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Despite bringing the most negative karma I could dig up from my closet, March-Westin managed to secure another victory Monday night over Mylan. A brief history of my softball career would explain why my softball karma lies somewhere between the sixth and seventh circles of hell. For you see, I also am on the March-Westin model in the co-ed league. As people in the know would ….well…know, we are 0-0 and have yet to play an official game because of two rainouts and a botched forfeit (on which we are getting screwed but I will save that for another day). The last time I played for a March-Westin guys team, I fell into a fence and hurt my knee. Despite my hustle and desire to sacrifice my body for my team, I think we still lost. You see where I am going with this.

Now that you have a brief history of my BoParc softball playing career, let me say that now you can fully appreciate the March-Westin victory on Monday. The fact that this team banded together despite my presence shows me that their heart is bigger than….well you insert whatever you want here. All I am gonna say is that it is big. From the top of the lineup on down, hits flew at crucial times; and from home plate around the horn crucial defensive stops were made as well. I just hope no one paid any attention to that number twelve out in right field as he played not so much to win but more not to screw up.

Rain threatened the conclusion of the game throughout the day (which to one right-fielder and part-time player was no surprise). When Allison showed up I figured for sure it was going to rain because you can’t have more than four male and female teammates at a softball field before it starts raining. It’s just a proven fact. Nevertheless, the Good Lord smiled down upon Whiston Field and the Forest-Green Machine rolled another opponent.

The best efforts of regular March-Westin athletes managed to bring this fear-ridden rookie into the promised land of a clutch victory. I felt like Rube Baker in Major League 2 the whole night. Everyone knows what helped Rube overcome his anxiety problems. Which is why I think someone should provide me a subscription to Play-Boy so I can become an overall better softball player.

They say the great teams just find a way to win. Well it has not been pretty, but MW has found a way in its past two games.

Last nights matchup faced heavily favored March-Westin against Mylan Express. The air was ripe for upset as March-Westin had several obstacles facing them, most notably being short a pair of their regular starters and having not played for two weeks. So a rusty start was almost expected for team MW, and that’s precisely what happened.

Carl stepped in for MWs regular hurler, James who was unable to attend the game, although Carl had not seen action from the mound since September. He struggled to find the plate and was eventually replaced by Johnny on the mound but not after the damage had already been done, essentially spotting Mylan Express 10 runs by the end of the first inning.

But March-Westin has showcased a powerful offense all season and with the advantage of less than ideal outfield conditions, this night would be no exception. MW picked apart the outfield with their top 6 batters, 5 of whom attributed for 3 runs each.

Bailey made the trip to Motown to replace Johnny, who at the last minute actually was able to make it to the game. Causing a moral dilemma for coach tom who went from not having enough players to yet again having too many and being forced to make a tough decision on the starting lineup.

Early in the game Dave hit a blast to right center with one out, forcing Nick who was on first base to tag up in case of a catch. The outfielder failed to make the catch as dave rounded first. This created a scene taken straight from Rookie of the Year with Nick a mere three steps in front of Dave who is politely suggesting that Nick continue to run and run fast. Nick scored on the play and Dave ended up with a standup triple.

Both teams hit a bit of an offensive dry spot during the middle innings of the game, but March-Westin was able to really put on the pressure with 7-run sixth inning rally to retake the lead.

In the bottom of the 7th there was one play that reminded Mylan Express and everyone in attendance that MW was destined to win this game, and that was Jacksons diving catch to rob the number 3 batter of a line drive that was sure to be a base hit. You could just feel the energy shift fully to the MW side. The snag would easily rank on any top 10 catches of the week list. And on a more personal note this journalist would just like to say, in the words of the great Craig Kilborn: Jackson, I glove you man.

The next batter then hit a routine pop fly to left field which Nick easily trotted under to end the game and keep the MW winning streak in tact. Final score 20-18.

The scorebook can be viewed here.

March-Westin will be leaving regular season play as they enter the USSSA softball tournament this weekend (gametimes to be announced June 9th, stay tuned to mwball.com for more). MW will return to regular season action on Monday the 12th as they take on Jackie’s Place.

Chasing Bonds Update: Nick-4, Amie-2, Jackson-1, Tom-1.

Clear your calendars!
March-Westin will be making it’s USSSA Tournament debut Saturday, June 10th & 11th. This is a USSSA Class D & E Qualifier event. Check back June 9th for game times. Call Coach Tom for more information.

For all you fans out there, come see your favorite players!  Those participating in the tournament include: Chris Jackson, Tom Smith, Johnny Moore, Nick Mick, David Craig, Jonathan Herbert, James Sanders, Scott Koon, Brian Bailey, and a special guest appearance by Tony Reed.  Unable to attend is Bryan Wimer and Tyler Jackson.