JL Sluggers @ BAE Bombers

Could it happen? The upset of the year?

In 1988, when the lyrical geniuses known as Daryl Hall and John Oates sang "So close, yet so far away," it is without a doubt that they were foretelling the events that unfolded in Tuesday night's second game at Baron Cameron Park. Having just been annihilated 21-1 by the undefeated BAE Bombers, and their beverage cooler missing from the dugout on perhaps the hottest day of the season, it would have been easy for the Sluggers to simply roll over and die. Yet they didn't, at least not right away...

For the first time since July 10th, the Sluggers took the lead in a game, as leadoff hitter Downtown circled the bases in the top of the first inning. The 1-0 lead was short lived however, as BAE would respond with two runs of their own in the bottom of the first. In the second inning neither team was able to score, thanks in large to some excellent defense by both teams. In fact, it was one of the better fielded games all season for the Sluggers, which included a nice foul ball catch by Walk Me, numerous defensive gems by Law Dawg, who was making his season debut at third base, and topped off by a spectacular display of concentration by Nebraska. On what looked to be a routine play, Nebraska settled under a fly ball to right field, only to Fluffinize it and have the ball squirt out of his glove. Yet this time, Nebraska quickly turned and scooped the ball out of mid-air, inches before it would have dropped for a hit. The play drew plenty of ooohs and ahhhs, but perhaps even more chuckles from the parties involved, especially the umpire.

It seemed like it could possibly be their night, as everything seemed to be going well for the Sluggers. In the top of the third inning, they retook the lead as New Guy and Plan B rounded the bases making the score 3-2. BAE would add another run in the bottom of the inning to tie the game before the Sluggers would once again take control in the top of the fourth. Only an hour before, the Sluggers trailed 21-0 in the top of the fourth inning, yet in this game they led 4-3. It was truly a remarkable turnaround. The go ahead run was scored by Squirt as Walk Me, Squirt, and Sturgis all reached base safely. After Walk Me was forced out, Squirt came around to score, putting the Sluggers ahead.

Had the softball Gods been as hot as the Sluggers all were, they would have been sweating enough to make the rains fall from the sky and end the game right there. Instead, they must have forgotten their beverage cooler as well, because the rains never came and the game went on. If only it had ended there...

The Bombers would go on to score 21 runs in the final two innings of the game, while the Sluggers would only tally two, making the final score 24-7 in favor of the first place Bombers.

Despite the late inning collapse, it was a hearty effort by the Sluggers on a night where they could have easily just packed it in. The Bombers left plenty to be desired in the sportsmanship column, once again, but what do you expect from a company that builds products such as the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System.

As the Sluggers head into their final 6 games of the season, things are looking bright with the schedule featuring three opponents each with sub .500 records on the season. With a 4-11 record to date, a winning season is no longer possible for the Sluggers, but they do hope finish out the season on a high note, beginning this Sunday against Sage Software at Wakefield Park in Annandale. The game could mark the return of Wicked Hittah from the disabled list, and moves the team one game closer to the return of Fluffy from the mentally unable to perform list.

Pictured: (Upper Left) This ball was removed from play after Greased Lightning delivered a thunderous stroke early in Game 2. (Upper Right) Walk Me fearlessly crouches behind home plate after nearly having her face taken off on consecutive foul balls earlier in the game. (Lower Left) Downtown anticipates turning an unassisted triple play as the sun casts its rays over the field. (Lower Right) Squirt and Special K anchor the Sluggers' "Pink" corner late in Game 2.