Central Park, New York – May 18th, 2009
With last year’s playoff victory against HM/RAMSA still fresh in everyone’s mind (and the basis for an offseason playoff rule change), the KPF team knew that the HM/RAMSA team would be seeking revenge.
Unable to field a complete team due to deadlines and 2 injuries the previous week, KPF was missing one player in the field and an important bat in the lineup (our usual cleanup hitter). The HM/RAMSA team had outscored their previous 2 opponents by a combined score of 38-6 and were ready to bolster their offensive stat total. Luckily, a strong KPF defensive team was ready to play even if we had one less fielder than was allowed.
In a cold 55 degree May evening and in anticipation for our showdown, we had our 2008 team MVP Tiffany Broyles starting next to our third baseman Keisuke Hiei (3 time team MVP and 2 time league defensive player of the year).
What followed was, according to the HM/RAMSA captain and pitcher David Solomon, ”… one of the most dominant pitching performances I’ve ever seen.” Of course, I’m sure David was speaking of corporate coed softball in the SLAM league but nonetheless, Tiffany had allowed 5 total base runners with 4 singles and a walk. There was not one defensive error to let someone on 1B either. Not to take anything away from the opposing team, (they were hitting the ball) but the KPF squad had their gloves oiled and positions well patrolled.
Trailing 0-1, KPF scored it’s first run in the 5th inning to tie it at 1-1. Nick Wallin lead the rally by hitting a line drive single. Following Nick was Allison Young who hit another single to advance Nick to second base. Next up, Brian Ballok followed with an RBI single and drove Nick home. This small-ball approach worked out just right for the game since the opposing pitcher was mixing it up and keeping us on our toes.
In addition to his usual smooth fielding and clutch hitting, Keisuke ran the bases with natural baseball instinct. In the top of the 7th (last) inning and KPF leading 2-1, Keisuke stretched what seemed like a single into a double by sliding headfirst under the tag. Next was a sharp single by David Niles (who KPF welcomes back as former captain after 9 years away) that scored Keisuke as an important insurance run. HM/RAMSA scored in the bottom of the 7th to make it a 1 run game, however Tiffany Broyles pitched out of the jam to secure another KPF win.
The intensity of the game was apparent early on when the opposing HM/RAMSA left fielder Eric Hofman was airborne horizontally and made what was the best diving catch I have ever seen in 11 years of this league. This catch robbed us of at least 1 run and ended our rally in the 4th inning.
In softball, it is rare to have a pitchers duel, and this was a game well played by both teams.
Other Notable stats:
Keisuke Hiei – 2-2, 2BB (1 intentional), 1 run scored
Nick Wallin - 3-3, 1 RBI, 1 run scored
Tiffany Broyles – 7 innings pitched, 4 hits allowed, 1BB, 2 runs allowed
I believe I was misquoted here. I dont ever remember saying this or giving props to another pitcher in this league ;) Maybe I should sue you for slander (or is it libel)? Other than that, it was a fairly accurate recap of the game's events...Thank you for the wake up call, KPF.
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