Doubleheader Loss and Tie Leave Bammel Hamstrung (Literally)

Associated Press - Wire Feed

Rainout rust, a revamped schedule and back-to-back games spoiled an otherwise pleasant fall evening at the ballpark for the Bammel Purple Crush on Monday night. In addition to losing a close game to Champions and finishing in a tie with Spring Creek, Bammel temporarily lost Kent Pope to a leg injury and nearly lost Eric May to the same. The loss and tie leave Bammel 2-1-1 on the softball season and searching for the return of their crisp play from a few weeks ago.

In an attempt to make up several rain-outs, the softball schedule was switched to a three-game format for the remainder of the season. This presented Bammel with its first challenge of fielding a full team for an early 6:30pm start time. Things looked dire as the seconds ticked down toward the first pitch but several last-minute arrivals resulted in a full lineup including Ashton and Lindsey Piechota, Cordan and CJ Ballard, Austin Atwood, Kevin Bone, Cassie Miller, Eric May, Kent Pope and player/manager Jason Dyniewski.

Unfortunately, the Purple Crush displayed a considerable amount of rust both at the plate and in the field against Champions. Other than a fourth inning two-run rally, Bammel was unable to mount much of an offensive attack in losing 5-2. No batter managed more than one hit in the contest except for Eric May's 2-for-3 outburst from the 7th spot in the lineup. In the field, the team fought valiantly to keep the score close but a few dropped throws and catches provided the slimmest margin of error and Champions was quick to capitalize on the miscues. Adding injury to insult, Kent Pope suffered a strained leg muscle in the late inning of the game while scrambling to make a play at third base from the pitcher's mound. Heroic even in the face of defeat, Kent's gritty performance after sundown was equaled only by Jacob's legendary struggle with an angel after dark.

Looking to rebound in their second game of the evening, Bammel started slow but soon found their rhythm against a solid Spring Creek squad. Down to nine players, Bammel gutted out a defensive performance with a full infield and three-(wo)man outfield alignment. In a strategic move that paid immense dividends, Cassie Miller provided a commanding presence at pitcher as she patrolled the mound like a Gold Glove centurion --- turning several ground balls into key outs. Lindsey Piechota (rf), Cordan Ballard (cf) and Jason Dyniewski (lf) held up admirably in the vast outfield expanses --- with Jason showing flashes of his former 25-year old self with a nifty diving catch. [EDITOR'S NOTE: Jason's current 38-year old self is reportedly pretty sore the day after the game.]

At the plate, Bammel's crescendo of offense was music to their fans ears as they posted a 1-run first inning, 2-run third inning, 4-run sixth inning while adding one more run for good measure. Ashton and Lindsey Piechota both turned in 3-for-5 nights at the top of the order, Kevin Bone and Eric May went 4-for-5, CJ Ballard added a 3-for-5 night and Austin Atwood led the team with 3 runs scored. The late inning rally saw Bammel swing a deficit into an 8-5 lead. However, Spring Creek displayed their scrappiness and clawed back for an 8-8 tie before time and the final inning both ran out.

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The softball gods ease up on Bammel next week with only a single 6:30pm game against the second Spring Creek team. The early start may cause delays in normal commute times around the ball field given the growing popularity of Monday night co-ed softball --- please adjust your tailgating plans accordingly.

See you at the ballpark!