LED and Department of Insurance Battle in 3-2 Contest

Check out the LED Softball Blog at http://ledsoftball.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

The Zeppelins faced off against the Department of Insurance Tuesday evening, and it proved to be a nail-biter, going down to the wire.  Insurance was short two players, so in the spirit of fair play, LED allowed them to “borrow” James Caldwell and Matt Wattigny (who both shined for the opposing squad).  Caldwell hit a single and robbed Eddie James of a hit in right field.  Wattingly participated in outs at second and also racked up two hits for the enemy.

The LED infield behind pitcher Eddie James was outstanding.  Gary Beadle knocked out two double plays at shortstop and blanketed the left side of the infield.  Eddie James, Steven Grissom, Gary Beadle and Linda Regira combined for 16 outs in the game.  Sarah Vanden Broek snagged two pop-ups at catcher in the top of the fifth.  Johan Salen played in his first game ever, arriving at the field with his “glovey thingy” and his knowledge of the game from watching American television, and that was enough to give him a respectable first outing. 

LED fielded 14 players and tallied 15 hits, including a double by Eddie James.  Insurance got on the scoreboard first, with consecutive hits that plated their leadoff hitter.  LED tied the game in the fourth inning starting with a hit by Linda Regira.  Pinch running for Regira, Vanden Broek used her speed to cross the plate after a Steven Grissom hit down the first base line.  Insurance came back with two runs in the top of the fifth.  LED scored again in the bottom of the fifth following hits by Beadle, Vanden Broek and Julie Van Scotter, whose single plated Beadle.  Insurance held LED for the remainder of the game.

The Zeppelins also racked up three injuries in the game.  Alicia Ardoin was injured on defense, taking a ball to the face at second base on a toss from Gary Beadle, resulting in a few string marks and a huge knot/bruise.  Brenda Guess was injured in a daring run from second to third on a hit by Katherine St. Onge.  Slipping down before she hit the bag, and dropping her hat and glasses in the process, Guess refused to give up and managed to snag her lost items and roll close enough to the base to touch it with her hat.  All Guess could manage at that point was to ask, “Am I safe?”  Unfortunately, the third out of the inning had already taken place behind her at second base.  Frank Favaloro was injured in his first at-bat on a swing and miss attempt that brought him to the ground.  All three have reported in on Wednesday morning as being OK and happy to take one for the team.

Sandy Granata brought the Corona punch again and it certainly worked wonders to revive the team after a grueling seven inning match in 100+ degree temperatures.  LED invited the Insurance squad to indulge as well, but in the end, Gary Beadle walked away with the leftovers.

Next week the Zepplins take on the Department of Natural Resources.  Game day/time/location TBD.

Singles for LED: Gary Beadle (2), Allison Gilmore (2), Katherine St. Onge (2), Sarah Vanden Broek (2), Linda Regira, Steven Grissom (2), Julie Van Scotter, Brenda Guess, Danielle Clapinski.  Double: Eddie James

Singles for Insurance: James Caldwell, Matt Wattigny (2).

Many thanks to all who STEPPED UP TO THE PLATE for LED.

PLAYERS:  Alicia Ardoin (BDS), Allison Gilmore (Secretary) Brenda Guess (BIS), Danielle Clapinski (Legal), Dennis Barbier (Equipment Manger), Eddie James (BDS), Frank Favaloro (BIS), Gary Beadle (IT), Johan Salen (BDS), Julie Van Scotter (COS), Katherine St. Onge (SEC), Linda Regira (Policy & Planning), Sarah Vanden Broek (SEC), and Steven Grissom (Executive/Deputy Secretary). 

Sarah Vanden Broek, Katherine St. Onge and Julie Van Scotter took turns keeping the scorebook for the team.

PLAYERS FOR THE OPPONENT:  James Caldwell (Student), Matt Wattigny (FastStart)

FANS:  Sandy Granata, Johan’s wife Jacqueline and puppies Prem and Puck, Frank Favaloro’s wife Laura, son Spencer, and Spencer’s friend Zachary.