By EBB Coach Ken Thibado
The BombERNs touched down in Long Lake to take on the Hooters of Owl’s Head Pub. The Tavernistas, attempting their first win, left empty handed. The final verdict was 11-9.
High on spirit, led by bus DJ Robin Murdock, our girls sang their way into and out of Long Lake.
Now, having been teased by their still elusive first victory, the girls seemed to have settled into form.
Smiles still trump frustration, but growing is a sense of determination which has bonded these ERNgels in their quest.
Miscues on the base paths and too many extra throws reveal just how green this squad is in their maiden voyage as an organized softball team. However, organized they are becoming.
Each team member seems to be settling into her role, or various roles on the team.
The lineup has begun to produce regularly, and the field is firmly anchored.
Soon the girls will be: quick instead of hurried, savvy instead of hopeful, and they will create opportunities. It’s evident already.
The BombERNs took the lead in the top of the first, but were down one to four at the close of the frame. Gordi Christodaro knocked home the game’s first run, by plating Brittany Sheldrick.
The inning was primed for the big bat of Karen Hoskins, but her lined shot up the middle was gloved by the Hooter’s shortstop on a spectacular grab.
The second inning saw nearly the same premise play out, as the girls produced several hits, but could only bring one run across.
Wendy Conely scored the hash mark with smart running on a fielder choice. But alas, the lasses, closed the second down two to five.
Sara Shananhan started the fourth off with her second hit of the game, but was erased on a fielder’s choice, which placed Tricia Lindsay on first.
Brittany Sheldrick, displaying patience at the plate, then moved Tricia all the way around the bases with a mean blast to the fenceless depths of the Long Lake outfield for a triple.
Captain Sam Luce then knocked in Sheldrick.
Christodaro followed with another hit, as did Hoskins.
Catching sensation Amanda Hoepfl then drove home Luce.
And the final run of the inning was plated by Christodaro on the bat of Conely.
The four-run rally in the top of the fourth ERNed the girls a tie game at six to six.
The score would remain tied until the sixth inning. Hidden in the inning and a half that passed was a spectacular double play by Jodi “Call Me Lightning” Bolton and second basedame Hoskins.
Fantastic play in the field continues to be the calling card of these girls.
Alexis “The Leather” Bennett and third basedame Sheldrick even improvised a new fielding style on one out, which was somewhat reminiscent to the game of Twister!
The tall grass on the Long Lake infield then came into play, as the Hooters unleashed a flurry of swinging bunts which loaded the bases.
Following the short game assault with long launches the Hooters broke the stalemate and took a 6 to 11 lead.
As our girls entered the seventh and final inning, they needed a rally.
It’s at this point that BombERNs made a noticeable shift from a gaggle of girls having fun, to a determined softball squad.
Captain Sam worked a walk that sparked a three-run rally.
Christodaro struck another mean liner, while the Hooters decided to walk Hoskins (never giving her a pitch to swing at—the last one being thrown behind her—in an obvious ploy to not face the healing slugger.)
The rally was cut short by bad base running as our girls would leave ‘em loaded.
Three runs not being enough to force the bottom of the seventh, the game ended there.
However the seventh inning, while revealing rookie tendencies, showed the BombERNs something about their teamwork, and their resiliency.
Now hungrier and healthier, the girls are also solidified. (It should be noted the BombERNs have won the 50/50 raffle at each post game dinner!)
The BombERNs will be home next Tuesday, looking for a victory at Fern Park. Come cheer them on!