Pandemics vs. USTR

It was a beautiful night on the Jefferson Monument Field last night as the Mighty Pandemics kept the egg in their record, moving to 6-0 and the only undefeated team in the league! USTR showed up with a mighty crew and gave the Pandemics a gallant fight. However, in the final inning the bats came alive lifting the Pandemics to a 7 point lead, the defense then stepped up and sealed the victory. Final score: Pandemics 18, USTR 11.

Following almost a month off, it was clear there was a little rust around the edges in the first few innings. However, the Pandemics were able to keep it close with some big home runs by Mark Phillippee and Drew Smith. On one of Mark’s home runs, he pulled a creative move to disguise his talent. On the first pitch he gave a swing that brought mockery from the Pandemics bench…it looked like he was attempting to hit the ball back to the pitcher, if even that far. Following this pathetic display of talent, the outfielders came in thinking he wouldn’t be able to clear the infield. On the next pitch, Philippe unloaded on the ball and drove it well over the left fielders head; he walked the bases for a home run. Drew Smith also impressed us with his fancy base running. On one of his homeruns, Drew got caught in a hotbox between 3rd base and home plate. As the catcher threw the ball back to the 3rd basewoman, she caught her checking out Drew’s bulging biceps and the ball sailed past her. Drew dove head first into 3rd, realized the ball had been overthrown, got up and ran in to complete his homer… The 3rd basewoman was disappointed to learn Drew has a girlfriend.

At their first Pandemic appearance, the Croshaw family showed up in strength including Andrew, Vanessa, Grant, Faith, Clark and Johnny. The kids helped keep the team moral high cheering us on from the sideline! On Andrew’s first at bat his kids were cheering him on like he was competing for the Olympic gold. Croshaw stepped up and cranked one about 3 feet in front of home plate. However, he took off running at lightning speed to arrive safely at first, his kids were as proud as could be! While Andrew provided a great spark to the Pandemics, he was overshadowed by the talent of his beloved wife Vanessa. Vanessa gets the defensive MVP as she ran down a handful of foul balls while playing catcher. She kept the defense going while the rust was coming off!

It was a great night for softball! Congratulations to the Pandemics on improving to 6-0! Teams are now gunning to get a shot at us, and we need to keep it going. We don’t have a game scheduled next week because of the holiday. However, I am going to try to arrange a pick up game for Tuesday night. If we can’t get one, it could be fun to go to the batting cages. I’ll keep y’all posted.