by Ken Thibado
The BombERNs faced the best in the league on Tuesday, July 29. The Screamers from Matt’s House of Slice & Brew, carried an undefeated record onto the Arrowhead Park Diamond… and then left with it intact.
A predictable outcome, but attached to a great game.
The frames flew by as both teams fielded well and the pitching was economical in the muggy heat.
The Screamers looked precise in their veteran approach to the local showdown.
Meanwhile, our Tavernistas also revealed themselves as an organized softball squad.
Facing the Screamers, our green girls from the green-painted bar of broken neon, were up against a machined defense…
A scrappy and tough shortstop ranges up the middle. Left-handed leather guards the line on the hot corner. Steady and sure is the glove at first base. The outfield is filled with fleet-footed fielders. Double plays get clicked off like clockwork while enticing pitches bait this steel trap.
Sara “Game Changing” Shanahan led off the game with a clean single, followed by another Larry Burger Liner served on the bat of Gordi Christodaro.
The large turnout cheered loudly, with underdog fantasies racing through their minds.
The anticipation of a slain Goliath quickly faded, as the Screamers silenced the attack.
Our girls would not reach first base again until Karen “Crusher” Hoskins worked a walk in the top of the fifth frame.
In all, our girls would only collect three clean singles and reach base a total of eight times.
One must remember that once Matt’s Sorceresses of the emerald chessboard set down their leather with which they work their magical fielding, they then pick up clubs and commence to concuss…these girls can hit.
However, The BombERNs are markedly improved on the defense. Stalwarts like “Basket Catch” Conely, Alexis “The Leather” Bennett, Jodi “Call Me Lightning” Bolton, and Captain Sam Luce kept the chaos in check.
Brittany “The Wizard of Aahhhs” pulled in some ranging fly balls in shallow left, while also cutting down would-be runners from shortstop.
Meanwhile, Sara Shanahan snared, and stopped, and blocked at first base like a goalie.
In all, 12 runs slipped past our girls.
The BombERNs did blank the Screamers three out of six innings as they continue to amass the defensive sturdiness that they will build on in future seasons.
However, The Screamers eased themselves into another victory and now look to take the title as they begin post-season play next Tuesday.
(It was all I could do to not sum the game up as follows: Our Captain reached third base, so they broke her thumb! Later I saw their ump “win” the 50/50 raffle!)
The well attended game did not surprise, but nor did it disappoint.
The Tavern-sponsored girls of Eagle Bay showed off their tremendous spirit throughout the game as they have all season.
After the final frame and handshakes, the BombERNs even cannonballed the lake!
It was a pleasure to keep you apprised of our team’s growth. Thank you for coming out and rooting on our girls!
The turnout at the games has been spectacular, and while we didn’t pull down a victory, the audience has helped keep the girls spirits high the entire season.
They already are excited for next year! Thank you BombERN Nation!