In ‘A’ League co-ed softball on Monday night, LOM played a must-win game against the Buccaneers. LOM was going into the game winless with a 0-2 record, as they have been struggling to pitch strikes and reduce errors. The team has a few veterans but has added five rookies from St. Matthews University, who are developing quickly from a long absence from slow pitch ball.
After the first inning, LOM was looking like they had in the first two games and fell behind 4-0.
‘We are still looking for our novice pitchers to find the strike zone,’ said Co-captain Colin Wilson. ‘A lot of walks can cause our players to lose focus and intensity, which equals errors.’
By the end of the 4th inning, the game stood at 16-14 in favor of the Buc’s. In the fifth, the Bucs were robbed of an almost certain in-the-park-home-run as Nolan chased down the ball and made a jumping catch as he ran into the fence. ‘The momentum seemed to change in our favor after that catch,’ said Brendon Malice, who, in the top of the 7th inning, with the help of Stephanie Watler, was able to turn a double play to end the inning with the score 21-16.
Entering the bottom of the 7th, down 5 runs to tie, LOM was at the top of the batting order. Brendon Malice held on to his bat and got an uncharacteristic walk but was later thrown out at 3rd base as Brooks Johnson and Stephanie Watler advanced to 2nd and 1st respectively. Johnnie ‘Cuba’ tried to go opposite field, but was foiled by a nice play by the first baseman.
With 2 outs and no change in the score, Colin Wilson was able to perform with a double scoring base hit.
Lisa Malice and Revo Kammo were able to advance the runners, but were stranded at 3rd and 1st with the score 19-21. Tim Johnson, representing the winning run, was up to bat.
The pitch was thrown and all were anticipating a hard grounder. But, Tim was having none of that and shunned off the pressure.
He hammered the ball 310 yards out of the park in dead center field, jumping and yelling as he rounded the bases. The battle ended and the Long Bombers finally lived up to their name with a great come-from-behind victory.
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