It was cold. The Pirates were Hot!!
The rumors were filtering north that Barron had beaten Bloomer. The rumors also stated that Bloomer beat Spooner. So once again it was proven... Don't read the scoreboard. Just melt the snow off the outfield grass, and spread floor dry on second base. It was time for softball... even though the track team and golf team didn't play.
It was fastpitch at its best for most of the game. In true style, the first two innings flew by with very little offensive action by either team. It was the third inning that produced the first action. Amazin' Grace started the rally with a line shot to the gap in left center. Laura went in to pinch run and reached third on a wild pitch. When Megan drove the ball to shortstop, Laura raced for home. After a minor collision at the plate, the Pirates took the lead 1-0. Liz quickly added to the scoring with a deep fly ball over the head of the left fielder for a triple. And soon the Pirates had a 3-0 lead.
The Pirates got back to work in the next at bat. Jamie started with a walk. After Susan hit a screamer to the left fielder, Nell singled to left. Amazin' Grace came to the plate again and hit a worm burner to left scoring Jamie and Nell. When Kelcy hit one to deep short, the third run of the inning came home. It was 6-0 and the Pirates were sailing.
But, in all high school games, don't celebrate until the cookie monster sings. The Barron team came roaring back. Of course, that is what bears do best... After a lead off Grantsburg miscue, the bears put together three consecutive hits and soon had 3 of their own runs. In the 7th inning, they continued the barrage. The #9 batter somehow singled and then stole second, much to the surprise of everyone. The top of the Barron line up now came to the plate. Colby quickly singled placing runners on first and second. Rodda grounded to the pitcher for the first out. The third batter also grounded to the pitcher but the throw went over Jamie's head at first. Some quick cell phone calls were made, and all the fans came back to watch the finish. After striking out the #4 batter, the score was 6-5 with the tying run on third base. Now if you have ever watched movies, you always know that the final play is in slow motion. So imagine the ball being hit to Callie...imagine the looks on the fan's faces.... Imagine the ball in the air. Imagine Jamie jumping......3 times...( she didn't know this was going to be in slow motion) Imagine the faces of the coaches yelling...."Oh No" Then imagine Jamie leaping into the air and stabbing the throw. Imagine the fans cheering..."Land on the base, Jamie!" And she did.... No big deal.... the game was over.....Final score 6-5.
Offensive highlights: Grantsburg hit the ball extremely well. Liz picked up a triple and an RBI. Kelcy had one RBI. Jamie scored one run. The true damage was done in the 7, 8, 9 positions. Nell scored a run and had a hit. Grace had two doubles and scored two runs. Megan also had an RBI and scored a run. The Pirates are really tough in all batting positions.
Defensive highlights: Barron picked up 5 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks. The Pirates covered the bases very well in all situations. Liz threw out a runner at second. Elise had a diving catch at short..........It was a good game to win.
TWIS: SASS pants..... you will just have to ask Becky. The pictures went well except the photo guy called some girls short. They will edit out the goose bumps. Hi Dagney.... She was the center fielder for Barron. She is Kelcy and Elise's cousin....The snow left the field in time for the game....except the spot in front of the visitor's dugout. Ms. Blake donated her spikes to the cause.... She also plugged TWIS... thanks. Heather called and said Hi. I still rake the spot for her. Callie was the only one that played in shorts.. All the rest of the moms were pleased. I think Don should cover the field with one of his tarps. The Barron catcher had played with Liz. Laura didn't do her flip, but she did some kind of flying leap. Now Byron knows ball....and even he was impressed with the girl's hitting. It was a good night at the plate. Elise left before the game for spikes, but I think she went to visit the black dress. Nell said her body wasn't working....So she had a talk with it and it produced a single... Jamie is buying dirt to fill in the hole behind first base. It was Don's birthday...Happy birthday... You just don't look 61. Make sure everyone teases the golf team and track team for calling off their competition. Bus leaves early today. The batting cage looks good. Time is flying.....
RAR
I will just wait....not necessarily patiently. ggg