by Ken Thibado
Only one team had bested Basil’s Angels as they rolled into Ern Park (formally Fern Park.) Meanwhile, our Tavernistas looked to ERN their first win this last Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, as I downed a Larry Burger and discussed future BombERN business with co-sponsors Pete and Linda Leszyk, an attitude of optimism colored the conversation.
Our girls have shown excellence in the field, and many strong innings at the bat.
To simply string together a collection of these innings into one game, and thereby hold a top team, or keep them within striking distance… it seemed possible.
The pasta salad was almost done about the time I discarded my first lineup card. Pete poured me another, and I went back to my task. Basil’s Angels are a tough team.
We’d need to be sharp to take them down. Afterwards, there’d be tacos (Hard shells).
As Sara Shanahan thundered past the third base coach’s box to score the BombERNs first run, the stands erupted.
The BombERNs bench exploded too.
Sara’s heads-up running broke a three-inning drought, at which point the girls settled into fine form both at the plate and in the field. (It should be noted that Sara Shanahan does not read what the media writes about her, so if you see her say, “Good game! Nice job at first base!”)
Gordi Christodaro and Tricia Lindsay pulled down great catches in the outfield as did Jodi “Lightning” Bolton.
Robin Murdock snagged outs from midair, as Colleen Brigham continued her pitching excellence.
However, Brittany “Highlight Reel” Sheldrick owned the day. Twice she blasted neon yellow streaks over all fielders, one for another in-the-park home run and the other a sliding triple.
Starting in left field, Brittany tracked down a foul ball through tree branches, and several other fair flies came to rest in her glove as well.
Before her evening was done, Brittany would switch to shortstop and continue her fielding prowess there, completing several putouts to new first base sensation Shananhan.
The fourth inning saw our girls score four, they would piece together seven runs ultimately for the entire game.
However seven would not be enough.
Alexis “Black Eye” Bennett asked that I not mention the final score. However, she was struck by an errant throw while running the bases and may have been suffering from concussion symptoms at the time.
Twice, the “Mercy Rule” was invoked, meaning the Angels had scored ten runs in the frame. However from the fourth inning onward the match became an even contest, as our Babes of the Blue Line settled down defensively.
The improvements of the team were noted by the sizable crowd that now attends the girls’ matches.
This was the last home game of the year for The BombERNs, and they would like to thank The Town of Inlet for the wonderful field.
Also Stiefvater’s Lakeside Cottages is overdue for a thank you as well, having donated generously to the team’s equipment inventory.
Come see the girls final game at Arrowhead Park next Tuesday (7/28), as our green squad takes on The Screamers from Matt’s House of Slice & Brew.
The contest is said to start about 7 p.m., meaning it could conclude under the lights.
The girls would love to see you there!