JL Sluggers @ IRI Mariners

With the sun setting on the 2008 softball season, the Sluggers were looking to go out with a bang. While the playoffs were out of reach, a couple of wins would give them a chance at a .500 record on the season, as well as 3rd place in the division. Two feats that seemed a pipe dream just a month or two ago.

With key team members Downtown in San Francisco, Greased Lightning on vacation, and Special K on the DL (she assumed scorekeeping and photography duties), the Sluggers knew it would take a total team effort on Tuesday night. Not only did that mean strong participation, but it also meant a number of players playing unfamiliar positions. Wicked Hittah made his first start at third base, while Ringer made his first start in left field. New Guy and Plan B found themselves protecting the middle of the infield, while Sturgis and Squirt anchored the right side of the outfield. The game also marked the return of Fluffy to the lineup, although noticeably absent was the beard he sported in the home run derby. Law Dawg took the mound for the Sluggers with Walk Me behind the plate. The reliable G-Man once again provided steady defense at first base.

After holding the Mariners scoreless in the top of the first, the Sluggers wasted no time getting out to the early lead. Law Dawg, Wicked Hittah, and Fluffy all crossed the plate in the inning, putting the Sluggers ahead 3-0 in the early going. Carrying the momentum over from another scoreless defensive inning in the second, the Sluggers found themselves sending eleven batters to the plate as they added six more runs to their lead, including a nice RBI single by Walk Me. Squirt, Law Dawg, Wicked Hittah, Fluffy, Walk Me, and Ringer all scored for the Sluggers, extending their lead to 9-0 after two.

The Sluggers produced a third consecutive scoreless defensive inning, as the Mariners managed to send only four runners to the plate. The inning probably would have ended after just three batters, but Plan B nearly missed turning a double play. In the bottom of the inning, Law Dawg tallied the only run for the Sluggers who now had a commanding 10-0 lead after three.

The Sluggers finally gave up a run in the top of the fourth, but by then the game was well in control. When all was said and done, the Sluggers stayed on top with a 13-6 victory. Some plays of note in the game included a double play by New Guy, RBI singles by Walk Me and Squirt, a triple by Fluffy, and an RBI double by G-Man.

Pictured: (Top Left) Fluffy swings for the fences in his return to the Sluggers' Lineup. (Right) Wicked Hittah takes a cut at an offspeed pitch. (Bottom Left) Plan B muscles into another line drive screamer past the mound.