The day had arrived – looking fresh in our new yellow playing tops a great vibe was flowing throughout the team as we got back on diamond one for the first time since round 3. Up against the Cardinals from Kensington we knew we would be in for a battle.
Missing Jess Kelly (travel) and Bianca Smith (illness) the ladies took the field behind Emily Pyke who pitched with increased confidence and continued to challenge the opposition filling up the zone with a high percentage of strikes. Keeping them to 2 runs whilst mixing in a combination of strikeouts and ground outs we went into the bottom of the first with momentum.
Unfortunately pace of play became a big issue as the opposition pitcher and catcher struggled to get on the same page – many discussions and gestures between pitches had an agonising effect on the game as it seemed an eternity passed between each pitch. After Jenna Handy, Jane Ryan, Jojo Papadothomakos and Jenny Dunn led off the inning with four consecutive walks it appeared we had all the hallmarks of getting off to a quick start and a hopeful early lead. Unfortunately Kensington were able to settle and after getting their first out on a passed ball at home they were able to exit the inning giving up only the 1 run.
The second inning saw the Cardinals take advantage of the odd walk and some softly hit ground balls to move runners over and put a four spot on us going into the bottom of the second inning. Trailing 6-1 the opposition made a pitching change which had an immediate effect on the speed of the game for the remainder of the contest.
We were able to trouble the scorers with another two runs in the bottom of the second with Emily Pyke using her speed to reach on an error to third base and keep the opposition occupied stealing both second and third. Gemma Cassidy drove her in with a 2 out single to left field and to keep the pressure on also stealing second and third, putting herself in a position to score on a passed ball later in the inning. We kept the pressure up with two outs as we managed another two walks to Jenna and Jane before the inning ended with both runners stranded.
Knowing that with time expiring this would be our last inning and the impact of 5 runs being the maximum you can score per inning we had to keep them to 1 or less to have any chance of coming from behind with the victory. Ringing some changes Adele Munro-Chambers came into right field, Samantha Ferguson came into left field, with Jenna Handy making her debut on the mound.
Showing a few nerves, Jenna loaded the bases with none out on two hit by pitches and a walk before coming up big with a bases loaded strike out of one of Kensington’s most dangerous hitters – smart defense saw Jenna, JoJo and Jenny Dunn team up on the drop third strike with the bases loaded, catching the runner on first in a state of confusion for a strike em out, throw em out double play. With the pressure released somewhat, Jenna induced a ground out to first base from the next hitter to retire the Cardinals scoreless and giving us a real chance to walk them off in style.
Jenny Dunn leads off the inning and was given nothing to hit, taking her walk. Keeping the pressure on, on consecutive pitches Jenny steals second and third base, taking advantage of the ball escaping the catcher whilst stealing third Jenny never broke stride in scoring from second and energising the bench. Sam then took a fastball and drove it on a line drive for a single to left field keeping all the momentum our way. Jacqui Dunn then used her head (literally) and reached base on a hit by pitch before Emily Pyke and Jasmine Williamson showed great patience against their pitcher and loaded the bases on consecutive walks, with Jasmine’s walk with the bases loaded scoring another run. April Grava then put the ball in play and hustled to first putting pressure on both pitcher and first base and reached on error whilst another run scored.
With the scores tied and none out Gemma Cassidy came to the plate ready to hit and drove her second hit of the day, scoring the winning run and setting off a great celebration that including joining our sister team in a rousing rendition of the club song as they too had a great victory on the evening.
A fantastic engrossing game in front of the clubs new Women’s teams sponsor – Phil Hoffman Travel. For any club members, family and friends looking for travel suggestions and assistance please head on down to Phil Hoffman Travel
at either Glenelg or any of their branches and ensure you mention the club when making your booking – this is a relationship we hope will develop and grow over many years.
There is one final game for our women’s teams before the break for Christmas as we have rescheduled the ladies day clash to this Wednesday the 13th of December. Game starts at 6.30pm on diamond 2. We hope to see you all there.