Friday, October 10, 2008

Ollies suffer first loss of season at the hands of the French


Wednesday saw Raining Sideways’ white-hot streak smothered as Natixis managed to squeak out a victory that left the Ollies surprised, but eager for their next meeting.

Despite the long-delayed start, the game was quick out of the gate as both teams managed to plate runs in the first inning.

Both teams immediately recognized the other as probably the first true competition either had yet faced this season and were cagey as the game progressed.

Captain Big, who felt the oncoming symptoms of a compound migraine before the first inning, played through a numbed left hand and compromised peripheral vision, pitching well through the first three innings. He held the Texas Orange team to only one run through those innings, but not without the help of a strong defense behind him.

A strong play between Third Baseman Thumper to First Baseman BK was classic Ollies kickball. Wayne’s seamed throw to beat a quick runner at first silenced the home team’s bench for a rare moment while drawing the excited (and somewhat manic) cheers from the Raining Sideways dugout.

The Ollies finally reclaimed the lead in the fourth inning when Yuval kicked in his second RBI of the season in the form of a sprinting Erin.

Big, however, could not hold the lead and let in three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, giving the Natixites a seemingly insurmountable two-run lead.

The meat of the Ollies order was due up however. Big, kicking through the migraine’s fog, munted for the second time this season. Asian then advanced him to third with a well-placed bunt of her own. BK brought Big home with a single and, with only one out and runners on and the deficit cut in half, the Ollies’ bench achieved in greater volume in support of their offense.

Ashley stepped to the plate and advanced to BK to second but was unable to beat out the throw at first, leaving two outs for Wayne.

However, with a stoney glint in his eye, Thumper lived up to his name and brought BK home while sliding headfirst into first to break up the play.

The game tied, Raining Sideways were euphoric as they took the field. A great bunt put a runner on first for Natixis. The next kick seemed playable to second, however, Big’s throw to second was just out of Asian’s reach, who was then knocked to the ground by the oncoming runner, who then advanced to their on the mis-throw.

From then it was a foregone conclusion, sadly, as Natixis were able to bring home the winning run to end the game.

Despite suffering their first loss of the season, the Ollies took the defeat with class.

“It was a tough one,” admitted Captain Big. “But you know what? I still like our chances. We weren’t at full strength tonight, missing a number of players. I can’t wait to play these guys again. They beat us fair this time, but I think we can take these guys if given a second chance. I have full confidence in my squad.”

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