For Bammel, It's Deja Vu All Over Again With 6-6 Tie vs. Spring Creek

Associated Press - Wire Feed

EDITOR'S NOTE: Mandy Chan was accidentally omitted from the final draft due to a copy/paste error. The publishing team sincerely apologizes for this mix-up and notes that Mandy played a key role at the pitcher spot again this week!

NCS BASEBALL FIELD - A scriptural basis for tithes may be recognized by scholars and church members across a vast majority of God-fearing congregations. Unfortunately, and somewhat humorously, the Bammel Purple Crush seemingly confused the matter of TITHES with that of softball TIES as evidenced by their 6-6 result against Spring Creek on Monday night. Another wacky night of softball excitement ended with a familiar refrain as Bammel tied their opponent for the second consecutive week and now sport a 1-2-2 record at the midway point of the season.

Given the odd developments of the last two weeks, it seemed more appropriate to hear directly from the manager on this strange turn of events. In lieu of the normal post-game editorial, we have captured key highlights from skipper Jason Dyniewski's post-game press conference.

PRESS CORP: "Your lineup featured several notable changes this week. Can you speak to your reasoning for some of those changes?"

JASON: "As a team, we are looking to develop depth for the long haul. Our coaching staff grades each player after every week and looks for ways to improve certain aspects of their game or put them in better opportunities to succeed. Other times, we try to put in a few wrinkles based on tendencies we have picked up from watching game film of our opponent. For example, we moved Laurie Brittain up to the lead-off spot this week because she is able to work the counts well in her favor. You might think that is unimportant when each at-bat is a three-pitch at-bat. And you would be wrong. Similarly, we started a few different folks on defense such as Chris Russo (3B), Russell Wiggins (SS) and a few other changes. We are looking to keep our team fresh from the wear-and-tear of a 10-game, underhand, one-game-a-week season. Not just anyone is properly conditioned for the demands placed on a player's body."

PC: "Offensively, is there anything you could have done differently to put more points on the board?"

J: "Look, some nights we'll swing the sticks well and other nights it's a grind to put a string of hits together. I thought we had several strong at-bats but sometimes things don't fall into place. Cordan Ballard was 3-for-4, Robyn Archer continued to hit well with a 2-for-3 night, Darrell Sheffield flashed his speed on several infield hits to go 2-for-3 while Macy Archer and Coco Stewart (both 3-for-3) also provided plenty of support from the back-end of the lineup. We had plenty of runners on but just couldn't find a way to push them across the plate."

PC: "All six runs scored came from your shortstop position via Russell Wiggins and Josh Kasinger. Was that your plan coming into the contest?"

J: "I gave Russell Wiggins the start because he had been performing well recently with our Triple A ball-club. Russell provided steady defense for several inning and just had a knack for getting to home plate tonight. I think he finished 3-for-3 with 3 runs scored. I am a big fan of Josh as he's made major contributions to the team this year. Josh performed well offensively with a 3-for-3 night and 3 runs scored."

PC: "You mentioned Josh Kasinger's offensive night. What did you think of his defensive performance at shortstop?"

J: " I am a big fan of Josh as he's made major contributions to the team this year. Josh performed well offensively with a 3-for-3 night and 3 runs scored."

PC: "So, you felt like the defensive play at SS may have suffered a bit when Russell Wiggins was replaced with Josh Kasinger in the second half of the game?"

J: "Let's be honest. There were several episodes of juggling the ball in the infield and/or overthrowing second and first base while trying to get force outs. Over the course of a season it happens. Chris Russo had a few challenges but also turned several plays into outs at 3B. Caleb Sanderson made a juggling catch in right-center field but got the out. There were a lot of juggles tonight. To answer your question about Josh, let's just say that he may have been the captain of the juggles on this night. But he'll bounce back."

PC: "Did you have any coaching advice for Josh after the game?"

J: "I try to connect with the players on their level. You know, really find out what their interests are away from the ballfield. I simply advised Josh to take a cue from one of his musical idols, TobyMac, when fielding the ball and keep his Eye On It. That really fired him up!"

PC: "Aside from some of the bobbles, did anything else standout on defense?"

J: "I thought Coco Stewart and Stacey Carrasco were a formidable platoon during their turns at the catcher position. Coco showed great range in dashing out to scoop up a bases-loaded ground ball and get a force out at home. Later, Stacey provided a key play when she stopped a relay throw from the outfield to keep the go-ahead runner at 3B. That play was key to providing us with a chance to win in the late innings. Of course, Darrell Sheffield (1B) and Robyn Archer (2B) were steady on the right side - when they weren't being overthrown. And the outfield rotations of Laurie Brittain, Cordan Ballard, Caleb Sanderson, Kay Lee Gibbs and Caden Ballard were solid."

PC: "You gave Brent Ballard the start at pitcher tonight. Any key inputs to that decision?"

J: "I try to limit my pitch count from week to week. Underhand pitching may not seem difficult but there is an immense mental toll one endures trying to throw strikes. Brent looked good in warm-ups and I thought it was a nice way to keep us both fresh as we head into the second half of the season."

PC: "What are your thoughts on a second straight week ending with a tie ballgame?"

J: "We would have liked to win but Spring Creek is a strong ballclub. We had the winning run in scoring position with Coco Stewart at 2B and Caden Ballard on 1B following Caden's pinch-hit single. Unfortunately, we just couldn't get them home. We'll just keep working on things and improve for next week."

PC: "Finally, it seemed like you had several conversations with Kay Lee Gibbs both during and after the game. Can you elaborate on the nature of those discussions?"

J: "Kay Lee told me that she could play shortstop if needed. It was tempting."

Mr. Dyniewski went on to compliment the fans for their continued exuberance each week. On a special note, there was quite a post-game buzz in the stands compliments of Whitney Kasinger and her delicious watermelon cupcakes. The scoreboard might have indicated a tie ballgame but anyone that had a cupcake, or two, was the real winner!

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The only thing cooler than the fall weather continues to be the fun-loving cast of characters that make up the Bammel Purple Crush - both on the field and in the stands! Come out next week to see the Purple Crush take on the Champions CoC team #2 at 7:00pm. The first ten fans will receive a complementary GPS signed by Bammel rookie outfielder Jared Bassett!

See you at the ballpark!