If you expect to win everything all the time, then life will be full of disappointments.  Of course a lot of the team also played volleyball… Good softball and good competition is hard to find.  Spooner gave us both on Friday night. 

          Softball sometimes becomes a game of momentum.  After the first Spooner batter struck out, the next hit a weak pop up to second base.  It was directly in the sun and it was dropped. Spooner took full advantage and scored 5 runs in the inning on 3 hits, 1 walk,  and 4 big Pirate errors.  It proved to be too much for the Pirates, but they battled hard.

          The Pirates also mounted a rally in the first inning.  Liz started the game with a walk.  Kelcy sent a shot to the gap in right center, but it was run down for an out.  All night long, Spooner would attack balls to the outfield and come up with catches.  Callie reached on an error by the second baseman.  Jamie Berner picked up 2 RBI’s as she singled to center.  The score was 5-2 after the first inning.

          Spooner would pick up 1 more run in the third inning.  A lead-off single by Foster and 1 Pirate error gave them a 6-2 lead.  The Pirates picked up 1 run in the 4^th.   Elise started off the inning with a single down the line to left.  Jamie reached on an error by the thirdbaseman but Elise was ruled out for not going directly to a base when the ball was in the pitching circle.  Jamie would score the Pirates third run.

          Friday night games are tough.  Some of the Pirates had church responsibilities and had to leave.  The rest of the Pirates stayed and worked hard.  Taking full advantage of inexperience Spooner added 3 more runs.  The Pirates also tried to mount a rally.  Sara started the 7^th inning with a line drive that was caught by Spooner.  Kelcy and Callie each had sharp singles.  Jamie would pick up a walk and Susan would add a line drive to the gap. Soon the Pirates had picked up 3 runs.  It was not enough.

          Spooner was a fun team to play.  They ran the bases very well.  They hit very well.  But most impressively, they ran down balls in the outfield.  Megan hit a line drive to the gap with the bases loaded.  Instead of 3 RBI’s, the left fielder ran it down.  It was a great catch and a big play for Spooner.  They also appeared to be having a good time.  It was good for Grantsburg to play such a team.  Even though neither team played perfectly, it is games like this that advance the level of softball in the area.

Offensive highlights:  The 7 Pirate hits came from Kelcy, Callie, Elise, Jamie, Grace, Nell and 2 from Susan.  Runs were scored by Liz, Kelcy, Jamie, Grace and 2 by Callie.  Grantsburg hit the ball very well and only struck out twice.

Defensive comments:  Spooner picked up 7 hits and batted very well.   They had a few runners reach on the third strike after the ball was dropped.  Grantsburg did not play well defensively.  Perhaps something as easy as warmer pants would have made the difference..  A few good practices on a real playing surface will help.  The gym floor is just a lot smoother than a real field.

TWIS:  Grace and Susan are really starting to hit well.  Laura was gone.  Tabea saw her pictures online and never came back, yet.  The game was at 4:30… by the way.  Tom likes birthdays.  We need sunflower seeds.  Pictures are on Monday.  The double header at Northwood will be the last conference game with Northwood…. Barron had 5 inches of snow.  How do you like 91 on Monday and 31 on Saturday.  The new batting cage started to grow.  The new pitching machine is awesome.  The season is in full swing….no pun intended.  Prom this weekend..

RAR

I stood by the exact fire.

It was black and very cold.

It had been doused twice.

Then I saw smoke.