield that found a hole just behind 2nd base, which caused some confusion on the Soul Sister defense. This bought enough time for Alexis and Janessa to cross home and Tess made it on base. Kelsey came up next and she connected as well sending the ball bouncing toward the short stop and the runners were on the move. The short stop was able to field the ball and make the throw to 1st, beating Kelsey to the bag, but as Kelsey crossed, the 1st baseman took her foot off the bag and Kelsey was safe. Alli made it home to score. A walk on Hylah loaded the bases and walks on Yazmine, Caitlin and Sara, brought Tess, Kelsey and Hylah home. Maia was up next. Yazmine left her base early, drawing the 1st out of the inning. The pitcher eventually walked Maia, loading the bases again. Alexis came back for the 2nd time and during her at bat, Maia left early, drawing the 2nd out of the inning. A walk on Alexis loaded the bases once more. Finally, when Janessa came back to the plate, Caitlin walked off base, ending the 4th inning for Purple Lightning.
Kelsey was back at the rubber in the 4th. A walk on the 1st batter put the Soul Sisters on base. The 2nd batter made contact and sent the ball out to the outfield for a double. Alexis quickly picked the ball up and made the throw to Janessa at 3rd, but was not able to get it there in time for the out, but it did hold the runners at 2nd and 3rd. A walk on the 3rd batter loaded the bases. Kelsey was able to find her pitch again on the 4th batter, getting the 1st out of the inning, but it was short lived as walks on the next 2 batters put 2 more runs on the board for the Soul Sisters. The 7th batter managed to get a hit, sending it to left field toward Maia this time. The Soul Sisters' runners on the move, the runner on 3rd was able to make it home. Maia collected the ball and again made the throw to Janessa. Again, the throw didn't get there in time, but was successful in stopping the runners and the bases were still loaded. A walk on the next batter brought one more runner across the plate. The next batter connected and hit one out toward right center. Alli, got the jump on the ball again and reached out her glove to make the catch and get the 3rd out, closing out the 4th inning.
Purple Lightning 14 - Soul Sisters 5
5th Inning
Janessa came in to lead us off in the 5th. Yet again, the Soul Sisters put in another new pitcher. After getting to full count the pitcher was able to get her to swing, striking Janessa out. A walk on Alli put Purple Lightning on base. On Tess's next, she connected sending a grounder toward the 2nd baseman. Alli took off for 2nd. It was decision time. The 2nd baseman chose to go after Alli - our lead runner - and made the throw to the short stop coming in to cover 2nd. Tess got on base and the Soul Sisters' short stop missed the catch allowing Alli to steal 2nd. After getting to full count, a walk on Kelsey loaded the bases. Coming in wanting to make a big play, Hylah started her at bat with 2 strikes on foul balls. On the next pitch, Hylah connected, but unfortunately it popped up. Again, with bases loaded and less than 2 outs, the Infield Fly Rule was in effect so Hylah was automatically out. The pitcher came in and made the catch anyway, getting the 2nd out of the inning and holding the runners on base. A walk on both Yazmine and Caitlin, who was hit by the pitch, brought 2 more Lightning runners home. On Sara's next turn at bat, she got a great hit, sending the ball out to left center. With enough time to make the play, the outfielder got herself under the ball to make the catch and get the 3rd out, retiring the side.
With time running out, Tess came back in to pitch to close the game. The Soul Sisters now had 1 last chance to make something happen. The 1st batter hit a hard grounder down the 1st base side. Kelsey was able to reel it in and beat the runner to 1st base to get the 1st out. The 2nd batter sent a ball bouncing toward Alexis, now playing 2nd base. She made the stop on the ball and threw it to Kelsey getting the 2nd out of the inning. The 3rd batter came up to the plate. With no more room for error, the 3rd batter connected and sent it high. Alli had to move and on the run, made a great running catch to get the 3rd out, closing the 4th inning in a row and putting an end to the game.
Final Score
Purple Lightning 16 - Soul Sisters 5
Game Ball
For her improved defensive playing in the outfield, as well as making a great play on her 1st time at 2nd base, Alexis was awarded the game ball. Great job Alexis!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
May 7 - vs. Blue Phantoms
Coming off of last game's loss to the Inferno, Purple Lightning came to the field to try to bounce back. The task seemed especially difficult due to the fact that we were down 2 players. Gabby's injury was still relatively new so she was still in an ankle brace and rocking some crutches, but she did show up in full uniform to support her team from the dugout. On top of that, Sara came to the game with an injury as well. Even though the decision was made to sit her out of the game, she also stuck it out to cheer on her team. Great job girls! Way to show your Purple Lightning spirit. For this game, Purple Lightning was hosting the Blue Phantoms. This marked the first meeting of the season between these two teams, which added another layer of uncertainty, but the weather was great. So it was up to the Lightning girls to get themselves back to their winning ways.
1st Inning
Tess was in to pitch, starting us off for the game. She found her stride quickly and took care of the first couple of batters. Strike out on the 1st batter. Strike out on the 2nd batter. She threw heat to give us the first 2 outs of the inning. Tess slowed down a touch on the 3rd batter and the batter walked putting a Blue Phantom girl on base. The next batter then connected with the ball sending a fast grounder through to Yazmine at 2nd. Yazmine made the adjustment and picked up the ball, she quickly turned and made the toss to Kelsey at 1st to get the 3rd out, making quick work of the Blue Phantoms' first inning offense.
Janessa in to start us off in the game. After getting to 2 and 2, Janessa hit one out to right field for a double. Alli was up next and she also connected. This time it was a grounder through the right side infield for a single, which allowed Janessa to get to 3rd. On Tess's at bat, Alli stole 2nd, putting Lightning runners on 2nd and 3rd, but after the 1, 2 punch of Janessa and Alli, the Phantom pitcher got Tess to swing, striking her out for the 1st out of the inning. Kelsey was up next and after a full count, the pitcher gave her 1st base on a walk and the bases were loaded. Yazmine came to the plate and connected on the pitch. This time it was a short grounder down the 1st base line, Janessa took off for home. The pitcher ran up to field the ball but was too late to make the throw at 1 so she turned and, just in time, tossed it to the catcher and got the out on Janessa at home. With bases loaded, Hylah came to the plate and she wanted to take the ball for a ride, but the Phantom pitcher, now seeming rattled walked Hylah, bringing Alli across. After that, walks on Erin and Caitlin brought Kelsey and Yazmine home for 2 more runs. It looked like the pitcher was going to keep us walking in the inning, but after getting full count on Alexis, got her to swing at a high pitch getting the strike out and ending the Lightning surge in the 1st.
Blue Phantoms 0 - Purple Lightning 3
2nd Inning
With the Blue Phantoms trying to find an answer to the Lightning's 1st inning attack, Tess came back in to pitch in the 2nd. Tess gave the first Phantom batter 1st base on a walk, but quickly brought it back with a strike out on the 2nd batter. The 3rd batter was hit by a stray pitch for a walk. When the next batter came to the plate, the runners on base made a successful steal, putting Phantoms into scoring position. Tess walked the next batter, loading the bases, and with 1 out so far in the inning, Blue Phantoms were threatening to score. But a combination of Tess watching for and attempting the pick off at 3 as well as Hylah staying on top of the pass balls kept the Phantom runners in line. Tess then took care of business and, once again, threw heat at the next 2 batters, striking them out and shutting the door on the Phantom offense for the 2nd inning in a row.
Maia came to the plate to lead us off in the 2nd inning. Getting anxious, Maia was caught swinging and was struck out. Janessa was up next and after a full count, the pitcher threw a high pitch and Janessa walked to 1st. On Alli's next at bat, Janessa stole her way around to 3rd and a walk on Alli put Purple Lightning runners on 1st and 3rd. The Phantom pitcher clearly started struggling at the rubber and with walks on Alli, Tess, Kelsey, Yazmine, Hylah and Erin, kept the bases loaded and brought in 4 runs for Purple Lightning. This forced the Blue Phantoms to put in a fresh pitcher. It turned out to be a good decision as the new pitcher was able to get the strike out on Caitlin for the 2nd out of the inning. Alexis was next and, this time, connected with the ball. On the bounce, the pitcher grabbed it and had the time to make a clean throw to 1st for the out, putting a cap on the Purple Lightning's 4 runs.
Blue Phantoms 0 - Purple Lightning 7
3rd Inning
Kelsey in to pitch in the 3rd. A walk on the 1st batter put a Phantom runner on base. The next batter hit a short grounder down the 1st base line. Kelsey ran over to field the ball, but an off-balance throw that went over Tess at 1st allowed the runners to keep going. Quickly, the Lightning defense was able to get the ball under control and bring it back in to stop the runners at 2nd and 3rd. Kelsey, now determined, got the strike out on the next batter, notching the 1st out of the inning. The 4th batter hit a fast grounder straight to Yazmine at 2nd. She made the stop again and quickly recovered and made the throw to Tess to get the out at 1, but the runner on 3rd had time to cross the plate, putting 1 on the board for the Blue Phantoms. Refocused, Kelsey got back up to the rubber and peeled 3 off on the next batter to get the 3rd out.
Maia was in to lead us off again. After a 1 and 2 count, Maia kept herself alive on foul balls. Then, on a full count, Maia connected and sent the ball flying to a spot just behind the Phantoms' 2nd baseman, giving Maia time to reach 1st base. On Janessa's turn, she made contact also, sending it out to right field. The Phantom outfield was not able to get to the ball, giving Janessa a double on the play. Lightning runners on 2nd and 3rd, Alli was up next and after a 2 and 2 count, she hit a pop up that drifted towards 3rd base. Maia took off running and the ball hit the ground between 2nd and 3rd. Alli made it on base as the Phantom infield went for the out on Maia at home. The short stop was able to field the ball and make the throw to get the out, preventing Maia's score. Trying to keep her team alive, the Phantom pitcher was able to get 3 over the plate to get the strike out on Tess. Kelsey was next and on a pass ball, Janessa made a break for it. This time, the Phantom catcher was not able to get the ball to the pitcher covering home in time and Janessa crossed the plate, putting 1 more run on the board for Purple Lightning. Eventually, the pitcher was able to get the strike out on Kelsey, closing out the 3rd.
Blue Phantoms 1 - Purple Lightning 8
4th Inning
Kelsey back in to pitch. Purple Lightning, energized and focused, building on the momentum of the earlier innings, proved to be too much for the Blue Phantom offense in the 4th. The 1st batter connected and sent a fast grounder through the infield, but Alli picked it up on the run and gunned it to Tess at 1st for the out. Kelsey made quick work of the 2nd batter and struck her out for the 2nd out of the inning, sending her back to the dugout. The 3rd batter also made contact, but this time sent it flying towards Alli at short. Alli got herself under it to make the catch and the 3rd out, shutting the Phantoms down in the 4th.
Purple Lightning came up to bat and, by this time, the Phantom pitchers posed no threat as Yazmine took a swing on the first pitch that dropped the ball right in front of the pitcher. The pitcher went to pick it up to throw Yazmine out at 1st, but couldn't get a grip on it and Yazmine made it on base. Hylah was up next and Yazmine stole 2nd. Then, Hylah hit a fast grounder through the Phantom infield getting it past the 2nd baseman. Hylah reached 1st as Yazmine turned the corner and headed for home. Yazmine crossed the plate for the score. Erin was up next and the steals were on. Hylah was able to make it around to 3rd on a couple of pass balls. Walks on both Erin and Caitlin loaded the bases. But the Phantoms' pitcher was able to pull it together to get 3 over on Alexis for the strike out. Maia came up to bat next and connected for the 2nd time. On the short bounce, the pitcher went after the ball, but dropped it on the way up. While the pitcher struggled to gain control of the ball, Hylah made a break for it, causing the pitcher to think about the out at 1st or at home. But it was too late as both Maia reached 1st and Hylah crossed the plate. Back at the top of the order with bases loaded, Janessa hit a hard grounder down the 1st base line just far enough to get the 1st baseman off the bag. Janessa got on brining Erin in. Alli came up and connected for a single and Caitlin reached home after the short stop dropped the ball. The Phantom pitcher was not able to refocus as she walked both Tess and Kelsey, bringning Maia and Janessa home. With bases loaded, Yazmine made contact, sending a grounder down the 3rd base line for a single. The 3rd baseman was able to collect the ball and make the play on Alli at home getting the 2nd out of the inning. Hylah came up to bat and with the count at 1 and 1, Tess walked off base early, drawing the 3rd out of the inning. But with 6 runs in the inning and time running short, the chances for a Blue Phantom comeback were now very slim.
Blue Phantoms 1 - Purple Lightning 14
5th Inning
It was do or die for the Blue Phantoms in the 5th inning. While a comeback from such a deficit seemed highly unlikely, they still had a chance to put a couple more on the board before the the end of the game. Unfortunately for them, Kelsey, with a big grin on her face, was now on fire and, with the best pitching she's put together so far this season, slammed the door shut on the Blue Phantoms. 1st batter, strike out. 2nd batter, Strike Out. 3rd batter, STRIKE OUT!!! 3 up, 3 down, Kelsey sent the Phantom offense back to the dugout, bringing the Lightning offense out for another round.
Since the out in the last inning was at 3rd base, Hylah came back to the plate to finish her at bat. Hylah made contact and sent the ball over the pitcher. The short stop couldn't make it to the ball in time and it hit the ground in front of 2nd base as Hylah reached 1st. Erin was up next and the pitcher was able to strike her out for the 1st out, but walks on both Caitlin and Alexis loaded the bases. On Maia's next trip, she connected for the 3rd time in a row. The runners took off and the Phantom defense had to move to get to the slow moving grounder. By the time they fielded the ball, Maia made it to 1st and Hylah crossed the plate. Janessa was up next and she hit a high fly ball. The 2nd baseman positioned herself under it, but she started looking for her play too soon and missed the catch. The ball hit the ground and the runners were on the move again. Janessa made it to 1st and Caitlin made it home. Alli came up to the plate next and she got on base with a walk, bringing Alexis home for the final run of the game. With time running out, the game was called.
Final Score
Blue Phantoms 1 - Purple Lightning 17
Game Ball
With 5 strike outs in 2 innings for Tess and 6 strike outs in 3 innings for Kelsey (including a spectacular, no-hit 5th inning), it was difficult not to make a case for either Tess or Kelsey receiving the game ball. But Maia proved to be the Purple Lightning standout in the game with 3 successful at bats in a row. That's what happens when you stay focused in there. Great job Maia!
Hats off to the whole team as they bounced back from the last game in grand fashion. Their energy and enthusiasm through this whole game was great. And their playing on both sides of the ball was much improved. Let's keep it up girls as we are now firmly in the 2nd half of the season.
1st Inning
Tess was in to pitch, starting us off for the game. She found her stride quickly and took care of the first couple of batters. Strike out on the 1st batter. Strike out on the 2nd batter. She threw heat to give us the first 2 outs of the inning. Tess slowed down a touch on the 3rd batter and the batter walked putting a Blue Phantom girl on base. The next batter then connected with the ball sending a fast grounder through to Yazmine at 2nd. Yazmine made the adjustment and picked up the ball, she quickly turned and made the toss to Kelsey at 1st to get the 3rd out, making quick work of the Blue Phantoms' first inning offense.
Janessa in to start us off in the game. After getting to 2 and 2, Janessa hit one out to right field for a double. Alli was up next and she also connected. This time it was a grounder through the right side infield for a single, which allowed Janessa to get to 3rd. On Tess's at bat, Alli stole 2nd, putting Lightning runners on 2nd and 3rd, but after the 1, 2 punch of Janessa and Alli, the Phantom pitcher got Tess to swing, striking her out for the 1st out of the inning. Kelsey was up next and after a full count, the pitcher gave her 1st base on a walk and the bases were loaded. Yazmine came to the plate and connected on the pitch. This time it was a short grounder down the 1st base line, Janessa took off for home. The pitcher ran up to field the ball but was too late to make the throw at 1 so she turned and, just in time, tossed it to the catcher and got the out on Janessa at home. With bases loaded, Hylah came to the plate and she wanted to take the ball for a ride, but the Phantom pitcher, now seeming rattled walked Hylah, bringing Alli across. After that, walks on Erin and Caitlin brought Kelsey and Yazmine home for 2 more runs. It looked like the pitcher was going to keep us walking in the inning, but after getting full count on Alexis, got her to swing at a high pitch getting the strike out and ending the Lightning surge in the 1st.
Blue Phantoms 0 - Purple Lightning 3
2nd Inning
Maia came to the plate to lead us off in the 2nd inning. Getting anxious, Maia was caught swinging and was struck out. Janessa was up next and after a full count, the pitcher threw a high pitch and Janessa walked to 1st. On Alli's next at bat, Janessa stole her way around to 3rd and a walk on Alli put Purple Lightning runners on 1st and 3rd. The Phantom pitcher clearly started struggling at the rubber and with walks on Alli, Tess, Kelsey, Yazmine, Hylah and Erin, kept the bases loaded and brought in 4 runs for Purple Lightning. This forced the Blue Phantoms to put in a fresh pitcher. It turned out to be a good decision as the new pitcher was able to get the strike out on Caitlin for the 2nd out of the inning. Alexis was next and, this time, connected with the ball. On the bounce, the pitcher grabbed it and had the time to make a clean throw to 1st for the out, putting a cap on the Purple Lightning's 4 runs.
Blue Phantoms 0 - Purple Lightning 7
3rd Inning
Kelsey in to pitch in the 3rd. A walk on the 1st batter put a Phantom runner on base. The next batter hit a short grounder down the 1st base line. Kelsey ran over to field the ball, but an off-balance throw that went over Tess at 1st allowed the runners to keep going. Quickly, the Lightning defense was able to get the ball under control and bring it back in to stop the runners at 2nd and 3rd. Kelsey, now determined, got the strike out on the next batter, notching the 1st out of the inning. The 4th batter hit a fast grounder straight to Yazmine at 2nd. She made the stop again and quickly recovered and made the throw to Tess to get the out at 1, but the runner on 3rd had time to cross the plate, putting 1 on the board for the Blue Phantoms. Refocused, Kelsey got back up to the rubber and peeled 3 off on the next batter to get the 3rd out.
Maia was in to lead us off again. After a 1 and 2 count, Maia kept herself alive on foul balls. Then, on a full count, Maia connected and sent the ball flying to a spot just behind the Phantoms' 2nd baseman, giving Maia time to reach 1st base. On Janessa's turn, she made contact also, sending it out to right field. The Phantom outfield was not able to get to the ball, giving Janessa a double on the play. Lightning runners on 2nd and 3rd, Alli was up next and after a 2 and 2 count, she hit a pop up that drifted towards 3rd base. Maia took off running and the ball hit the ground between 2nd and 3rd. Alli made it on base as the Phantom infield went for the out on Maia at home. The short stop was able to field the ball and make the throw to get the out, preventing Maia's score. Trying to keep her team alive, the Phantom pitcher was able to get 3 over the plate to get the strike out on Tess. Kelsey was next and on a pass ball, Janessa made a break for it. This time, the Phantom catcher was not able to get the ball to the pitcher covering home in time and Janessa crossed the plate, putting 1 more run on the board for Purple Lightning. Eventually, the pitcher was able to get the strike out on Kelsey, closing out the 3rd.
Blue Phantoms 1 - Purple Lightning 8
4th Inning
Kelsey back in to pitch. Purple Lightning, energized and focused, building on the momentum of the earlier innings, proved to be too much for the Blue Phantom offense in the 4th. The 1st batter connected and sent a fast grounder through the infield, but Alli picked it up on the run and gunned it to Tess at 1st for the out. Kelsey made quick work of the 2nd batter and struck her out for the 2nd out of the inning, sending her back to the dugout. The 3rd batter also made contact, but this time sent it flying towards Alli at short. Alli got herself under it to make the catch and the 3rd out, shutting the Phantoms down in the 4th.
Purple Lightning came up to bat and, by this time, the Phantom pitchers posed no threat as Yazmine took a swing on the first pitch that dropped the ball right in front of the pitcher. The pitcher went to pick it up to throw Yazmine out at 1st, but couldn't get a grip on it and Yazmine made it on base. Hylah was up next and Yazmine stole 2nd. Then, Hylah hit a fast grounder through the Phantom infield getting it past the 2nd baseman. Hylah reached 1st as Yazmine turned the corner and headed for home. Yazmine crossed the plate for the score. Erin was up next and the steals were on. Hylah was able to make it around to 3rd on a couple of pass balls. Walks on both Erin and Caitlin loaded the bases. But the Phantoms' pitcher was able to pull it together to get 3 over on Alexis for the strike out. Maia came up to bat next and connected for the 2nd time. On the short bounce, the pitcher went after the ball, but dropped it on the way up. While the pitcher struggled to gain control of the ball, Hylah made a break for it, causing the pitcher to think about the out at 1st or at home. But it was too late as both Maia reached 1st and Hylah crossed the plate. Back at the top of the order with bases loaded, Janessa hit a hard grounder down the 1st base line just far enough to get the 1st baseman off the bag. Janessa got on brining Erin in. Alli came up and connected for a single and Caitlin reached home after the short stop dropped the ball. The Phantom pitcher was not able to refocus as she walked both Tess and Kelsey, bringning Maia and Janessa home. With bases loaded, Yazmine made contact, sending a grounder down the 3rd base line for a single. The 3rd baseman was able to collect the ball and make the play on Alli at home getting the 2nd out of the inning. Hylah came up to bat and with the count at 1 and 1, Tess walked off base early, drawing the 3rd out of the inning. But with 6 runs in the inning and time running short, the chances for a Blue Phantom comeback were now very slim.
Blue Phantoms 1 - Purple Lightning 14
5th Inning
It was do or die for the Blue Phantoms in the 5th inning. While a comeback from such a deficit seemed highly unlikely, they still had a chance to put a couple more on the board before the the end of the game. Unfortunately for them, Kelsey, with a big grin on her face, was now on fire and, with the best pitching she's put together so far this season, slammed the door shut on the Blue Phantoms. 1st batter, strike out. 2nd batter, Strike Out. 3rd batter, STRIKE OUT!!! 3 up, 3 down, Kelsey sent the Phantom offense back to the dugout, bringing the Lightning offense out for another round.
Since the out in the last inning was at 3rd base, Hylah came back to the plate to finish her at bat. Hylah made contact and sent the ball over the pitcher. The short stop couldn't make it to the ball in time and it hit the ground in front of 2nd base as Hylah reached 1st. Erin was up next and the pitcher was able to strike her out for the 1st out, but walks on both Caitlin and Alexis loaded the bases. On Maia's next trip, she connected for the 3rd time in a row. The runners took off and the Phantom defense had to move to get to the slow moving grounder. By the time they fielded the ball, Maia made it to 1st and Hylah crossed the plate. Janessa was up next and she hit a high fly ball. The 2nd baseman positioned herself under it, but she started looking for her play too soon and missed the catch. The ball hit the ground and the runners were on the move again. Janessa made it to 1st and Caitlin made it home. Alli came up to the plate next and she got on base with a walk, bringing Alexis home for the final run of the game. With time running out, the game was called.
Final Score
Blue Phantoms 1 - Purple Lightning 17
Game Ball
With 5 strike outs in 2 innings for Tess and 6 strike outs in 3 innings for Kelsey (including a spectacular, no-hit 5th inning), it was difficult not to make a case for either Tess or Kelsey receiving the game ball. But Maia proved to be the Purple Lightning standout in the game with 3 successful at bats in a row. That's what happens when you stay focused in there. Great job Maia!
Hats off to the whole team as they bounced back from the last game in grand fashion. Their energy and enthusiasm through this whole game was great. And their playing on both sides of the ball was much improved. Let's keep it up girls as we are now firmly in the 2nd half of the season.
Monday, May 4, 2009
May 2 - @ Inferno
With the rain forcing the cancellation of Friday's game, it was almost a sure thing that Saturday's game would be rained out as well. But no, a small lull in the weather, prompted the decision to play as many games as possible on a full Saturday schedule. Announcements would come on a game by game basis, but as we were one of the early games that day, our game was on. Since our previous game was rescheduled, we faced the Inferno for a 2nd time in a row.
1st Inning
Purple Lightning up to bat 1st. Trying to avenge last game's loss, the Inferno put in their starting pitcher. It proved to be a good strategy as the Lightning girls had trouble getting their rhythm in the 1st. A combination of the rain and the early morning cold, as well as this new pitcher's accurate and fast pitching was the formula that the Inferno needed to shut us out of the 1st inning. In quick succession, the Inferno pitcher struck out both Janessa and Gabby. Tess was next. She managed to get a strong hit off the pitcher, but the ball went high and gave the Inferno 2nd baseman time to plant herself under it to make the catch and the 3rd out.
Tess was in at pitcher to start the game. The first batter hit a single, but managed to turn it into a triple as the ball went past Gabby at 1st and Caitlin in right field and bought her enough time to round the bases. With the runner on 3rd, the next batter went for the bunt, driving the Purple Lightning infield in. Gabby tried to make the throw to 1st, but the runner beat the ball to the bag and was safe while the runner on 3rd made it home to put the Inferno on the board. Jade came up to bat 3rd in the lineup. Tess got the strike out on Jade and the next batter for 2 outs, but hit the next batter with a pitch for a walk. The 6th batter came to the plate. On a passed ball, the runner on 2nd made it to 3rd with a steal. On another passed ball, the runner on 3 took off for home. Tess came in to cover home and Hylah tried her best to find the ball, but, having to weave through the umpire and the batter at the plate, was not able to get it on time to make the play and the runner scored. After getting back to the rubber Tess threw over another couple of strikes to get the 3rd out of the inning.
Purple Lightning 0 - Inferno 2
2nd Inning
Purple Lightning trailing by 2, Kelsey came to the plate to try to get the offense going, but was walked by the pitcher. Alli came to the plate. On the pitch, Kelsey tried for 2nd. The catcher tried to make the play at 2nd, but with the overthrow, Kelsey was able to make it all the way to 3rd. Alli hit the ball, bringing Kelsey home and putting Purple Lightning on the board. She made it to 1st, but the Inferno defense missed the throw to 1 and couldn't get control of the ball allowing Alli to turn the single into a triple. Next, the pitcher walked both Yazmine and Hylah to load the bases. Sara came to the plate, but this time, the Inferno pitcher was able to gather herself and get the strike out on Sara for 1 out. Caitlin was up next and with a walk, brought Alli in to score, tying up the game. Strike outs on both Maia and Alexis ended the 2nd inning for the Purple Lightning offense.
Tess back at the rubber for the 2nd inning with the rain picking up. The game ball was starting to get wet and Tess struggled a bit to keep it under control. The 1st batter walked. The 2nd batter was hit by a pitch and walked, putting runners on 1st and 2nd. The 3rd batter went for the bunt, but took a hard pitch to the chest for her troubles. Showing true grit, after a minute to recover, took her base and the bases were loaded. Walks on the next 3 batters brought 3 runs in for the Inferno. Tess was then able to get the batter swinging for the 1st out of the side. On her next trip to the plate, Jade made contact and sent a hard grounder through the Lightning infield for a single, bringing in 2 runs. The next batter brought the Lightning infield in with a bunt. Hylah fielded the ball, but the runner beat the ball to 1st and got on. Gabby, seeing the runner on 3rd take off, threw the ball back to Tess covering home. Tess got the tag and prevented the score, getting the 2nd out, but not before Jade claimed 3rd on the play. A passed ball on the next batter sent Hylah scrambling to find the ball. On a good lead, Jade made a break for it. Hylah tried to beat her to home, but Jade had a step on her and was able to touch the plate 1st to add one more for the Inferno. Tess was able to put an end to the Inferno rush by striking out the next batter, moving the game into the 3rd inning.
Purple Lighting 2 - Inferno 8
3rd Inning
Back at the top of the lineup, Janessa made her 2nd trip to the plate and got on base with a walk. Gabby was up next and Janessa stole 2nd. The Inferno pitcher managed to strike Gabby out for the 2nd time on the day. Tess came to the plate next and Janessa stole 3rd. Tess made contact again, this time sending a fly ball out to right center. The outfielder missed the catch and Tess rounded 1st as Janessa came across the plate, but the Inferno outfield was able to collect the ball and hold Tess to a base hit on the play. Kelsey was up next, but the pitcher sent her back to the dugout, but not before Tess managed to steal her way to 3rd base. On her next trip up, Alli walked. Alli made it to 2nd on the steal when Yazmine came up to bat. Unfortunately, a strike out on Yazmine held the Purple Lightning team to 1 run in the inning.
Kelsey back in to pitch and Tess in to catch in the 3rd inning. Kelsey got up to full count on the 1st Inferno batter, when she hit a fast grounder down the 1st base line. Gabby was able to collect the ball and step on the bag for the 1st out of the inning. The 2nd batter connected and sent a high fly ball out to left field for a double. The Lightning outfielders weren't able to get to the ball and the runner was safe on 2nd. On the 3rd batter, a pitch got past Tess, and the runner on 2nd made a run for it. Tess was able to find the ball and make the throw to Janessa at 3rd for the tag and the out. Kelsey walked the next 2 Inferno batters to put runners on 1st and 2nd. Another passed ball sent the runners and Tess was able to find the ball again, but this time the throw to Janessa at 3rd went high and the Inferno runners were able to make it home. The ball getting wetter and wetter on every pitch, Kelsey started to have trouble finding her pitch in the 3rd and walks on this batter and the next 2 loaded the bases once again for the Inferno. The next batter hit a grounder down the 3rd base line. Janessa fielded the ball and tagged 3rd base on the force, but the runner going home was able to score on the play, making it 3 runs in the inning for the Inferno.
Purple Lightning 3 - Inferno 11
4th Inning
Coming into the 4th, the Purple Lightning girls had their work cut out for them as they were down 8 points. With the now steady light sprinkling rain and the threat of the game being called, they knew that their time to mount an offense was getting short. Unfortunately, the Inferno had the answer and put in a new pitcher, throwing off the Lightning's timing. Trying to make something happen and now anxious to get hits, the Lightning girls started to swing at everything and this allowed the new Inferno pitcher to strike Hylah and Sara out batting 1st and 2nd. Caitlin wasn't fazed though and she was able to get a hit, sending a grounder through the infield for a single. Caitlin stole 2nd on Maia's next trip to the plate. Maia also got a hit and sent Caitlin to 3rd The missed throw at 1st got Maia on base. Unfortunately, the pitcher was able to get Alexis swinging to strike her out, holding Purple Lightning to 0 runs in the inning.
Kelsey back in to pitch in the 4th. Trying to keep us alive, Kelsey was able to strike the 1st batter out. Jade was up next and she got hit by a stray pitch, getting her on base. The 3rd batter hit one out to left field for a single. With 2 runners on, Kelsey walked the next batter to load the bases. She was able to reel it in on the next batter to stike her out for the 2nd out of the inning. The next batter was able to connect and sent a high pop up to right field. Caitlin adjusted her position to get under it, but as she extended her hand to make the catch, the ball was just barely out of reach and it hit the ground. Caitlin was able to get the ball back in, but 2 runs scored on the play. Trying to get back to work, and coming close to the strike out, Kelsey put one over the plate that the batter was able to hit. Kelsey charged the slow grounder, but the runner was able to beat the throw to 1st and the bases were loaded again. A walk on the next batter, brought 1 more run in. Then Kelsey regaines her pitch to strike the next batter out, closing out the 4th.
Purple Lightning 3 - Inferno 14
5th Inning
Things were looking bad for Purple Lightning. Trailing by 11 runs, rain starting to pick up and time running out, this was their last chance to make something happen. Back at the top of the lineup, Janessa came to the plate. Janessa hit a high fly ball that hit the ground for a single. Gabby was up next and she was also able to connect, this time sending one out to left center that found the seam between the Inferno center fielders for a double. As she was coming around 1st base, the Inferno defense was able to recover to try to make the throw to 2nd. As she approached 2nd base, Gabby went down to slide and by all accounts was safe, but when she didn't get back up, it was clear that she injured herself on the slide. She jammed her foot on the base and her ankle started to swell up right away.
Due to Gabby's injury and the worsening weather and unsafe field conditions, the game was called.
Final Score
Purple Lightning 3 - Inferno 14
Shout Outs
Despite the injury, Gabby was able to keep her spirits up while being attended to and was able to joke around with her teammates, coaches and parents. She even asked if she got the hit and if she was safe, obviously putting the game and her contribution to her team above herself and her injury, which I thought showed great sportsmanship and fortitude. Great job Gabby!
I later checked in with Gabby's parents and they shared the good news that Gabby did not break anything. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that we wish her a speedy and full recovery and, in the meantime, her presence on the field will be sorely missed.
1st Inning
Purple Lightning up to bat 1st. Trying to avenge last game's loss, the Inferno put in their starting pitcher. It proved to be a good strategy as the Lightning girls had trouble getting their rhythm in the 1st. A combination of the rain and the early morning cold, as well as this new pitcher's accurate and fast pitching was the formula that the Inferno needed to shut us out of the 1st inning. In quick succession, the Inferno pitcher struck out both Janessa and Gabby. Tess was next. She managed to get a strong hit off the pitcher, but the ball went high and gave the Inferno 2nd baseman time to plant herself under it to make the catch and the 3rd out.
Tess was in at pitcher to start the game. The first batter hit a single, but managed to turn it into a triple as the ball went past Gabby at 1st and Caitlin in right field and bought her enough time to round the bases. With the runner on 3rd, the next batter went for the bunt, driving the Purple Lightning infield in. Gabby tried to make the throw to 1st, but the runner beat the ball to the bag and was safe while the runner on 3rd made it home to put the Inferno on the board. Jade came up to bat 3rd in the lineup. Tess got the strike out on Jade and the next batter for 2 outs, but hit the next batter with a pitch for a walk. The 6th batter came to the plate. On a passed ball, the runner on 2nd made it to 3rd with a steal. On another passed ball, the runner on 3 took off for home. Tess came in to cover home and Hylah tried her best to find the ball, but, having to weave through the umpire and the batter at the plate, was not able to get it on time to make the play and the runner scored. After getting back to the rubber Tess threw over another couple of strikes to get the 3rd out of the inning.
Purple Lightning 0 - Inferno 2
2nd Inning
Purple Lightning trailing by 2, Kelsey came to the plate to try to get the offense going, but was walked by the pitcher. Alli came to the plate. On the pitch, Kelsey tried for 2nd. The catcher tried to make the play at 2nd, but with the overthrow, Kelsey was able to make it all the way to 3rd. Alli hit the ball, bringing Kelsey home and putting Purple Lightning on the board. She made it to 1st, but the Inferno defense missed the throw to 1 and couldn't get control of the ball allowing Alli to turn the single into a triple. Next, the pitcher walked both Yazmine and Hylah to load the bases. Sara came to the plate, but this time, the Inferno pitcher was able to gather herself and get the strike out on Sara for 1 out. Caitlin was up next and with a walk, brought Alli in to score, tying up the game. Strike outs on both Maia and Alexis ended the 2nd inning for the Purple Lightning offense.
Tess back at the rubber for the 2nd inning with the rain picking up. The game ball was starting to get wet and Tess struggled a bit to keep it under control. The 1st batter walked. The 2nd batter was hit by a pitch and walked, putting runners on 1st and 2nd. The 3rd batter went for the bunt, but took a hard pitch to the chest for her troubles. Showing true grit, after a minute to recover, took her base and the bases were loaded. Walks on the next 3 batters brought 3 runs in for the Inferno. Tess was then able to get the batter swinging for the 1st out of the side. On her next trip to the plate, Jade made contact and sent a hard grounder through the Lightning infield for a single, bringing in 2 runs. The next batter brought the Lightning infield in with a bunt. Hylah fielded the ball, but the runner beat the ball to 1st and got on. Gabby, seeing the runner on 3rd take off, threw the ball back to Tess covering home. Tess got the tag and prevented the score, getting the 2nd out, but not before Jade claimed 3rd on the play. A passed ball on the next batter sent Hylah scrambling to find the ball. On a good lead, Jade made a break for it. Hylah tried to beat her to home, but Jade had a step on her and was able to touch the plate 1st to add one more for the Inferno. Tess was able to put an end to the Inferno rush by striking out the next batter, moving the game into the 3rd inning.
Purple Lighting 2 - Inferno 8
3rd Inning
Back at the top of the lineup, Janessa made her 2nd trip to the plate and got on base with a walk. Gabby was up next and Janessa stole 2nd. The Inferno pitcher managed to strike Gabby out for the 2nd time on the day. Tess came to the plate next and Janessa stole 3rd. Tess made contact again, this time sending a fly ball out to right center. The outfielder missed the catch and Tess rounded 1st as Janessa came across the plate, but the Inferno outfield was able to collect the ball and hold Tess to a base hit on the play. Kelsey was up next, but the pitcher sent her back to the dugout, but not before Tess managed to steal her way to 3rd base. On her next trip up, Alli walked. Alli made it to 2nd on the steal when Yazmine came up to bat. Unfortunately, a strike out on Yazmine held the Purple Lightning team to 1 run in the inning.
Kelsey back in to pitch and Tess in to catch in the 3rd inning. Kelsey got up to full count on the 1st Inferno batter, when she hit a fast grounder down the 1st base line. Gabby was able to collect the ball and step on the bag for the 1st out of the inning. The 2nd batter connected and sent a high fly ball out to left field for a double. The Lightning outfielders weren't able to get to the ball and the runner was safe on 2nd. On the 3rd batter, a pitch got past Tess, and the runner on 2nd made a run for it. Tess was able to find the ball and make the throw to Janessa at 3rd for the tag and the out. Kelsey walked the next 2 Inferno batters to put runners on 1st and 2nd. Another passed ball sent the runners and Tess was able to find the ball again, but this time the throw to Janessa at 3rd went high and the Inferno runners were able to make it home. The ball getting wetter and wetter on every pitch, Kelsey started to have trouble finding her pitch in the 3rd and walks on this batter and the next 2 loaded the bases once again for the Inferno. The next batter hit a grounder down the 3rd base line. Janessa fielded the ball and tagged 3rd base on the force, but the runner going home was able to score on the play, making it 3 runs in the inning for the Inferno.
Purple Lightning 3 - Inferno 11
4th Inning
Coming into the 4th, the Purple Lightning girls had their work cut out for them as they were down 8 points. With the now steady light sprinkling rain and the threat of the game being called, they knew that their time to mount an offense was getting short. Unfortunately, the Inferno had the answer and put in a new pitcher, throwing off the Lightning's timing. Trying to make something happen and now anxious to get hits, the Lightning girls started to swing at everything and this allowed the new Inferno pitcher to strike Hylah and Sara out batting 1st and 2nd. Caitlin wasn't fazed though and she was able to get a hit, sending a grounder through the infield for a single. Caitlin stole 2nd on Maia's next trip to the plate. Maia also got a hit and sent Caitlin to 3rd The missed throw at 1st got Maia on base. Unfortunately, the pitcher was able to get Alexis swinging to strike her out, holding Purple Lightning to 0 runs in the inning.
Kelsey back in to pitch in the 4th. Trying to keep us alive, Kelsey was able to strike the 1st batter out. Jade was up next and she got hit by a stray pitch, getting her on base. The 3rd batter hit one out to left field for a single. With 2 runners on, Kelsey walked the next batter to load the bases. She was able to reel it in on the next batter to stike her out for the 2nd out of the inning. The next batter was able to connect and sent a high pop up to right field. Caitlin adjusted her position to get under it, but as she extended her hand to make the catch, the ball was just barely out of reach and it hit the ground. Caitlin was able to get the ball back in, but 2 runs scored on the play. Trying to get back to work, and coming close to the strike out, Kelsey put one over the plate that the batter was able to hit. Kelsey charged the slow grounder, but the runner was able to beat the throw to 1st and the bases were loaded again. A walk on the next batter, brought 1 more run in. Then Kelsey regaines her pitch to strike the next batter out, closing out the 4th.
Purple Lightning 3 - Inferno 14
5th Inning
Things were looking bad for Purple Lightning. Trailing by 11 runs, rain starting to pick up and time running out, this was their last chance to make something happen. Back at the top of the lineup, Janessa came to the plate. Janessa hit a high fly ball that hit the ground for a single. Gabby was up next and she was also able to connect, this time sending one out to left center that found the seam between the Inferno center fielders for a double. As she was coming around 1st base, the Inferno defense was able to recover to try to make the throw to 2nd. As she approached 2nd base, Gabby went down to slide and by all accounts was safe, but when she didn't get back up, it was clear that she injured herself on the slide. She jammed her foot on the base and her ankle started to swell up right away.
Due to Gabby's injury and the worsening weather and unsafe field conditions, the game was called.
Final Score
Purple Lightning 3 - Inferno 14
Shout Outs
Despite the injury, Gabby was able to keep her spirits up while being attended to and was able to joke around with her teammates, coaches and parents. She even asked if she got the hit and if she was safe, obviously putting the game and her contribution to her team above herself and her injury, which I thought showed great sportsmanship and fortitude. Great job Gabby!
I later checked in with Gabby's parents and they shared the good news that Gabby did not break anything. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that we wish her a speedy and full recovery and, in the meantime, her presence on the field will be sorely missed.
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